Deakin University says it welcomes the announcement from Hanwha Defense Australia, and the Australian Government, that its new armoured vehicle centre of excellence will be constructed at Avalon Airport. Deakin Vice-Chancellor Professor Iain Martin said the Geelong-based centre would cement the University's close connection with Hanwha, facilitating investment in local research expertise and the development of high-tech jobs. It's expected the new bespoke production facility will create a minimum of 300 jobs, spread across construction, acquisition and maintenance, as well as generating ongoing support opportunities for Australian industry until the late 2040s. Deakin and Hanwha Defense Australia signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) last year, an agreement to drive collaboration in modelling and simulation, machine learning applications and human performance. "Deakin and Hanwha share a common goal in the development of emerging technologies and advanced manufacturing, with a focus on growing the local economy through education and employment opportunities," Professor Martin said.