RE: Aussie MBT replacement

Your question is a good one!

I agree that we need to replace the Leopard, but with what!

As a former Gunner(RAA) we also need to replace our towed guns with self-propelled!

Todays tanks are agile,strong & fast with a high emphasis on tech systems.This country needs a product that is proven.Preferably in flat desert-type terrain. The Leopard was designed to fight a NATO style war in Europe. That is why we didn’t see any during the Gulf War.

Australia’s true & only threat is to the North, not Pucka in Victoria. Therefore do we need MBT’s or a highly mobile force of self-propelled weaponry?

In all the events Aussie troops have been involved in since VIetnam, Troopers & Gunners have had little involvement. Our tanks have never been deployed O/S nor have our guns(despite active patrolling by Infantry in East Timor) have suffered the same fate. They are after all ‘offensive weapons’ and Australians hate offending people.

Food for thought? The F111 is older than the Leopard but is still at the forefront of strike bombers.

Maybe we can upgrade the systems, up the armament etc!