Rheinmetall Defence Australia has announced that it is also on the shortlist for the Land 125 Phase 4 program.
Land 125 Phase 4 will deliver an integrated soldier system (ISS) integrating all elements and subsystems that are used, worn or carried by soldiers in any operational context or environment, for up to 72 hours without resupply. It excludes personal weapons and communications equipment, which are managed by separate, related projects.
The ISS will also include un-crewed ground and aerial systems and self-learning machines.
The company joins Team SABRE, Babcock and Elbit Systems on the shortlist.
Rheinmetall says it is now looking to partner with Australian companies in the following areas:
- Soldier Platform Capabilities – protective systems, load carriage systems, power and data management, signature management, translation system
- Robotics and Autonomous Platform Capabilities – Load carriage, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance systems, force protection
- Enhancement Capabilities – innovative and disruptive technologies, improvements and enhancements, health and performance monitoring, immersive simulation
Rheinmetall Managing Director Gary Stewart said that ongoing engagement with local industry and innovation would be critical to the success of the Integrated Soldier System.
“I am impressed by the high degree of innovative technologies being developed by Australian SMEs,” Stewart said. “It is important for Rheinmetall to facilitate these companies playing their part in delivering what will be the Australian Army’s best possible future soldier system.
“Rheinmetall understands that it is critical to provide a system architecture that is fully interoperable and that can integrate third party equipment.
“Utilising our world class capabilities at the Military Vehicle Centre of Excellence in Redbank, QLD, Rheinmetall and our industry partners will be able to develop, integrate and sustain the Australian Army’s best possible future soldier system that helps it fight, survive and win on the modern, complex battlefields of today and tomorrow.”
Local companies interested in partnering with Rheinmetall can register as a supplier to Rheinmetall and register an Expression of Interest for the Land 125-4 Program in the RDA Supplier Portal.
The request for tender is expected to close towards the end of 2021 for a Commonwealth decision in early 2022. Delivery to the ADF is expected in 2024.
ADM approached the Department of Defence with questions but did not receive a response by deadline.