Australia tests combat recon vehicles

June 8 (UPI) -- Rival armored vehicles in competition for Australia's LAND 400 Phase 2 program are undergoing test and evaluation assessment, Australian officials said in a press release.

The Australian program for a next-generation combat reconnaissance vehicle will eventually see 225 vehicles procured by the Australian military for a total purchase price of more than $3 billion.

"The Rheinmetall Boxer CRV and the BAE Systems Australia Patria AMV35 are armored fighting vehicles with vastly improved firepower, protection and mobility than our current fleet," said Australian Minister for Defense Industry Christopher Pyne, who recently witnessed live-fire testing.

"Both vehicles represent a significant advancement in the protection and capability levels we will provide to our diggers (soldiers)."

The vehicles are currently undergoing the 12-month test and evaluation as part a risk mitigation activity, which is to help in the final selection of a vehicle.

The live-fire evaluation was held at the Puckapunyal Army Base in Victoria.

Minister Pyne said the risk mitigation activity is also looking at ways to maximize local industry involvement in the LAND 400 program.