Built-tough and ready to deliver outstanding protection to Aussie troops, Thales’s Australian-made Hawkei tactical military vehicle is revving up to join the Auto One V8 Ute Racing Series – protected by ARMOR ALL.

Named after one of Australia’s (and the worlds) toughest and most deadly snakes, the Hawkei has the strength, speed and agility for operations in the harshest conditions.

Built strong, built to save lives, the Hawkei comes from the same company that makes the iconic Australian Bushmaster. Built in Bendigo in regional Victoria, the Bushmaster has been protecting Australian diggers in Afghanistan and Iraq, and has saved hundreds of lives.

Chris Jenkins, Thales Australia CEO, said: “Where better to show-off what Australia can do than at the Auto One V8 Ute series – protected by ARMOR ALL? The Hawkei is Aussie know-how at its best.

“Focused on winning and being the best, protecting your mates, that’s Australia. That’s what the Hawkei is all about, and we think this Aussie beast is in good company with the iconic Aussie ute.

“Thales is proud to be supporting the V8 Utes. It’s fast and competitive racing at its best, all with that extra steel only Ute racing can deliver.”

Fans will get a feel for the Hawkei at the upcoming Sandown, Bathurst, Gold Coast and Sydney races

Thales has delivered six Hawkei vehicles to the Department of Defence, which are currently undergoing testing under the LAND 121 Phase 4 project that seeks to provide up to 1,300 protected light vehicles. Subject to successful testing, final approval of the project is expected around 2015.