Death Adder strikes hard in Australia
Bale Defence has won the ADF’s Rough Terrain Vehicle 2 tender with its diminutive in-service Death Adder. (Bale Defence)
A small Australian-built tactical vehicle has been selected for army special forces.
The Australian Defence Force (ADF) has awarded an $A8.47 million ($6.17 million) contract to a domestic firm for 40 small tactical off-road vehicles.
Bale Defence, based in Port Macquarie, will manufacture the new-generation Death Adder rough-terrain vehicles (RTV).
Minister for Defence Industry Melissa Price said, ‘The rough-terrain vehicle provides an important tactical, light, all-terrain land capability used by the ADF on operations and exercises both in Australia and overseas.’
An RfT for this RTV 2 programme had been issued on 9 July 2019, listing the need for 40 vehicles with an option for up to 30 more. Submissions closed on
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
You may also like
More from Land Warfare
-
![US Marine Corps provides US$900 million for prototypes as vehicle refresh motors on]()
US Marine Corps provides US$900 million for prototypes as vehicle refresh motors on
General Dynamics Land Systems and Textron Systems are competing to replace the US Marine Corps’ fleet of light armoured vehicles. The companies have been awarded contracts to provide prototypes of three different vehicle variants.
-
![Canada’s Inkas to complete development of improved M1 MRAP in May]()
Canada’s Inkas to complete development of improved M1 MRAP in May
PT Sentra Surya Ekajaya’s P2 Tiger, the SCATA Mk1 and the Inkas M1 armoured personnel carriers are each built on the proven Celeris base, but all are still awaiting firm orders.
-
![Greece opts for PULS long-range artillery as demand for capability surges]()
Greece opts for PULS long-range artillery as demand for capability surges
Greece’s selection of PULS makes it the sixth European country to choose the system and follows Sweden’s plan to buy HIMARS and Norway’s selection of Chunmoo artillery systems. The diverse choices for a similar capability highlight demand and a desire for European industrial capacity.
-
![US Army calls for resupply platforms for the Mobile Tactical Cannon]()
US Army calls for resupply platforms for the Mobile Tactical Cannon
The US Army is interested in “innovative, flexible and efficient” capabilities for large-scale combat operations, as well as more agile approaches to improve efficiency and reduce ammunition transfer time.
-
![Leopard MBT: Alpha beast gets a reboot (updated 2026)]()
Leopard MBT: Alpha beast gets a reboot (updated 2026)
Leopard MBTs are German-made main battle tanks that have been in service since the Cold War and have undergone several upgrades to remain competitive in modern warfare. This article traces the history and development of the Leopard 1 and 2 as well as its variants, operational service and future prospects.
-
![Predicted air defence spending boom opens doors to Indian industry]()
Predicted air defence spending boom opens doors to Indian industry
Recent conflicts have created a surge in interceptor demand worldwide while exposing potential supply chain challenges, positioning India as a cost-effective partner and scalable supplier.
