New fighting vehicles tested on water

Huntsman and Redback armoured vehicles took part in sea trials on and around Garden Island, Sydney Harbour, in July (reported by ARMY Newspaper in September).

CAPTION: An AS21 Redback infantry fighting vehicle is transported on a Royal Australian Navy LCM-1E landing craft at Garden Island, Sydney Harbour. Photo by Sergeant Tristan Kennedy.

The next-generation AS21 Redback infantry fighting vehicle, AS9 Huntsman self-propelled howitzer and AS10 armoured ammunition resupply vehicle were loaded on and off HMAS Canberra and her landing craft.

Project Director for LAND 400 Phase 3 (infantry fighting vehicles), Colonel Marek Janiszewski, said the trials proved the deployability and interoperability of the new vehicles.

“These trials have demonstrated that the vehicles are able to undertake littoral operations,” Colonel Janiszewski said.

“Testing showed the vehicles are optimised for littoral operations and are able to be projected into the region.”

Colonel Janiszewski said the Redback was one of the most lethal, modern and best-protected infantry fighting vehicles available, and a major uplift in capability for the combined-arms land system.

“We are stepping forward in leaps and bounds with a new upgraded system to provide our soldiers the best ability to fight, succeed at their missions and come home safely to their families,” he said.

The first Australian-made Redbacks are expected to roll off the production line at Avalon, Victoria, next year.

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