A Request for Tender involving the replacement of Remote Positioning Vehicles used by the ADF across all three services in anti-IED operations was released by Defence on 25 July.

Melbourne-based company Aquaterro has won a $35 million contract to refurbish and upgrade the ADF's combat helmets.

Whether planning a mission, directing operations or acquiring new capability, the protection of ADF personnel and assets is front of mind for its commanders.

Defence capability acquisition is not conducted in a vacuum solely based on cost-effectiveness. Land forces - including armour - may be required in the battles and campaigns of a future Indo-Pacific war.

The New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) has notified industry of its intention to replace the army’s unprotected Pinzgauer Light Operational Vehicles.

In order to get an idea of the art of the possible, Army has engaged with a consortium of Australian owned and run companies led by EOS to provide a proof of concept for the delivery of C4I products and technologies and capabilities in Australia.

Australian SME Sigma Bravo will partner with Hanwha Defense Australia to deliver training packages and training equipment to support the AS9 Huntsman Self-Propelled Howitzer and AS10 Armoured Ammunition Resupply Vehicle.

Collins Aerospace has been awarded a contract to supply the next generation Digital Terminal Control Systems under the Australian Land 17 Phase 2 program.

DroneShield has sold a quantity of its RfOne MKIITM long-range sensors to the Australian Army.

The government is currently evaluating a proposal from Hanwha Defense Australia, under a sole-source tender mechanism, for a locally-built variant of its successful 155mm, 52 calibre K9 Thunder SPH, to enter service in the mid-2020s.

Bisalloy Steels has announced the receipt of a significant order from Rheinmetall for highly specialised armour steel.

WFEL has commenced production of Boxer vehicles for the British Army at its new manufacturing plant in the northwest of England.

The Ajax that was unsuccessfully proposed by General Dynamics Land Systems for the ADF’s Project Land 400 Phase 3 is facing serious problems in meeting the requirements of the UK’s armoured vehicle program.

In the initial acquisition of the Abrams tanks back in 2004, the boost to Army’s capability looked to be pretty good value and the opportunity cost was low. Looking at the current proposal, I come to a different conclusion.

The Republic of Korea Army is scheduled to trial the Redback Infantry Fighting Vehicle next year, creating a potential opportunity for Australian defence industry exports.

Given its potential to determine which contractor will benefit from Army’s costliest-ever acquisition program, the outcome of the detailed testing and evaluation now underway on the two contenders for the ADF’s IFV requirement is keenly awaited.