Page 127 - Australian Defence Magazine Sep-Oct 2022

SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2022 | WWW.AUSTRALIANDEFENCE.COM.AU
LAND WARFARE
SMALL ARMS 127
THE new cartridge is the 6.8x51 and with it comes two new weapon systems, a rifle and a light machine gun (LMG), all developed by SIG Sauer USA.
This is a big deal – not for more than half a century, back when the US was engaged in Vietnam, has it adopted all- new ammunition and weapon systems.
Australia will likely follow, as we have done twice before when the US (and NATO) moved to the 7.62 NATO and then to 5.56 NATO cartridges.
The Australian Defence Force (ADF) is well aware of the US move.
CLOSE COMBAT ASSAULT RIFLE
Under Project Land 159, a new Close Combatant Assault Rifle to replace the Steyr infantry rifle is listed for consid- eration in Tranche 2 between 2024 and 2027.
Land 159 aims to refresh ADF ‘lethality systems’ – small arms and support weapons – recognising that current weapons have served Australian soldiers well, but in many cases, technology has moved on.
LEFT: A US Special Forces soldier with XM250 LMG during the US Army NGSW trials program
ABOVE: The Vortex optic is specially developed for the US Next Generation Squad Weapon program
TOP: The US Army’s new M250 light machine gun. Although the ammunition is heavier than 5.56 NATO, the gun itself is around two kg lighter than the M249 Minimi it’s intended to replace
eration when developing future capability. However, this must be balanced with self-reliance.”
The Australian Army’s distinctive Steyr rifle, officially adopted in 1988 as the F88 or Austeyr, will be around a while yet.
The F88 has undergone a comprehensive refresh and is now termed the Enhanced F88 (EF88). This is much improved compared to first generation rifles which diggers carried in Somalia in 1993. Army sees it continuing into the 2030s.
Australian special forces have never warmed to the Steyr, preferring the US M4 for its ability to customise with dif- ferent optics and accessories and for commonality with al- lied special forces.
“IN ALL, THE US ARMY PLANS TO BUY 107,000 M5 RIFLES AND 13,000 M250 LMGS UNDER
A US$4.7 BILLION CONTRACT WITH SIG SAUER”
Tranche 1 of Land 159, which in- cludes replacement of the Vietnam-era Browning pistol, is close to finalisa- tion. In all, the program will consider a total of 25 different weapon systems in three tranches out to 2029.
Rather than Army conducting the approach to market, assessing re- sponses then performing comprehen- sive trials, it contracted defence com- pany NIOA to do this leg work.
A Defence spokesperson said the ADF was aware of the US Army de- cision to adopt the Next Generation
Squad Weapon and the 6.8mm calibre, but no decision had been taken within the ADF.
“The in-service 5.56mm ammunition is a lethal round. However, as technology continues to improve, materials re- lated to soldier protection and options that are capable of delivering more energy onto a target at greater ranges war- rant exploration to ensure ADF combatants retain over- match,” the spokesperson said.
“Logistical commonality with the US is always a consid-
SIG SAUER US PIC
VORTEX