The Australian Minister for Defence Industry has announced that Hanwha Defense Australia and Rheinmetall Defence Australia have been downselected for Land 400 Phase 3.
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Press
Release, 16 September 2019: The Morrison Government’s
multi-billion dollar investment to replace Army’s current fleet of
mobility and reconnaissance vehicles is taking another significant
step forward, with Hanwha Defense Australia and Rheinmetall Defence
Australia invited to participate in the next stage of
evaluation.
The LAND 400 Phase 3 Program will replace the M113
Armoured Personnel Carriers providing the Army with an advanced,
world class Infantry Fighting Vehicle capability. Minister for
Defence, Senator the Hon Linda Reynolds CSC said the Morrison
Government is investing in the best possible capability to meet the
current and emerging threats of our changing geostrategic
environment.
“These advanced vehicles will provide new
levels of protection, firepower, mobility and enhanced
communications,” Minister Reynolds said.
“This project will
deliver Australia a brand-new, cutting edge capability. But we will
also ensure we are well placed to work together with industry, to
grow and develop the capability over the course of its life.
“When
fully delivered the LAND 400 Program will allow Army to successfully
sustain mounted close combat operations against emerging and future
threats, as part of an integrated Australian Defence Force.
“I
thank all tenderers for their significant effort and the resources
invested in supporting Phase 3 of this project.”
Minister
for Defence Industry, the Hon Melissa Price MP said the LAND 400
Phase 3 program provides an exciting opportunity for Australian
industry to contribute to building and maintaining these new Infantry
Fighting Vehicles.
“Just as with the Phase 2 Combat
Reconnaissance Vehicles, Australian industry involvement and
Australian workers are vital to this project,” Minister Price
said.
“Phase 3 is another important opportunity for Australian
industry to deliver leading edge technology for our Australian
Defence Force.
“During the testing-phase Defence will work with
the shortlisted tenderers to ensure small and medium enterprises
across Australia have the opportunity to showcase their
capabilities.
“The two companies have been assessed as
offering vehicles that are best able to meet the requirements of the
Army while providing value for money for Defence.
“However,
if at any stage of this process there is a need, Defence can invite
other tenderers to participate in the shortlist – to make sure we
deliver the capability we need to the Army and the best value for the
Australian taxpayer.”
The Risk Mitigation Activity will
commence later this year. Following its completion, Defence will
undertake a final detailed evaluation of the shortlisted tenders. A
decision on the preferred tenderer to supply the Phase 3 capability
will be presented to Government for consideration in 2022.
