Krauss-Maffei Wegmann and BAE Systems Australia team for LAND 17

Released on Tuesday, March 20, 2007

Melbourne, March 20, 2007. Krauss Maffei-Wegmann (KMW) has partnered with BAE Systems Australia in a move to strengthen their bid for the Australian Army's Land 17 Artillery Replacement program.

Under the partnership, they will establish a KMW certified facility in Australia to support the PzH 2000, a leading contender for the protected self propelled 155mm howitzer requirement of the Land 17 program.

The PzH 2000 is an advanced, automated and mature artillery system currently in service with four European nations. It's formidable fire power has recently been demonstrated in Operation Medusa in Afghanistan, where the Dutch Army artillery units equipped with PzH 2000's have provided fire support for the Australian Operation Slipper task force and other coalition forces.

Frank Haun, Chief Executive Officer of KMW said "KMW has a long association with the Australian Army through the Leopard's distinguished service as Australia's Main Battle Tank for nearly three decades. KMW is keen to modernize the Army's Combat Support artillery regiments with the advanced and proven in service PzH 2000 protected self propelled howitzer to provide quantum leaps in fire power effects, range and accuracy. Adding to the effectiveness of these capability improvements will be enhanced artillery platform mobility and survivability. KMW's teaming with BAE Systems will enable the full capabilities of the PzH 2000 to be maintained at high readiness and availability levels to support the Australian Army's increased operational tempo and expeditionary demands"

Jim McDowell, Chief Executive Officer, BAE Systems Australia said: "This partnering agreement brings together the two most experienced developers and suppliers of tubed artillery systems in the world. It provides the Australian Defence Force with the most modern, mature,in-service protected self propelled and M777 light weight towed artillery platforms, ideal for Land 17. The agreement also marks BAE Systems return as a major player in land systems in Australia and signifies the company's enduring commitment to hardening and supporting the Australian Army".