The federal government has given combined first and second pass approval for the LAND 19 Phase 7A Counter Rocket, Artillery and Mortar System (C-RAM) Sense and Warn project. Minister for Defence Kevin Andrews stated that the approval means about $325 million is being provided to sustain the capability for use on future Australian Defence Force (ADF) operations.

The government is currently in negotiations with preferred tenderer Saab Australia regarding the through-life support arrangements, and the contract is expected to be finalised in September.

“C-RAM Sense and Warn provides early detection and warning of incoming indirect fire threats; it gives personnel additional time to evade danger, minimising potential casualties,” Minister Andrews said on June 26.

“The capability was initially acquired as an accelerated acquisition in 2010 for ADF force-protection in Afghanistan. Since then, the Australian Defence Force have used the C-RAM Sense and Warn capability at forward operating and patrol bases in Afghanistan.”