Parade introduces new weapon system
The Australian Army officially brought its first protected mobile fires battery into service during a parade at Lavarack Barracks, Townsville, on 31 July 2026 [officially reported on 12 August].
CAPTION: AS9 Huntsman self-propelled howitzer crews stand in review order awaiting inspection during a parade marking the new artillery system’s introduction into service as Army’s first protected mobile fires battery at Lavarack Barracks, Townsville. Story by Captain Andrew Page. Photo by Private Gregory.
The parade marked the formal introduction of the AS9 Huntsman self-propelled howitzer capability to Army’s 3rd Brigade.
Soldiers from 106 Battery, 4th Regiment, Royal Australian Artillery, recently completed Australia’s inaugural AS9 operator training at the School of Artillery in Puckapunyal, Victoria, before returning to Townsville to form the new battery.
Commader 1st Division Major General Ash Collingburn said the parade marked one of the most significant advances in Army’s artillery capability in generations.
“This is not simply about new equipment – it is about warfighting advantage and making our soldiers more lethal, more mobile and more survivable on the battlefield,” Major General Collingburn said.
AS9 is a tracked 155mm self-propelled howitzer, supported by an AS10 armoured ammunition resupply vehicle.
July’s parade followed the delivery of six AS9s and one AS10 to 106 Battery.
Commanding Officer of the regiment Lieutenant Colonel Simon Frewin said bringing the capability into service was a significant milestone for 4 Regiment and the soldiers of 106 Battery.
“I couldn’t be prouder of the men and women of 106 Battery, who have worked incredibly hard to introduce this capability into service,” Lieutenant Colonel Frewin said.
“They are now ready to take the AS9 and AS10 into the field, build their collective proficiency and demonstrate what protected mobile fires can deliver for 3rd Brigade.”
The battery will now transition from individual qualification to collective training during Exercise Pozieres Run, where soldiers will begin integrating the capability into brigade operations.
Battery guide Sergeant Dale Chivers said soldiers were eager to apply the skills developed during four months of training.
“The training was time well spent, and the soldiers are chomping at the bit to get these platforms into the field and put them through their paces,” Sergeant Chivers said.
“We can come into action in about 30 seconds, fire our missions and move quickly.
“That improves our survivability on the battlefield and allows us to keep pace with the brigade.”
4th Regiment will continue developing the tactics, techniques and procedures needed to integrate the capability into brigade and divisional operations as it works towards full operational capability in 2028.
Australia’s protected mobile fires capability will eventually comprise 30 AS9s and 15 AS10s.
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