THE military contingent deployed to the Solomon Islands in support of the Regional Assistance Mission has a new CO.

The former CO of 3RAR, Lt-Col Quentin Flowers assumed command from Lt-Col John Frewen who arrived with the original RAMSI force in late July 2003.

Lt-Col Flowers assumes command of the military contingent at a significant stage of the operation, as military forces draw down and remaining forces continue the task of providing a security response and logistics force in support of RAMSI operations.

Meanwhile, Col Bill Sowry has relieved Col Paul Symon as Military Adviser to the Special Coordinator, Nick Warner, the leader of the regional assistance mission and adviser to the Solomon Islands Government.

Canada is to phase out its 114 Leopard C2 (Leopard 1A5) Main Battle Tanks (MBT).

The aging tanks will be replaced by 66 Stryker Mobile Gun Systems (MGS).

The Stryker MGS comprises a 105mm gun mounted on the LAV-III light armoured 8X8 wheeled vehicle.

Current plans call for the first of the new systems to be delivered in 2006; the last by 2009.

Meanwhile, South Africa is to spend some $US17 million upgrading at least some of its 178 Olifant Mk 1B MBTs over the 2004-06 period.

The upgrade comprises several changes including enhanced armour protection, increased engine power, and a new target-detection and engagement system.

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