DEFENCE CONNCECT : 29 September 2025 By: Bethany Alvaro

New heavy land and combat vehicles have undergone transport trials on HMAS Adelaide as part of their test for operational readiness. Transport tests are a “critical” component of ensuring armoured vehicles are prepared for deployment and can demonstrate operational readiness. Sea transportation is often the only method available for transportation of the heaviest armoured vehicles, and having RAN vessels available which can flexibility load and speedily deploy them enhances the overall ADF littoral manoeuvre capability. Next-generation M1A2 Abrams tanks and Block II Boxer combat reconnaissance vehicles were the vehicles subject to this latest test.

Australian Army M1A2 Abrams tank disembarking HMAS Adelaide