The Australian Defence has selected Hawkei light tactical vehicle design from Thales Australia as the preferred design for LAND 121 Phase 4. Subject to successful testing of the vehicles, final government approval of the project is expected in 2015, and production work could potentially commence in Australia as early as 2016. Part of Project Overlander, the acquisition of 1,300 modern, protected light tactical vehicles represent a $1.5 billion part of the $7.5 billion project.

The next stage in the programme will include funding for further development and testing of the Hawkei, including the manufacture of prototype vehicles. Thales designed this vehicle specifically to meet Australian specification; the Israeli armour protection expert Plasan has joined as a team member, to provide the protection suite for the vehicle.

Thales Australia is currently manufacturing the Bushmaster Protected Mobility Vehicles at its factory in Bendigo. In order to retain critical skills in Bendigo while the design of the Hawkei is finalised and proven, the production of additional Bushmaster vehicles is being considered.