The first Australian-built AS9 Huntsman self-propelled howitzers have completed a live-fire training exercise, marking a milestone in the introduction of the new artillery capability into service with the Australian Army.
Thirty gunners from the 4th Regiment, Royal Australian Artillery, based in Townsville, fired the domestically produced AS9 Huntsman systems at the conclusion of a six-week training course conducted at the School of Artillery in Puckapunyal, Victoria, according to the Department of Defence.
The training followed the delivery of the vehicles from Hanwha Defence Australia’s production line in Geelong, with Defence noting that only a matter of months had elapsed between production and the completion of the first introduction-into-service course.
Director General Systems and Integration Brigadier James Davis said the achievement reflected collaboration between the Army, the Capability Acquisition and Sustainment Group, and industry partners.
“This live-fire shows how effectively we’re working with our industry and acquisition partners to bring new capability into service,” Brigadier Davis said.
“To move from an Australian production line to trained crews conducting live-fire in a short timeframe is a significant achievement.”
He said the program demonstrated efforts to strengthen domestic defence capability while supporting Army modernisation.
“Through strong partnerships, we are delivering modern, Australian-built capability that strengthens Army and contributes to a more self-reliant Defence Force,” Brigadier Davis said.
The AS9 Huntsman is a protected and mobile artillery system designed to deliver accurate fire support at range while operating under armour. Defence said the platform is capable of moving, firing and relocating rapidly, helping sustain fire support while reducing vulnerability.
Commanding Officer of the School of Artillery Lieutenant Colonel Chris D’Aquino said the training represented an important step in preparing soldiers to operate the new system.
“This capability enhances how we deliver firepower. It’s protected, mobile and far more responsive than what it replaces,” Lieutenant Colonel D’Aquino said.
“For our gunners, this is about building confidence in a new system and learning how to employ it under realistic conditions.”
He said the training would help ensure the capability could be introduced safely and efficiently into Army service.
“Training like this ensures we can put capability into soldiers’ hands quickly and safely,” Lieutenant Colonel D’Aquino said.
For many participants, the exercise marked their first opportunity to operate and fire the AS9 as part of a complete crew after several weeks of instruction.
Gunner Maxwell Cleal, who previously served on towed artillery systems, said the course introduced soldiers to a different way of operating artillery, including the use of tracked vehicles.
“The gunner puts all the information into the system, presses a button and it lays the gun,” Gunner Cleal said.
According to Defence, the tracked platform allows crews to begin firing once the vehicle is in position, eliminating the manual setup process required with the Army’s M777 towed howitzer system.
