AJAX-based Solution for Australian Mounted Close Combat Capability Requirement

General Dynamics Land Systems – Australia (GDLS-A) confirmed on 3 April it has delivered what it terms “a compelling AJAX-based offer for LAND 400 Phase 3.”

The requirement, termed the Mounted Close Combat Capability by the Australian Defence Force, has attracted significant international competition, including the GDLS-A bid, which will leverage the AJAX family of armoured fighting vehicles currently being delivered to the British Army and will include a GD-designed 30mm turret. The company is actively engaging with Australian industry to develop an innovative, sustainable and sovereign on-shore supply chain to maximise the amount of work undertaken in Australia for LAND 400 Phase 3.

Australia will be able to leverage the UK’s significant nine-year investment in AJAX, including extensive testing that has demonstrated that the platform offers proven and unrivalled levels of protection, mobility and lethality for a family of vehicles in its class, along with a wealth of high-fidelity training assets that are already available. The first of 589 AJAX was delivered to the British Army in February this year.

“AJAX will allow the Australian Defence Force (ADF) to see first, decide first and act first. Its proven protection levels, mobility and lethality will keep soldiers safe and allow them to do their job effectively. With the first AJAX vehicles already delivered to the British Army, the Commonwealth can have high confidence in our ability to deliver to meet their timelines, whilst we maximise the role for Australian industry to ensure a sovereign tracked AFV manufacturing capability in Australia for years to come. We will reveal more details on our LAND 400 Phase 3 solution over the coming months,” commented GDLS-A Vice President and General Manager, Kevin Connell.