LAND 400 contender? Patria launched its 8×8 Armoured Modular Vehicle (AMV) XP in 2013.
Minister for Defence Kevin Andrews has announced that the government has given first pass approval for LAND 400 Phase 2 Mounted Combat Reconnaissance Capability.
The Request for Tender (RFT) has been released for the multibillion-dollar project to replace the wheeled Australian Light Armoured Vehicle (ASLAV), Minister Andrews stated on Thursday. The tender for up to 225 military off-the-shelf vehicles is due to close on June 25. The procurement involves the Combat Reconnaissance Vehicle (CRV) mission system and associated introduction-into-service support elements.
“The upcoming Defence White Paper will confirm the remaining scope of the program, which is likely to provide an infantry fighting vehicle [capability], currently partly provided by the M113 Armoured Personnel Carrier; a manoeuvre support vehicle, and an integrated training system,” Minister Andrews stated. “When fully delivered, the LAND 400 program will allow Army to successfully sustain mounted close combat against emerging and future threats as part of a joint force.”
He added that the ASLAV fleet is expected to reach the end of its life around 2021.
Another LAND 400 contender? Nexter’s VBCI armoured infantry combat vehicle has been deployed in Afghanistan.