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Defence Minister Linda Reynolds and Defence Industry Minister Melissa Price have officially confirmed the two down-select contenders for the Australian Army’s multibillion LAND 400 Phase 3 program. 

Defence Connect can tonight (16 September) confirm the selection of Hanwha Defense Australia and Rheinmetall Defence Australia as the two successful contenders for the Army’s investment to change its current fleet of mobility and reconnaissance vehicles.

The LAND 400 Phase 3 program will replace the M113 Armoured Personnel Carriers, providing the Army with an advanced, world-class Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV) capability.

Both options will provide the Army with a range of capabilities:

• Hanwha Defense Systems AS21 Redback: The AS21 will include the capability to integrate active protection systems into an evolved turret system. The Redback will be capable of hosting a crew of 11 (three crew, eight troops), a top road speed of 70km/h, cross country speed of 40km/h, an operational range of 500 kilometres, with an armament consisting of a 40mm autocannon and a single 7.62mm coaxial machine gun.  
• Rheinmetall Lynx KF-41: The Lynx KF41 will include the capability to support a crew of 12 (three crew, up to nine troops), have a max road speed of 70km/h, a road range of more than 500 kilometres, with an armament consisting of the Lance 2.0 30-35mm autocannon, a 7.62mm coaxial machine gun and a variety of additional close-in weapons systems.

Defence Minister Linda Reynolds said: “These advanced vehicles will provide new levels of protection, firepower, mobility and enhanced communications. This project will deliver Australia a brand-new, cutting-edge capability. But we will also ensure we are well placed to work together with industry, to grow and develop the capability over the course of its life.”

“When fully delivered, the LAND 400 program will allow Army to successfully sustain mounted close combat operations against emerging and future threats, as part of an integrated Australian Defence Force. I thank all tenderers for their significant effort and the resources invested in supporting Phase 3 of this project,” she said.

Defence Industry Minister Melissa Price welcomed the announcement and stressed the importance of Australian Industry Content in the multibillion recapitalisation effort, saying the program provides an exciting opportunity for Australian industry to contribute to building and maintaining the new IFVs.

“Just as with the Phase 2 Combat Reconnaissance Vehicles, Australian industry involvement and Australian workers are vital to this project.”

“Phase 3 is another important opportunity for Australian industry to deliver leading-edge technology for our Australian Defence Force,” Minister Price said. 

According to Minister Price, during the testing phase, Defence will work with the shortlisted tenderers to ensure small and medium enterprises across Australia have the opportunity to showcase their capabilities.

“The two companies have been assessed as offering vehicles that are best able to meet the requirements of the Army while providing value for money for Defence,” she said.

“However, if at any stage of this process there is a need, Defence can invite other tenderers to participate in the shortlist – to make sure we deliver the capability we need to the Army and the best value for the Australian taxpayer,” she added. 

Hanwha responds with humility

Successful contender Hanwha Defense Australia (HDA) welcomed the government’s announcement, saying, “The recent announcement of HDA being successfully selected to attend the competitive LAND 400 Phase 3 RMA is a humbling one and a great responsibility; HDA will strive to deliver a capability worthy of the Australian Army.”

Hanwha took the opportunity to reinforce the capability the AS21 Redback will bring to the Australian Army, saying, “The Redback IFV technologies originate from countries where capabilities are needed to defeat constant real-world threats. Our approach to service is further augmented by the fact that many of the Hanwha team have family members who have served or are currently serving in our various vehicle technologies. It is with this in mind that we will approach our delivery to the Australian Army during the RMA period. 

“The Redback IFV is a fifth-generation combat vehicle for the Royal Australian Infantry characterised around a design to fight and win against peer competitors. The Redback is a vehicle which has been purpose-built to meet the requirements for the Australian user. Recognising that the solider system lies at the heart of this vehicle, the Redback has integrated active protection systems, comfortable space for eight Australian Infantry dismounts, rubber tracks to improve ride quality, and significant additional growth margins to accommodate additional upgrades and as much kit as the Infantry soldier requires,” Hanwha’s statement highlighted. 

Finally, Hanwha reinforced its commitment to supporting the Australian Army’s LAND 8116 Protected Mobile Fires Program, providing the latest variant of the K9, to be called the “Huntsman” in Australian service and to be assembled in Geelong. 

“Integrating our production facility to manufacture both Redback IFV and Huntsman SPH will result in cost and schedule efficiencies for the Commonwealth, noting that both platforms share commonality. Hanwha and the Redback Team stand ready to bring the world’s newest IFV to Australian shores in 2020,” Hanwha stated. 

Rheinmetall spruiks it's Lynx

Not to be outdone, Rheinmetall also welcomed the announcement of its successful down-select, with the release stating: "Lynx KF41 is a next generation tracked, networked and highly protected IFV which meets the stringent military requirements of LAND 400 Phase 3. The Australian Army needs a networked, protected and enabled IFV for close combat - to close in and defeat an enemy in the most dangerous and lethal environments for Australian soldiers."

Rheinmetall will deliver three Lynx IFVs to compete in RMA trials to be conducted in Australia. If successful, the Lynx IFV fleet will be manufactured in Queensland at Rheinmetall’s new Military Vehicle Centre of Excellence at Redbank south west of Brisbane. 

"We welcome the Commonwealth’s decision to select Lynx KF41 for the RMA trials and look forward to demonstrating the capability of our next generation infantry fighting vehicle," explained, Rheinmetall Defence Australia Managing Director, Gary Stewart.

Mr Stewart added, "We believe Lynx is the best vehicle in its class for Australian needs and it sets new standards in protection, mobility, lethality and knowledge needed to survive and defeat any adversary. Rheinmetall has developed this vehicle so it is positioned at an ideal level of maturity when Australia needs it to enter service in 2026 - and it has the inherent growth capacity and a growth path to extend these capabilities through its 40+ year life."

LAND 400 Phase 3 is a $10 billion-$15 billion program, which will recapitalise the Army’s Vietnam-era M113 Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC) force, with a combination of a tracked IFV and tracked APC.

The Risk Mitigation Activity will commence later this year. Following its completion, Defence will undertake a final detailed evaluation of the shortlisted tenders.

A decision on the preferred tenderer to supply the Phase 3 capability will be presented to government for consideration in 2022.

Lockheed Martin has announced the appointment of its new Australia and New Zealand chief executive, taking over the role from interim CEO Scott Thompson.

Defence Connect can confirm that Joe North has been appointed chief executive, Lockheed Martin Australia and New Zealand, with Thompson assuming the newly created position of deputy country executive, Lockheed Martin Australia and New Zealand. 

Over a career that has spanned 30 years with Lockheed Martin, North has a proven record of leading the delivery of capability platforms, most recently as vice president of Lockheed Martin’s Rotary and Mission Systems (RMS) operations for Australia and New Zealand. 

During his time with Lockheed Martin, he has provided an environment of innovation and entrepreneurship for employees, leading major capability programs for the US Navy. In recent years he has led the Lockheed Martin LCS program, supporting new construction (of 14 ships), class services, sustainment and international efforts, including five years spent in Japan focusing on delivering Japanese self defence capability in the maritime domain. 

North said he was proud to have the opportunity to lead Lockheed Martin Australia and New Zealand at what is a critical period for the modernisation of Australia’s defence capability.

"Lockheed Martin is at the forefront of delivering state-of-the-art defence capabilities for Australia in the air, sea and space domains, and I am proud to be able to contribute to this critical transformation. I am also extremely privileged to have the opportunity to lead such an exemplary team as we focus on delivering for our customers and support the continued development of a sovereign defence capability for Australia," he said. 

As CEO, North will lead the growth of Lockheed Martin’s Australian and New Zealand businesses both domestically and for international export, as well as serving as the lead representative in the delivery of Lockheed Martin’s programs, products and services. North will report to executive vice president for Lockheed International, Rick Edwards. 

A former Royal Australian Navy officer, Thompson joined Lockheed Martin in 2004 and has had a distinguished career, most recently as director of strategic engagement for Lockheed Martin Australia and New Zealand. 

In that role, Thompson had oversight of Australian business growth activities and managing the corporation’s Australian community engagement initiatives.

Immediately prior to this appointment, Thompson was interim CEO of Lockheed Martin Australia and New Zealand. As deputy country executive, he will continue his focus on government and customer relations, reporting to North. 

Edwards said the appointments were a clear indication of Lockheed Martin’s ongoing customer focus and commitment to program delivery in Australia and New Zealand. 

"Joe has proven himself in leadership roles on significant programs and his appointment as chief executive demonstrates we remain committed to delivering for our customers in Australia and New Zealand. With his experience, Joe will provide a critical link to our US technological backbone and expertise which is critical to ensuring we can continue to support the development of a future sovereign defence capability for Australia," Edwards said. 

Commenting on his appointment, Thompson confirmed his core focus would remain on ensuring Lockheed Martin remained Australia’s partner of choice for defence, aerospace, sustainment and technology solutions.

"Lockheed Martin has continued to grow its presence in Australia and New Zealand through a focus on putting the needs of our customers first and delivering the innovative ‘future generation’ technologies these nations need to secure their national interests. We will continue to partner with local industry and research organisations, and we remain committed to delivering sustainable development in the regions and investing in local communities," Thompson said. 

Headquartered in Canberra, Lockheed Martin Australia is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Lockheed Martin Corporation. The company employs more than 1,000 people in Australia working on a wide range of major programs spanning the aerospace, defence and civil sectors. 

The British government has announced a major new naval shipbuilding program with the revelation of the Type 31 program kickstarting a period of sustained naval shipbuilding, providing parallels to Australia’s own $95 billion naval shipbuilding program.

Thousands of jobs in the British naval shipbuilding industry will be created over the next decade, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced on Thursday, as he pledges to bring shipbuilding back to the UK and strengthen the Royal Navy.

The UK government has committed to buying at least five of these cutting-edge vessels designed by Babcock for the Royal Navy as part of a £1.25 billion contract, with more expected to be exported to governments around the world. The first British Type 31 ship will be in the water by 2023.

Britain's Type 31 program is expected to support over 2,500 jobs across the UK, with different elements of the frigates being assembled and built at British shipyards. At least 150 of these jobs will be for new technical apprenticeships. The ships will be built exclusively in the UK.

Prime Minister Johnson said, "[The] UK is an outward-looking island nation, and we need a shipbuilding industry and Royal Navy that reflect the importance of the seas to our security and prosperity."

The new Type 31 ships will build on the exporting success of the Type 26 frigates, which were designed in the UK and will soon be sailing as part of the British, Australian and Canadian navies.

The government is also committed to realising the UK’s potential to be a world leader in commercial shipbuilding, particularly for cruise ships, ferries and yachts. The leisure, superyacht and small commercial marine sector expanded by 1.7 per cent last year, its seventh consecutive year of growth. Last year the UK was third in global yacht building rankings.

"This is an industry with a deep and visceral connection to so many parts of the UK and to the Union itself. My government will do all it can to develop this aspect of our heritage and the men and women who make up its workforce – from apprentices embarking on a long career, to those families who have worked in shipyards for generations," PM Johnson added. 

To realise this shipbuilding ambition, the Prime Minister has appointed Defence Secretary Ben Wallace as Shipbuilding Tsar. As part of this brief, the Defence Secretary will work across government to enhance the UK’s shipbuilding enterprise, including with the Department for Education, BEIS and the Department for International Trade, which this week launches a new Maritime Trade and Investment Plan.

Secretary Wallace said, "These mighty ships will form the next generation of the Royal Navy fleet. The Type 31 frigates will be a fast, agile and versatile warship, projecting power and influence across the globe.

"The ships will be vital to the Royal Navy’s mission to keeping peace, providing life-saving humanitarian aid and safeguarding the economy across the world from the North Atlantic, to the Gulf, and in the Asia-Pacific."

The Prime Minister’s commitment to reinvigorating the British shipbuilding industry will also strengthen and enhance the capabilities of the Royal Navy and those of our international partners and allies.

The government has pledged to maintain a surface fleet of at least 19 frigates and destroyers and to grow this fleet in the 2030s. The first batch of five Type 31 frigates will help achieve this, by replacing Type 23 frigates.

At a time where the challenges across the world’s seas are increasing, the Type 31 frigates will enable the UK to undertake more missions such as the interception and disruption of those breaching international maritime law, intelligence collection and protecting commercial shipping.

Like the larger Type 26 that will serve with the Royal Australian Navy as the Hunter Class guided missile frigates, the UK expects that the Type 31 will experience the same level of export success, providing similar avenues for Australia's own $95 billion naval shipbuilding program to follow. 

Secretary of State for International Trade Liz Truss expanded on the UK's export plans, stating, "We will make the Type 31 frigate an export success. Like the Type 26 before it, there has been significant interest in the design and capabilities of the Type 31 from around the world.

"Countries are modernising their fleets to safeguard against 21st century naval threats and British-built vessels and maritime technology are in high demand. An outward looking United Kingdom will seize this opportunity as we leave the EU."

Defence Minister Linda Reynolds and Defence Industry Minister Melissa Price have officially confirmed the two down-select contenders for the Australian Army’s multibillion LAND 400 Phase 3 program. 

Defence Connect can tonight (16 September) confirm the selection of Hanwha Defense Australia and Rheinmetall Defence Australia as the two successful contenders for the Army’s investment to change its current fleet of mobility and reconnaissance vehicles.

The LAND 400 Phase 3 program will replace the M113 Armoured Personnel Carriers, providing the Army with an advanced, world-class Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV) capability.

Both options will provide the Army with a range of capabilities:

• Hanwha Defense Systems AS21 Redback: The AS21 will include the capability to integrate active protection systems into an evolved turret system. The Redback will be capable of hosting a crew of 11 (three crew, eight troops), a top road speed of 70km/h, cross country speed of 40km/h, an operational range of 500 kilometres, with an armament consisting of a 40mm autocannon and a single 7.62mm coaxial machine gun.  
• Rheinmetall Lynx KF-41: The Lynx KF41 will include the capability to support a crew of 12 (three crew, up to nine troops), have a max road speed of 70km/h, a road range of more than 500 kilometres, with an armament consisting of the Lance 2.0 30-35mm autocannon, a 7.62mm coaxial machine gun and a variety of additional close-in weapons systems.

Defence Minister Linda Reynolds said: “These advanced vehicles will provide new levels of protection, firepower, mobility and enhanced communications. This project will deliver Australia a brand-new, cutting-edge capability. But we will also ensure we are well placed to work together with industry, to grow and develop the capability over the course of its life.”

“When fully delivered, the LAND 400 program will allow Army to successfully sustain mounted close combat operations against emerging and future threats, as part of an integrated Australian Defence Force. I thank all tenderers for their significant effort and the resources invested in supporting Phase 3 of this project,” she said.

Defence Industry Minister Melissa Price welcomed the announcement and stressed the importance of Australian Industry Content in the multibillion recapitalisation effort, saying the program provides an exciting opportunity for Australian industry to contribute to building and maintaining the new IFVs.

“Just as with the Phase 2 Combat Reconnaissance Vehicles, Australian industry involvement and Australian workers are vital to this project.”

“Phase 3 is another important opportunity for Australian industry to deliver leading-edge technology for our Australian Defence Force,” Minister Price said. 

According to Minister Price, during the testing phase, Defence will work with the shortlisted tenderers to ensure small and medium enterprises across Australia have the opportunity to showcase their capabilities.

“The two companies have been assessed as offering vehicles that are best able to meet the requirements of the Army while providing value for money for Defence,” she said.

“However, if at any stage of this process there is a need, Defence can invite other tenderers to participate in the shortlist – to make sure we deliver the capability we need to the Army and the best value for the Australian taxpayer,” she added. 

Hanwha responds with humility

Successful contender Hanwha Defense Australia (HDA) welcomed the government’s announcement, saying, “The recent announcement of HDA being successfully selected to attend the competitive LAND 400 Phase 3 RMA is a humbling one and a great responsibility; HDA will strive to deliver a capability worthy of the Australian Army.”

Hanwha took the opportunity to reinforce the capability the AS21 Redback will bring to the Australian Army, saying, “The Redback IFV technologies originate from countries where capabilities are needed to defeat constant real-world threats. Our approach to service is further augmented by the fact that many of the Hanwha team have family members who have served or are currently serving in our various vehicle technologies. It is with this in mind that we will approach our delivery to the Australian Army during the RMA period. 

“The Redback IFV is a fifth-generation combat vehicle for the Royal Australian Infantry characterised around a design to fight and win against peer competitors. The Redback is a vehicle which has been purpose-built to meet the requirements for the Australian user. Recognising that the solider system lies at the heart of this vehicle, the Redback has integrated active protection systems, comfortable space for eight Australian Infantry dismounts, rubber tracks to improve ride quality, and significant additional growth margins to accommodate additional upgrades and as much kit as the Infantry soldier requires,” Hanwha’s statement highlighted. 

Finally, Hanwha reinforced its commitment to supporting the Australian Army’s LAND 8116 Protected Mobile Fires Program, providing the latest variant of the K9, to be called the “Huntsman” in Australian service and to be assembled in Geelong. 

“Integrating our production facility to manufacture both Redback IFV and Huntsman SPH will result in cost and schedule efficiencies for the Commonwealth, noting that both platforms share commonality. Hanwha and the Redback Team stand ready to bring the world’s newest IFV to Australian shores in 2020,” Hanwha stated. 

Rheinmetall spruiks it's Lynx

Not to be outdone, Rheinmetall also welcomed the announcement of its successful down-select, with the release stating: "Lynx KF41 is a next generation tracked, networked and highly protected IFV which meets the stringent military requirements of LAND 400 Phase 3. The Australian Army needs a networked, protected and enabled IFV for close combat - to close in and defeat an enemy in the most dangerous and lethal environments for Australian soldiers."

Rheinmetall will deliver three Lynx IFVs to compete in RMA trials to be conducted in Australia. If successful, the Lynx IFV fleet will be manufactured in Queensland at Rheinmetall’s new Military Vehicle Centre of Excellence at Redbank south west of Brisbane. 

"We welcome the Commonwealth’s decision to select Lynx KF41 for the RMA trials and look forward to demonstrating the capability of our next generation infantry fighting vehicle," explained, Rheinmetall Defence Australia Managing Director, Gary Stewart.

Mr Stewart added, "We believe Lynx is the best vehicle in its class for Australian needs and it sets new standards in protection, mobility, lethality and knowledge needed to survive and defeat any adversary. Rheinmetall has developed this vehicle so it is positioned at an ideal level of maturity when Australia needs it to enter service in 2026 - and it has the inherent growth capacity and a growth path to extend these capabilities through its 40+ year life."

LAND 400 Phase 3 is a $10 billion-$15 billion program, which will recapitalise the Army’s Vietnam-era M113 Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC) force, with a combination of a tracked IFV and tracked APC.

The Risk Mitigation Activity will commence later this year. Following its completion, Defence will undertake a final detailed evaluation of the shortlisted tenders.

A decision on the preferred tenderer to supply the Phase 3 capability will be presented to government for consideration in 2022.

Defence Minister Linda Reynolds and Defence Industry Minister Melissa Price have officially confirmed the two down-select contenders for the Australian Army’s multibillion LAND 400 Phase 3 program. 

Defence Connect can tonight (16 September) confirm the selection of Hanwha Defense Australia and Rheinmetall Defence Australia as the two successful contenders for the Army’s investment to change its current fleet of mobility and reconnaissance vehicles.

The LAND 400 Phase 3 program will replace the M113 Armoured Personnel Carriers, providing the Army with an advanced, world-class Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV) capability.

Both options will provide the Army with a range of capabilities:

• Hanwha Defense Systems AS21 Redback: The AS21 will include the capability to integrate active protection systems into an evolved turret system. The Redback will be capable of hosting a crew of 11 (three crew, eight troops), a top road speed of 70km/h, cross country speed of 40km/h, an operational range of 500 kilometres, with an armament consisting of a 40mm autocannon and a single 7.62mm coaxial machine gun.  
• Rheinmetall Lynx KF-41: The Lynx KF41 will include the capability to support a crew of 12 (three crew, up to nine troops), have a max road speed of 70km/h, a road range of more than 500 kilometres, with an armament consisting of the Lance 2.0 30-35mm autocannon, a 7.62mm coaxial machine gun and a variety of additional close-in weapons systems.

Defence Minister Linda Reynolds said: “These advanced vehicles will provide new levels of protection, firepower, mobility and enhanced communications. This project will deliver Australia a brand-new, cutting-edge capability. But we will also ensure we are well placed to work together with industry, to grow and develop the capability over the course of its life.”

“When fully delivered, the LAND 400 program will allow Army to successfully sustain mounted close combat operations against emerging and future threats, as part of an integrated Australian Defence Force. I thank all tenderers for their significant effort and the resources invested in supporting Phase 3 of this project,” she said.

Defence Industry Minister Melissa Price welcomed the announcement and stressed the importance of Australian Industry Content in the multibillion recapitalisation effort, saying the program provides an exciting opportunity for Australian industry to contribute to building and maintaining the new IFVs.

“Just as with the Phase 2 Combat Reconnaissance Vehicles, Australian industry involvement and Australian workers are vital to this project.”

“Phase 3 is another important opportunity for Australian industry to deliver leading-edge technology for our Australian Defence Force,” Minister Price said. 

According to Minister Price, during the testing phase, Defence will work with the shortlisted tenderers to ensure small and medium enterprises across Australia have the opportunity to showcase their capabilities.

“The two companies have been assessed as offering vehicles that are best able to meet the requirements of the Army while providing value for money for Defence,” she said.

“However, if at any stage of this process there is a need, Defence can invite other tenderers to participate in the shortlist – to make sure we deliver the capability we need to the Army and the best value for the Australian taxpayer,” she added. 

Hanwha responds with humility

Successful contender Hanwha Defense Australia (HDA) welcomed the government’s announcement, saying, “The recent announcement of HDA being successfully selected to attend the competitive LAND 400 Phase 3 RMA is a humbling one and a great responsibility; HDA will strive to deliver a capability worthy of the Australian Army.”

Hanwha took the opportunity to reinforce the capability the AS21 Redback will bring to the Australian Army, saying, “The Redback IFV technologies originate from countries where capabilities are needed to defeat constant real-world threats. Our approach to service is further augmented by the fact that many of the Hanwha team have family members who have served or are currently serving in our various vehicle technologies. It is with this in mind that we will approach our delivery to the Australian Army during the RMA period. 

“The Redback IFV is a fifth-generation combat vehicle for the Royal Australian Infantry characterised around a design to fight and win against peer competitors. The Redback is a vehicle which has been purpose-built to meet the requirements for the Australian user. Recognising that the solider system lies at the heart of this vehicle, the Redback has integrated active protection systems, comfortable space for eight Australian Infantry dismounts, rubber tracks to improve ride quality, and significant additional growth margins to accommodate additional upgrades and as much kit as the Infantry soldier requires,” Hanwha’s statement highlighted. 

Finally, Hanwha reinforced its commitment to supporting the Australian Army’s LAND 8116 Protected Mobile Fires Program, providing the latest variant of the K9, to be called the “Huntsman” in Australian service and to be assembled in Geelong. 

“Integrating our production facility to manufacture both Redback IFV and Huntsman SPH will result in cost and schedule efficiencies for the Commonwealth, noting that both platforms share commonality. Hanwha and the Redback Team stand ready to bring the world’s newest IFV to Australian shores in 2020,” Hanwha stated. 

Rheinmetall spruiks it's Lynx

Not to be outdone, Rheinmetall also welcomed the announcement of its successful down-select, with the release stating: "Lynx KF41 is a next generation tracked, networked and highly protected IFV which meets the stringent military requirements of LAND 400 Phase 3. The Australian Army needs a networked, protected and enabled IFV for close combat - to close in and defeat an enemy in the most dangerous and lethal environments for Australian soldiers."

Rheinmetall will deliver three Lynx IFVs to compete in RMA trials to be conducted in Australia. If successful, the Lynx IFV fleet will be manufactured in Queensland at Rheinmetall’s new Military Vehicle Centre of Excellence at Redbank south west of Brisbane. 

"We welcome the Commonwealth’s decision to select Lynx KF41 for the RMA trials and look forward to demonstrating the capability of our next generation infantry fighting vehicle," explained, Rheinmetall Defence Australia Managing Director, Gary Stewart.

Mr Stewart added, "We believe Lynx is the best vehicle in its class for Australian needs and it sets new standards in protection, mobility, lethality and knowledge needed to survive and defeat any adversary. Rheinmetall has developed this vehicle so it is positioned at an ideal level of maturity when Australia needs it to enter service in 2026 - and it has the inherent growth capacity and a growth path to extend these capabilities through its 40+ year life."

LAND 400 Phase 3 is a $10 billion-$15 billion program, which will recapitalise the Army’s Vietnam-era M113 Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC) force, with a combination of a tracked IFV and tracked APC.

The Risk Mitigation Activity will commence later this year. Following its completion, Defence will undertake a final detailed evaluation of the shortlisted tenders.

A decision on the preferred tenderer to supply the Phase 3 capability will be presented to government for consideration in 2022.

A group of diverse contenders have launched their final bids to replace and, in some cases, enhance the Australian Army’s armed reconnaissance helicopter capability.

The Australian Army is planning to replace the current fleet of EC665 Tiger armed reconnaissance helicopters (ARH) from the mid-2020s as identified in the 2016 Defence White Paper: "The government will replace the 22 Tiger armed reconnaissance helicopters with a new armed reconnaissance capability from the
mid-2020s."

The acquisition strategy aims to reduce operational and in-service risk, and to allow the Australian Army to rapidly achieve operational milestones for the replacement armed reconnaissance capability, while achieving value for money.

LAND 4503's program of delivery aims to support the Australian Army and is designed to contribute to the creation of the modernisation and development of a 'networked and hardened' Army, the acquisition is broken down into three delivery stages beginning with projected IOC in 2026 and FOC in 2028, including: 

1. Up to 24 aircraft would be based at one primary location and another five are intended at a training location. The aircraft fleet may also be co-located in one primary location, however this is yet to be determined.
2. IOC for LAND 4503 is based on a squadron of up to 12 aircraft. This organisation would be capable of generating a deployable troop of four aircraft, continued force generation of four aircraft, and an initial build-up training element of four aircraft. IOC will be supported by trained personnel and support systems.
3. FOC for LAND 4503 is based on a regiment of up to 24 aircraft. This organisation would be capable of generating multiple concurrent deployed forces of up to squadron size. FOC will also be supported by a mature training system of up to five aircraft, with trained personnel and support systems.

Bell's Viper prepared to strike

Bell, a subsidiary of Textron, is presenting the AH-1Z Viper, currently in service with the US Marine Corps, which has been designed and built to support the expeditionary and maritime-centric focus of operations conducted by the US Marines.

A Bell spokesperson told Defence Connect, "The AH-1Z Viper is the only marinised attack helicopter that offers:

1. An increase in capability – can conduct air-to-air and air-to-ground on the same sortie simultaneously; and can operate equally well afloat or ashore without any degradation in capabilities;
2. An increase in safety - specifically designed for overwater missions, and for shipboard and expeditionary environments;
3. A decrease in risk – made to operate on board ship with proven capabilities and without any degradation in capability, thus providing low cost options to government; and
4. A decrease in acquisition costs and total cost of ownership – significantly lowest cost per flight hour and total life cycle cost, no requirement for expensive contractor maintenance."

Marinisation also includes all new advanced composite rotor blades and yoke style main rotor hubs that significantly outperform legacy “strap-pack” type systems, which are prone to corrosion and failure.

It also includes semi-automatic blade folding for quick stowage either on board ship or for rapid C-17 deployment, rotor brakes, ease of maintenance, electromagnetic environmental effects (E3) hardening, which provides safety against the ship’s powerful radars and other sensors from interfering with aircraft on board weapons and systems.  

"The combat proven Bell AH-1Z Viper is the only marinised attack helicopter in the world that is specifically designed and built for expeditionary and maritime operations. Marinisation is more than just corrosion protection against saltwater. Unlike unproven and costly add-ons, Bell’s marinisation begins at aircraft design and is built into the aircraft at point of manufacture to ensure conformity to shipboard operations," explained Javier 'Nerf' Ball, international campaign manager, Asia, global military sales and strategy.

The government has brought the LAND 4503 Armed Reconnaissance Helicopter Replacement program forward and aims to acquire a proven and mature, off-the-shelf manned armed helicopter to deliver armed reconnaissance effects in the close and deep contested battlespace in support of the Australian Defence Force.  

The work horse – Boeing's Apache

Boeing has confirmed the AH-64E Apache as its offering for LAND 4503 – Apache is flown by the US and 15 other countries, has recorded more than 4.5 million flight hours with the US Army alone. There are currently 1,180 Apaches in service today.

Terry Jamison, global sales and marketing, defence, space and security at Boeing said, "Boeing’s AH-64E Apache is known for its survivability, sustainability, interoperability and reconnaissance capability. As an Apache operator, Australia would join coalition countries, including the US and UK, and regional partners Singapore, Indonesia, Japan and the Republic of Korea."

Boeing's media release identified a number of benefits for the Australian government, namely the modernisation process currently upgrading the US fleet of Apache's, which will see the platform upgraded through the late-2040s and beyond to ensure global fleet partners continue to operate the most advanced multi-role combat helicopter for decades to come.

Darren Edwards, vice president and managing director, Boeing Defence Australia, said, "The benefits of Apache for Australia are more significant than continued platform upgrades. Boeing plans to deliver support services in-country and engage local suppliers to maximise Australian industry involvement for the ARH replacement program."

The incumbent - ARH Tiger

Airbus Helicopters is offering a cost-effective approach for taking the Tiger platform beyond 2040, in response to the Australian government's request for information (RFI) for the Project LAND 4503 Armed Reconnaissance Capability.

Airbus is the manufacturer of the tandem seat Tiger helicopters introduced to the Australian Army in 2004. Eighteen of the 22 units were assembled at the Airbus site in Brisbane, Australia. The fleet has been supported in Australia for more than 15 years.

The Airbus Helicopters proposal will offer the Australian Army and taxpayer with more than $3 billion in savings against the expected budget for LAND 4503.

Andrew Mathewson, Airbus Australia Pacific managing director, explained, "Airbus proudly delivers a strong Australian industry capability, including more than 260 local staff supporting Tiger."

Globally, 181 Tigers have been delivered to Australia, France, Germany and Spain. First deployed by the French Army in Afghanistan in 2009, Tiger continues to demonstrate its essential role in theatres of operation as a highly versatile, stealthy and manoeuvrable attack helicopter.