07/12/2021 ARX 20, ARX 30, EDEX, Nexter By Paolo Valpolini EDR News The presence of a new product at Nexter’s booth at the EDEX exhibition was visible only on one of the walls, a poster showing what should soon become a new product, the ARX 30 medium-caliber remotely controlled weapon turret. “There was a logic in increasing the caliber of our RCWS, the only way to do it without moving to a much bigger category of systems being the adoption of the 30×113 mm caliber which has a shorter effective range compared to the 25 mm but ensures a much higher terminal effect, allowing the use of proximity fuses, which are a must when we think in terms of anti-drone capabilities,” Olivier Lequeux, Nexter Turrets Marketing Director, tells EDR On-Line, underlining that Nexter is not thinking much in terms of commercial drones but rather at small-size military drones and loitering munitions, exploiting lessons learned from Dombass and Nagorno-Karabakh. Many of the building blocks were already in house when the programme was launched. The main one is certainly the 30M781 cannon, which equips Airbus’ Tiger combat helicopter. “On board that helicopter the cannon is powered with a 110V/400 Hz, so the main difference is that for the land application we adopted a 24V DC power supply,” Olivier Lequeux explains. Although the recoil force is higher compared to that of the 20 mm cannon, 650 daN versus 250 daN, strengthening the ARX 20 mounting frame proved to be sufficient. As the weight is not very dissimilar, actuators remained the same. Leveraging the work done on previous systems allowed Nexter to carry out a rapid development programme, “the system has already fired successfully, but it is not yet qualified,” the company Turret Marketing Director underlines. In terms of weight the ARX 20 is rated at 250-350 kg, depending on protection level and number of rounds, the ARX 30 adding only 50 extra kilograms to those figures. On the ARX 20 the ammo magazine can contain between 100 and 200 rounds, a minimum of 100 being also the possible choice for the 30 mm system, the maximum number of rounds will probably be slightly lower. Elaborating a bit more on the anti drone mission seen from Nexters offices in Satory, Olivier Lequeux explains that the company is considering the anti-drone market, with very short distance effectors and sensors, such as short-range radars in the GHz bands, acoustic systems, these having an even shorter detection range but being capable of high discrimination, while a secondary soft-kill effector, such as an electromagnetic cannon might also be a choice. This might well lead to a common turret capable of accepting different types of cannon in different calibers. The idea is to have a production line capable to produce a mount that is customized with only a few dedicated sub components, the most critical one being probably the sighting system, as ranges and external ballistics are pretty different between the possible cannons. It is safe to say that at Eurosatory 2022 the area hosting company turrets might well show some interesting novelty that might give customers an additional option for fighting back drones compared to the Rapid Fire, the system developed in cooperation with Thales, armed with the CTAI 40 mm telescoped case gun. https://www.edrmagazine.eu/edex-a-first-hint-of-the-future-arx-30-turret-from-nexter

By Aaron Mehta and Justin Katz on November 18, 2021 at 3:56 PM Freedom-class littoral combat ships like the USS Detroit will be unable to operate at high speeds for the foreseeable future WASHINGTON: The US Navy has completed a repair design for an issue that left its Freedom-class Littoral Combat Ship designs unable to sail at maximum speed, but getting the fix out to the fleet will take significant time — and a still unknown amount of money. Rear Adm. Casey Moton, the head of program executive office for unmanned and small combatants, told reporters today that negotiations over costs with prime contractor Lockheed Martin are still ongoing, while declining to give a sense of how much the fix is going to cost taxpayers. However, he said that due to the structure of the original contract, a cost share of 50/50 seems likely. “We will give cost information as soon as we’re able,” Moton said, “but obviously, we’ve got to, just like any contract negotiation, we’ve got to keep that close until we come through that process.” The issues with the Navy’s Freedom-class LCS combining gear first arose late last year on the Detroit (LCS 7) in October 2020. The combining gear connects the ship’s diesel engines to gas turbines that produce additional power; while the issue is in place, the ships had to be held back from engaging in maximum power. Per Moton, figuring out the repair was a huge undertaking, as it required going deep into the ship’s systems. “I want to be clear that the gear issue itself was, from my standpoint as the ship owner, was unacceptable,” said Moton. “And the fact that we have any ships that we’ve had to put operating guidance out to the fleet that impacts how they’re able to operate, the fact that the ships have had this risk has been unacceptable. So, it’s caused an impact on operations, there’s no doubt about that.” The first ship to receive the full fix was the Minneapolis-Saint Paul (LCS 21). (Not coincidentally, the Navy announced during the call that the service had accepted the new ship at Fincantieri Marinette Marine’s Wisconsin shipyard.) It took around six months for the fix to be worked out for that ship, with another four to five months expected for the work now underway on the Cooperstown (LCS 23), Moton said. The hope, he said, is that each subsequent fix happens quickly. Ships still in the production phase that will need the new fix added include the LCS 25, 27 and 29. The LCS 31 is far enough in the future that the design fix will be incorporated into the production from the start. Along those same lines, because the Multi-Mission Surface Combatant, an LCS-derivative purchased by Saudi Arabia, is still in the early stages of production, it will have the fix built in and will not need any new repairs, Moton said. While the Navy was able to freeze deliveries on new vessels, the open question that remains is how long it will take to repair the rest of the in-service fleet and budgeting in the necessary funding to make that happen. “Specific plans for incorporating the fix for in-service ships are under Navy assessment,” Moton said. “Until that fix is accomplished, measures remain in effect, as we’ve said before, for the Freedom-variant ships, to allow continued operations while mitigating the risk of combining gear failures of the current design. “Part of our strategy was to do new construction ships first, so that we can be confident we had the technical fix correctly designed before we began implementing it on the insertions,” he later added. Ironically, the issue may not impact operations greatly because of how slowly the Navy has deployed LCS. “In practical terms, the delay has almost zero impact because the LCS has, for the most part, not been deployed,” said Bryan Clark, an analyst at the Hudson Institute, told Breaking Defense earlier this year. https://breakingdefense.com/2021/11/navy-finds-fix-for-unacceptable-lcs-issue-taxpayers-likely-to-cover-half-of-costs/

Posted On Wednesday, 01 December 2021 18:42 The German company Diehl Defence participated in the second edition of EDEX 2021, the Egypt defense exhibition, and showcases IRIS-T air-to-air missile on this occasion. IRIS-T air-to-air missile at the bottom (Picture source: Army Recognition) The IRIS-T guided missile was developed as aircraft armament for air-to-air missions within a European cooperation program. The combination of thrust vector and aerodynamic control provides the missile with extremely high agility. An additional technological leap was achieved with the imaging IR seeker head in conjunction with intelligent image processing. Target designation is accomplished by airborne radar or via the pilot's helmet sight. IRIS-T´s outstanding features even permit engaging targets behind the aircraft as well as interception of opponents' missiles. In addition to the consortium partners Germany (pilot nation), Greece, Italy, Norway, Sweden, and Spain, further countries worldwide decided to procure IRIS-T. It was selected as a standard weapon for the Eurofighter, F-16, EF-18, Tornado and Gripen fighter aircraft. Besides its role as aircraft armament, IRIS-T is currently also employed as a surface-launched guided missile, e.g. in the ground-based air defence system IRIS-T SLS for object and short-range protection. Moreover, the Norwegian Air Force for the first time demonstrated IRIS-T`s capability of also engaging sea targets in a test firing in 2016. Diehl Defence is a prime contractor in the IRIS-T program, producing the missile since 2005 in cooperation with industrial partners from six European program nations. https://armyrecognition.com/edex_2021_news_official_show_daily/diehl_defence_showcases_iris-t_air-to-air_missile_at_edex.html

By Dylan Malyasov - Nov 27, 2021 Russia’s Military Industrial Company (VPK) has unveiled an improved version of its new K-17 Bumerang armored personnel carrier during Deputy Minister of Defense of the Russian Federation Alexey Krivoruchko’s visit to the company facility. Alexey Krivoruchko on Thursday reviewed the production of armored vehicles at the Arzamas machine-building plant of the Military Industrial Company, where, in particular, he got acquainted with the progress of work on the latest armored vehicles on the Boomerang platform. A new version of the K-17 Bumerang armored personnel carrier with additional armour elements was displayed publicly for the first time. K-17 Bumerang is reported to be a replacement for the iconic Soviet BTR-80. The new vehicle is equipped with 12.7 mm machine gun. According to the head of the 154th military representative office, Lieutenant Colonel Yuri Chikin, state trials of the Boomerang armored vehicles are planned to begin in the spring of 2022. This new armored personnel carrier has a crew of 3, including commander, gunner and driver. It can carry 9 soldiers. Vehicle has a welded hull and turret. Its armor is modular, so protection level can be tailored to suit mission requirements. So far its protection level is classified. However, it seems that all-round protection with maximum armor is against 12.7-mm armor-piercing round. Vehicle has a V-shaped hull that deflects mine blasts away. As usually this vehicle is fitted with NBC protection and automatic fire suppression systems. It has been reported that the Bumerang can be fitted with active protection system. https://defence-blog.com/russia-unveils-improved-version-of-its-new-armored-personnel-carrier/

The UAE’s plans to buy the F-35 now seem rocky, with the Emirates threatening to pull out of the agreement. By Valerie Insinna and Riad Kahwaji F-35A Two weeks ago, the Iranians claimed that an Iranian air defense test on in the Natanz area near one of their centrifuges complex caused a large explosion heard in a vast area. But since the official announcement, Middle Eastern and Gulf media outlets have claimed that unmanned aerial vehicles penetrated Iran’s airspace, and were not shot down by air defense systems. According to the Kuwaiti newspaper Al-Qabas, more than five reconnaissance UAVs penetrated Iranian airspace, and the Iranian missile system “Bavar 373” and the Russian S-300 air defense systems failed to shoot them down. While Israel has not claimed responsibility, the assumption in regional defense circles is that Jerusalem was behind the flights, perhaps as a test of Iran’s air defenses. https://breakingdefense.com/2021/12/amid-iran-concerns-us-wont-help-israel-speed-up-tanker-buy-sources/

Defense Aviation News November 2021 aerospace air force industry Posted On Wednesday, 03 November 2021 15:47 Unmanned helicopters of the Technodinamika holding, which have no analogues in Russia, were used for the first time to simulate an air raid of a simulated enemy during the Russian-Serbian exercises Slavic Shield-2021. The drones served as targets for the Pantsir-S anti-aircraft missile and gun systems. The use of air targets - helicopter simulators in the exercises“Slavic Shield-2021”performed, in fact, two tasks. On the one hand, VM-V allowed the participants in the exercises to work out practical actions to detect and eliminate a simulated air enemy, on the other hand, the functionality and tactical and technical characteristics of the unmanned aerial vehicle were tested in the mountainous terrain where the exercises took place (Picture source: Russian MoD) Aerial target - helicopter simulator (VM-V) is part of a complex with unmanned aerial vehicles - a simulator of air targets, developed and created at TsNTU Dinamika. An unmanned helicopter is capable of staying in the air for at least 2 hours, reaching a maximum altitude of 2.5 km. The maximum range of its radio communication is 100 km. VM-V is intended for use as a target - a target simulator when creating a target environment using target equipment during testing. The first batch of multifunctional unmanned aerial complexes of the helicopter type was transferred to the Armed Forces of the Aerospace Forces at the end of 2020. “The use of air targets” - helicopter simulators in the exercises “Slavic Shield-2021”performed, in fact two tasks. On the one hand, VM-V allowed the participants in the exercises to work out practical actions to detect and eliminate a simulated air enemy, on the other hand, the functionality and tactical and technical characteristics of the unmanned aerial vehicle were tested in the mountainous terrain where the exercises took place. The specialists of TsNTU Dinamika have collected valuable material on the flights of an unmanned helicopter from a high-altitude airfield, which will definitely be used in further work, "said Igor Nasenkov, General Director of the Tekhnodinamika holding. The joint exercises took place on the territory of the Serbian Batajnica airbase in the suburbs of Belgrade. They were attended by units of the Russian Aerospace Forces, the Air Force and the Air Defense Forces of Serbia. As part of the exercises, a Russian-Serbian mixed air defense group was on alert for the air defense of Belgrade, the Batainitsa airbase and the central industrial region of Serbia. The subunits of the joint air defense grouping in a difficult jamming environment successfully repelled a massive air strike of a simulated enemy, destroying all air targets with training launches of anti-aircraft missile systems. https://airrecognition.com/index.php/news/defense-aviation-news/2021/november/7823-russia-uses-technodinamika-unmanned-helicopters-to-simulate-air-targets-during-slavic-shield-2021.html

04/11/2021concept ship - By Paolo Valpolini A double innovation was visible in the Navantia stand at FEINDEF, in the form of a model of what might be defined as a “concept ship” paraphrasing the “concept car” definition used in the automotive world. Twice innovative, because the model itself was produced using a 3D printer, the Spanish shipyard aiming at developing that technology in order to allow ships to produce spares on board when needed, reducing the logistic footprint. Back to the model of what is known as SMART 4000, the number being the approximate displacement of what is the first of a series of designs that will range from smaller platforms of around 2,000-2,500 tonnes, up to 8,000-10,000 tonnes vessels. “This is our vision of what might be a future surface combatant vessel in 10-15 years time,” Juan Antonio Clemente Fernández tells EDR On-Line; he is part of the Engineering Digital Transformation, Ship Concept Design Office within the Digital Transformation and Technology Directorate. “This model is that of an escort vessel that will be fitted with a hybrid diesel-electric propulsion, although we are also looking at different kind of propulsion, that will have a maximum speed of around 25 knots,” he adds. The model shows the adoption of Voith Linear Jets (VLJ); this solution has a number of advantages according to its manufacturer, among which the limited number of moving parts, which makes the system robust and easy to maintain, while the nozzle and rotor profile, which are specially adapted to the ship, generate extremely low noise and vibration emissions, Mr. Clememte adding that they are also suited for electric propulsion. Alternatively pod propulsion might be adopted, should maneuverability becomes a priority, and the current design being fitted anyway a double bow thruster. All electric propulsion is being considered for different types of mission profiles, mostly those at low speed, while to reach full speed hybrid propulsion will be used. Key design parameters were stealthness, which as far as radar cross section is concerned is ensured by the shape of the unit, and the capacity to deploy unmanned systems operating in the air, on the surface and underwater, which will extend the reach of the ship itself in terms of sensors and effectors. “All the rear of the ship is dedicated to this multi-mission role,” Mr. Clemente explains. What should be a flight deck is occupied by two containers, one possibly containing UAVs while the second might host additional missile launchers, a ramp for a tactical UAV being also visible. A huge hatch on the starboard side will allow to launch Unmanned Surface Vehicles, while according to Mr. Clemente a further opening, located under the waterline, will be used to deploy unmanned underwater vehicles. The center of the ship hosts the operational heart of the vessel, the combat information center and other operational rooms being in and under the superstructure, Navantia aiming at integrating information as much as possible. Currently the estimated complement of the SMART 4000 is of around 70 people; “however we are studying where functions can be replaced by autonomous systems working under human supervision, which can be developed thanks to the most recent technologies, and this should allow us to further reduce the number of people on board”, the Navantia representative says. The superstructure is fitted with flat panel AESA antennas, the aim being to have only a few non flat-panel antennas on board, among them some for electronic warfare systems installed on the ship mast. Moving towards the bow, the section ahead of the superstructure host the berthing and living areas, the ship weaponry being located forward of the crew accommodations. A 76 mm gun is located at the extremity of the ship which length is around 120 meters, while just before it we find four 16-cell vertical launch systems, “however we should not forget that those are complemented by the effectors carried by unmanned systems,” Mr. Clemente underlines. The hull shape was designed by Navantia hydrodynamic engineers with speed as a priority, and features a wave-piercing bow. “We will certainly build a ship that will be used as a technology demonstrator,” Juan Antonio Clemente concludes, “however there is not yet a fixed timeline for this, although we might assume that it should become reality in a 5-10 years time-frame.” https://www.edrmagazine.eu/smart-4000-navantia-looks-at-the-future

17/11/2020 Croatia, Romania Future Artillery - By Paolo Valpolini Among recent NATO members, Romania and Croatia are both working on improving the indirect fire capabilities of their respective armies. While Romania faces directly one of current potential peer adversaries, Croatia is nevertheless involved in the same geographical area. At Future Artillery Online, organized by Defence HQ representatives of both countries presented the roadmap that will allow both nations land fires to make a significant jump ahead. Indirect Fires upgrade: the Romanian way The future perspectives of the Romanian Land Forces artillery were illustrated by Lieutenant Colonel Sandel Badea, Commanding Officer 285th Field Artillery Battalion. His battalion is part of the 282nd Armoured Brigade, one of the combat elements of the 2nd Infantry Division, which fields three other brigades, each one with its direct support artillery battalion, an artillery regiment with one mortar and one artillery battalion providing the divisional indirect fire support. The other major Romanian Land Forces element, the 4th Infantry Division, follows the same scheme. A rocket launcher brigade, with three fires battalions and an ISTAR battalion, constitutes the long-range arm of the Romanian artillery. The latter inventory is currently based on Russian equipment modified and produced in Romania, such as towed howitzers in 152 and 122 mm caliber and LAROM rocket launchers. With 649 km of borders with Ukraine Romania is definitely close to one of the current hot areas of the world, thus it does not come as a surprise if LTC Badea starts with a brief summary of the situation. “Russia has improved quality, quantity and capability of its armed forces to close the gap with NATO. It developed advanced capabilities in terms of space, cyberspace and across the electromagnetic spectrum, in order to restrict NATO freedom of movement and operation. Russia recently deployed A2/AD capabilities such as long-range precision air defence systems, fighters and bombers, littoral anti-ship and antisubmarine capabilities, medium-range mobile missile systems, new classes of quieter submarines equipped with long-range land attack missiles, counter-space and cyberspace assets, electronic warfare systems and weapons of mass destruction assets in Kaliningrad, in the Black Sea and partly in Syria, modifying the military environment. These can target a large part of Europe to influence, deter and deny NATO’s potential operations in the high-North, Baltic, Black Sea and East Mediterranean regions,” he states, adding that this led Romania to review its defence budget, prioritizing the acquisition of weapon systems in order to confront the dangerously evolving Russian A2/AD assets in the Black Sea area. In particular he underlines the increased range of multiple rocket launchers, which reach now distances once reserved to short-range ballistic missiles. “Given that trend, current Romanian land-based assets fall considerably behind. Additionally, the ISTAR capability could also lack the range required to find hostile long range heavy multiple rocket launchers,” he adds. In August 2017 the US State Department announced a possible Foreign Military Sales to Romania of 54 HIMARS (High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems) launchers, 81 GMLRS (Guided Multiple Launch Rocket Systems) M31A1 munitions and the same number of GMLRS M30A1 Alternative Warhead munitions, 54 ATACMS (Army Tactical Missile Systems), 24 AFATDS (Advanced Field Artillery Tactical Data Systems) plus vehicles and spares. “The total cost of that programme is around 1.5 billion US dollar,” LTC Badea says, explaining how this will affect the Romanian Army artillery units. “The 8th LAROM rocket launchers Artillery Brigade will gradually be transformed into a HIMARS Brigade maintaining its subordination to the Land Forces headquarters. Following HIMARS reception, LAROM battalions will be handed over to the artillery regiments belonging to the two infantry divisions, enhancing their indirect fire capability.” The first 18 HIMARS battalion set was due to be delivered by late 2020. The LAROM weapon system, which is being upgraded, is currently the newest and more capable fire support element of the Romanian Land Forces, and can use both 122 mm GRAD and 160 mm LAR Mk IV rockets, the latter reaching up to 45 km. Romania also plans to modernize its tube artillery, switching to NATO calibers, 105 and 155 mm, and to provide maneuver battalions with 120 mm self-propelled mortars in place of the towed mortars currently in use, however no programmes seem to be yet underway. All this should be complemented by the acquisition of artillery radars, forward observer equipment and UAVs, to be fully integrated with the new firing assets thanks to the adoption of a digitized fire support command and control system. A balance is being sought between the urgency of upgrading weapon systems and sensors, and that of helping the country economy, developing national solutions. “We want to continue relying on our national industry, and in some areas we are seeing an increased level of investment in modern technologies,” LTC Badea says, pointing out that all future C2 systems will have to be ASCA (Artillery Systems Cooperation Activities) compatible. NATO compatibility remains a prime concern, and to this end Romanian representatives are present in Working Groups at all levels and in international meetings. Multinational training is the other key issue. Romanian fires are declared to NATO as part of the Multinational Corps South-East, the Multinational Division South-East and the Multinational Brigade South-East, the latter a Romanian framework unit. These are periodically evaluated by NATO teams, while Romanian artillery officers and NCOs acquired a considerable experience thanks to their participation in Allied exercises, which led NATO to ask Romania personnel for the training mission in Afghanistan. The Croatian modernization plan Although with no close borders with one of the potential peer adversaries, Croatia shares with Romania the shift from Eastern weapon systems to NATO ones. It is not the case of the speaker as Lieutenant Colonel Drazen Music is already working with a NATO caliber system, being the Commander of the only Croatian PzH 2000 Battalion, part of the Artillery Rocket Regiment. Nowadays Croatian Land Forces artillery systems are subdivided into three main units, the Artillery Rocket Regiment directly attached to the Land Forces HQ and one artillery battalion each for the Armoured Mechanized Guard Brigade and the Mechanized Guard Brigade. The Artillery Rocket Regiment includes the 155 mm PzH 2000 battalion, as well as a rocket launcher battalion equipped with the BM-21 GRAD and the M-92 Vulkan, both using 122 mm rockets. The Armoured Mechanized Brigade artillery deploys BM-21 GRAD rocket launchers, 2S1 Gvodzika 122 mm self-propelled howitzers and D-30 122 mm towed howitzers. The Mechanized Brigade artillery battalion fields the BM-21s and the D-30s. “Looking at the future, the Croatian Land Forces artillery will focus on range and on platforms with precision guided ammunition. We already have a platform which reaches up to 40 km, the PzH 2000, and our intent is to increase our operational range up to 300 km with the adoption of new systems, such as the MLRS,” LTC Music says. “Within the NSPA (NATO Support and Procurement Agency) we find the Smart Defence Initiative, Land Battle Decisive Munition and we are part of it,” he explains, adding that the goal of Croatian Land Forces is to buy ammunition together with other nations, the technical study on this issue being already underway. Croatia also intends to rationalize rocket fires to improve their range. The Vulkan and GRAD fire control system is being modernized in order to improve effectiveness and speed, reaching a range of 21 km. The aim is to provide all legacy systems with the new FCS to improve accuracy and speed of action. Aiming at joining the ASCA group as sponsored nation, Croatia is working at a joint fire control system concept that will integrate all armed forces fire support systems. Although not strictly part of the artillery, LTC Music points out that the Croatian Land Forces intend to provide their mechanized units with self-propelled 120 mm mortar systems, however budget limitations might delay that decision. Integrating its forces in the NATO context is a constant concern, thus Croatian personnel is taking part in NATO exercises to improve its skills. “We are sending our officers and NCOs on courses such as JFO (Joint Fires Observer) and JTAC (Joint Terminal Attack Controller). We are planning to send our Joint Fires Support Teams, Joint Fires Support Coordination Teams and Joint Fires Coordination Groups at all levels of maneuver units to train abroad, in order to prepare them for operating within large formations such as multinational divisions,” Music says. Beside the participation as observers in many exercises Croatian units have already been deployed into multinational formations: “In the last three years one of our Vulkan 122 mm rocket-launcher batteries has been part of the Enhanced Forward Presence Battle group Poland. This allowed us to integrate at multinational level, with major benefits in many areas such as artillery procedures, logistic issuers, such as field maintenance, supply and transport, and with the participation in a number of multinational live fire exercises,” LTC Music concludes. Photos courtesy DVIDS and USAREUR https://www.edrmagazine.eu/romanian-and-croatian-fires-evolution

By Joseph Trevithick November 17, 2021 Otto Aviation-Celera 500L Otto Aviation says it has finished the first phase of testing its potentially revolutionary high-efficiency Celera 500L aircraft, which the company officially unveiled last year. The prototype has now flown approximately 51 flight hours across 55 individual sorties, including at speeds over 250 miles per hour and at altitudes up to 15,000 feet, the company said in a press release today. The War Zone was the first to report on the existence of this plane, with its distinctive tear-drop shape and pusher-propeller configuration, after a picture of it at the Southern California Logistics Airport near Victorville, California emerged in 2017. We have been tracking its development very closely since then. The announcement, which appears to be the first official statement from Otto Aviation on the Celera 500L to date, has coincided with the launch of a new website promoting the aircraft. The press release did not provide specific details about the aircraft's first flight or when it occurred, but says it has flown 31 times in total, so far. Link for the whole article: https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/43185/the-potentially-game-changing-celera-500l-has-finished-its-first-round-of-flight-tests

Italy's budget has been in flux for years, with Army modernization being delayed. A trio of vehicles may be ready to turn that tide. By Tim Fish on November 24, 2021 at 7:32 AM The Centauro II antitank system is one of three major modernization efforts by Italy’s Army. AUCKLAND: Over the past decade, modernization efforts of the Italian Armed Forces have been stymied by ongoing financial uncertainty in the country, even as leadership has espoused the need to transition to Great Power Competition. In particular, Italy’s Army has struggled to make progress on a number of digitally capable fourth and fifth generation vehicles. Now, however, there may be optimism because the service is at something of an inflection point, with decisions that will define the Army for the next 20 years coming due. Pierluigi Barberini, Defense and Security Analyst at Italian defense think tank Centro Studi Internazionali (CeSI), told Breaking Defense that over the past decade, the Italian Army has received the least funds for procurement compared to the navy or air force. “This of course, has an impact in terms of the capabilities that the army can deliver,” he said. “[The Army] are not completely cancelling programs, but they are delaying almost all the programs. This includes new programs and the upgrades of old systems.” This was visible in procurement plans set out in the Documento Programmatico Pluriennale (DPP) multi-year defense planning document for 2021-23, released in August. The DPP is providing some €73.2 billion ($86.2 billion) over the next three years for overall defense — but the 2021 budget is €24.5 billion, a reduction of 15% on 2020. This will not improve in 2022 with the budget expected to remain static at about €25.1 billion before dropping to €23.4 billion in 2023. Although these figures are higher than expected it will still see Italian defense spending falling from about 1.4% of GDP to about 1.23% by 2023 moving further away from the 2% that European NATO countries agreed to aim for at the 2014 NATO summit. The Army is set to receive about €3 billion per year, but consistent low spending levels means that future plans for new fleets of Infantry Fighting Vehicles (IFV), a Medium Multi-Purpose Tactical Vehicle (VTMM), a Light Multirole Tactical Vehicle (VTLM), an amphibious armored vehicle (VBA) and a new special forces tactical vehicle wont be available until close to the end of the decade. While Barberini sees delays for armored modernization, he also sees progress on three key priorities: the delivery of new and upgraded 8×8 VBM (Veicolo Blindato Medio Freccia) armored fighting vehicles, increase buys of the 8×8 Centauro II mobile gun system, and an upgrade to its Ariete Main Battle Tank (MBT). All three are projects from Italian firm CIO, the only true domestic armored vehicle production company. Barberini said that because the changing strategic context and efforts by the Minister of Defense, Lorenzo Guerini, to introduce more financial stability in defense with longer-term funding allocations for equipment procurement he is “a little bit optimistic” that there could be “small positive trends” in the funding of Army modernization programs. He added that the DPP was an “important step” for the Army towards securing a “higher and more stable allocation of resources over the medium to long term” that can finance new programs, modernization programs and the acquisition of new systems and new capabilities. But overall, Barberini believes that Italian politicians are “starting to understand” the international context is changing, and the security challenges Italy faces means there is a need for investment in defense. Assuming there is stable funding in the future Barberini said that while “some delays will occur in the long term, I expect these programs to be completed.” So, what programs are likely to see movement soon? Three stand out. 1. VBM armored fighting vehicle: An upgrade program shifting the existing fleet of VBMs Combat IFV to a new mid life upgrade, standard, also known as VBM Combat PLUS configuration, is expected to begin shortly. Upgrades cover nearly everything: the engine, suspension, wheels, parts of the electrical system, firefighting system, optronic, radios, internal communications and turret electronics. The VBM is getting a midlife upgrade. (CIO) tested within a three-year time frame. A spokesperson from CIO, a joint venture between Iveco and Oto Melara, which manufactures the VBM, told Breaking Defense that a dedicated contract with the Italian Ministry of Defense would be signed “within a few months.” Following this, the new items in the equipment package for the VBM PLUS will be designed and Meanwhile CIO is working with the Italian Army to provide a Command Post version of the VBM for its 1st and 2nd Brigades and a Mortar Carrier version for its 2nd Brigade. This is where the delays show: although the 1st Brigade contracts were signed in Dec. 2007, only 229 of the 249 vehicles have been delivered. The 2nd Brigade deal, signed in 2014, has yet to deliver a single unit. it is expected that there will be about 20 Command Post variants and 10 Mortar Carrier along with a first tranche of at least 100 Combat PLUS vehicles — now expected sometime in the 2030-2032 range — that will contribute to a total of over 300 vehicles. The VBM Combat PLUS program appears to have replaced an earlier Evolved, or EVO, project for an advanced IFV with improved mine and IED protection and increased firepower by virtue of a 30mm gun in an unmanned turret. The CIO spokesperson said that EVO was cancelled due to “financial restraints” and an Army “procurement priority shift.” The spokesperson added that as a result the PLUS variant “will not represent a tech ‘jump’ but an upgrade” to the current vehicle fleet to “overcome incoming shortfalls of spare parts procurement and broadly in maintenance/services.” 2. Centauro II antitank vehicle:It is expected that options for a further ten Centauro II (3.0 configuration) tank destroyer vehicles will be exercised by the MoD to add to the 86 already ordered at the end of 2020. Production of these vehicles has already started at CIO, and will be delivered from 2024-30. Centauro 2 is a N.G Anti tank Vehicle Overall, the Army plans to buy 150 Centauro II vehicles, including a first tranche of 10 configuration 2.0 variants, the second tranche of the 86 already ordered plus ten new 3.0 variants under contract, and a third tranche of 44 vehicles – also in 3.0 configuration – that CIO expects to be ordered in the coming years. Delivery of the tranche one 2.0 vehicles started in February and will be completed next year. The CIO spokesperson said that the 2.0 variant is a technology and operational “jump” compared to the earlier Centauro I vehicles and the 3.0 includes a further development of the weapon system. 3. Ariete Main Battle Tank: Work on a mid life upgrade for the Ariete is underway, with prototype vehicles due to be tested by the Italian Army and complete delivery in 2023. “We are now conducting subsystems development, such as: engine upgrade to state-of-the art technology with significant increase in performance,” the spokesperson said. The Ariete replaced the ageing fleet of M60A1 tanks in service with Italian Army About 125 Ariete MBTs will receive modernized optical systems, radios and navigation equipment. Furthermore the tanks’ propulsion and breaking systems, final reduction gears, suspension, fuel system, crawlers, and waste water system will also receive an upgrade. The spokesperson said that the upgrades would keep the MBT fleet operational until 2040, depending on future decisions about a new IFV and MBT. The MoD has allocated €262 million under the DPP, which is not enough for all 125 MBTs, so further funding is expected. Or, Barbineri suggests, “Maybe some of them will not be upgraded.” https://breakingdefense.com/2021/11/italys-army-modernization-finally-seeing-movement-after-years-of-delays/

Posted On Tuesday, 30 November 2021 20:47 Temsah 4 armored vehicle at EDEX 21, Cairo (Picture source: Army Recognition) KADER factory for developed industries, a member of the Arab Organization for Industrialization (AOI), unveils Temsah 4 4×4 armored vehicle during EDEX 2021, the Egypt defense exhibition that was held in Cairo from 29 November to 2 December 2021. The original Temsah, the name translates as "crocodile" in Arabic, is a 4×4 Mine-Resistant Ambush-Protected (MRAP) vehicle with a GVW (gross vehicle weight) of 13.3 tonnes including a 2,200kg payload. Designed produced by the Kader Factory for Developed Industries in Cairo, part of the Egyptian Ministry of Defence Industrial Engineering Complex, it can transport six dismounts in addition to a crew of two. Powered by a 230hp turbo-diesel engine, the vehicle is said to have a top speed of 80km/hr (50mph) when fully loaded and a range of 600km (375 miles). The Temsah is designed primarily to be used by the military for convoy protection, border patrol, counterinsurgency, troop transportation, medical evacuation, and command control vehicle. https://armyrecognition.com/edex_2021_news_official_show_daily/egyptian_ministry_of_defense_unveils_temsah_4_armored_vehicle.html

10/25/2021 Rheinmetall Defence Australia Lynx KF41 Rheinmetall, the largest supplier of military vehicles to the Australian Defence Force has submitted the Lynx Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV) best and final offer for the Australian Department of Defence Land 400 Phase 3 Mounted Close Combat Capability tender. Rheinmetall is one of two competing companies involved in the tender for this procurement project. Rheinmetall has developed the Lynx with a growth path to meet continually evolving military needs throughout its anticipated 40 year life. Submitting the best and final offer represents the final deliverable of the two years Risk Management Activity (RMA) undertaken by the Department of Defence. Involving 12 months of rigorous testing by Army, Rheinmetall has been impressed with the professional and flexible approach taken by Defence in response to COVID. Rheinmetall Defence Australia Managing Director, Gary Stewart said, “The Lynx is a next generation tracked, digitized and highly protected Infantry Fighting Vehicle and offers a step-change in Army’s capabilities. Lynx sets the new standard and offers unmatched levels of survivability, mobility, lethality, knowledge and growth. Importantly, Lynx is ready to protect Australians in the field and defeat any adversary. Lynx is fitted with the Rheinmetall Lance turret for precise and lethal effects and offers an integrated battle management system. Designed for close combat operations, the extensive family of Lynx vehicles is modular. Lynx can be easily configured and reconfigured, to all 10 roles required by the Army.” Australian Lynx KF41 Infantry Fighting Vehicle The fact that Army and Defense’s Capability Acquisition and Sustainment Group have completed perhaps the most comprehensive testing in the world of these IFVs is outstanding. The testing and associated working group discussions have mitigated a number of risks, confirmed vehicle and company performance, and improved the access for more Australian companies to be involved in this program. The company’s offer also included a “special project” that was sure to pique the interest of not only the Australian Defence Force, but international export markets as well. Incorporating a great deal of engineering design and innovation. Rheinmetall demonstrated commitment to Australian Industry Capability (AIC) through the Land 121 and Land 400 Phase 2 programs will continue to expand for the Lynx program. The Australian Army will benefit from the Lynx IFV that will be designed, built and supported from Rheinmetall Military Vehicle Center of Excellence, with an expanded Australia-wide military vehicle industry network. In addition to the engineering of the system design Rheinmetall undertook in Australia with our key Australian partners, we are continuing to identify more Australian companies to supply technologies into Lynx, as part of ongoing ‘design to manufacture in Australia’ activities. Rheinmetall have well in excess of 100 small to medium enterprises that are manufacturing parts for Lynx, thereby providing employment and economic growth opportunities across regional and capital cities in Australia. Rheinmetall bid will see the Lynx sustained and enhanced locally throughout its service life, building on Rheinmetall existing employment base which supports hundreds of high-technology design and manufacturing jobs in fields as diverse as electro-optics, weapon systems, vehicle and turret manufacturing, armour systems and simulation. The Lynx’s Lance turret; already in manufacture for the Australian Boxer CRV program and an export customer, provides high degrees of commonality and interoperability for the soldier. Allowing rapid transition across platforms, a common L turret would simplify Army’s training system and reduce in-service support costs, providing the customer with tangible benefits from day one. Manufactured at Rheinmetall Military Vehicle Center of Excellence (MILVEHCOE) in Redback, Queensland, the company will provide whole of fleet management, training and through-life support of Lynx. https://militaryleak.com/2021/10/25/rheinmetall-submits-lynx-kf41-ifv-best-and-final-offer-for-land-400-phase-3-to-australian-department-of-defence/