The Australian 'Hawkei' All Terrain Military Vehicle Review

The Hawkei is an Australian light four-wheel-drive protected mobility vehicle. Originally designed in 2010 to meet an Australian Defence Force (ADF) requirement for a light armoured patrol vehicle to replace some of its Land Rover Perentie variants. The Hawkei is a highly mobile, highly protected, 7-tonne vehicle, with inbuilt systems to allow it to be used as a fighting platform. It has been developed with Vehicle Electronic Architecture to be mission system ready.
It is intended to undertake a range of mission profiles, including troop movement, command and control, electronic warfare, liaison, surveillance and reconnaissance.[4] Prime contractors include: Thales Australia, Boeing Australia, Plasan (Israel) and PAC Group. In October 2015, the Australian Government announced the purchase of 1,100 Hawkei vehicles from Thales Australia.
As part of a wider project to replace the ADF's fleet of operational support vehicles, Project Land 121 Phase 4 - Protected Mobility Vehicle (Light) or PMV-L, is a requirement for up to 1,300 specialised light armoured vehicles to replace some of the in-service Land Rovers. Key criteria for the project included: off-road mobility, integrated vehicle electronic architecture, substantial payloads, high levels of protection against land mines, improvised explosive devices and ballistic weapons, while being light enough to be airlifted by military helicopters.
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[@andrewd7586]

These vehicles along with the Bushmaster are manufactured in my home town of Bendigo in Victoria. My business is a subcontractor to Thales. I get to drool over these vehicles every week. Here we’re all hoping this initial contract will only expand in future years. 👍🏼🇦🇺

[@Jaybee1612]

Bendigo Aussie here as well. Drove past Thales yesterday and just eyed them all. Like had to be 60 of them just chilling about

[@holidaymail]

Bendigo represent! 👍🏻👍🏻

[@bigal878]

The Bushmaster is a great vehicle, Hawkei is a piece of shit….

[@StuartBarclay-rm3cj]

I'm glad Victoria is still producing Vehicles after the cancellation of Ford Falcons(Geelong) & Holden Commodores(Dandenong). I'm even prouder that this is done in Regional areas as Victoria needs strong cities outside of Melbourne!

[@tonywilson4713]

Well if that's the case. If you even have the slightest fantasy of sending this stuff to Canada you are going to need to talks to someone like me. I have 30+ years in control systems and automation. Back in late 2017 through early 2018 I went to Canada to finish a project for an Australia Company. I ended up having to completely redesign the entire electrical and control system for Canadian standards. I was there through one of their winters and NOTHING you hear prepares you for it. I still remember the days just after Christmas 2017 when the entire middle region of Canada around Saskatchewan (where I was) was effectively in a lock down because of the weather. I woke up one day to every TV channel flashing alarms for the cold. I was in a small town in central Sask with the rest of the team back in Regina for Christmas. The message they gave me was simple - stay indoors and touch nothing made of metal that is connected to the outside like door knobs and window frames unless wearing gloves. Going outside for someone unprepared was lethal. The time to frostbite for exposed skin was something like 3-5 minutes. Unless you have experienced a Canadian Winter NOBODY can properly explain it to you and I never went to the far North were its even worse. EVERYTHING IN THAT VEHICLE WOULD NEED TO BE RECONSIDERED for CANADIAN conditions. When I mean everything I mean anything made of plastic, rubber and the cloth, oil, grease and even the bearings. The engine would need a complete overhaul including the cold weather hardware. You need to go right down to the paint and the welding. You need to think of it in terms of taking the worst of Australia's desert and then put minus signs in front of every number. FYI - I have worked in the Australian mining industry so I have seen how brutal that is first hand.

[@PrograError]

this sure give me the Halo Warthog Armored MRAP feels

[@andrewhammond1949]

WTF.

[@hawkofthereborn43]

You mean Hunter from Arma 3?

[@GHOSTSTALKER90]

Australia has alot of crazy defence stuff going on . All new everything from artillery to new vehicles , ships , subs , Drone sheild , slinger anti drone system and even cardboard drones lol

[@mokiloke]

Had to make the drones of cardboard to afford the Hawkei price tag. What i would love to see is a drone launcher strapped to the top of one of these or the bushmaster become a drone platform.

[@kjenk19]

Multiple new helicopters too

[@tonywilson4713]

CRAZY being the appropriate word. I'm an engineer and I am NOT against our Army, Navy or Airforce upgrading nay part of their inventory, but they are being so idiotically stupid with some of the programs. Other than the insanity of the sub program and I am all for getting nuclear powered subs - ITS THE COST. There's also the new Frigates, which like the subs are a cost issue - we are paying 3x what the British Navy is paying for the same boat. There's also the new offshore patrol vessels which are not only MORE than 10x the cost of the previous vessels but will cost more to operate. That's just the Navy and it highlights the problem - PRICE GOUGHING combined with stupid bureaucrats and even stupider politicians surrounded by a legion of lobbyists with too much money.

[@nigelclarke1721]

Remove the lobbyists from politics from all around the world and it will be a better place.@@tonywilson4713

[@kevinruddthestudrudd0074]

Most notably the transsexual super solders

[@mikes.4136]

It looks to be a very capable vehicle and it’s nice to see an Australian designed and produced vehicle put into service. Steyr makes incredibly durable engines, indeed.

[@edwardfletcher7790]

I hope Steyr engines are a lot more reliable than the cars they produce for Chrysler, BMW & Mercedes !!

[@MrFredscrap]

​@@edwardfletcher7790 you'd be suprised how reliable you can make engines if you dont have to worry about emissions and fuel economy standards.......

[@edwardfletcher7790]

@@MrFredscrap The biggest problem with modern engines in plastic parts and cheap Chinese sensors....

[@regregan6852]

Too bad it's not "very capable" then huh? Currently (still) plagued with issues hence why no one else is buying them and none have been sent to Ukraine even🤷‍♂️ don't just go off the brochure, these have not even proved themselves despite the on going problems so early days yet (still) to be throwing the old capable chestnut around willy nilly 😂

[@saltyaussie7702]

​@@edwardfletcher7790biggest problem with these so far are the brake. They're banned from public road's & limited to 40kms hr in the bush.

[@aldisozols2522]

I like the fact that you mentioned the Hawkei is named after a snake. But there's more - the snake was named after a great Australian Prime Minister, Bob Hawke. Bob Hawke for some years held the world record for drinking beer from a yard glass. Truly an inspiration to our troops.

[@sarcasmo57]

Now that's a good story.

[@R0d_1984]

Hawke, the Fabian Socialist...

[@KristovMars]

Expanding on @aldis' point about the origin of the vehicle's name, something was off about it for me - the pronunciation used by the company representative and then by Matsimus (not your fault mate, I blame the private school spivs from their marketing department). Now I'm no scientician, but my many seconds of gruelling research suggests that it should be pronounced more like "HAWK-ee". I am further swayed in favour of this given that in Australian English, Bob Hawke was often shortened* to Hawkey (spelled like I just done spelled it, pronounced as above, or if you're a few beers in, pronounced: "HAWK-EEEEEEEEE!". * it is the venerable and honoured custom of my people to shorten words, names and phrases in this manner. Sometimes (as with Hawke) a short name will need to be lengthened though, to accommodate the vowel sound at the end. See Booney, Warney, and literally everyone called Davo (pr: DAY-vo; short for Dave, which is short for David).

[@impactraining]

worst socialist prime minister ever along with Keating, Gillard and Rudd and all haters of defence and defence spending

[@megafauna8374]

Bullshit.

[@Strategy_Analysis]

Good briefing Mat. There is serious consideration for matching it with the Boxer in Cavalry (Recce) Squadrons. And as you mention in the air defence role, by mounting NASAMs on it, that is the single cabin version. Expect it to be heavily featured in the new Light Brigade.

[@Jimsgingyming]

hey mat, im a vehicle mechanic in the ADF and the hawkeis are currently not out of there teeth process, we have had alot of issues with the haweki currently in the fleet, e.g, ABS failures, spare tyre place placement. the land rovers role for the most part is replaced with the G wagon currently, not quite sure where the haweki fits into the role of the old land rover as its been replaced with the g wagon which fits most of the roles, potentally deployment i assume for more high risk areas but currently we use g wagon for general purpose vehicle as sort of an equivilant of i guess what the humvees were to the americans, id like to see where we fit the haweki into doctrine but for now they are for the most part stuck in workshops

[@PBMS123]

I'm sure this is a bit more information than is publicly available, be careful you don't run afoul of the social media policy, or sharing OFFICIAL information to people without a NTK

[@wankeroo2491]

@@PBMS123 most of its problems are published publicly.

[@redtobertshateshandles]

Typical. 😂

[@tsubadaikhan6332]

One thing you missed that the Thales guy started referring to was the Hawkei has enormous electrical power and batteries. Recon vehicles now have so many sensors and radars etc, that they need way more electrical power than anything even 5 years older. There's been talk of increasing the batteries enough that in could creep around slowly on electrical power for up to 5km. A useful talent for a Recce Vehicle.

[@UltraRealTrueJesus]

"limp" mode exists on many of these platforms.

[@DarthAwar]

The batteries are Lithium Sodium sure it is a 25 to 30 percent decrease in capacity (for the same size pack!) but is much safer (Next to Impossible to catch Fire for any reason!) and longer lasting (Discharge Cycles!), They also handle extreme heat and cold better than Lithium meaning work better in Cold and Hot Zones meaning less Maintenace!

[@tasman006]

Well us Australians have been getting a lot of army vechles latley. The Boxer IFV, APC, Huntsman SPG, Redback IFVs incoming and also getting some Abrams M1A2 V3 tanks to replace our older M1A1 Aim tanks. So the Hawkei as well man with what going on in the world at least our army will have some kick arse gear.

[@adrianbalboa5353]

Too the current government is cutting back on the numbers for the Redback and Huntsman.

[@FJaypewpew]

lets go i didnt know we were getting inhouse stuff i fucking love that wouldnt mind that for general production either, couple steel mills in WA would be nice

[@DarthAwar]

We need New and Better Tech to Bolster our Low Recruitment and Retainment Rates, Especially with China Threatening us along with Philippine's, Japan, Korea, Taiwan, India etc!

[@jamesevans886]

Great coverage of our Landrover replacement, Mat. Most people think of Australia as being hot deserts, but we do have an Alpine region, and Tasmania gets a lot of snow as well. We don't get as cold as Canada on the mainland. What I can't find out is whether it was designed to operate in the Australian Antarctic Territory, which does get a bit colder than Canada. As it's been said before, Australia is a land of extremes. In Western Australia , our hottest township is regularly getting above 50°C in summer. Some bright spark had the place officially named North Pole. There should be laws protecting us from such names, or it could have just as easily been called Frying Pan.

[@teeanahera8949]

It most definitely would not be designed to operate in Antarctica and there is no vehicular access to anywhere else in the Australian Antarctic Territory. Military vehicles are banned by The Antarctic Treaty, which came into effect on June 23, 1961, which bans military activity in Antarctica. Military vehicles can be used for day to day scientific purposes but Hawkei would be poorly suited to such a mission. Basically they use Winterised tractors.

[@jamesevans886]

@teeanahera8949 Thanks for the reply, but please forget about the vehicle. As Mat is a Canadian who knows little of Australia and its range of temperatures from the continent and its territories. Most vehicles tested for cold or Arctic performance are tested in central Tasmania in deep winter and off road in the central mountain ranges are a big part of that. We often swap units with the British Army when they do their Arctic training in Norway as well. So we've had plenty of opportunities to test our kit under Arctic conditions over the years. One of our SASR Squadrons is tasked to be Cold specialists up to and including Arctic conditions, so those guys spend part of the year in Norway and another part of it in Tasmania. I agree with you that it's highly unlikely it's been tested under these conditions yet as our current strategic interests over the next 5 years are not inside the Arctic circle. Cheers

[@R0d_1984]

@@teeanahera8949 They used at least 3 VW beetles for years.

[@OldFellaDave]

@@R0d_1984 4 1/4 ;)

[@R0d_1984]

@@OldFellaDave whats the 1/4, what em i forgetting?

[@BlackStarInitiative]

Great video. I love the way it looks and I've always loved our "disruptive" camouflage aesthetic. Hopefully it performs as well as intended.

[@AnthonyEvelyn]

Hail Matsimus! Good drop on this one, looks like something my country can seriously consider as we are impressed with the Thales Bushmaster armoured vehicle. Funny thing about the name being of pidgin English.

[@JinKee]

Around the Melbourne Thales Australia office there was a photoshop going around of a Hawkei with blacked out everything and low profile tyres. The styling of the armour package was done by Plasan and they paid a lot of attention to making it look fast. And the whole vehicle is held together with bolts so you can convert it into different configurations.

[@MegaUnderscore]

It's plagued with issues and is not providing the capability promised... Thales really screwed the pooch with this one. The engine is a repurposed marine engine (I don't know why they didn't just use caterpillar like in bushmaster) mounted back to front requiring a really bizarre mounting profile for the transmission which is causing pretty significant issues. The body panels (including the engine bay) is made of fiberglass and is not robust at all which means it is susceptible to being disabled by small arms, and because they are custom-made, the panels are very expensive to repair and replace. This also means only the crew cab is protected (up to stanag 4). The brakes are also plagued with issues (specifically ABS) which has already grounded the fleet and restricted its use. The pintle mount originally had issues supporting a 12.7mm and it is also now up to the ADF to integrate a remote weapon station with Thales not offering an option (this still hasn't been done). Also the spare tyre can't be carried on the vehicle and has to be carried in the accompanying trailer, I am not aware of the NASAAMs system being mounted into the trailer, last I was tracking was a bespoke Hawkei variant. The ADF has stopped taking receipt of them from Thales for the time being as well with hundreds sitting in a Thales compound in Bendigo. I will admit the power management and radio harness/ architecture is quite good though. Personally not a big fan of the vehicle overall at the moment.

[@endo4690]

Spot on. I saw one that was driven between two trees, very little if any of the fibreglass or tray components survived that. I think they've asked too much of a vehicle with a strict weight limit

[@regregan6852]

Exactly, not sure where all these guys commenting are getting their info from stating it's an awesome vehicle or what exactly they are basing anything on??🤔 clips of it driving around in a field are not exactly proof of concept🤷‍♂️🤦‍♂️

[@timhorton698]

The brakes are wonderful if you are doing 40km/h or less. If you want to drive faster than a pushbike then you need to hit something to stop

[@dexterplameras3249]

The bushmaster had reliability problems as well, when it first kicked off, ADI/Thales obviously they fixed the issues. The ABS sounds like a computer issue so probably just a software update. Re: spare wheel. The 2018 Bushmaster ditched the spare tyre for more internal room. As it sounds like your involved with the ADF, I'm curious to know if the run flat tyres and tyre inflation system was designed to survive punctures through self sealing and tyre re-inflation, plus also run while deflated to get back to base, are you seeing any issues that you would still need a spare?

[@tutekohe1361]

At around $11 million each, you would hope these issues are quickly resolved.

[@w0t3rdog]

Good on the Aussies, gettong good 4x4's is necessary for the next bout with the Emus.

[@RobertLewis-el9ub]

Australian Defence Department has stated publicly it currently has problems with the ABS braking system and some restrictions are in place for their initial operational use. I doubt they will go to UA for some time as they are only new to service and it would doubtful the currently available logistic supply chain could extend to operations in Europe.

[@sesameseedbar8853]

I doubt we’d send them to Ukraine in the first place. We’ve got plenty of bushmasters to send in their place. Be a good place to dump the old Rovers though.

[@aussiescotsman4145]

Pretty sure the abs issue was resolved eight months ago but I guess it hasn’t been rolled out yet in full or was pulled up as an excuse to think on it further so it doesn’t look like they just said no without a good reason.

[@seanbrown701]

The Hawkei only needs a $10 replacement part to make it certifiable to cruise on the highways. There is simply no excuse to decline Ukraine’s request for all the Hawkei’s Australia has. Every single one. Australia can build new stock without the many faults in the current system. More jobs, more local investment.

[@danratcliff5353]

​@@seanbrown701who's paying for them. If Ukraine has the money to pay for our lates tech then that's fine. If it's tax payers then send them the landrovers.

[@DarthAwar]

They might send 3 to 8 for Practical Combat Testing but not Dozens given the costs and lack of quality atm

[@Praktical_]

From what i can find ita base armour is STANAG level 3 (7.62x54 AP at 30 meters) and has level 4 applique armour. The Army is also looking at equipping these and the bushmasters with an APS (pretty sure at the moment Iron Fist from Elbit is leading that)

[@casbot71]

We have snow in Australia, that's how the Snowy Mountains got their name. So, it could have been tested in those conditions. It's not super freezing, just a bit below zero, but there's enough snow to ski on... in winter.

[@anttidamski5604]

Autumnish seen from Finland.

[@bennythargrave]

Global warming will end that before too long

[@yendor9078]

I live in the Snowy Mountains. We get more snow than the Swiss alps. Google it

[@yt.personal.identification]

​@@anttidamski5604More snow than the Swiss Alps each year.

[@s4ss.m8]

We also have Bulla but I doubt it's big enough to test military vehicles. Although I have seen a Unimog at Bulla one year.

[@Shelldrakeaus]

This was not the land rover defender replacement. The G-wagon won that role. This is being used as a recon vehicle

[@knightmaher1]

G wagon was an interim vehicle until the Hawkei could be completed. Hawkei is the Land Rover replacement

[@globalgregors]

2/3 of the legacy Land Rover fleet were replaced with G-Wagen 4x4 and 6x6 variants under LAND 121 Phase 3A, the remaining 1/3 are replaced by Hawkeis in the LAND 121 Phase 4, Protected Mobility - Light role. Basically unamoured versus armoured light vehicle fleets.

[@SALUTE-INT-S]

Are the G-wagon's any good? A stack have been sat out to pasture near Pearce AFB I think. Will probably go for a song. The ambulance versions could make for a good camper conversion...

[@DarthAwar]

@@globalgregors Exactly G-Wagon is for Base and safe Zone Transport Duty while the Hawke is meant for Scouting and Light Combat Duty!

[@andrewsmall6834]

So many people HATE this thing with a passion, but i couldn't love them more. I also believe it can be rated to Stanag level 4 with applique Armour

[@Shelldrakeaus]

That fact that it's loud as hell for a "recon" vehicle and it needs a trailer for it's spare tire kinda makes it justified

[@andrewsmall6834]

​@Shelldrakeaus it is not a recon vehicle though, it is a multi purpose protected vehicle and even the electric vehicles they are trialling are loud, kinda hard to make 7 tonnes quiet. Yes the spare was a fuck up, but oh well, it's not a war losing fuck up.

[@Shelldrakeaus]

@andrewsmall6834 i drove past one in traffic with my radio on and windows up, it was loud enough to drown out my music.

[@yukionna1649]

@@Shelldrakeausi drive past these things all the time and I've never heard one at all?

[@Shelldrakeaus]

@@yukionna1649 were they turned on or driving?

[@nicholashall7999]

Was driving behind one of these yesterday, much bigger then you think they are.

[@andrewcombe8907]

Hi Mat I recommend you do an overall review of the Australian domestic military industry. We produce some great stuff - the Bushmaster IFV, the Hawkei, the EF88 Austeyr and all its variants and the M113AS4 APC (which despite its detractors is the best of the current M113 derivates out there). I also recommend you look at Australia Defence Force as a model for what Canada could and should be doing. We are finally realising we are a major regional power and investing heavily in defence.

[@nedkelly9688]

Lol is that all the military you know being produced in Australia.. hmm MQ28A Ghost Bat drone, now Ghost Shark AI submarine using Ghost Bat AI. Many small AI drones and being used in Ukraine war now especially DefendTex D40 is seen in a video flying in to a Russian tank hatch and blowing it up.. USA and UK use it in their military also. Strix a VTOL AI Helicopter a loyal wingman for helicopters like Ghost Bat. Was Supashock making MLRS systems and sold to NATO. Nulka navy defense system saved US Navy ships and is fitted to US,AUS and Canada. Many more if look hard.

[@cm-pr2ys]

Hopefully one day Canada will bring back the Airborne Regiment.

[@tsubadaikhan6332]

HypohystericalHistory is a You Tube Channel operator from Australia that does long breakdowns on Aussie Defence, its past and its future. Sometimes his pieces are 2 hours long, but he does full breakdowns of what things like Land 400 are, and their objectives. It's probably only interesting to Australians and our potential adversaries, but his videos are the best I've seen breaking it all down.

[@Shilo-fc3xm]

@@nedkelly9688 Cool, Ned. Could have made that point without being quite so smug, mate. Bet a lot of people on here know a whole lot of shit you don't know. There was no need for your comment to take that tone.

[@nedkelly9688]

@@Shilo-fc3xm Wasn't really smug mate. or i would call you low iq child like i do on here when being smug. I even said a joking lol . Hard to express in words what i mean at times and guess hard for people to read it. Was just letting you and other's know of how much more we make and isn't highly put on media unless follow our industry closely. Australian Defense Magazine is a good source of all our industry.

[@adamdooch6250]

Fantastic video mate. I work where these are built and they are remarkable vehicle. Your presentation was extremely well done and informative. I hope the Canadian trails go well hopefully Hawkei gets chosen as their preferred vehicle.

[@jasonwishart6800]

Epic. Form an orderly queue right behind me for ADF surplus vehicles in late 2030's.

[@StickmanA]

Late to the party but man those land rovers served us well so many memories thrashing them around and being thrashed around in them when we had the luxury. Ukraine seems to love our platforms which is great news for us and I'm happy it's been benefiting them in their struggle.

[@keithmcwilliams7424]

We dont make cars here in australia anymore but we make great armoured vehicles.

[@cyclemoto8744]

in both cases, the cars were and are made by non Australian companies

[@deanjohnstonofficial]

With the state of 4x4s these days.... I want one of these

[@ataxpayer723]

The Hawkei would be perfect for the school run. No more worries about door dings, or paint scratches as you double park and drop of Tabitha and Chelsee at ballet practice.

[@ReHerakhte]

Worth mentioning that the footage at the end of this vid appears to be in Poland. If that's correct then it seems another nation that has heavy snowfall, is potentially interested in the Hawkei

[@RonLWilson]

That does look impressive! Some additional kit that might be added to it is a bike rack (e.g. Google military e-bikes Australia). Also, with the advent of personal E-VTOLS it might also could be fitted to carry and service one of those as well (e.g. Google Jetson One). The E-VTOL could be equipped to carry a heavy weapon (say a TOW missile launcher) in lieu of a man and be employed as an elevated firing platform. The the mother ground vehicle could hide behind a building, hill, or tree line and fire from that elevated platform without exposing itself to direct fire. Thus one might add yet another mission, that of sag wagon for the two above.

[@mathewemery3330]

needs a spare wheel before a bike rack lol

[@guillaumefigarella1704]

Thales is offering the Hawkei in France for the VBAE program (VBL replacement) against the much less proved but very innovative and also absolutely stunning Arquus Scarabée, I would love someone competent to pit those vehicles against each other

[@chrispekel5709]

It looks weird but kind of cool, anything French always has a certain 'look' and it's really funny that even this military vehicle does indeed look like it's designed there

[@guillaumefigarella1704]

i think its true of American and particularly soviet vehicles too@@chrispekel5709

[@chrisholz2399]

Hi mat The Hawker is not replacing the land Rover. The Land Rover has already been replaced by the G wagon for quite some time now.

[@DavidOlver]

Thank you for the review

[@steveoc64]

Best thing about ADF equipment is that once it gets 10,000k on the clock, it gets its an oil change and then goes straight to public auction. There is a constant supply of unimogs, trailers, and 6 wheel converted land rovers (with Isuzu diesel engines) .. starting bids at $100

[@ChickenLittle2323]

Everyone I've spoken to, at every unit I've been to, has said it's not too good, no details for opsec & so I can remain anonymous, would rather have half their number in PMVs instead, ol reliable & battle tested too

[@guthhalf5484]

I worked on the composite panels. They were injection molded. The thing will burn like a match once it caught fire.

[@zaynevanday142]

We see these all the time the SASR has them and they train down here all the time the trailers they use are just as bad ass 🔥 🔥 🔥

[@Elfin4]

Would be good to see these available in a commercial public model.

[@charlottewalsh1030]

An automated mortar system hanging off the back with ammo trailer , (nemo or similar, Aussie made) , they’ve already got himars etc should be on the shopping list for ADF too, I reckon anyways. Luv ya work mate!

[@BrickersInArms]

Aussie here, it must be noted that this thing has been PLAGUED by issues since its introduction to service. Firstly, despite what that spokesperson was saying, soldiers have complained endlessly that this vehicle isn't well designed for sitting in whilst wearing body armour, which is operationally essential. Secondly, somehow there was no consideration as to where to fit a spare tyre on the vehicle itself, so every Hawkei has to tow a trailer JUST to carry a spare tyre. Thirdly, a while ago an issue was discovered with the reliability of the brakes, so the entire fleet had to be grounded meaning they couldn't drive off base and were limited to 40km/h on base. I've spoken to Cav guys who hate driving it and said that the maintenance required on them is intensive. Personally I think they were a huge procurement mistake and we should've gone with something else.

[@timhorton698]

Oh and some 1950s drum brakes would be nice.

[@jimmy12347654]

Standard for adf procurement

[@dexterplameras3249]

There is an article in the SMH that the Bushmaster had reliability problems early on in its production, plus many Army senior staff to grunts wanted to get rid of it until they went to Afghanistan and Iraq and was the first MRAP of all allied countries saving the lives of countless Australian and Dutch soldiers, now it's the darling of the Army and causes many Australians to be proud with its support to Ukraine (myself included). I guess when your lives are on the line, new kit is always treated with skepticism and rightly so, but the army also has to remember that the Bushmaster had reliability issues too. From what I read its a software issue controlling the brakes/anti lock braking system. The spare tyre issue can be fixed pretty easily by adding mounts to the rear but even on the Bushmaster, in 2018 the rear spare wheel was removed for more internal room, also the Bushmaster/Hawkei have run flat tyres and has a tyre inflation system which is resilient enough for tyre punctures and good enough to get you back to base. Not sure what can be done about the body armour situation and I'm not a soldier. One thing I like about Australia is if its not good enough, someone speaks out until it is.

[@papparocket]

Turrets that require the gunner to be exposed outside the vehicle is the source the greatest rates of fatalities. All examples should come with the remote controlled weapons turret. Besides keeping the gunner from getting his head blown off, it also allows the ability to use night vision and IR sights give increased utility over the Mark I eyeballs of the exposed gunner and the stabilized gun mounts hold on target better then two bare hands.

[@beckster181]

YAH finally saying bye to the old 110 defenders we have needed to upgrade since I was in service before 2005 but this is great kit it is more like a cross between the HUMMER and a Bushmaster in design and follows on with the V shape floors for protection against mines etc This was a big point in the Bushmasters design so from me with millions of miles in seeries 1 series 2 series 3 and 110 landys I wish this was about in my day as it would have been great.

[@regregan6852]

The g wagon replaced the landrovers and have been in use for almost a decade now🤔...

[@Jimsgingyming]

@@regregan6852 we replaced em in 2009 and still had them kicking around for a very long time, someting a kin to the MACK trucks we still sometimes use at units even though we phased them out for the 40m and hx77s

[@regregan6852]

@@Jimsgingyming Yea but it's now 2023 so chances are if you still have 110s kicking around then they are actually not getting replaced right🤷‍♂️

[@paulk7124]

The Landrover was not a light armoured vehicle and was replaced by the Mercedes G Wagon. This vehicle fits between a unprotected vehicle and the Bushmaster (as the manufacturer stayed) Good review though 👍 Cheers

[@ViolentKisses87]

It would be interesting to see how this stacks up against the American offering JLTV. In 2023 USD the JLTV is $445,609 so less than half the Hawkei. But it's also just lighter than the Hawkei at just 5 tons, so it's presumably less armored.

[@dernadaarmando2948]

Jltv 5 ton? Isnt it 12 ton?

[@OldFellaDave]

The Hawkeiis aren't $900 000 each. The total program is $1.1 billion and that's for 1100 vehicles AND 1100 trailers and spares for those vehicles and trailers etc

[@damolux3388]

As the above poster stated, the Hawkei price is the whole project and usually includes through life costs for the ADF.

[@robm4834]

Land rover 110s. Cheap , simple motor and drive train. No creature comforts or air conditioning. Tough , reliable, easily maintained and repaired. Cheap to purchase and run. The epitome of a military vehicle. Lastly the 110 weighs less than 2 tons, whilst this thing is over 5 ton. Hardly comparable.

[@VincentNajger1]

I'm disappointed that they didn't slap a 4lt Barra motor in it lol and boost it up to 1000Hp like some of the tweaked Barra equipped monsters you see at Summernats ....that would have been the proper Strayan thing to do!

[@MrSaltybloke]

That's so aussie :)

[@FishandHunt]

I like the idea but reliability goes out the window above 700 hp. Straya 🇦🇺

[@chrispekel5709]

Defintely needs southern cross stickers and a 'fuck off we're full' on the back of it

[@gregorymatthies5297]

Bogan

[@boothead9495]

They’re definitely not ready for export yet, but it shouldn’t be too far off. Also sleepin in the tray is fuckin awesome

[@zacmeadows2294]

You should look into the Aussie Bushmaster. Kitted with full level 3 STANAG plating with optional level 5 for IED protection, a main weapon station fit for a 40mm AGM and two rear swing mounts for LMGs all on a 6 cylinder turbocharged diesel engine, things a beast. Instal a snow plough attachment and it would be perfect for the Canadian winters.

[@tileux]

The Hawkei death adder is a relatively newly discovered species and it was named in honour of the late prime minister Bob Hawke. So the Hawkei derives its name from a prime minister, via a snake...

[@s4ss.m8]

The great Hawkey! Bloody legend.

[@qtheplatypus]

Australia should have a “Holt” class submarine.

[@nic.d7539]

They do, but no one can find it 😏

[@davidjurgs9257]

Hey Mat, quick correction, Land Rovers in the Australian army where replaced by the G-wagon quite some time ago. the Hawkei is to provide a better protected platform for Australia's motorised brigades where it would not be safe enough for the g-wagon to operate. Cheers!

[@R0d_1984]

The G-WAGON Massively over-priced for what you get.

[@basilpunton5702]

The last Land Rovers were produced in Australia and were very different to UK units. They were equipped with good engines from Japan. The 6 wheel was developed for Australia by Australians.

[@Jimsgingyming]

@@R0d_1984 and working on them can be quite shit, v6 with the turbo in the valley, what a great idea that was, they have a scoop for the turbo because of the amount of heat it puts out

[@RoyalCdn]

I know for Canada we're looking at 2 platforms this could fit under. 1 being the G wagon replacement. The other is a special vehicle platform under the LFE program for the Mortars / pioneers / DFS specialties.

[@alangarnham706]

The rear tray one looks awesome, I want one for the trip to the shops. Liked and subscribed.

[@casbot71]

Some Americans will no doubt want a civilian version. They might be able to get Jeremy Renner to do the advertising?

[@NATIVE_BROTHERS_MC]

The one thing most people don't think we have is cold days it's 5:43 in the morning and it's -1

[@Ernie161]

I want one. It would make navigating Melbourne traffic so much easier. It's a good replacement for the Holden.

[@sundoga4961]

I'm sure the Hawkei has been snow tested. Australia doesn't have a lot of places that get snow (and certainly not to the same extent as Canada) but there are some, and the ADF has a habit of making sure their gear will work anywhere on the continent.

[@lawdpleasehelpmeno]

Hawkei will be another win for Australia I think. The Bushmaster has international renown now and is borderline legendary. I think in a decade or so people may look at Hawkei with the same reverence they do the Hummer.

[@billestew7535]

I could possibly see the Jedi of CANSOF and JTF2 bombing around in these babies, but the rest of the CAF will be driving G wagons and Milverados until they die, budget cuts are always a clear and present danger.

[@andrew9371]

Like a JLTV but Australian

[@teeanahera8949]

The engine torque, which wasn’t mentioned, is 610 nm which is a shite load but then again it is a heavy beast. The adder, after which it is named, got its own species name from one of our best Prime Ministers, Bob Hawke of the Labour Party.

[@R0d_1984]

Hawke was a Fabian Socialist maggot.

[@bigman23DOTS]

Slingers added to these and it’s golden

[@rokuth]

At 7 tons, that's about the weight of the British CVR(T) family when they were 1st introduced in service. A heavy vehicle! It is interesting to note that it's a Left Hand drive vehicle, especially since in Australia they drive on the left side of the road.

[@tsubadaikhan6332]

Fortunately, we rarely, if ever, fight here.

[@BarrettCarr-r4f]

If you look carefully you will notice that that there are both left and right hand drive vehicles

[@ArmySigs]

The one I drove today was definitely RHD lol

[@zaynevanday142]

I see these every few months SASR do parachute training in my area there is also cool trailers for it including a mess kitchen unit

[@anthony9thompson]

These things are very expensive but very capable

[@akar2755]

As are most Australian engineered products. Our labour is expensive but the standards and requirements are very high.

[@redtobertshateshandles]

No. They're outrageously expensive. Probably zero Australian made content. Sounds like Victorian welfare to me.

[@terminusest5902]

Australia is mainly sending the much larger Bushranger 4x4 to Ukraine. Also, the Australian M-113s that had significant upgrades. They had been used in Vietnam. They are not a modern IFV but are still useful for protected transport, transport. Ukraine now has a variety of M-113s. Some have been used for very close infantry support against Russian trenches.

[@custardthepipecat6584]

What a bloody ripper!! 🦘🍻

[@timfirth977]

Not Wrong Cobs

[@teeanahera8949]

According to Wikipedia it has been tested in Canada and your speed/range estimations are contradicted by Wiki’s info, speed 130 km/hr and 600km range.

[@chrispekel5709]

He likely meant a cruising speed

[@ChristopherSloane]

Looks like a smaller version of the JLTV looks good I wonder how HE and bullet proof it is one thing is for sure you are not changing a tire anytime soon.

[@lesklower7281]

I like it l know most army vehicles are function over form but this looks so good a great ruggered design

[@wendyharbon7290]

This would be a good replacement, for some of the existing British Army and Royal Marines plus RAF Regiment's Light and Special Forces. Especially the Gurkha Rifles, Rifles Regiment, Parachute Regiment, the new British Army Ranger Regiment, As well as both the RM Commando and RAF Regiment Units, plus an ideal vehicle for Military Police Units too. Let alone the SAS, or SBS, or SRR and/or SFSG, plus "E" Squardon too. Or could be a very useful vehicle and used by the Royal Artillery Forward Obervation Gun's and Air Controllers too. Especially with the British Military are looking into, newer and larger heavy-lift drones. The likes of Advanced Vertical take-off and landing Armed Unmanned Attack Reconnaissance Vehicle (AVtol-UARV) too, armed with a pair of Brimstone AGM's or 4 to 6 Laser-guided folding-fin attack 70mm rockets.

[@Jimsgingyming]

i would have to disagree my friend, the g wagon recon variant fits directly into that role current, the haweki is bloody massive, they are wayyyyy too huge to be any sort of use in that role and loud as all hell, we had one drive into the workshop and you can hear it from the other side, a recon g wagon would do this role way better even though the g wagons are their own can of worms

[@stanislavczebinski994]

Hey Matt, according to wiki this is STANAG 4569 Level 1 stock without add-on armor.

[@Steve211Ucdhihifvshi]

I dont understand why all these vehicles use foreign specialist motors. Using something like a cummins or Cat for example engine pack and ZF gearbox for example, would offer much greater parts availability and future proofability. For example when you buy a mack or any other truck, theres a standard engine bay essentially, meaning if you want a cat motor you can bolt it in. Which would also make battle field repairs more acheivable. IE you need an injector pump, easy pull it off the mack transport truck in the yard and chuck it in, etc or pull it off the gen pack. Ah well

[@Stinkys8050]

This thing looks like bonkers fun!

[@tirepo]

For 4x4 light armored vehicle in the snow I would offer Sisu GTP (I'm Finnish, 100% biased ofc). Compared to the Hawkei it is heavier but serves in similar roles. The Hawkei has the edge of already being in service whilst the GTP is new kid on the block just entering service.

[@nevermind594]

At 3:20, notice the Australian headquarters (red over blue) officer with the armoured corp (cosplays as cavalry) emu plume on his slouch hat - as worn by light horsemen at Beersheba in the last successful massed mounted charge in 1917.

[@timfirth977]

He had a lot of plume, less hat.

[@thebatman69]

Cosplay? Bit of an inappropriate term?

[@jonrobinson8005]

Interesting that the Ukrainian ambassador to Australia basically said send us some Hawkeis and let us be the test guinea pigs and give this vehicle some real world combat testing. On that basis I would’ve said yes, then with all the test data effectively the ADF would get Mk.2 a better and tested vehicle without putting any personnel in danger.

[@regregan6852]

The Ukranians want anything armoured and will literally take anything armoured, don't feel special. They are driving around in minivans, 4wds and hatchbacks so anything is an upgrade at this point😂.

[@GregMoylan-pn6sr]

Exactly! Unfortunately our lightweight Prime Minister & Defence Minister don't have the spine to stand up to our ADF's equally-spineless cowering.

[@jonrobinson8005]

@@regregan6852 there’s nothing about “feeling special”, with a practical mind it’s a win win situation.

[@regregan6852]

​@@jonrobinson8005huh?🤔

[@patrickspaceman305]

Give the coke clown nothing.

[@AussieVeteran71]

All good things come from Australia 🇦🇺

[@Spectre-tv7wi]

great video, u should do a video of the australian bushmaster, the other Australian Thales MRAP

[@Artha96]

I've heard a rumor from some of my mates still in the ADF, apparently due to the design of the engine and the sump when these things drive up hills the sump has all the oil flow to the very rear of it causing excess wear and other issues.

[@matthewaaaron7421]

Twincab ute, Aussie fav.

[@traserseaquest]

nice design

[@muskett4108]

UK has the Foxhound and soon Boxer for armoured wheeled vehicles. Interestingly I believe they are looking for something smaller, less armoured, to do the running about in. Foxhound is 71/2 tonnes with all the kit too. A bit tall, but comes with plenty of work space. Anything armoured is going to be heavy. Unless driving in a mine/IED or artillery target zone then driving about with armour is just expensive. Non are a tank, and tanks and APCs aren't fairing well with the latest portable anti armour Javelins. Is NBC ability still a requirement? Anyhow, I would think a 41/2 tonne vehicle with some pulling power would do better. Cheaper too. A Jeep/Land Rover with small protection compartment and take a bigger payload. Like the Foxhound have mission specific bolt ons and same goes for a the trailer. BTW, the wheels for these vehicles are big and tough, and not something that can be changed at the side of the road in a jiffy. Maybe the answer is a Willy's Jeep, everyone gets one and they aren't worth a missile???? Want armoured then a Bren Gun Carrier????!!

[@rhetth-s8082]

I think there is some kind of crane to help change a tyre. I was told they have the process down pat.

[@muskett4108]

I bet they do. Just shouldn't need doing very often. Heavy vehicles can do roads, and the dry. Wet they just sink. Thing is a military needs to travel on both. Reason for both wheels and tracks. Spend the big money on armour for the combat area, and go light for all the rest. The combat area becomes increasingly lethal, and everywhere else is light armoured "policing" where armour is survive some shrapnel and someone emptying a magazine on the cab. There isn't anything that can do "full protection'" from every thing now. Well not like the Matilda in 1940. Mechanically bomb proof is another contentious issue. Vehicles should be easy to maintain. Big subject. @@rhetth-s8082

[@paulincoll1729]

The Hawkei hand brake system is faulty and must be choked whenever it stops. The spare wheel is only allowed to be carried in the trailer.

[@kylegriffiths5990]

The Land Rover "Perentie" were replaced years ago by the G-Wagon.

[@louwvandermerwe178]

Looks good!

[@bestamerica]

' that coool nice new armor vehicle... need to add armor shield on the top turret with gunner

[@ScreamingSturmovik]

i would say what makes this better then the MAT-V? it's likely that it would be cheaper and more readily available as the U.S. is right next door and has a proven history, as much as i don't think it's a good thing to be more dependant on the U.S. for defence

[@stevestruthers6180]

The Hawkei would be a major step up from the old G-Wagens, which never did work terribly well as a recce platform.

[@dazaspc]

The Aussies haven't used Land Rovers since the 70's. The vehicles they are currently using are based on a Land Rover but far from it. They are Pierneties. They have signifigant differences starting with the chassis, power train and suspension. With the occasional option of the 6WD units for particular applications. They might look like one but are definitely not one.

[@thebatman69]

I'm new to your page mate, I'm surprised you have not mentioned the massive issues it has had and the distaste most blokes mostly hold after using it. To be fair it has potential but your closing statement recommended it for use in Canadia; I can't say I agree as it has serious issues and I'll point out that there is a reason none of them have been sent to Ukraine despite multiple requests given the success of the PMV in that theatre.

[@JonarusDraconius]

It's built in the Regional city that I live in!

[@chrispekel5709]

I'm sorry for your loss

[@logangibson6042]

mental to own these as a civilian in the future

[@magnusgreel275]

The Bushmaster will work in -40 degrees. The Bushmaster will work in hell.

[@sometingwongwai9679]

When are we going to see these in Bradley's Square Robotyne. Would be good if you can show us a demonstration against the lancet drone.

[@TrumpAndKamila]

The Mercedes G Wagons replaced the Landrover Perenties. These are filling a gap

[@petethebastard]

Hawkei is made very close to where I am... only a stone's throw away. Chances are, being a warm weather army, Australia did NOT test this car in the snow!! Good vid Matt!

[@PBMS123]

FYI the Land Rovers were replaced by the G-Wagon. Also Steyr like St-eye-ah(r), not stay-ah(r)

[@richardmiller1345]

Mate. I retired at the beginning of 125… as for cold weather…we have bigger snow fields then Switzerland! And we own most of Antartica. Our last war was in highlands of Afghanistan. We do cold…dontcha worry bout dat.

[@treadheadpete4770]

Cool vehicle, would be fun to drive!

[@PaulieLDP]

I am interested in learning more about the air defence version which has the NASAMS launcher. I am unsure if the radar unit must always be mounted on a second vehicle or if it can be towed on a trailer by the launcher vehicle. Also, what type of missile did you say these could mount? Some time of anti armour? I hadn't seen reference to an ATGM on these before.