Infantry fighting vehicle project shortlist
Hanwha Defense Australia and Rheinmetall Defence Australia have been short-listed to participate in the next stage of evaluation to replace Army’s current fleet of mobility and reconnaissance vehicles.
IMAGE: Contenders for LAND 400 Phase 3 – Hanwha Redback V Rheinmetall Lynx.
LAND 400 Phase 3 will replace M113 armoured personnel carriers, providing the Army with an advanced, world-class infantry fighting vehicle capability.
Minister for Defence Linda Reynolds said the government was investing in the best possible capability to meet the current and emerging threats of our changing geostrategic environment.
“These advanced vehicles will provide new levels of protection, firepower, mobility and enhanced communications,” Minister Reynolds said.
“This project will deliver Australia a brand-new, cutting edge capability, but we will also ensure we are well placed to work together with industry, to grow and develop the capability over the course of its life.
“When fully delivered, the LAND 400 Program will allow Army to successfully sustain mounted close-combat operations against emerging and future threats, as part of an integrated Australian Defence Force.
“I thank all tenderers for their significant effort and the resources invested in supporting Phase 3 of this project.”
Minister for Defence Industry Melissa Price said the LAND 400 Phase 3 program provided an exciting opportunity for Australian industry to contribute to building and maintaining these new infantry fighting vehicles.
“Just as with the Phase 2 combat reconnaissance vehicles [Boxer], Australian industry involvement and Australian workers are vital to this project,” Minister Price said.
“Phase 3 is another important opportunity for Australian industry to deliver leading-edge technology for our Australian Defence Force.
“During the testing-phase, Defence will work with the shortlisted tenderers to ensure small and medium enterprises across Australia have the opportunity to showcase their capabilities.
“The two companies have been assessed as offering vehicles that are best able to meet the requirements of the Army while providing value for money for Defence.
“However, if at any stage of this process there is a need, Defence can invite other tenderers to participate in the shortlist, to make sure we deliver the capability we need to the Army and the best value for the Australian taxpayer.”
The Risk Mitigation Activity will commence later this year, after which, Defence will undertake a final, detailed evaluation of the shortlisted tenders.
A decision on the preferred tenderer to supply the Phase 3 capability will be presented to government for consideration in 2022.
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There is still considerable debate in Army as to who will crew the IFV!
After losing so much of our industrial base when the car industry packed up and went home, it is probably the best result for Australia if Hanwha’s bid wins, solely based on the fact it will give us 2 ultra-modern military production facilities at ether end of the country more or less. The ability to leverage some extra SPH’s into the deal would be nice as well. Obviously we dont know yet which entry will be the better vehicle for the soldiers who will use them, but if it turns out to be 50/50, i can see Hanwha getting the nod. Votes and jobs matter, and it will be Pollies making the decision after all. Whoever wins, i just hope its the best vehicle for the job it is going to perform.