News Review: Defence bid for C-IED minesweepers? | ADM Dec 2011 / Jan 2012

Defence is understood to be seeking urgent approval for the purchase of mine detecting vehicles under JP 154 Phase 3 for use in Afghanistan to counter the threat of roadside improvised explosive device (IEDs) ,the biggest threat to Australian and Coalition troops in that country.

At the end of last year, Defence ordered 265 radio-controlled CREW systems vehicle-mounted electronic jammers designed to prevent the initiation of radio-controlled IEDs. The ADF already had CREW systems in operation in Oruzgan, but Defence said the purchase of the extra 265 systems would help “round out” its numbers.

More recently it was announced that Canada would lend the ADF two HUSKY and one BUFFALO vehicles to be used by Australian Army engineers to detect explosive hazards, including mines and IEDs, to create a safe pathway for troops as they patrol Oruzgan province in Afghanistan.