Fighting vehicle prototypes delivered for ADF evaluation

The Australian government’s multi-billion dollar investment in Army’s close combat vehicles has reached a significant milestone with the delivery of six prototype test and evaluation vehicles from the project’s two shortlisted tenderers. The A$18.1 billion to A$27.1 billion LAND 400 Phase 3 Program will provide the Army with an advanced, cutting edge 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. 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. The project will acquire up to 450 Infantry Fighting Vehicles and a Manoeuvre Support Vehicle capability comprising up to 17 vehicles.

Minister for Defence Linda Reynolds 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,” 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.”

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