The multi-billion dollar investment in the Australian Army’s close combat vehicles has delivered six prototype test and evaluation vehicles from the project’s two shortlisted tenderers.
The $18.1 – 27.1 billion LAND 400 Phase 3 Program will provide the Army with an advanced Infantry Fighting Vehicle capability.
Hanwha Defense Australia and Rheinmetall Defence Australia have each delivered three prototype vehicles – two for test and evaluation activities and one for blast testing – as part of the two-year Risk Mitigation Activity.
Minister for Defence, Senator the Hon Linda Reynolds CSC said the delivery of the prototype vehicles is a crucial step in the project, allowing Defence to assess the shortlisted tenderers’ performance claims focusing on the highest areas of technical risk.
“These significant activities include Australian soldiers participating in user evaluation and testing, with a particular focus on the armour, firepower and mobility of the platforms,” Minister Reynolds said.
“The Risk Mitigation Activity will undertake important analysis on each vehicle’s ability to integrate with other key ADF land, sea and air capabilities, including amphibious lift.
“The Infantry Fighting Vehicle will be a state-of-the-art tracked armoured vehicle, capable of carrying six soldiers in addition to a crew of three. These advanced vehicles will provide increased protection, mobility, and firepower for the ADF.”
The project will acquire up to 450 Infantry Fighting Vehicles and a Manoeuvre Support Vehicle capability comprising up to 17 vehicles.
“When delivered, the Infantry Fighting Vehicle will allow Army to successfully sustain mounted close combat operations against emerging and future threats as part of the joint force,” Minister Reynolds said.
“The delivery of these vehicles is part of the Morrison Government’s unprecedented $270 billion investment over the next decade to upgrade the capability and potency of the ADF.”
The Risk Mitigation Activity will include detailed testing and evaluation of the tendered vehicles and provide Defence with the objective quality evidence to inform a Government decision in 2022.
