The multi-billion dollar project to replace Army’s M113 armoured personnel carriers has taken another step forward with the formal release of the Request for Tender for Land 400 Phase 3.
Minister for Defence Marise Payne said the project will see Army’s capability significantly enhanced with a fleet of up to 450 modern Infantry Fighting Vehicles and 17 Manoeuvre Support Vehicles.
“This will be the largest investment in Army’s capability ever undertaken and will provide our troops with a modern close combat capability,” Minister Payne said.
“The vehicles will be equipped with high levels of protection, firepower and mobility that will enable sustained operations, varying from peacekeeping to close combat.”
Minister for Defence Industry Christopher Pyne encouraged Australian industry to get behind the project.
“I actively encourage Australian small and medium sized enterprises to take advantage of the significant opportunities arising from this project,” Minister Pyne said. “Just as with the Land 400 Phase 2 Combat Reconnaissance Vehicles, Australian industry involvement and Australian workers will be critically important to this project."
Minister Pyne indicated that during this tender process, Defence will work closely with industry to optimise Australian industry capability content.
“This project is another exciting opportunity for Australian industry to deliver leading edge technology in support of the Army,” Minister Pyne added.
Defence is placing greater emphasis on a coordinated and programmatic approach to Army’s largest-ever project.
A new armoured vehicle division will been created to consolidate large programs like Land 400, Land 907 (Main Battle Tank Replacement) and Land 8160 (Enhanced Gap Crossing Capability) into a programmatic ‘mega project’.
When fully delivered, the Land 400 program will allow Army to sustain mounted close combat operations against emerging and future threats as part of a joint force.
The full tender can now be downloaded from the AusTender website.
Submissions will close on Friday 1 March 2019.