For the first time, Australian soldiers have fired the AS9 Huntsman 155mm self-propelled howitzer on Australian soil on 1 December, marking a milestone in Army capability.
“The AS9 Huntsman is a highly mobile, protected and potent self-propelled howitzer, which gives our troops the best possible chance of completing their missions and returning home safely to their families,” Head Land Systems Major General, Jason Blain, said.
Soldiers from the School of Artillery and 4th Regiment, Royal Australian Artillery, have been conducting intensive operator training on the new platform at Puckapunyal, Victoria, preparing to bring it into service.
“As soon as the last round leaves the barrel, the AS9 Huntsman is quickly on the move to its next mission, while ensuring our soldiers remain safely behind armoured protection," Blain stated.
Operated by a five-person crew – driver, loader, gunner, assistant gunner and commander – the AS9 Huntsman has been designed for speed, lethality and survivability.
Supporting the AS9 Huntsman is the AS10 armoured ammunition resupply vehicle, which was crewed by three soldiers and capable of resupplying two AS9s.
30 AS9s and 15 AS10s will be acquired over the next two years by Defence, through industry partner Hanwha Defence Australia.