Steyr Mannlicher grenade launcher selected for EF88 rifle
The Steyr Mannlicher SL40 grenade launcher has been selected by Thales Australia for the EF88 rifle currently being developed for the Australian Defence Force’s LAND 125 programme.
The SL40 is a light weight (1.025kg), side-opening grenade launcher with a double action trigger, lever-operated safety catch and 180mm (7”) barrel. It has been designed to integrate seamlessly with all EF88 variants and can be fitted in seconds by soldiers in the field without any specialist tools, delivering tactical flexibility.
Thales Australia selected the SL40 following a test and evaluation process. The grenade launcher will also form part of the F90 export version of the EF88 Thales Australia will bring to the market.
Under Land 125 Phase 3C, Thales Australia is also seeking expressions of interest from international companies for the provision of small arms accessories, including small arms surveillance and target acquisition system ancillaries for fitment to the EF88 weapon system.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Land Warfare
-
![Refresh of Romanian army vehicles speeds up]()
Refresh of Romanian army vehicles speeds up
Romania received its first Cobra MkII 4×4 light tactical armoured vehicles, ordered Abrams main battle tanks (MBTs) and VAMTAC light vehicles, and is set to invest billions-of-dollars in infantry fighting vehicles.
-
![Italy begins hunt for Puma replacement]()
Italy begins hunt for Puma replacement
The Italian Army operates Pumas in 6×6 and 4×4 configurations but the platforms are ageing and numbers have fallen with obsolescence also being an issue. Any replacement is likely to have a focus on the involvement of local industry.
-
![Orders roll in for VAMTAC tactical vehicles as first is delivered to New Zealand]()
Orders roll in for VAMTAC tactical vehicles as first is delivered to New Zealand
The VAMTAC (Vehículo de Alta Movilidad Táctico or High Mobility Tactical Vehicle) 4×4 by Urovesa is in service with or has been ordered by eight countries, the most recent being Spain this month and Romania last month.
-
![CV90 user group signs agreement to improve procurement and commonality]()
CV90 user group signs agreement to improve procurement and commonality
The CV90 is in service with or ordered by ten countries. The agreement between six of these countries is designed to create commonality to provide economies of scale and a reduced training burden.
