Victorian federal MPs are rallying for their state to build army land combat vehicles, arguing South Australia already has the $50 billion submarine project.
Adelaide is reportedly the front runner to build the 225 vehicles as part of the $5 billion phase two of the Land 400 project.
"We'd love to see them in Victoria," Industry Minister Greg Hunt told 2GB.
Defence has shortlisted Rheinmetall and BAE Systems for the contracts.
South Australia's government has offered a generous sweetener package.
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Mr Hunt urged the Victorian government to match what the Weatherill government had put on the table.
"We have skills, history and capability," he said.
Liberal MP Sarah Henderson is keen for Geelong to take on some of the work, following the car industry's collapse
Acting Victorian Industry Minister Phil Dalidakis said his state is Australia's home of military vehicle manufacturing.
But he remained tight lipped about the specifics of the Victorian government's assistance package.
Victoria's bid is for a Melbourne build but there would be supply chain opportunities for Geelong.
