L-3 Micreo to manufacture shields that protect against IEDs

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Image credit: twitter.com/MarisePayne

Defence has contracted Queensland based company L-3 Micreo to manufacture a new state-of-the-art shield designed to protect against the threat of improvised explosive devices (IEDs).

Dubbed SILVERSHIELD, this advanced vehicle mounted system was developed under the REDWING program to provide additional protection against mobile phone IED threats for Afghanistan National Defence and Security Forces (ANDSF).

Minister for Defence Marise Payne, said the technology was a testament to the innovation and dedication of all parties involved in the project.

“REDWING is a program of specialised force protection systems designed by the Defence Science and Technology Group to counter specific radio controlled IEDs in support of ANDSF,” Minister Payne said.

“IEDs continue to be the weapon of choice for insurgents in Afghanistan and due to their nature will likely remain a persistent and evolving threat to the ANDSF.”

“For this reason the REDWING program will continue to research and develop new product variants to meet this evolving threat.”

Defence Industry Minister Christopher Pyne said SILVERSHIELD has already been subjected to rigorous testing in both Australia and Afghanistan,

“SILVERSHIELD’s expedient production demonstrates Australian industry’s ability to meet and surpass the challenge of high volume and time critical manufacturing,” Minister Pyne continued.

“This order with L-3 Micreo valued at A$26.9m will see 13,000 SILVERSHIELD systems manufactured and produced here in Australia.  Together with previous years, this will bring the total value of REDWING generated Australian exports to greater than A$84M.”

“The REDWING suite of counter IED devices has won an innovation award from the Institute of Public Sector Administration Australia and the Clunies Ross Knowledge Commercialisation Award.”

Image credit: twitter.com/MarisePayne