Defense News February 2022 Global Security army industry Posted On Friday, 04 February 2022 16:28 The preliminary trials of the 120mm 2S42 Lotos air-droppable self-propelled mortar system will be completed in 2022, the press office of Russia’s Rostec state hi-tech corporation said: “The preliminary trials of the first prototype of the 120mm Lotos self-propelled artillery system designed for the Airborne Force will be completed this year. The date of the state trials will be set by Russia’s Defense Ministry,” the press office said. 2S42 Lotos 120mm self-propelled mortar system (Picture source: Army Recognition) The Lotos has been created to meet the needs of the Russian Airborne Forces. This artillery system can be used as mortar or howitzer. The breech-loaded mortar is mounted on a chassis based on the Sprut-SDM-1 airborne (BMD-4M) light tank, with a modified compartment for the 120-mm mortar with a high degree of automation for preparing and carrying out firing operations. It weighs 18 tons and its 450 hp 2V-06-2 diesel engine enables it to reach 70 km/h, with a range of at least 500 km. The self-propelled mortar is operated by a crew of four. It has a rate of fire of six to eight rounds per minute, with a firing range of up to 13 kilometers using rifled rounds. The armor-piercing round penetrates a 600-650 mm steel plate at a range of 1,000 m. It is also compatible with the Kitolov-2M laser-guided rounds. These have a maximum range of 10 km and a hit probability of around 80-90%. The Lotos is fully amphibious. On the water, it is propelled by two water jets. An Ilyushin Il-76 Candid military transport can carry two of these vehicles that can also be airdropped with the crew on board. https://www.armyrecognition.com/defense_news_february_2022_global_security_army_industry/russia_to_complete_preliminary_trials_of_lotos_airborne_self-propelled_mortar_in_2022.html

Naval News February 2022 Navy Forces Maritime Defense Industry Posted On Friday, 04 February 2022 12:10 According to a tweet published by GDBIW on February 4, 2022, the U.S. Navy stated it's committed to buying two Flight III Arleigh Burke-class destroyers per year as it transitions to DDG(X). Artist rendering of the DDG(X) (Picture source: U.S. Navy) The Arleigh Burke-class destroyer is a multi-mission combatant that offers defense against a wide range of threats, including ballistic missiles. It operates in support of carrier battle groups, surface action groups, amphibious groups and replenishment groups, providing a complete array of anti-submarine, anti-air and anti-surface capabilities. Arleigh Burke-class destroyers combine the AEGIS combat system, the Vertical Launching System, (VLS) an advanced ASW system, two embarked SH-60 helicopters, advanced anti-aircraft missiles and Tomahawk anti-ship and land-attack missiles. Designed for survivability, the ships incorporate all-steel construction and gas turbine propulsion. The Flight III upgrades include more powerful missile defense radar, increased shipboard power production and hull enhancements. The DDG(X) program, also known as the Next-Generation Guided-Missile Destroyer program, is a United States Navy program to develop a class of surface combatant vessels. https://www.navyrecognition.com/index.php/naval-news/naval-news-archive/2022/february/11356-us-navy-plans-to-buy-two-destroyers-annually-while-developing-ddg-x.html

Defense News January 2022 Global Security army industry Posted On Saturday, 01 January 2022 17:03 According to information published by the "Zone Militaire" website on December 31, 2021, French Company Nexter was contacted by the Indian Government in the framework to participate to the Future Ready Combat Vehicles (FRCVs) program of the Indian Army and could propose the modernized Leclerc XLR Main Battle Tank. Nexter Leclerc XLR Main Battle Tank was unveiled at the Eurosatory defense exhibition in France, June 2018 In June 2021, Army Recognition has reported that India published a Request for Information (RFI) for the procurement of 1,700 main battle tanks that would replace the old Russian-designed T-72M/M1 Ajeya MBTs (Main Battle Tanks). Currently, the French army has launched a program to modernize its fleet of Leclerc Main Battle Tanks (MBT) to the standard Leclerc XLR for 2028. This program constitutes the third operation launched by the French Ministry of Defense under the SCORPION program intended to modernize the French Army's contact forces. Valued at approximately €330 million, the contract provides for the delivery of 200 "Renovated Leclerc" tanks and 18 "Renovated DCL" armored recovery vehicles based on the Leclerc MBT from 2020. The upgraded Leclerc MBT will have more firepower and protection. It also will be fitted with a new remotely operated weapon station mounted on the roof of the turret as well as a new modernized computerized firing control system. Citing the "Zone Militaire" website, following a question asked by the French Deputy Nicolas Dupont-Aignan, if the French company Nexter could win the procurement of the 1,700 MBTs for India, French industry could relaunch production of the Leclerc tanks for India and France will be able to offer a new competitive price of Leclerc tank for the Indian army and for the export market. According to the military balance 2020, currently, the French army has a total of 222 Leclerc MBTs, but the French Deputy Nicolas Dupont-Aignan said, today the needs of the French army would be to have 400 tanks. India could start the replacement of its old T-72 MBTS from 2030, and the French defense minister said, Nexter with the German company Kraus-Maffei Wegman under the umbrella of KNDS are studying solutions to meet Indian demand. The Leclerc XLR is a modernized version of the French-made Leclerc Main Battle Tank (MBT) designed and manufactured by the French Company Nexter Systems, will keep the same armament as the standard Leclerc tank which consists of a Giat 120 mm 52 caliber smooth bore gun designated the CN 120-26. The turret of the Leclerc XLR is equipped with an automatic loading system that contains 22 rounds of ready-use ammunition normally loaded from outside through a small hatch in the back of the turret bustle. The new Leclerc will be able to fire two main types of 120 mm ammunition, the APFSDS (Armour-Piercing Fin-Stabilized Discarding-Sabot) with a muzzle velocity of 1,790 m/s and HEAT (High-Explosive Anti-Tank) with a muzzle velocity of 1,100 m/s, both having a semi-combustible cartridge case containing a dual-base solid propellant. The Leclerc XLR is upgraded with a new armor package that includes additional modular armor on the hull and the turret. The front part of the hull side is protected by thick passive armor, while the rear part is fitted with wire cage armor to protect the engine compartment against attacks of RPGs (Rocket-Propelled Grenade). https://www.armyrecognition.com/defense_news_january_2022_global_security_army_industry/nexter_from_france_could_propose_modernized_leclerc_tank_for_replacement_of_indian_t-72_mbts.html

Defense News February 2022 Global Security army industry Posted On Friday, 04 February 2022 16:13 According to information published by the United States Department of Defense (DoD) on February 3, 2022, the U.S. State Department has made a determination approving for a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to upgrade the THAAD (Terminal High Altitude Air Defense) American-made air defense missile system with Multi functional Information Distribution System-Low Volume Terminals (MIDS-LVT) and related equipment for an estimated cost of $23.7 million. A U.S. Army Terminal High Altitude Area Defense launching station. (Picture source U.S. DoD) The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has requested to buy thirty-one (31) Multifunctional Information Distribution System-Low Volume Terminals (MIDS-LVT) Block Upgrade 2 (BU2), that will be mounted on THAAD (Terminal High Altitude Air Defense) American-made air defense missile system. The original FMS case, valued at $3.0 million, includes eleven (11) Multifunctional Information Distribution System-Low Volume Terminals (MIDS-LVT) Block Upgrade 1 (BU1). Therefore, this notification is for a total of eleven (11) Multifunctional Information Distribution System-Low Volume Terminals (MIDS-LVT) Block Upgrade 1 (BU1) and thirty-one (31) Multifunctional Information Distribution System-Low Volume Terminals (MIDS-LVT) Block Upgrade 2 (BU2). Also included is communications equipment; support equipment; engineering and technical support and assistance; training; and other related elements of logistics and program support. The total estimated cost is $23.7 million. The proposed sale will provide the Saudi armed forces with the equipment, training, and follow-on support necessary to protect Saudi Arabia, and the region, from the destabilizing effects of terrorism, countering Iranian influence, and other threats. The proposed MIDS-LVT (BU2) terminals will be installed on Terminal High Altitude Air Defense (THAAD) platforms, while the previously provided MIDS-LVT (BU1) terminals were installed on PATRIOT. Saudi Arabia will have no difficulty absorbing this equipment into its armed forces. The US approved a $15 billion FMS deal in October 2017 to sell THAAD systems and support services to Saudi Arabia. The deal included 44 THAAD launchers, 360 interceptor missiles, 16 mobile fire control units, and seven AN/TPY-2 THAAD radars, with Lockheed Martin as prime contractor and systems integrator. The Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) is an American-made air defense missile system that is designed to intercept and destroy ballistic missiles inside or outside the atmosphere during their final, or terminal, phase of flight. The THAAD system consists of four principal segments: truck-mounted launchers, interceptors, the THAAD radar system, and the THAAD battle management/command, control, communications, and intelligence (BM/C3I) system. The mobile launcher will protect and transport the interceptors, in addition to firing them. With its palletized load system, the launcher can be rapidly reloaded. Interceptors will consist of a single stage booster and a kinetic kill-vehicle that will destroy targets by the force of kinetic impact "hit-to-kill". The THAAD radar will support the full range of surveillance, target tracking, and fire control functions, and provide a communications link with THAAD interceptors n-flight. The THAAD missile has a firing range from 150 to 200 km. The (AN/TPY-2) radar is able to detect and track enemy missiles at ranges from 870 to 3,000 km https://www.armyrecognition.com/defense_news_february_2022_global_security_army_industry/united_states_approves_upgrade_of_saudi_arabia_thaad_air_defense_missile_systems.html

Weapons defence industry military technology UK Posted On Friday, 04 February 2022 13:53 Laser on board: the Skyranger 30 HEL is a hybrid solution designed to thwart the full range of future airborne threats. Here, the interplay of 30mm automatic cannon, guided missiles, and a high-energy laser (HEL) results in a mix of effectors unique in this combination. Skyranger 30 HEL (Picture source: Rheinmetall) Teamed with a matching sensor mix, the Skyranger 30 HEL can monitor airspace autonomously, while simultaneously selecting the optimum effector in response to emerging threats. The Skyranger 30 HEL can protect mobile units on the move or critical stationary infrastructure and facilities from aerial threats. No matter what the initial situation, an appropriate response is always readily available, assuring adherence to legal requirements and the avoidance of collateral damage. Thanks to its longstanding experience in the field of ground-based air defence and adherence to a clear technical road map for a future laser weapon system, Rheinmetall is able to integrate mechanically and systemically a full range of advanced capabilities into a wheeled or tracked mobile platforms such as the Boxer multipurpose wheeled armoured vehicle* or the tracked Lynx KF41 armoured vehicle. Thanks to the highly flexible Skymaster fire control system and state-of-the-art sensors, the effectors achieve maximum tactical impact. Rheinmetall's HEL effectors consist of a laser source and laser guidance system, both of which are integrated into the vehicle, along with a laser weapon station built into the turret that simultaneously serves as a platform for the electro-optical sensors. The laser weapon station tracks targets automatically, neutralizing them with a laser beam. Thus, the Skyranger 30 HEL is capable of effectively defending assigned airspace with three different effectors – automatic cannon, guided missiles, and a high-energy laser – with the appropriate level of intensity. Featuring a rate of fire of 1,200 rounds per minute, the 30mm X-173 KCE revolver gun is the world's top-performing weapon in this calibre. Programmable time-delay ammunition enhances the probability of hitting even the smallest aerial targets. The Skyranger 30 HEL's guided missiles increase the system's operational flexibility and maximum range. In live trials, current technology sample systems for laser weapon systems have successfully achieved laser outputs of 20kW. The ability to increase this figure to 100kW is already an integral feature of this technology. The laser weapon station used here has its own sensors for identifying and tracking targets. Subassemblies coordinated by Rheinmetall to interoperate harmoniously produce the outstanding beam quality of Rheinmetall laser sources even at high-output levels, meaning that they can be directed at the target with high precision. The carrier platform's sophisticated mechanical design assures 100% coverage of assigned airspace. Laser outputs of up 20-50 kW are planned for the first realization phase. In 2021, the Skyranger HEL was presented in public for the first time at a counter-drone event held by the Swiss procurement agency armasuisse in Bure, Switzerland, sparking great interest from the experts present at the event. https://www.armyrecognition.com/weapons_defence_industry_military_technology_uk/rheinmetall_proposes_skyranger_30_hel_hybrid_solution_for_threat-commensurate_modern_mobile_air_defence.html

Weapons defence industry military technology UK Posted On Thursday, 17 February 2022 21:06 The American-made M270A1 and M142 HIMARS (High Mobility Artillery Rocket System) are able to fire a wide range of rockets and missiles. Both vehicles are designed to support joint early and forced entry expeditionary operations with high-volume destructive, suppressive, and counter-battery fires. American-made M270A1 and M142 HIMARS are able to fire a wide range of rockets and missiles. (Picture source CAESAR Twitter account) The M270A1 IAC is the latest generation of rocket launcher systems in the family of M270. It is an improved variant of the M270 that was developed following a requirement of the U.S. Army to modernize the M270 that entered into service with the U.S. Army in 1983. The M270A1 IAC is fitted with an Improved Armor Cab (IAC) and mine protective seats to increase protection against mine blast and IEDs (Improvised Explosive Devices). The M270A1 IAC is based on an M993 tracked chassis which is a derivative of the Bradley Fighting Vehicle chassis. The M270A1 IAC is designed to protect the crew against various direct fire, mine blast, and under body fragmenting improvised explosive device threats. The M270A1 IAC is an Engineering Change Proposal to the M270A1 and does not impact the launcher’s system performance or the tactics, techniques, or procedures used during tactical operations. It has a crew of three and all the firing operations can be performed from inside of the crew cab. The M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) is a light multiple rocket and missile launcher system developed in the late 1990s by the American company Lockheed Martin for the United States Army. The vehicle is based on a standard Army M1140A1 6x6 truck chassis. The M142 HIMARS has also a crew of three and it is twice lighter than the M270 with a weight of 16,240 kg. It can be easily transported by military transport aircraft C-130 or C-17 with 3 loaded or 4 empty M142 HIMARS. The M270A1 IAC is fitted with two pods of six tube launchers while the M142 HIMARS has one single pod with six launcher tubes. In this configuration, both vehicles are able to fire different types of rockets including the M26 / M26A2Er Dual Purpose Improved Conventional Munitions (DPICM), M30 GMLRS DPICM, M31 / M31A1 / m31A2 GMLRS Unitary (GMLRS-U), M30A1 / M30A2 GMLRS Alternative Warhead (GMLRS AW), XM404 /XM403 ER GMLRS RS Unitary and the M28A1 / M28A2 Low Cost Reduced Range Practice Rocket (LCRRPR). The M57A1 Army Tactical Missile System missile is fired over the cab of an M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System launcher. (Picture source U.S. DoD) The M270A1 IAC and the M142 HIMARS are also able to fire missiles, in this configuration, the M270 can carry two missiles while the M142 only one. Both are able to fire ATACMS (Army Tactical Missile System) including a full family of surface-to-surface missiles as the MGM-140A Block 1 previously M39 that contains 950 M74 anti-personnel/anti-materiel (APAM) sub-munitions (4.275 kg) with a range of 80-130 km. The ATACMS missile family also includes the MGM-140B previously named M39A1 which is a guided missile carrying 275 M74 sub-munitions and has a range of 165 km. The M48 Quick Reaction Unitary is a guided missile carrying a 225 kg explosive warhead used to engage a single target with minimal collateral damage with a range from 70 to 300 km. The M57 ATACMS 2000 Unitary (T2K) is fitted with a single warhead and a range from 70 to 300 km. The missile has an improved Navigation and Guidance capability, an all-in-view GPS receiver, an improved Control Actuator System (CAS) and Electronic Control Unit (EUC), and a more reliable, repeatable fuse. And finally, the Precision Strike Missile (PrSM) is a surface-to-surface, all-weather, precision-strike guided missile that can be fired from the M270A1 Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) and the M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS). The baseline missile, which will be developed and fielded to engage a wide variety of targets at ranges up to 499 km, will emphasize imprecisely located area and point targets. The primary emphasis for follow-on spirals will be on the increased range, lethality and engagement of time-sensitive, moving, hardened and fleeting targets. The Himars can carry 2 PrSM and the M270 can carry 4 PrSM The PrSM will destroy/neutralize/suppress targets at ranges from 70-400-plus km using missile-delivered indirect precision fires. PrSM provides field artillery units with long-range and deep-strike capability while supporting brigade, division, corps, Army, theater, joint/coalition forces and Marine Air-Ground Task Forces in full, limited, or expeditionary operations. The PrSM will replace the existing aged inventory of non-Insensitive Munitions and Cluster Munition policy-compliant Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS). https://www.armyrecognition.com/weapons_defence_industry_military_technology_uk/analysis_m270a1_iac_and_m142_himars_are_able_to_fire_a_wide_range_of_rockets_and_missiles.html

Defense News February 2022 Global Security army industry Posted On Saturday, 19 February 2022 02:23 According to information released on February 19, 2022, German company Rheinmetall has just unveiled the latest addition to the company’s Lynx next-generation combat vehicle family. The Düsseldorf-based technology group has now developed a mechanized fire support variant of the Lynx KF41 IFV. Called the Lynx 120, this unique platform merges a tried-and-tested turret concept and the proven 120mm smooth bore cannon with the Lynx KF 41 chassis. Rheinmetall unveils the fire support variant of the Lynx KF41 family, called Lynx 120. (Picture source Rheinmetall) The new mechanized fire support variant of the Lynx offers the user outstanding fire support and anti-tank capabilities. Thanks to a well-balanced blend of lethality, protection, mobility and survivability, the Lynx 120 is the perfect additional battlefield asset for Lynx platform users. Featuring off-the-shelf components, meticulous engineering reduces the vehicle’s weight, while customizable protection packages round out the package. The vehicle architecture has been simplified and provides an open ‘plug-and-play’ capability for future upgrades, while complying with, and adapting to, NATO standards. Because armed forces have to cope with future challenges such as high-tech combat systems at a time when conventional solutions and concepts have reached the limits of their performance, the Lynx 120 is designed to deliver maximum lethality and firepower on tracks paired with the latest defence technologies to keep adversaries at bay. Utilizing the Lynx KF41 modular chassis and a scalable large-caliber turret concept, the Lynx 120 is a high-performance solution, harboring vast growth potential and an assured overmatch capability. Just a couple of weeks ago, Rheinmetall Defence Australia unveiled a combat support vehicle (CSV) variant of the Lynx: now there is the fire support version as well. The basic idea behind the Lynx 120 design concept is to provide a combat system that offers maximum operational performance in combination with logistic advantages within a reasonable time frame at a realistic cost. The vehicle’s main armament is a Rheinmetall 120mm smooth bore gun, derived from the main armament of the Leopard 2. It can fire state-of-the-art DM11 programmable high-explosive (HE) projectiles. Its secondary armament includes a coaxial machine gun. Moreover, the commander’s independent weapon station will feature an additional .50 cal. machine gun. A 360° camera system with automatic target detection and tracking reduces the crew's workload in all operational scenarios. Special protection modules enable a mission-specific response to ballistic threats, improvised explosive devices, explosively formed penetrator and artillery fire, and can be quickly mounted with limited tools. Moreover, the Lynx 120 can be readily equipped with the proven, already fielded Rheinmetall Active Defence System, or ADS, to defeat rocket-propelled grenades and antitank missiles. Additional armour packages and active protection systems can be provided on request. Various nations are interested in acquiring the Lynx as a next-generation replacement for their ageing inventories. The platform is currently a strong contender in Australian and Slovak IFV modernization plans and is competing for the USA’s Optionally Manned Fighting Vehicle (OMFV) programme. Hungary became the launch customer in 2021. https://www.armyrecognition.com/defense_news_february_2022_global_security_army_industry/rheinmetall_from_germany_unveils_the_lynx_120_fire_support_tracked_armored_vehicle.html

Defense News June 2021 Global Security army industry Posted On Saturday, 12 June 2021 15:21 The Spanish company SASCorp is working on the design of an unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) adapted to carry out amphibious missions and with a load capacity of up to 1,700 kilos, B. Carrasco reports in Infodefensa. This platform will also be able to incorporate a 40mm main weapon and anti-tank missile launcher. SASCorp armed version of Tellus UGV Unmanned Ground Vehicle. (Picture source: SASCorp) The company's operations director, Noemí Fernández, presented this project, called Tellus, in a recent online seminar organized by the Spanish Army and the DGAM on UGV. The company qualifies this program as "a leading national technological development project", which is based on its experience in the development of armored ground platforms for more than fifteen years. SASCorp‘s goal is to develop a multipurpose platform specially designed for off-road and amphibious missions and adapted to different environments and applications. According to the information provided by the company, the UGV will be 4.3 meters long by 2.3 wide and 1.8 high and weigh 3.5 tons. The load capacity will be 1,700 kg. It will be fitted with a satellite link and situational awareness to optimize remote driving. There will be four versions: cargo, engineer (blade), EOD (demining rollers and/or explosive demining hose), and combat with an RWS armed with a 12.7mm machine gun or even a 40mm gun along with a 7.62 mm coaxial, in addition to anti-tank missile launcher(s), the company states. The 6x6 UGV will be able to pass maximum frontal slopes of 60%, side slopes of 30% and vertical obstacles of 70cm. It will reach a maximum speed of 40 km/h and 6 knots on water. Regarding autonomy, it will be 10 hours on land or 8 on water. SASCorp plans to present the concept of its UGV at FEINDEF 2021, the International Defense and Security Fair to be held at the beginning of November 2021 in Madrid. It will then begin with the prototype manufacturing process to make it available to the Ministry of Defense within three years. Less ambitious than a French manufacturer’s Arquus’ project linked to its Scarabee, the Tellus UGV will also be able to tow a self-propelled (amphibious?) trailer with a towing capacity of up to 3.5 tonnes. https://www.armyrecognition.com/defense_news_june_2021_global_security_army_industry/sascorp_designs_tellus_amphibious_cargo_combat_6x6_ugv_unmanned_ground_vehicle.html

Defense News February 2022 Global Security army industry Posted On Thursday, 03 February 2022 14:36 Tornado-G 122 mm MLRS (Picture source: Army Recognition) The 122 mm Tornado-G MLRS system based on the BM-21 Grad was also recognized worldwide. Its survivability on the battlefield, according to experts, has become 5 times better. Tornado-G has a modern navigation system that allows collecting and process signals from satellites, making the system more maneuverable. Modern equipment is being installed at the Perm sites of the military division of Motovilikha Plants, the IT infrastructure is being upgraded, and new workplaces are being organized. Rostec invited Technodinamika to manage the military division of Motovilikha Plants in March 2020. The holding generously invests in the modernization of production at its Perm sites. For example, procurement procedures have already been conducted for Motovilikha Plant in Perm for the purchase of modern high-performance metal working machines with computer numerical control for a total of 2 billion rubles. The Tornado-G is equipped with a bank of 40 launch tubes in 4 rows of 122 mm arranged in a rectangular shape that can be turned away from the unprotected cab. The roof of the Tornado-G crew cab is fitted with a small antenna for the GLONASS satellite navigation system. It can fire upgraded 122 mm Grad HE-Frag and HE (High Explosive)/HEAT (High-Explosive Anti-Tank) rocket variants, 9M538, 9M539, and 9M541. The new rocket has a much longer warhead section but without any increase in the overall length. The rockets have a maximum range of 30 km. According to Russian military sources, the new rockets of the Tornado-G could have a maximum firing range of 90 km. https://www.armyrecognition.com/defense_news_february_2022_global_security_army_industry/rostec_upgrades_production_of_grad_and_tornado-g_rocket_launchers.html

Expeditionary Modular Autonomous Vehicle-Medium Caliber Armament (EMAV-MCA) Pratt Miller unveiled a variant of its Expeditionary Modular Autonomous Vehicle-Medium Caliber Armament (EMAV-MCA). The EMAV-MCA equipped with the XM813 Bushmaster Chain Gun which was developed for the Stryker combat vehicle and will fire in both 30x173mm and 40x180mm configurations, creating a highly mobile overmatch capability in the medium caliber space. The new variant of the unnamed ground vehicle was unveiled during this year’s Bushmaster Users Conference in Arizona. Pratt Miller Defense has been an active supplier and system integrator in the Defense industry since 2007, designing and building advanced military vehicles for the U.S. Department of Defense. The EMAV-MCA firing the Northrop Grumman NG1170W Armor Piercing Fin Stabilized Discarding Sabot (APFSDS) 30x173mm round against a steel plate with the Bushmaster XM813. Northrop Grumman’s NG1170W is a 30x173mm cartridge is an Armor Piercing Fin Stabilized Discarding Sabot with Tracer (APFSDS-T). This cartridge features a low-drag sub-caliber projectile containing an optimized tungsten heavy alloy penetrator projectile launched by means of a lightweight sabot. During the 2021 Bushmaster Users Conference, this round will be fired from the Pratt Miller Defense EMAV-MCA to defeat a steel target Northrop Grumman NG1170W (APFSDS-T) 30x173mm round EMAV was designed and built from the ground up by Pratt Miller, who worked closely with a partner for the autonomy layer and advanced navigation capabilities. Weighing in at 6,800 lbs, EMAV can carry an additional 7,200 lbs of payload while reaching speeds up to 45 MPH. The hybrid-electric powertrain supports electric only silent watch and silent mobility. The continuous band track and low center of gravity helps the EMAV to climb a 60% grade, a 40% side slope and vertical steps up to 24 inches. EMAV was designed with a narrow hull to ensure it is transportable in the V-22 and CH-47. Pratt & Miller Engineering and Fabrication, also known as Corvette Racing is an automotive company formed by Gary Pratt and Jim Miller in 1989. For 30 years Pratt Miller has used the world’s legendary racetracks as technology proving grounds to develop many race programs, including Corvette Racing, the most successful team in the history of the American Le Mans Series. In this rapidly changing global environment, Pratt Miller Defense consistently solves complicated problems in compressed timelines and delivers solutions that provide overmatch capabilities that save lives. https://militaryleak.com/2021/10/10/pratt-miller-defense-unveils-expeditionary-modular-autonomous-vehicle-medium-caliber-armament-emav-mca/

Aviation Defense News February 2022 aerospace air force industry Posted On Friday, 04 February 2022 08:58 The US State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Jordan of F-16 C/D Block 70 Aircraft and related equipment for an estimated cost of $4.21 billion Royal Jordanian Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft (Picture source: US Air Force) The Government of Jordan has requested to buy twelve (12) F-16 C Block 70 aircraft; four (4) F-16 D Block 70 aircraft; other related elements of logistical and program support. The estimated total cost is $4.21 billion. This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States by helping to improve the security of a Major Non-NATO Ally that is an important force for political stability and economic progress in the Middle East. The proposed sale will improve Jordan’s capability to meet current and future threats by ensuring continued interoperability with U.S. and coalition forces. These aircraft will modernize the Jordanian fighter aircraft fleet and support operational requirements associated with regional U.S.-coalition goals, such as countering violent extremist organizations, countering malign state and non-state actors, and border defense. Jordan will have no difficulty absorbing this equipment into its armed forces. For all the items in the deal check the link below, it seems that Egypt and Jordan get weapons from every were and the question stay the same, what are they going to do with all these weapons? https://airrecognition.com/index.php/news/defense-aviation-news/2022-news-aviation-aerospace/february/8142-us-approves-foreign-military-sale-of-f-16-aircraft-to-jordan.html

Defense News February 2022 Global Security army industry Posted On Wednesday, 02 February 2022 11:08 BMP-1AM Basurmanin unveiled at Army 2018 defense forum near Kubinka (Picture source: Army Recognition) The upgraded BMP-1AM "Basurmanin" will go into service with the motorized rifle unit stationed in the Jewish Autonomous Region in the first half of February. The number of vehicles is not reported, but it is noted that the batch will be large. In the units, the new infantry fighting vehicles will replace the already outdated BMP-1, which is currently in service with motorized riflemen. As emphasized in the press service, the BMP-1AM version is considered one of the best options for upgrading the BMP-1. The BMP-1AM was first shown in 2018. In the same year, Uralvagonzavod announced the development of a large-scale modernization program for the existing BMP-1 fleet to the BMP-1AM level. According to open sources, the units and formations of the Russian army have several hundred BMP-1s, and several thousand more are in storage. In the West, Novosti writes, the BMP-1AM was called the "budget replacement" for the BMP-3 infantry fighting vehicle. The outdated 73mm gun "Thunder", which no longer meets modern requirements for combating NATO military equipment, is being replaced by new weapons. During the modernization of the BMP-1 to the version of the BMP-1AM "Basurmanin", the vehicle receives a unified fighting compartment from the BTR-82A with a 30mm 2A72 automatic cannon, a 7.62mm PKTM machine gun. The BMP is equipped with a fire control system with a combined all-day anti-aircraft sight TKN-4GA-01, a two-plane weapon stabilizer and anti-tank guided weapons ATGM 9K115 "Metis". In addition, the UTD-20S1 engine and torsion shafts of increased energy intensity are installed on the new BMP. The BMP-1AM retains the size, except for the height. It became 1.5 meters taller!! (2,550 mm). The crew strength (three men) and the assault team (eight soldiers) remain unchanged. The basic UTD-20 engine has been replaced by economical UTD-20S1 (as in the BMP-2) with the same 300 HP power. The total weight increases to 14.2 tons, but the maximum road speed (65 km/h) and the range (550 km) remain the same. The old R-123M radio equipment has been replaced by the modern R-168-25U-2 of the Akveduk digital system, which provides sustainable and protected communications. The turret with its 73mm smooth-barrel Grom 2A28 gun has been replaced by a combat module with 30mm automatic 2A72 gun stabilized in two axes. Grom possessed good characteristics for its time and could destroy fortifications in the battlefield, including bunkers. PG-15V projectile with cumulative PG-98 grenade could destroy a tank. However, NATO hardware has now received multilayered distributed armor with enhanced cumulative protection. Grom has a slow initial projectile speed and fire density and the small turret limits the guidance angles, mostly the vertical one. The stocks of projectiles have been exhausted and there is no sense to resume the production of projectiles fired only by BMP-1 and SPG-9 grenade launcher. The rearmament with a 30mm gun became necessary to ensure unification and munitions. BMP-1AM is now equal in firepower to BTR-82A and BMP-2. The modern combat module provides a better view for the commander and pointer. New fire controls with a night sight ensure precision fire. The maximum elevation angle increased to 74 degrees and the vehicle can fire at ground and air targets and effectively operate in urban combat when it is necessary to fire at top floors. Metis 9K115 antitank missile system is used to fight armored targets. BMP-1AM for the first time appeared in public at Alabino range during the Army forum in 2018. Organizers also called it Basurmanin and experts concluded it was intended mostly for export. They believed the main markets were in the Middle and Near East. They have received several thousand BMP-1s and many are still operational. The plant in Chelyabinsk produced over 20,000 vehicles from 1966 and two-thirds of them were exported. Experts criticize Basurmanin for low protection and mobility, as well as modest antitank capabilities. Additional appliqué perimeter armor similar to what is fitted on the BMP-2M can decrease vulnerability. However, it will further decrease mobility. It can be radically increased by the new supercharged UTD-23 diesel engine of 400 HP which thus develops 100 HP more than an ordinary UTD-20 can provide. Industry representatives sometimes speak about a more powerful power plant for the BMP-1AM, but there is no confirmation about such a decision of the customer. Enhanced engine and gearbox are the main requirements of the Indian army to the upgrade of its Russian BMP fleet. They are necessary because of a hot climate and mountain operations. If the foreign customer pays for the upgrade, it will be an additional stimulus for the Russian military. Enhanced antitank weapons have been an issue since Soviet time. Initially, the BMP-1 was armed with Malyutka missiles and then with Fagot from 1979. Upgraded options offered MB2 combat compartment with Konkurs antitank missiles (Muromteplovoz) and Clever or Bereg module with Kornet missiles (KBP). The latter has a digital automatic fire control with various sensors (including heat images) to destroy targets day and night from a 30mm gun and by guided antitank missiles at a distance of 8 km. The main problems of additional armor, new engine and missiles are their financial cost, incomparable with the residual value of the BMP-1. The infantry fighting vehicle was designed to transport soldiers cross-country or by road to the mission area and provide fire support. The fifty-year-old Soviet military doctrine staked on the large-scale offensive of tank and motorized rifle formations with massive aviation and artillery support. Numerous BMP-1s had to operate along with tanks. Motorized rifles had to disembark several hundred meters before the front line and operate under the protection of machine gun and gunfire of armored vehicles. https://www.armyrecognition.com/defense_news_february_2022_global_security_army_industry/russian_army_to_receive_modernized_bmp-1am_basurmanin_ifvs.html