Kongsberg Defence Australia has signed a $67 million acquisition contract with Hanwha for C4 systems and integration for the AS9 Self Propelled Howitzers and AS10 Armoured Ammunition Resupply Vehicles under Land 8116 Phase 1 (Protected Mobile Fires).
Kongsberg will integrate the Protected Mobile Fires capability into the Army’s C4 Force Structure. This involves the integration of tactical communication systems and Battle Management Systems into the CORTEX Integrated Combat Solution (ICS) architecture and the Odin Fire Control System. In doing so, Kongsberg says it will transfer hardware and software technology and expertise to Kongsberg Defence Australia to execute and support the Australian program.
“Kongsberg Defence Australia’s contribution will be integral in delivering the Australian Army with a highly capable and networked Self Propelled Howitzer capability," HDA CEO Richard Cho said. "This contract builds upon a proven and successful global partnership between Hanwha and Kongsberg. Kongsberg has an excellent reputation for delivering fully integrated C4 systems with exceptional functionality and reliability, and we are delighted to be partnering with them here in Australia."
“For nearly three decades, Kongsberg has demonstrated commitment to transfer world leading technology to Australia and Project Land 8116 provides another great opportunity to do so," Kjetil Myhra, Executive Vice President of Kongsberg Defence and Aerospace said. "During the program, Kongsberg will provide our Kongsberg Defence Australia personnel with detailed expertise on our CORTEX Integrated Combat Solution architecture and Odin Fire Control System to generate a sovereign C4 capability for the Australian Army’s Protected Mobile Fires capability."
General Manager of Kongsberg Defence Australia, John Fry, said: "Kongsberg Defence Australia’s partnership with Hanwha Defense Australia will deliver a sophisticated and fully integrated fires capability for the Australian Army.
“The AS9 Huntsman Howitzers will provide Army with a lethal fires capability that is highly manoeuvrable and survivable. Kongsberg’s Fire Control Solutions are based on our proven and open digital architecture which is now core to both the Australian Army’s Ground Based Air Defence (GBAD) and Protected Mobile Fires programs. These systems provide a rich and intuitive user interface tailored specifically for different weapon systems and operator roles."