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Australian Army AS9 Huntsman Self-Propelled Howitzers and AS21 Redback Infantry Fighting Vehicles have been transported on a Royal Australian Navy LCM-1E landing craft during sea trials at Garden Island, Sydney Harbour.
Under the watchful eyes of Royal Australian Navy and Australian Army personnel, the vehicles undertook sea trials of land capabilities aboard Canberra-class landing helicopter dock HMAS Canberra at Garden Island, Sydney Harbour in early July this year.
The Trials reportedly consisted of embarkation, deck handling and disembarkation serials, with the tests assessing the maritime deployability of the Australian Army’s next-generation land vehicles, including the AS9 Huntsman Self-Propelled Howitzer, AS10 Armoured Ammunition Resupply Vehicle, and HX81 truck with trailer.
“Led by Capability Acquisition and Sustainment Group, the trials reflect the strength of the enduring partnership between Army and Navy in delivering combined amphibious capability to the Australian Defence Force,” according to a statement from Defence.
“An AS21 Redback Infantry Fighting Vehicle is transported on a Royal Australian Navy Mexeflote landing craft during sea trials at Garden Island, Sydney Harbour.”
Earlier this month, the Australian-made AS9 Huntsman artillery made its battlefield debut after being deployed for the 1st (Australian) Division’s Exercise Pozieres Run at Townsville Field Training Area.
Crews from the Australian Army 3rd Brigade tested the warfighting capability of the self-propelled howitzer in a series of realistic integrated activities.
Commanding Officer 4th Regiment, Royal Australian Artillery Lieutenant Colonel Simon Frewin said it was a game changer for the regiment and as a single fighting vehicle, as opposed to a towed gun, gave commanders more combat options.
“It’s an incredible piece of equipment. It’s loud, faster in and out of action, and can range a long way and has taken a huge leap in the capabilities for this brigade,” he said.
“It comes out of a hide to a firing position in seconds, fires off rounds faster than the M777 and moves very quickly back into a hide, and that means if an enemy does identify us, they are unable to respond in time before the AS9 has already moved to a new position.”
The Australian Army AS9 Huntsman self-propelled howitzers and the AS10 armoured ammunition resupply vehicles had previously been introduced into service under the Australian Army’s first Protected Mobile Fires Battery at Lavarack Barracks, Townsville, on 31 July.
That 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,” said Major General Ash Collingburn, commander of the 1st Australian Division, speaking at the parade on 31 July.
“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.”
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