GMC major sponsor Hanwha Defence Australia is continuing to build out the state-of-the-art H-ACE facility at Avalon with the first locally made vehicles expected in 2026.
Following completion of the 32,000sqm stage 1 in August last year, production of AS9 Huntsman vehicles began in February 2025, with turret structures from Elphinstone now being worked on in the factory.
The first three vehicles (2 AS9s and 1 AS10) were made in South Korea and delivered in February this year, with the remaining 42 vehicles to be built in Australia and the first locally made vehicles to come out of the H-ACE in 2026.
Dean Michie Hanwha Defence Australia’s General Manager Corporate said Geelong’s history of vehicle manufacturing was a key reason for locating in Geelong.
“Part of the reason we chose to build the H-ACE at the Avalon Airport Precinct in the Geelong region was to leverage that proud history, they were ready to bring that industry back.”
The H-ACE facility is a key strategic asset for both Australia and South Korea with significant technology transfer that provides an ongoing foundation for future complex high value work.
“We’re working with a number of Australian and international supply chain partners on both our programs, bringing a best of breed technology solution that brings together to best of what Australia and South Korea have to offer.”
Stage 2 of the H-ACE will see a number of structures added to the site, including:
- Second Production Hall
- Enclosed firing range
- Turret workshop
- Finished product store
- Large wash down facility
- The largest EMI/EMC chamber in the southern hemisphere
Stage 2 construction will be completed by the end of this year.