Like many programmes, the Australian Army’s Land 400 Phase 3 effort to obtain new infantry fighting vehicles (IFV) has been impacted by the Defence Strategic Review.
However, industry sources spoken to at Avalon Airshow 2023 intimated that, instead of 450 new IFVs being procured, a figure of 300 might be more realistic to replace the geriatric fleet of M113AS4 armoured personnel carriers. This will only be confirmed once the Defence Strategic Review is made public.
In the meantime, the two shortlisted contenders – Hanwha Defense Australia with the AS21 Redback, and Rheinmetall with the KF-41 Lynx – must wait and see what the government wants.
Both the aforementioned South Korean and German manufacturers had examples of their IFV offerings on display at Avalon Airshow 2023. Interestingly, both presented their vehicles repainted in a green colour. This is because they were not allowed to display them in the army’s proprietary camouflage scheme.
Both vehicles were fully functioning examples and had participated in trials and risk mitigation activities with the Australian Army. They were they thus armed with functioning weapons and accessories such as the Iron Fist hard-kill active protection system.
The initial impression made on viewers by these vehicles is that they are huge, something necessitated by the Australian Army’s requirement to carry six soldier dismounts in addition to the vehicle crew.
Rheinmetall also had on display an example of its KF41-based Combat Support Vehicle. The Lynx CSV was developed in Australia, and it is equipped with a crane, dozer blade and winch, and can carry cargo such as a spare engine. This variant is some 10 tonnes lighter than the Lynx IFV.
Minister for Defence Industry Pat Conroy said that Land 400 Phase 3 is the only programme to have been delayed by the Defence Strategic Review. While that may be the case officially, where a pause has been formally put in place, the fact is that other programmes have been unofficially put on ice and decisions have been deferred.
Project Land 400 Phase 3, as initially conceived, would have been the army’s most expensive programme ever. It remains to be seen how sharply it will be pared back under the review process.
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