Australian Department of Defense, A ceremonial handover took place at Robertson Barracks today to mark the introduction to service of the first four M113AS4 Armoured Personnel Carriers to the Army's 7th Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment.
One of the vehicles on display was fitted with armour, spall curtains and track shrouds to reveal the appearance of the vehicle when fitted for operations.
Soldiers of 7th Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment, were thrilled to see the arrival of the upgraded M113; one soldier said “You can definitely notice the improvement in the performance and power of the new vehicles.”
The Commanding Officer of the 7th Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment, Lieutenant Colonel Shane Gabriel said he was pleased to oversee the MII3AS4 arrival. “The extensive upgrade to the M113 has improved habitability, mobility and firepower of the vehicles and most importantly, provides superior protection for our troops,” LTCOL Shane Gabriel said.
The handover ceremony also highlighted the success of the joint effort between the Defence Materiel Organisation (DMO) and the prime contractor Tenix. The M113’s have successfully concluded a long and rigorous testing program and the ADF will receive a vehicle that delivers increased firepower, protection and mobility.
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Project LAND 106 was established to deliver a major upgrade of 350 of the Army’s in-service M113A1 vehicles that provide transport and fire support for the Army’s mechanised forces. The upgrade provides significant enhancements in protection, firepower, mobility and habitability whilst also providing improved logistic supportability.
There are seven variants of the M113AS being produced. The first four being delivered to the Army’s 7th Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment (mechanised infantry), are the Armoured Personnel Carrier (M113AS4 APC). The designation AS4 (Australian Version 4) refers to the upgraded capability of the vehicle to the Australian standard as well as its increased carrying capacity. 171 APC variants will be upgraded to the 18 tonne M113AS4 standard.
Crew and maintainer training have commenced and procurement of initial spares, special tools and test equipment to support the initial introduction of vehicles has commenced and will continue in parallel with vehicle production.
