Projects
LAND 125 Soldier Combat System
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Phase 2B Phase 3 Phase 4 Point of Contact |
Project Overview
LAND 125 Soldier Combat System will enhance the operational performance of the dismounted close combatant, as part of a network enabled force. The selective application of technology will provide incremental improvements to lethality, survivability, sustainability, mobility and command and control capabilities, to enable an evolutionary enhancement of tactics, techniques and procedures.
The combination of individual combatants, their units and the interfaces with the internal and external battle environment is termed the Soldier Combat System (SCS).
LAND 125 is a soldier modernisation program that provides incremental enhancements to close combat capability through the selective application of technology. The key determinant for this process is the impact of available and emerging technology applications on infantry tactics, techniques and procedures. The project selects and integrates components within the SCS sub-system architecture to equip the individual soldier and small teams.
LAND 125 has identified an aspirational integrated system and has developed a deliberate strategy of achieving this objective through the evolutionary acquisition and development of components. This strategy is detailed in the Spiral Development Action Plan V2.1, which describes the methodology and current objectives of LAND 125. The aim of the plan is to provide guidance for both the capability definition and acquisition processes to enable evolutionary enhancement to the dismounted close combat capability.
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The Spiral Development Action Plan was developed from mid 2004, following the analysis of options for transitioning from the project definition study phase to the acquisition phases. This approach is intended to break the task of achieving a fully integrated SCS into realistic increments over time through an evolutionary acquisition strategy. The revised project strategy involves the definition and subsequent procurement of iterative capability enhancements within successive Soldier Enhancement versions.Acquisition and integration will only occur as technologies mature. It will involve the acquisition of new systems where gaps are identified, the enhancement of existing systems where this represents value for money, and a program of research and development (R&D) to identify new technology that will enhance close combat capability, whilst representing value for money.
During the acquisition phases the project will roll out new equipment and upgrades to high priority units. The project will also utilise or modify existing equipments where this satisfies capability, cost and integration requirements.
To support the aim, an extensive program of R&D is required. This will be steered by the Defence Science & Technology Organisation (DSTO), and may include tertiary institutions and local industry. Overseas R&D will also be accessed through a Memorandum of Understanding with the United States Land Warrior program, existing North Atlantic Treaty Organisation involvement and bilateral agreements with other soldier modernisation programs.
Australian industry may also be included in the process through Project funded development to be coordinated by DSTO, Concept Technology Demonstrators and other work initiated by the Project or DSTO. Australian industry may also be involved through potential opportunities to supply and integration of sub-system components and the provision of integrated logistic support. If industry has technology proposals they wish to have considered they should contact the LAND 125 Project Office.
Current Phases
Project background and proposal information is available in the current published Defence Capability Plan.
Phase 2B
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Phase 2B has introduced into service a variety of enhanced dismounted close combat capabilities that constitute Soldier Enhancement Version One (SE v.1). This includes the following capabilities:- Soldier Personal Radio – a low range, intra-section communications device.
- Thermal Weapon Sight – for employment with the F88 Steyr rifle to improve the surveillance and target acquisition capability.
- Individual Combat Load Carriage Equipment – an integrated, modular ensemble and large field pack.
- Enhanced Combat Helmet – improved individual survivability.
- Personal Protective Padding – elbow and knee pads.
Current Status:
Phase 2B is approved with the majority of acquisition activities completed. The procurement of SE v.1 capabilities to equip the second Enhanced Land Force Battalion is currently being progressed.
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Phase 3 is proposed to introduce into service a variety of enhanced dismounted close combat capabilities that constitute Soldier Enhancement Version Two (SE v.2). This may include the following capabilities:- Dismounted Battle Management System and Data Capable Combat Net Radio – a digital situational awareness and data management system to provide commanders with improved command and control functionality.
- Enhanced Steyr rifle and improved weapon optics – providing enhanced capabilities for surveillance and target acquisition and engagement.
- Individual survivability components – equipment includes an improved Modular Combat Body Armour System (MCBAS) and Ballistic and Laser Ocular Protection System (BLOPS).
Current Status:
Command, Control, Communications, Computers and Intelligence (C4I).
As part of the LAND 125 Phase 3, a requirement has been identified for a Battle Management System (BMS) to be employed by the Australian Regular Army in the conduct of operations. The LAND 125 Phase 3 C4I sub-system has combined with LAND 75 Phase 3.4 for the solicitation of a combined dismounted and mounted BMS. The LAND 75/125 BMS capability represents the core Australian Army BMS capability.
A BMS is a tactical command and control system that is used by commanders in the land tactical theatre of operations to enhance battlespace awareness, automate combat messaging and support the execution of operations. It will be capable of exchanging messages with the Army’s higher level planning, monitoring and control support system and the Battlefield Command Support System (BCSS).
The Request for Tender (RFT) for the combined BMS capability was released in June 2007 and closed in August 2007. RFT evaluation is currently being finalised.
Lethality – Investigation is underway to upgrade the in-service F88 Steyr Rifle to provide physical integration with a variety of improved surveillance and target acquisition devices; and supplementary lethality devices. These modifications will enhance the lethality of the individual soldier, fire team and section.
Survivability – MCBAS and BLOPS contractors have been selected to meet the Additional Army Equipment (AAE) requirement. MCBAS is being delivered and has been deployed on operations. BLOPS is scheduled for delivery in 09.
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Phase 4 is proposed to introduce into service a variety of enhanced dismounted close combat capabilities that constitute Soldier Enhancement Version Three (SE v.3). In accordance with the spiral development methodology, the capability requirements for Soldier Enhancement SE v.3 will be defined by emerging requirements and the technical maturity of candidate solutions, within the boundaries of the aspirational system architecture.
Current Status:
This phase has not been scoped.
Point of Contact
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| 1 RAR soldier equipped with the developmental test bed equipment from which Soldier Enhancement Version One capabilities were developed |
Soldier Modernisation Systems Program Office
Land Combat Systems Branch
Land Systems Division
Defence Materiel Organisation
Victoria Barracks Melbourne
256-310 St Kilda Road
SOUTHBANK VIC 3006
Australia
Project Director:
Telephone: +61 3 9282 6486
Facsimile: +61 3 9282 6477
Last updated: May 2009