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Eight new Rosenbauer Panther “S” 6x6 firefighting vehicles have been delivered from Europe three months ahead of schedule to protect defence bases in Australia.
The state‑of‑the‑art firefighting fleet is deployed to protect defence assets at RAAF Base Pearce, HMAS Albatross, RAAF Base Edinburgh and RAAF Base Sale.
Defence’s Director General Estate Service Delivery, Brigadier Gabrielle Follett, joined Ventia at Rosenbauer’s Brisbane headquarters to officially welcome the vehicles.
“This new capability is fundamental to the safe operation of our Defence bases,” BRIG Follett said.
“Our training areas and aerodromes cannot function safely if we do not have a firefighting and emergency response capability and people with specialist experience who work together with us to support the Australian Defence Force.
“Built to the highest international standards, the advanced vehicles will play a critical role in protecting Defence personnel, infrastructure and operational capability under the Base Services Contracts Firefighting Services package awarded to Ventia in June 2024.”
Each Panther “S” 6x6 vehicle carries 8,000 litres of water and 1,200 litres of firefighting agent, with pumping capacity of up to 7,000 litres per minute.
Powered by a 700‑horsepower engine, the vehicles can accelerate from zero to 80km/h in under 29 seconds and reach speeds of up to 115km/h, enabling rapid response in high‑risk environments.
“The new fleet will significantly enhance on‑base emergency readiness. They will be based at RAAF Base Pearce, HMAS Albatross and RAAF Base Edinburgh and RAAF Base Sale,” said John Rogers, executive general manager, defence at Ventia.
To ensure mission readiness, Ventia deployed senior aviation firefighters to Rosenbauer’s manufacturing facility in Austria last year to conduct rigorous factory acceptance testing, including detailed inspections of safety systems, controls and performance.
“Rosenbauer Australia is proud to support Ventia and the Department of Defence with the delivery of the new Panther “S” fleet,” said spokesperson Kylie Legge for Rosenbauer Australia.
“Hosting the welcome event at our Brisbane headquarters was a great opportunity to showcase the capability of these vehicles and the collaboration behind the program.
“These world-class firefighting vehicles will play a vital role in protecting Defence personnel and infrastructure across Australia.”
The Panther fire trucks will be delivered to the bases throughout April.
