ADF Artillery Upgrade

Bofors Defence AB, Tenix Defence has teamed up with Swedish company Bofors Defence AB to supply the Australian Defence Force with a new artillery system.  
 
The ADF is seeking tenders under the Land 17 Artillery Replacement Project for an indirect fire support system to succeed its 105mm Hamel Howitzer and 155mm M198 Howitzer fleet from 2008-10.  
 
Tenix Defence and Bofors will offer the ADF with two options:  
 
1. The Archer solution: a self-propelled 155mm L52 automatic howitzer incorporated into a modified armoured commercial six-wheel-drive (6×6) articulated Volvo A30D truck chassis.  
 
2. A long range towed artillery system based on the FH77B05 platform that has consistently performed exceptionally well during recent tests by the Indian Army.  
 
Australian-owned Tenix Defence will work closely with Bofors Defence in the integration of the howitzer with the chassis, and ensure the Volvo articulated hauler chassis meets Australian requirements and has the desired level of protection.  
 
Tenix Defence will also develop training packages and provide maintenance and repair, testing and evaluation.  
 
Tenix Defence will conduct as much of the work as possible in Australia, where it already employs 3500 people.  
 
Bofors will provide the 155mm/52-calibre FH-77 BW L52 Archer self-propelled howitzer. Other parties involved are CJD (chassis); Kongsberg (artillery C2 and fire control system); Nammo (conventional ammunition manufacture) and CITS (simulation and training).  
 
The Archer is a complete artillery system. It is unrivaled in all terrain mobility and fire power and has a sophisticated