April 2020 News Defense Global Security army industry Posted On Tuesday, 21 April 2020 16:52 Hunter Armoured Fighting Vehicle (AFV) at Singapore Air-Show. (Picture source Army Recognition) ST Engineering Group’s Land Systems secured a Phase 2 contract for the production and supply of the Hunter Armoured Fighting Vehicle (AFV) from the Singapore Ministry of Defence. Under the contract, ST Engineering will also provide integrated logistics support which includes spares, training and documentation. The Hunter is a tracked armored fighting vehicle jointly designed and developed by the Defence Science and Technology Agency (DSTA) in collaboration with ST Engineering and Singapore Army. The Hunter tracked AFV (Armored Fighting Vehicle) was commissioned by the Singapore Army in June 2019. The Hunter tracked AFV (Armored Fighting Vehicle) makes its first public appearance in August 2019 during the National Day military parade in Singapore. The Hunter AFV is the first fully digitized armored vehicle, it integrates combat cockpit featuring an array of multi-function displays that supports each crew member in the task of command and control, gunnery and vehicle maneuver. These display features include video and data inputs from the driving cameras, Commander’s and Gunner’s sight, all-round surveillance sensors, system data from platform sensors and the Integrated Battlefield Management System (iBMS). The Hunter AFV is fitted with the Samson 30 Integrated Remote Controlled Weapon Station (RCWS) armed with one Orbital ATK 30mm Mk44 Bushmaster II automatic cannon and one coaxial 7.62mm machine gun. The RCWS is configured with an Anti-Tank Guided Missile (ATGM) launcher Spike that is retractable under armored protection and smoke grenade launchers on either side of the gun mantled. The Hunter tracked AFV is operated by a crew of three comprising a driver seated on the front left, while the gunner and vehicle commander are seated side-by-side immediately behind the power-pack. Up to eight fully equipped infantrymen can be transported in the rear troop compartment. The Hunter AFV hull is based on all-welded steel armor that can be fitted with an appliqué layer of passive armor to increase protection against ballistic and mine threats. The vehicle is based on a modular design offering the possibility to remove and replaced the armor package according to new threats and customers' requirements. https://www.armyrecognition.com/april_2020_news_defense_global_security_army_industry/phase_2_contract_for_st_engineering_of_singapore_to_produce_hunter_tracked_armored_fighting_vehicle.html

Posted On Wednesday, 01 December 2021 20:54 V-BAT 128 VTOL unmanned aircraft (Picture source: Army Recognition) The V-Bat is a vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) designed and developed by the American company Martin UAV. This type of UAV can be used to conduct a wide range of military missions such as aerial patrol, search and detection of targets, surveillance, shipboard operation, aerial mapping, urban monitoring, autonomous delivery, and placement of payloads. The V-BAT Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) is designed to operate from very small spaces on ships, land, and nearly any environment. The V-BAT is a long-endurance aircraft capable of carrying multiple sensors, including land and maritime wide-area surveillance. The V-Bat VTOL aerial system design features fixed wings and a slender fuselage. It is powered by a 157 cc, two-stroke engine, which generates an output power of 13 hp. The drone can fly at a maximum speed of 90 knots and offers a range of 300 nautical miles. It can operate at an altitude of 15,000 feet and in wind speeds up to 25 knots. It can perform continuous operations for up to eight hours at a speed of 40 knots. https://armyrecognition.com/edex_2021_news_official_show_daily/martin_uav_unveils_v-bat_128_vtol_unmanned_aircraft.html

By Colton Jones Dec 1, 2021 Swedish aerospace and defense company Saab has announced last week that it has entered a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Nammo and Nordic Shelter to support the ongoing GLSDB (Ground-Launched Small Diameter Bomb) campaign. The new agreement was announced during a signing 23 November 2021 in Oslo, Norway. Nammo will contribute with its expertise in rocket motor development and production as part of the GLSDB propulsion sub-system. Nordic Shelter brings the knowledge and experience needed for the development and production of a modular GLSDB launcher, based on a purpose built 20-foot ISO-container. “With Nammo and Nordic Shelter as part of the team, we have two great Norwegian companies who can benefit from future export prospects, while lending their expertise to make GLSDB an even more compelling solution. The range of the system, its 360˚ coverage and precision, with the ability to use a discrete launcher configuration makes GLSDB unique amongst artillery systems,” says Görgen Johansson, Head of Saab’s business area Dynamics. GLSDB is a long range, precision artillery system developed by Saab and Boeing. The system is based on Boeing’s air-launched Small Diameter Bomb, which has been in production since 2006, with more than 30 000 units shipped. GLSDB enables Small Diameter Bomb to be ground-launched from a wide variety of launchers and configurations. https://defence-blog.com/saab-expands-cooperation-within-new-generation-of-smart-munitions-campaign/

By Dylan Malyasov Nov 23, 2021 GBU-53/B StormBreaker Raytheon, one of the world’s largest defense contractors, has confirmed that it begin integrating and formally testing its GBU-53/B StormBreaker glide bomb on the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter. According to a recent company news release, the first-ever StormBreaker munition drop test from an F-35 was conducted in late 2021 to test the communication link between the weapon and a secondary aircraft. StormBreaker features a revolutionary tri-mode seeker that uses imaging infrared and millimeter wave radar in its normal mode. The weapon can also deploy its semi-active laser or GPS guidance to hit targets. As noted by the company, StormBreaker smart weapon gives operators an upper hand in combat by hitting moving targets in some of the worst weather conditions. The winged munition autonomously detects and classifies moving targets in poor visibility situations caused by darkness, bad weather, smoke or dust kicked up by helicopters. Poor weather and battlefield obscurants continue to endanger war-fighters as adversaries rely on these conditions to escape attacks. This has established the requirement for an all-weather solution that enhances war-fighters’ capabilities when visibility is limited. https://defence-blog.com/raytheon-integrates-its-next-gen-smart-munition-on-f-35/

Defense News December 2021 Global Security army industry Posted On Friday, 03 December 2021 15:33 Pantsir S-1 firing its 30mm cannons at Army-2018 (Picture source: Army Recognition Serbia will buy new Russian-made Pantsyr anti-aircraft missile/gun systems, Serbian Interior Minister Aleksandar Vulin announced on December 2, 2021. "We have received the Kornets [anti-tank missile systems]. We have received tanks, armored personnel carriers and are purchasing new Pantsyrs," Vulin said during talks with Russian Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu. The Serbian interior minister conveyed "his personal regards and big gratitude from Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic" to the Russian defense minister "for all these years of the joint struggle and the development of relations." "All that we have agreed upon with you is being implemented," Vulin said, addressing Shoigu. The Serbian interior minister called the Russian defense chief his personal friend and a friend of Serbia. "My dear friend, it is a great honor and pleasure for me that in my new capacity I have the honor and pleasure to see you and talk with you. I consider you as a friend of Serbia and, as I like saying in Western media outlets, as my friend. This makes them very angry but this makes me feel very much pleased," Vulin said. https://www.armyrecognition.com/defense_news_december_2021_global_security_army_industry/serbia_to_buy_russian_new_pantsyr_air_defense_systems.html

Defense Aviation News December 2021 aerospace air force industry Posted On Friday, 03 December 2021 10:42 In the presence of the President of the French Republic, Emmanuel Macron, and Sheikh Mohammed ben Zayed Al Nahyane, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Vice-Commander of the Armed Forces of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Eric Trappier, Chairman and CEO of Dassault Aviation, signed a historical contract with Tareq Abdul Raheem Al Hosani, CEO of Tawazun Economic Council, in charge of security and defense acquisitions, for the acquisition of 80 Rafale F4 for the United Arab Emirates Air Force & Air Defence (UAE AF & AD). The Rafale F4, for which the Emirates Air Force will be the first user outside France, will provide the Emirates armed forces with a tool capable of guaranteeing sovereignty and operational independence (Picture source: Ministère des Armées) The Rafale F4, for which the Emirates Air Force will be the first user outside France, will provide the Emirates armed forces with a tool capable of guaranteeing sovereignty and operational independence. This contract is the result of total mobilization by Dassault Aviation alongside the Emirates Air Force and comes on the back of a more than 45-year long relationship of trust between the United Arab Emirates and our company, built on the Mirage family of fighter aircraft, notably the Mirage 2000-9, the modernization of which began two years ago. Eric Trappier, Chairman and CEO of Dassault Aviation, said: “The sale of 80 Rafale to the UAE Federation is a French success story: I am very proud and very happy as a result. I wish to thank the authorities of the Emirates for their renewed confidence in our aircraft. After the Mirage 5 and Mirage 2000, this Rafale contract consolidates the strategic relationship that binds our two countries and the satisfaction of the Emirates Air Force, a long-standing and demanding partner of our company. I wish to underline the quality and effectiveness of the relationship between the French authorities and industry, which contributed to this success by team France. This contract is excellent news for France and for its aeronautical industry, for the entire ecosystem of 400 companies, both large and small, which contribute to the Rafale: this represents thousands of guaranteed jobs in our sector for the coming decade. This contract, which is the largest ever obtained by the French combat aeronautics industry, consolidates a national industrial base, which is without doubt unique in Europe, comprising as it does major groups and SME/SMIs, around a company which has been the prime contractor for all the generations of military and civil aircraft for the past 70 years. The success of the Rafale with our armed forces and its sale to the UAE Federation, as well as its export to five other countries who are already customers, clearly shows that French combat aviation is an internationally recognized center of excellence on the national industrial landscape.” https://airrecognition.com/index.php/news/defense-aviation-news/2021/december/7932-uae-and-france-sign-deal-for-80-rafale-f4-fighter-jets.html

Posted On Friday, 03 December 2021 00:14 The High-Precision Weapons Holding (part of Rostec State Corporation) has adapted the Kornet EM anti-tank missile system to any type of chassis. This has been revealed by Sergey Mikhailov, Deputy CEO of the High-Precision Weapons Holding -HPWH (part of Rostec State Corporation), at the international defense exhibition EDEX-2021. Kornet-EM anti-tank missile (Picture source: Army Recognition) 4X4 Gaz Tiger with 8 ATGM Kornet The basic modification of Kornet-EM is mounted on two telescopic poles with four missiles on each, noted the Deputy CEO of High Precision Weapons. According to him, automated launcher version of Kornet-EM is distinguished by its high accuracy. The 9M133M Kornet-M (also known by the export designation 9M133 Kornet-EM) Russian anti-tank guided missile (ATGM) is an improved version of the 9M133 Kornet ATGM, with increased range and an improved warhead. The Kornet EM anti-tank missile system is designed to counter tanks and other armored targets, including those equipped with modern explosive reactive armor. The missile is guided by a laser beam. The maximum firing range of Kornet-EM has been increased to 8 km, compared to 5.5 km for previous versions. https://armyrecognition.com/edex_2021_news_official_show_daily/hpwh_from_rosoboronexport_adapted_the_kornet_complex_to_any_carrier.html

Defense News December 2021 Global Security army industry Posted On Thursday, 02 December 2021 22:34 According to information published by RBSL on November 2, 2021, The UK MoD’s (Ministry of Defense) Defence, Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) initiated the study to explore new approaches to UGVs as part of its wider Mounted Combat Systems research project. The RBSL-led consortium, together with Dstl, are working on concept development, analysis and technology risk reduction. The team’s primary goal has been to enable the development of a more robust, agile and efficient platform that can operate at high tempo and within the decision cycle of opposing forces. The vehicle should also include an amphibious capability that enhances its mobility and effectiveness across a range of terrains. The study also aims to demonstrate how UGV capabilities can be integrated with other crewed platforms in maneuver warfare, providing an insight into what the British Army’s future force may look like. RBSL and its partners are developing solutions in two phases, the first using currently available or mature technologies, and the second using technologies that are likely to be available in 10+ years. The consortium is focusing on medium-weight platforms (c. 2-5 tonnes), which ensures the UGVs can carry a range of critical payloads for re-supply, casualty evacuation, reconnaissance, weapons platforms, decoys and communication. The program is sustaining highly-skilled roles within the consortium and creating potential export opportunities for the UK. It is also providing opportunities to use new technologies to integrate into UK defence capabilities, leading to significant operational advantage. The next step for the programme is an evaluation phase where the concepts will be bench-marked against current UGVs. The team will then launch an experiment to test the concepts’ operational capabilities in a synthetic environment noting that, where weapon systems are involved, targets are never engaged autonomously; there is always a human in the loop. This study is the latest in a series of UK UGV programs that RBSL and its parent company, Rheinmetall, have supported. Rheinmetall has supplied a total of eight Mission Master UGVs, including cargo and fire support variants, to the British Army under the Robotic Platoon Vehicle (RPV) programme. The RPV program is an additional opportunity to test how unmanned vehicles can boost the firepower and capabilities of dismounted combat troops at platoon level which will further support Dstl’s research. Nice picture of the UGV can be seen in the link below https://www.armyrecognition.com/defense_news_december_2021_global_security_army_industry/rbsl-ed_consortium_delivers_new_concept_of_ugv_combat_capabilities_for_british_army.html

Posted On Wednesday, 01 December 2021 15:05 Al Jasoor "Rabdan" IFV, fitted with a Russian-made BMP-3 turret. The vehicle was unveiled during the live demonstration of IDEX 2019, the defense exhibition held in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, on February 17, 2019 (Picture source: Army Recognition) The Rabdan 8x8 Armoured Fighting Vehicle is an advanced, mission-ready vehicle system built for a range of objectives and terrain styles. It is available in a number of configurations, with a maximum capacity of 11 front line troops. Highly mobile on land and water, it has a top speed of over 100km/h. Rabdan can be equipped with different armour protection and high-caliber turret-based weapon systems (up to 105mm cannon). It also offers Level-4 ballistic and mine protection and is fully certified to international standards. As a next-generation amphibious vehicle, Rabdan comes with a modular, multi-wheeled structure for both tactical and technical advantages. Its integrated suite of military-grade support services makes it a complete unit. The Rabdan 8x8 IFV is a new generation, modular platform with a flexible structure that enables the configuration of a variety of armament options. The interoperability design considerations facilitate an easy integration of Manned Turrets or Remote Weapon Systems onto the vehicle platform. https://www.armyrecognition.com/edex_2021_news_official_show_daily/al_jasoor_from_edge_group_presents_the_rabdan_8x8_at_edex_2021.html

Posted On Wednesday, 01 December 2021 11:43 NIMR, an EDGE Group company from UAE, showcases the JAIS MRAP (Mine Resistant Ambush Protected) vehicle in its 6x6 variant at EDEX 2021, the Egypt Defense Expo held in Cairo from November 29 to December 3. Side view of JAIS 6x6(Picture source: EDGE) The JAIS Family of Vehicles brings together forty years of experience in protected mobility. It offers survivability and tactical mobility in a rare balance that, together with significant internal volume and payload, enables multi-role application and allows multiple customization options. The cross-over nature of this family of vehicles makes it the ideal choice for deployment in the volatile and unpredictable modern combat theatre. The highly modular JAIS provides modern suspension and powertrain, high power-to-weight ratio and excellent situational awareness. The JAIS 6×6 has a length of 6.85m, width of 2.75m, height of 2.65m and a wheelbase of 3.1m. Its gross weight and payload capacity are 27t and 5.2t respectively. The vehicle can complement a crew of 11. The JAIS 6x6 configuration incorporates significant internal volume, with a payload capacity of 7,500 kg. The vehicle is designed for multi-role applications and multiple configurations. The vehicle can be fitted with a multitude of weapon systems and mission equipment. The JAIS 6x6 is motorized with a 600 hp Caterpillar diesel engine coupled to a six-speed automatic transmission generating a maximum torque of 1,900 Nm. It can reach 105 km/h, with a maximum cruising range of 700 km. Standard equipment of JAIS 4x4 and 6x6 MRAPs includes a power management system, run-flat tires system, and a central tire inflation system. In option, both vehicles can be fitted with a range of onboard military equipment including Battlefield Management System (BMS), C4I (command, control, communications, computers, and intelligence) System, night/day vision, SAS (Situational Awareness System), and a display monitor. The increased payload of the 6x6 version provides a platform to which a multitude of weapons, mission equipment and enhanced protection systems can be added without sacrificing the vehicle mobility performance. The JAIS 6x6 is an ideal platform to compliment the 4x4 version and allowing users to meet a diverse range of requirements. https://www.armyrecognition.com/edex_2021_news_official_show_daily/nimr_from_edge_group_displays_jais_6x6_mrap_vehicle_at_edex_2021.html

Defense News December 2021 Global Security army industry Posted On Friday, 03 December 2021 09:40 'Terminator' tank support fighting vehicle (Picture source: Russian Defense Ministry's Press Office) "In compliance with a decision by the defense minister and an instruction by the chief of the General Staff, the first regular company of nine tank support fighting vehicles in the Russian Armed Forces was introduced into the table of organization and equipment of a tank regiment of the military district’s armored division," the commander said. The new combat vehicles will be engaged in large-scale drills in June next year, he added. "I am deeply convinced that this materiel will successfully accomplish combat tasks in combined arms warfare and in compliance with modern requirements as the most effective weapon both to support tanks and address a broad range of missions in the mountains and in populated localities," the general said. ‘Terminator’ tank support combat vehicles arrived for the Urals Tank Division in December last year for operational evaluation and for the personnel to learn to operate the new armor. The trials crowned with success and Russia’s top brass made a decision to set up a regular company of ‘Terminator’ tank support fighting vehicles. The ‘Terminator’ is a multi-purpose heavily armored and armed tracked fire support fighting vehicle that features powerful armament, advanced fire control instruments and high maneuverability. The ‘Terminator’ is capable of striking light armored targets, tanks and infantry fighting vehicles operate jointly with battlefield air defense systems to fight enemy helicopters and low-flying low-speed aircraft. https://www.armyrecognition.com/defense_news_december_2021_global_security_army_industry/first_unit_of_terminator_combat_vehicles_enters_service_with_urals_armored_division.html

A one year delay for the MQ-25 program is certain to have repercussions for the Navy's ongoing strike fighter shortfall. By Justin Katz on November 29, 2021 at 4:53 PM MQ-25 Stingray prototype T1 refuels an F/A-18F Super Hornet in mid-air for the first time. (Photo courtesy of US Navy) WASHINGTON: A congressional budget cut from House lawmakers is threatening to delay the Navy’s plans to award an initial contract for the MQ-25 Stingray for a year, could mean operational squadrons won’t reach the fleet by a 2026 target, and will incur millions in extra costs over the life of the program, the Navy says. The service warned House and Senate appropriators about the impending delays in a budgetary appeal document, obtained by Breaking Defense. The document outlines dozens of programmatic cuts made by lawmakers in their versions of the fiscal 2022 defense spending bill as well as Navy arguments to change course. For the MQ-25, the Navy’s unmanned aerial tanker, the House Appropriations Committee recommended slicing off $47.5 million in advance procurement for long lead items that the president’s budget is seeking. The Senate Appropriations Committee recommended funding the program as requested. “The proposed reduction will cause a one year delay to MQ-25A LRIP [low-rate initial production] contract award and directly result in the Navy not being able to stand up fleet squadrons to support FY26 operational deployments per the Navy’s Master Aviation Plan,” according to the document. An LRIP contract is an important milestone for any major acquisition program, providing the green light for the prime contractor to begin mass manufacturing of a vehicle or product. Navy spokeswoman Jamie Cosgrove told Breaking Defense even if the cuts survive Congress, it would not effect the program’s FY25 initial operational capability goal. The MQ-25, being developed by Boeing, is designed to relieve the F/A-18 Super Hornet fleet from the aerial refueling mission, and by extension free up some of the service’s strike fighters for other tasks. For several years now, the Navy has grappled with ways to simultaneously increase the number of Super Hornets available for operations and reduce the numbers needed for refueling. The service’s time estimates for fixing the strike fighter shortage have fluctuated. Former Navy acquisition executive Hondo Geurts once told lawmakers it may take until 2029, while Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Michael Gilday earlier this year claimed it would be as soon as 2025. Since the contract award to Boeing in 2018, Navy leadership, including then-Chief of Naval Operations Adm. John Richardson, has stressed the need to bring MQ-25 to the fleet as quickly as possible. But the Navy is warning lawmakers that cutting funding now may result in a much steeper price to pay later. “Additionally, the program will incur a $250-300M increase over the MQ-25A life of production due to the one-year delay, increasing risk to the supply base, re-qualification of components and subsystems, obsolescence, and potential redesign,” according to the Navy appeal document. The Boeing MQ-25 test plane, dubbed T1, has been at the center of the service and company’s early testing and development plans. The Navy in its appeal states T1 thus far has completed refueling demonstrations with an F/A-18, E-2D and F-35C. Further, the service is currently planning to bring T1 onboard the aircraft carrier George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) in December 2021, according to the document. That will be a critical test for the program because it will be the climax of Navy efforts to outfit its carriers with the necessary equipment to operate MQ-25 and other unmanned platforms. https://breakingdefense.com/2021/11/navy-warns-house-cut-could-delay-mq-25-contract-squadron-deployment/