Government Approves Additional Armoured Personnel Carriers

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29th October 2008, 03:09pm - Views: 778





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THE HON JOEL FITZGIBBON MP

Minister for Defence




Wednesday, 28 October 2008

148/2008


GOVERNMENT APPROVES ADDITIONAL ARMOURED

PERSONNEL CARRIERS


The Minister for Defence, the Hon. Joel Fitzgibbon MP, today announced that

the Government has approved a $220 million project to upgrade 81 additional

M113 Armoured Personnel Carriers (APC) to improve the protection, mobility

and firepower of the Australian Army. 


LAND 106 is already delivering 350 upgraded M113 APC vehicles. This

project is now back on track and delivering a reliable vehicle that provides

increased firepower, protection and mobility. 


The Government has decided to upgrade an additional 81 APCs to improve

the capability of the Army’s Mechanised Infantry units, 7 RAR, a recently

established battalion, and 5 RAR, both of which are currently based in Darwin. 


“These high priority upgrades will provide improved protection, mobility and

firepower to Australian soldiers, allowing missions to be carried out more

efficiently, safely and effectively,” Mr Fitzgibbon said.


These enhancements will include the stretching of the M113 vehicles, add-on

armor kit, spall liners, the addition of a new Australian designed and built

turret and new weapon, replacement of the drive train and suspension and the

adoption of measures to improve the comfort of troops in the vehicle such as

heat mitigation measures and better stowage of equipment.


“The increased number of vehicles to be upgraded by BAE Systems Australia

will see the production line at the Bandiana production facilities in northern

Victoria remain open until July 2011,” Mr Fitzgibbon said. 


BAE Systems Australia is also opening additional facilities in Williamstown,

Victoria and Wingfield, South Australia to ensure all of its delivery

commitments are met.


Media contacts:

Christian Taubenschlag (Joel Fitzgibbon):

02 6277 7800 or 0438 595 567

Defence Media Liaison:

02 6265 3343 or 0408 498 664






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