Tank U-turn as parts sent to US for repairs. * Michael McKinnon,
FOI editor, January 02, 2007
FAULTY parts for Australia's new battle tanks will have to be
shipped back to the US for repair, breaking a government promise to
have the work done in Australia.
Under the arrangement, which adds to concerns that only US
companies benefit from Australia's big military purchases, repairs
on the Abrams M1A1 tanks and associated vehicles will take longer
than if the work was performed locally.
The Defence Department has refused to say when local firms might
take over maintenance of the 59 refurbished tanks, the first of
which arrived from the US in September.
However, the world's most powerful tank will still be in service
six months earlier than forecast and under budget, with the
Australian army easily meeting the deadline for introduction.
In doing so, it has avoided the controversy that has attached to
other military purchases, such as the navy's Seasprite helicopters
and the air force's Joint Strike Fighters, which have been hit by
budget, construction or design problems.
Former defence minister Robert Hill announced the $500
million purchase of the M1A1 tanks and associated vehicles -- such
as transporters, refuelling rigs and simulators -- in 2004
as part of a program to replace the army's ageing Leopard
tanks.
"Australian industry is expected to be involved in the provision of
through-life support for the Abrams," Mr Hill said at the
time.
But Defence documents obtained by The Australian using Freedom of
Information laws show the failure to use local industry for
repairs and maintenance was the only one of 10 possible threats to
the successful introduction of the tank that had
eventuated.
M1A1 tank project director, Lieutenant Colonel Andrew Libby told
The Australian the "through-life support for repairs and
maintenance was to be provided by Australian industry". Presently,
however, there was "an interim arrangement as the vehicles are here
and we are not doing maintenance". "We expect the tender to be
opened next April," he said.
Lieutenant Colonel Libby could not say when the tender would be
awarded, but it could end up more expensive than the purchase of
the hardware itself. It is understood Defence called for
expressions of interest from local firms a year ago.
He said it could be cheaper to send parts back to the US for repair
in the short term because of existing production capacity there.
"The same work may cost more here but we will support Australian
industry and we need to be able to maintain control of our own
equipment," he said.
Opposition defence spokesman Joel Fitzgibbon yesterday accused the
Government of taking its eye off the main game of security and
safety at home.
"If reports are accurate that the through-life service contract is
not to be granted to an Australian company in the short term, then
the Government appears to have backflipped on a major aspect of the
original plan," he said. "If the Government had its national
security priorities right it would be able to guarantee that the
maintenance of military equipment was undertaken by Australian
companies."
The Government has sought to ensure local industry will service the
Joint Strike Fighter, Australia's biggest defence purchase. Defence
Minister Brendan Nelson is lobbying the US to ensure the $16
billion purchase includes access to the stealth technology required
for any domestic maintenance program.
Lieutenant Colonel Libby said the Government had set a target of
having the tanks operationally ready by December 2007 and this goal
would be achieved six months early. "In terms of introducing a key
new defence asset, the project has been very successful and
Australian business is already involved in other aspects of the
project," he said.
Lieutenant Colonel Libby said all facilities were built and the US
Government had advised approval to transfer intellectual property
to Australian defence contractors last month. "Troopers are
training in these tanks now," he said.
In total, Australia will take delivery of 59 Abrams tanks,
seven M88A2 Hercules armoured recovery vehicles, 14 heavy tank
transporters, eight refuelling trucks, six advanced gunnery
training simulators and one tank driver trainer simulator.
Lieutenant Colonel Libby also dismissed claims the 68-tonne tanks
could not be transported around Australia because they were too
heavy for road bridges.
He said a study had recommended Defence arrange a long-term lease
of rail rolling stock for the transfer of the tanks from their base
in Darwin to training areas in South Australia during the wet
season. "The Abrams can go anywhere the Leopard tank used to
train," he said.
http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,20867,20999669-2702,00.html
