Oshkosh proposes M-ATV to Australia

OSHKOSH, Wis., Oct. 13 (UPI) -- Oshkosh Defense and its partners proposed its M-ATV and SandCat combat vehicles as part of procurement program for the Australian Defense Department.

The Australian Defense Department under its Land 121 "Overlander" Phase 4 program envisions the procurement of 1,300 light protected mobility combat vehicles.

Oshkosh produces its mine-resistant, ambush-protected all-terrain vehicle for the U.S. military usage in Afghanistan. The SandCat is a lightweight protected vehicle with a modular armor system that can be configured for a variety of uses.

"Our M-ATV and SandCat offerings provide two separate but equally viable high-quality options for the Australian defense force," said Andy Hove, Oshkosh Corp. executive vice president and president.

Both vehicles include an advanced armor system developed by the Oshkosh subcontractor Plasan. JLG, a division of Oshkosh Corp., would assemble and support the program at its Australian facilities.

The U.S. government ordered more than 5,000 M-ATVs for combat operations in Afghanistan.