Brisbane-based defence company NIOA has been selected to deliver the first stage of a major weapons upgrade for the Australian Defence Force under the LAND 159 Lethality System project.
Making the announcement, Defence Minister Peter Dutton said the project would equip Australia’s soldiers, sailors and aviators with next-generation mission systems, surveillance and target acquisitions ancillaries, ammunitions, facilities and training and support systems.
He said the contract comes on top of the existing NIOA munitions contracts including the LAND 17 – 1C.2 Future Artillery Ammunition, LAND 400 Phase 2 Combat Reconnaissance Vehicles and more than 50 other strategic munitions for dismounted combatants.
“This initial stage includes sniper rifles, laser sighting systems and close combat weapons, comprising fighting knives, pistols, shotguns and the assault breaching system,” the Minister noted.
“The multi-million dollar multi-decade project will generate 29 long-term jobs, primarily in Brisbane where NIOA has a purpose-built technical and testing centre, including an indoor firing range.
“It is a major fillip for the Australian-owned company which has expanded at a phenomenal rate over recent years to become the largest Australian supplier of firearms, weapons and ammunition.”
NIOA CEO Robert Nioa described the as a “tremendous endorsement of an Australian prime contractor” which would result in the best equipment for the ADF while creating jobs.
“NIOA is proud to play such a significant role in the support of our defence forces,” Mr Nioa said.
“We have been collaborating with the Commonwealth on this program for two years and in the middle of a global pandemic.
“It’s been a demanding schedule. Today is a momentous occasion and we are absolutely thrilled with the announcement for this important stage of the LAND 159 project.
“Our rigorous best of breed approach combined with our technical expertise and market knowledge mean our warfighters can be confident that they will have the very best equipment to do their jobs safely and effectively.”
NIOA, which recently entered into a joint venture partnership with Rheinmetall for a $60m artillery shell forging plant in Maryborough, Queensland, has also sounded its intention to build a $50 million small arms factory in either Brisbane, Lithgow, NSW, or Benalla, Victoria.
