CANBERRA, Australia, July 23 (UPI) -- The Australian Ministry of Defense has issued a $1.45 billion in contracts for protected and unprotected trucks and trailers.
The awards, related to Phase 3B of Project LAND 121 -- "Project Overlander" -- modernization program were given to Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles Australia and Haulmark Trailers (Australia).
"The vehicles will have enhanced performance and protection representing a significant increase in safety, as well as providing consistency across the fleet, ensuring improved efficiency in operator training and simplifying logistic support to land forces," said Minister for Defense Materiel Mike Kelly.
"The maintenance and through-life support for the vehicles and trailers will be undertaken in Australia and is in addition to the previously approved LAND 121 Phase 3A that is replacing the current fleet of (Australian military) light unprotected field vehicles and trailers."
The vehicles and trailers comprise medium and heavy recovery vehicles; medium and heavy tractors; heavy integrated load-handling vehicles; and medium-weight tray variants, with cranes and tippers.
About 2,150 trucks and trailers will be procured. Deliveries are to begin in 2016.
