Brigadier Grant Cavanagh signs the acceptance certificates.
|
The Australian National Audit Office (ANAO) report on the Management of the Australian Light Armoured Vehicle (ASLAV) program shows, ‘the ASLAVs have proven to be significant addition to the Army’s capability,’ (ANAO report).
It also found the ASLAV vehicles have been supplied to the Australian Defence Force on time and on budget.
Over the past 15 years, the program has successfully delivered 257 new and upgraded vehicles to Army.
The $35M ASLAV upgrade program was completed on time and within budget on 31 October, when the last two vehicles rolled off the upgrade line.
The ASLAV program is also responsible for the sustainment of the in-service fleet that maximises operational availability and continues to improve the capability. In 2005, the program delivered the first group of 40 enhanced ASLAVs for deployment to Iraq and continued to provide support overseas.
The 62 ASLAVs deployed to the Middle East today are the best-equipped and most capable light armoured vehicle in their class. The stabilised turreted 25mm cannons and Remote Weapon Station systems have day sights, thermal night weapon sights and integrated laser range finders. The vehicles and their crew are also well protected with enhanced ballistic steel armour and spall liners to improve protection against blast, bullets and fragmentation.
The vehicles in the ASLAV fleet have also achieved impressive availability rates of greater than 90 per cent. This has ensured that training and operations can be conducted effectively. The ASLAV Program, within Defence Materiel Organisation and working closely with defence industry, has delivered this capability to meet the needs of soldiers in the field.
Brigadier Grant Cavanagh with General Dynamics Land Systems staff in front of completed ASLAVs. |
