The Austrian Army received its first eight BvS10 all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) on 21–22 February, BAE Systems announced in a 26 February press release.
The first four BvS10 ATVs were handed over to the Austrian Army’s 6th Mountain Brigade(6. Gebirgsbrigade) on 21–22 February 2019. (Bundesheer/Carina Karlovits)
The Bundesheer, the Austrian Army, said its 6th Mountain Brigade (6. Gebirgsbrigade) would receive 32 BvS10s worth EUR85 million (USD96 million), including weapons and equipment; 12.7 mm machine guns; communication systems; nuclear, biological, and chemical (NBC) protection; snowploughs; winches; and fire suppression systems. BAE Systems added that the Austrian armoured personnel carrier variant of the BvS10 is fitted with specific features including a 360° observation camera system with six day/infrared cameras and displays in the front and rear of the cabin and a remote-controlled weapon station, which can be operated by both the gunner and commander and is foldable to allow for transportation in the field.
The ATVs will be produced by Hägglunds in Sweden under a 2016 contract with BAE Systems, with deliveries lasting until the end of 2019.
Eight BvS10s each will equip the 6. Gebirgsbrigade’s Light Infantry Battalion (Jägerbataillon) 23 in Bludesch, Jägerbataillon 24 in Lienz, Jägerbataillon 26 in Spittal an der Drau, and Engineer Battalion (Pionierbataillon) 2 in Salzburg.
The Bundesheer said the ATVs have been adapted to the requirements of its mountain troops. “For the first time, the mountain troops will receive a combat vehicle which protects soldiers on deployments in high mountains and off-road,” Austrian Defence Minister Mario Kunasek said during the handover ceremonies, adding that they would be used for the Bundesheer’s core mission, territorial defence, as well as disaster relief.
This article, first published on 26 February 2019, is subject to a correction and has been amended.
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