Restricted tender for Land 8116 goes to Hanwha Defense Australia

Defence has released a restricted RFT to build 30 self-propelled howitzers under Project Land 8116, Protected Mobile Fires.

The RFT will be released to preferred supplier Hanwha Defence Australia, to build and maintain 30 self-propelled howitzers and 15 armoured ammunition resupply vehicles, and their supporting systems. They will all be built in Geelong, with in-service sustainment conducted in the same facility, said Minister for Defence Senator Linda Reynolds.

“The acquisition of this capability will provide the ADF with the mobility, lethality and protection required to support Joint Force operations in the land domain.

LAND 8116 Phase 2, announced in the 2020 Force Structure Plan, is anticipated to commence in the late 2020s, delivering additional Protected Mobile Fires capability, and LAND 8116 Phase 3 is anticipated to commence in the mid-2030s, delivering a mid-life upgrade that will provide an opportunity to incorporate emerging technologies.