The Federal Government has released a Request for Tender (RFT) for initial armoured fighting vehicles to be acquired under Defence Project Land 400.
The announcement for the RFT was made last month, with Minister for Defence Industries Martin Hamilton-Smith stating that the Federal Government must require tenders to include a manufactured and supported in Australia option.
Yesterday, Minister for Defence, The Hon. Kevin Andrews MP, announced that the Australian Government has given First Pass approval for project LAND 400 Phase 2 – Mounted Combat Reconnaissance Capability.
Speaking at the Puckapunyal Army Base, Mr Andrews, together with the Minister for Industry and Science, The Hon. Ian Macfarlane MP, called on the Australian industry to take full advantage of the opportunities arising from project Land 400 Phase 2.
This multi-billion dollar project will replace the Australian Defence Force’s Australian Light Armoured Vehicle (ASLAV).
“The ASLAV is the ADF’s current mounted combat reconnaissance vehicle and has seen extensive operational service, including in East Timor, Iraq and Afghanistan. The fleet will reach the end of its life around 2021. The Government is committed to replacing and enhancing the Army’s fleet of combat vehicles and other land force capabilities to best protect our soldiers,” Mr Andrews said.
“Australian industry must continue to demonstrate that it can be competitive, and can be a vital, long-term contributor to supply chains and support strategies,” said Mr Macfarlane.
According to the Mr Andrews’ media release, Australian companies that want to be included as sub-contractors will have the opportunity to pursue a range of opportunities including:
- Component and parts supply;
• Integration of Australian communications, sensor and weapons systems;
• Engineering and testing;
• Facilities; and
• Vehicle sustainment and logistics.
“Tender applicants will have to prove the ability to produce 225 armoured vehicles capable of carrying up to 35 tonnes as part of Army Land 400 project,” reports The Herald Sun.
Australian suppliers are being encouraged to register at: http://www.defence.gov.au/dmo/AboutDMO/OurStructure/GMLandandMaritime/LandSystems/Content/land400industryopp.aspx
Industry registration link: http://www.defence.gov.au/dmo/AboutDMO/OurStructure/GMLandandMaritime/LandSystems/Content/land400industryopp.aspx
