News Story: AFP readying purchase of missiles vs external threats

By Jaime Laude

MANILA, Philippines -  While keeping its focus on internal security, the military is looking forward to better external fighting capabilities with its multibillion-peso Shore-Based Missile System (SBMS) acquisition project.

Army chief Lt. Gen. Glorioso Miranda bared the plan to reporters Wednesday when asked if the Army is upgrading its external defense capabilities despite its focus on dealing with local threats.

“It’s in the planning stage,” Miranda stressed.

The P6.5 billion SBMS acquisition project was shelved during the previous administration and the budget for it realigned and used for the acquisition of force protection equipment to increase the survivability of soldiers deployed in conflict zones.

Miranda said that SBMS project is still being pursued but this can wait, he added, as the Army is still building up its internal fighting capabilities.

“There’s a plan (for SBMS) project but we have to address first the needs of our soldiers in the field for them to be highly effective in addressing internal security threats,” Miranda said.

Read the full story at PhilStar

USA: US, Royal Cambodian Navy Conclude CARAT Exercise in Sihanoukville

From 30th Naval Construction Regiment Public Affairs

SIHANOUKVILLE, Cambodia (NNS) -- U.S. and Royal Cambodian navy (RCN) service members completed the 7th annual Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) exercise in Cambodia with a closing ceremony at Ream Navy Base, Nov. 4.

Throughout the five-day exercise, U.S. Sailors and Marines engaged in training with their RCN counterparts in the fields of security operations, force protection, small boat operations and maintenance, amphibious operations, communications, preventive medicine, and casualty assistance. The capstone event was a comprehensive field training exercise (FTX), where the training from the previous days was put to practical use.

"The more we train together, the better we can respond together," said William Heidt, U.S. ambassador to Cambodia. "We take great pride in knowing that these skills could one day aid the people of Cambodia and ease the suffering of those affected by natural disaster." 

During the FTX, service members responded to a simulated natural disaster. The teams arrived on shore via small boats and one RCN landing craft utility (LCU), and assessed the area for damage and casualties, which the teams relayed back to headquarters. Once the damage and casualties were reported, the two teams provided medical assistance to injured personnel, set a security perimeter, and performed evacuations. 

Industry: Rheinmetall at Land Forces 2016

Lynx armoured fighting vehicle

Cutting edge technologies for security and mobility

As a globally leading tech group specializing in security and mobility, Rheinmetall stands shoulder-to-shoulder with armed forces and law enforcement agencies around the world, serving as a reliable partner – a fact borne out by the Group’s presence at the Land Forces 2016 in Adelaide.

Rheinmetall has underscored its commitment to Australian Industry with the participation of four local companies on the group’s stand at Land Forces 2016. These are Adelaide-based Supashock; Melbourne-based Tectonica Australia; Melbourne-based Thomas Warburton; and Sydney-based Axalta Coating Systems.

AUS: $6.7m Innovation Contract to Improve Protection of our Troops

Minelab F3 Compact mine detector (File Photo)

Minister for Defence Industry, the Hon Christopher Pyne MP, welcomed the signing of an innovation collaboration agreement between Minelab Electronics and the Department of Defence today.

The collaboration will deliver a production-ready prototype of a new Counter Improvised Explosive Device (IED) Handheld Detector for the Australian Defence Force (ADF).

“This is a perfect example of leveraging world class engineering from an Australian enterprise to produce the lightest, most compact, and most capable ground search device available anywhere”, Minister Pyne said.

Minelab has been working with Defence since 2014 to develop a prototype handheld detector that would meet the need for a smaller, lighter device which would improve the quality and speed of detecting explosive devices.

Industry: Saab Continues To Enhance The Australian Army’s Ground-Based Air Defence Capability

Australian Army Giraffe AMB radar

Defence and security company Saab has signed a contract with the Australian Defence Force to upgrade the Army’s RBS 70 ground-based air defence weapon system and Giraffe AMB radar. The contract has a combined value of approximately AUD32.5 million.

Delivered under the AIR 90 programme, the existing Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) capability of the RBS 70 and Giraffe AMB systems will be upgraded to include Mode 5 functionality. The Mode 5 waveform uses modern modulation, coding, and cryptographic techniques to overcome performance and security limitations in the current Mode 4 waveform. Additionally, Mode 5 systems provide expanded data handling capabilities to securely pass GPS position and other extended data. The IFF is a critical safety feature of any ground-based air defence capability as it dramatically reduces the risk of incorrectly engaging friendly aircraft. This upgrade will support Australia’s Ground-Based Air Defence capability operating in a joint and coalition airspace environment beyond 2030.

Think Tank: (Australian) DWP 2016 - the future Army

Lachlan Wilson

The new Defence White Paper outlines spending of up to $80 billion on land combat and amphibious warfare out to 2025–26. In terms of equipment modernisation, the plans have focused on greater protected mobility, situational awareness, aviation, firepower, and force sustainability. Those improvements are intended to enhance and broaden the armed forces combat and non-combat capacity.

These are the key proposals that the Army will procure and advance over the next decade:

• An agile procurement system for infantry soldiers that will allow for the continuous upgrade of key infantry weapons systems, personal equipment, and force protection
• New combat reconnaissance, infantry fighting, and protected mobility vehicles
• Upgrades to extend the operational lifespan of the M1 Abrams to 2035
• New armed intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance unmanned aircraft
• The acquisition of a long-range rocket system by mid-2020 that will provide long-range fire support up to 300km to supplement the ADF’s current artillery capability
• Logistic enablers to aid the amphibious operations involving the newly acquired Canberra Class ships
• The re-establishment of Riverine Patrol capabilities, with a fleet of lightly armed boats for river and estuarine operations marked for delivery near 2022
• Special operations forces will receive a boost in wide range of capabilities which include high-end close combat capabilities, force protection, enhanced command and situational awareness networks, the acquisition and improvement of specialist transportation systems, and an armada of light reconnaissance and attack helicopters

AUS: Counter Rocket, Artillery and Mortar System for the ADF

Australian Army SAAB Giraffe Radar part of the CRAM System

The Australian Government has given a combined First and Second Pass approval for project LAND 19 Phase 7A – Counter Rocket, Artillery and Mortar System (C‑RAM) Sense and Warn capability.

Force protection of personnel is of the highest priority, particularly given the increasingly complex operating environments.

C‑RAM Sense and Warn provides early detection and warning of incoming indirect fire threats. It gives personnel additional time to evade danger, minimising potential casualties.

The capability was initially acquired as an accelerated acquisition in 2010 for ADF force protection in Afghanistan.

AUS: Defence and Australian industry collaborate on counter improvised explosive device for Afghanistan

Defence and Australian industry partners have collaborated to manufacture the first-of-a-kind counter improvised explosive device equipment.

Australia continues to be on the cutting edge of the development of defence science and technology needed to address the global threat posed by improvised explosive devices.

Micreo, Ultra Electronics Australia, Associated Electronic Services, AXIOM Precision Manufacturing and Lintek have worked in close partnership with the Defence Materiel Organisation, the Defence Science and Technology Organisation and Defence’s Counter-Improvised Explosive Device Task Force to produce this potentially lifesaving equipment.

Under Defence’s REDWING program, Australia has developed low cost, robust and lightweight force protection systems. The equipment has particular application for use in austere operating environments by military and police units as it requires minimal operator training and limited logistic support.

AUS: Australia assists Afghanistan counter improvised explosive devices

Minister for Defence Kevin Andrews today announced that Australia has commenced delivering counter improvised explosive device equipment to the Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF) as part of Australia’s contribution to the Afghan National Army (ANA) Trust Fund.

This project involves providing low cost, robust and lightweight force protection systems for the ANSF to counter improvised explosive devices, for use by dismounted personnel and for fitting to light vehicles.

This technology was developed by Australia’s Defence Science and Technology Organisation under a program sponsored by Defence’s Counter-Improvised Explosive Device Task Force.

Mr Andrews said the Defence Materiel Organisation’s Australian Military Sales Office was working alongside Australian defence industry who will manufacture the equipment for our Afghan partners.

AUS: Chief of the Defence Force reaffirms Australia’s commitment to Afghanistan

The Chief of the Defence Force, Air Chief Marshal Mark Binskin reaffirmed Australia’s ongoing commitment to Afghanistan at a meeting with military chiefs in Brussels overnight.

The North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) Chiefs of Defence meeting focussed on the international community’s ongoing assistance in Afghanistan.

“While there is significant global attention on current operations in Iraq, our mission in Afghanistan has changed, not ended. Australia and our international partners have not forgotten the people of Afghanistan.

“The Afghan National Security Force (ANSF) is a confident and capable force which demonstrated its ability to maintain Afghanistan’s security during the historic 2014 Presidential election. Our job is to keep working with them to continue to build and maintain a sustainable security force for the future,” Air Chief Marshal Binskin said.

News Story: (Philippines) Military to buy 2 anti-submarine choppers

By Alexis Romero

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of National Defense (DND) is planning to acquire two brand new naval helicopters with anti-submarine capabilities to enhance the capabilities of the military.

DND Undersecretary Fernando Manalo said the department is now awaiting the issuance of an acquisition defense memorandum (ADM), which would start the procurement and would signal the project’s implementation.

Manalo said the ADM, which is a key component in the procurement process, would be issued by DND Secretary Voltaire Gazmin.

“(This acquisition is) part of our modernization program,” Manalo said, adding that each helicopter costs P2.5 billion.

The two helicopters are expected to be placed on the two Maestrale-class missile-firing warships to be acquired from Italy. There is no information yet as to where the helicopters would be procured.

Read the full story at The Philippine Star

Northrop Grumman Highlights Range of International Security Capabilities at Land Warfare Conference, Australia

CANBERRA – Oct. 26, 2012 – Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) is participating in the 2012 Land Warfare Conference in Melbourne, Australia, where it will highlight a range of its integrated solutions for force protection, command and control, and cyber security.

The Land Warfare Conference is being held at the Melbourne Convention Centre from Oct. 30 to Nov. 2, and is aimed at users, providers, academics, designers and manufacturers to meet, share and exchange new ideas on land systems. The theme for this year's conference is "Potent Land Force for a Joint Maritime Strategy." The Northrop Grumman exhibit is in Area 21.

"Northrop Grumman's strong relationship with Australia goes back many decades and is built on a legacy of trust and performance," said Mike Twyman, vice president and general manager of the Defense Systems division, Northrop Grumman Information Systems. "Our core competencies in C4ISR, force protection, cyber security and unmanned systems are strongly aligned with the current and evolving global security priorities of our customers, and we continue to take advantage of our affordable, field-proven capabilities to add to our next-generation solutions."

Highlighted on the Northrop Grumman exhibit will be:

• The Counter-Rocket Artillery and Mortar system that uses sensors, command and control, and visualisation tools to detect or destroy incoming artillery, rockets and mortar rounds in the air before they hit ground targets and also provide soldiers with early warning of incoming indirect fire
• The Expeditionary Tactical Automated Security System, an integrated airfield and asset protection solution for force protection missions
• The Enhanced C4ISR Operationally Responsive Enterprise ISR fusion system, an integration platform that uses open, nonproprietary commercial off- the-shelf enterprise architecture and provides data sharing at all levels of operations to enable rapid mission integration, deployment, support, training and maintenance
• The LAND 75 Track Management System, comprising the International Track Server and International Command and Control Enterprise software, offers soldier-focused solutions that provide a recognised air, land and sea picture for interoperable, shared situational awareness, planning, friendly force tracking and efficient communications
• The Integrated Battle Management System that extends Northrop Grumman's command and control software by providing a seamless, self-forming, cost-effective combination of satellite and terrestrial communications to allow connectivity over diverse terrains

Also featured at the Northrop Grumman exhibit will be the advanced cyber security and communications capabilities of Northrop Grumman M5 Network Security. In September, Northrop Grumman completed the acquisition of M5 Network Security, a Canberra-based provider of cyber security and secure mobile communications products and services and advanced analytics to Australian military and intelligence organizations.

CEA Technologies, a partner of Northrop Grumman and one of Australia's leading military electronic systems and radar companies, will be highlighting a range of its capabilities. CEA specializes in the design, development and manufacture of advanced radar and communications solutions for civilian and military applications. On display will be the Ground Based Multi-Mission Radar.

Northrop Grumman has well-established relationships with Australia and other countries in the region, where it has been supporting a variety of both defence and civil programmes for more than 20 years. The company is a key subcontractor for the Wedgetail AEW&C, F-35 Lightning II joint strike fighter and the F/A-18 Super Hornet programmes.

Northrop Grumman has recently been awarded a contract to build a cyber test range for the University of New South Wales, Canberra campus at the Australian Defence Force Academy in Australia. The academy is a partnership between the Australian Defence Force and the University of New South Wales, and provides training and education for the future leaders of the Royal Australian Navy, Army and Air Force including the growing area of cyber research.

Northrop Grumman

Rheinmetall at Land Warfare Conference (in Australia)

A reliable partner for the Australian Defence Force

Australia is one of the most important powers in the Asia-Pacific region. The Land Warfare Conference (LWC) 2012 offers an impressive overview of the latest developments in wheeled and tracked vehicles, weapons, ammunition, command and control technology, force protection systems, sensors and much more. Rheinmetall, one of the world’s leading suppliers of defence technology, will be exhibiting a selection of its product portfolio to Australian and international military delegations and other experts. The Land Warfare Conference takes place from 29 October to 2 November 2012 in Melbourne.

Mobility

Dependable vehicles form the key link in every logistic’s chain. Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles’ (RMMV) robust and versatile TG, HX and SX vehicle series have reliably served armies around the world for many decades. RMMV is proposing its HX series for Australia’s LAND 121 Phase 3B programme, for which RMMV was selected as preferred bidder in December 2011.

All HX vehicles are “military off the shelf” (MOTS) products specially developed for military applications. The HX series ensures extreme mobility and reliability even in the harshest terrain. RMMV’s HX MOTS vehicle family not only features outstanding mobility, protection and reliability, but also displays maximum modularity and interoperability.

The HX series can be either equipped with a modular armoured cabin (MAC) or a fully integrated armoured cabin to meet the highest STANAG or MIL-STD specifications with regard to ballistic and mine protection.

At LWC 2012, Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles is showcasing an advanced version of the protected HX series for the first time in Australia. The HX 4x4 is equipped with an integrated armoured cabin as well as the active hard-kill system ADS (Active Defence System). Also on display at the Rheinmetall stand is a version of the HX 8x8 with modular armour, integrated load handling system (ILHS) and solar shield.

Simulation

With over 2,000 systems in service worldwide, Rheinmetall offers a comprehensive array of live, virtual and constructive simulation products ranging from low-cost computer-based training systems to highly advanced full-mission simulators for surface combatants, submarines, land and aerial platforms as well as live training for land and air applications. It is a leader in simulation capabilities for fully networked joint and combined exercises.

Rheinmetall has just expanded its international simulation activities to include Australia. Its Adelaide-based subsidiary, Rheinmetall Simulation Australia, is a sign of the Group’s strong commitment to consult and support customers in all areas of simulation and training technologies.

The generic “Demonstrator for Gunnery and Combat Simulation” clearly shows Rheinmetall’s expertise in the simulation of tank and infantry fighting vehicles for crew training. The demonstrator features the Rheinmetall simulation system TacSi as its simulator core and an integrated VBS2 visualisation system. It will be on display at LWC 2012.

Munitions

As a performance-driven global player, Rheinmetall has unique expertise and innovative strength in armour, artillery, air defence, medium calibre, mortar and infantry ammunition and systems. Its stated aim is to supply the world’s armed forces with customized services and an unparalleled range of products that includes environment-friendly and insensitive ammunition as well as state-of-the-art effectors. Prominent examples are the Group’s comprehensive portfolio of 40mm x 46 (low velocity/LV and medium velocity/MV) and 40mm x 53 high velocity (HV) ammunition, the new family of insensitive 60mm mortar bombs, medium-calibre Ahead airburst ammunition, 105mm and 155mm artillery ammunition and propulsion systems and, last but not least, programmable 120mm tank rounds that are fully compatible with Rheinmetall’s 120mm smoothbore gun, which of course serves as the main armament of the Abrams tank in service with the ADF.

In addition to this, with more than 40 industrial sites, Rheinmetall Defence has extensive experience in plant design, including development, engineering and production – an essential capability for safeguarding operational excellence in Europe, North America and Africa.

Rheinmetall’s exceptional knowledge and competence in the field of ammunition, its solid track record with various forms of operator models, its successful turn-around of previous less-than-optimally run ammunition and propellant plants within months of taking operational control, as well as its strong focus on global operations, make the Group an ideal partner for the Australian Domestic Munitions Manufacturing Arrangements Project (DMMA).

Air defence

Modern air defence systems have to counter traditional threats from above as well as random asymmetric attacks in the form of rocket, artillery and mortar fire (RAM). Rheinmetall Air Defence’s response to these tactical and technical challenges is the Oerlikon Skyshield MOOTW/C-RAM system. This system is designed to protect military installations and critical civilian infrastructure from RAM attacks domestically and during expeditionary deployed operations – whether in high-intensity conventional conflicts or during military operations other than war (MOOTW).

The Skyshield MOOTW/C-RAM system is based on Rheinmetall’s Ahead airburst technology. The German Bundeswehr has already procured two Skyshield MOOTW/C-RAM systems, which it refers to as Mantis.

Rheinmetall’s Air Defence team will demonstrate a visual presentation of the Skyshield MOOTW/C-RAM system at the Land Warfare Conference. Fabian Ochsner will also give a lecture about the Swiss solution of using ground-based air defence systems in MOOTW and other scenarios. Furthermore, Rheinmetall is displaying its Oerlikon Skybat Simulator, a training system for the Skyshield and the Skyguard air defence systems.

Protection

When it comes to force protection and civil defence, Rheinmetall supplies cutting-edge systems and comprehensive, single-source solutions – whether the aim is preventing optical, optronic or electronic detection, perfecting individual body armour, developing innovative vehicle systems or even safeguarding large-scale critical infrastructure.

Rheinmetall Chempro und Rheinmetall Verseidag Ballistic Protection Systems are responsible for the Group’s passive protection products. These are made of lightweight, high-performance materials. They are designed for applications in tactical vehicles, helicopters and ships to protect troops and crewmembers. Inserts for ballistic vests made from these materials are also available.

“Soft-kill” solutions offer excellent active protection for ground vehicles as well as fixed-wing aircraft helicopters and ships. Smoke/obscurant systems like ROSY make vehicles invisible to the enemy in the event of an ambush. “Hard-kill” systems such as Rheinmetall’s ADS neutralize incoming projectiles before they reach their target, serving as a first line of defence.

Rheinmetall has been one of the most trusted names in the international defence industry for well over a century thanks in part to its unsurpassed ability to integrate new and existing technology into a highly effective “systems of systems”.

On show at LWC 2012 are ROSY and ADS as well as a protected wheel case.

Network-enabled solutions

A key element for the transformation of armed forces is the networking of existing and new capabilities in joint and combined arms as well as for border security operations – moving away from platform-oriented approaches to capability and network-enabled solutions. At every echelon, sensors, C2 and support systems are integrated into a network to create an appropriate overall C4ISTAR architecture.

In Melbourne Rheinmetall Defence Electronics will be showcasing its C4ISTAR system integrator competence, presenting an ultramodern crew compartment.

A fully digital, interoperable, modular platform, this independent land system solution uses open architecture and standard interfaces. It even includes future system characteristics such as augmented reality. The sensor-to-shooter chain is completely covered, giving the crew a full common operational picture and an unrivalled ability to react faster and with greater precision than ever before. The system has already been successfully integrated into several vehicles and turrets such as the Rheinmetall Lance turret and the MBT Revolution Upgrade Kit, and is linked to Rheinmetall Defence Electronics’ state-of-the-art Gladius future soldier system (formerly known as IdZ-ES).

Sensors and fire control technology

High-performance sensors and fire control systems make it possible to quickly detect, identify and discriminate between potential threats, engaging these where necessary. At LWC 2012 Rheinmetall’s Electro-optics business unit is presenting a selection of its diverse array of products in this field.

Visitors can inspect the Group’s tried-and-tested laser pointers, laser target markers and laser light modules, including the Vario Ray (LLM-VR), and the LLM01, which is in service with numerous armed forces and law enforcement agencies worldwide. The Group’s ZEFF identification friend-foe system, known as the Dismounted Soldier Identification Device/DSID, tops off the division’s product range on display, together with its Multi-Ray fire control unit.

Together with the Saphir 9.6 aiming device and a fire control unit, the Vingmate aiming and fire control system features a combined tripod and gun cradle. It is thus suitable for various 40mm automatic grenade launchers such as the MK19 and GMG, but also for heavy .50 cal. machine guns like the BMG, or even 20mm automatic cannon such as the GAM B01. Multi-Ray and Vingmate are both designed to permit programming of airburst rounds via an infrared laser beam as they leave the barrel.

Rheinmetall: global source for defence technology

Rheinmetall, globally recognized for its core competencies, stands for capacity-oriented innovation. Based in Düsseldorf, Germany, Rheinmetall supplies the world’s armed forces with systems and equipment developed and designed to ensure successful outcomes in complex modern military operations. Its Combat Systems, Wheeled Vehicles and Electronic Solutions divisions have loyal customers worldwide.

Rheinmetall also maintains an extensive network of international partnerships serving new markets as well as enabling technology transfer that substantially benefits both the industry and military of customer nations. This makes Rheinmetall a highly sought-after industrial partner in the quest to supply modern armed forces with advanced capabilities.

The Rheinmetall products on display at LWC 2012 underscore the multifaceted capabilities of one of the world’s leading suppliers of high-quality systems and equipment for armed forces and law enforcement agencies.

Rheinmetall

AUS: Giraffe radars protecting troops in Afghanistan

Minister for Defence Materiel Jason Clare today announced that two new Counter Rocket Artillery and Mortar (C-RAM) Giraffe radars have been delivered and are currently in operation at the multi national base Tarin Kot in Uruzgan Province, Afghanistan.

“The Giraffe radars provide our troops with early detection of attacks from enemy rockets, artillery and mortars, protecting Australian and ISAF forces,” Mr Clare said. 

“This early warning system has been a proven force protection capability for our troops, giving them vital seconds of advanced warning so they can take shelter.”

Australia assumed responsibility for early detection against rocket, artillery and mortar attacks at Tarin Kot from 28 December 2010. 

The new Giraffe radars have replaced leased radars and were manufactured in Sweden by SAAB-AB under an $86.2 million contract, which includes support services.

A third Giraffe radar will be delivered to Australia in January 2013 and will be used as a training support system.

Australia’s C-RAM Sense and Warn capability consists of Giraffe radars, a number of lightweight counter mortar radars and Command and Control and warning equipment.

The deployment of the new radars is the latest in a range of force protection initiatives that over the past few years has delivered $1billion in equipment to protect our troops in Afghanistan including:

• Up-armouring the Bushmasters;
• New combat body armour;
• Heavier calibre weapons; and
• New ground penetrating radar trucks to clear roads of IEDs before troops travel on them.

AUS DoD

AUS: Boost to Force Protection in Afghanistan (Mine/IED Detection)

Minister for Defence Stephen Smith and Minister for Defence Materiel Jason Clare today announced further measures to better protect troops in Afghanistan against improvised explosive devices (IEDs). 

The Government has approved under Project NINGAUI the purchase of four route clearance systems to more safely clear roads of IEDs before troops travel on them. 

As well, Bushmaster vehicles will be upgraded to give troops an even higher level of protection against IED explosions in Afghanistan. 

Project NINGAUI (Joint Project 154) 

The route clearance systems will be used by Australian Army engineers to detect and clear explosive hazards, creating a safer pathway for troops as they patrol Uruzgan province in Afghanistan. 

The four systems will cost about $70 million. Each system includes: 

• Two HUSKY Mark 3 protected route clearance vehicles with ground penetrating radars (GPR) to detect explosive hazards;
• One HUSKY Mark 3 protected route clearance vehicle with interrogator arm to confirm that an explosive hazard has been found from a safer distance;
• Two protected High Mobility Engineer Excavators (HMEEs) to repair damaged routes and create bypass routes; and
• Two Bushmaster protected mobility vehicles fitted with SPARK mine rollers to provide a greater level of protection against explosive hazards. 

The HUSKY mounted ground penetrating radars provide the ability to detect explosive hazard threats from within an armoured vehicle.  

It will protect our troops by allowing them to detect IEDs that other detection equipment might not be able to find, especially devices with low or no metal content.  

The interrogation arm is a safer way of confirming that an IED has been found. It allows our troops to make this confirmation remotely from a safe distance. 

In September, Mr Smith and Mr Clare announced that the Government would loan two similar systems from Canada. 

The Canadian vehicles will be on loan for around 12 months effective from early 2012. 

The Government will purchase the new systems to provide Australian troops with a permanent route clearance system after the loan of the Canadian systems. 

Three systems will be deployed to Afghanistan with one remaining in Australia for training.

The Husky vehicles will be purchased from the United States Government under their Foreign Military Sales system with the other elements of the system to be sourced commercially. 

Upgrades to Bushmaster vehicles 

The Government has also approved the upgrade of around 200 Bushmaster vehicles. 

The Bushmasters to be upgraded include those currently operating in Afghanistan and the additional 101 Bushmasters announced for production in May this year. 

As part of that announcement in May, the Government said that Defence would evaluate a range of enhancements to the Bushmaster vehicle to increase the level of protection it provides to ADF personnel. 

A series of tests and blast trials on the enhancements have since been successfully conducted and as a result the Government has now approved the upgrades to proceed. 

The upgrades will further increase protection of the Bushmaster vehicle against IEDs.  

The upgrades include energy absorbing seats and stronger welding to further reduce the probability of lower limb and spinal injury occurring from an explosion. 

The vehicle upgrades will occur throughout 2012 and are likely to be undertaken in both in the Middle East Area of Operations and at Thales’ Bendigo factory. 

AUS DoD

Force Protection Delivers Two Ocelot Vehicles to the Commonwealth of Australia

Author: Force Protection, Inc.
Publisher: Force Protection, Inc.
Date: 02/23/2011


Ladson, SC (February 23, 2010) -- Force Protection Australasia Pty Ltd., a Force Protection Inc. (NASDAQ:FRPT) group company, today announced the delivery of two variants of the Ocelot protected light mobility vehicle (PMV-L) to the Commonwealth of Australia for the next phase of evaluation as part of the Land 121 Phase 4 program. Force Protection has handed over one each of its utility and command variants at the Monegeetta Proving Grounds in Victoria.


Force Protection Inc. Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Michael Moody, said the delivery of the first vehicles to the Commonwealth for verification and validation is a significant step in the bidding process. “We’re very confident our design and manufacturing team have produced the most highly protected and agile vehicle of its size and weight available on today’s market. Every Ocelot has a v-shaped spine running the length of the vehicle, which protects the occupants and also its critical components from mine and blast threats.”


Mr. Moody continued: “On top of the v-spine is an integrated pod which can be configured for a variety of mission roles, such as the utility and command variants we have delivered today, plus a protected patrol variant and even a special weapons variant. One of the most attractive aspects of the vehicle, on top of its survivability levels which protect the crew and mission systems, is its unique modular construction which means that pods can easily be changed in theatre to suit the requirements of each mission.”


“Local suppliers and South Australian Government representatives have been extremely positive about working with us to manufacture the Ocelot in Australia, and we know we can build a world class vehicle utilizing the best of Australian military and automotive manufacturing expertise and know-how.”


Mr Moody further commented that Force Protection is also exhibiting a third Ocelot vehicle at next week’s Avalon 2011 Australian International Air Show, as part of the Landef exhibition.


“A vehicle mobility test track will be set up as part of Landef at the Avalon Airshow, and we’re looking forward to showing the defence industry and the public the excellent capabilities and agility of the Ocelot,” Mr Moody concluded.


Force Protection is one of three companies selected for consideration to undertake the next phase of the Land 121 Phase 4 Manufactured and Supported in Australia (MSA) program, with the contract for the future production of up to 1300 vehicles valued at more than $A1 billion by the Australian Government. The Ocelot has already proven its worth when Force Protection was recently contracted by the UK’s Ministry of Defence (MoD) to supply Ocelot for the MoD’s urgent operational requirement for the Light Protected Patrol Vehicle program (LPPV).


In late 2010, Force Protection announced it had reached agreement with the South Australian Government to manufacture and support its Ocelot vehicle in Adelaide, if it is successful in securing the Land 121 Phase 4 production contract.


See Ocelot on display at the Avalon Arena mobility track at Avalon International Airshow, March 1-6, 2011, or visit Force Protection’s stand in Hall C.




About Force Protection, Inc.


Force Protection, Inc. is a leading designer, developer and manufacturer of survivability solutions, including blast- and ballistic-protected wheeled vehicles currently deployed by the U.S. military and its allies to support armed forces and security personnel in conflict zones. The Company’s specialty vehicles, including the Buffalo, Cougar, Ocelot and related variants, are designed specifically for reconnaissance and urban operations and to protect their occupants from landmines, hostile fire, and improvised explosive devices (“IEDs”, commonly referred to as roadside bombs). Complementing these efforts, the Company is designing, developing and marketing the JAMMA, a new vehicle platform that provides increased modularity, transportability, speed, and mobility. The Company also develops, manufactures, tests, delivers and supports products and services aimed at further enhancing the survivability of users against additional threats. In addition, the Company provides long-term life cycle support services of its vehicles that involve development of technical data packages, supply of spares, field and depot maintenance activities, assignment of skilled field service representatives, and advanced on and off-road driver and maintenance training programs. For more information on Force Protection and its products and services, visit http://www.forceprotection.net/.

Force Protection