It can be deployed throughout the region using existing naval vessels and infrastructure. Senator Hill said that the Abrams, with an approximate combat weight of 63 tonnes, was only around 500kg heavier than its competitors. They have also been designed to provide a level of protection for soldiers from nuclear, biological or chemical threats. They are capable of firing an advanced kinetic energy Tungsten penetrator against vehicles and a multi-purpose round for infantry support. Each tank is equipped with a 120mm smooth bore cannon as its primary weapon and a 50-calibre machine gun for the tank commander in addition to two 7.62mm machine guns. The Abrams can reach speeds of up to 66km/h on Australian roads and up to 48 km cross country with a cruising range of up to 480kms, carrying four crew and ammunition. “They will also improve the Army’s network centric warfare capability, supporting the development of a networked combined arms approach to operations - where armour, infantry, artillery, aviation and engineers work together to support and protect each other. “The tanks will be used by the Army to provide increased firepower, mobility and survivability for our soldiers on the battlefield,” Senator Hill said. Senator Hill said the new tanks would be introduced into service from 2007 and would be based with 1st Brigade in the Northern Territory. The Government accepted Defence’s advice that the Abrams is the best capability and the best value for money with the lowest risk of the three replacement tank options examined. The Abrams tanks are significantly more capable than the current tank and will contribute to the Army becoming more lethal in future close combat. The Government will equip the Australian Army with a fleet of 59 United States M1A1 Abrams Integrated Management main battle tanks to replace the ageing Leopards, Defence Minister Robert Hill announced today. M1 ABRAMS CHOSEN AS AUSTRALIAN ARMY’S REPLACEMENT TANK MEDIA RELEASE SENATOR THE HON ROBERT HILL Minister for Defence Leader of the Government in the Senate M1 Abrams chosen as Australian Army's replacement tank.
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