Diggers order Austeyr EF88

[macnz]

ADF order 30,000 new E (Enhanced) F88 Austeyr 5.56 mm rifles for delivery in 2016 for AUD100 million. Manufactured by Thales Australia at its small arms facility in Lithgow, New South Wales.


Source: www.janes.com/article/52791/australia-ready-to-sign-ef88-austeyr-rifle-contract

The NZDF trials for their Steyr rifle replacment were scheduled for completion in June.
The following manufacturers were being trialed;

Beretta New Zealand Limited

Česká zbrojovka a.s.

Colt Canada Corporation

FN HERSTAL

STEYR MANNLICHER GmbH

XTEK Limited (Sig Sauer)

Heckler & Kock GmbH

Lewis Machine & Tools Co Inc

A conventional rifle was said to be preferred over the existing bullpups. Also there was speculation over a calibre upgrade from 5.56mm to 7.62mm. Anyone heard the outcome to those trials?

[pepe]

It is interesting how the NZDF sidestepped Thales Australia and are dealing directly with Steyr GmbH for the trials.

I would be surprised if there was a change to the 7.62mm calibre for Individual Weapon (IW) replacement. The NZ Army website states that the calibre will remain 5.56mm. when describing the project.

www.army.mil.nz/our-capability/firepower/default.htm

The introduction of the respective 7.62mm Designated Marksman and Light Support weapons would seem to address many of the issues identified in Afghanistan.

[macnz]

Thanks for pointing out Pepe.

Side note on 7.62mm:
Janes recently reported Dutch Maritime Special Ops are tendering to replace their assault carbines with non-NATO standard 7.62x35 mm - reportedly the first military to publicly do so. It will replace their H&K HK416 carbine currently chambered with the NATO-standard 5.56x45 mm.

Source: www.janes.com/article/52727/dutch-special-forces-to-buy-carbines-chambered-in-300-blk

[richard1098]

Jul 8, 2015 20:44:29 GMT 12 pepe said:

It is interesting how the NZDF sidestepped Thales Australia and are dealing directly with Steyr GmbH for the trials.

I would be surprised if there was a change to the 7.62mm calibre for Individual Weapon (IW) replacement. The NZ Army website states that the calibre will remain 5.56mm. when describing the project.

www.army.mil.nz/our-capability/firepower/default.htm

The introduction of the respective 7.62mm Designated Marksman and Light Support weapons would seem to address many of the issues identified in Afghanistan.

Not sure what IP rights Steyr have to the EF88/F90 though.