LAND FORCES 2022: These are the new weapons of the Australians

Australia is upgrading. By the mid-2020s, a series of subcontractors will deliver new sniper rifles, pistols, shotguns, personal defense weapons, combat knives, and breach systems to the Australian Defence Forces (ADF), with many of the new weapons being issued to the Army. The order is part of a $500 million project to equip Australian soldiers, sailors, and airmen with weapons systems with increased lethality. Project Name: "Lethality System Project Land 159".

The double-edged combat knife from Australian manufacturer ZU Bladeworx has been selected as the basis for the new hand-to-hand combat system of the ADF. The black, double-edged combat knife has a 100mm blade, is made from a solid A2 steel block, and features a non-slip handle with safety ring.

The SIG Sauer P320 XCarry Pro has been selected as the platform for the sidearm weapon system that will replace the venerable Browning Mk3 pistol. It will be complemented by a reflex sight and a weapon light.

The Benelli M3A1 has been selected as the platform for the combat shotgun system. It can be operated in semi-automatic or pump-action mode and is equipped with a red dot sight and a weapon light.

The SIG Sauer MCX in .300 Blackout caliber has been selected as the platform for the Personal Defence Weapon System, giving foot soldiers a lightweight, modular, and compact weapon system that can be quickly optimized for specific tasks.

The AX-SR by Accuracy International has been selected as the platform for the Long Range Sniper Capability. It will be introduced to the ADF as a multi-caliber system and can be used in .338 Lapua Magnum, .300 Norma Magnum, and 7.62mm NATO calibers.

The Sniper Surveillance Capability provides ADF snipers with a day and night capability using the multispectral surveillance device JIM Compact from Safran and a laser rangefinding binocular from Steiner.

The rifle M107A1 manufactured by Barrett Firearms Manufacturing Incorporated has been selected as the platform for the Anti-Material Sniper Capability. The M107A1 is a lighter, modernized, and suppressed variant of the current weapon in service, and will be complemented by precision optics, night vision devices, and ranger finders.

Australian Defence Forces on the Internet