Improved Firepower for the Australian Defence Forces

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Improved Firepower for the Australian Defence Forces
AUSTRALIA - 17 FEBRUARY 2010

Greg Combet, Minister for Defence Personnel, Materiel and Science today announced improved firepower for the ADF with contracts being signed for a new anti-armour weapon capability.

“Defence has contracted SAAB Bofors Dynamics for the supply of the M3 84mm Carl Gustaf anti-armour support weapon,” Mr Combet said.

“These new weapons provide an increased direct fire support capability and will be employed by the Infantry, Special Forces and RAAF Airfield Defence Guards.

“Soldiers will appreciate the weight savings afforded by the M3 Carl Gustaf anti-armour weapon.

“The value of the contract with SAAB Bofors Dynamics is approximately $10.5m which includes the supply of weapons, spares and documentation to support the system,” Mr Combet said.

In addition, Mr Combet announced the contract with BAE Systems Australia to supply the enhanced sighting system for the newly acquired M3 84mm Carl Gustaf anti-armour weapon.

“The value of the contract with BAE Systems Australia is approximately $16m which includes the supply of sighting systems, spares, documentation and three years of support for the system,” Mr Combet said.

“The enhanced sighting system includes thermal technology which provides the ADF with an increased direct-fire support capability when used with the M3 84mm Carl Gustaf anti-armour weapon.

“Furthermore, the new sight will also now permit engagements during day, night and adverse conditions,” Mr Combet said.


Source: Australian Department of Defence

 

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BAE Systems Secures Australian Thermal Weapon Sight Contract
17 FEBRUARY 2010

BAE Systems has secured a contract to supply a new targeting system for the Australian Army’s new Carl Gustaf M3 weapons.

BAE Systems will provide more than 400 of its proven, uncooled AN/PAS-13C thermal weapon sights to equip the Army’s crew-served Carl Gustaf shoulder-fired 84mm direct-fire weapons.

The sights can be used for both day and night operations, and in adverse conditions such as smoke and dust — enabling the user to track a round all the way to the target.

The sights also are self-contained and eliminate the need for cables and day/night mode switching, and can be readily used for surveillance off-weapon via a quick release mount, according to Ian Sharp, Director of BAE Systems Australia’s Land Business Unit.

“They are a reliable, lightweight, and simple to use, combined imaging and sighting systems for all conditions. Users are able to rapidly convert to the new sight from the Carl Gustaf’s current day-only sight,” Mr Sharp said.
He said that the contract was another example of the company’s ability to reach back to access the diverse capabilities of the global BAE Systems organisation, adapt them to a local requirement and support them with a comprehensive regional through life support solution.

“The sight is manufactured by our US-based Electronics, Intelligence & Support business. It is a proven military off-the-shelf (MOTS) advanced, uncooled thermal sensor, with more than 50,000 currently fielded on 12 weapon types operating across coalition forces.

“Our Australian team was able to contribute rapid and innovative engineering design to integrate the sight to the Carl Gustaf within just 90 days for program trials.

“The sight performed so well during trials on the Carl Gustaf launcher that it has now been adopted for other crew-served weapons in several other countries and has been fielded in theatre in Afghanistan through Urgent Operational Requirements,” Mr Sharp said.

The contract is valued at AUD $16 million.


Source: BAE Australia