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.
More from Land Warfare
-
![US Army chooses Textron Systems and Griffon Aerospace in final showdown for FTUAS]()
US Army chooses Textron Systems and Griffon Aerospace in final showdown for FTUAS
The US Army plans to procure a Future Tactical UAS (FTUAS) to replace the Textron Systems RQ-7Bv2 Shadow tactical UAV currently in service with the US Army's Brigade Combat Teams (BCTs). The FTUAS is being developed under the wider Future UAS (FUAS) programme.
-
![Lockheed Martin signs Australian air and missile defence system deal]()
Lockheed Martin signs Australian air and missile defence system deal
Air 6500 Phase 1, worth AU$500 million (US$326 million), will result in a sovereign system that can provide greater situational awareness and help to defend against hostile aircraft and missiles. It will sit at the core of Australia’s Integrated Air and Missile Defence programme.
-
![Rheinmetall wins communications deal that could be worth up to €400 million]()
Rheinmetall wins communications deal that could be worth up to €400 million
The systems have been purchased under a special fund which has already been tapped into for the purchase of 60 CH-47F Block II Chinook helicopters worth up to €8 billion (US$8.7 billion) and thousands of Rheinmetall Caracal airmobile special operations vehicles worth €1.9 billion.
-
![Italy weighs up the challenge of its tank replacement plans]()
Italy weighs up the challenge of its tank replacement plans
The Russia–Ukraine war has continued to be the place the world’s militaries have been watching for lessons on both the EW and uncrewed front. Its conventional war aspect, however, has also been catching the attention of leaders.
-
![The Philippines looks to Israel for military equipment amid South China Sea tensions]()
The Philippines looks to Israel for military equipment amid South China Sea tensions
The southeast Asian country has been enhancing its military readiness by procuring advanced Israeli defence platforms and systems.
