In the June edition of this magazine, Ewen Levick asked – why do we need tanks? In doing so, he critiqued a publication I co-authored four years ago on this subject. In the interest of robust debate, I feel obliged to respond.

Kongsberg Defence Australia has announced that communications company Eylex has been selected by KONGSBERG to provide cable systems for an International National Advanced Surface to Air Missile System (NASAMS) Program.

With the final contracted capability for its Integrated Battlefield Telecommunications Network to be rolled out from next year, Boeing Defence Australia is now turning its attention to other opportunities to market the system at home and abroad.

Japanese troops have arrived in Darwin ahead of the trilateral Exercise Southern Jackaroo 2021, joining US Marines already undertaking training in the region.

German company RENK has announced its intention to expand an operational footprint into Australia should Rheinmetall’s Lynx KF41 infantry fighting vehicle (IFV) be selected for the Land 400 Phase 3 program.

Thomas Global Systems has teamed with Global Defence Solutions to source locally developed and manufactured components for the Boxer CRV Immersive Tactical Trainer system under its Land 400 Phase 2 subcontract with Rheinmetall Defence Australia.

Marand Precision Engineering has started local production on a major LYNX subassembly.

Hanwha Defense Australia will partner with ANCA Engineering Solutions, a division of ANCA Group, for the manufacture of an advanced suspension system for the Redback Infantry Fighting Vehicle.

On the opening day on Land Forces 2021, WA-based shipbuilder Austal announced it will submit a proposal to the Commonwealth to design, build and sustain amphibious vessels under the latter’s Land 8710 Phase 1 (Littoral Manoeuvre – Light) program.

In more news from Land Forces 2021, Babcock and Team SABRE have been down-selected for Land 125 Phase 4. ADM understands the Commonwealth is also considering other proposals.

Cook Defence Systems has been selected to provide tracks for Rheinmetall’s Lynx KF41 Infantry Fighting Vehicles for the Army as part of Rheinmetall’s bid for Land 400 Phase 3.

Applied Virtual Simulation, a Newcastle based SME, is the latest Australian company to join the C4 EDGE consortium.

Elphinstone and Hanwha Defense Australia have signed a teaming agreement for the manufacture of vehicle hulls for the Redback Infantry Fighting vehicle.

To some, the tank is a 'matchless combination' of firepower, mobility, protection and connectivity. To others, it is 'operationally unsuitable' to the challenges of the future.

Penske Australia will unveil the MT881 engine selected by Hanwha Defense Australia to power Huntsman self-propelled howitzers and Hanwha’s Redback infantry fighting vehicle at Land Forces next week.

Hanwha Defense Australia has announced an expanded partnership with CBG Systems as part of project Land 8116 and Hanwha’s bid for Land 400 Phase 3.