May 18 (UPI) -- A first batch of new-generation Rheinmetall trucks and Haulmark trailers has been delivered to the Australian Army's 7th Brigade.
The trucks, ordered as part of the government's LAND 121 Phase 3B project, were welcomed at Gallipoli Barracks in Brisbane on Wednesday by Minister for Defense Industry Christopher Pyne.
"These trucks, trailers and modules will revolutionize Defense's logistics capability for decades to come," Pyne said in a press release. "They provide a generational leap forward from the current fleet of Unimog, Mack and S-Liner trucks, offering significantly increased protection for our soldiers and an improved combination of payload and off-road mobility."
"The new trucks and interchangeable modules, used on the vehicles for a range of tasks including fuel and water transportation, are being supplied by Rheinmetall together with a range of local suppliers."
The Australian Department of Defense said that in addition to the Rheinmetall Australia trucks and Haulmark trailers, the military will receive 122 Mercedes G-Wagons and 49 converted Bushmasters and trailers under the LAND 121 Phase 3B project.
A total of 2,707 vehicles, 3,858 modules and 1,753 trailers are to equip the Australian Army between now and 2022.
