The Federal Government has announced that as part of the Defence Capability Review, Army's ageing Leopard 1 main battle tanks are to be replaced. Although a choice has not been made, the Government says the decision will be between the US M1A2 Abrams, the German Leopard 2 and the British Challenger 2.

The hardening process
Army to get new main battle tank to enhance role

By Andrew Stackpool
ARMY's Leopard 1 main battle tanks will be replaced as a result of the Defence Capability Review.

The German Leopard 2, British Challenger 2 and the US Abrams M1A2 are the contenders, with a decision to be made as quickly as possible.

As yet, no decision has been made on how many tanks will be purchased.

The decision follows a recommendation to the Federal Government by CA Lt-Gen Peter Leahy that a new tank would be needed to provide Australia with a balanced, combined arms force.

Other acquisitions will include combat identification systems, more capable communications and increased provision of night-vision equipment.

This equipment will enable Army to become more sustainable and lethal in close combat under the combined arms approach, through which infantry, armour, artillery, aviation and engineers support each other to achieve rapid success and minimise the risk of blue-on-blue casualties.

"The rationale for the tank is very much in line with the combined arms approach in Army," Lt-Gen Leahy said when Defence Minister Robert Hill announced the decision on November 7.

"WE SEE that Army will be required to engage in close combat and the best way to do that is with a balanced, combined armed force. The tank provides balance within that force.

"The Leopard is an ageing tank. We have growing concerns of its survivability on any type of battlefield on which we might be engaged in the future.

"The proliferation of a range of anti-armour weapons now readily available, has given us that concern.

"It is logical that we replace the tank with something that can make sure our soldiers on the battlefield can survive without undue risk."

The Government reviewed Australia's Defence Capability Plan (DCP) in light of changes to Australia's strategic environment, recent operational experience and more mature costings.

The review aimed to ensure a balanced force would be able to achieve the objectives of the Defence 2000 White Paper while recognising the extra complexity from unconventional threats.

It reaffirmed that the defence of Australia and regional requirements should be the primary drivers of force structure; tasks such as the protection of Australia's borders remain as important as ever.

The review process identified an increased requirement to:

• Strengthen the effectiveness and sustainability of the Army;
• Provide air defence protection to deploying forces;
• Enhance the lift requirement for deployments and;
• Position the ADF to exploit current and emerging network-centric warfare advantages.

The review noted that global terrorism, the spread of weapons of mass destruction and instances of regional deterioration had new prominence.

The decisions will see the three services provided with new assets, equipment and capabilities to ensure they can defend Australia and Australian interests in an uncertain and complex environment, albeit with some rebalancing of the DCP.

These new assets and the introduction of the Tiger Armed Reconnaissance Helicopter and additional troop lift helicopters for amphibious transport, will see Army significantly hardened and better networked.

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