WFEL has commenced production of Boxer vehicles for the British Army at its new manufacturing plant in the northwest of England.

The Ajax that was unsuccessfully proposed by General Dynamics Land Systems for the ADF’s Project Land 400 Phase 3 is facing serious problems in meeting the requirements of the UK’s armoured vehicle program.

In the initial acquisition of the Abrams tanks back in 2004, the boost to Army’s capability looked to be pretty good value and the opportunity cost was low. Looking at the current proposal, I come to a different conclusion.

The Republic of Korea Army is scheduled to trial the Redback Infantry Fighting Vehicle next year, creating a potential opportunity for Australian defence industry exports.

Given its potential to determine which contractor will benefit from Army’s costliest-ever acquisition program, the outcome of the detailed testing and evaluation now underway on the two contenders for the ADF’s IFV requirement is keenly awaited.

In the June edition of this magazine, Ewen Levick asked – why do we need tanks? In doing so, he critiqued a publication I co-authored four years ago on this subject. In the interest of robust debate, I feel obliged to respond.

Kongsberg Defence Australia has announced that communications company Eylex has been selected by KONGSBERG to provide cable systems for an International National Advanced Surface to Air Missile System (NASAMS) Program.

With the final contracted capability for its Integrated Battlefield Telecommunications Network to be rolled out from next year, Boeing Defence Australia is now turning its attention to other opportunities to market the system at home and abroad.

Japanese troops have arrived in Darwin ahead of the trilateral Exercise Southern Jackaroo 2021, joining US Marines already undertaking training in the region.

German company RENK has announced its intention to expand an operational footprint into Australia should Rheinmetall’s Lynx KF41 infantry fighting vehicle (IFV) be selected for the Land 400 Phase 3 program.

Thomas Global Systems has teamed with Global Defence Solutions to source locally developed and manufactured components for the Boxer CRV Immersive Tactical Trainer system under its Land 400 Phase 2 subcontract with Rheinmetall Defence Australia.

Marand Precision Engineering has started local production on a major LYNX subassembly.

Hanwha Defense Australia will partner with ANCA Engineering Solutions, a division of ANCA Group, for the manufacture of an advanced suspension system for the Redback Infantry Fighting Vehicle.

On the opening day on Land Forces 2021, WA-based shipbuilder Austal announced it will submit a proposal to the Commonwealth to design, build and sustain amphibious vessels under the latter’s Land 8710 Phase 1 (Littoral Manoeuvre – Light) program.

In more news from Land Forces 2021, Babcock and Team SABRE have been down-selected for Land 125 Phase 4. ADM understands the Commonwealth is also considering other proposals.

Cook Defence Systems has been selected to provide tracks for Rheinmetall’s Lynx KF41 Infantry Fighting Vehicles for the Army as part of Rheinmetall’s bid for Land 400 Phase 3.