http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,20867,21030567-31477,00.html
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Army has big guns in its sights
- Mark Dodd
- January 09, 2007
THE Australian army expects to know within six months the outcome of a $600 million contract to buy new heavy artillery, including, for the first time, 155mm self-propelled guns.
Dubbed Land-17, the project is on track and a formal call for tenders is expected shortly, Chief of Army Peter Leahy said yesterday. Potential contenders for 155mm howitzers to replace Vietnam era big guns include firms from Israel, Singapore and France. Lieutenant-General Leahy said the army would get a mix of towed and self-propelled artillery.
"We're trying to get some prices and have a look at some equipment to see what we're getting for our money," he said.
"My preference would be for the self-propelled and have more of that rather than towed artillery. I think towards the middle of this year we should get a pretty good decision."
Contenders include the Bofors Archer truck-mounted 155mm system with a towable version as an option. France's GIAT industries is keen to showcase its Caesar self-propelled weapons system. Other possible contenders include Israeli Soltam's truck-mounted Atmos 2000 and a 20-tonne tracked Rascal self-propelled gun.
Singapore is likely to attract interest with its air-portable, semi-mobile Pegasus howitzer system."
OK folks, who reckons they have an idea of what is likely to be purchased?
There has been some grumbling over the years that the Korean K9 might have a leg in. Ex DefMin Hill was apparently quite taken with them. Wonder what Nelson thinks?
Wasn't a Bofors Archer unit paraded around the traps last year or the year before(?).
rb
