Elphinstone to Manufacture Components for Australian Army Howitzers

Elphinstone will complete the steel fabrication, machining and painting of the 45 turrets and hulls before shipping them to Hanwha Defense Australia where the Huntsman vehicles will be assembled By DA Staff / 02 Mar 2022

Discover Leading Defense Technology Solutions

Discover cutting-edge solutions from leading global suppliers
SUPPLIER SPOTLIGHT
The AS9 Huntsman, the Australian version of the K9 self-propelled howitzer. Image courtesy of Hanwha Defense
Follow DA

Elphinstone will manufacture 45 turrets and hulls for the Australian Army’s new Huntsman howitzers as part of a $1 billion defense contract awarded to Hanwha Defense Australia last year for the delivery of new Huntsman howitzers for the Australian Army. 

With around 55 new jobs to be created, the works at Wynyard-based Elphinstone will help the local Tasmanian economy, delivering a major boost to Tasmania’s defense industry.

Elphinstone will complete the steel fabrication, machining and painting of the turrets and hulls at its Wynyard factory, before shipping them to Hanwha in Geelong where the Huntsman vehicles will be assembled.

“My Government will always back Tasmanians and ensure they benefit from our significant investment in defence industry,” said Australian Prime Minister, Scott Morrison. “After decades specializing in mining manufacturing capabilities, Elphinstone has secured its first defense contract – this is a big win for our highly skilled workers in Wynyard.

“As manufacturing ramps up, around 55 new jobs will be created for locals in north-west Tasmania, in so many roles, including boilermaker welders, painters, fitters, machinists and other trades. Tasmanians should be proud that they will be significant contributors to increasing the firepower and security of Australian artillery capability.

“My Government can always be trusted to keep our nation and our region safe and to protect our interests in a rapidly changing global environment.”

Minister for Defense Industry, Melissa Price, said Australian industry will play a vital role delivering and sustaining the Huntsman howitzers: “Right across the country we are backing our small and medium businesses and creating local jobs, and Elphinstone is a prime example of this commitment to grow our defence industry.

“Tasmania has a formidable reputation for exporting niche, high-quality products and services to the world. I have no doubt it will continue to make an outstanding contribution to our Government’s Defense programs, boosting statewide employment and economic opportunities.  

“Our Defense investments are giving Elphinstone an important opportunity to diversify its manufacturing operations. Our decision to back Australian industry is a demonstration of our determination to ensure that we have the ability to maintain a lethal, relevant and effective sovereign defense capability in Australia.”

In addition to the manufacture of turrets and hulls, Elphinstone will also undertake structural repairs over the life of the howitzers, including design changes and modifications in the future. 

Posted by DA Staff Connect & Contact

Latest Articles

Digital Engineering for Defense Summit Returns June 25–26

The 3rd Digital Engineering for Defense Summit will bring together DoD and industry leaders to advance digital modernization across defense systems and acquisitions

May 28, 2025
Z3 Technology Provides H.264 Hardware Encoder for Rugged Camera

Z3 Technology’s H.264 hardware encoder is powering Bertin’s rugged CamSight WE camera, delivering ultra-low latency wireless video for mission-critical operations in compact, power-efficient, and harsh-environment applications

May 28, 2025
U.S. Army Aircraft to Receive Connectivity Upgrade with Honeywell SATCOM

Honeywell’s JetWave X SATCOM system is set to upgrade the U.S. Army’s ARES aircraft, enhancing global connectivity and mission-critical communications for ISR and electronic warfare

May 28, 2025
Swedish Finnish Partnership to Deliver Military- Grade Quadcopter

Patria and ACC Innovation are partnering to develop a militarized heavy-lift quadcopter drone, enhancing NATO’s autonomous capabilities for logistics, ISR, and arctic operations

May 28, 2025
GuideNav Outlines Critical Factors in Fiber Optic Gyroscope Selection

GuideNav outlines the key performance, design, and environmental considerations involved in selecting a Fiber Optic Gyroscope (FOG) for advanced applications

May 27, 2025
Full-Service Electronics Manufacturing for Complex, Regulated Industries

OSI Electronics, represented by KT Technical Solutions, deliver end-to-end EMS support from prototype to production for defense and aerospace applications

May 27, 2025

Featured Content

New Hybrid Solution for Long-Term GNSS-Denied Navigation

Advanced Navigation has demonstrated a major breakthrough with a Hybrid Navigation System designed for GPS-denied environments, combining a strategic-grade FOG INS with a laser velocity sensor

May 21, 2025
Trillium Gimbal Enhances Imaging for Launched Effects & Loitering Munitions

Trillium Engineering introduces the HD25-LV-C, a lightweight imaging system optimized for cost-constrained, expendable platforms like Launched Effects and loitering munitions

May 21, 2025
New Line of Kinetic-Capable Unmanned Surface Vessels Introduced

Red Cat Holdings enters the maritime autonomy market with a new line of combat-proven USVs, expanding its multi-domain unmanned systems for naval operations

May 20, 2025
Advancing Defense Capability Through Strategic Collaboration Defense Advancement works with major OEMs to foster collaboration and increase engagement with SMEs, to accelerate innovation and drive defense capabilities forward.