Protected Mobility Vehicle Technology Modernisation – Hawkei

The Hawkei provides a high level of protection for soldiers against blast and ballistic threats with superior off-road mobility. It can carry up to 4 troops and will be used to perform reconnaissance, liaison, command and utility roles. Additionally, the Hawkei includes an integral computing system, which is a suite of communications systems including a Battle Management System and radios, operating through a common interface.

About the base

The Staging and Support Base Rockhampton Base Support Area extends from Mackay in the north to Biloela in the south and west to Blackwater. This base serves as the main staging area for units training at Shoalwater Bay Training Area. It is located on approximately 39 hectares of land at 68 Western Street, Rockhampton, and is approximately 40 minutes or 75 km away from the Shoalwater Bay Training Area.

Armed Reconnaissance Helicopter Replacement

LAND 4503 Phase 1 Armed Reconnaissance Helicopter Replacement will acquire 29 AH-64E Apache helicopters to replace the ARH Tiger.

The aircraft and supporting systems are being acquired through Foreign Military Sales arrangements with the United States Government. This includes:

Tactical Uncrewed Aerial System

The Tactical Uncrewed Aerial System Project (LAND129 Phase 3) will replace the RQ-7B Shadow 200 Tactical Uncrewed Aerial System (UAS) with a new UAS that supports the tactical level intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance requirements of Army’s Combat Brigades.

Insitu Pacific has been selected to deliver the new UAS known as the Integrator. Insitu Pacific will supply:

Chinook

The CH-47F Chinook is a versatile, twin-engine, tandem rotor heavy-lift helicopter. It has a top speed of 170 knots and is faster than many contemporary utility or attack helicopters.

Chinook’s primary role includes troop movements, logistics, battlefield support and assistance to the community during severe weather events. In June 2022, the Army CH-47F Chinook fleet increased to 14 aircraft.

Force Level Tactical Electronic Warfare

The project will deliver a mounted force level electronic warfare capability in support of the Land Force Commander. The project  will build on the Protected Mobility Vehicles. The project is scoped to provide tactical electronic warfare systems mounted and vehicle capabilities as well as storage and maintenance facilities to Army.

About the base

Located in the heart of Swanbourne it is home to the Special Air Service Regiment.

Access

All visits are to be arranged in advance, as a closed base it is restricted to authorised personnel only. Only visitors with a bone fide reason will be provided access. All visitors are required to report to the Visitor Reception Centre and present photographic identification. A host escort must be present in order for a visitor to be allowed base access.

About the base

The role of Joint Operations Command (JOC) is to plan, control and conduct operations, activities and actions as directed to meet Australia’s Strategic Objectives. JOC is the critical node in applying Defence capability at the operational level and conducts operations and exercises to meet government aims, deepen Australia’s alliances and partnerships, and prepare the Joint Force for future contingencies.

Battlefield Command System

The project provides Army with a Battle Management System and an integrated Tactical Communications Network to transform command and control of Land Forces into a modern networked system.

The project is the heart of Australia’s Army military digital evolution and comprises of two major sub systems:

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