SENATOR JOHN FAULKNER
Minister for Defence
Tuesday, 20 October 2009
037/2009
DEFENCE FIREPOWER TO RECEIVE MAJOR BOOST
The Minister for Defence, Senator John Faulkner, today announced that the
Government has given Second Pass Approval for a $493 million project to
provide the next generation artillery system for the Australian Army.
Senator Faulkner said the first phase of Land 17 (the Artillery Replacement
Project) will provide the Army with four batteries of 35 M777A2 155mm
Lightweight Towed Howitzers.
“The Lightweight Towed Howitzer is the most advanced towed artillery system
available in the world. It is air-portable under CH-47 Chinook helicopters and
can provide a weight of fire not previously available to rapidly deployed
forces,” Senator Faulkner said.
“The second phase of the artillery enhancement will include the procurement
of a self propelled artillery system, which will be capable of providing fire
support to highly mobile mechanised forces.
The artillery system will be further enhanced through the future acquisition of
a digital terminal control system for the tactical control of artillery, naval and
close air support fires by forward observers and joint terminal attack
controllers. This element of the project will be considered by Government in
the second half of 2010,” said Senator Faulkner.
Senator Faulkner said these are high priority acquisitions which will provide
improved protection and precision firepower to Australian soldiers, allowing
missions to be carried out more efficiently, safely and effectively.
Media contacts:
Colin Campbell (John Faulkner):
02 6277 7800 or 0407 787 181
Defence Media Liaison:
02 6127 1999 or 0408 498 664
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