en.Wedoany.com Reported - The first batch of AS9 "Huntsman" self-propelled howitzers manufactured in Australia has completed live-fire training, with gunners operating the domestically produced system to conduct live-fire exercises. The Australian Department of Defence disclosed that 30 gunners from the 4th Regiment, Royal Australian Artillery, based in Townsville, conducted live-fire operations with the AS9 "Huntsman" system after completing a six-week training course at the School of Artillery in Puckapunyal, Victoria.

This training took place following the delivery of vehicles from Hanwha Defence Australia's Geelong production line, with only a few months between production and the completion of the first service training course. Brigadier James Davis, Director of Systems and Integration, stated that this achievement reflects close collaboration between the Army, the Capability Acquisition and Sustainment Group, and industry partners. Brigadier Davis said the live-fire exercise demonstrated the efficiency of cooperation in bringing new capabilities into service, noting that "moving from the Australian production line to trained crews conducting live-fire in a short period is a significant achievement." He added that the project strengthens domestic defence capabilities while supporting Army modernisation, saying, "Through strong partnerships, we are delivering modern Australian-made capabilities that will enhance the Army's strength and contribute to building a more self-reliant defence force."

The AS9 "Huntsman" is an armoured mobile artillery system that provides long-range precision fire support under armour protection. The Department of Defence stated that the platform can rapidly manoeuvre, fire, and reposition, reducing vulnerability while maintaining fire support. Lieutenant Colonel Chris D'Aquino, Commanding Officer of the School of Artillery, noted that this training is a critical step in familiarising soldiers with the new system. "This capability enhances how we deliver firepower—it is protected, mobile, and more responsive than the system it replaces," Lieutenant Colonel D'Aquino said. "For gunners, the key is building confidence in the new system and learning how to employ it under operational conditions. Such training ensures we can quickly and safely deliver capability into the hands of soldiers."

For many trainees, after weeks of instruction, this exercise was the first opportunity to operate and fire the AS9 as a complete crew. Gunner Maxwell Cleal, who previously operated the M777 towed howitzer, said the course allowed soldiers to understand the different approach to operating artillery from a tracked vehicle. Gunner Cleal stated, "The gunner inputs all information into the system, presses a button, and the system automatically aims the howitzer." According to the Department of Defence, the tracked platform enables crews to open fire as soon as the vehicle is in position, eliminating the manual setup process required for the M777.

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