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The Canberra-based SME has been selected to provide support services for Hanwha Defense Australia’s artillery systems program.
Hanwha Defense Australia has entered into a partnership with KBR subsidiary Sigma Bravo, which has been tasked with delivering training packages and training equipment to support the AS9 Huntsman Self-Propelled Howitzer and AS10 Armoured Ammunition Resupply Vehicle.
The projects form part of the Commonwealth government’s LAND 8116 Phase 1 program — a $900 million-$1.3 billion procurement of self-propelled artillery systems manufactured in the greater Geelong area of Victoria.
Sigma Bravo’s training services are set to include the development of learning management packages through the Systems Approach to Defence Learning (SADL), and a range of computer-based training solutions.
The work is expected to generate up to 30 jobs over three years with ongoing support, with most of the services to be delivered within greater Melbourne.
“The agreement will enable the delivery of exceptional products and training support with a partner of impeccable pedigree,” Richard Cho, managing director of Hanwha Defense Australia, said.
“Sigma Bravo’s experience matched to the quality of their training products made partnering with them an easy choice that will deliver genuine capability and value-for money.”
Tim Wedding, managing director of Sigma Bravo, welcomed the opportunity to collaborate with Hanwha.
“It’s great to collaborate with a company like Hanwha Defense Australia to deliver cutting edge solutions to new capabilities such as the Self-Propelled Howitzers,” he said.
“The breadth and depth of our team’s experience will assist in navigating the delivery schedule and ensure we deliver best practice training solutions for this new capability.”
According to Hanwha, the firm will explore other partnership opportunities with Sigma Bravo for across Australian and global defence programs.
Hanwha’s project pipeline includes its bid for the $18-$27 billion LAND 400 Phase 3 contract, with the firm proposing its Redback IFV to replace the Army’s existing M113 fleet.
The Redback is competing against Rheinmetall’s Lynx, with the IFVs currently undergoing risk mitigation activities.
[Related: Hanwha’s Redback IFV to begin trials for South Korean military]
Charbel Kadib
News Editor – Defence and Security, Momentum Media
Prior to joining the defence and aerospace team in 2020, Charbel was news editor of The Adviser and Mortgage Business, where he covered developments in the banking and financial services sector for three years. Charbel has a keen interest in geopolitics and international relations, graduating from the University of Notre Dame with a double major in politics and journalism. Charbel has also completed internships with The Australian Department of Communications and the Arts and public relations agency Fifty Acres.
