Army to get new big tow tanks

The army wants to buy another six big armoured tow trucks.

The 60-tonne Hercules heavy recovery vehicles are used to rescue broken-down tanks and other heavy vehicles from the battlefield.

The $US47 million ($A60.42 million) export deal has been approved by the US State Department.

Each Hercules is worth about $US2 million and the deal also includes radios, night vision, support equipment and spares.

The Australian Army already operates seven of the tow trucks.