BOXER, BIKES PUT TO THE TEST
COMBAT troops are being skilled on new vehicles as they are introduced into use within the army.
In 2018 German-based Rheinmetall was awarded the $5.6bn LAND 400 contract to construct 211 new light armoured vehicles to replace the ageing ASLAV.
The first 25 ‘Block I’ Boxer combat reconnaissance vehicles (CRV) were assembled in Germany and have now arrived in Australia where final integration was undertaken in May.
Brisbane-based soldiers from the 2nd/14th Light Horse Regiment (Queensland Mounted Infantry) have completed their transition from the ASLAV, which has been in use since the 1990s, over the past 12 months, Defence says.
Troops conducted live fire exercises at the Townsville Field Training Area with the new vehicles, and pushed the Boxers to the limit.
A Defence spokesman said it was the first chance for crews to test their skills on the new combat vehicles.
At the same time troops trialled new e-bikes, which can be used with the Boxer on stealth reconnaissance missions.
Commanding Officer Lieutenant-colonel Tom Mcdermott said the Boxers performed “above expectations” throughout training.
“We have trained the first generation of Boxer commanders and gunners in remarkably short timeframes, despite the challenges of Covid-19,” he said.
Officer Commanding A Squadron Major Dan Solomon said Boxers were more capable, mobile, better protected than the ASLAV.
The Bulletin understands the combat vehicles will first be rolled out in Brisbane, followed by Darwin, Adelaide and then Townsville.
In June the head of the Defence Department’s Armoured Vehicle Division, Major General David Coghlan, flagged delays in the program at a Senate estimates hearing.
He said some of the Boxer vehicles were “up to seven months late” due to “technical issues” with the turrets.
A Defence spokesman said the ‘Block II’ Boxer vehicles would be built in Australia with local assembly scheduled to start in the middle of next year.