Birdon awarded Australian Army amphibious vehicles contract
Birdon has secured a 125 million dollar contract to deliver next generation amphibious vehicles for the Australian Army, marking a major milestone in Australia’s land and maritime logistics modernization.
Under the Land 8710 Littoral Manoeuvre program, Birdon will design and build one prototype and 15 Amphibious Vehicles Logistics, known as AV L, for the Australian Department of Defence. The program replaces the Army’s long serving LARC V fleet, which has been in service for decades.
According to the Australian Government and Birdon statements, the new AV L vehicles are intended to provide a significant improvement in amphibious capability, safety, and reliability across Australia’s complex coastal and near shore operating environments.
Designed for land, surf, and open water operations
The AV L platform is engineered to operate seamlessly across land, surf zones, and open water, combining deep sea vessel performance with on road mobility. Birdon states the design complies with Australian safety and regulatory standards while remaining suitable for military operations.
The vehicles are built to operate in high heat, extreme humidity, and corrosive saltwater conditions. These requirements reflect the Australian Army’s focus on operating across tropical, littoral, and remote environments in support of both military and humanitarian missions.
Advanced propulsion, steering, and traction systems enable smooth transitions between marshland, beaches, and surf. In water manoeuvrability and vehicle responsiveness during recovery and emergency situations are also key design priorities.
Focus on crew safety and mission flexibility
Operator safety is a central element of the AV L design. Birdon says the vehicles include systems that actively manage traction, reduce crew fatigue, and improve stability during high risk amphibious operations.
The platform also features a modular payload system, deck mounted crane, and adaptable configurations. This allows the AV L to support a wide range of tasks including logistics resupply, equipment transport, disaster response, and humanitarian assistance.
Australian defence officials have highlighted the need for flexible logistics platforms that can support joint and amphibious operations across the Indo Pacific region.
Australian build supports sovereign capability
All AV L vehicles will be designed and manufactured at Birdon’s Port Macquarie shipyard in New South Wales. The company says the program will support local jobs, workforce skills development, and Australia’s sovereign maritime and defence industrial capability.
The project aligns with broader Australian defence policy goals focused on strengthening domestic defence manufacturing and reducing reliance on overseas suppliers for critical military platforms.
Birdon described the contract as part of its long term partnership with the Australian Department of Defence, emphasizing design led engineering and integrated delivery.
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