זו כתבת תדמית טובה מאד לתותח האמ- 230אל.אפ שהוא בהחלט תותח מעולה (זהו הדגם היבשתי של התותח שמותקן על ה-אפאצ'י) והוא צריך לדעתי להחליף את כל המק"כים בקליבר 12.7 מ"מ בצבא היבשה. אבל להתקין אותו כמערכת נשק עיקרית על הרכב הקל הלא מאוייש והלא מוגן, כפי שנראה בתמונה הראשונה למטה, זו לדעתי טעות קשה. כיום רק"מים בצבא הרוסי חמושים בתותח 30 מ"מ 2אי42 עם קצב אש של עד 800 פגז בדקה ובטילי נ"ט ’קורנט’ לטווח של 8-10 ק"מ. השילוב הזה ישמיד את כל הרכבים הלא מאויישים והלא מוגנים עוד לפני שהם ירו פגז אחד. אבל הנושא של "רכבי לחימה אוטונומים" הוא נושא רציני ולמטה מאמר שמתאר את הדרישות של הצבא האמריקאי מרכבים לא מאויישים: העתיד של רובוטי הלחימה לפי ארה"ב. By Sydney J. Freedberg Jr. on November 09, 2020 הצבא הציג טיוטה של דרישות לרובטים הקרביים שלו החל מרכב קל במשקל 7 טון וכלה ברכב במשקל של 30 טון עם מיגון דומה לזה של האמ-1. The Northrop RCV-L with H.M.G and UAV QinetiQ RCV-L Titan robot fitted with a Javelin anti-tank missile launcher RCV-M Ripsaw M5 with 30mm gun in unmanned turret ושינגטון: בשדה הקרב העתידי, "רובוטים קלים" במשקל של שבעה טון עוקבים אחר האויב, אחרים פורצים דרכים דרך שדות המוקשים, אחרים מוציאים עשן על מנת להסתיר את התנועה של הכוחות מהאוייב, אחרים חוסמים את שידורי האוייב ואחרים משגרים טילי נ"ט. האויב מחזיר אש ופוגע ברובטים הקלים שאינן משוריינים מספיק, אבל המחשב שלהם ממשיך להעביר קואורדינטות לגבי מטרות לשאר הכוח. פגזים מונחים ארוכי טווח פוגעים בדיוק רב בעמדות האויב, כאשר רובוטים גדולים יותר במשקל של 10-20 טון שנקראים "רובוטים בינוניים" מצטרפים לקרב, רכבים אלו מצויידים במקלעים, טילים ותותחי 30 מ"מ, לא רחוק מאחור מתקדם הגל השלישי שנמצאים בו טנקי אמ-1 מאויישים ואיתם להקת "רובוטים כבדים" במשקל של כ- 30 טון. למעלה שקף תדרוך של הצבא המתאר גרסה קודמת של משפחת הרובוטים הלוחמים. חזון זה נמצא עדיין שנים מהמציאות, אך הצבא כבר מתנסה ברכבים תחליפיים לא מאוישים. חברת "קינטיק" כבר סיפקה את הראשון מתוך ארבעת הרכבים הנסיוניים במשפחת ה"רובוטים הקלים" וחברת "טקסטרון" מייצרת 4 רובוטים במשפחת ה"רובוטים הבינוניים", ייצור משפחת ה"רובוטים הכבדים" מתעכב עד אשר הנושא של הגנה אקטיבית יבדק ביסודיות, המטרה לייצר רובוטים במשקל 30 טון עם הגנה ברמה של האמ-1. כל משפחת כלי הלחימה הרובוטיים תשתמש בתוכנות ניווט נפוצות וממשקי בקרה שכבר נבדקים בשטח. כל גרסה תשתמש באותם תקנים אלקטרוניים ומכניים וארכיטקטורה פתוחה מודולרית שאמורה לתת לחיילים בשטח "לחבר ולשחק" במגוון ישומים, מטילים וגנרטורים לעשן ועד משבשי רדיו. "אנו מבינים שארבעה חיילים שעובדים עם פנס אדום עדשות באמצע הלילה לא יוכלו להוציא צריח 30 מ"מ", אמר רס"ן קורי וואלאס, קצין פרשים צעיר משוריין בעל ניסיון רב ברובוטיקה המשרת כעת על צוות "הדור הבא של רכב הקרב העתידי" של הצבא. עם זאת, הוא אמר בשבוע שעבר לכנס חימוש, רובוטיקה ותחמושת, "המטרה היא שרוב הדברים יהיו מודולריים וחיילים בשטח יכולו להחליף מערכות יעודיות תוך 30 דקות או פחות". הצוות של "רכב הקרב העתידי" של הצבא כבר גיבש רשימה של 7 דרישות ממשפחת הרובוטים. מה הצבא רוצה: עדיפות ראשונה היא להבטיח קשר עם הרכבים הרובוטיים עם מידה של אוטונומיה כדרישה שניה. הסיבה היא שהצבא תמיד רוצה אדם שיהיה אחראי על פקודת האש. בנוסף, הצבא מעדיף נהג שישלוט מרחוק על הרובוט, כך שכל רובוט יצטרך 2 אנשים שיפעילו אותו ואדם נוסף שיעזור לכל צמד של רובוטים. הסיבה היא, שאם כי הצבא יודע שהרובוט יכול לתמרן תוך כדי נהיגה במצב רגיל, אבל כאשר הרובוט מתקרב לקו החזית, עדיף שיהיה אדם שינהג את הרובוט מרחוק. בהתבסס על ניסויים בשטח עד כה, אמר וואלאס, כלל האצבע הוא שהטווח האפקטיבי המינימלי של הקשר בין הרובוט לרכב הפיקוח המאויש, צריך להיות לפחות חצי מהטווח המקסימלי האפקטיבי של הנשק הראשי של רכב השליטה, זה יאפשר לירות במטרות שהרובוט מציין, תוך שמירה עליו ממארבים ושדות מוקשים שהרובוט עשוי להיקלע אליהם. עדיפות שלישית ורביעית הם לאפשר לרובוט לגדול ולהיות חלק ממערכת מודולרית, כך שניתן יהיה להחליף ציודים ומטענים יעודיים מכל ספק שהוא ברגע שהציוד קיים וזה ללא צורך בחיווט ובשינוי כבלים. המטען העדיף ביותר, המבוסס על סימולציות דיגיטליות ומשוב של חיילים הוא הגנה מפני מזל"טים קטנים, אמר וואלאס. דאעש כבר הרכיב רימוני יד על רחפנים, ורוסיה השתמשה במזל"טים לאיתור מטרות לתותחנים באוקראינה, כך שיריב עתידי עשוי להציף את האזור בנחילי רחפנים ומזל"טים. הצבא בדק לייזרים להשמדת מל"טים, אמר וואלאס, אך ספקי הכוח עדיין מגושמים מדי עבור רכבי השטח הקלים יותר. מה שהוא הרבה יותר קומפקטי ובר ביצוע, הוא משבש שמונע מהמל"ט לדווח על עמדתך לארטילריה של האויב. זה מביא אותנו לעדיפות הבאה: לוחמה אלקטרונית. מל"טים הם לא הדבר היחיד שהצבא רוצה לשבש. "כן, אתה קטלני מאוד [אם אתה] מפוצץ את צריח הטנק", אמר וואלאס, "אבל אתה קטלני עוד יותר אם אתה משתק את יכולת התקשורת של המערך הזה". לדבריו, לפעמים הדרך הטובה ביותר להתחבא מחיישני אויב היא לשדר כל כך הרבה עיוות אלקטרומגנטי שגם שהם יודעים שאתה נמצא שם בחוץ, אבל הם לא יכולים לדעת היכן או כמה מכם יש בחוץ ואם אכן טילים מחפשי קרינה ימצאו את המשבש, ובכן, הוא היה בלתי מאויש. המטען בעדיפות שלישית ממלא תפקיד דומה: יצירת מסך עשן. כשם שהחסימה מסתירה את הכוח מחיישני תדרי רדיו, עשן מסתיר אותו מחושים חזותיים-כולל חיישנים אינפרא אדומים. העדיפות הרביעית: גלאי אזור מוות רב תכליתי שיזהיר את הכוחות האנושיים מפני זיהום כימי, ביולוגי, רדיולוגי או גרעיני, אין תרחיש מלחמה מרכזי שבו גילוי סי.בי.אר.אנ אינו שימושי, אמר וואלאס. אמנם יקר לבנות כלי רכב מאוישים שיכולים לזהות גז רעל וקרינה מבלי לסכן את הצוותים שלהם, אך לכל ציוד רכב יכול להיות, כציוד סטנדרטי, גלאי קומפקטי לטווח קצר כדי להזהיר את הכוחות האנושיים שעוקבים אחריהם. גלאי לטווח ארוך עשוי להיות חבילת משימות מלאה משלו. דרפא כבר ביצע עבודה רבה על חיישנים קטנים יותר לאיתור דברים כאלה. העדיפות החמישית היא טיפול בסכנה נוספת: שדות מוקשים ומכשולים אחרים. לצבא יש כבר שואב מוקשים לא מאוייש שנקרא "פלטת אמ-160". לאחרונה הצבא התנסה ברובוטים מיוחדים שיכולים לעבוד יחד, כדי לנקות מכשולים תוך שמירה על מהנדסי לחימה אנושיים מחוץ לטווח אש האויב. מודולי משימות פוטנציאליים אחרים שכדאי לקחת בחשבון, אמר וואלאס, נעים בין נשק נגד מטוסים כמו טילי "סטינגר" ועד מערכות לתקשורת בשדה הקרב, אלו הן מטרות עדיפות של אויב, עם מערכות הייטק, והן בסיכון גבוה להשמדה, הגנה אווירית במיוחד אמר, "זה הדבר הראשון שהאויב רוצה להרוג". מיגון ועוצמת אש. מלבד הנושאים המיוחדים הללו, הצבא רוצה שכל כלי הרכב הלוחמים הרובוטיים יוכלו לזהות מטרות לשאר הכוח ובמיוחד עבור ארטילריה ויהיה להם על הרכב קצת כוח אש והגנה. ככל שגירסת הרובוט גדולה יותר, כך חבילת הנשק גדולה יותר וחשובה יותר ולכן משקל המיגון יעלה. לרובוט הקל יש טיל נ"ט אחד כנגד מטרות קשות, אבל בדרך כלל הוא ילחם כנגד חי"ר ורכבים שאינם מוגנים. החימוש של הרובוט הקל יכול להיות כל דבר בין מק"כ 12.7 מ"מ ועד למקל"ר 40 מ"מ ולתותח 30 מ"מ. ישנה אפשרות שבמקום מקלעים למיניהן הרובוט ישא התקן למספר רב של טילי נ"ט שמוכוונים ע"י קרן לייזר. אין צורך במיגון כבד על כל הרכב, עדיף להגן על המחשב והסנסורים שלו מכדורי 7.62 מ"מ, זו לא בעיה גדולה עם הרובוט יאבד את היכולת להילחם, אבל הוא חייב להיות מסוגל לקלוט מידע ולשדר אותו ולכן חשוב להגן על המחשב. לעומת זאת רובוט במשקל בינוני הוא יותר דומה לטנק ולכן יהיה לו משגר כפול לירי טילי נ"ט ויהיה לו תותח 30 מ"מ עם מהירות לוע גבוהה שיוכל להשמיד רכבים עם שריון קל בדומה לבי.אמ.פי הרוסי. הצבא בדק התקנת תותח 50 מ"מ אבל המשקל היה גדול מידי, בנוסף ישנה גם בעיה עם חימוש מישני, הצבא היה רוצה להתקין מקלע על הצריחון שיוכל להגביה ולפגוע בקומות עליונות אבל כנראה שגם זה לא יתאים לרובוט במשקל בינוני. על איזה משקל מדברים? חברת טקסטרון שמייצרת את הרובוט הבינוני מדברת על 10 טון שזה רק 3 טון יותר מהרובוט הקל, אבל הצבא מדבר על רובוט ששוקל קצת פחות מ-20 טון. שלא כמו הרובוט הקל לרובוט הבינוני יהיה מיגון, אחרי שבחנו את נושא המיגון החליטו שהרובוט צריך מיגון שיעמוד כנגד כדורי 12.7 מ"מ וגם זה רק מסביב לצריח ולמחשב. חשוב ביותר לאפשר לרובוט לירות, גם אם הוא לא יוכל לנוע זה עדיין בסדר. ההגדרה לגבי מהות הרובוט הכבד היא הפחות ברורה משאר משפחות הרובוטים, הוא אמור להיות עם כוח אש ומיגון ברמה של האמ-1, אבל עם משקל של פחות מחצי 20-30 טון לעומת 60-70 טון של האברמס. אבל נשאלת השאלה מדוע הוא צריך להיות עם רמת מיגון בדומה לטנק כאשר הוא לא מאויש? ההסבר הוא שהרובוט הכבד אמור לנוע עם הטנקים כמו "ווינגמן" ולכן הוא צריך להיות עם מיגון דומה לטנקים שהרי אנו לא רוצים שכמה צרורות מתותחי 30 מ"מ יחסלו את ה"וינגמן" של הטנקים. וואלס אומר שהוא מכיר את ה"טרופי" של ישראל אבל הוא לא בטוח שהמערכת מסוגלת להגן מפגזי ח"ש של תותחי טנקים, זו הסיבה שאנו לא מתקדמים עם הרובוט הכבד במהירות של הדגמים האחרים, אנחנו בוחנים את הנושא של ההגנה מפגזי טנקים ולפני שנלמד איך להיות קטלניים ושורדים לא נתקדם מהר עם הרובוט הכבד. https://breakingdefense.com/2020/11/meet-the-armys-future-family-of-robot-tanks-rcv/

Weapons defence industry military technology UK Posted On Monday, 07 February 2022 18:32 EMAV-LW30 UGV (Unmanned Ground Vehicle) fitted with EOS RS400 Remote Weapon Station armed with M230LF 30x113 mm Chain Gun. (Picture source Screen Shot Video Northrop Grumman) During a live firing demonstration, the Northrop Grumman M230LF 30mm Chain Gun mounted on the EMAV-LW30 UGV (Unmanned Ground Vehicle) has fired Northrop Grumman’s suite of advanced ammunition, including the XM1211 High Explosive Proximity-fused round and the XM1198 High Explosive Dual Purpose, Self-Destruct round defeating light ground targets. Northrop Grumman is a leading producer of a complete family of 30mm tactical and target practice ammunition that is accurate and lethal in anti-armor, anti-material, anti-personnel, ground suppression, air defense and shipboard-defense applications that is fired from land-, air- and sea-based platforms worldwide. The XM1211 30x113mm High Explosive Proximity (HEP) round can sense ground and air targets using an onboard proximity sensor. These advanced munitions provide enhanced lethal effects that greatly increase effective ranges against ground targets. The XM1198 is a High Explosive Dual Purpose-Self Destruct (HEDP-SD) design to engage aerial targets. The EMAV-LW 30 is an armed version of the Expeditionary Modular Autonomous Vehicle (EMAV) completely designed by the American company Pratt Miller. The vehicle was originally created under contract to the US government to provide tactical infantry support at the platoon level. The EMAV is based on a tracked chassis using four wheels and one return roller, and it’s powered by a hybrid engine. It can reach a maximum speed of 72 km/h. It can ride a gradient of 60°, a side slope of up to 60°, and is able to climb a vertical obstacle with height of up to 60 cm. The EMAV-LW30 is fitted with an EOS R400 Remote Weapon station (RWS), armed with one Bushmaster M230LF 30mm automatic cannon. EOS is an Australian-based company that has developed a family of fully stabilized remotely operated weapon stations that can be integrated on various vehicle platforms and used for different mission profiles. With the Mk2 variants of its RS400, EOS has developed a new generation of weapon station that can be configured as a single or dual weapon system to operate a variety of weapons including a machine gun, automatic grenade launcher through to the Orbital ATK M230LF 30mm cannon. In its dual configuration, it is equipped with the M230LF and 7.62mm MG (and optional missile) to provide significant and flexible lethality from a land or sea platform. The RS400 RWS armed with the M230LF 30mm automatic cannon provides a high level of firepower. A variant of the RWS was also developed for tracked vehicles which minimize high-frequency road and vehicle vibration to optimize the video image displayed to the operator. This variant can also track faster-moving targets such as drones. https://www.armyrecognition.com/weapons_defence_industry_military_technology_uk/northrop_grumman_demonstrates_emav-lw30_ugv_armed_with_30mm_cannon_used_to_counter_drones.html

Defense News February 2022 Global Security army industry Posted On Friday, 11 February 2022 16:23 According to pictures released by "The Dead District" Twitter account on February 11, 2022, Ukrainian soldiers from the 72nd Separated Mechanized Brigade trains with the NLAW Anti Tank missile received from the British Government. Ukrainian soldiers practice using the NLAW man-portable anti-tank guided missile weapon. (Picture source Twitter account The Dead District) In January 2022, the British Government has announced the supply of anti-tank weapons to Ukrainian armed forces in response to the deployment of Russian tanks, armored fighting vehicles, rocket artillery, and short-range ballistic missiles along the border with Ukraine. In January 2022, Army Recognition has reported that the British Royal Air Force have delivered NLAW light anti-armor defensive weapon systems to the Ukrainian Defense Forces, as part of the wider British Government response. Why is so important for the Ukrainian army to have anti-tank weapons? First, Russia is the country with the largest number of tanks and armored vehicles in the world. Citing information from the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense, Russia will have more than 1,100 main battle tanks, 2,600 APCs (Armored Personnel Carrier) and IFVs (Infantry Fighting Vehicles) and up to 1,100 artillery vehicles including self-propelled howitzers mounted on tracked chassis that can be used to destroy land targets. According to the conventional military tactics of Russian armed forces, a rapid tempo of advance is assured by assigning tank elements to the first echelon and by using motorized rifle units with the tanks on the main axis. According to videos and pictures published on Internet, Russian armed forces have deployed BMP-2 and BMP-3 infantry fighting vehicles, T-72B3 main battle tanks and BM-27 Uragan 220mm MLRS (Multiple Launch Rocket System) along the border with Ukraine. The NLAW was primarily designed to defeat main battle tanks or armored vehicles in close combat battle and it can be also used to attack defended positions such as bunkers. This type of weapon is also capable to be fired from within buildings in case of warfare in urban areas. The NLAW missile has a length of 1.02 m and has a weight of 12.5 kg. It is fitted with an armor-piercing warhead that can destroy heavily protected MBTs in a single shot. The effective range of the missile is from 20 to 600 meters or up to 400 meters for moving targets. It has a flight time of less than two seconds out to 400 meters and can be launched at 45°, up or down. The missile can penetrate armor with a thickness ranging from 400 to 650 mm. The Russian T-72B3 is protected by ERA (Explosive Reactive Armor) but the NLAW can be used to perform overfly top attack which allows the missile to be fired slightly above the tank before landing on the top of the vehicle where it is usually softer. The missile flies about a meter over the top of the tank and launches a devastating attack on the roof. The system is also extremely effective in situations where the operator can only see a tiny portion of the tank. The armor on the BMP-2 offers the same protection as the BMP-1. The maximum hull armor thickness is 19-mm and that of the turret is 23-mm. The BMP-2 is proof against .50 caliber all around and against 7.62- mm from above. https://www.armyrecognition.com/defense_news_february_2022_global_security_army_industry/soldiers_of_ukraine_practice_using_nlaw_anti-tank_missile_able_to_destroy_tank_with_era_armor.html

Defense News February 2022 Global Security army industry Posted On Friday, 11 February 2022 17:17 According to information published by the Defense Arab Twitter account on February 10, 2022, Saudi Arabia has received a new batch of 153 American-made M1A2 Abrams Main Battle Tank (MBT) at the end of 2021 that will be upgraded to the M1A2S standard. Saudi Arabia has the third-largest fleet of M1A2 MBTs in the world. United States has delivered 153 additional M1A2 Abrams Main Battle Tanks to Saudi Arabia at the end of 2021. (Picture source Twitter account Arab Defense) According to the Military Balance 2021, Saudi Arabia's armed forces have a total of 960 Main Battle Tanks (MBTs) including 140 AMX-30, 450 M1A2/ M1A2S, and 370 M60A3. Following SIPRI (Stockholm International Peace Research Institute) Arms Trade Database information, in 2009, Saudi Arabia has ordered 314 M1A1 Abrams MBTs that were converted to M1A2S standard. In 2016, the second batch of 153 M1A2S was ordered. On 28 July 2006 the U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress of a possible Foreign Military Sale to Saudi Arabia of M1A1 and upgrade of M1A2 to M1A2S Abrams tanks as well as associated equipment and services. This proposed sale consists of three phases: (1) engineering phase for 30 months, (2) purchase of and upgrade of 58 M1A1s to M1A2S (Saudi) configuration, and (3) teardown of the 315 M1A2 Abrams in Saudi Arabia’s tank fleet and upgrade to the M1A2S configuration. The Abrams Integrated Management(AIM) program was designed economically to rebuild and maintain the M1A1 Main Battle Tank (MBT) to a ‘like-new condition to improve fleet readiness and reduce sustainment costs. The 58 M1A1s would undergo an ‘AIM-like’ process and will be upgraded to the M1A2S configuration in the United States. The 315 Saudi M1A2A MBTs would undergo an ‘AIM-like’ process and would be re-configured to the M1A2S configuration. The M1A2S is a program launched by the Saudi defense industry focusing on designing, developing and converting both M1s and M1A2s to an M1A2S configuration, with the goal of increasing the vehicle’s lethality while limiting obsolescence issues. Citing information from the Global Security website, the M1A2S tank is an enhanced version of the American M1A2 Abrams MBT fitted with an improved hunter/killer capability with second-generation FLIR. The M1A2S keeps the same armament as the American M1A2 Abrams consisting of one 120 mm smooth bore M256 cannon which can fire a wide range of ammunition as the M829 APFSDS-T (Armor-Piercing, Fin-Stabilized, Discarding Sabot), M830 HEAT-MP-T (High Explosive Anti-Tank-Multi Purpose - Tracer), M831 TP-T training round and M865 TPCSDS-T training round. Mounted coaxial to the right of the main armament is a 7.62 mm M240 machine gun, and a similar weapon skate-mounted on the left side of the turret for the loader can be elevated from -30 to +65º, total traverse being 265º. The commander's station is armed with a standard 12.7 mm Browning M2 HB heavy machine gun which can be elevated from -10 to +65º and traversed through 360º. https://www.armyrecognition.com/defense_news_february_2022_global_security_army_industry/saudi_arabia_received_153_additional_us_m1a2_main_battle_tanks_mbts_at_the_end_of_2021.html

Weapons defence industry military technology UK Posted On Saturday, 12 February 2022 15:35 According to information published by the Iranian Tasnim News Agency on February 12, 2022, the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps Research and Self Sufficiency Jahad Organization (RSSJO) have designed and manufactured in a new unmanned weapon station which is integrated on BMP-1 tracked armored IFV (Infantry Fighting Vehicle). New Iranian unmanned weapon station is armed with a Soviet-made 2A42 30mm automatic cannon, one 7.62mm coaxial machine gun mounted to the left of the main armament, one NSVT 12.7mm heavy machine gun mounted to the left of the turret and one 30mm automatic grenade launcher located to the right of the turret. (Picture source Iranian press agency) Citing information published by the Tasnim News Agency, the new weapon station can be easily integrated on wheeled or tracked armored vehicles. The first pictures released by the Iranian Defense Industry showed the integration of the new unmanned weapon station on Soviet-made BMP-1 IFV (Infantry Fighting Vehicle). The original BMP-1 is fitted with a one-man turret armed with one 73 mm Model 2A28 smoothbore, low-pressure, short-recoil gun which weighs 115 kg. During the conflicts of the last 20 years, the BMP-1 showed weakness at the level of its turret, and several photos showed BMP-1 with the turret which had been ejected from the hull of the vehicle. Using an unmanned weapon station, all the firing operations can be performed from the inside of the hull offering more protection for the crew. The new Iranian unmanned weapon station is armed with a Soviet-made 2A42 30mm automatic cannon, one 7.62m machine gun mounted to the left of the main armament, one NSVT 12.7 heavy machine gun mounted to the left of the turret, and one 30mm automatic grenade launcher located to the right of the turret. The turret is also equipped with new targeting and fire-control systems allowing the gunner to control all armament from the weapon station from inside of the hull. She is also a fully stabilized, dual-axis overhead unmanned turret system. https://www.armyrecognition.com/weapons_defence_industry_military_technology_uk/defense_industry_of_iran_develops_new_unmanned_weapon_station_armed_with_2a42_30mm_cannon.html

Defense News February 2022 Global Security army industry Posted On Saturday, 12 February 2022 14:42 According to information published by the "Opex 360" website on February 12, 2022, the chief of staff of Iraqi land forces, General Qasim al-Muhammadi has announced that Iraq is interested to acquire French artillery systems that could be the CAESAR, a wheeled 6x6 155mm self-propelled howitzer designed and manufactured by the French company Nexter Systems. French soldiers, assigned to Task Force Wagram, fire a French Ceasar in support of Operation Roundup, in Al Quim, Iraq, May 16, 2018. (Picture source U.S. DoD) The CAESAR is a 6x6 155mm self-propelled howitzer that was developed in the 1990s as a technology demonstrator by the French state-owned company GIAT Industries, which is now Nexter Systems. I was delivered to the French army in June 2003 to conduct trial tests and in December 2004, the French army has ordered 72 CAESAR to replace the TRF1 155mm towed howitzer in service with the French army since 1990. The CAESAR is a combat-proven artillery system and it has already been deployed in numerous military operations. It was deployed in Lebanon as part of the UNIFIL peacekeeping force, during Operation Serval in Mali. From October 2016 to July 2017, four CAESAR were deployed to Iraq for the Battle of Mosul, where French forces supported the Iraqi Army's operation to reclaim Mosul from ISIL. Recently, CAESAR from the French army was deployed to Iraq on the border with Syria from 8 November 2018 to April 2019 to support the Syrian Democratic Forces in the Battle of Baghuz Fawqani. The CAESAR in 6x6 and 8x8 configurations are now used by six countries including France, Indonesia, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, Thailand, and Denmark. It will enter also into service with Morocco, the Czech Republic, and Belgium. The CAESAR is available in 6x6 and 8x8 configurations using the same artillery gun system which consists of one 155 mm 52 caliber cannon mounted at the rear of a truck chassis. It is equipped with an automatic hydraulic laying system and the loading system is semi-automatic. The CAESAR has a firing range from 4.5 to 40 km and a high level of accuracy with the LU family ammunition. In direct firing mode, the maximum range is 2 km. Recently, the CAESAR has reached a distance of more than 46 km using Raytheon Excalibur extended-range artillery projectiles. https://www.armyrecognition.com/defense_news_february_2022_global_security_army_industry/iraq_shows_interest_to_acquire_french_caesar_155mm_wheeled_self-propelled_howitzers.html

Naval News February 2022 Navy Forces Maritime Defense Industry Posted On Friday, 11 February 2022 12:54 According to information published by the Russian MoD on February 11, 2022, the Russian Navy's detachment of six landing ships, including the Korolev, Minsk, Kaliningrad, Pyotr Morgunov, Georgy Pobedonosets, and Olenegorsk Miner made calling at the base of the Black Sea Fleet, the city of Sevastopol, Crimea. Ropucha class landing ship Kaliningrad (Picture source: Russian MoD) The Ropucha class, Soviet designation Project 775, is a class of landing ships (large landing ship in Soviet classification) built in Poland for the Russian Navy. The ships were built in Poland in the Stocznia Północna shipyards in Gdańsk. Designed for beach landings, they can carry a 450-ton cargo. The ships have both bow- and stern-doors for loading and unloading vehicles, and the 630 square meters (6,800 sq ft) of vehicle deck stretches the length of the hull. Up to 25 armored personnel carriers can be embarked. The Sevastopol Naval Base is a naval base located in Sevastopol, in the disputed Crimean peninsula. The base is used by the Russian Navy, and it is the main base of the Black Sea Fleet. https://www.navyrecognition.com/index.php/naval-news/naval-news-archive/2022/february/11390-russian-landing-ships-arrive-in-the-crimean-port-of-sevastopol.html

Aviation Defense News February 2022 aerospace air force industry Posted On Friday, 11 February 2022 13:37 On 10 December 2021, the Finnish Government decided on the procurement of Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II multi-role fighters, which will replace the capabilities of the Air Force’s Hornet fleet that will be phased out by 2030. The Finnish Defence Forces’ Logistics Command was authorized to conclude procurement contracts for the F-35 system and air-to-air weapons while the Ministry of Defence was authorized to sign an agreement on industrial participation for the HX fighter programme with Lockheed Martin and Pratt & Whitney, the engine manufacturer. Finland is buying NATO-compatible military equipment, which will allow for greater cooperation, while, for now, Finland has no plans to join NATO, as its foreign Minister said in January. (Picture source: USAF) Signing of first LOA documents of HX project The procurement of multi-role fighters will be carried out in line with the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) procedure as required by the United States administration for defence materiel export. Letter of Offer and Acceptance (LOA) documents will be drafted on the procurement packages, and when signed, these documents are the procurement agreement. On Friday 11 February 2022, Major General (Eng.) Kari Renko, Chief of the Defence Forces Logistics Command, signed in Tampere the LOA documents on F-35A aircraft and their maintenance services. As to the implementation of the LOA agreements, the United States is represented by the F-35 project offices operating under the defence administration. The procurement contracts include the deliveries of 64 multi-role fighters in 2025-30 that represent the F-35A Block 4 configuration, aircraft engines and maintenance equipment, systems, spare parts, replacement equipment, training equipment and servicing needed for use and maintenance. The agreements include F-35 type training for the Defence Forces’ flying and technical personnel. After the procurement of aircraft and maintenance services, LOA documents will be signed during 2022 on the procurement of air-to-air weapons, the Sidewinder and AMRAAM missiles. In accordance with the procurement proposal submitted to the Government in December 2021, the agreements on procuring air-to-ground and air-to-surface weapons will be made later. This will ensure that the weapon composition can be optimised, for example in terms of the number and types of weapons, so that Finland will have a high-performance F-35 system when entering the 2030s. Agreement on industrial participation Minister of Defence Antti Kaikkonen signed an agreement on industrial participation on Friday 11 February 2022 in Helsinki. The agreement was concluded with the fighter manufacturer Lockheed Martin and Pratt & Whitney, the engine manufacturer and member of the Raytheon technologies group. The industrial participation obligation is based on a decision made by the Minister of Defence in April 2018 which stated that the value of industrial cooperation should be at least 30 per cent of the actual contract price. The industrial participation solution in the F-35 system met the requirements of the HX Fighter Programme set for industrial participation. The objective of industrial participation is to develop and maintain the production, technology and expertise in the defence and security industry that is critical with respect to national defence, state security and functions vital to society, as well as to improve and safeguard the national security of supply. The industrial participation solution will develop credible expertise in the domestic industry from the security of supply perspective and will play an important role in the national economy. The most important industrial participation projects include large-scale production of the F-35 front fuselage in Finland also for other users, production of structural components as well as equipment testing and maintenance capability. Finland was also offered a project of the final assembly of engines for the Air Force aircraft. The estimated direct domestic employment effect of industrial participation is 4,500 person-years while the indirect effect is 1,500 person-years. https://airrecognition.com/index.php/news/defense-aviation-news/2022-news-aviation-aerospace/february/8182-finland-inks-deal-for-its-64-f-35a-fighter-jets-and-agreement-on-industrial-participation.html

Aviation Defense News February 2022 aerospace air force industry Posted On Friday, 11 February 2022 10:14 Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin Company, and Boeing announced Honeywell as the engine provider for DEFIANT X, the advanced helicopter for the U.S. Army’s Future Long-Range Assault Aircraft (FLRAA) competition DEFIANT X is a complete weapon system that builds on the handling qualities and capabilities proven by the team’s technology demonstrator, SB>1 DEFIANT. It flies twice as far and fast as the Black Hawk helicopter it is designed to replace (Picture source: Boeing) With Honeywell providing the HTS7500 turbo-shaft engine, Team DEFIANT brings unsurpassed Army Aviation experience to revolutionize Army air assault while seamlessly integrating with legacy platforms, proven tactics and existing infrastructure. DEFIANT X will be the fastest, most maneuverable and survivable assault helicopter in history. “Team DEFIANT’s strength is built on the experience of Sikorsky and Boeing, and a commitment to Army Aviation,” said Mark Cherry, vice president and general manager of Boeing Vertical Lift. “Honeywell’s history with Boeing and the U.S. Army makes us even more confident that DEFIANT X is the best fit for the Army’s total mission.” “DEFIANT X is a transformational aircraft, and Honeywell is giving us a transformational engine to power it,” said Paul Lemmo, president of Sikorsky. “DEFIANT X is optimized for operational effectiveness, sustainment and interoperability with the enduring fleet, and will transform the Army.” DEFIANT X is a complete weapon system that builds on the handling qualities and capabilities proven by the team’s technology demonstrator, SB>1 DEFIANT. It flies twice as far and fast as the venerable Black Hawk helicopter it is designed to replace. Currently undergoing testing in a digital combat environment, the aircraft continues to prove itself as the most survivable platform for mission requirements. “Honeywell is excited to be a part of Team DEFIANT and proud to play part in the future of vertical lift for the U.S. Army,” said Ricky Freeman, president, Defense & Space at Honeywell Aerospace. “We’re confident our HTS7500 engine on the DEFIANT X platform will provide the Army with an agile, fast and maneuverable platform that will help ensure overmatch capability in the future battlespace.” Sikorsky-Boeing submitted the proposal for DEFIANT X for the U.S. Army’s Future Long-Range Assault Aircraft in September 2021. Contract award is expected this year. https://airrecognition.com/index.php/news/defense-aviation-news/2022-news-aviation-aerospace/february/8178-lockheed-martin-sikorsky-boeing-selects-honeywell-engine-to-power-defiant-x.html

Naval News February 2022 Navy Forces Maritime Defense Industry Posted On Friday, 11 February 2022 11:31 According to a tweet published by the German MoD on February 10, 2022, the Brandenburg-class frigate Bayern conducted a PHOTEX with the Israeli Sa'ar 6-class corvette INS ATZMAUT. German Brandenburg-class frigate and Sa'ar 6-class corvette INS Atzmaut (Picture source: German MoD) INS Atzmaut is a Sa'ar 6-class corvette of the Israeli Navy. She is the third ship of her class. She was launched at German Naval Yards and ThyssenKrupp in Kiel. The Sa'ar 6 has been adopted for maritime protection, anti-shipping and prevents threats in the Israeli Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). The class has a displacement of almost 1,900 tons at full load and is 90 m (295 ft 3 in) long. It is armed with an Oto Melara 76 mm main gun, two Typhoon Weapon Stations, 32 vertical launch cells for Barak-8 surface-to-air missiles, 40 cells for the C-Dome point defense system, 16 anti-ship missiles (likely Gabriel 5), the EL/M-2248 MF-STAR AESA radar, and two 324 mm (12.8 in) torpedo launchers. It has hangar space and a platform able to accommodate a medium class SH-60-type helicopter. https://www.navyrecognition.com/index.php/naval-news/naval-news-archive/2022/february/11389-german-frigate-bayern-conducts-exercise-with-israeli-navy.html

Defense News February 2022 Global Security army industry Posted On Friday, 11 February 2022 10:56 According to information released by Hanwha Defense Australia on February 11, 2022, The Oshkosh Defense consortium, which includes Hanwha Defense USA, a division of Hanwha Defense Corporation based in South Korea, was recently selected to participate in the US Army's Optionally Manned Fighting Vehicle (OMFV) program Concept Design Phase. Hanwha Defense Australia (HDA), another division of Hanwha Defense Corporation, will also support the Oshkosh Defense OMFV consortium. South Korea AS21 Redback tracked armored IFV Infantry Fighting Vehicle. (Picture source Hanwha Defense) The Oshkosh Defense OMFV concept leverages the proven capability of Hanwha's Redback chassis. The Redback is one of two contenders for Australia's Land 400 Phase 3 Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV) requirement, which is expected to be awarded in 2022. In June 2018, in part due to congressional concerns, the Army announced a new modernization strategy and designated the Next Generation Combat Vehicle (NGCV) as the program to replace the M-2 Bradley. In October 2018, Army leadership decided to re-designate the NGCV as the Optionally Manned Fighting Vehicle (OMFV) and to add additional vehicle programs to what would be called the NGCV Program. The M-2 Bradley, which has been in service since 1981, is an Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV) used to transport infantry on the battlefield and provide fire support to dismounted troops and suppress or destroy enemy fighting vehicles. Updated numerous times since its introduction, the M-2 Bradley is widely considered to have reached the technological limits of its capacity to accommodate new electronics, armor, and defense systems. Citing a U.S. Congress Report, On March 29, 2019, the U.S. Army issued a Request for Proposal (RFP)45 to industry for the OMFV. The U.S. Army characterized its requirements as “aggressive” and noted industry might not be able to meet all requirements. Major requirements included the ability to transport two OMFVs in a C-17 aircraft which will likely require the vehicle to have the ability to accommodate add-on armor; a threshold (minimum) requirement for a 30 mm cannon and a second-generation forward-looking infra-red radar (FLIR); and objective (desired) requirements for a 50 mm cannon and a third-generation FLIR. By October 1, 2019, the industry was required to submit prototype vehicles to the U.S. Army for consideration and in the second quarter of FY2020, the Army planned to select two vendors to build 14 prototypes for further evaluation. Reportedly, the U.S. Army originally planned to award a production contract for up to 3,590 OMFVs to a single vendor. Although the Army reportedly expected five to seven vendors to compete for the OMFV EMD contract. The Oshkosh Defense OMFV concept leverages the proven capability of Hanwha's Redback chassis. The Redback is one of two contenders for Australia's Land 400 Phase 3 Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV) requirement, which is expected to be awarded in 2022. "While the OMFV and Land 400 requirements are different in some elements, many of the advanced capabilities could apply to both programs," said Richard Cho, Hanwha Defense Australia Managing Director. "Along with our Australian suppliers, we've learned a lot about the capabilities associated with a modern Infantry Fighting Vehicle. We look forward to working with Oshkosh Defense and Hanwha Defense USA and collectively leverage those insights as part of the OMFV program." Hanwha Defense Australia will also deliver a Redback to the Republic of Korea (ROK) Ministry of National Defense to undergo a performance evaluation that will inform the Korean future Infantry Fighting Vehicle program. The AS21 Redback is a new generation of tracked armored IFV (Infantry Fighting Vehicle) designed and developed by the South Korean company Hanwha Defense. The first prototype of the vehicle was unveiled in 2019 during the International Aerospace & Defense Exhibition in Seoul. The AS21 is one of the candidates for the Australian Army’s LAND 400 Phase 3 IFV program. The AS21 Redback is based on a tracked chassis using composite rubber tracks. The vehicle has a weight of 42 tons and has a crew of three including commander, gunner, driver, and can carry 8 troops at the rear of the hull. The standard protection without any additional armor is STANAG 4569 Level 2. It can reach Level 6 with the additional armor to stop 30mm ammunition. The AS21 Redback is fitted with a manned turret EOS T-2000 which can be armed with a Bushmaster MK44S 30mm automatic cannon, one 7.62mm coaxial machine gun and two launchers for anti-tank guided missile Spike. https://www.armyrecognition.com/defense_news_february_2022_global_security_army_industry/hanwha_defense_australia_with_redback_ifv_to_support_us_omfv_replacement_program_of_bradley_ifv.html

Defense News February 2022 Global Security army industry Posted On Friday, 11 February 2022 12:00 Rosoboronexport has issued some pictures of its Pantsir-SM air defense system during trials carried on in a desert environment, without providing details about the date and locations. Pantsir-SM (Picture source: Rosoboronexport) Based on an 8x8 chassis instead of a 6x6 one like for Pantsir-S1, Pantsir-SM (or S1M) is a new upgraded variant of the Pantsir-S1 that was first unveiled in February 2019 and then displayed with an armored cabin (very different from the soft skin one) at Army-2019 defense exhibition in Kubinka, near Moscow. Experience drawn of the system deployment in Syria was applied during the development of this new version. Hence, it has upgraded L-band search radar with the ability to track up to 40 targets at once, and new multi-functional EHF fire-control radar that can engage four targets simultaneously, both fitted with phased antenna arrays. The system also uses the new 57E6M-E surface-to-air missile with an increased ceiling from 15 to 18 km (9.3 to 11.2 mi), engagement range from 20 to 30 km (12 to 19 mi), and speed of 1,300 to 1,700 m/s (4,700 to 6,100 km/h; 2,900 to 3,800 mph) as well as with heavier 25 kg fragmentation warhead, compared to the 20 kg warhead of the standard 57E6-E missile. The first export contract was signed in August 2021. Pantsir-SM (Picture source: Rosoboronexport) https://www.armyrecognition.com/defense_news_february_2022_global_security_army_industry/russian_pantsir-sm_air_defense_system_tested_in_desert_environment.html