The COVID-19 pandemic and the social distancing regulations that have come with it is not stopping hundreds of Australian companies from getting the chance to pitch their capabilities to Defence and LAND 400 Phase 3 tenderers, as the Australian Industry Capability (AIC) Roadshow leverages on technology to move online.
The virtual roadshow starts from today will see companies in Darwin, Perth, Launceston, Adelaide, Newcastle, Sydney and Canberra taking part.
Minister for Defence Industry Melissa Price said the virtual roadshow will help local companies to join the Commonwealth’s multi-billion investment to replace the Army’s fleet of infantry fighting vehicles, wit shortlisted tenderers Rheinmetall Defence Australia and Hanwha Defense Australia having already met with more than 200 businesses across Victoria and Queensland.
“The virtual Roadshow will provide companies with a similar experience using digital methods to what was provided face to face. It is critical we continue to move forward with major acquisition projects like LAND 400 Phase 3, as these projects will help to fuel our post-COVID economic recovery,” Minister Price said.
Local companies will have the opportunity to meet both Hanwha and Rheinmetall in a virtual meeting room. Each company will deliver a pitch on their capabilities, followed by questions from the shortlisted tenderers.
LAND 400 Phase 3 is planned to replace the Australian Army’s M113AS4 armoured personnel carriers with a new Infantry Fighting Vehicle. The project is expected to cost $10-15 billion, with the Hanwha Defense Systems AS21 Redback pitted against the Rheinmetall Lynx KF41 for the Risk Mitigation Activity Phase that is scheduled to last until the end of 2021 with a final decision set for 2022.
Registered companies are advised to monitor the LAND 400 webpage for further updates at: www.defence.gov.au/CASG/EquippingDefence/Land%20400.asp.
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