The Liberal-National Coalition government in Australia and its political opposition, the Labor Party, have both stated a commitment to restart a long-delayed programme to procure self-propelled howitzers (SPH) if they win the country's federal election on 18 May.
The requirement - previously part of Project Land 17 - was cancelled in 2012 due to funding cuts but will be revived under plans newly announced by the political parties. Under the new programme, which is expected to be named Project Land 8112 Protected Mobile Fires, both sides have said they will acquire 30 SPHs and build the systems in Geelong, Melbourne.
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Climate change has heightened focus on the Arctic in recent years, with newly accessible sea routes and resources attracting the attention of neighbouring countries. Armed forces are responding in a number of ways, boosting training efforts and investing in specialised equipment, writes Gerrard Cowan
