The Defence Department has signed contracts with BAE Systems Australia and Rheinmetall for the next stage of evaluation for Land 400 Phase 2, announced Minister for Defence Industry Christopher Pyne.
Minister Pyne said the Defence Department had signed contracts with both companies ensuring Australian industry involvement, which will create jobs and drive economic growth.
“Both vehicle options are world class and offer a quantum leap in protection for our soldiers and our military’s operational capability,” Pyne said in statement.
“The contract signings formally start the next stage of the evaluation process, known as the Risk Mitigation Activity (RMA).”
The RMA involves a one-year test and evaluation program of the vehicles, including against improved explosive devices, with tests conducted at a range of sites within Australia including Monegeetta, Victoria.
ADM also understands that some testing will also be done overseas in respective home markets.
BAE Systems has two AMV35 vehicles in country while Rheinmetall have one vehicle in country and another two in Germany awaiting sign off from the Commonwealth.