Foreign Correspondence

[Amaunet]

Australia to buy US tanks

Deal to buy US tanks
From AAP
July 09, 2004
AUSTRALIA had signed a formal agreement with the United States to buy a fleet of M1A1 Abrams tanks, Defence Minister Robert Hill said today.

Senator Hill, who is visiting the US, said Australia would buy 59 refurbished and updated M1A1 Abrams, seven M88 Hercules Armoured Recovery vehicles, gunnery and driver training simulators, training and other support equipment and a range of spares.

He said the agreement was the central component of the $530 million package which also included tank transporters, refuelling vehicles and ammunition.

The Abrams tanks will replace the Army's ageing Leopards which have been in service since the 1970s.

Delivery of the tanks and other equipment was expected in 2007 with most going to the 1st Armoured Regiment in Darwin. The rest would go to training schools.

"The M1A1 Abrams tanks will provide a major increase in capability over the present Leopard tanks, particularly with their greater firepower and their potential to operate in a modern, networked communications environment," he said.

Senator Hill said the tanks provided to Australia had relatively low usage and would be refurbished to as-new condition.

The upgrading would be performed as part of a refurbishment program for the US military's larger fleet of M1A1 tanks.

He said a significant innovation was the purchase of advanced simulators for the training of tank crews.

"This is a new direction for the Australian Army, reflecting a major increase in commitment and investment in simulation to supplement and enhance training of armoured vehicle crews," he said.

AAP


http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5744,10086901%255E31477,00.html