The ADF has entered into two significant munitions contracts today.
First, the Commonwealth has signed a three-year contract worth $81.6 million with NIOA to supply 81mm high explosive and practice mortar ammunition.
NIOA have teamed with Day and Zimmermann in the US to deliver the 81mm ammunition contract with the acknowledged support from the US Army Joint Program Executive Office - Armaments and Ammunition (JPEO A&A). Day and Zimmermann are a major provider of mortar munitions to the US Government.
“This acquisition will allow Army to sustain its current mortar capability ahead of projects to modernise the 81mm mortar fleet with a lighter weight system,” Minister for Defence Christopher Pyne said.
This contract builds on NIOA’s other recent awards under the Major Munitions Contract, Future Artillery Ammunition Contract, the recent announcement of their tenancy at the government-owned munitions factory at Benalla, and their associated Joint Venture with Rheinmetall in Maryborough, Queensland.
Delivery of products will commence in April 2019 with final deliveries planned for April 2022.
The Commonwealth has also signed a contract with General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems of Canada.
“This is a four-year, $62.7 million deal with General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems of Canada to supply 155mm high explosive howitzer ammunition for our artillery guns,” Minister Pyne said.
“This acquisition allows Army to sustain its current artillery capability and support its training requirements as we move towards modernisation of the 155mm fleet under the Land 17-1C2 Future Artillery Ammunition Project being delivered by NIOA.
“This contract has been awarded to ensure capability of the current ADF in-service ammunition is maintained, with delivery commencing April 2019.”