Australian Army combat engineers Sapper Jasmine Jiang and Lance Corporal Jade Kelly-Woolford from 22nd Engineer Regiment lay charges on a bridge section as part of demolitions training on Puckapunyal training area. Photos: Private Sera Mar
Over the past month, the first cohort of Australian Army sappers have started training on new combat engineering vehicles.
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Soldiers have been training at the School of Armour at Puckapunyal to learn to operate the vehicles, navigate terrain, clear obstacles and provide essential support to armoured units in combat scenarios throughout a three-month course.
As part of the LAND 907 project, the army has acquired up to 29 M1150 assault breacher vehicles and up to 17 M1110 joint assault bridges, collectively known as combat engineering vehicles.
The assault breacher vehicle is equipped with a rocket-propelled explosive that can detonate hidden explosives and create a safe path for soldiers and vehicles.
Australian Army combat engineer Corporal Jack Williams from 22nd Engineer Regiment packs explosives into a simulated drain as part of demolitions training.
It also uses a mine plough and dozer blades to clear obstacles and mines, reshaping the battlefield as needed.
The joint assault bridges can deploy an 18.3m folding hydraulic bridge in under three minutes and is capable of supporting the weight of all military vehicles, including the M1A2 Abrams main battle tank.
“Army facilitates routine training activities at the School of Armour (SOARMD), Puckapunyal, each year,” a Defence spokesperson said.
“In 2025, an initial block of combat engineering vehicles arrived in Australia and were delivered to the School of Armour in Puckapunyal, where training is currently under way.”
Australian Army combat engineers Sapper Sean Miller, Sapper Mark Weston and Sapper Kvins from 22nd Engineer Regiment dismantle what is left after their demolitions training.
Head of land capability Major General Richard Vagg said the combat engineering vehicles would provide soldiers with enhanced protection and mobility.
“The integration of these combat engineering vehicles into our combines arms fighting system significantly reduces the need for our soldiers to conduct high-risk operations on foot, such as clearing mines or obstacles,” Maj Gen Vagg said.
“These advanced capabilities enhance our soldiers’ lethality and survivability and help ensure their safety and mission success.”
The majority of vehicles will be located in Townsville as part of the 3rd Combat Engineer Regiment, 3rd Brigade.
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