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
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
-
![Hanwha debuts with US Army deal worth up to $3.6 billion as it eyes future M109 replacement]()
Hanwha debuts with US Army deal worth up to $3.6 billion as it eyes future M109 replacement
The Mobile Tactical Cannon is to replace the US Army’s M777 towed howitzers which could result in the procurement of almost 500 systems at an estimated $3.59 billion.
-
![US pours another $23 billion into Arsenal of Freedom to ramp up missile production]()
US pours another $23 billion into Arsenal of Freedom to ramp up missile production
The US Department of Defense (DoD) is spending billions of dollars to accelerate missile production to meet demands from the war against Iran and requirements in Ukraine. Manufacture of SM-3 and PAC-3 interceptors is being ramped up, alongside a $22.9 billion commitment to Tomahawk cruise missiles.
-
![Rheinmetall advances longer 155mm ordnance with 30% range increase]()
Rheinmetall advances longer 155mm ordnance with 30% range increase
Rheinmetall has begun initial firing trials of a new 155mm/60-calibre artillery ordnance that could deliver up to 30% greater range than its existing 155mm/52-calibre system, as production of the current gun expands across Germany and the UK.
-
![Trans-European iMUGS2 uncrewed systems programme set for three-day exercise in 2028]()
Trans-European iMUGS2 uncrewed systems programme set for three-day exercise in 2028
The next stage of the Integrated Modular Unmanned Ground System (iMUGS) programme, dubbed iMUGS2, was launched in November 2025. Three major demonstrations are planned before the end of 2028.
