59 M1A1 AIM SA Abrams and 13 M88 Hercules were purchased to replace the Leopard AS1 in service with the 1st Armoured Regiment. The first M1 equipped sub-units of the regiment became operational in mid-2007. Australia purchased 75 M1A2 SEPv3 tanks from the US to replace current vehicles[1]
At least 211 vehicles on order with deliveries expected to begin in 2019.[6] Part of the LAND 400 Phase 2 program.[7][8] The project includes the option for 11 additional ambulance variants.[9][10]
The Army now has 340 M113AS4 and 91 M113AS3 in service in seven variants.[11][12] The vehicles are used in the armoured reconnaissance and armoured personnel carrier roles. The Army had operated 840 M113A1 vehicles in nine variants.[11] The M113 family of vehicles is scheduled to be replaced under LAND 400 Phase 3, the Request for Tender (RfT) for which was released on 24 August 2018. LAND 400 Phase 3 will replace the M113AS4s with up to 450 infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs) and 17 manoeuvre support vehicles.[13]
M88A2 Recovery Vehicles were purchased in 2007 to support the M1 Abrams tanks. Another 6 was purchased in 2015. [14] A further purchase of 6 was approved in 2021 for a total of 19 vehicles[1]
The Army has ordered 1,100 Hawkei Protected Mobility Vehicles – Light (PMV-L) to partially replace the Land Rover Perentie. It is smaller and around half the weight of the Bushmaster. It is able to be carried underslung by the CH-47F Chinook helicopter.[16]
5,000+ Land Rovers were originally acquired as a fleet of light duty vehicles for transporting stores, equipment and personnel. As of 2017 fewer than 1,500 remain in service.
The Army has purchased a total of 2,268 G-Wagons to partially replace the Land Rover Perentie. There are eight G-Wagon variants including several in a specialized 6X6 configuration, including Mobile Command Post, Surveillance and Reconnaissance, and Ambulance.[17][18][19] Some 4X4 variants are transportable by the RAAF's Alenia C-27J Spartan battlefield airlifters.
In July 2013, Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles (RMMV) Australia was awarded the contract for Project Land 121 (Overlander) Phase 3B. The contract is understood to have a value of AUD1.58 billion (USD1.2 billion) and called for the delivery of 2,536 medium and heavy HX and SX range trucks (later just HX), with deliveries running from 2016 and concluding in 2020. The complete order, which included 1,063 protected trucks, is made up of about 1,600 medium trucks with 4,000 to 6,000 kg payloads, about 800 heavy trucks, most with 15,000 kg payloads and some tank transporters, and just less than 100 recovery vehicles to support the fleet. Overall total and fleet breakdown have revised slightly from those stated at award date. Under a separate AUD400 million contract, 1,799 trailers will be supplied by Australian company Haulmark Trailers.
The first vehicles left RMMV's Vienna plant in July 2015. The first customer handover occurred on 7 April 2016 when six HX77 and six HX40M (plus 70 trailers) were handed over. As part of the award, RMMV Australia will also deliver almost 3,000 modules, with local partners including Sea Box Australia, which will deliver more than 2,100 flatracks for the ILHS system; Varley Group, which will supply more than 550 stores/maintenance modules; Holmwood Highgate, which will supply 276 tankers as well as water and fuel modules; and RPC Technologies, which will provide interface units for Australia's GDELS Ribbon Bridge and support boats, deliveries of which commenced in March 2018, and will conclude by September 2018.[20] Rheinmetall announced on 25 July that Australia had awarded it the LAND 121 Phase 5B contract. RMMVA will deliver more than 1000 logistics trucks and more than 800 modules to the ADF under the new program, which is an extension of the current LAND 121 Phase 3B Project. Deliveries will start in 2019 and will run to 2024.[21]
The Army purchased 31 HMT Extenda MK1 Nary patrol vehicles for use by the Special Air Service Regiment to replace the Long Range Patrol Vehicle to provide armoured protection from IEDs.[22] Its namesake comes from Warrant Officer David Nary who was killed during pre-deployment training in Kuwait for the Iraq War. In addition, 89 HMT Extenda MK2 have been ordered for the 2nd Commando Regiment that will be reconfigurable in four configurations.[23][24][25]
Thirty-five 155 mm M777s were ordered as part of the first phase of the Land 17 project to replace the Army's inventory of towed artillery, with initial deliveries beginning in late 2010.[28] An additional 19 guns were purchased in late 2012 instead of the self-propelled guns previously planned, bringing the total order to 54.
Thirty upgraded RBS-70 short range air defence weapon systems are currently divided between two Air Defence Batteries within the 16th Regiment.[29] More sophisticated Bolide missiles have now been purchased.[30]
In April 2017 the Australian Government awarded Raytheon a contract to produce an unspecified number of NASAMS systems for use with the Australian Army.[31] The batteries, mounted on Hawkei PMVs, will be used by the 16th Regiment.[32] 2 batteries were ordered on 21 June 2019[33]
Modified and upgraded version of the Tiger HAP. These helicopters are planned to be phased out by the mid-2020s by the formal Tiger ARH replacement project.
Replaced the UH-1 Iroquois in 2008, and the Black Hawks in 2017.
UH-60 Black Hawk
United States
Medium lift/utility helicopter
20
The Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk was the Army's primary battlefield lift/utility helicopter. The helicopters were assembled by Hawker de Havilland. Replaced in utility and transport roles by the MRH-90, with 20 aircraft remaining in service with the 6th Aviation Regiment until 2021 to support special forces missions.[36]
Boeing CH-47F Chinook
United States
Heavy lift helicopter
12(14)
The Chinook can be armed with the 7.62×51mm FN MAG 58 general-purpose machine gun and the 7.62×51mm M134D Minigun.[37]
A derivative of the Austrian Steyr AUG STG-77 assault rifle. It is the ADF's standard individual weapon, which replaced the L1A1 SLR and the M16A1 rifle from front-line service in the late 1980s. The weapon is manufactured under licence in Australia by Thales Australia (formerly Australian Defence Industries Ltd). Enhanced F88 (EF88), The Latest variant to improve modularity featuring extended accessories rail, a fixed barrel and bolt catch release. 1RAR will begin to re-equip with the EF88 from June 2015 with a wider roll out from 2016.[48] The ADF has ordered 30,000 of these rifles an August 2015,[49] 8,500 on 13 July 2020.[50]
An Australian variant of the Accuracy International Arctic Warfare, it is the standard-issue sniper rifle in the Australian Army and is chambered for 7.62×51mm. It replaced the Parker Hale Model 82 rifle in the late 1990s. Manufactured under licence in Australia by Thales Australia.
The AW50F is the largest-bore variant of the Arctic Warfare sniper rifles suited to the anti-materiel role. It is chambered for the .50 BMG cartridge, and is primarily used with Raufoss Mk211HEIAP rounds. The AW50F was designed with an Australian-designed and manufactured barrel.
A semi-automatic7.62×51mm sniper rifle. In service with infantry and special forces units of the Australian Army. It has seen service in Iraq, Afghanistan and East Timor.
Light machine gun designated the Light Support Weapon (LSW) chambered for 5.56×45mm NATO. The F89 is also manufactured under licence in Australia by Thales Australia. Special forces units use the Para Minimi variant with a shortened barrel and sliding buttstock.
The Self-Loading Pistol 9 millimetre Mark 3[56] is the standard issue service pistol of the Australian Defence Force, a direct copy of the Browning Hi Power pistol (which has now been discontinued).
Mk 47 Mod 1 Lightweight Automatic Grenade Launcher (LWAGL) fitted with Lightweight Video Sight (LVS2) sighting system. It replaced the Mk 19 AGL entering service in 2016.[59]
Prior to deploying to Afghanistan in 2001 the Special Air Service Regiment was equipped with the Javelin.[61] It entered service in 2006 with infantry and cavalry units.[62]
176 M252A1 81mm Lightweight Mortars were purchased together with the M32A1 Lightweight Handheld Mortar Ballistic Computer to replace the F2 81mm mortar.[63][64] The M252A1 entered service in 2019.[63][64]
The Army's primary combat knife used by all personnel and can be attached on the F88 Austeyr and the M4 carbine.
Combat uniform of the Australian Army[]
Soldier with F88A2 rifle wearing Australian Multicam Pattern Operational Combat Uniform
There are two major combat uniforms worn by the Army, they are:
Australian Multicam Camouflage Uniform – AMCU is the standard combat uniform with a camouflage pattern derived from Crye Precision MultiCam using a colour palette and shapes based on the previous Disruptive Pattern Camouflage Uniform (DPCU).[66][67] The AMCU was initially issued in late 2014 to 3rd Brigade with a final design roll out commencing in January 2016.[68][69] Uniforms in Multicam pattern had been adopted in 2009 starting with the Crye Precision Combat Uniform (CPCU) issued to special forces (Special Operations Task Group) in Afghanistan which was later issued to Mentoring Task Force close-combatant units. Domestically and in other Peacekeeping exercises the standard DPCU was worn. The CPCU was replaced in 2012 by the Australian Multicam Pattern - Operational Combat Uniform (AMP-OCU) made in Australia with a specially designed pattern for Afghanistan. The CPCU and the AMP-OCU had replaced the Disruptive Pattern Desert Uniform (DPDU). The DPDU was an Australian made and designed uniform issued in 2001 for Afghanistan and was later worn in Iraq with the design refined twice.[70]
Disruptive Pattern Camouflage Uniform – DPCU had been the standard combat uniform for the Army following its roll out in 1987 to replace the jungle green uniform.[71][70] In 2005, the DPCU-NIR was released with Near-infrared (NIR) Signature Management Camouflage.[72][69] The DPCU is being replaced by the AMCU.[66]
Future equipment[]
Infantry weapons[]
The Army has begun to roll out their new state of the art rifle, the Enhanced F88 (EF88). The new rifle has several new features including improved modularity featuring extended accessories rail, a fixed barrel, bolt catch release and a black paint scheme. It was confirmed in July 2015 that the contract for 30,000 EF88 rifles had been approved with full roll out starting in 2016. 2,500 Steyr Mannlicher SL40 grenade launchers have also been ordered.[73]
The Army had previously planned on replacing the F88 with the Advanced Individual Combat Weapon (AICW) by 2010–2012. The most notable feature of the AICW is a grenade launcher with 3 stacked rounds that uses electricity to fire off the grenade. The AICW had aimed to provide the infantry soldier with the ability to fire multiple grenades without having to reload, and to switch between 5.56 mm ballistic rounds and 40 mm grenades without changing sights, trigger or stance, giving the operator more versatility and reduced reaction times in combat.[citation needed] The AICW has all but disappeared from the Army's sights and it is unlikely to ever make a return. The company responsible for the ACIW, Metal Storm Limited was placed in voluntary administration in 2012.[74]
The Army decided to procure the Mk 47 Striker 40 mm lightweight automatic grenade launcher in mid-2015, and plans to begin receiving units within one year.[75]
Armoured vehicles[]
In December 2011, the Thales Hawkei PMV (Protected Military Vehicle) was selected as the preferred tender for the Army's requirement of a light 4x4 armored car with a potential order for 1300 vehicles.[76] The seven-tonne Hawkei has been described as a 'baby' variant of the Bushmaster[77] having been developed by the same manufacturer.
Under LAND 400 the ASLAV and M113s will be replaced, with the project to acquire a Combat Reconnaissance Vehicle (CRV), an Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV), a Manoeuvre Support Vehicle (MSV) and an Integrated Training System (ITS). The ASLAV fleet is planned to be replaced from 2020, and the M113s from 2025.[78] On 19 February 2015 the tender was opened for the replacement of the ASLAV, listing a requirement for up to 225 armored vehicles to provide the future mounted combat reconnaissance capability.[79] The remaining requirements of the project will be confirmed by the upcoming Defence White Paper; however, it is expected to include an infantry fighting vehicle—a capability currently only partly provided by the in-service M113AS4 Armoured Personnel Carrier—as well as a manoeuvre support vehicle, and an integrated training system.[80] The project is valued at more than $10 billion and is expected to acquire approximately 700 vehicles.[81]
Aircraft[]
The Army is reorganising its aviation element, through the purchase of 22 ARH Tiger attack helicopters and 30 MRH 90 Taipan utility helicopters (30 helicopters out of a total purchase of 46, which will be divided between Army, Fleet Air Arm and a joined MRH 90 training base). Furthermore, 7 CH-47F Chinook heavy lift helicopters will be purchased to replace the Army's five remaining CH-47D Chinook helicopters. In addition, the Army will also acquire a number of UAVs (including a number of Boeing ScanEagles and 18 RQ-7 Shadow) which will equip the 20th Surveillance and Target Acquisition Regiment, at Enoggera Barracks, Queensland.[82] Smaller UAVs being trialed include the AeroVironment Wasp III and Black Hornet Nano.[83]
Previously it was planned that the MRH-90 would eventually replace all of the Army's Black Hawks, with the Black Hawk fleet planned to be reduced to 18 operational aircraft in 2014–15 as part of the phased withdrawal of the type from service.[84] However, in December 2015 it was announced that 20 Black Hawks will remain in service with the 6th Aviation Regiment until the end of 2021 to provide aviation support to special forces.[36]
The Army as part of a joint program with the RAN under Air 9000 Phase 7B are seeking future advanced training and light support helicopters. The helicopters being offered by industry are: Eurocopter EC-135 (from Boeing-Thales), Bell 429 (Raytheon-Bell) and Agusta A109 (from BAE-CAE-AgustaWestland).[85]
Summary[]
This list includes equipment currently on order or a requirement which has been identified:
A replacement for the Tiger ARH helicopter was identified in the 2016 Defence White Paper. The Army is set to retire the helicopter earlier than expected after encountering numerous issues with sustainment and serviceability rates. While the Tigers were initially supposed to get a $1–2 billion mid-life upgrade, a new type of helicopter—either manned, unmanned or a combination of both—is set to enter service from the mid 2020s. In Mid 2020, the Australian Army announced they had chosen the AH-64 Apache Attack Helicopter as the eventual replacement of the ARH Tiger and would start replacement in the mid 2020s.[86]
A new deployable short-range ground-based air defence missile system is slated to replace the RBS-70MANPADS by the early 2020s.[87]
A new medium-range air defence system is also to be acquired in the late 2020s. The new system will help defend deployed airfields, command centres and other valuable assets from enemy air attack.[87] The Army has lacked a medium-range air defence system capability since the Rapier's retirement in 2005.[88]
Land-based anti-ship missiles were outlined as a new requirement in the 2016 Defence White Paper to defend deployed forces as well as offshore assets such as oil and natural gas platforms.[87]
The Australian Government committed to improving the systems that individual soldiers use. Items outlined in the DWP include "weapons and targeting equipment, digital communications systems, body armour and self protection equipment (including for chemical, biological and radiological threats), and night fighting equipment."[87]
1,100 Hawkei protected mobility vehicles are currently being procured at a cost of around $1.3 billion.[89]
The Bushmaster PMV is to be replaced beginning in 2025 by a new platform.[87]
LAND 400 phase 2 replacement program is set to replace the existing 257 ASLAVs with 211 Boxers.[90]
LAND 400 phase 3 replacement program is set to replace 431 M113AS3/4 APCs.
To complement current artillery, a new class of long-range rocket artillery is to be introduced in the mid 2020s. The new system, yet to be named, will be able to provide fire support for troops at three hundred kilometres.[87]
A riverine patrol capability is to be re-established in 2022. The capability will be established around a fleet of small, lightly armed patrol vessels to allow access to a range of different environments.[87]
The Army has outlined a need for enhanced intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capability. With this, they plan to acquire a fleet of armed, medium-range unmanned aerial vehicles along with regular capability updates. They will provide enhanced firepower and ISR as well as a counter-terrorism ability overseas. They will also assist in humanitarian and relief missions.[87]
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