Australia delivers C-IED equipment to ANSF

Australia has started delivery of counter Improvised Explosive Device (IED) equipment to the Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF), the Australian Ministry of Defence announced on 29 January.

The delivery is a part of the Australia’s contribution to the Afghan National Army trust fund for low cost, robust and lightweight force protection systems for the ANSF.

The equipment includes GREENGUM personnel and vehicle force protection systems. The first 450 personnel devices have been delivered, and deliveries will continue over the next four months with the aim of improving survivability rates for the summer fighting season.

This technology was developed by Australia’s Defence Science and Technology Organisation. The Australian military sales office of the Defence Materiel Organisation was working with the country's defence industry, which will manufacture the equipment.

Kevin Andrews, Australian Minister for Defence, said: ‘Improvised explosive devices represent a significant and immediate threat to our Afghan partners and these systems will provide considerable protection for the ANSF as it works to ensure the security of Afghanistan and its people.’