By Jen Judson-10.11.2021 BAE Systems is updating an M8 Buford Armored Gun System with new capabilities for its prototype for the Army's Mobile Protected Firepower vehicle. (BAE Systems) WASHINGTON — Two competing light tank prototypes are moving into a U.S. Army limited-user test, marking the final step before the service chooses just one to build for its infantry brigade combat teams. The service selected General Dynamics Land Systems and BAE Systems in December 2018 to each build and deliver 12 prototypes for the Army’s Mobile Protected Firepower, or MPF, program. The vehicle is meant to give IBCTs improved mobility, protection, and direct and offensive fire capability organic to those units and capable against near-peer and peer threats. The systems earlier this year went through a soldier vehicle assessment with the 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, where soldiers were tasked with validating the MPF concept and providing feedback on how the service should develop tactics, techniques and procedures for fighting with this capability. The two prototypes differ significantly. GDLS offered a new, lightweight chassis with a high-performance power pack and an advanced suspension, combined with a turret featuring the latest version of the fire control system found in the Abrams main battle tank. The company’s prototypes were assessed at the soldier vehicle assessment over the first half of the year, in line with the Army’s original timeline for the event. BAE Systems’ design is an updated M8 Buford armored gun system with new capabilities and components. The company experienced some prototype production delays due to the corona virus pandemic, and it delivered systems months later than GDLS. Soldiers wrapped up that portion of the assessment in early August, according to Jim Miller, BAE’s senior director of business development for combat mission systems, who spoke to Defense News during a recent interview. While data from the soldier vehicle assessment is not meant to inform the Army’s source selection, it was designed to help assess the concept of using MPFs in an IBCT formation. “I think the outcome from the soldier assessment, which both contractors completed, is, yes, it is a viable concept. We understand what the support requirements are for an armored platform supporting an IBCT”. Brig. Gen. Glenn Dean, the Army’s program executive officer for ground combat systems, told Defense News in an interview ahead of the Association of the U.S. Army’s annual conference. “The specific organizational structures will depend on which system wins because they’re a little bit different in size and weight and have slightly different supporting requirements,” Dean said. Both companies received feedback from the soldiers as well. While BAE struggled to get its prototypes down to Bragg, once there, “everything went great,” Miller said. “We got really great feedback on the vehicle from the soldiers that operated it.” Soldiers made some minor suggestions, but overall “we had positive feedback about the performance of the vehicle. Mobile Protected Firepower entry features the Ajax chassis and a turret with the same fire control system as the M1 Abrams tank. (General Dynamics Land Systems) Bob Lennox, GDLS’ vice president of strategy and global growth, told Defense News the soldier assessment “was very valuable to us.” “Because we were there earlier than others, we were able to get the full benefit of that time of having the soldiers on the vehicle,” Lennox added. Soldiers had some “comfort type requests,” Don Kotchman, GDLS’ U.S. vice president and general manager, said in the same interview. But, he added, soldiers offered positive feedback on the new suspension and the ease of training because of the vehicle’s similarities to the Abrams tank. Lennox said that familiarity is the company’s “big differentiator,” adding that one soldier said: “You could drop me in here blindfolded, and I could still do the mission because it’s so similar to Abrams.” After wrapping up the soldier assessment, the prototypes moved into activities to prepare for the Army’s limited-user test, which will produce data that will directly assist the Army in deciding which MPF prototype to select and build. The prototypes from both companies are now firing gunnery at Fort Stewart, Georgia, Dean said, and the test will conclude in November following maneuver exercises at Fort Bragg. Other testing activities at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, and Yuma Proving Ground, Arizona, are also feeding into the decision, Dean said. The Army is anticipating awarding a contract to GDLS or BAE “about the end of the third quarter of fiscal 2022,” Dean added, and will then move into low-rate initial production. The first units will get MPF in FY25. The Army plans to initially build 26 vehicles, with an option to build 28 more and retrofit eight prototypes. https://www.defensenews.com/land/2021/10/11/ausa-us-armys-light-tank-competition-enters-final-stretch/ For More Links on this subject check Links Below: https://www.defensenews.com/land/2020/12/11/light-tank-prototypes-arrive-at-fort-bragg-for-soldier-evaluation/ https://militaryleak.com/2018/10/06/bae-systems-m8-ags/

Defense News October 2021 Global Security army industry Posted On Monday, 18 October 2021 15:35 UVision continues to strengthen its operations in the US with the signing of a cooperation agreement with MAG Aerospace at the AUSA (Association of the United States Army) Annual Meeting. Launching of a Hero Loitering Munition (Picture source: UVision) Through this cooperation, UVision USA and MAG Aerospace will offer operational and training solutions for the Hero family of loitering munitions. MAG Aerospace will provide in-country resources; perform demonstrations, operational training, and support for UVision's customers OCONUS (outside Continental US) and CONUS (Continental US). "This agreement has come about in response to the growing need in the United States for HERO systems,” says Jim Truxel, CEO of UVision USA. “As part of the cooperation with MAG Aerospace, we will be able to provide local support for the company's customers locally and around the globe. UVision USA operations will continue to expand." "MAG Aerospace brings a terrific reputation and demonstrated experience in providing similar services all over the world,” says Chief Growth Officer, Matt Bartlett, of MAG Aerospace. “Together with UVision’s advanced technological knowledge and its operationally-proven systems, we will be able to provide an operational advantage to American forces operating on and off the continent." https://www.armyrecognition.com/defense_news_october_2021_global_security_army_industry/index.php

Kris Osborn, Warrior Maven Rafael fires SPIKE NLOS missile from Oshkosh JLTV in Estonia Interestingly, the live-fire demonstration, hosted by the Estonian Navy, emphasized cross-domain connectivity as the missiles can be fired at landing craft, enemy ships such as Corvettes and even small, inflatable commando Rigid Inflatable Boats. On land, an Oshkosh statement said, the SPIKE NLOS can enable target identification and precision strike against enemy tanks, armored vehicles or even advancing enemy infantry. The targeting and fire control system connecting the NLOS SPIKE to the JLTV include an ability to redirect and course-correct in flight as new information arrives. “It has a bi-directional datalink, enabling full control of the missile from launch up to target hit with pinpoint precision that is not affected by range. Unlike laser-guided or active radar munitions, the SPIKE NLOS electro-optical guidance is completely passive and is capable of operation in GPS-denied environments,” an Oshkosh statement explained. 120mm Mortar Weapons The Oshkosh JLTV has also been armed with transportable, built-in 120mm mortar weapons able to fire on elevated enemy positions while on the move in combat. JLTV with 120mm Mortar A more heavily armed JLTV introduces new tactical dynamics for ground commanders who might be primarily inclined to use the vehicle for scouting, reconnaissance or small group troop transport missions. A missile-armed JLTV could not only help provide air and missile defense for tactical and combat vehicles in convoys or moving to contact with an enemy, but also open up new possibilities for direct attack. Maneuverability The speed and off-road ability of the JLTV might enable new possibilities for combat maneuver in areas less accessible to heavier forces or larger tactical trucks ill equipped to travel off road. Part of this maneuverability is enabled by Oshkosh Defense’s well known TAK-4i suspension, an intelligent system autonomously able to adjust to terrain below using compressed nitrogen. The technological concept is to allow for specific rapid, on the move adaptations to terrain in real time to improve mobility, durability and survivability for soldiers traveling inside. Fighting against IEDs, hit-and-run small group ambushes and asymmetrical terrorist tactics captured much attention from Pentagon war planners, operational commanders and U.S. military weapons developers during two decades of warfare in Iraq and Afghanistan. However, while this might lead some to think the U.S. was left ill-equipped for major power combat, the prospect of major power warfare did not completely exit the Pentagon. Many of its evolving platforms over the last decade, born in an era of counterinsurgency, were also engineered with a mind to winning major mechanized warfare engagements in heavy combat. The Army’s Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV) for example, was built as a next-generation Humvee to bring new speed, protections and combat performance to both counterinsurgency and major power warfare. JLTV Anti-Air Missiles and Anti-Tank Weapons It is upon this basis that JLTV-maker Oshkosh Defense, the U.S. Army and other U.S. allied militaries are now arming the vehicle with anti-air missiles, anti-tank weapons and advanced fire control technology to enable heavy combat. JLTV Armed with EOS Turret with 30mm gun and 4 Stinger Missiles The Oshkosh Defense JLTV with the Javelin Missile and 30mm gun The Marine Corps has been experimenting with arming its JLTV with anti-tank missiles such as TOW and Javelin, and U.S. allies are firing off the Israeli-built SPIKE Non Line of Sight Missile from the vehicle to expand its mission envelope. Unlike a counterinsurgency mission wherein an advancing ground convoy would operate with established air-superiority, a major power warfare contingency would require an air-defense component, something which a missile-armed JLTV might be able to offer. Attacking enemy helicopters, drones or even approaching armored vehicles could be stopped, intercepted or destroyed by missiles fired from a JLTV. Combined Arms Maneuver The JLTV is also networked for modern applications of Combined Arms Maneuver which call for more disaggregated, yet highly integrated combat platforms able to gather process and share targeting specifics in real time across the force. This includes Satcom connectivity, force tracking digital mapping technology, radio communications and other kinds of integrated sensor coordination. Weapons Part of the concept when it comes to adding heavier weapons to the JLTV pertains to questions related to speed and expeditionary warfare. Of course more heavy weapons such as anti-tank or air defense fires gave the vehicle new attack capabilities but also enabled previously impossible offensive combat maneuvers. A JLTV is much faster and more deployable than other armored combat vehicles, and the increased ranges and precision with which weapons can strike can bring forces closing with the enemy an anti-armor capability on a deployable, lighter-weight tactical wheeled vehicle. Army and Marine Corps leaders refer to this concept of operation as putting “lightweight mounted fires” on fast-moving tactical vehicles, a scenario which could involve arming the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle with anti-tank missiles or other precision anti-armor weapons. This makes a lot of sense, given longstanding concerns about tank mobility and deployability. While the tried and tested Abrams tank is combat proven and not likely to disappear anytime soon, it does operate with certain limitations such as an inability to cross certain bridges, slower speeds, logistical challenges with high fuel consumption and, perhaps most of all, an inability to conduct rapid-deployment expeditionary warfare. Oshkosh Defense has now built at least 13,500 of its Joint Light Tactical Vehicles for the U.S. Army, Marine Corps and a growing sphere of international partners, hitting a milestone which may only be but a beginning to a decades-long developmental, production and delivery trajectory. It is now used by as many as seven U.S. allied countries, to include the U.K., Belgium, Montenegro, Slovenia, Lithuania, Brazil and North Macedonia. More than 6,000 have already been fielded. Up armoring The Army’s Humvee became a classic, war-tested tactical vehicle for decades, yet the vehicles were decimated in Iraq and Afghanistan by IEDs. During more than a decade of war in Iraq and Afghanistan, the Army worked intensely to better protect its Humvees with things like “up armoring” and extra bolt-on protections. These innovations or adjustments, while impactful to a large degree, simply could not save the flat-bottomed, low-riding Humvees from being extremely vulnerable to roadside bombs. The continued vulnerability of the Humvee, and the tragedy of casualties associated with its performance in Iraq and Afghanistan, gave rise to an urgent Pentagon need to accelerate live-saving alternatives to war. As this was unfolding, the Pentagon fast-tracked a number of efforts to engineer, build and deliver troop transport and tactical vehicles able to withstand or counter the IED threat. This lead to the creation of Mine Resistant Ambush Protected Vehicles, (MRAP), the MRAP All Terrain Vehicle and the now deployed Joint Light Tactical Vehicle, built by Oshkosh Defense. Thousands of JLTVs now operate in as many as seven U.S. allied nations as well as in the U.S. Army and Marine Corps. Built with new suspension higher off the ground and an entire generation of new technologies, the JLTV was intended to change the combat paradigm for light tactical vehicles. When compared with earlier light tactical vehicle models such as the Humvee, the JLTV is engineered with a much stronger, 250 to 360 horsepower engine and a 570-amp alternator able to generate up to 10 kilowatts of exportable power. Army developers explain that the JLTV is designed with enough on-board power to support the Army's network and be able to take advantage of the latest generation of diesel engine technology to maximize fuel economy. This is of great relevance given the Army’s current emphasis upon networking, as the JLTV will need to power up more computing, electronics sensors and fire control technology to support a new generation of weapons intended for the modern battlefield. Exportable electrical power is increasingly critical for tactical combat vehicles as it not only supports command and control technologies on the vehicle but can also enable power-reliant weapons systems such as lasers or EW applications. The vehicle is built with a system called TAK-4i independent suspension designed to increase off-road mobility in rigorous terrain – a scenario quite likely should there be a major war. The JLTV is also configured with what is called Variable Ride-Height Suspension, described as the ability to raise the suspension in high-threat areas and lower the suspension so that the vehicles can be transported by maritime preposition force ships. The JLTV is also reported to be air-sea-and-land transportable, able to transport on amphibious assault ships, fixed wing aircraft such as a C-130, C-17 and C-5 as well as CH-47 and CH-53 helicopters. The JLTV, which has been armed with weapons such as a grenade launcher or .50-cal machine gun, is now being armed with heavier weapons to include anti-tank missiles, counter drone weapons and more lethal mounted guns. It also has a central tire inflation system which is an on-the-fly system that can regulate tire pressure; the system can adjust tire pressure from higher pressures for higher speed conditions on flatter roads to much lower pressures in soft soil such as sand or mud. Many of these attributes are proving increasingly critical as the U.S. Army and Marine Corps look to become even more deployable and expeditionary while retaining a heavy combat lethality. Kris Osborn is the President of Warrior Maven and the Defense Editor of the National Interest -- https://warriormaven.com/land/joint-light-tactical-vehicle-jltv

Israeli planners have shared operational lessons from their recent heavy use of the GBU-28 bomb with the US Air Force in order to help develop operational profiles for the GBU-72. By Arie Egozi on October 22, 2021 at 10:06 AM GBU-17, mounted on the bottom of a USAF F-15, is shown ahead of a test flight. (US Air Force) TEL AVIV: In the coming months, Israel plans to ask the US to sell its new 5,000 pound GBU-72 bomb to the Israeli Defense Forces, sources here say, with the goal of utilizing it against Hamas’ subterranean bases. Already, Israeli planners have shared operational lessons from their use of the GBU-28 bomb with the US Air Force in order to help develop operational profiles for the GBU-72. In turn, Israeli military officials hope Washington will OK the eventual sale of the GBU-72 once it enters full use in for the US Air Force. During “Guardian of the Walls” military operation in Gaza, Israeli made significant use of the GBU-28, an older 5,000 pound “bunker buster” weapon,” in order to target Hamas’ so called “Metro City” tunnel network. Israeli sources told BD that the use of these bombs in a densely populated area like Gaza required very accurate planning in order not to the hit the civil population. Data about these special attack profiles has been transferred to the US Air Force, which just last week announced the successful completion of a series of tests for the GBU-72, proving the weapon can be successfully released from an F-15 fighter. The weapons test included an “arena test,” which a warhead was detonated while surrounded by sensor to determine the full impact and lethality. The GBU-72 was developed to “overcome hardened, deeply buried target challenges and designed for both fighter and bomber aircraft,” per the USAF announcement. Given the liberal use of underground tunnels by Hamas, it’s easy to see why Israel would be interested in the GBU-72s improved capability over the older GBU-28 design. And as Israel already operates the F-15 — and is seeking to add to its fleet — integration should be simple. Aside from its interest in the new bunker-busting weapon, Israel’s Air Force has had a busy week during Blue Flag, an exercise that kicked off Oct. 17 and will run through Oct. 28. In addition to the IDF and USAF, air forces from Germany, Italy, Britain, France, India and Greece are taking part, with planned appearances from the Lockheed Martin made F-35, Boeing F-15, Eurofighter Typhoon, Dassault Rafale and Mirage 2000 jets. https://breakingdefense.com/2021/10/israel-to-request-americas-new-gbu-72-bunker-buster-bomb/

By Arie Egozi on September 21, 2021 at 4:45 AM F-35A TEL AVIV: Israel’s air force has asked the US to allow greater access to the core avionics of the F-35 joint strike fighters, with the goal of installing new Israeli-developed systems onto the stealth fighter, according to a top Israeli officer. “The effort is to find the right balance between the US restrictions and the Israeli operational demands,” Brig. Gen. Nir Barkan, Israeli Air Force Chief of the Air Staff and the number two officer for the IAF, said in an exclusive interview with Breaking Defense. Barkan, who is in charge of building the future capabilities of the IAF, said that a special F-35 test aircraft has been used extensively to test more Israeli made systems on the stealth jet. While he would not go into details about what Israeli-made technologies the IAF would want to add to the F-35, sources here say they include a new electronic warfare system, a new communication system that will allow a two-way flow of real time data, and the addition of highly-classified weapon systems to be loaded into the weapons bay when operating stealthily. Israel has a program of record for 50 of the conventional take-off and landing F-35A models. Israeli officials have started that its F-35 fleet has been used in different combat operations in “close and far away arenas,” and the country is known for being more willing to use the jets in combat situations than some other F-35 operators. Asked to respond to Barkan comments, Brandi Schiff, a spokesperson for the F-35 joint program office, said “The F-35 JPO will continue to meet all of Israeli sovereign requirements within the United States Government’s security and release policy, and will strive to balance U.S. restrictions with Israel’s requests.” Israel is also in discussions with the US about procuring a new tranche of advanced F-15s, with the request having been carried to the White House during Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett’s August visit to Washington. Asked why Israel needs more F-15s given its large F-35 buy, Barkan noted the F-15s ability to serve as more of a weapons truck compliments the F-35, and that the “special connectivity systems we use” allows the two jets to operate “together very closely.” During the interview, Barkan also raised concerns about Iran’s ballistic missile program, and gave insight into what a joint Israeli-US response might look like. “Recent joint ballistic missiles defense exercises of the US and Israeli air forces may, under certain circumstances, become an operational reality part of the regional plan to defend Israel from ballistic threats,” he said. “The US and Israel are further strengthening their ballistic missile defense capability.” Barkan says a recent joint exercise between the two countries played out how quickly the US could respond if an Iranian ballistic missile was launched at Israel and intercepted by the country’s missile defenses. In that scenario, it would take roughly 24 hours before the US would land C-17s at Israeli military bases and offload defensive systems — likely to include the THAAD missile defense system, first deployed in Israel in 2019 as part of a joint exercise — and prepare for a potential counter-attack. For more Q and A Check the link below: https://breakingdefense.com/2021/09/israel-wants-to-put-new-equipment-inside-the-f-35-exclusive-qa-with-top-officer/

By Justin Katz on October 06, 2021 at 2:45 PM Former Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull told Breaking Defense that his nation must pursue a low enriched uranium submarine strategy. WASHINGTON: In a new letter, a group of former US officials and non-proliferation experts are urging President Joe Biden to commit the United States to designing future submarines using low enriched uranium, a material capable of powering naval propulsion without the risks of being used to create a nuclear weapon. Astute - Class Submarine It’s the latest salvo in a newly-energized debate about what kind of uranium should be used to power military subs, one that has gained new life since Biden announced Australia would receive nuclear powered submarines under a new defense pact in September, dubbed AUKUS. The heart of that debate questions whether the world’s superpowers should transition from using highly enriched uranium to LEU to reduce the odds a hostile actor might acquire a nuclear weapon. The AUKUS agreement, which also includes the United Kingdom, has stirred concerns from both longtime experts on the subject and world leaders, such as the former Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, who told Breaking Defense this week that he would encourage the use of LEU only for Australia’s new submarine. “Australia is a non-nuclear weapon state and has a commitment to, and a massive vested interest in, the upholding of the Non-Proliferation Treaty,” said Turnbull, who is not a party to the new letter and had not seen it. “When you look at it from a non-proliferation point of view, or a management point of view or an environmental point of view, LEU is a much better proposition.” “[T]he AUKUS deal to supply Australia with nuclear-powered attack submarines fueled with weapon-grade uranium could have serious negative impacts on the global nuclear nonproliferation regime and thereby on US national security,” the group wrote in their letter addressed to Biden, as well as National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan, State Secretary Anthony Blinken, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, Navy Secretary Carlos Del Toro and National Nuclear Security Administrator Jill Hruby. For the whole article check the link below: https://breakingdefense.com/2021/10/former-officials-call-for-aukus-australia-submarines-to-use-low-enriched-uranium/ https://breakingdefense.com/2021/09/what-aukus-means-for-australia-more-than-nuke-subs/

Defense News October 2021 Global Security army industry Posted On Wednesday, 27 October 2021 13:59 Rafael Trophy APS to be adapted on Indian Army's T-90S Bhishma MBTs (Picture source: Twitter account of Kunal Biswas) As written by Force India Magazine, the T-90S has space constraints and its Auxiliary Power systems might not be sufficient enough to support the APS, but the new T-90MS being procured has a new APU just behind the left sprocket wheel. However, the variant India would receive will be without Arena APS. It is known that an APS can be evaluated primarily on the parameters — sensor threat detection range, reaction time, types of countermeasures, threat interception range, jamming resistance, interception methodology and multi-shot interception capability additionally engineering parameters such as size, weight and power consumption will also be considered. APS has two types of sensors active (Millimeter Wave radar, Light Detection and Ranging) passive (Laser Warning Receiver, Ultra Violet missile warning system) the sensor information is fed to the countermeasures which can be from soft-kill or hard-kill. The soft-kill countermeasures consist of multi-spectral aerosol smoke grenades which can blind all missiles including fire and forget missiles, Electro-Optical/ Infrared (EO/IR) jammers can jam Semi-Active Command Line of Sight (SACLOS) missiles which constitute 70 percent of the current missile threat. They are simpler systems that require directional information from sensors. Hard-kill countermeasures use kinetic means to destroy, disable or deflect incoming projectiles, they require more precise positional information including direction, elevation, distance and velocity of the projectile. The future challenge for APS is in intercepting Armour Piercing Fin Stabilized Discarding Sabot (APFSDS) rounds which travel at velocities of 1,500m/s-1,800m/s which is six-eight times faster than missiles. Ideally, the Indian Army would look to incorporate both countermeasures to maximize the survivability by adding more layers to the proverbial survivability onion peel, Force India concludes. https://www.armyrecognition.com/defense_news_october_2021_global_security_army_industry/rafael_trophy_to_be_fitted_on_indian_army_t-90s_bhishma_mbt.html

Posted On Sunday, 17 October Israeli company Rafael presents for the first time during AUSA 2021 its new enhanced SAMSON 30mm Integrated Remote Weapons Station. (Picture source Rafael) With a combination of the world’s most cutting-edge, reliable and effective solutions the SAMSON 30mm Integrated RWS (Remote Weapon Station) is designed to address the threats of the modern battlefield. The SAMSON RWS is equipped with hostile fire detection capabilities and the ability to rapidly and effectively return fire via a fast, accurate slew-to-cue mechanism. It also includes a unified user interface for all subsystems, an inherent hatch for close situational awareness, and under-armor ammunition loading that increases lethality. These capabilities enable the SAMSON to turn a light vehicle into a lethal powerhouse on par with a main battle tank. A key element of Samson’s lethality suit is its integration of the SPIKE LR 1 & 2 multi-purpose guided missiles, and its full collaboration TROPHY Active Protection System (APS), two of Rafael’s most groundbreaking solutions. These allow the RWS to provide unparalleled maneuverability, lethality, and survivability. With a SAMSON turret, a vehicle is always at the ready, always on the attack, and always able to stop and respond to threats. The SPIKE LR II is an advanced state-of-the-art lethal 5th generation multipurpose, multi-platform missile, designed for modern warfare with almost full commonality to the SPIKE Missile legacy. For increased lethality, SPIKE LR II includes two unique state-of-the-art advanced and highly capable Warhead configurations: a Tandem HEAT warhead configuration, enhancing the armor penetration capability of the SPIKE missile by more than 30%, and a new multipurpose blast warhead, which includes controlled fusing (by the gunner) for control of the desired effect. The SPIKE LR II missile has a maximum firing of 5.5 km from a ground station and 10 km from a helicopter. The SAMSON is a sibling of Rafael’s MCWS (Stryker Medium Caliber Weapon System) that was a key element of Oshkosh Defense’s winning proposal to up-gun the US Army’s Strykers for today’s threats. https://www.armyrecognition.com/ausa_2021_news_show_daily_coverage_report_united_states/ausa_2021_rafael_presents_its_new_samson_30mm_remote_weapon_station_rws.html

By Dylan Malyasov Oct 11, 2021 BAE Systems’ 155mm Archer truck-mounted artillery system successfully completed testing during the U.S. Army’s “shoot off” evaluation, according to a company news release. As noted by the company, the U.S. Army currently is looking for a production-ready 155mm self-propelled howitzer to add a wheeled capability to its arsenal. Archer is a fully automated mobile weapon system that provides highly responsive and versatile fire support to troops in combat. Archer fired about 450 rounds, including six to 12 round bursts, and up to as many as eight rounds per minute, during various testing in different conditions at the Yuma Proving Ground in Yuma, Ariz. over the summer evaluation. The shoot off included charge compatibility with Army rounds, soldier training and testing, mobility, performance of Army’s identified requirements, studying integrated digital fire control, and maintenance evaluation. “We are confident Archer meets the need for new wheeled artillery system with unprecedented shoot and scoot capability so soldiers can avoid counter fire,” said Mark Signorelli, vice president of business development at BAE Systems. “We look forward to additional opportunities to demonstrate the full breadth of Archer’s capabilities to the Army.” Archer can initiate fire within 30 seconds of receiving an order and depart in the same amount of time, giving it superior survivability by minimizing the enemy’s ability to return fire. Archer is already in service the Swedish Army with the highest technical and manufacturing readiness levels. The testing at temperatures reaching 120 degrees (50 degrees Celsius) in Arizona demonstrated Archer can operate effectively in high temperatures as well as in arctic conditions typically experienced in northern Sweden. Soldiers can operate and fire Archer while remaining in the armored cabin through its fully automated fire and ammunition loading system. Its magazine carries 21 rounds and can fire all of them in less than three minutes. Archer can fire the precision BONUS anti-armor munition up to 35 km, conventional munitions up to 40 km, and currently fielded precision-guided munitions like Excalibur in excess of 50 km. BONUS and Excalibur are currently in the U.S. Army’s inventory. Archer is on display at BAE Systems’ booth during the Association of the United States Army exhibition in Washington, D.C. Oct. 11-13 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center. https://defence-blog.com/bae-systems-claims-its-archer-howitzer-successfully-complete-u-s-armys-shoot-off-evaluation/

Posted On Sunday, 17 October 2021 14:45 At AUSA 2021, Association of United States Army Defense Exhibition, American company GMP (Global Military Products) in collaboration with the Serbian company Yugoimport presents the NORA B-52 M21 155 mm wheeled Mobile Howitzer System based on 8x8 MAN military truck chassis. The U.S. Army has launched a military program to equip Stryker brigades with a new mobile artillery system; the NORA B-52 is one of the candidates for this program. American company GMP and Yugoimport from Serbia present the NORA B-52 M21 155mm truck-mounted mobile self-propelled howitzer at AUSA 2021 defense exhibition in Washington D.C. (Picture source GMP) In September 2021, American company Global Ordnance, LLC (GO) and manufacturer Yugoimport SDPR J.P. of Serbia completed successful testing by the U.S. Army of the NORA B-52 M21 155 mm Mobile Howitzer System at Yuma Proving Ground (YPG) in the United States. The tests measured a wide variety of performance parameters including mobility, fire control integration, firing U.S. Army projectiles with MACS propelling charges across the full range of propellant charge zones focusing on max charge firing. Yugo's NORA B-52 M21 is the latest version of the NORA system which received a chassis upgrade along with updates to the fully automatic loading system for compatibility with U.S. Army MACS propellant charges. Yugo design engineers participated in the testing to learn what upgrades would be most needed by U.S. Army artillery crews. Upgrades from feedback during testing are already being designed to meet the mobile artillery needs of the U.S. Army. The Nora B-52 is a 155 mm self-propelled howitzer weapon system fully developed and designed by the Serbian company Yugoimport and the Military Technical Institute Belgrade. For the U.S. Army program, Yugoimport has designed a version of the Nora B-52 based on an 8x8 MAN truck chassis. The NORA B-52 is fitted with 155-mm / L52 gun-howitzer. It is a further development of the Yugoslavian M84 NORA A gun-howitzer. The NORA B-52 fires all standard NATO 155-mm ammunition. It is fitted with an automatic gun loader enabling a rate of fire of 6 rounds per minute. The vehicle carries a total of 36 rounds. The autoloader holds 12 rounds. The howitzer has a maximum firing range of 41 km. https://www.armyrecognition.com/ausa_2021_news_show_daily_coverage_report_united_states/ausa_2021_gmp_and_yugoimport_present_nora_b-52_m21_155mm_8x8_sel-propelled_howitzer.html

Defense News October 2021 Global Security army industry Posted On Sunday, 17 October 2021 19:53 According to a picture released on the Facebook account Republic of Korea Armed Forces, South Korean company Hyundai Rotem to promote K2 Black Panther MBT (Main Battle Tank) during the ADEX 2021 defense exhibition in South Korea. The K2 MBT will be displayed in Norwegian specification and camouflage pattern. Norway has planned to replace Leopard 2A4 NO main battle tanks fleet. South Korean Army K2 Black Panther main battle tank In November 2020, Army Recognition has reported that Norway plans to present a tank purchase project for new tanks to the Norwegian parliament for approval in 2021. So far, it has already selected two possible contenders, after having evaluated up to nine options, the last of which were to acquire new platforms or upgrade the current fleet of Leopard 2 tanks currently operated by the Norwegian army has. Finally, it has opted for the first (ordering new battle tanks). Two candidates are shortlisted which include the S. Korean K-2 Black Panther tank and the German Leopard 2A7. The winner should arrive in 2025. South Korean defense industry has offered Norway local assembly of K2 Black Panther and related technology transfer to gain an edge over their German competitor. Norway has already selected the South Korean K9 Thunder 155mm tracked self-propelled howitzer to equip its armed forces. On 20 December 2017, a contract of $230 million was signed between Hanwha Land Systems and the Norwegian Ministry of Defense for supplying 24 K9 Thunder and 6 K10 tracked ARV (Armored Resupply Vehicle). Norway purchased 52 Leopard 2A4 main battle tanks from the Netherlands in 2001 and adapted them to Norwegian needs. Currently, 36 tanks are currently in service with the Norwegian armed forces. The K2 Black Panther is a new generation of Main Battle Tank (MBT) designed, developed, and manufactured in South Korea by the South Korean Company Hyundai Rotem. The K2 was unveiled for the first time to the public during the Defense Exhibition ADEX at the Seoul Airport in October 2009. The main armament of the K2 Black Panther consists of a German-made Rheinmetall 120-mm/ L55 smooth bore gun produced under license in South Korea. The armor on the Black Panther consists of an unknown type of composite armor and an Active Defense System utilizing Explosive Reactive Armor blocks. https://www.armyrecognition.com/defense_news_october_2021_global_security_army_industry/hyundai_rotem_to_promote_k2_black_panther_tank_for_replacement_of_norwegian_ leopard_2a4.html

Defense News October 2021 Global Security army industry Posted On Tuesday, 19 October 2021 12:20 South African company Paramount Group announces that new add-on armour has been developed for its next-generation Mbombe 4 Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV), resulting in some of the highest levels of protection that can be achieved globally by an armored vehicle in its class. Mbombe 4 has received add-on armour (Picture source: Paramount Group) Designed and developed specifically for local manufacturing within customer countries and in response to the increasing requirement from governments for the development of their own defence industrial capabilities, the Mbombe 4 was first launched onto the global market in 2019. Meeting the demands of modern warfare, the Mbombe 4 has successfully completed a series of extreme trials with several armed forces around the world, securing orders from the United Arab Emirates and a partnership with India’s industrial giant, Bharat Forge for the in-country production of its localized variant, the Kalyani M4, for the Indian Army. Already recognized as one of the best protected armored vehicles in the world, the newly tested and certified add-on armour increases the Mbombe 4’s protection to cover all Level 3 threats within NATO STANAG 4569, the NATO standards agreement. Designed to be quickly replaceable in the field, the add-on armour provides a lightweight shielding system that adds the least possible weight to the vehicle while providing maximum security against multi-hit ballistic threats, artillery shell fragments, and close proximity IED explosions. Importantly, the design includes the same full levels of protection for the engine and engine bay, without decreasing the effectiveness of the engine cooling system. The Mbombe 4 received its final certification after successfully completing a series of independently certified blast tests designed and executed by the Landward Sciences division of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), South Africa’s leading and independent scientific research body. In the case of Mbombe 4, blast tests included two 10 kg TNT explosions under the wheels and the hull, and one 50kg side blast test carried out at a 5-meter distance, to simulate an Improvised Explosive Device (IED), equating to STANAG 4569 Level 4a and Level 4b mine and blast certification. This development of enhanced add-on armour is the latest in a series of significant announcements regarding the exceptional performance of the Mbombe 4 and its rollout across strategic partner countries globally. The latter has been made possible through Paramount Group’s 27-year history of championing portable manufacturing and co-operation in establishing indigenous production capabilities, which fosters high-skills job creation and economic growth. The Mbombe 4 is the result of “decades of real-world battlefield experience and the company’s commitment to perpetual innovation”, Paramount Group’s Land Systems Executive Chairman, John Craig states. “Providing next-generation survivability and mission efficiency is a cornerstone of our Land Systems division. We are dedicated to continually researching and developing highly customized solutions to meet the asymmetrical security challenges of 2021 and into the next decades. This is a mission imperative to our business and one that has ensured steady growth in our partnerships worldwide”. Key features of Mbombe 4 include Paramount Group-pioneered flat-floor mine protection technologies and a distinct, rear-door ramp design. The ease of access provided by the rear door ensures the rapid deployment of the crew while the vehicle is static or on the move. The Mbombe 4 performs with a burst speed of 140km/hr, an 800km operating range and benefits from an independent suspension system, which is designed to optimally meet the increasing demand for outstanding protection with mobility. The vehicle has an ‘in-line’ automotive drive line configuration, positioning the power pack at the front of the vehicle and along its center line, resulting in greater efficiency in the transfer of power from the power pack to the wheels. The in-line configuration has additional benefits, such as ease of maintenance and low noise in the crew compartments. The Mbombe 4 offers a unique commonality of components across the entire ‘Mbombe’ family of armored vehicles, which lessens the costs associated with support, repairs and training. Paramount Group’s vehicles are affordable and are equally well suited to engage in counter-terrorism, border patrol, counter-insurgency, internal security and peacekeeping missions. https://www.armyrecognition.com/defense_news_october_2021_global_security_army_industry/paramount_group_enhances_protection_levels_of_mbombe_4_armoured_vehicle.html https://www.armyrecognition.com/idex_2019_news_official_online_show_daily_partner/idex_2019_paramount_group_unveils_new_mbombe_4_4x4_wheeled_apc.html