Army displays its latest wares

Members of the Canberra and ADF community joined the Australian Army for a display of armoured and protected vehicles, aviation, and the latest soldier combat protection in Russell yesterday.
 
The heavy weight M1A1 Abrams tank and M113 armoured personnel carrier, were flanked by a Bushmaster protected mobility vehicle, as well as the latest Hawkei light 4x4 off road patrol vehicle.
 
Both new and emerging technologies proved to be popular attractions, with the Wasp and Black Hornet unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and robotics and future communication systems, drawing the crowds.
 
Also demonstrated was the soldier combat ensemble of body armour, combat protection and the new rifle system, the EF88.
 
The Army’s Head of Modernisation and Strategic Planning, Major General Fergus McLachlan, said the collaboration between the Army, CASG, DST Group and defence industry were preparing our soldiers for the next evolution of warfare.
 
“The Australian Army’s most important asset is our people and this exceptional human performance is one of our strengths,” MAJGEN McLachlan said.
 
“Our soldiers are optimised by the support of our combat, communication and aviation systems, together with our protected and armoured vehicles to ensure they are the best equipped and protected they can be in an operational environment.
 
“The equipment and systems on show yesterday are the next step, with more to come, and demonstrates how the Army connects its platforms to our soldiers to be a contemporary fighting force, capable of operating in increasingly complex threat environments.”