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The first command, control, communications and computer systems have been delivered and are ready for installation into an initial batch of Australian Type AS9 and AS10 Huntsman artillery in South Korea.
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Hanwha Defense Australia (HDA), a subsidiary of South Korean defence corporation Hanwha Aerospace, and Kongsberg Defence Australia, a subsidiary of Norwegian defence supplier Kongsberg Defence and Aerospace, celebrated the successful delivery of the first CORTEX C4 systems and initial software to South Korea for installation into the LAND 8116 Phase 1 Protected Mobile Fires vehicles. It’s understood that future batches of vehicles will have the systems installed in Australia.
In December 2021, Kongsberg signed a contract with HDA for C4 systems and their integration into the program to deliver the Australian Army’s first self-propelled howitzer capability.
“The C4 system comprises of CORTEX Software, Integrated Combat Solution and Fire Control System, as an integral part of the complete fleet of AS9 and AS10,” according to a company statement published on 14 December.
“The project includes the integration of tactical communication systems and related systems to ensure the Protected Mobile Fires capability is aligned with the Army’s C4 Force Structure.
“This includes the technology transfer for CORTEX software development source code and expertise to KDAu from Europe.”
The project also includes integration of the Army’s current fleet of 155mm ammunition into AS9 and AS10, ensuring joint fire interoperability within the joint force and also with coalition partners.
Earlier this year, in November, the Australian Defence Force conducted a test firing of the new AS9 Huntsman self-propelled howitzer (which houses a C4 system) during a stakeholder demonstration at Port Wakefield in South Australia.
The Australian Army artillery system was fired during a showcase for project stakeholders at the Proof and Experimental Establishment in Port Wakefield on 21 November as part of the LAND 8116 Protected Mobile Fires project.
The event was overseen by the Joint Proof and Experimental Unit, as Australia seeks to confirm the AS9 in a protected mobile fire systems role alongside in-service M777 155mm lightweight towed howitzer artillery.
Australian-variant AS9 Huntsman is expected to be constructed at a new Hanwha Defense Australia factory near Avalon in Victoria late next year, with 30 AS9 Huntsman and 15 AS10 armoured ammunition resupply vehicles to be built in Victoria.
Elphinstone, a company on the north coast of Tasmania, will manufacture the hulls and turrets, with the first AS9 to be completed in Australia and expected to roll out the door by the end of 2025.
Further testing will be conducted in Australia, focused on the protection of the vehicle from small arms fire and shrapnel.
