Quickstep to make Hawkei parts

Sydney high-tech company Quickstep has been chosen to make parts for the Thales Hawkei light armoured vehicle which could replace much of defence's fleet of ageing Land Rovers.

Under this deal worth up to $8 million, Quickstep, which makes components for the Lockheed Martin F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, will manufacture carbon fibre bonnets, side skirts and mud guards for the Hawkei vehicles.

Defence is looking to buy up to 1300 vehicles to replace a third of its Land Rovers.

If chosen, Hawkei would be constructed at the Thales plant at Bendigo. A decision is expected next year.