BAE, Rheinmetall shortlisted for Australia's LAND 400 Phase 2 program

CANBERRA, Australia, Aug. 1 (UPI) -- BAE Systems and Rheinmetall have been chosen to participate in the next state of evaluation for Australia's LAND 400 Phase 2 program, the defense department announced.

LAND 400 is a program to acquire and support the next generation of Australia's armored fighting vehicles with cutting edge firepower, protection and mobility, the defense department said.

It will deliver enhanced survivability levels for the land forces with sensors, weapons and information systems that will be networked to strategic intelligence platforms.

It will deliver replacements for the Australian light armored vehicle and M113 armored personnel carrier fleets.

Phase 2 involves assessing mounted combat reconnaissance capabilities.

Rheinmetall has offered the Boxer 8x8 combat reconnaissance vehicle, while BAE put forth the AMV35 vehicle.