Soldier Modernisation Program

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Project Land 125 is starting to gather speed and we'll see the first issue of enhanced soldier systems next year, according to the Project Director.
Exo-skeletons and light sabres might be Hollywood's take on the modern soldier but the reality is quite different according to DMO's Land 125 Soldier Combat System Project Director, Lieutenant Colonel Shane Gabriel.

Earlier this year the Government announced a $35 million package to boost the Army's combat capability. This commitment forms the first version of the Australian Soldier Modernisation Program under Project Land 125.

The objective of the Australian Soldier Modernisation Program is to optimise the ADF's capabilities for dismounted close combat at the individual soldier and section level. Three versions of soldier enhancements will be introduced through to 2012.

"We are working with organisations at the forefront of Defence industry innovation to monitor and utilise emerging technologies that will improve the ability of the combat soldier and small teams to see, hear, move, react and engage on the battlefield," Lieutenant Colonel Gabriel said.

"The selective and proven application of these new technologies will result in an evolutionary enhancement of Army tactics, techniques and procedures and ensure our soldiers are equipped with the capabilities they need in the future," he added.

As part of the first version of enhancements approved this year, infantry soldiers will receive new communications equipment, enhanced night fighting equipment, improved load carrying equipment and additional protective equipment. The following equipment will be introduced into service by June 2006.

A lightweight, low range, intra-section communication device. Trials with the First Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment (1RAR) in unit training and on deployment have contributed to the development of this capability.

A thermal surveillance device for the F88 Steyr rifle that allows the rifleman to observe targets at night through environmental and battlefield obscurants.

Integrated field pack and chest and hip webbing also trialed with 1RAR, with the benefit of near infra-red (NIR) signature management and flame resistant properties. The signature management technology significantly reduces the ability of soldiers to be observed through image intensification-based night viewing equipment.

An improved combat helmet currently used by special forces that incorporates a night fighting equipment bracket and a cover incorporating NIR signature management and flame resistant properties.

Elbow and knee pads tested and evaluated with the Australian Army's School of Infantry and developed to meet operational needs.

Successive versions of soldier enhancements may include:

* Dismounted battle management systems

* Data capable combat net radio

* Enhanced Steyr rifle and enhanced weapon optics

* Individual protective equipment enhancements

Extensive research and evaluation is being conducted for each phase of enhancements and Australian industry is encouraged to contribute to the development process. The program objectives are based on the Land 125 Spiral Development Action Plan. This plan outlines the proposed scope of near term objectives and articulates the methodology that will define future enhancements.

"The implementation of the Australian Soldier Modernisation Program will be an evolutionary process with incremental advances being made," Lieutenant Colonel Gabriel concluded.

"This is not the stuff of science fiction but real advances in capability based on technology and equipment developments that will improve the fighting capability and safety of the Army's regular infantry battalions in future combat operations."

Defence is seeking a range of niche technologies in Australian industry and the capability to undertake comprehensive through-life maintenance and support activities for Land 125.

LTCOL Shane Gabriel is Project Director Project Land 125. To find out more about industry opportunities or to submit a proposal for the Australian Soldier Modernisation Program, contact the Land 125 Project Office
Telephone: +61 3 9282 6486, Facsimile: +61 3 9282 6477.

By Gerry Gibson and Shane Gabriel, Canberra
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