הטנק הבינוני במאמר זה הינו טנק ישן יחסית במשקל של בין 35 ל-50 טון. טנק זה יעבור שידרוג שיתאים אותו לתפקד כבן זוגו של טנק המרכבה. תפקידו העיקרי של הטנק הבינוני הוא לנוע עם הטנקים ולפניהם ולהשמיד את מערכי הנ"ט של האוייב ועי"כ לפרוץ דרך לטנקים ולשאר הרכבים לחצות את המכשול שלפניהם ולהשתתף בהשמדת כוחו של האוייב. לכן, הטנק הבינוני לא יחומש בתותח בקוטר 120 מ"מ או יותר, אלא בתותח 57 מ"מ, במק"כים, במקלעים, ברקטות למיניהם, במקל"רים 30/40 מ"מ ו"בבינה מלאכותית", שזו הטבעת ששולטת בהם. לדעתי הטנק הבינוני צריך להיות הרכב העיקרי בחטיבות השריון בצה"ל. וצריך יהיה לרכוש אלפי טנקים ולשדרג אותם בהתאם לדרישות שלנו. את הצריח של הטנק שנרכוש נחליף בצריח רוסי שנקרא אי.יו-220אמ, זה צריח לא מאוייש שנושא תותח בקוטר 57 מ"מ ומקלע 7.62 מ"מ. הצריח מותקן מעל מחסנית עגולה שנושאת כ-80 פגזים עם טעינה אוטומטית ולכן יהיו בטנק רק 3 אנשי צוות. (תמונות מס'-1 ו-2) בין אנשי הצוות יכולות להיות גם חיילות ומכיוון שהטעינה אוטומטית, החיילות יוכלו להפעיל יותר את המוח במקום הידים וזה אולי המקום שלוחמות יוכלו להיות אולי טובות יותר מחיילים. עי"כ נקבל הרבה כח אדם מעולה עם מוטיוציה גבוהה שיתרום הרבה לחיל השריון. לראות טנק בינוני מופעל רק ע"י חיילות יהיה מעולה. תמונה מס'-1 הצריח הרוסי AU-220M שנושא תותח בקוטר 57 מ"מ. תמונה מס'-2 רכב הלחימה הרוסי טי-15 נושא צריח לא מאוייש עם תותח בקליבר 57 מ"מ, מקלע 7.62 מ"מ, 2 טילי נ"ט ומופעל ע"י 3 אנשי צוות שיושבים בחזית הרכב. בתמונה למעלה ניתן לראות את הטי-15 הרוסי נושא תותח בקוטר 57 מ"מ, לתותח טווח של 14 ק"מ, קצב אש של 60 פגזים בדקה, פגזים ומרעומים חכמים שיהיו מדוייקים ביותר. לחטיבה בנוסף לטנקים הבינוניים שאני קורא להם "פנתרים", יצטרפו רכבי לחימה סיניים מדגם VN-17 ועליו אכתוב בהמשך. הטנק הבינוני יעבור מספר שידרוגים בדומה לטנק המרכבה והשידרוגים הם: 2.1 שיפוץ או החלפת חטיבת הכח. 2.2 התקנת צריח חדש עם תותח 57 מ"מ. 2.3 התקנת "יחידת לחימה אוטונומית" (יל"א) מאחורי הצריח. 2.4 התקנת תותח 30 מ"מ במקביל לתותח ה-57 מ"מ. 2.5 התקנת צריחון נ"מ/נ"ט על צריח ה-57 מ"מ. 2.1. שיפוץ חטיבת הכח או החלפתה ב-ח.כ חדשה. דוגמה: המנועים של הטי-72 שודרגו עם הזמן והדגם האחרון הוא מנוע בן 1,130 כ"ס, הדגם הראשון היה עם מנוע בן 830 כ"ס בלבד. 2.2. החלפת הצריח שעל הטנק בצריח רוסי חדש שנקרא אי.יו-220אמ. צריח זה אינו מאוייש, ואנשי הצוות יושבים בתובה שבה הם יהיו מוגנים טוב יותר. הצריח נושא תותח בקליבר 57 מ"מ ומקלע מקביל, הוא מותקן מעל מחסנית עגולה שמחזיקה 80 פגזים, יש לו קצב אש של 80 פגזים בדקה, וטווח של 14 ק"מ. (תמונות מס'-1 ו-2) מיכוון שהצריח יהיה רוסי אני מעדיף שכל כלי נשק שמותקנים על הצריח יסופקו ע"י רוסיה. 2.3. התקנת "יחידת לחימה אוטונומית" (יל"א) מאחורי צריח ה-57 מ"מ. שינוי נוסף שהייתי עושה הוא התקנת ’יחידת לחימה אוטונומית’ (יל"א) מאחורי הצריח. את הרעיון של היל"א אפשר לראות בתמונה מס'-3, יחידה זו בנוייה מארגז תחמושת גדול שיותקן מאחורי הצריח ו-2 עמדות נשק. הייתי משנה במקצת את התמונה הזו ולמעשה מאריך את ארגז התחמושת כך שהוא יבלוט משני צידי הצריח כמו 2 "אוזניים גדולות". על כל אחת מאוזניים אלו הייתי מתקין עמדת נשק שבה יותקנו: מק"כ בקוטר 14.5 מ"מ שנקרא קי.פי.וי.טי, (תמונה מס'-4) מקלע בקוטר 7.62 מ"מ שנקרא פי.קי.טי.אמ ומערכת ראייה שתותאם לעבוד עם הבינה המלאכותית (שזו הטבעת של טולקין) ועם המט"ק של הטנק. כל עמדה תכסה 180 מעלות מצידי הטנק וזאת במנותק מהצריח עם תותח ה-120 מ"מ. תמונה מס'-3 יל"א לתתחי 20 מ"מ תמונה מס'-4 מק"כ רוסי בקוטר 14.5 מ"מ עם קצב אש של 600 כדורים בדקה וטווח של כ-3,000 מטר. תמונה מס'-5 מקלע 7.62 מ"מ PKTM המונח ’אוטונומי’ מתייחס למצב שבו ’הבינה המלאכותית’ - (ב.מ) מקבלת פיקוד על עמדות הנשק ובעזרת מערכות ראייה וסנסורים נוספים תפעיל את כלי הנשק שביל"א כנגד כל גורם שמאיים על הטנק וזאת ללא מגע יד אדם. שרשראות התחמושת ל-2 עמדות המק"כ והמקלעים יותקנו בארגז התחמושת שמאחורי הצריח. 2 עמדות אלו יאפשרו לכלי הנשק לירות ישר לפנים וגם לשלוט באש על שטחים מצד ימין ומצד שמאל של הצריח. עמדות אלו יספקו הגנה היקפית מסביב לטנק עד למרחק של 3,000 מטר. עמדות אלו יהיו יעילות כנגד חי"ר חשוף, כנגד רכב רך, כנגד מבנים בלחימה בשטח בנוי ועוד. 2.4 התקנת תותח 30 מ"מ במקביל לתותח ה57 מ"מ. במקביל לתותח ה-57 מ"מ נתקין תותח בקליבר 30 מ"מ שנקרא 2אי72 ונראה בתמונה למטה כאשר הוא מותקן על הנגמ"ש בי.טי.אר-80. התקנת תותח זה תקנה לתותחן אפשרוית נכונות יותר לירות על מטרות רכות ולחסוך את פגזי ה-57 מ"מ או את הטילים שמותקנים בצריח ה-נ"מ/נ"ט. תמונה מס'-6 תותח 30 מ"מ 2אי72 מותקן בצריח של ה-בי.טי.אר-80. 2.5 התקנת צריחון נ"מ/נ"ט על צריח ה-57 מ"מ. א. הלקח הראשון שניתן ללמוד מהמלחמה באוקראינה, הוא חשיבותה של מערכת ההגנה מרקטות וטילי נ"ט של האוייב. ומה שעל ישראל לעשות הוא להבין שאת מערכות הנ"ט של האוייב יש להשמיד לפני שהוא משגר את טילי הנ"ט שלו. לשם כך נתקין על צריח ה-57 מ"מ צריחון נ"מ/נ"ט עם מערכות נשק שיותאמו בין השאר גם לתפקיד זה. בנוסף לצד ההתקפי, הרק"מ צריך להיות מוגן במיגון ריאקטיבי ובמיגון אקטיבי כגון ’טרופי’ של רפא"ל או ’אגרוף הברזל’ של אלביט. ב. לקח השני שניתן ללמוד מהמלחמה באוקראינה, הוא חשיבותו של מערך הנ"מ להגנה על כוחות שריון ממזל"טים תוקפים בעזרת פצצות, ממזל"טים מתאבדים, חימוש משוטט, רחפנים ומעופפים אחרים. מערכות אלו הם חיל האויר וחיל השריון של הצד החלש בלחימה א-סימטרית, אבל כאשר הכמויות של מעופפים אלו יגיעו למאות ואלפים לפתע נראה שהצד החלש נהפך לצד החזק. לכן למערכות נ"מ יהיה תפקיד קריטי בשדה הקרב, קו ההגנה הראשון יהיה צריחון נ"מ/נ"ט שיותקן על צריחי המרכבות, צריחי הטנקים הבינוניים, על נגמ"שי הלחימה ועל נגמ"שי החי"ר. ג. אחד הצריחים שמתאים להיות צריחון נ"מ/נ"ט נראה בתמונה למטה, (צריח נוסף נראה בתמונה מס'-13) שבה רואים את הצריח הרוסי שנקרא "קליוור", זהו צריח למפעיל אחד שנושא 4 טילי נ"ט מדגם "קורנט" בקוטר 152 מ"מ, תותח 30 מ"מ מדגם 2אי42 שמוזן מ-2 שרשראות פגזים שונות ויש לו 2 קצבי אש: קצב אש נמוך של 200-300 פגז לדקה שיתאים לירי כנגד מטרות קרקעיות, וקצב אש גבוה של 550-800 פגז לדקה שיתאים לירי כנגד מטרות מעופפות כגון: רחפנים, מזל"טים ועוד. במקביל לתותח ה-30 מ"מ מותקן מקלע 7.62 מ"מ מדגם פי.קי.טי.אמ. בצריח מותקנת מערכת ראייה וכינון חימוש. תמונה מס'-7 הצריח הרוסי שנקרא "קליוור" זהו צריח גדול עם עוצמת אש רבה שיתאים לשמש כצריח עיקרי למשל על נגמ"שי הלחימה ועל נגמ"שי חי"ר, אבל אני מחפש צריחון נ"מ לא מאוייש שניתן להתקין על צריח ה-57 מ"מ, לכן נבקש מרוסיה לבצע בצריח ה"קליוור" מספר שינויים והם: 1. הוצאת המפעיל מהצריח ושיעבוד הצריח לעמדת המפקד/תותחן. 2. הוצאת שרשראות הפגזים/כדורים מהצריח והתקנתם בארגז התחמושת הגדול מאחורי הצריח. לאחר הוצאת המפעיל והוצאת שרשראות התחמושת מהצריח, ניתן יהיה להקטין את רוחב הצריח, ונשנה אותו כך שנוכל להתקין גם בצידו השמאלי של הצריח את ההתקן לשיגור טילי נ"ט כפי שמותקן על צידו הימני. לאחר ביצוע שלבים אלו יהפוך הצריח לצריחון (צריח קטן) נ"מ/נ"ט לא מאוייש שיותקן על הגג בחלקו האחורי של צריח ה-57 מ"מ. על הצריחון משני צידיו ניתן יהיה להתקין עד 8 טילי נ"ט או 8 משגרים לרקטות וטילים מסוגים שונים. 3.נבקש מרוסיה שתשנה את המשגרים לרקטות ה-80 מ"מ וה-90 מ"מ כך שניתן יהיה להתקין אותם על ההתקן לטילי הנ"ט וישראל תצטרך למתאים את המשגר לרקטות ה-70 מ"מ כך שגם הוא יתאים למשגרים שעל הצריח ה- ’קליוור’. א. משגר ל-4 רקטות מונחות בקוטר 70 מ"מ (תמונה מס'-7), רקטות אלו מונחות לכתם לייזר ויש להם טווח של כ- 12 ק"מ וזה אומר שהם יוכלו לתת פייט רציני למשגרי טילי הנ"ט של האוייב, בפרט שהמכ"מ של מערכת ההגנה שעל הטנק יזהה את נקודת השיגור של הטילים ורקטות הנ"ט של האוייב ויפתח באש אוטומטית כנגד נקודת השיגור של האיום. תמונה מס'-8 משגר ל-4 רקטות מונחות בקוטר 70 מ"מ. ב. משגר ל- 4 רקטות רוסיות בקוטר 80 מ"מ. המשגר צריך להיות דומה למשגר הרקטות בקוטר 70 מ"מ. רקטות ה-80 מ"מ הם רקטות עם רש"ק כבד יותר מזה של רקטות ה-70 מ"מ כך שהם יתאימו טוב יותר ללחימה בשטח בנוי. ג. משגר ל- 4 רקטות טרמובאריות רוסיות בקוטר 90 מ"מ שנקראות ’שמל-אמ’, לרקטות אלו אורך של 90 ס"מ, טווח יעיל של 600 מטר, טווח מקסימלי של 1,700 מטר ועוצמתן דומה לפגז ארטילרי נפיץ בקוטר 155 מ"מ, (תמונה מס'-9) רקטה זו תהיה להיט בלש"ב. מעניין לבחון את ההיתכנות להתקנת רב"ת לייזר או מערכת לשמירת כיוון על הרקטות הטרמובאריות, שאולי ישפרו את הטווח היעיל של הרקטה. גם משגר זה צריך להיות דומה למשגר הרקטות בקוטר 70 מ"מ. כל המשגרים יותאמו להתקנה על גבי ההתקנים לטילי הנ"ט שמותקנים על הצריחון. תמונה מס'-9 משגר ורקטה תרמובארית ’שמל-אמ’ ד. בנוסף להתאמת משגרי הרקטות להתקן של משגרי טילי הנ"ט צריך להתאים להתקן גם את המשגרים של טילי הנ"מ שנקראים ’סטינגר’ (תמונה מס'-10) וגם את המשגרים לטילי הנ"ט של רפא"ל (תמונה מס'-11). תמונה מס'-10 משגר לטילי ’סטינגר’ תמונה מס'-11 משגר ל-4 טילי נ"ט של רפא"ל אפשרות נוספת היא התקנת משגר ל-4 רקטות בקוטר 127 מ"מ שנקראות "זוני".( תמונה מס'-12) תמונה מס'-12 משגר ל-4 רקטות בקוטר 127 מ"מ. עם סיום כל השינויים האלו נקבל צריחון נ"מ/נ"ט מדגם ’קליוור’ עם יכולות ואפשרויות רבות להתקנת טילים ורקטות מסוגים שונים. התמהיל של הרקטות והטילים יקבע בהתאם לגיזרה שבה יופעלו רכבי הלחימה. צריח נוסף שיכול להתאים במקום הצריח "קליוור" נראה בתמונה מס'-13 למטה: צריח זה צריך להיות מותקן גם על צריחי המרכבות. תמונה מס'-13 צריח נושא תותח 35 מ"מ. הצריח הזה נושא תותח בקוטר 35 מ"מ שנקרא "בושמאסטר-3" ויש לו פגזים שמותאמים לירי נ"מ והוא צריך להיות מותקן בצריח הנ"מ/נ"ט שיותקן על צריח המרכבה. האיום העיקרי שנפגוש בשדה הקרב העתידי יגיע מ"כלי טייס מאויישים מרחוק" (כטמ"מים) כגון מזל"טים תוקפים, מזלטים מתאבדים, רחפנים ועוד איומים דומים. לענ"ד שילוב של צריחון זה על גבי הטנק ורכבים אחרים, ישדרגו את יכולות הנ"מ של השריון הישראלי וזאת בעיקר בגלל פגז הנ"מ של תותח זה. על פגז הנ"מ ניתן לקרוא למטה. בנוסף, תותח ה-35 מ"מ יהיה יעיל ביותר כנגד רכבים שהמיגון שלהם נופל ממיגון הטנק ויתכן שהם יחדרו את שריון הצד של חלק מהטנקים. למטה כמה משפטים על פגז הנ"מ של תותח זה: Ahead Ammunition The 35 mm Ahead system consists of measurement and programming units, control electronics and programmable Ahead ammunition. It can be fitted to any suitable automatic cannon and then successfully engage small, fast aerial targets with a high kill probability. Each Ahead round contains 152 tungsten sub-projectiles which are ejected immediately in front of the oncoming target. The measurement unit determines the velocity of each Ahead round prior to muzzle exit. Based on this data, the control electronics calculates the sub-projectile ejection time, which is transmitted via the programming unit to the time fuse in the projectile. אם כי הצריחון עם תותח ה-35 מ"מ נראה מעולה, הייתי מבצע בו מספר שינויים והם: 1. הצריחון צריך להיות לא מאוייש ומופעל מהתובה. 2. צריך להבטיח שלתותח תהיה הגבהה של לפחות 70 מעלות. ההגבהה בצריחון זה היא 35 מעלות בלבד. 3. צריך לוודא שאת התחמושת נוכל להתקין בארגז התחמושת שמאחורי הצריח. 4. צריך לוודא שה’בינה המלאכותית’ תוכל להפעיל את מערכת הראייה שמותקנת בצריחון לגלות ולזהות איומים כנגד הטנק ולהפעיל את התותח במידת הצורך באופן עצמאי וללא מגע יד אדם. 5. לאחר ביצוע שינויים אלו, נקטין את רוחב הצריח ועל הדופן השמאלית שלו נתקין 4 משגרים לטילי נ"ט שניתן להחליף אותם במשגרים לרקטות שיהיו זהים למשגרי הרקטות והטילים כמו בטנק המרכבה. בעיה שיש בכל הנושא הזה הוא מאיפה אנו רוכשים בין 3,000 ל-4,000 טנקי ’פנתר’. טנקי ה’פנתר’ הם טנקים יחסית ישנים שצריך יהיה לשדרג אותם ולחבר אותם לחטיבות השריון. ישנם למעשה רק 3 מדינות עם יכולות ייצור שיתאימו לנו והם: 1. רוסיה-שאני מניח שכל עוד המלחמה באוקראינה נמשכת לא ניתן יהיה לקבל מהם רכב שיכול להיות שימושי להם במלחמה. 2. ארה"ב-שיש להם במחסנים כ-3,300 טנקי אמ-1 מהדגם הראשון שעדיין חמושים בתותח 105 מ"מ. אם ניתן יהיה לרכוש אותם הם יוכלו גם לשדרג אותם בהתאם לדרישותנו וזה יהיה נחמד. 3. לסין-שיש במחסנים כ-2,500 טנקי סימן 96 שהם ברמה של טנקי הטי-72 של רוסיה. תמונתו למטה: תמונה מס'-13 הטנק הסיני סימן 96 1,000 מהם לא שודרגו וצריך יהיה לרכוש את כולם ויש עוד 1,500 ששודרגו לדגם 96גי. בשלב ראשון צריך לרכוש את ה-1,000 הלא משודרגים. יתכן שהם ישמחו להיפטר מהם מפני שהם מייצרים כעת את הטנק החדש שלהם שנקרא סימן 99, או שניתן לרכוש מסין רק את התובה של טנקי סימן 99 שהם מייצרים כעת. הטנק סימן 99 מונע במנוע בן 1,500 כ"ס שיקנה לטנק הבינוני ניידות מעולה. את עוצמת האש והמיגון הנוסף נייצר ונתקין על הטנקים הבינוניים בישראל. 4. מקום נוסף לרכוש טנקי טי-72 הוא במדינות מזרח אירופה שרוצות לרכוש טנקי ליאופרד מגרמניה אם כי גרמניה עדיין לא הסכימה למכור להם את הטנקים. 5. מעבר לשידרוג מערכות הנשק, מנועיים, גירים ועוד אלמנטים נוספים ובלי קשר לטנק שנרכוש, צריך יהיה לשנות את התובה כך שנוכל להתקין לפני צריח ה-57 מ"מ 2 מושבים למפקד ולתותחן עם פתחים בגג התובה לכניסה ויציאה מהטנק, מערכות ראייה, יחידות הפעלה למערכות הנשק, מחשבים ועוד דברים טובים. הייתי שמח לרכוש את כל טנקי ה-אמ-1 הלא משודרגים שנוכל לרכוש, ואם ארה"ב תסכים לשדרג את הטנקים האלו בהתאם לדרישותנו זה יהיה נהדר. כל הטנקים שנרכוש כולל בסין ישודרגו ויתחברו עם חטיבות השריון הכבדות והבינוניות. לזכור שצריך להסיר מהם את הצריח ולהתקין את הצריח הרוסי עם תותח 57 מ"מ, את הצריחים שנסיר נתקין על מבנים מבטון שנשקיע אותם באדמה ונתקין אותם לאורך רצועת עזה ובגבול עם לבנון. אלו האפשרויות ועכשיו זה הזמן לרכוש את כל הטנקים שאפשר ולשדרג את עוצמת חיל השריון ואת חיל היבשה הישראלי.

HASC "believes that directed energy technology has matured to the point where it may be successfully deployed against current rocket, artillery, mortar, and cruise missile threats," read one NDAA amendment. By Andrew Eversden on June 27, 2022 at 6:32 AM A Stryker Mobile Expeditionary High Energy Laser (MEHEL), an earlier technology that provided risk reduction for the MMHEL, participates in the Maneuver Fires Integrated Experiment in December 2014 at FortSill, Oklahoma.(Photo by Monica K. Guthrie, Fort Sill Public Affairs) WASHINGTON: House lawmakers on the Armed Services Committee want more information from the Pentagon about its future plans for integrating directed energy weapons into its air defenses, and say the US should talk more with an allied nation making progress in the field: Israel. The HASC’s version of the fiscal 2023 National Defense Authorization Act included several amendments aimed at bolstering US and allied air defenses against unmanned aerial systems, rockets, artillery and missile threats amid conflicts in Europe and the Middle East that lawmakers said highlight the need for strong air defenses. “The committee believes that with recent Russian actions in Ukraine, ongoing efforts by Iran and Iranian proxies to use cruise missiles to destabilize and undermine regimes, and growing Chinese capabilities, air defense for the United States and our allies is an increasing priority,” read an adopted amendment from Rep. Doug Lamborn, R-Colo. “This threat environment makes efforts to incorporate allied platforms, such as those with NATO and Israel, into future air defense architectures all the more important.” Lamborn’s amendment noted that the committee “believes that directed energy technology has matured to the point where it may be successfully deployed against current rocket, artillery, mortar, and cruise missile threats.” Therefore, it urged the services and Missile Defense Agency to work with the Israeli Missile Defense Organization on “development and deployment” of directed energy technology for missile defense. Israel is developing Iron Beam, a laser-based missile defense system among other laser-based capabilities. The legislative language especially highlighted the US Army’s efforts, including the service’s Rapid Capabilities and Critical Technologies Office work in developing directed energy prototypes to defend against different sizes of drone threats, in addition to rocket, artillery and mortar threats. The office’s Directed Energy Maneuver-Short Range Air Defense (DE SM-SHORAD) prototype was tested against drones and mortars last year and reportedly had some success, and the committee urged the Army to continue testing prototypes. The committee requested that the Army’s top acquisition official brief the committee on DE M-SHORAD’s strategy to transition into a program of record, including development, testing and production schedule. Additionally, lawmakers wanted to know how the Army plans to integrate directed energy systems into its Integrated Battle Command System, another signature modernization platform that will provide improved command and control capabilities to commanders. The committee also called out the importance of developing high power microwave (HPM) capabilities to defeat drone swarms. The Army recently completed a demonstration where HPM systems tackled swarms of small drones, with limited success. One adopted amendment “encourages” the Army to seriously consider HPM as part of layered air defense for fixed and semi-fixed sites. The language, added by Rep. Robert Wittman, R-Va., directed the Army secretary to brief the committee on a strategy for developing and testing “scalable, modular” High Power Microwave systems that can detect and track small-UAS swarms and tie into the service’s air defense battle command system. “The threat posed by swarming UAS grows alongside the need to improve system dependability and defensive networking capabilities,” Wittman’s amendment reads. Lamborn’s amendment would require the Missile Defense Agency director and service secretaries to brief lawmakers on expanding collaboration on air and missile defense architectures with allies, including Israel. More specifically, it also directs the Army to evaluate the interoperability of Israel’s Iron Dome air defense system, which the service has tested, and brief the committee on any plans to use the Iron Dome system. Another adopted amendment from Rep. Elaine Luria, D-Va., would require the defense secretary to brief the committee on the “current state” counter-UAS capabilities of allies and partner forces in the Middle East. The report would require information about the cUAS capabilities and its impact on “the security of United States and allied forces in the region against UAS attacks, and the force protection requirements for the United States and allied forces, including air defense capabilities.” HASC passed its $839 billion defense authorization bill out of committee in the early hours of Thursday. RELATED: Beyond killing drones, Israeli laser knocks mortars out of the sky https://breakingdefense.com/2022/06/lawmakers-push-for-directed-energy-weapons-suggest-collaboration-with-israel/

Leonardo DRS Head William Lynn tells Breaking Defense that more M&A activity could be coming. By Aaron Mehta on June 21, 2022 at 9:48 AM Leonardo DRS and RADA have already collaborated on some projects, such as the Army’s Stryker M-SHORAD program. (RADA) WASHINGTON: Leonardo DRS, the American subsidiary of Italian defense giant Leonardo, has announced plans to purchase Israeli firm RADA, with the combined company heading to the NASDAQ stock exchange — and keeping an eye out for further acquisition options, DRS head William Lynn tells Breaking Defense. Under the agreement, announced this morning, Leonardo DRS will acquire 100% of RADA, with shareholders of the Israeli firm receiving 19.5% equity ownership in the combined company. The deal is expected to close fourth quarter of this year, after which RADA will operate under the Leonardo DRS name. The deal is part of a broader effort from Leonardo DRS to focus on four key product areas: advanced sensing, network computing, force protection and electric power and propulsion. RADA served as “twofer” in that regard, Lynn said in an interview following the announcement, adding to the force protection and advanced sensing capabilities of the company. RADA’s product line focuses on tactical radars, with equipment ranging from mobile short-range air defense to counter-UAV capabilities. The radar capabilities were the driving factor for the acquisition, as Leonardo DRS does not currently have a radar unit, Lynn said. The goal was to build towards a future world of “integrated sensing,” which Lynn describes as sensors being not just interconnected, but taking on a more active role in battlefield operations. “Radar will be more than a radar. It’ll have processing, it’ll have electronic warfare capability. All of it is going to start to meld together,” Lynn said. “So we think we need to have all of the sensor components inside our” portfolio going forward. There are already team-ups between the companies on some products, such as RADA-made radars that will be equipped on the DRS solution for the Stryker M-SHORAD vehicle. But there will be almost no overlap in terms of product lines, meaning Lynn does not expect major regulatory push back from the US. The biggest hurdle remaining is approval from the Israeli Ministry of Defense for the deal, but Lynn also sounded positive on that regard, saying, “We have already been in touch with them, as has RADA, and we are getting very, very positive comments.” Lynn was upfront that the company is in a constant state of looking for future M&A activity and noted that the structure of the deal leaves plenty of DRS stock for future transactions, whether in all-stock deal or to sell off to raise cash. He also noted that the merger allows the company to be publicly traded without requiring an IPO; the company had attempted an IPO in 2021 before drawing back, the result of what Lynn described as particularly difficult conditions in the market. However, he stressed that any further merger activity needs to be strategic. “You have to do M&A with what’s for sale,” he said, and that it has to fit into the four core areas of focus. Asked whether electric power, the smallest of the four core segments, would be an M&A priority, Lynn said, “I wouldn’t say we’re preferentially looking for any of the four. We’re focused on our core markets, how do we strengthen those four core markets and be able to move upscale.” Similarly, he said the company wouldn’t be looking specifically at other Israeli firms, despite the acquisition of RADA. “That isn’t a reason we did it, it’s not the first step in buying more Israeli companies… if there were another Israeli company, we’d look at it, but we’re not preferentially looking at Israel,” he said. In the announcement, Lynn was quoted as saying that the Ukraine conflict “has underscored the vulnerability of forces to drone attacks and has highlighted the need for modern, capable force protection systems.” Asked to elaborate, Lynn pointed out that every nation is watching the effectiveness of drones against armored vehicles and saying “this could be us” — that is, other armored forces could face the same dangers of Russian armor. As a result, he predicted, SHORAD and anti-UAV capabilities are likely to be on the forefront of Western military investments going forward. https://breakingdefense.com/2022/06/leonardo-drs-to-acquire-israeli-firm-rada-eyeing-counter-drone-market/

17.05.2022 – Elbit Systems was selected by Airbus Defence and Space (Airbus) to provide J-MUSIC™ DIRCM (Direct Infrared Countermeasures) including the Company’s Infra-Red-based Passive Airborne Warning Systems (PAWS IR), for Airbus A330-200 MRTT aircraft of additional European Air Force. The Company’s DIRCM systems integrate the latest laser technology, high frame-rate thermal cameras and a compact, dynamic high-speed sealed-mirror turret, delivering high performance defense against ground-to-air IR missiles. Elbit Systems has been cooperating with Airbus on equipping aircraft of additional countries with DIRCM and Electronic Warfare (EW) systems, including NATO’s Multinational Multirole Fleet, German Air Force’s aircraft, aircraft of the UAE Air Force and others. Oren Sabag, General Manager of Elbit Systems ISTAR & EW, said: “We are looking forward to cooperating with Airbus in additional markets as Air Forces have been placing a growing importance on stepping up platform protection”. Photo courtesy Elbit Systems https://www.edrmagazine.eu/airbus-selected-elbit-systems-to-provide-dircm-and-ew-systems-to-additional-european-air-force

Israeli military officials told Breaking Defense the US Air Force would provide refueling services for Israeli fighters during the exercise. By Arie Egozi on May 18, 2022 at 12:21 PM An Israeli F-16 jet takes off on December 9, 2014 at the Ovda airbase in the Negev Desert near Eilat, southern Israel. (Photo by Lior Mizrahi/Getty Images) TEL AVIV: As Israeli leaders sound the alarm about what they say is an acute, active threat from Iran’s nuclear program, Israel plans to conduct a major military exercise, with US participation, part of which will simulate attacks on Iranian nuclear targets, according to Israeli officials. Israeli military officials told Breaking Defense the US Air Force would provide refueling services for Israeli fighters, as was reported by Israel’s Channel 13. The US Air Force did not immediately respond to a request for comment for this report. The news came as Israeli Defense Minister Benny Gantz alleged Tuesday that Iran was “just a few weeks” away from having enough fissile material for a nuclear bomb. “The price for tackling the Iranian challenge on a global or regional level is higher than it was a year ago and lower than it will be in a year,” Gantz said, alleging Iran is working to complete the production and installation of 1,000 advanced IR6 centrifuges, including at an underground site near Natanz. “Iran continues to accumulate irreversible knowledge and experience in the development, research, production and operation of advanced centrifuges.” Israeli officials told reporters the month-long military exercise, dubbed Chariots of Fire, is designed to resemble a war on several fronts, practicing in the event Israel decides to launch a multi-stage campaign. The portion of the exercise that would simulate attacks on Iranian nuclear sites will feature in the fourth and final week of the exercise. A senior Israeli defense source told Breaking Defense that US “aerial refueling services will be performed in flight envelopes that may be used by Israel if and when Israel decides to act.” That the exercise is being made so public — and is openly simulating attacks on Iran — is seen by Israeli officials beyond a readiness exercise as a warning to Tehran to return to serious negotiations over its nuclear program. As the world’s attention has focused on Ukraine in recent months, talks over a renewed Iranian nuclear deal, of which Israel has long been critical anyway, have fizzled. The purported involvement of the US in the exercise, along with the implication it would be involved in a real-life military campaign, is designed to underscore the seriousness of the Israeli warning to Iranian leaders. But the participation of the US could be something of a practical necessity as well as a political gambit. Israel currently uses old converted 707s for refueling. It has ordered new KC-46A aircraft to modernize its refueling operations, but those planes aren’t expected to arrive in Israel until 2025. Not coincidentally, Gantz is in Washington, D.C., today, where he’ll meet with US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin. A defense source said that Gantz is bringing with him “detailed data” about the way Iran is cheating on its nuclear pledges. Further underlying US-Israel closeness, just hours after Gantz made his allegations about Iran’s nuclear program, the Israeli ministry of defense released details of new technological cooperation between the US and Israeli militaries for everything from artificial intelligence to advanced strike capabilities. “We’re open to all hypotheses, we’re open to any conclusions that we may encounter” about UAP sightings, said Ronald Moultrie, DoD undersecretary for intelligence and security. Heidi Shyu, who will co-chair the new cooperative group, said at the Special Operations Forces Industry Conference today that she had her first meeting with her Israeli counter-part, Israeli military R&D director Daniel Gold, last week. “We spent five hours together last week talking about critical technology areas,” Shyu said. “I’ve also emphasized to him the things I’m interested in their technologies. So we’re absolutely collaborating even closer.” As for the simulated strikes on Iran, the defense source said that Israel has been following the Iranian nuclear program very closely, meaning the simulation will be as realistic as possible. “Israeli intelligence has full data on these installations and therefore can simulate attacks accordingly,” the source said. https://breakingdefense.com/2022/05/israeli-military-exercise-to-simulate-attack-on-iranian-nuclear-targets/

Defense News August 2022 Global Security army industry Posted On Friday, 05 August 2022 11:16 Despite the economic sanctions against Russia following the invasion of Ukraine, the production of military equipment continues and the Uralvagonzavod company, the producer of tanks for the Russian armed forces, announced the delivery of a new batch of T-90M Proryv main battle tanks (MBTs) and BREM-1M tracked armored recovery tank to the Russian Ministry of Defense. Russian-made T-90M main battle tank. (Picture source Russian Social Network VK) On May 8, 2022, the Army Recognition editorial team reported that the Russian armed forces deployed its latest generation of main battle tanks, the T-90M, to conduct combat operations in Ukraine. The T-90M Proryv is the latest modernization variant in the T-90 tank family that entered into service with the Russian army in 1994. This version of the T-90 tank is improved in terms of protection, mobility, and firepower. The T-90M was tested by the Russian army during the military exercise Zapad-2017 which was held from 14 to 20 September 2017. The T-90M Proryv is armed with one 125 mm 2A46M-4 smooth-bore gun able to fire standard ammunition but also anti-tank guided missiles (ATGM) Refleks NATO Code AT-11 Sniper-B. the second armament of the T-90M includes one remotely operated weapon station armed with an NSVT 12.7mm heavy machine gun and one 7.62mm coaxial machine gun. The design of the T-90M Proryv is similar to the previous version of the T-90 with a driver at the front, a turret in the center, and the power pack at the rear. The tank features a new Relikt ERA (Explosive Reactive Armor) armor fitted at the front and on each side of the turret. It features higher protection performance and serviceability compared with the Kontakt-5 ERA suite which is a second-generation explosive reactive armor (ERA) developed and designed by the Russian defense industry. Where the conventional ERAs are only capable of defeating shaped-charge jets, Kontakt-5 can also defeat APFSDS rounds. Because of Kontakt-5, long-rod penetrators can lose over 30% of their penetration potential and the protected vehicle becomes immune to them. The T-90M Model 2017 Proryv-3 is motorized with a V-92S2 engine developing 1,000 hp coupled to a manual transmission with seven forward and one reverse gear. It can run at a maximum road speed of 60 km/h with a maximum cruising range of 550 km. Russian-made BREM-1M tracked armored recovery tank. (Picture source Russian Social Network VK) The BREM-1M is a tracked armored recovery vehicle that is based on the T-90 chassis. this type of vehicle is designed to recover damaged tanks and armored vehicles on the battlefield. It also supports the crew to conduct on-field repair and maintenance of armored vehicles. The design of the BREM-1M consists of a T-90 tank tracked chassis without a turret. The top of the hull is equipped with a crane and other specialized equipment used to conduct recovery and maintenance operations. The lifting capacity of the hydraulic crane increased from 12 to 20 tons. BREM-1M has a welding tool for field overhaul. The carrying capacity of the cargo platform is 1.5 tons. It has a crew of three including a driver, commander, and a mechanic. The forward hull of the BREM-1M integrates a spade bulldozer fitted with a 3.1m-wide blade. It serves as an earth anchor during recovery operations and also allows the vehicle to perform excavation and clearance missions. The vehicle also carries welding equipment and various tools to perform the repair and servicing of tanks. https://www.armyrecognition.com/defense_news_august_2022_global_security_army_industry/russian_army_receives_new_batch_of_t-90m_tanks_brem-1m_recovery_tanks_despite_economic_sanctions.html

WASHINGTON — The United States Army has made its choice in the NGSW project – NGSW is short for Next Generation Squad Weapon, BulgarianMilitary.com has learned, citing Soldat&Technik. The US military announced last night [April 19th] that the program will be implemented with the help of weapons developed by SIG Sauer. The project aims to replace part of the M16 family with the so-called NGSW rifle and the M249 light machine gun. As a first step, $ 20.4 million in weapons and ammunition will be purchased for testing purposes. “The contract also includes accessories, spare parts and maintenance contractors. It also provides an opportunity for other agencies of the US Department of Defense and potentially countries that wish to make purchases through foreign military sales to purchase NGSW weapons,” the US military said in a statement. The XM5 rifle, based on the SIG Sauer MCX-SPEAR, will replace the M4 / M4A1 carbine within the so-called Close Combat Forces. The XM250 Automatic Rifle, based on the SIG Sauer LMG-6.8, is the planned replacement for the M249 Squad Automatic Weapon. Melee forces means infantry, reconnaissance troops, engineering forces, observers and medical troops stationed directly on the front line. The X mark on weapons is usually dropped once the weapon systems have passed all the tests and been handed over to the troops. Therefore, it can be assumed that the official designation of the weapons will be M5 or M250. SIG Sauer XM250 SIG Sauer XM250 Automatic Rifle based on LMG-6.8 is a firearm with a short-stroke gas piston system. There is an interface for a belt box, no magazine submission is provided. At 5,440 grams, the weapon weighs 35 percent less than the comparable MK48 Mod 1. It also has the same recoil reduction system as the SIG MG 338. Similarly, the cover with the top of the belt feeder does not open at the front, but at the side. In this way, the optics can be used with attachments without any problems. The fire selector lever, which can be operated from both sides, is locked in the safe – continuous fire – single fire positions. The weapon can be secured in any state of charge. The extension buttstock, which can be locked in five positions, can be folded on the left side of the housing. The standard tube is 16″ [406 mm] long. The SIG Sauer XM250 SIG Sauer ХМ5 SIG Sauer HM5 based on MCX-SPEAR also works with a short-stroke gas piston system. There is a mechanism with a double loading lever: The weapon can be fully loaded or in the classic way AR-15 with the lifting lever at the rear of the receiver or with a smaller loading lever that can be folded on the left side of the weapon. The weapon can be operated from both sides and has a 13 “barrel. Silencers of the latest generation can be used. The SIG Sauer HM5 Hybrid ammunition 6.8 mm x 51 Both weapons fire with hybrid munitions developed by SIG Sauer in the caliber of 6.8 mm x 51. This munition has a brass box and a steel base. The 6.8 mm projectile was pointed out by the army. The newly developed 6.8 general-purpose projectile is said to have a range of at least 600 meters, doubling the M16 / M4A1’s main combat range. It must also be able to pierce any ballistic body armor currently in use and predictably. Optics Some time ago, a decision was made for the optical part of the NGSW range. Vortex Optics received the order for the system known as XM157. The framework agreement, with a minimum value of $ 20 million and a maximum value of $ 2.7 billion, is set to run for ten years. The XM157 optronics is a combination of 1-8 × 30 interchangeable glass with a sensor package, laser rangefinder and ballistic computer, which aims to significantly increase the probability of the shooter’s first strike compared to classic optics. About NGSW The U.S. military launched the NGSW program about five years ago, and with the choices it has made now, it has chosen the most conventional approach and thus the least risky path. Remaining competitor Lone Star Future Weapons, Beretta and True Velocity offered two Bullpup pistols and polymer box ammunition. Previously, a team from Textron [teamed with Heckler & Koch and Olin Winchester] with telescopic ammunition was eliminated. The next phases are further technical and operational tests with weapons and ammunition. The main focus should be to what extent weapons and ammunition bring advantages in terms of range, effect and handling. The US Special Forces Command [USSOCOM] and the US Marines are also continuing to monitor the project. https://bulgarianmilitary.com/2022/04/20/xm5-xm250-rifles-and-6-8mm-hybrid-ammo-selected-as-us-ngsw/

August 24, 2022by admin Bayraktar Akinci B Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle (UCAV) Bayraktar Akinci B has completed a test flight loaded with all nine weapon stations. Bayraktar Akinci is a High-Altitude Long-Endurance (HALE) Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle (UCAV) being manufactured by the Turkish technology company Baykar. The company shared a video of Akinci B in flight carrying three Teber-82s, one HGK-82, two MAM-Ls, a MAM-C and a MAM-T, weighing 1,230kg in total. With its unique fuselage and wing design Bayraktar Akinci platform is a strategic class platform which can carry various payloads. Bayraktar AKINCI is equipped with dual artificial intelligence avionics which supports for signal processing, sensor fusion and situational awareness in real time. Bayraktar Akinci B High-Altitude Long-Endurance (HALE) Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle (UCAV) Bayraktar AKINCI can be used in air-to-ground and air-to-air attack missions as well. With its triple redundant electronics hardware and software systems Bayraktar Akinci is capable of carrying the following payloads: Mini Smart Munition MAM-L, Mini Smart Munition MAM – C, Cirit Missile, L-UMTAS Missile, Mini Smart Munition Bozok, MK-81, MK-82, MK-83 Guided Bombs (JDAM), Wing Assisted Guided Bomb MK-82, Air-to-Air Missile Gokdogan and Bozdogan and Stand-Off Missile SOM-A. Bayraktar Akinci will be equipped with multi-function AESA Radar system for air-to-air, synthetic, meteorology estimation. Bayraktar Akinci B High-Altitude Long-Endurance (HALE) Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle (UCAV) Bayraktar Akinci is capable of conducting operations that are performed with fighter jets. It carries electronic support systems, dual satellite communication systems, air-to-air radar, collision avoidance radar and synthetic aperture radar. The aircraft has a 5.5+ tons of Maximum Takeoff Weight (MTOW) while 1350+ kg of this is composed by payload. Akinci is equipped with two turboprop engines which has two different types of thrust capabilities as 450 or 750 hp. Akinci is equipped with electronic support and countermeasure systems, dual satellite communication systems, air-to-air radar, collision avoidance radar and national advanced synthetic aperture radar. Baykar is a private Turkish defence company specializing in UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle), C4I (Command Control Communications Computers and Intelligence), and artificial intelligence. Baykar is a portmanteau of the words Bayraktar Kardesler (English: Bayraktar Brothers). The company has been led by Özdemir Bayraktar until his death and his sons – Selcuk and Haluk. Bayraktar Mini UAV was the first unmanned aerial system produced entirely with domestic capital included in the Turkish Armed Forces inventory in 2007. Baykar’s portfolio of advanced UAVs includes Bayraktar Tactical UAS (Bayraktar TB1), Bayraktar TB2 UCAV, Bayraktar Akinci UCAV. In 2021, the Ukrainian military for the first time in the War in Donbas used a Bayraktar strike drone Bayraktar TB2. https://militaryleak.com/2022/08/24/bayraktar-akinci-b-ucav-completes-testing-with-full-weapons-payload/

By Dylan Malyasov Jul 22, 2022 CV-90MK-4 Photo by BAE Systems CV-90MK-4 armed with 50mm gun and APS by Israel Czech Republic has chosen the CV90 Mk-IV Infantry Fighting Vehicle built by BAE Systems Hägglunds to replace the Soviet-era BMP-2, according to the Czech Ministry of Defense. Specifications: Armament and Protection Cannon-From 30/40-mm and 35/50-mm automatic cannons, up to 120-mm smooth-bore. All-around protection from 14.5-mm armor-piercing rounds, front of the vehicle protected against 30-mm APFSDS ammunition Weight-35,000 to 37,000 kg Designer Country-United Kingdom Speed-70 km/h Range-350 km Accessories: CBRN protection, air-conditioning and heating systems, APS Active Protection System, 360° video camera, laser range finder, day camera, image intensifier, and infrared camera. Crew-3 + 8 Dimensions-Length: 6.47 m; Width: 3.19 m; Height: 2.5 m The government decided to proceed by negotiating the procurement of CV90 vehicles with the Swedish Government. “CV90 is an established and combat-proven platform. The vehicles are in the inventory of a number of European countries’ armed forces. They were also selected by the Slovak Republic, and we will coordinate our negotiations with Slovakia,” Minister Černochová said and noted that cooperation with Slovakia offered the potential of further savings for the Czech Republic. Besides being a combat-proven platform, the CV90 embraces a high growth potential. The procurement of these vehicles will make it possible for the Czech Republic to deliver on its commitment to NATO to build a heavy mechanized brigade that will use advanced combat-proven equipment supplied by Western Allies. Participation of Czech defense industries in the manufacturing of combat vehicles will be a high priority, Minister Černochová says. As noted by the company, the CV90 Mk-IV is fifth generation combat-proven Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV) that combines improved battlefield speeds and handling with an upgraded Electronic Architecture to support future growth capabilities. To date, there are 15 variants of the CV90 in service in seven countries: Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland and The Netherlands. https://defence-blog.com/czech-republic-selects-baes-cv90-as-next-fighting-vehicle/

8/26/2022 US is providing Ukraine with a counter-drone system that can be fitted onto a pickup truck. Developed by L3Harris, the Vehicle-Agnostic Modular Palletized ISR Rocket Equipment (VAMPIRE) is part of the $2.98 billion aid package announced by the Pentagon Wednesday. The suitcase-like VAMPIRE launcher and designator kit can be mounted on the cargo bed of a common civilian truck in two hours by two people and requires just one operator. The modular system is configurable with various weapons and sensors, and has a self-sufficient power supply, the manufacturer stated. Laser-Guided Munitions The four-barrel rocket launcher uses the BAE Systems Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS) and other laser-guided munitions to strike land and air targets, including unmanned aerial vehicles. The APKWS can engage rotary-wing aerial targets at up to five kilometers (three miles) and fixed-wing aircraft at 12 kilometers (7.45 miles). The Pentagon aid package includes laser-guided rocket systems. The system’s guided munition eliminates the need to lock onto targets, which will enable Ukrainian forces to engage Russian airborne threats faster. Delivery in Nine Months Citing L3Harris’ spokesman Paul Swiergosz, Business Insider wrote that the company is expecting a formal order for the system from the Pentagon in the “coming days,” which will clarify the quantity to be sent to Kyiv. He added that the company would need nine months to deliver the systems to the beleaguered nation. Senior fellow and director of the defense program at the Center for a New American Security, Stacie Petty john, told the outlet that the VAMPIRE’s multiple barrels and vehicle compatibility make it an upgrade on other anti-aircraft systems the US has supplied to Ukraine, such as the shoulder-fired Stinger. https://www.thedefensepost.com/2022/08/26/vampire-launchers-ukraine-pickup-trucks/

Ukraine - Russia conflict war 2022 Posted On Saturday, 04 June 2022 20:09 The Russian army has deployed in Ukraine its BMPT Terminator tank fire support vehicle to fight Ukrainian soldiers. (Picture source Telegram) According to a video published on the Russian Social Network "VK" on June 3, 2022, the Russian armed forces deployed the BMPT Terminator tank fire support tracked armored vehicles to conduct combat operations in Ukraine. In this article, discover the combat capabilities of the Russian BMPT Terminator explained by the Army Recognition editorial team. The BMPT also nicknamed Terminator is a tank fire support tracked armored especially designed to support tank units but also to conduct combat operations in urban areas. The BMPT deployed in Ukraine is the BMPT Model 2017 which was unveiled in 2017 during the Victory Day Military Parade that was held on the Red Square. The design of this new vehicle was based on combat experience gained during the Soviet-Afghan War and the First Chechen War. The first version of the BMPT was unveiled in 2009 during the Russian Expo Arms exhibition in Nizhny Tagil, Russia. The BMPT Model 2017 is the version deployed by Russian troops in Ukraine. The BMPT offers the mobility of the Main Battle Tank (MBT) and the firepower of an IFV (Infantry Fighting Vehicle). In fact, the BMPT is based on the T-72 MBT tracked chassis. It has a crew of three including a driver, commander, and gunner. The BMPT Terminator has a very powerful weapon station including two 30 mm 2A42 cannons and one 7.62 mm PKTM machine gun mounted above the cannons. Fitted on either side of the turret are two missile launchers able to fire Ataka anti-tank guided missiles, these missiles have a maximum range of 5,800 m and can be fitted with various types of warheads including tandem high explosive anti-tank, thermobaric and continuous rod high explosive. The second armament also includes two 30 mm AG-17D automatic grenade launchers mounted on each side at the front of the hull. The armor of the BMPT has been designed to offer maximum protection for combat operations in urban areas and to withstand attacks of anti-tank weapons such as Rocket-Propelled Grenades or short-range anti-tank guided missiles. The protection of the BMPT is superior to most MBTs, as active and passive protection is used, and additional armor (the vehicle lacks a turret), is distributed to the hull of the vehicle. The vehicle features an advanced protection suite that shields the crew from anti-tank munitions. BMPT has tank-level basic armor. Its front part is not weakened by a firing port intended for a tank gun. The sides of the vehicle are additionally protected by explosive reactive armor. The rear part of the vehicle features bar-slat armor. The BMPT Terminator is powered by a B92C2 four-stroke multi-fuel diesel with liquid cooling and supercharging, which develops 1,000 hp, and gives the vehicle a power-to-weight ratio of 21.2 hp/tone. The BMP-T uses the same chassis as the main battle tank T-72. It can reach a maximum road speed of 65 km/h with a maximum cruising range of 550 km. https://www.armyrecognition.com/ukraine_-_russia_conflict_war_2022/analysis_discover_combat_capabilities_of_russian_bmpt_terminator_used_to_fight_ukrainian_soldiers.html

Ukraine - Russia conflict war 2022 Posted On Wednesday, 03 August 2022 20:21 Citing Russian information the latest version of the Pantsir air defense system is used in Ukraine as Bayraktar drone killer. (Picture source Russian MoD Footage) According to a video published by the Russian Ministry of Defense on August 2, 2022, the latest generation of the Pantsir, a Russian-made dual weapons air defense system has demonstrated its ability to be used as a drone killer in its fight against the Bayraktar TB2 drone used by the Ukrainian armed forces. The Pantsir-S1 is a mobile air defense system that is armed with cannons and missiles based on an 8x8 military truck chassis. In the video published by the Russian Ministry of Defense, the Pantsir deployed in Ukraine is an improved version of the Pantsir which uses the same missile launcher and anti-aircraft cannons. The upgraded version of the Pantsir, which we have named Pantsir-S2, is able to launch new surface-to-air missiles to destroy aerial targets at a range of up to 30 km. This version is also fitted with new SOTS S-band search radar to increase the detection range from 36 km to over 40 km. In the conflict in Ukraine, the Turkish-made Bayraktar drone is used by Ukrainian forces to conduct reconnaissance and strike missions. In fact, the Bayraktar drone can be armed with four guided missiles. It can destroy land targets such as tanks or combat vehicles at a maximum range of 14 km. It can be equipped with observation optic systems including a thermal imager, several daytime cameras and a laser range finder, or alternatively, radar with AFAR (Active Phased Antenna Array). The weakness of the drone is to have no countermeasure system against cannon fire at short range or missile fire at long range. The new radar of the Pantsir-S2 has been designed to detect a wide range of unmanned threats such as small and medium size drones. The upgraded Pantsir has substantially increased the Pantsir's ability to counter all types of drones. In particular, the system is capable of effectively detecting and destroying all types of attack drones. The Pantsir-S2 is able to fire a new type of missile as well as all the missiles fired by the Pantsir-S1. Drones have a low radar cross-section and their detection range is often shorter than the operational range of their weaponry. The operational range of the new Pantsir has been extended and the drones can now be identified quite clearly in the combat area. As for the Pantsir-S1, the Pantsir-S2 is armed with two 2A38M 30mm anti-aircraft guns and twelve 57E6-E ready-to-fire missiles in steered launch containers mounted at the rear of an 8x8 truck chassis. The cannons have a combined rate of fire of between 3,900 and 5,000 rounds per minute (1,950 to 2,500 rpm for each gun), and have a muzzle velocity of 960 m/s. The Pantsir-2 fires the 57E6-E missiles which have a bi-caliber body in tandem configuration, separable booster, and sustained with a separation mechanism. The Pantsir-S2 is fitted with new SOTS S-band search radar increasing the detection range from 36 km to over 40 km with 360° coverage. The system can now track in excess of 40 incoming targets up from 8-10, and can now engage targets traveling at up to 1,200 meters per second up from 1,000 m/s. Search azimuth has also been increased from 80° to 90° owed to electronic beam steering. https://www.armyrecognition.com/ukraine_-_russia_conflict_war_2022/latest_version_of_russian_pantsir_air_defense_system_is_used_in_ukraine_as_bayraktar_drone_killer.html