Thales to Deliver ADF's Next Generation Integrated Rifle System
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(September 8, 2008) -- Thales Australia and the Defence Materiel Organisation have signed the first of a threestage contract for the enhancement of the Australian Defence Force's F88 Austeyr rifle system.
The Austeyr is the ADF standard issue assault rifle, and has been in service since 1989. The rifle system fleet is locally manufactured and maintained by Thales at the company's Soldier Systems Development and Support Centre at the Small Arms Factory in Lithgow, NSW.
The Austeyr upgrade program forms part of the Land 125 Soldier Combat System project. The result of the upgrade program will ensure that the ADF continues to be equipped with the best available small arms weapons system for the protection of its servicemen and women on deployment around the world.
The contract will deliver the initial design and production prototypes for the enhanced F88 Austeyr integrated rifle system. Design qualification and production are planned for implementation in later stages.
The design development of the weapon system aims to open its architecture and extend inservice life. Specific benefits are likely to include new optics, improved ability to acquire and engage targets, and enhanced integration of after-market sights and accessories. The enhanced Austeyr is expected to become a core sub-system of a range of innovative systems and capabilities currently under development. The result will be a reliable, flexible and world-class weapon for soldiers in the field.
The contract also builds upon the strategic small arms capabilities established at Thales's facility in Lithgow, which has a long history of high quality small arms manufacture dating back to 1912. This small arms pedigree is now integrated with the company's systems architectures, engineering and integration capabilities at the Thales Soldier Systems Development and Support Centre, where the development of this next generation rifle system will be undertaken.
Chris Jenkins, Thales Australia's managing director, said the contract marked the beginning of a new phase in the impressive history of small arms development in Australia.
"Thales is proud to be associated with the ADF's soldier modernisation program, and this contract is testament to the skills, creativity, and engineering excellence of our team at Lithgow and our Land & Joint Systems division."
Source : Thales Australia
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