Australia successfully tests automation of M113 Armored Personnel Carrier.

In partnership with the national defense industry on April 3, 2024, the Australian Army successfully conducted tests on a M113 Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC) configured for remote operations. These tests were carried out in the state of Victoria as part of long-range firing exercises.
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Electro Optic Systems (EOS) equipped the M113 APC with its R400 remote weapons system for the trials. (Picture source: EOS)

Electro Optic Systems (EOS), a defense company based in Canberra, equipped the M113 APC with its R400 remote weapons system for the trials, which took place in the Puckapunyal Military Area. This initiative is part of a broader project by the army aimed at transforming the M113 APCs into autonomous or optionally manned combat vehicles, named M113 AS4.

Designed to use a 30mm cannon, the R400 system can engage targets such as small to medium unmanned aerial systems and vehicles protected up to STANAG Level 3. It is also capable of being outfitted with machine guns, automatic grenade launchers, and anti-tank missiles. During the tests, EOS personnel, located in Canberra over 550 kilometers away, could remotely control the weapons system and hit targets at 300 and 600 meters.

Ian Cook, Executive Vice President of EOS Defence Systems, praised the success of this live-fire counter-drone exercise at Puckapunyal, viewing it as proof of the ADF's and EOS's commitment to advancing military capabilities. He emphasized the importance of continuous innovation and training in modern warfare.

This exercise represents an advance in military technology, offering increased precision, safety, and operational versatility, according to the company. Additionally, this collaboration continues to explore new frontiers in the capabilities of unmanned ground vehicles and remote weapon systems, significantly influencing future military tactics and strategies.

Earlier in the year, EOS announced a $25 million contract to supply remote weapon systems for export to a country in Western Europe. This contract, along with a previous agreement, involves the delivery of R400 remote weapons stations, as well as spare parts, training, and associated services throughout 2024.

The R400 systems, capable of accommodating weapons ranging from a 7.62mm machine gun to a 30mm cannon, feature a gimbal mount and sensor suite and have been tested with grenade launchers and missile systems, including Javelin munitions.

The M113 is an Armoured Personnel Carrier designed in the United States, known for its versatility and its use by numerous countries around the world, including Canada, Australia, the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Italy, Japan, South Korea, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Turkey, Israel, and Brazil. This armored vehicle is combat-equipped with either a 12.7mm or 7.62mm caliber machine gun, providing effective protection against small arms fire and artillery shell splinters.

The M113 also stands out for its advanced combat equipment, including smoke grenade launchers, weapon shields, weapon stations, communication equipment, night vision devices, and mine roller systems. Its design is optimized to transport a crew of two people and up to eleven infantrymen.

Weighing 12,300 kg, the M113 has compact dimensions, measuring 5.2 meters in length, 2.6 meters in width, and 2.5 meters in height, enabling it to maneuver in various environments. In terms of mobility, it can reach a maximum speed of 72 km/h on roads and 5.8 km/h on water, thanks to its amphibious capability, making it particularly versatile for land and water operations. Its operational range is 480 km.

EOS will rely on a network of over 100 suppliers located in Australia and internationally for this contract, which is subject to Australian government approval. The company highlights that its RWS products are designed to offer the highest firepower for the lowest weight, ensuring superior accuracy and reliability compared to competitor systems. To date, more than 2,500 units have been sold and are currently in use by various military services in Australia, North America, Europe, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia.