Article Posted on : - Jun 02, 2010

An Australian Light Armoured Vehicle at Tarin Kowt in southern Afghanistan. Photo: Australian MoD.

SYDNEY (BNS): The Australian Government has given second pass approval for the upgrade of the Australian Light Armoured Vehicle (ASLAV) under LAND 112 Phase 4 – ASLAV Enhancement project, on Monday.

“These enhancements, which have a total project cost of $302.8 million, will result in our ASLAV fleet being up-armoured to provide greater protection to cater for difficult and dangerous environments such as those in Afghanistan. The upgrade will ensure that the ASLAV fleet provides the highest possible combat protection and capability in the future,” The Minister for Defence, Senator John Faulkner said in an Australian MoD news release.

The Australian Light Armoured Vehicle (ASLAV) is currently deployed in Afghanistan and it is serving the Australian Defence Forces (ADF) in the Middle East Area of Operations since 2004.

The ASLAV provides mobility, firepower and protection to the Australian forces in Afghanistan. It also enables them to conduct search, escort operations and provide support to close combat operations.

The improved enhancements in the project will provide increased protection to the Australian army against wider range of threats - including Improvised Explosive Devices (by improving ballistic, fragmentation and blast protection).

The project ASLAV will also improve the vehicle’s suspension, driveline and engine to make it highly capable and versatile light armoured vehicle for the ADF.

ADF will receive 113 upgraded vehicles by April 2012. Australian defence ministry is also planning to expedite the schedule for the ASLAV upgrade programme.