The milestone follows Australia’s first AS9 operator training and live-fire activity at the School of Artillery in Puckapunyal, Victoria. Thirty gunners from 4th Regiment completed a six-week course in May, taking Australian-built AS9s from the production line in Geelong to live firing within a matter of months.
“This live fire shows how effectively we’re working with our industry and acquisition partners to bring new capability into service,” said Brig James Davis, Director General Systems and Integration. “To move from an Australian production line to trained crews conducting live fire in a short timeframe is a significant achievement.”
“Through strong partnerships, we are delivering modern, Australian-built capability that strengthens Army and contributes to a more self-reliant defence force.” The Army said the transition involved close coordination with the Capability, Acquisition and Sustainment Group and industry partners.
The AS9 is a tracked 155mm self-propelled howitzer designed to deliver accurate fire at range under armour and then relocate quickly. The system is supported by the AS10 armoured ammunition resupply vehicle, with Australia planning a total fleet of 30 AS9s and 15 AS10s.
“This is not simply about new equipment. It is about warfighting advantage and making our soldiers more lethal, more mobile and more survivable on the battlefield,” said Maj-Gen Ash Collingburn, Commander 1st Division.
“Readiness comes from training, mastery and the confidence to employ our capabilities as part of the combined arms team.” Collingburn described the introduction of protected mobile fires as one of the most significant advances in Australian Army artillery capability in generations.
“I couldn’t be prouder of the men and women of 106 Battery, who have worked incredibly hard to introduce this capability into service,” said Lt-Col Simon Frewin, commanding officer of 4th Regiment. “They are now ready to take the AS9 and AS10 into the field, build their collective proficiency and demonstrate what protected mobile fires can deliver for 3rd Brigade.”
The battery will now move from individual qualification into collective training during Exercise Pozieres Run. Crews will begin integrating the AS9 and AS10 into brigade operations while the regiment develops tactics, techniques and procedures for brigade and divisional employment.
“We can come into action in about 30 seconds, fire our missions and move quickly,” said Sgt Dale Chivers, battery guide for 106 Battery. “That improves our survivability on the battlefield and allows us to keep pace with the brigade.”
The Australian Army is working towards full operational capability for protected mobile fires in 2028. The progression from domestic production and initial live firing to a formed battery marks the latest stage in bringing the AS9 and AS10 into regular Army operations.
