The Australian Defense Force have awarded Thales a contract to produce an unspecified number of Thales F90 rifles for them. The F90 is a modernized Steyr AUG. Jane’s reports…

Thales Australia has received a low rate initial production (LRIP) contract from the Australian Department of Defence (DoD) for the company’s F90 5.56 mm assault rifle, developed to replace the Australian Defence Force’s (ADF’s) in-service F88 series.

No details were given by Thales of the contract’s value or schedule, but the company is understood to be hoping for a contract for “an appropriate volume” of F90s after second pass approval, which is anticipated in June 2015.

The F90 is now one step closer to officially becoming Australia’s next service rifle.

Thanks to Albi for the tip.