Pilbara Regiment revels in powerful new wheels

While Pilbara residents might be turning their thoughts this Anzac month to soldiers fighting far-off wars in times past, local diggers are celebrating the arrival of sophisticated new kit.

Having spent previous years patrolling the North West in hardy Land Rovers, the Pilbara Regiment is now set to jump behind the wheel of powerful new Mercedes Benz G Wagon, six-wheel-drive vehicles.

Warrant officer Class 2 Philip Baulch said the Hedland Squadron had received a surveillance version of the G Wagon.

Significantly bigger than the Land Rovers, he said the G Wagon could carry a lot of communication equipment and upwards of 200 litres of water and 500L of fuel.

"It has (also) got extra weight and the ability to put a bigger footprint on the ground in undulating and rough terrain whereas a lighter vehicle may tip or slide," he said.

"Being automatic, it makes it a lot easier to drive, it is a lot more comfortable, there is more room and it has an air-conditioner, which is a handy piece of kit for up here."

Tasked with patrolling enormous distances in searing temperatures in the North West, vehicles play a vitally important role for the Pilbara Regiment.

The regiment expects to receive up to nine new G Wagons.

Regiment patrols usually involve two vehicles with three soldiers manning each G Wagon.