The Australian Defence Force has temporarily paused its entire fleet of M113 armoured vehicles as a precaution while safety checks are carried out. Defence confirmed the pause after media reports revealed the vehicles would remain unused during the assurance process.
The decision comes only months after the fleet was grounded following a fatal training incident near Townsville that claimed the life of Lance Corporal Tulsa Rumney. Investigations into the incident are still underway.
A Defence spokesperson said the pause allows the organisation to validate compliance with existing safety controls, including updated maintenance processes and refresher training. Defence emphasised that this is not a grounding, but a temporary measure to reinforce procedures and ensure safeguards remain effective.
The M113s are being progressively replaced under the Government’s investment in new infantry fighting vehicles, combat reconnaissance vehicles and protected mobility platforms, including the Redback infantry fighting vehicle.
Defence reiterated that the death of Lance Corporal Tulsa Rumney in October 2025 continues to be felt deeply across the organisation, and support remains in place for the two soldiers injured in the same incident.
