Prototype vehicles arrive for assessment

3 March 2021

Six prototype infantry fighting vehicles have arrived in Australia as part of the Land 400 Phase 3 program.

Hanwha Defense Australia and Rheinmetall Defence Australia each delivered three vehicles – two for test and evaluation and one for blast testing – as part of a two-year risk mitigation activity.

Defence Minister Linda Reynolds said the deliveries allowed Defence to assess the shortlisted tenderers' performance claims, focusing on the highest areas of technical risk.

"These include Australian soldiers participating in user evaluation and testing, with a particular focus on the armour, firepower and mobility of the platforms," Senator Reynolds said.

"The risk mitigation activity will undertake important analysis on each vehicle's ability to integrate with other key ADF land, sea and air capabilities, including amphibious lift.

"These advanced vehicles will provide increased protection, mobility and firepower for the ADF."

The $18.1 billion to $27.1 billion project will acquire up to 450 infantry fighting vehicles capable of carrying six soldiers in addition to a crew of three.

"When delivered, the infantry fighting vehicle will allow Army to successfully sustain mounted close-combat operations against emerging and future threats as part of the joint force," Senator Reynolds said.

The risk mitigation activity will include detailed testing and evaluation of the tendered vehicles and provide Defence with evidence to inform a government decision in 2022.