Rheinmetall Defence Appoints Technical Director for Land 400

Rheinmetall Defence Appoints Technical Director for Land 400 Rheinmetall Defence today announced the appointment of Dean Gagnon as Technical Director at Rheinmetall Defence Australia and New Zealand. Mr Gagnon will drive the coordination of Rheinmetall’s technical program for Land 400 Phase 2. He will report to Rheinmetall Defence Australia and New Zealand Managing Director, Andrew Fletcher. Rheinmetall Defence has offered the Commonwealth the latest version of the Boxer 8X8 Combat Reconnaissance Vehicle1 fitted with the in-service Lance turret and a growth path that includes a 35mm main gun and the Northrop Grumman command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (C4ISR) architecture. “Dean will play a fundamental role in overseeing the manufacturing of some of the highest technology military systems should Boxer CRV be selected for the Land 400 Phase 2,” Mr Fletcher said. This role would require the manufacture of high end sub-systems, the manufacture and assembly of turrets, the design of vehicle variants and the production of vehicles. “Dean’s expertise will enable Rheinmetall to deliver some of the best technology systems that we hope to provide to the Australian Army. Each has the potential to enrich the Australian economy and create employment and export opportunities into the global market,” Mr Fletcher said. Mr Gagnon has significant experience in various roles in the automotive industry including senior leadership roles in certification and engineering at Mercedes-Benz Australia Pacific. Prior to this appointment, Mr Gagnon was the Systems Engineering Manager for the Australian Army’s fleet of Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon, which are used for tactical training, disaster relief and securing Australia’s coastline. He also served as an Army Officer in the ASLAV and Tank Programs at the former Defence Materiel Organisation (now the Capability Acquisition and Sustainment Group). “I look forward to the opportunities that this role presents and getting back into the military space after working several years in the automotive industry,” Mr Gagnon said.