Queensland-based NIOA has been officially appointed as the prime contractor to deliver next generation sniper and close combat capabilities for the Australian Defence Force (ADF).
The new weapon systems will be supplied under the ADF’s Lethality Systems project LAND 159 Tranche 1.
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A multi-million-dollar agreement has been signed between the company and the Australian Federal Government. It is part of a more than $500m commitment made by the government to provide ‘enhanced lethality weapon systems’ for the ADF.
The new weapons systems to be acquired include ZU Bladeworx’s Double-Edged Fighting Knife, the SIG Sauer P320 XCarry Pro, the Benelli M3A1, the SIG Sauer MCX in .300 Blackout calibre, Accuracy International AX-SR, and Sniper Surveillance Capability and Barrett Firearms Manufacturing’s M107A1 rifle.
NIOA said: “The battlefield capability increase that these next-generation weapons provide is a game-changer for our warfighters.
“NIOA is proud of its role in this project. Protecting our national security means teamwork at every level- government, defence, and industry.
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By GlobalData“As an Australian-owned company, we feel strongly about assisting the Commonwealth Government to meet the sovereign capability priorities of today and tomorrow.”
With the award, the company will partner with several sub-contractors to fulfil the contract requirements.
NIOA will be responsible for acquiring the selected weapon system and offering services to support the weapons’ authentication, certification, and launch into service.
It will also provide through life support for those systems.
Capability Acquisition and Sustainment Group Land Systems head major general Andrew Bottrell said: “Under the contract, NIOA will be the prime contractor, working with local and international suppliers and weapon manufacturers on the acquisition, integration, delivery, and ongoing support of the new weapon systems from 2023.
“This is a bold step into modern weaponry to quickly improve Australia’s defence preparedness.”
