Minister for Defence Materiel Jason Clare today announced that 39 M2A2 Howitzer Guns will be made available to RSL clubs and historical organisations around the country.
“The M2A2 Howitzer Gun has provided outstanding service to Australia, and making the guns available will help to preserve this important part of our military history,” Mr Clare said.
“The Howitzers have been a vital component of Australia’s arsenal. They were critical in providing close artillery fire support to the Australian Army in Vietnam.”
24 M2A2 Howitzers were used in Vietnam.
“During the six years they were in Vietnam, the Howitzers fired thousands of 105mm rounds,” Mr Clare said.
“In July 1967, the Howitzers provided invaluable artillery support to the biggest allied offensive in the Phuoc Tuy Province.
“With the help of the Howitzers the Australian, US and New Zealand troops helped clear an area that had previously been dominated by enemy forces for more than seven years.”
The Howitzers were introduced into service in 1967 to replace the famous 25 pounder field gun.
The Howitzer can be towed by truck, lifted by helicopter or moved manually for short distances.
The gun has not deployed on operations since Vietnam but has remained in service.
Approved recipients will be expected to pay for demilitarisation and other costs, such as transport and site preparation. The total maximum cost is estimated to be approximately $16,000.
The tender is expected to be released in July. Organisations wishing to receive notification when the tender is released can register their interest with the Defence Disposals Agency, by email disposals [at] defence.gov.au, or phone on 02 9393 2914.
Imagery of the M2A2 Howitzer Guns is available at: http://images.defence.gov.au/fotoweb/Grid.fwx?archiveId=5003&search=20113130
Media contact: Korena Flanagan – 02 6277 762
