Australia to splash out on heavy armour
The Australian Army's tank fleet is to receive a makeover. (Gordon Arthur)
Modern Abrams tanks, bridge-layers, recovery vehicles and breaching vehicles for Australia await contract signature.
Government approvals from the US will see the Australian Army’s M1 Abrams tank fleet upgraded, as well as new combat engineering assets allocated.
Greater clarity emerged on 29 April when the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) announced a potential $1.685 billion Foreign Military Sale to Canberra.
The extent of the purchase of combat engineering vehicles under Project Land 8160 Phase 1 is probably beyond what many were anticipating. At the same time, the number of tanks broadly accords with what was anticipated under Project Land 907 Phase 2.
These combined projects represent a serious boost to Australia’s armoured vehicle fleet.
The DSCA
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Land Warfare
-
![NATO and Europe step up UGV efforts]()
NATO and Europe step up UGV efforts
The effort to develop uncrewed ground vehicles (UGVs) is heating up with research efforts and exercises improving the speed of the process and the war in Ukraine is working as a proving ground for rapid development and fielding.
-
![HIMARS arrive in Hawaii as first multinational launch in Australia takes place]()
HIMARS arrive in Hawaii as first multinational launch in Australia takes place
The M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) launcher is in high demand with Lockheed Martin doubling speed of manufacture since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. As orders are racked up in Europe, the Indo-Pacific region is seeing the increasing presence of the system.
-
![Ireland’s Reamda develops new version of Riddler UGV]()
Ireland’s Reamda develops new version of Riddler UGV
The company's Riddler uncrewed ground vehicle (UGV) is designed to be small and light to allow easy deployment and the ability to access smaller areas such as bus or train aisles.
