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New heavy land and combat vehicles have undergone transport trials on HMAS Adelaide as part of their test for operational readiness.
In a trial conducted with HMAS Adelaide, the flexible transport mobility of new land and combat vehicles have been tested in Australian waters.
Next-generation M1A2 Abrams tanks and Block II Boxer combat reconnaissance vehicles were aboard the largest ship in the Royal Australian Navy to ensure the equipment prepared is operationally ready.
Colonel Ben Shepherd, project director Fundamental Inputs to Capability, noted the importance of testing the sea transportability of weaponry in order to guarantee effectiveness, saying: “Testing their integration and mobility with the Navy’s [landing helicopter docks] LHDs demonstrates that we can move these vehicles rapidly and safely into areas where our forces are needed most.
“Land combat vehicles have proven critical to support regional security and protect our soldiers.”
Transport tests are a “critical” component of ensuring the armour is prepared for deployment and demonstrating operational readiness. Sea transportation is often a favoured method of transportation for heavy armour vehicles, as the increased flexibility and speed allows the RAN to provide regional assistance, relief and security at more efficient and effective rates.
HMAS Adelaide was chosen as the transport for the trial, as features such as its shallow draft were intentionally built to operate in ports and coastal areas otherwise inaccessible by larger vessels, making it “an ideal platform for amphibious operations”.
Land Combat Vehicle program director Army Colonel David Hughes shared how the trial is significant in ensuring that combined arms systems work together effectively into littoral regions.
“This activity proves that Army’s newest armoured vehicles are truly part of the integrated joint force, thanks to the hard work and training by the soldiers of the 3rd Brigade, and the excellent support by Navy and CASG,” he said.
“This ensures that, wherever Australia’s interests are, Army can be there with the right capability at the right time.”
