Australia to bolster counter improvised explosive device capability

Australia has issued the First Pass approval for the LAND 154 Phase 2 Joint Counter improvised explosive device (IED) programme, as part of efforts to expand the nation’s counter IED potential.

As part of the programme, about $19.5m has been allocated for several capability development activities, trials, risk reduction activities and industry solicitation.

Australia Defence Minister Senator David Johnston said: "Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) have emerged as the weapon-of-choice against the Australian forces deployed in both Iraq and Afghanistan, and the effectiveness of IEDs has more recently been demonstrated in Mali and Syria.

"The use of IEDs continues to increase globally and they are being employed by an expanding range of groups, including insurgents, terrorists and by conventional and unconventional military forces.

"It will be able to provide Australian forces with the ability to rapidly deploy appropriate Counter IED systems without reliance on allied partners for support."

Between the First and Second Pass, the Australian Defence Force (ADF) will explore whether a deployable intelligence facility would enable it to rapidly act in response to local IED blast events and begin critical study of evidence.

Further, the ADF will explore rapid and protected vehicle mounted system that can safely identify IED at relatively rapid speed; and new personal and vehicle mounted counter IED systems.

Johnston said: "This project will provide Australian forces with the ability to independently deploy the appropriate Counter IED systems to meet future IED threats.

The overall project value at Second pass is expected to cross $300m mark and the ADF would decide in 2016 or 2017 based on the development of some of advanced capabilities.