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Australian Army AS9 Huntsman self-propelled howitzers and the AS10 armoured ammunition resupply vehicles are a crucial new capability for Australia’s war preparations, according to comments from Major General Ash Collingburn, commander of the 1st Australian Division.
Major General Collingburn made the comments during a ceremony marking the introduction into service of Australian Army’s first Protected Mobile Fires Battery at Lavarack Barracks, Townsville, on 31 July.
The march past parade was attended by AS9 Huntsman self-propelled howitzer and AS10 armoured ammunition resupply vehicle crews and dignitaries.
“Today is an important day in the history of this regiment. It is also an important day for the 3rd Brigade, the 1st Australian Division, and our Army. This parade formally welcomes the introduction into service of the first Protected Mobile Fires Battery to Army. It marks the arrival of one of the most significant advances in Army’s artillery capability in generations,” MAJGEN Collingburn said.
“First, I want to congratulate all of the warriors on parade today. It was an excellent turnout, combat-oriented and a spectacle befitting such an important occasion for this regiment. The standard observed this morning reflects your discipline, pride and professionalism.
“The platforms on parade today are impressive. They represent Army’s modernisation, a major investment in fires, and years of effort across Defence, Army, industry and government. But today is not simply about new equipment. It is about warfighting advantage. It is about making our soldiers more lethal, more mobile and more survivable on the battlefield.
“That matters because the strategic environment is becoming more contested, more uncertain and less forgiving. Make no mistake, I am preparing our expeditionary division for war. We do not choose the circumstances in which the nation may ask us to serve, but we absolutely have a responsibility to be ready. That is our duty.
“Readiness is not created after a crisis begins. It is built over time through hard training, technical mastery, disciplined leadership and a relentless focus on warfighting. That is why today’s parade is so significant. It recognises not only the arrival of a new capability, but also the work already done by this regiment to prepare for war.
“Over the past year, the officers and soldiers of 4th Regiment have continued to demonstrate the professionalism that has long characterised Australian gunners, from the Boer War through to Afghanistan. While preparing for major change, you have remained focused on your current role and current capabilities.
“Through a range of exercises this year, or what I refer to as rehearsals, you have sharpened your technical mastery and enhanced your battle-worthiness. You have conducted demanding gunnery across multiple levels of training, including danger close missions, high-angle engagements and advanced methods of employment. You have tested your systems, challenged your standards and pursued warfighting excellence.
“That effort matters. New technology only becomes decisive when it is placed in the hands of confident, competent and disciplined soldiers. The effort and commitment of this regiment gives me great confidence as you fight with these new guns.
“The AS9 Huntsman self-propelled howitzers and the AS10 armoured ammunition resupply vehicles are a fundamental leap in capability. This is not simply a replacement gun system. It is a step change in how Army employs fires in the close fight.
“The AS9 brings protection, mobility, responsiveness, accuracy, lethality and survivability. On a battlefield shaped by persistent surveillance, precision strike, uncrewed systems, long-range fires and rapid decision making, those qualities are essential. They allow gunners to move, shoot, survive and continue fighting in conditions that will be unforgiving.
“But the value of the AS9 is not only what it can do as an individual platform. Its real value is what it provides as part of Army’s Combined-Arms Land System.
“The 3rd Brigade, as Army’s Armoured Brigade, owns this modern system of war. It includes the main battle tank and Boxer combat reconnaissance vehicle in the 2nd Cavalry Regiment. It includes the assault breacher vehicle and Joint Assault Bridge in the 3rd Combat Engineer Regiment. It includes the future Redback Infantry Fighting Vehicle within the 3rd Battalion, the Royal Australian Regiment. And now, with the AS9 and AS10, it includes protected mobile fires that can fight with, support and sustain the tempo of a heavy armoured formation in the fight.
“Each of these capabilities is potent in its own right. But combined arms is not about individual platforms. Its strength comes from the way these capabilities are brought together: armour, infantry, artillery, engineers, reconnaissance, command and control, logistics and sustainment.
“Properly integrated, they allow a formation to find the enemy, protect itself, breach obstacles, manoeuvre, strike, exploit opportunity and win the close fight.
“For this regiment, the delivery of the first AS9 Battery is rightly a proud moment. But it also brings responsibility. The AS9 will only reach its full potential if you master it as part of the combined arms team. It must support the close fight, enable manoeuvre, shape the battlefield, and provide the fires that allow the brigade to close with and destroy the enemy.
“That is what modern artillery must do. That is what this regiment must now deliver.
“It is also important to acknowledge the many people who have made this possible. Major capability projects are often described in terms of platforms, schedules and milestones. But behind every successful project are people: project teams, industry partners, engineers, logisticians, trainers and many others who have invested years of effort to bring this Australian-built capability to Army.
“Many of those people are with us today. Your work has strengthened Australia’s defence capability and reflects the important contribution of Australian industry to national security. To all of you who have contributed to this journey, thank you. You should take great pride in what has been achieved.
“Today, the regiment has five AS9s and one AS10, which will deploy on Army’s largest advanced collective training activity this year, Exercise Pozieres Run, over the weekend.
“Further platforms will arrive in two subsequent batches, with another battery expected in the first half of next year and final delivery in the third quarter of 2027. The regiment will continue its journey towards full operational capability in 2028.
“Over the coming years, you must learn, adapt and innovate. You must develop the tactics, techniques and procedures for this capability to fully realise its contribution to the Combined Arms Land System. You must integrate these capabilities into the brigade and divisional fight. You must build confidence in the platform, trust across the team, and mastery within the regiment.
“History shows that military success rarely belongs only to those with the best technology. More often, it belongs to those who learn the fastest, adapt the quickest and employ their capabilities most effectively.
“I have every confidence this regiment will meet that challenge.
“Australian gunners have served the nation with distinction across generations. They have adapted to new technology, embraced new ways of fighting and remained focused on their enduring purpose: delivering timely, accurate and decisive firepower to win the close fight.
“You carry that legacy and that responsibility. Be proud of what has been achieved. Be proud of the capability on parade. But recognise the expectation that comes with it. Army has entrusted this regiment with one of the most advanced artillery systems in the world. The nation has invested in this capability because it matters to our national security.
“Now it is over to you, the men and women of the 4th Regiment, Royal Australian Artillery. Master the AS9. Integrate it into the Combined Arms Fighting System. Strengthen 3rd Brigade as Army’s Armoured Brigade. Generate warfighting advantage for the 1st Australian Division.
“And ensure this capability delivers: more lethal, more responsive, more survivable and more effective land fires for the Australian Army.
“Congratulations on this milestone. I look forward to seeing what this regiment accomplishes in the years ahead. To all those on parade, congratulations on an outstanding performance this morning.”
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