For the first time, Australian soldiers fired the cutting-edge AS9 Huntsman 155mm self-propelled howitzer on Australian soil on December 1, marking a major milestone in Army capability.
Soldiers from the School of Artillery and 4th Regiment, Royal Australian Artillery, have been conducting intensive operator training on the new platform at Puckapunyal, Victoria, preparing to bring it into service.
Operated by a five-person crew - driver, loader, gunner, assistant gunner and commander - the AS9 Huntsman is designed for speed, lethality and survivability. Its strength lies in its ability to fire a mission, then rapidly re-deploy before it can be targeted by an enemy.
Head Land Systems Major General Jason Blain said the new vehicle was a step up in capability for the Army.
"The AS9 Huntsman is a highly mobile, protected and potent self-propelled howitzer, which gives our troops the best possible chance of completing their missions and returning home safely to their families," Major General Blain said.
"As soon as the last round leaves the barrel, the AS9 Huntsman is quickly on the move to its next mission, while ensuring our soldiers remain safely behind armoured protection."
Supporting the AS9 Huntsman is the AS10 armoured ammunition resupply vehicle, crewed by three soldiers and capable of resupplying two AS9s.
Thirty AS9s and 15 AS10s will be acquired over the next two years, through industry partner Hanwha Defence Australia.
