Reports indicate that Defence is seeking urgent requirement 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.
Under Joint Project 154, the ADF’s Counter Improvised Explosive Device (CIED) capability encompasses a range of systems and measures to mitigate or defeat the effects of an adversary’s use of IEDs.
This project aims to develop those CIED systems and measures in accordance with strategic priorities while remaining sufficiently flexible to respond to unpredictable changes in the threat environment and take full advantage of technological advances.
Phase 2 will support further technology refresh of current CIED operational and support systems while Phase 3 will continue the technology refresh and potentially extend their employment to additional platforms.
Phase 3 also aims to replace existing Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) robots and further develop the ADF’s route clearance capability.
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 which were due for delivery mid-year.
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 loan two Canadian systems for additional protection against IEDs for use by Australian soldiers operating in Afghanistan.
The systems comprise two HUSKY protected mobility vehicles fitted with ground penetrating radar (GPR) and one BUFFALO mine resistant ambush protected (MRAP) vehicle fitted with an interrogation arm and mast mounted Gyrocam camera.
The vehicles are 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 Uruzgan province in Afghanistan.