Article Posted on : - May 26, 2010

A file photo of Thales protected mobility vehicles (PMV). Photo: Thales

SYDNEY (BNS): The Australian Defence Materiel Organisation Wednesday has announced a $ 1 billion contract for three Australian manufacturers to build the next generation of protected mobility vehicles (PMV).

The DMO has chosen Thales Australia, Force Protection Europe and General Dynamics Land Systems Australia for the contract.

“ The three Australian based companies will be awarded up to $9 million each for the development of protected mobility vehicle prototypes, putting them in the running to land a manufacturing contract for up to 1300 vehicles,” Greg Combet, Minister for Defence Materiel and Science, said in an Australian MoD press release.

The announcement follows a decision by the Australian Government in 2008 to participate in the current US Joint Light Tactical Vehicle program which is also working on the development of protected mobility vehicle prototypes.

“The Rudd Government believes that Australia has some of the best defence equipment manufacturers in the world. This decision will mean that they will have a fair chance to compete with other international competitors,” he said.

According to the release, in the beginning, each company has to produce two test drive ready prototype vehicles in approx six months’ time.

“The protected mobility vehicles will play an important role in keeping Australian troops safe in combat roles, including command, liaison and light battlefield resupply,” he added.

The Australian Army’s combat units and Air Force Air Field Defence Guards will get the next generation PMVs as they will be designed to operate in future conflict environments.