23 November 2020 DeepStrike was a proposed next-generation, long-range, surface-to-surface precision strike missile (PrSM), which was supposed to be developed by Raytheon Company for the US Army’s PrSM competition. It was intended to replace the Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS), which is nearing the end of its service life. Project Type: Long-range precision strike missile Manufacturer: Raytheon Company Range: From 60km to 499km Launchers:M270 MLRS and M142 HIMARS DeepStrike is an advanced long-range surface-to-surface precision strike missile. Credit: Raytheon Company. Designed to meet the US Army’s Precision Strike Missile requirements, DeepStrike was expected to perform long-range, precise, rapid attacks. The next-generation missile was intended to offer 40% longer range compared to the missile systems currently in service with the US Army. It was anticipated to double the US Army’s firepower, while also cutting costs. Raytheon integrated its new launch pod missile container into two US Army launchers for the DeepStrike missile in October 2018. Live fire tests of the missile were scheduled for 2019. Raytheon conducted a static test of the new DeepStrike missile rocket motor in April 2019 and tested the advanced warhead of the missile in May 2019. Raytheon could not conduct the flight tests of DeepStrike missile for the PrSM programme due to technical issues and exited the PrSM competition. However, its competitor, Lockheed Martin successfully conducted the first flight test of its next-generation PrSM in December 2019. Lockheed was successful in its third and final flight demonstration test in April 2020 and moved to the next phase of next-generation PrSM development. Raytheon DeepStrike missile development and design Raytheon Company was awarded a contract worth $116.4m by the US Army for the development of the long-range DeepStrike missile. The contract was awarded in June 2017 under the technology up-gradation and risk trimming phase of the Long-Range Precision Fires (LRPF) programme. The new missile features a two-in-the-pod design, which is based on the design principles of SM-3 interceptor missile system and SM-6 anti-air, anti-surface warfare, and sea-based terminal ballistic missile. The initial phase of development was the technological maturation and risk-reduction phase, involving testing of the missile components for the engineering and manufacturing development (EMD) phase. Raytheon DeepStrike missile capabilities The DeepStrike PrSM possessed increased capabilities over its counterparts. It was slim and sleek and was equipped with a more advanced guidance system for neutralizing fixed land targets at a maximum distance of 499km.Its range and speed were supposed to enable the army combat units to destroy targets over large geographic areas in high-threat environments. It was primarily intended to attack stationary ground targets, such as helicopter staging areas and hardened bunkers. The two-in-the-pod design was intended to increase the rate of firing by two times while reducing the costs incurred by the current single-pod single-launch system by 50%. The objective range was anticipated at 60km, while the minimum threshold range of the missile was estimated to be 70km. The maximum threshold and objective ranges were expected to be 300km and 499km, respectively. Launcher details of the long-range missile The DeepStrike missile was designed to be compatible with two launch systems of the US Army, namely M270 multiple launch rocket system (MLRS) and M142 high-mobility artillery rocket system (HIMARS). M270 MLRS is a self-propelled multiple rocket launcher manufactured by Lockheed Martin for the US Army. M142 HIMARS light multiple rocket launcher entered service with the US Army in 2005. It carries either a single six-pack of MLRS rockets or an army tactical missile system (ATACMS) missile in standard configuration. The artillery system can launch two DeepStrike missiles from a single weapons pod. Details of the Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) ATACMS is a long-range, guided missile with a maximum range of 300km. Developed by Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control, ATACMS is the only long-range tactical surface-to-surface missile ever deployed in combat by the US Army. The system entered service with the US Army in 1991 and was fielded during the Operation Desert Storm. Guided by global positioning system (GPS), the missile carries a monolithic high explosive warhead. Each missile stowed in an MLRS is fired from the MLRS family of launchers. The ATACMS Block IA Unitary, an advanced version equipped with upgraded guidance and control system, is currently operational with the US Army and allied armies. https://www.army-technology.com/projects/raytheon-deepstrike-missile/

Defense News December 2021 Global Security army industry Posted On Monday, 27 December 2021 14:53 According to information published by the "Defense Express" website on December 23, 2021, the Ukrainian company Shepetivka Repair Plant will produce Bureviya 220 mm MLRS (Multiple Launch Rocket System) based on Tatra T-815-7 8x8 truck chassis from the Czech company Excalibur Army. The Ukrainian-made Bureviya 220 mm MLRS (Multiple Launch Rocket System) is based on a Czech Tatra T815-7 8x8 military truck chassis. (Picture source Defense Express) The Bureviya is a 220 mm MLRS (Multiple Launch Rocket System) fully designed and produced in Ukraine. In November 2020, it was reported that the Ukrainian company The Shepetivka Repair Plant, in accordance with a joint decision with the Ministry of Defense, tested the latest version of the Bureviya MLRS. The new rocket launcher system will replace the old Soviet-made BM-27 Uragan (Hurricane). The Bureviya is based on the Czech 8x8 military truck chassis Tatra T815-7T3RC1, which is the latest generation of military trucks in the Tatra T815 family. The Tatra truck is fitted with a double doors armored crew cabin that provides protection against the firing of small arms as well as mine protection. The Tatra T815-7T3RC1 is powered by an air-cooled, V-type, 4-stroke, turbocharged, charge air-cooled, direct injection Diesel engine coupled to a manual 14-speed transmission with semi-automatic split, 14 forward and 2 reverse gears. The truck can run at a maximum road speed of 105 km/h with a maximum cruising range of 700 km. The Bureviya 220mm MLRS is fitted with a rocket launcher station which seems similar to the Soviet-made BM-27 9P140 Uragan MLRS. Launch tubes are arranged in three banks, with the lower two banks having six tubes each and the upper bank having four tubes. The Bureviya 220mm MLRS is equipped with a digital fire control system, including an information exchange system on the battlefield. This allows the Storm to be included in a single reconnaissance and strike circuit, when information from reconnaissance vehicles, such as UAVs, is transmitted online to the means of destruction. This minimizes the time from target detection to destruction in minutes. The rockets launched by the BM-27 MLRS can reach a firing range from 35 to 40 km, while the Bureviya has a firing range from 35 to 65 km. The Bureviya can fire all the 220mm rockets including 9M27F HE-Frag (High Explosive Fragmentation), and the unguided rockets 9M27K loaded with fragmentation sub-munitions, 9M59, and 9M27K2. The 9M59 rocket projectile is equipped with a cluster warhead fitted with antitank mines. The 9M27K2 unguided rockets (Hurricane MLRS) are designed for operational remote setting of anti-tank minefields both in front of the enemy's military equipment units at the edge of the attack and in the area where they are concentrated. https://www.armyrecognition.com/defense_news_december_2021_global_security_army_industry/ukraine_to_produce_bureviya_220_mm_mlrs_rocket_launcher_based_on_tatra_truck_chassis.html

By TOC On Nov 10, 2020 WARSAW, (BM) – The Russian army received the first modernized T-72B3M Main Battle Tanks with an additional modification in the form of an automatic target tracking system, commonly known as the autotracker, learned BulgarianMilitary.com citing Defence24. T-72B3M Auto tracker is one of the elements of the fire control system that allows you to continuously track a detected target automatically. Its use facilitates the work of the gunner and reduces the time needed to neutralize the target from detection to firing, which significantly increases the effectiveness of a tank equipped with it on the battlefield. As a rule, the use of an autotracker also increases accuracy. So far, the modernized T-72B3 / T-72B3M tanks have not been equipped with this system. The main contractor for the modernization of the T-72B3M tanks is the Russian company UralWagonZawod [UWZ]. The modernization to the T-72B3M standard is to be, according to the manufacturer’s declaration, more than twice cheaper than the corresponding modernization packages from competitors, with a simultaneous significant increase in combat capabilities and adaptation to the requirements of the modern battlefield. According to the TASS agency, the installation of the autotracker is to be associated with the implementation of the conclusions from the “Tank Biathlon” competition. The changes introduced to the modernized T-72B3M in relation to the base version of the T-72B include the assembly of: the new 125mm 2A46M-5 cannon, the Sosna-U multi-channel gunner sight [developed by the Belarusian company Peleng], the 1A40-4 fire control system, digital ballistic computer, new VHF R-168-25U-2 Akwieduk radio, armor pack in the front hemisphere of the car, new side skirts, cage armor at the rear of the hull and turret, as well as the new 1130hp W-92S2F engine with a new automatic transmission gears. The modernization is additionally combined with a major overhaul of each tank. In September this year, the Russian Ministry of Defense announced the latest plan to upgrade all Russian T-72 MBTs to the latest T-72B3M standard. Currently, this process is ongoing, and subsequent batches of the modernized T-72B3M tanks are being delivered to subsequent armored units in all military districts. There is a very high probability that the first modernized T-72B3, which was delivered in a leaner configuration, will be retrofitted with the elements introduced in later modernization versions as part of ongoing repair and service works. https://bulgarianmilitary.com/2020/11/10/russian-t-72-tank-will-fire-faster-and-more-accurately-after-its-latest-upgrade/

By Arie Egozi on January 27, 2022 at 4:51 AM High-profile court case playing out in Israel highlights fears of untoward business relationships with Chinese influence. Israeli and Chinese flags on display during a diplomatic meeting at the Great Hall of the People on May 9, 2013 in Beijing, China. (Photo by Kim Kyung-Hoon-Pool/Getty Images) TEL AVIV: Israel is launching a new effort to crack down on Chinese attempts to obtain Israeli defense technology, as the country gears up for a high-profile legal case, allegedly involving the sale of drones to Beijing, next month. Sources in the Israeli defense establishment say that enforcement has ramped up as a result of increased Chinese efforts, including Chinese firms making direct contact with Israeli industrial experts.Breaking Defense has learned that several months ago, the Biden administration warned Jerusalem that China is operating a web of companies inside Israel as part of a dedicated effort to acquire advanced defense technologies. Sources here would not say what technologies or companies have specifically been targeted, but did not that some efforts have already been uncovered and foiled. Chinese attempts to infiltrate Israeli defense firms are not new. Defense firms here have strict orders not to have any contact with China on issues that have a “smell of security or defense,” a security official in one of the Israeli defense industries said. The Shin Bet, Israel’s internal security service, has been in charge of countering these efforts. But, according to defense industry sources, the Chinese are now operating straw companies in an attempt to partner with Israeli companies to create corporations that can look very legitimate but, in fact, are aimed at moving Israel defense technologies to China. The straw companies, sources say, are being used to disguise the real end-user of the technologies involved. “These straw companies are well disguised and it is very hard to identify who is the real client,” an Israeli defense industry source told Breaking Defense. As a result of the US warning, the Israeli internal security service has enhanced its efforts to uncover such attempts, and in recent months, the security department of the Israeli Ministry of Defense has issued a set of new instructions to industry to try and identify potential issues. (In the US, the Department of Justice launched its own, somewhat controversial initiative to weed out nefarious Chinese activity in US science, tech and defense industries.) According to the new instructions, any attempt to make contact with an Israeli defense company should be brought immediately to the Israeli internal security service and the security department of the ministry of defense. “Only these organizations have the tools to uncover illegal attempts,” a source in one of the defense industries told Breaking Defense. The source added that while the major Israeli defense industries have their own security departments, smaller companies do not have the tools to spot a suspicious request for cooperation. The China situation has been thrown into the public eye due to a high-profile legal case against a drone company the Israeli government alleges was part of a multi-million dollar effort from a Chinese firm. This case is viewed as more serious than previous efforts that have been uncovered, because it involved Israeli citizens and the test of the systems inside Israel itself. In December, Israel’s Financial Department of the State Prosecutor’s Office accused 10 individuals and three companies of helping to sell loitering weapon systems to China without having received official approval. The indictments will become official after the involved people will be called to a hearing with the authorities involved in the investigation. That is expected to happen in February. According to an official statement, the suspects “manufactured dozens of cruise missiles and carried out different tests in Israeli territory, endangering people’s lives.” Per the statement, Ephraim Menashe, the head of drone manufacturer Solar Sky, allegedly worked with a Chinese firm to help supply loitering weapon systems to the Chinese army. Menashe allegedly hired the owners of Innocon, a company that manufactured UAVs for intelligence purposes, and also recruited other people who worked to produce the loitering weapon system and all its components, from rocket engines to the wings. RELATED: Israel, Pressed By US, Blocks First Big Chinese Deal Allegedly the scheme led to the production of dozens of systems, which were then transferred to China. It does not appear any of the systems have been actively used by the Chinese military. The lawyers representing the suspects were quoted in the Israeli media as saying that they are confident that after the hearing the case against their clients will be dismissed. One of the suspects, speaking to Breaking Defense on condition of anonymity, said that “things are totally different from what is described by the investigators, and I hope that the real picture will become clear after the hearing.” No Israeli official from the defense ministry and the defense bodies involved in the investigation was willing to comment on the record beyond the announcement. On background, however, some of the officials that are not directly involved in the active investigation, but are briefed regularly, told Breaking Defense that the Israeli government is in a very delicate situation due to the high-profile investigation. One of the sources added that the Israeli government is “walking on a thin rope” as it tries to balance its economic interests with China and its longstanding political reliance on Washington. While the legal drama around Menashe has been the highest-profile case in some time of China’s ambitions to get Israeli defense technology, it’s hardly the first such effort. In recent years, the Chinese have attempted to penetrate Israeli systems using cyber attacks. Most of these attacks were foiled by the special Israel cyber defense units. The Israeli ban on exporting defense technologies to China goes back to 2000, when intense American pressure led Israel to cancel the sale of the Phalcon Airborne Early Warning System to China. Following the cancellation of the very contract, Israel had to pay China $350 million compensation. Another issue arose in 2004 with a loitering system known as the Harpy at the center. Designed by Israel Aerospace Industries, the Harpy was sold to China in 1994, and a decade later was returned to Israel for upgrades. Washington, concerned that the Chinese could use the Harpy in a future conflict over Taiwan that would endanger American forces, demanded that Israel not return the systems to China. Ultimately, the Harpy was returned in 2005, without upgrades. https://breakingdefense.com/2022/01/us-warned-israel-over-chinese-push-to-get-defense-tech-sources/

By Dylan Malyasov Jan 4, 2022 SU-35 Governments of Egypt, Algeria and Indonesia rejected the potential acquisition of Russian modern Sukhoi Su-35 fighter jets amid economic sanctions against Russia, targeting its oil industry, defense, dual-use goods and sensitive technologies, according to people familiar with the matter. The sources said that Russia asked for its potential partners for another extension to solve the technical and political issues that have arisen as a result of sanctions and being locked up on the import of modern components from the USA, Europe and Israel to produce Su-35 fighters in export configuration. “The Russian defense industry lost three large orders for its Su-35 fighters at once due to the failure to replace scanned array radar and avionics, which were previously imported from a number of European countries and Israel,” sources told Defence Blog. Indonesia also officially confirmed that Jakarta abandoned Su-35 acquisition plans. It was confirmed by Indonesian Air Force Air Chief Marshal Fadjar Prasetyo while speaking to the local media in Jakarta. He was quoted by Benar News as saying: “Regarding the Sukhoi Su-35, with a heavy heart, yes, we have abandoned that plan. We can’t just keep talking about it.” On top of that, Egypt stopped the deal for the supply of 30 Su-35 fighters, until the Russian side can solve the problem with imported components, despite the fact that about a dozen aircraft have already been produced. Algeria, in turn, decided to concentrate its financial funds on the modernization of the Su-30SM fighters already supplied from Russia. Rosoboronexport, Russia’s main arms exporter, declined to comment on Monday, but later Mehr News Agency reported that Russia is ready to sell Su-35 fighters to Iran. Tehran will sign a 20-year agreement on military-strategic cooperation with Russia next month, according to Mehr News Agency. The agreement will include the purchase of $10 billion worth of Russian weapons by Iran, including S-400, satellites, and ex-Egyptian Su-35 fighter jets. https://defence-blog.com/egypt-algeria-indonesia-reject-su-35-fighter-jet-deals-with-russia/

Defense News January 2022 Global Security army industry Posted On Friday, 14 January 2022 12:52 According to a Tweet published by "The Dead District" on January 13, 2022, two Hyundai Rotem K2NO Black Panther and two KMW Leopard 2A7NO Main Battle Tanks (MBTs) arrived in Rena ground in Østerdalen, Norway for winter trials in the framework of the future MBT for the Norwegian army. South Korean K2NO Black Panther on the left and Leopard 2A7NO on the right. (Picture source Twitter The Dead District ) Last week, Army Recognition has reported that the German-made Leopard 2A7NO Main Battle Tanks (MBTs), as well as the K2NO Black Panther, have arrived in Norway to conduct winter trial tests. In November 2020, Norwegian Minister of Defence Frank Bakke-Jensen has presented Norwegian defense plans for the acquisition of new MBTs for the Norwegian army. According to these plans, Norway intends to field the new tanks from 2025. Based on the 2018 Land Forces Study of the Norwegian Parliament, an evaluation was carried out into how protection and communication in particular can be brought up to modern standards meeting military requirements. Both MBTs, Leopard 2A7NO and K2NO Black Panther have been designed and improved with new armor package and self-protection systems according to specific requirements requested by the Norwegian Ministry of Defense. But, K2NO has an automatic loading system allowing to reduce them to three people, including a driver, commander and gunner, while the Leopard 2A7NO has a crew of four including a loader. Norway's current fleet of 52 Leopard 2A4 was acquired from the Netherlands in 2001 and have since been adapted to Norwegian army requirements that include, among other things, new radios, weapon racks and Battlefield Management Systems. According to the Military Balance 2021, Norway's army has a total of 36 Leopard 2A4 which are in operational conditions, and 16 more in store. Citing Norway MoD, the existing Leopard 2A4 main battle tanks are nearing the end of their technical and operational life. In order to maintain capacity until new tanks are delivered, procurement of critical components and spare parts will be carried out. Norway has decided to acquire a new main battle tank that can respond to new threats of the modern battlefield. The Leopard 2A7NO is an improved version of the German-made Leopard 2A7, which is a modernized version of the German-made Leopard 2A6 which is a further development of the Leopard 2A5 variant armed with the Rheinmetall 120 mm L/55 smoothbore gun. The main armament of the Leopard 2A7 includes one L/55 120mm Rh 120 smoothbore gun, one MG3A1 7.62x51mm caliber coaxial machine gun, and a 7.62 mm MG3 machine gun mounted on loader hatch located on the left side of the roof turret. Eight 76mm smoke grenade dischargers are mounted on each side of the turret. The Leopard 2A7 is motorized with an MTU MB 873 Ka-501 liquid-cooled V12 twin-turbo diesel engine developing 1,479 hp. at 2,600 rpm coupled to a Renk HSWL 354 transmission with four forward and two reverse gears, with a torque converter and is completely automatic, with the driver selecting the range. It can run at a maximum road speed of 70 km/h with a maximum cruising range of 450 km. South Korean-made K2NO Black Panther Main Battle Tank. (Picture source Twitter the Dead District) The K2NO is designed based on the South Korean K2 Black Panther MBT but fitted with a new turret which has been upgraded with new armor package and equipped with the Israeli-made with Trophy APS (Active Protection System) with radar antennas mounted on each side at the front of the turret, designed to prevent anti-tank missiles/projectiles from acquiring and/or destroying a target. The main armament of the K2NO Black Panther includes a CN08 120 mm 55 caliber smoothbore gun indigenously developed by Agency for Defense Development and Hyundai WIA. The 120mm gun can fire about 10 rounds per minute thanks to the use of an automatic loading system. The K2NO is motorized with an MTU MT-883 Ka-501 4-cycle, 12-cylinder water-cooled diesel engine developing 1,500 hp. coupled to an automatic transmission. The tank can reach a maximum road speed of 65 km/h and 50 km/h in off-road conditions with a maximum cruising range of 450 km. The suspension on each side consists of six dual rubber-tired road wheels, track-return rollers with the drive sprocket at the rear, and idler at the front. https://www.armyrecognition.com/defense_news_january_2022_global_security_army_industry/k2no_black_panther_and_leopard_2a7no_tanks_in_norway_ready_to_compete_for_new_mbt_of_norwegian_army.html

By Valerie Insinna on January 28, 2022 at 3:05 PM “While we don't believe that President Putin has made a final decision to use these forces against Ukraine, he clearly now has that capability," Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said. A Ukrainian sea border security force soldier mans the machine-gun of a vessel on the AzovSea. (Martyn Aim/Getty Images) WASHINGTON: Although Russian President Vladimir Putin’s intentions remain opaque, Russia has amassed enough troops, advanced weapon systems and materiel to mount a credible invasion of Ukraine, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said today. “While we don’t believe that President Putin has made a final decision to use these forces against Ukraine, he clearly now has that capability,” Austin said during a press briefing at the Pentagon. “There are multiple options available to him, including the seizure of cities and significant territories, also coercive acts or provocative political acts like the recognition of breakaway territories.” And while Austin demurred when asked whether Russia has gathered enough forces for a “full-scale invasion” that could cover major portions of Ukraine, Gen. Mark Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, acknowledged the possibility. RELATED: Russia’s defense industry might not survive an invasion of Ukraine Currently, Russia has gathered more than 100,000 troops on the Ukrainian border — including ground, naval and air forces, special operators and personnel trained in electronic warfare, cyber warfare, command and control, and logistics, said Milley said. “Given the type of forces that are arrayed, the ground maneuver forces, the artillery, the ballistic missiles, the air forces, all of it packaged together, if that was unleashed on Ukraine, it would be significant… and it would result in a significant amount of casualties,” Milley said. “And you can imagine what that might look like in dense urban areas, all along roads, and so on and so forth. It would be horrific.” During the press conference, Austin and Milley repeatedly articulated that conflict is not inevitable if Russia commits to pursuing a diplomatic solution. And while President Joe Biden has maintained that he will not deploy US combat troops to Ukraine — which is not a member of NATO — Austin said that if Putin does decide to invade Russia, the US military stands ready to reinforce its NATO allies. RELATED: What Russia might do in Ukraine: 5 scenarios “A move on Ukraine will accomplish the very thing Russia says it does not want: A NATO alliance strengthened and resolved on its western flank,” Austin said. Earlier this week, the Pentagon announced that 8,500 troops stateside have been placed on “heightened alert” and could deploy to Eastern Europe as part of the NATO Response Force. “If NATO activates its response forces, these troops will be ready to go,” Austin said. In addition, a “small contingent” of US military advisers and trainers are currently working in Ukraine, playing a “limited role” in the country assisting Ukrainian forces with tactics, training and procedures, Milley said. During an appearance at the Atlantic Council this morning, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said NATO members will periodically assess whether to deploy the response force, but refused to answer a question about what specific actions Russia would need to take in order to trigger its deployment. Stoltenberg said that NATO is ready to impose “severe consequences” if Russia chooses to engage in military action against Ukraine, with options including “heavy economic sanctions” and further military aid. But at multiple times during the discussion, Stoltenberg noted that Ukraine’s status as a partner to NATO is different than being a member of the alliance, and that a Russian invasion of Ukraine would not invoke Article 5 — the idea that an attack on one NATO member is treated as an attack against all. https://breakingdefense.com/2022/01/russia-has-what-it-needs-for-horrific-invasion-of-ukraine-dod-leaders-say/

By Colin Clark on January 28, 2022 at 9:08 AM Amidst incursions by China into Indonesia's Extended Economic Zone, Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto is looking for a major investment in military gear. The Boeing F-15EX is on Indonesia’s wish-list. (Boeing) SYDNEY: For the first time in decades, Indonesia appears ready to significantly improve its air and naval capabilities, with early commitments of spending $125 billion over the next 20-plus years. Defense minister Prabowo Subianto was quoted in an English-language website Jan. 27 saying that he has told Indonesia’s president that the country will have “up to 50 warships” in the next two years. Sadly, no details were available as to what kinds of “warships” he might have meant, whether frigates and destroyers or offshore patrol craft. It may, suggests one analyst who asked not to be identified, simply mean Indonesia’s navy will have 50 ships ready to go to sea at any one time. What seems clear is that the loss last year of one of Indonesia’s aging submarines, combined with China’s persistent and aggressive breaching of Indonesia’s Extended Economic Zone, seems to have provided the impetus to Prabowo and President Joko Widodo to push for serious budgetary commitments. The list of desired weapons includes several squadrons of French Rafale and Boeing’s F-15EX fighters. Prabowo has already signed deals for two British Arrowhead 140 frigates, to be built in Indonesia, and six Italian FREMM multi-role frigates, as well as two refurbished Italian Navy Maestrale-class light frigates. The initial commitment to the $125 billion was contained in a document, “Fulfilling the Defence and Security Equipment Needs of the Ministry of Defence and Indonesian Armed Forces (TNI) 2020-24,” released in June last year. “You’ve got a defense minister with a military background, and he’s been very active — particularly during the pandemic — making trips overseas, trying to shore up defense ties,” says Natalie Sambhi, an Australian expert on Indonesia’s national security, who is executive director of Verve Research, an independent research collective focused on security in Southeast Asia. “Yes, we can talk about his own political goals for that, but at the end of the day he has been very active in actually pushing forward this modernization program.” (Prabowo is widely assumed to be eyeing a run for president.) While recent incursions into Indonesia’s EEZ by Chinese vessels and others appear to give Prabowo’s defense buildup a chance of happening, significant systemic and political factors stand in the way. Perhaps the biggest obstacle to the deal over the long term is the simple fact that the army comprises the vast majority of Indonesia’s armed forces. And the army, say several experts on Indonesian security, is more interested in its relationship with the Indonesian people, upon whom it relies to provide defense in depth against an adversary, and on its own local weapons spending. The army’s dominance “tends to create some obstacles to meeting the higher-tech needs of the navy and air force,” notes Robert Cribb, a history professor at Australian National University. Couple that with a deep commitment by the army and the government over time towards prioritizing procurement of indigenous weapons, and there may be substantial obstacles to the plan in the long run. Sambhi and Cribb also point to a deep-seated belief by many Indonesians that, in Cribb’s words, “money spent on improving welfare is a better defense investment than hardware.” But counterbalancing those factors is the simple belief that letting other countries routinely pilfer its fisheries and otherwise infringe on its sovereignty just isn’t acceptable. “Indonesia knows it’s never going to have sufficient naval capabilities to repel the Chinese attacks effectively, but it has to do something,” Sambhi says. Both analysts agree the money won’t be part of the regular government budget, raising questions about where, exactly, it could come from. “The assurance is that it’s not going to compromise take away money that is supposed to go to health care and other socioeconomic spending,” says Collin Koh, a research fellow at the Institute of Defence and Strategic Studies at Singapore’s Nanyang Technological University. “They are faced with this conundrum that, on the one hand, after the sinking of the submarine, they’re expected to ramp up spending. But on the other hand, the public is always asking them about whether they have spent a bit too little on health care and other socioeconomic priorities.” The solution appears to be that Indonesia will rely on loans, with some of the money raised through the sale of domestic bonds. Koh expects some final decisions by Indonesia about just what to buy in the next two or three years. https://breakingdefense.com/2022/01/indonesia-wants-up-to-50-warships-in-next-two-years-as-part-of-125b-air-naval-splurge/

Weapons defence industry military technology UK Posted On Saturday, 29 January 2022 18:28 A picture is published on the Twitter account of Defense Decode® showing the TEL (Transporter Erector Launcher) vehicle of the Indian Advanced Air Defense (AAD) anti-ballistic missile system developed locally in collaboration with the Indian DRDO (Defense Research and Development Organization).A picture is published on the Twitter account of Defense Decode® showing the TEL (Transporter Erector Launcher) vehicle of the Indian Advanced Air Defense (AAD) anti-ballistic missile system developed locally in collaboration with the Indian DRDO (Defense Research and Development Organization). TEL Transporter Erector Launcher vehicle of Indian Advanced Air Defense anti-ballistic missile system. (Picture source Twitter account Defense Decode®) The Advanced Air Defense (AAD) is an anti-ballistic missile system designed to intercept incoming ballistic missiles in the endo-atmosphere at an altitude of 40 km. The TEL (Transporter Erector Launcher) vehicle is based on a Tatra truck chassis with three launcher container units each carrying one missile. In firing position, the containers are erected in a vertical position at the rear of the truck to launch the missile. The AAD is a single-stage solid rocket-propelled guided missile able to intercept aerial threats at a maximum range of 40 km. The missile has a length of 7.5 m, a diameter less than 0.5 m, and a weight of around 1.2 tons. In March 2017, Indian DRDO conducted the successful launch of the interceptor missile Advanced Area Defense (AAD) at 1015 hrs today from Abdul KalamIsland, Odisha. The endo-atmospheric missile, capable of intercepting incoming targets at an altitude of 15 to 25 km successfully destroyed the incoming missile. All the mission objectives were successfully met. On August 2, 2018, the Defense Research Development Organization (DRDO), the Indian Ministry of Defense’s (MoD) research and development wing, conducted another successful test of its indigenously designed and built AAD Advanced Air Defense interceptor missile from Abdul Kalam Island, home to the Indian military’s principle missile test facility, the Integrated Test Range, off the coast of Odisha in the Bay of Bengal. https://www.armyrecognition.com/weapons_defence_industry_military_technology_uk/tel_vehicle_of_indian_advanced_air_defense_aad_anti-ballistic_missile_system.html

Defense News February 2022 Global Security army industry Posted On Thursday, 03 February 2022 11:46 According to information released by the South Korean company Hanwha Defense on February 3, 2022, the Army Recognition editorial team presents all the artillery vehicles that Hanwha Defense will deliver to the Egyptian armed forces according to the contract signed with Egypt worth $1.7 billion including hundreds of K9A1 155mm Self-Propelled Howitzers, K10 ARV Ammunition Resupply Vehicles, and K11 Fire Direction Control Vehicles also based on the K9 tracked armored chassis. Hanwha Defense from South Korea will deliver K9A1 155mm Self-Propelled Howitzers, K10 ARV Ammunition Resupply Vehicles, and K11 Fire Direction Control Vehicles to Egypt armed forces. Under the contract, Hanwha Defense is scheduled to deliver the first batch of K9A1 EGYs before 2025, with the remainder to be produced at the state-run Military Factory 200 in Egypt through technology transfer. In addition, Hanwha Defense is committed to providing a variety of support programs, including user training and organizational/field/depot maintenance. The deal is the largest in scale over the export of the K9 artillery solution, which has already been adopted by eight countries around the globe. In particular, the latest K9 deal has marked the first export of a naval K9 variant, proving the tracked artillery's versatile operational capability. The Egyptian Navy had long sought to acquire the K9 as an anti-access/area denial weapon system, and the K9 successfully proved its access denial capability by hitting targets precisely at sea during tests and evaluations in 2017. Developed in 1998 by the state-run Agency for Defense Development (ADD) and Hanwha Defense, the K9 SPH is South Korea's flagship weapons system in a dominant position in the world's SPH (Self-Propelled Howitzer) market. Since 2001, the K9 solution has been adopted by seven nations _ Turkey, Poland, India, Finland, Norway, Estonia and Australia _ through different types of contracts, such as the delivery of finished products, tech transfer, local production, in a way to best meet the requirements of customer nations. The K9 is equipped with a 155mm/52-calibre gun designed to meet the tactical concept of "Shoot & Scoot." In layman's terms, Shoot & Scoot means a gun moves to a firing position, completes a mission and then leaves the position before an enemy can counter it. It has a maximum firing range of 40 kilometers fitted with an automatic fire control system, the howitzer can fire within 30 seconds from a stationary position and 60 seconds while on move, with a maximum rate of fire from six to eight rounds per minute. The K10 ARV Ammunition Resupply Vehicle is the world's first automated robotic ammunition carrier operational in conjunction with the K9. The vehicle carries a total of 104 rounds and possesses the same mobility as the K9. The K11 Fire Direction Control Vehicle is a new vehicle to be developed for the Egyptian military. Using the K9 chassis, the command-post vehicle will be equipped with a range of high-tech sensor and communication equipment in accordance with operational requirements of the Egyptian Army and Navy. https://www.armyrecognition.com/defense_news_february_2022_global_security_army_industry/hanwha_defense_from_south_korea_to_deliver_artillery_vehicles_k9a1_-_k10_-_k11_to_egypt.html

Defense News January 2022 Global Security army industry Posted On Friday, 28 January 2022 17:10 According to a Tweet published by Mike Mihajlovic on January 27, 2022, Dmitry Rogozin from the Russian state company Roscosmos has announced the development of a new type of ballistic missile based on the RSM-56 Bulava ICBM (InterContinental Ballistic Missile) that can be launched from the railway platforms.According to a Tweet published by Mike Mihajlovic on January 27, 2022, Dmitry Rogozin from the Russian state company Roscosmos has announced the development of a new type of ballistic missile based on the RSM-56 Bulava ICBM (InterContinental Ballistic Missile) that can be launched from the railway platforms. Russia announced the development of a new ballistic missile that can be launched from a railway platform. (Picture source Twitter account Mike Mihajlovic) During the Cold War, Russia has already developed a rail-based variant of the RT-23 Molodets, a cold-launched, three-stage, solid-fueled intercontinental ballistic missile. A rail-based missile could move around the rail network and thus be difficult to detect and track. The Soviet army deployed its first rail-portable long-range missile in 1987 and had 12 of them by 1991. Rail-mobile missiles were removed from service in 2002 and the last base dismantled in 2007 under the START II arms reduction treaty with the United States. As for the RT-23 Molodets railway version, the new ballistic missile can be stored in a standard train car towed by a locomotive. The train can move at a speed of 80 to 120 km to all the Russian rail networks. According to the drawing published on Internet, the whole system includes a locomotive, a command and control train car, one fuel tank train, and the launcher unit with the missile inside the train car. In February 2016, Army Recognition has reported that Russia had planned to receive a new generation of ICBM-(Intercontinental Ballistic Missile) launching trains called Barguzin that will be able to carry six RS-24 Yars ICBMs (InterContinental Ballistic Missiles). Citing information from the Twitter account of Mike Mihajlovic, the missile of the new railway launcher unit is based on the RSM-56 Bulava submarine-launched missile. The RSM-56 Bulava (NATO: SS-N-32) is an intercontinental-range, submarine-launched, solid propellant ballistic missile developed for the Russian Navy. The missile completed the first stage launch-tests at the end of 2004 and is now deployed in 2013 on the new Borei class of ballistic missile nuclear submarines. According to the technical information published on the drawing, the new ICBM railway missile is expected to carry 8 to 10 MIRV (Multiple Independent Reentry Vehicle) nuclear warheads and will be able to reach a target at a maximum distance of 8,000 km. https://www.armyrecognition.com/defense_news_january_2022_global_security_army_industry/russia_develops_new_type_of_railway-based_ballistic_missile_based_on_rsm-56_bulava_icbm.html

Defense News January 2022 Global Security army industry Posted On Friday, 28 January 2022 15:43 According to information released on January 28, 2022, German company Dynamit Nobel Defence (DND) receives an order to deliver RGW90 man-portable anti-tank weapon to the Belgian Armed Forces. The RGW90 is a man-portable anti-tank weapon. (Picture source DND) German company Dynamit Nobel Defence (DND) received an order from the Belgian Ministry of Defense (MoD) for several delivery batches of RGW90 HEAT/HESH shortly before the turn of the year. The contract, worth approximately EURO 19 million, also includes training ammunition for RGW90 sub-caliber trainer systems. The order was placed as a call-off of a recent NATO procurement authority’s framework contract between DND and NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA), and is intended to meet upcoming requirements of the Belgian Armed Forces on shoulder-launched multipurpose munitions. „Dynamit Nobel Defence is honored to have received this order and proud to remain a partner of the Belgian Armed Forces in the field of shoulder-fired munitions. The ordered RGW90 HEAT/HESH systems as well as the quantities of training ammunition for sub-caliber systems will contribute to keeping the infantry operational capability of our customer high for many years to come. The procurement route taken via NSPA is of course also open to other allied armed forces, which would thus like to exploit synergy effects of this form of procurement cooperation," according to the DND statement. The RGW90 (Recoilless Grenade Weapon) is a 90mm man-portable, anti-armor, multi-purpose weapon system manufactured by German company Dynamit Nobel Defence. The RGW90 HEAT/HESH is an anti-tank and multi-purpose version of the well-known and successful RGW90 series. The weapon can be used from confined spaces and is able to destroy a wide range of land targets as main battle tanks, light armored vehicles, fortified facilities, bunkers, wall structures, and fixed shelters. The HEAT version of the weapon is able to defeat 500mm RHA (rolled homogeneous armor) of combat vehicles. The RGW90 is a single-use weapon system consisting of a rocked stored in a tube launcher and a fire control system that includes an optical sighting system, night vision system, laser rangefinder, and ballistic computer. The anti-tank weapon has a weight of around 10 kg and has a firing range from 10 to 400 m. https://www.armyrecognition.com/defense_news_january_2022_global_security_army_industry/belgium_orders_rgw90_man-portable_anti-tank_weapons_from_german_company_dnd. html