Advanced manufacturing in Geelong took a major leap forward on Friday with the grand opening of the $170m state-of-the-art Hanwha Armoured Vehicle Centre of Excellence (H-ACE) facility at Avalon’s Industrial Precinct.
The 32,000 square metre facility will enhance Australia’s defence and aerospace capabilities, further accelerating cutting edge engineering and advanced manufacturing expertise and delivering specialised employment growth across the region.
According to Geelong Manufacturing Council partner, Hanwha Defence Australia, the plant is set to begin the production of the AS9 self-propelled howitzer and the AS10 armoured ammunition resupply vehicle in the second half of this year. The company plans to supply 30 AS9s and 15 AS10s to the Australian Army by 2027.
“This facility represents Hanwha’s commitment to Geelong, Victoria and Australia,” the CEO of Hanwha Aerospace, Mr Son Jae-il, said (Mr Son is pictured below at GMC’s 25th Anniversary Dinner in March 2023)
H-ACE is Hanwha’s first overseas defence production facility and signals a deepening of ROK-Australia defence and economic ties, aligning with the Australian Government’s commitment to sovereign defence manufacturing capabilities and Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol’s Indo-Pacific strategy.
A further supply contract with the Australian Army will deliver 129 Redback Infantry Fighting Vehicle units. Hanwha has said the armoured tanks will be manufactured at H-ACE after the delivery of prototype products in the first half of 2026. Deputy Prime Minister and Member for Corio, the Hon Richard Marles, described the H-ACE opening on Friday 23 August as one of the most significant days in Geelong’s economic history.
“When we look back at this moment, it will be seen as one of the most significant days in Geelong’s economic history… But not only does [the new facility] add to Geelong’s industry, of course, critically, it contributes to our nation’s defence capability,” he said
“I want to thank those who are working at Hanwha. Australian workers contributing to Australian sovereignty to keep Australian soldiers safe.”
Design, engineering and infrastructure excellence on show
GMC also proudly hosted a visiting delegation last week from Geelong’s sister city in South Korea, Changwon City. In a whirlwind visit following the H-ACE opening, the group got a taste of Geelong’s design and engineering excellence and our world-class infrastructure.
Led by Dr Bryan Huichang Yang, Special Advisor for Defense Industry and Nuclear Energy with Changwon City, the delegation met with GMC members Air Radiators, GeelongPort and Austeng. Geelong Mayor, Cr Trent Sullivan, and City of Greater Geelong CEO, Ali Wastie, hosted the visitors at a special Welcome Dinner.
