News Aviation By Dylan Malyasov - Apr 20, 2022News Aviation Russian troops appear to use its helicopter-type unmanned aerial systems in an effort to draw out Ukrainian air defenses. Ukrainian troops claimed Wednesday that they shot down a Russian heavy rotary-wing drone by the British-made Starstreak missile system. Photos of the wreckage of this unmanned aerial system were blasted across social media. The footage showed that the drone was completely disintegrated but it is possible to identify the rotor and tail boom as well as the label that matches the Russian drone target developed by the JSC CSTS Dinamika, part of Technodinamika Group. The system with an unmanned aerial vehicle (target drones) is designed to simulate low-speed drones and helicopters when testing prototype and modernized weapons. It includes a helicopter-type unmanned aerial vehicle with a take-off weight of over 315 kg, a ground control station, ground support facilities for the complex, and other equipment. According to developers, the UAV complex simulates the behavior of air targets, allowing you to test new weapons in conditions as close as possible to combat. Apparently, the Russian military is now using these systems to identify the positions of the Ukrainian air defense forces. https://defence-blog.com/russia-uses-unmanned-helicopters-to-draw-out-ukrainian-air-defenses/

Ukraine - Russia Invasion conflict war Posted On Saturday, 19 March 2022 18:46 According to a video published on the YouTube account of the Russian MoD (Ministry of Defense) on March 16, 2022, Russia has used Kronshtadt Orion also called Inokhodets, unmanned aerial vehicles armed with guided missiles to destroy fortifications and armored vehicles of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Orion drone also called Inokhodets armed with guided missile used to destroy military targets in Ukraine. (Picture source Screen Shot Video footage Russian MoD) In December 2021, it was reported that Russia has successfully conducted the launch of a new air-launched version of the 9M113 Kornet Anti-Tank Guided from Orion Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) over the Ukraine border. During the test, the Orion has launched a guided missile to destroy a drone with a rotary-wing. Citing a Russian source, the drone is able to detect another target at a range of 96 km and can fire at a range of 4 km from the target. The 9M133 Kornet, NATO reporting name AT-14 Spriggan, is the second generation of Russian-made man-portable anti-tank guided missile. It has an operational firing range from 100 to 5,500 m. The missile is designed to defeat armored vehicles and tanks fitted with explosive reactive armor (ERA). The Orion drone has been developed by the Kronstadt Group of Russia. Its first flight was conducted in 2016 and in 2020 it was formally inducted into the Russian Army. Russia has so far manufactured 30 units of it. According to Russian media reports, the Orion drone can reach a top speed of up to 200 km/h. It has a maximum takeoff weight of 1,000 kg and a payload of 200 kg. It has a range of 250 km and can be operated up to a maximum altitude of 8,000 m. The Orion UAV is fitted with radar mounted at the rear. It also has an electro-optical, laser target finder, and infrared camera. With all these payloads, the drone is able to destroy ground targets using guided missiles. https://www.armyrecognition.com/ukraine_-_russia_invasion_conflict_war/russia_uses_kronshtadt_orion_inokhodets_drone_in_ukraine_armed_with_guided_missile.html

By Valerie Insinna on June 01, 2022 at 3:09 PM President Joe Biden first announced the transfer, writing that the system “will enable [Ukrainian forces] to more precisely strike key targets on the battlefield in Ukraine.” HIMARS are an advanced long-range and mobile rocket system that allow Marines 2d MARDIV to employ precision fires onto a target. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Pfc.Sarah Pysher) WASHINGTON: Ukraine will get four long-range multiple rocket launch systems as part of the United States’ latest $700 million security package to the embattled nation, the Pentagon’s top policy official announced today, a subtle shift in US posture that comes as fighting rages in Ukraine’s east. The four High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems — abbreviated HIMARS — are already pre-positioned in Europe, said Undersecretary of Defense for Policy Colin Kahl during a briefing with reporters. After a three-week training period where Ukrainian forces learn to use and maintain HIMARS, the systems will be transferred into Ukraine. However, use of the HIMARS systems come with an important caveat: Ukraine will only receive rockets able to traverse around 70 kilometers, and Ukrainian officials have promised to not use the system to strike targets within Russian territory, Kahl said. “We had a back and forth with [Ukrainian officials] on this,” Kahl acknowledged. However, the US government ultimately assessed that HIMARS with medium-range rockets would be able to “service any target that they needed precisely. … We don’t assess that they need systems that range out hundreds and hundreds of kilometers for the current fight.” Although the Lockheed Martin-made HIMARS has been at the top of the Ukrainian military’s wish list for weeks — as Ukraine clamors for long-range fires that can help fend off Russian forces trying to claim territory in Ukraine’s Donbas region — the United States initially held off on providing the system, wary of an escalation that would draw the war beyond Ukraine’s borders. Asked why US officials had decided to supply HIMARS to Ukraine at this particular moment, Kahl replied that when fighting shifted to the Donbas, the first step was to move the Ukrainian military away from Soviet artillery and teach them to use US-made howitzers that have already been provided. Now, it can move on to training the Ukrainians on the more advanced HIMARS system. “We’re not seeing the Ukrainian defenses buckle. They’re hanging on,” he said. “But it is a grinding fight. And we believe that these additional capabilities will arrive in a time-frame that’s relevant and allow the Ukrainians to very precisely target the types of things they need for the current fight.” The mobile, truck-mounted HIMARS system is capable of launching up to six rockets at a time to strike targets up to 300 kilometers away, when its longest range projectiles are used, according to Lockheed’s website. However, Kahl noted that the rockets slated to be given to Ukraine, which reach about 70 kilometers, will still more than double the range of its artillery, as current howitzers top out at about 30 kilometers. President Joe Biden appeared to reference the US decision to send HIMARS systems to Ukraine in an op-ed for The New York Times published on Tuesday night, writing that the US would “provide the Ukrainians with more advanced rocket systems and munitions that will enable them to more precisely strike key targets on the battlefield in Ukraine.” In the op-ed, Biden said the US did not seek a wider war with Russia, and it was not “encouraging or enabling Ukraine to strike beyond its borders. We do not want to prolong the war just to inflict pain on Russia.” The United States has provided about $5.3 billion in security assistance to Ukraine since the start of the Biden administration, with total of $4.6 billion given since Russia invaded the country on Feb. 24. In addition to the HIMARS system, the latest arms package includes: Five counter-artillery radars Two air surveillance radars 1,000 Javelins and 50 Command Launch Units 6,000 anti-armor weapons 15,000 155mm artillery rounds Four Mi-17 helicopters 15 tactical vehicles Spare parts and equipment Notably, Kahl declined to provide specifics on how many rockets for the HIMARS systems would be included in the latest tranche of weapons, but added that the US could surge additional systems and munitions as needed. Another important point: It’s unclear what — if any — repercussions Ukraine could face if it violates its agreement with the US and uses HIMARS to strike targets in Russian territory. “We trust the Ukrainians will live up to those assurances,” Kahl said. https://breakingdefense.com/2022/06/us-to-provide-4-himars-systems-to-ukraine-in-latest-700m-arms-package/

Valerie Insinna on June 01, 2022 at 4:11 PM Lockheed Martin Skunk Works concept art of a sixth-generation fighter. (Lockheed Martin) WASHINGTON: The Air Force’s sixth generation fighter has officially entered development, the Air Force’s top official confirmed today. “We have now started an [Engineering, Manufacturing and Development] program to do the development aircraft that we’ll take into production,” Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall said during an event at the Heritage Foundation. “We think we’ll have the capability by the end of the decade.” Due to the classified nature of the design effort, Kendall provided few details about the manned sixth-generation fighter that is set to be the centerpiece of the Air Force’s so-called Next Generation Air Dominance family of systems, which will also feature new weapons, sensors and a variety of drones that will tag team with the new fighter. The Air Force first flew a prototype version of the NGAD fighter 2020, but officials at the time declined to disclose information about the plane or its manufacturer. “What we did was an experimental prototype,” Kendall said. “We basically had an X plane program which was designed to reduce the risk of some of the key technologies that we would need for a production program.” Moving to the EMD stage more than likely means that the Air Force has coalesced around a single fighter design made by a single prime contractor, said Richard Aboulafia, an aerospace analyst with Aerodynamic Advisory. While Lockheed Martin, Boeing and Northrop Grumman are all possible contenders to build the NGAD fighter, Northrop’s current workload producing the B-21 bomber makes it an unlikely choice to develop an advanced fighter, Aboulafia said. Far more likely, he said, is that Lockheed is leading the program, having already shepherded the stealthy F-22 and F-35 fighters from development through production. However, Boeing could emerge as the dark horse developer of the NGAD fighter, Aboulafia acknowledged. “There were rumors that Boeing was not out of it. And the rebuttal to that rumor is that they can prototype, but can they really build a clean sheet combat aircraft?” he said. “If it’s Boeing, it implies that they’ve achieved a miracle. That’s why I’d probably go with Lockheed Martin.” Each of the companies has previously denied commenting on any involvement in the NGAD program. Although little information about NGAD has been released to the public, Air Force senior leaders have recently tossed a handful of breadcrumbs to hungry aviation weeks. In April, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. CQ Brown told reporters that the NGAD fighter’s flight control software had been decoupled from its mission system software — a feature that could allow it to be more easily upgraded with new technologies. Later that month, Kendall told lawmakers that the NGAD fighter would cost “multiple hundreds of millions of dollars” per plane and would be accompanied by drones and other systems that are “not as expensive and give overall mission capability.” That means the cost of NGAD could dwarf that of the F-22 Raptor, which had a unit cost of about $143 million per plane, according to the Air Force. Still, many mysteries about the NGAD fighter persist. The Air Force has yet to describe how many NGAD fighters it plans to buy to replace the 183 F-22 Raptors currently in operation, making it unclear whether NGAD will be “the next big aircraft program” or a “boutique production program” in line with the Digital Century Series acquisition strategy proposed by former acquisition executive Will Roper, Aboulafia said. However, the service could face an unwinnable scenario if Congress puts pressure on the program due to high unit costs, ultimately forcing it to buy too few fighters, which would then be expensive and difficult to maintain, he added. “The complication there is that [Kendall] may need a full production program, but cost [per unit] might get in the way,” Aboulafia said. Another big question raised by Kendall’s acknowledgement that development has started: What companies will be responsible for the engines, mission systems, sensors, weapons and other equipment inside the plane? “The biggest implication for me if you’re bringing it to EMD is that it’s missionized,” Aboulafia said. “It’s not just a prototype [air vehicle].” That means that some integration work has likely already taken place, and an expensive new air superiority jet would likely have a huge list of suppliers, he said. https://breakingdefense.com/2022/06/the-air-forces-secret-next-gen-fighter-has-reached-development-phase/

By-Peter Suciu Published- May 11, 2022 NLAW anti-tank missile. Following a visit by President Joe Biden to its facility in Alabama last week, Lockheed Martin Corp announced that it has plans to nearly double production of the Javelin missile. This anti-tank weapon has aided Ukraine in its fight against Russia. The defense contractor said it will boost output to 4,000 units per year, up from the 2,100 that are currently produced yearly. The increase will take a couple of years, however. It will be crucial to replenish supplies of the weapons, as the United States has seen its stockpiles depleted. The FGM-148 Javelin Advanced Anti-Tank Weapon System-Medium (AAWS-M) is considered to be among the world’s best shoulder-fired anti-tank weapons. It is currently operated by a dozen nations. Each missile weighs 11.8kg while its command launch unit (CLU) and round weigh 6.5kg and 15.9kg respectively. The man-portable launcher fires a 127mm (5-inch) round that is equipped with an 8.4kg (19 pounds) tandem-charge HEAT (high-explosive anti-tank) warhead. It is equipped with optical sight and thermal imaging. The Javelin is actually not the only anti-tank weapon employed by the Ukrainian military. In fact, the joint British-Swedish developed Next Generation Light Anti-tank Weapon (NLAW) – also known as the MBT LAW or RB 57 – has been even more widely deployed. It is guided by predicted line-of-sight (PLOS), and can be used to carry out an overfly top attack (OTA) on an armored vehicle or a direct attack (DA) on structures and non-armored vehicles. The NLAW is considered to be excellent at close range, from 20 to 600 meters, and is ideal in combat actions in urban areas, including cities and villages, as its soft-launch system means that the missile is ejected non-explosively, and can be used by infantry from within an enclosed space. Weighing just 27.5 pounds, it is easy to fire, and light enough that the operator can still carry an additional weapon such as a rifle. NLAW can be used in an attack from almost any position, from up high in a building to behind a tree or even in a ditch/trench. Operators can fire down 45 degrees and can shoot from inside a building, from a basement, or from the second floor of a building out of the range of most tanks. The Javelin, with an effective range of 1 to 2.5 kilometers or about 1.5 miles, is ideal in an open field. It is also a fire-and-forget platform that utilizes automatic infrared guidance that allows the user to take cover and avoid counter-fire immediately after launch. The NLAW is also a smaller weapon, which again makes it ideal for the urban fighter, but the most significant consideration could be the platform’s respective costs. Each Javelin system costs around $178,000, while replacement missiles cost an additional $78,000 – while the unit cost of the NLAW is around $40,000. But the ability of a single operator to destroy an enemy tank with either platform: priceless. https://www.19fortyfive.com/2022/05/javelin-or-nlaw-which-missile-is-better-at-destroying-russian-tanks/

16/05/2022 May 12, 2022: As part of the 2022 Special Operations Forces Industry Conference (SOFIC), Rafael Advanced Defense Systems unveils AEROSPIKE, a new advanced air-to-surface precision guided missile for fixed-wing aerial platforms. AEROSPIKE is a state-of-the-art, next generation electro-optical (EO) Stand-Off Precision Guided Munition (SOPGM) system designed to meet the needs of complex modern warfare. It is light-weight, provides very high precision (CEP ≤ 3 ft), and offers an unparalleled stand-off range of 30 km all within a contested environment and without GPS dependency. AEROSPIKE incorporates Rafael’s advanced SPIKE LR2 precision guided missile technologies, including its dual high resolution EO seeker supported by advanced scene-matching technology and exceptional detection and tracking capabilities. A real-time data link allows for seamless man-in-the-loop operation and advanced lethality with a combination of HEAT (antitank) and blast fragmentation warheads. AEROSPIKE’s precision, immunity, and lethality provide a decisive and powerful solution for Close Air Support (CAS) in crisis response, counter-terrorism missions, and as counter A2/AD in full-intensity conflict. It was specially designed for fixed-wing aerial platforms and allows engagement of both moving and static targets in daytime and nighttime conditions, and in adverse weather. AEROSPIKE’s real-time RF data link enables mid-mission abort and re-targeting capabilities while also controlling attack angle and missile flight trajectory. Its simplified operating concept reduces low aircrew workload. Its extended 30 km engagement range makes the weapon ideal for air-to-surface attacks against modern tiered Air Defense Artillery (ADA) networks, mobile Surface-to-Air Missile (SAM) sites, armored vehicles, and urban infrastructure. Vice President Mr. Alon Shlomi, Director of Rafael’s Air-to-Surface Directorate: “We believe the AEROSPIKE can enhance the precision, lethality, and survivability of future SOCOM AOW [Armed Over watch] squadrons, providing the Air Force Special Operations Command an advanced tactical CAS solution and keeping the warfighter out of harm’s way. Today’s battle arena is saturated with portable air defense threats – like MANPADs – that require CAS elements to operate with greater precision and longer range that is precisely what AEROSPIKE brings to the modern battlefield.” https://www.edrmagazine.eu/rafael-unveils-the-aerospike-missile

By Colton Jones - Apr 14, 2022 Israeli defense industry and military have released new footage showing new series of tests of the new laser system. The Jerusalem Post reported that the demonstration was carried out by the Defense Ministry’s Directorate of Research and Development (DDR&D, or MAFAT in Hebrew) and Rafael Advanced Defense Systems. During the tests, which were carried out over the past several weeks in southern Israel, the system accurately intercepted unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV’s), mortars, rockets and anti-tank missiles in different scenarios. “We’re at a historic moment in the world of weaponry,” said Brig. Gen. Yaniv Rotem, head of the Defense Ministry’s weapons development administration, which developed the system alongside Rafael and Elbit. “For the first time, an energy weapon actually works.” “Our mission was clear: To show that it works before the Passover holiday with all the criteria that we set,” said Rotem, adding that the series of experiments have allowed Israel to enter a “whole new era” of energy-based weapons systems. “No one in the world has shown such capabilities. The State of Israel is the first to carry out a live firing attempt. We are in an age of new types of weapons – energy-based weapons. We are there,” he said. Defense Minister Benny Gantz said that Israel has become one of the first countries to succeed in developing powerful laser technology at operational standards that can carry out interceptions in operational scenarios. “Energy-based weapons with a powerful laser is, in my opinion, a very significant game-changer,” Gantz said, adding that the system “will contribute to the denial of critical enemy capabilities in all arenas.” While Gantz said that it will still take time before it is fully operational, “for the first time ever a powerful laser system has intercepted distant targets. This achievement is because of Israeli innovation, the defense establishment, and the industries that have come together to provide an umbrella of security for the citizens of Israel.” https://defence-blog.com/israel-shot-down-drone-with-laser-cannon/

By Tamir Eshel- Feb. 21, 2022 Israel’s Ministry of Defense, Rafael, and IAI have completed testing the C-Dome air and missile defense system onboard Israel’s Navy Magen corvette, the lead ship of the Saar-6 Magen class. The test conducted in February 2022 included the interception of targets simulating rockets, cruise missiles, and drones launched from the shore, simulating realistic threats the vessels could face at sea and on missions protecting Israel’s offshore facilities in the Mediterranean Sea. The tests included the first deployment of C-Dome’s integral missile Vertical Launch Unit (VLU) for the Tamir interceptor missiles. Unlike the land-based Iron Dome Container-Launcher Unit (CLU) that maintains a fixed slant position, the C-Dome is integral to the ship and stores up to 10 missiles below deck in a sealed vertical launcher. This launch method provides instantaneous 360 degrees coverage, increasing the agility of the missile. According to Rafael, C-Dome is built with modular system architecture to gain a small footprint and rapid integration in large or small ships, such as these corvettes and offshore patrol vessels (OPVs). Having a high rate of turn the Tamir interceptor is extremely agile, and can outmaneuver most aerial targets, which makes it suitable for point defense of offshore facilities and naval vessels. Israel Navy Magen (Saar 6) corvette tests the Rafael C-Dome point defense air and missile defense system. Photo: IMOD The C-Dome 10-cell VLU will be placed side by side with IAI’s Barak-MX interceptors that will extend the ship’s defense over a longer range and larger areas. The vessel uses four faces of the IAI MF-STAR (Adir) active electronic scanning radar placed on the main and rear mast. The C-Dome test was the first in a series of tests examining the ship’s operational capability. Additional systems will include the Barak MX and Leonardo 76mm rapid-fire gun turret that hasn’t been placed yet. Tamir interceptor missile launched from the deck of INS Magen. Photo: IMOD The IAI MF-STAR (ADIR) radar is installed on the main mast. Four such panels are installed on the ship, forming a multi-function electronically scanned array radar that provides early warning and target acquisition for the missiles, while searching the full hemisphere for other targets and threats. Photo: IMOD An aft view showing the Magen’s fourth ADIR radar panel mounted on the rear mast. It completes the 360-degree coverage of the ship’s ADIR radar. The ADIR is a smaller version of the MF-STAR radar, a family of radars developed for the Barak-8 air defense missile system designed for large combatant ships. Photo:IMOD The Tamir missile is stored under the deck in sealed canisters. The VLU is designed to withstand ‘hot-launch’, enabling rocket ignition inside the launcher. The hot gases are diverted through vents to protect the missile upon ignition. Photo: IMOD https://defense-update.com/20220221_c-dome-2.html

Defense News May 2022 Global Security army industry Posted On Friday, 06 May 2022 12:05 UVision USA - a manufacturer of aerial loitering munitions systems of all sizes for a variety of missions - is highlighting its Hero-120 OPF-M (Organic Precision Fires-Mounted (OPF-M), along with the family of HERO aerial loitering munition systems, installed on both ACVs and ARVs, at Modern Day Marine 2022. Hero-120 OPFM Multi Canister Launcher (Picture source: UVision) In 2021, the company was awarded a multi-year contract, to supply the Hero-120 OPF-M systems to the U.S. Marine Corps (USMC), together with its multi-canister launcher, tailored to the specific requirements of the USMC and integrated onto armored vehicles and maritime platforms. The Hero-120 is a mid-range, anti-armor, beyond-line-of-sight weapon system which meets the complex requirements of modern battlefield challenges. The high-precision, smart loitering munition system has a unique aerodynamic structure that carries out pinpoint strikes against anti-armor, anti-material and anti-personnel targets, including MBTs, vehicles, concrete fortifications, and other soft targets in populated urban areas, while ensuring minimum collateral damage. Its wide range of multi-purpose warheads enables the operational user to effectively engage all targets. “The USMC contract is for a multi-year project, with incremental upgrades throughout various phases, until the systems are fully delivered,” says Jim Truxel, CEO of UVision USA. “As a result, we have adapted the systems for installation on both ACV and ARV vehicles, as will be shown at the MDM exhibition. This is another step in establishing the company's standing, both in the United States and in the world, as a pioneer in the field of loitering munitions. We are also working with Marine Air Groups for the airborne deployment of HERO systems, from various aircraft.” Hero-120 loitering munition (Picture source: UVision) The HERO series Based on cutting-edge technology and extensive field experience, the innovative, cost-effective HERO series of smart loitering munitions consist of eight systems, designed for different missions at various ranges, using various types of payloads. The fastest sensor-to-shooter loitering munitions available today, HERO systems enable frontline forces to independently locate time-sensitive targets, and track and attack with pinpoint precision. Each munition handles different missions, ranging from lightweight static or moving targets, such as light-duty vehicles, to larger fortified or heavily-armored targets, such as MBTs (Main Battle Tank), enemy air defenses and other strategic objectives. The unique design of the HERO series enables pinpoint munition strikes in urban areas or remote locations, with minimal collateral damage. In the case of mission abort, the systems can be recalled and another target selected. The HERO series has low noise and thermal signature, integrates highly advanced, stabilized electro-optic day/night cameras, and is ideal for deployment from air, land and naval platforms. Hero-120 OPFM Multi Canister Launcher mounted on a LAV (Picture source: UVision) Launching of a Hero-120 OPFM loitering munition (Picture source: UVision) https://www.armyrecognition.com/defense_news_may_2022_global_security_army_industry/uvision_usa_highlights_its_hero-120_opf-m_aerial_loitering_munitions_at_modern_day_marine_2022.html

News Army PRESS RELEASES By Colton Jones May 11, 2022 Image by XTEND The Israeli-based startup XTEND said it will supply hundreds of its new Wolverine Gen2 drone systems to the U.S Department of Defense (DoD) to protect U.S. military forces in the field. The contract follows a joint research & development program led by the Directorate of Defense Research and Development (DDR&D) at Israel’s Ministry of Defense, together with XTEND, and the Irregular Warfare Technical Support Directorate (IWTSD, previously CTTSO) of the DoD. Made in the U.S., the small, lightweight, and rugged Wolverine is affordable, versatile, and has low power consumption. Easy to use, it enables operators – even those with no flight experience – to perform extremely precise remote tasks, maneuvers, and actions in complex environments (indoor or outdoor), with minimal training and maintenance. Powered by XTEND’s unique human-centric machine interface technology, this revolutionary new human extension platform facilitates complete sensory awareness, using the most advanced virtual and augmented reality technologies, coupled with advanced Machine Learning flight algorithms. Using a wearable lightweight system and a natural hand gesture-recognition controller, operators immerse themselves in the remote environment, without physical risk. Employing multi-use payloads and effectors (Modular Add-On Extensions) they may perform complex tasks in support of tactical missions, including surveying enemy territory at ground level or inside dangerous and/or hard to reach indoor environments, explosive ordinance disposal, placement of payloads at desired points of interest and more, without setting foot inside the relevant area. Enabling combat forces to be everywhere, get real-time visuals and perform surgical precision pick-and-drop tasks, Wolverine extends their operational reach in critical situations where precision and versatility are paramount, giving them battlefield dominance in terms of both operator experience and mission planning. “The Wolverine system was developed in direct response to the need of forces to conduct complex field and outdoor missions, while maintaining force protection, and without making contact with the enemy,” says Gadi Bar-Ner, Chief Business Officer of XTEND. “For the first time, any user can operate a drone intuitively and without any prior training, giving forces complete autonomy in the field. XTEND systems are combat-proven and used with great success by the IDF in defending borders and forces. We are proud of the close cooperation between XTEND, the Israeli Ministry of Defense, and the U.S. DoD – as part of which XTEND employs a team of U.S. veterans – and look forward to it continuing.” https://defence-blog.com/us-military-to-buy-hundreds-of-israeli-made-drones/

News Army-By Colton Jones May 6, 2022 A prototype of an unmanned mini-tank fitted with 30mm cannon was spotted in Israel. Twitter user Caesar posted a photo of a mysterious combat vehicle being towed on the back of a trailer on a public road. It is believed that the armed robot tank that was spotted is none other than the BLR Mk2 wheeled unmanned ground vehicle with an unmanned turret armed with a 12.7mm heavy machine gun and a 30mm automatic cannon. The new unmanned ground vehicle features a unique design. The remote combat vehicle builds at the base of the BLR robotic vehicle by BL – Advanced Ground Support Systems. As noted by the company, BLR is an ongoing development project, for an unmanned ground vehicle. The BLR offers extreme ground mobility, coupled with “drive by wire” technology, giving mission control the ability to control the vehicle in a loose control circuit. The 6×6 drive configuration, utilizing hydro-static hub motors allows for unprecedented obstacle negotiation, ranging from 1,500 mm step climb, to a 1,000 mm open ditch crossing. Individual Hydro-pneumatic suspension arms allow for a 610 mm suspension travel, and the ability to alter drive height and drive stiffness “on the fly”, over the control bus. https://defence-blog.com/mysterious-armed-robot-tank-spotted-in-israel/

By Andrew Eversden on May 16, 2022 at 12:26 PM The launch platform can be integrated onto vehicles smaller than JLTVs, Lockheed officials said, but didn't get into details. U.S. Army soldiers conduct convoy operations during Decisive Action Rotation 20-04 at the National Training Center, Fort Irwin, Calif., Feb. 11, 2020. Sgt. Nathan Franco/US Army) SOFIC 2022: Lockheed Martin has integrated a Spike Non-Line-Of-Sight missile system onto a Joint Light Tactical Vehicle and delivered it to US Special Operations Command, giving special operators a new capability in the field. The Spike NLOS weapons system is a long-range precision munition with a range out to 32km that provides a live-video feed back to operators during flight. Lockheed has partnered with the Israeli-based company Rafael since 2012 to bring Spike to US military customers. Spike NLOS currently serves as the interim long-range precision munition for the AH-64 Apache helicopter. In an interview with Breaking Defense after the May 10 announcement, Lockheed Martin officials said that the use of a palletized launch platform opens the door to integration onto other ground vehicles. “It’s capable of tactical vehicles smaller than JLTV,” said Doug Borger, senior manager of precision strike business development. “I can’t specify any dimensions or anything like that, but a wide array of tactical vehicles.” Tom Bargnesi, precision strike program manager at Lockheed, told Breaking Defense that the company built the launch platform to fit into an array of vehicles. “If you have the bed-mounted rails on your vehicle, we designed our palletized launcher to readily adapt onto any vehicle that has that … kit on it,” Bargnesi said. “We actually demonstrated that, across a number of different vehicles in a very short amount of time, we were able to move our palletized launcher unit from a JLTV onto another vehicle onto another vehicle.” For special operators, the integration with JLTV could provide increased situational awareness while on a mission. Lockheed Martin officials decline to specify how many Spike NLOS integrations the company was under contract for, deferring to SOCOM. “The combination of Spike NLOS long-range and precision-strike capabilities with the JLTV superior agility will result in next-level mobility and mission effectiveness for our operators,” said Jerry Brode, vice president of close combat Systems at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control, in a statement last week. “This advanced weapon system’s real-time video imagery allows operators to alter or abort mission while en route to a target, providing users with more options in critical moments.” Bargnesi said that Lockheed is working to make modifications to the missile system to extend the range and fit into the US battlefield network architecture. “We are working together as a team to enhance the capabilities of the missile to meet US requirements. There are a number of things that our US customers require or would like to have,” Bargnesi said. https://breakingdefense.com/2022/05/socom-receives-first-spike-nlos-system-integrated-on-a-jltv/