A company in the Netherlands has apparently created a drum magazine holding multiple mortar bombs for commercial drones. By Emma Helfrich May 17, 2022 11:39 AM There are unconfirmed reports that an unnamed Dutch company has developed drum magazines for commercial drones, and that prototypes are headed to Ukraine. The photos, which began circulating on social media late last week, show what looks to be a commercial quadcopter-type drone equipped with a drum magazine that is engineered to hold and drop multiple mortar shells in succession. A corresponding video demonstration depicts the drum magazine rotating through a barrel of what appear to be inert mortar rounds that are then released from the device. Reported to have been developed for Ukrainian forces, the delivery wouldn't be the first time small commercial drones, furnished with improvised weapons, have made appearances in the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. In terms of the quad copter mounted drum magazine, it's possible that we may have already seen a prototype version in use by Ukrainian forces. A video clip, seen below, reportedly taken using a camera on a weaponized commercial drone, is said to show an attack on a Russian T-72B3 tank involving four mortar rounds dropped in relatively quick succession. The general size and shape of the mortar rounds seen in the footage, as well as the total number of rounds employed and that they are released horizontally, could line up with the capabilities of the drum we've seen so far. A magazine made specifically for mortar shells that can be mounted on off-the-shelf multi-rotor drones could provide Ukraine with a significant upgrade in how its forces take on Russian ground forces and armor. Whether or not the T-72B3 attack video actually shows this system in use, it does showcase the value of having multiple rounds available when engaging a single target — especially a heavily armored one — allowing for rapid follow-up attacks. Alternatively, it also creates the opportunity for several targets to be engaged in one single drone flight. Makeshift arrangements with multiple bomblets being dropped from off-the-shelf or home-built drones have been around since this threat emerged during the Battle of Mosul, but these are improvised and unreliable systems that don't compare to a purposefully engineered magazine system that feeds readily available ammunition. Russians have also made use of improvised drone 'bombers.' Two videos that have circulated on Twitter depict separate combat scenarios in which a drone was used to drop a grenade on Ukrainian positions. In both cases, additions as simple as a household drink cup were used to carry the grenade. The grenade-in-a-cup method is intended to hold the 'spoon' on the grenade fuze in place during the drop in hopes that, upon impact with the target, the spring-loaded fuze will trip and detonate. Along with these 'beverage-related' drone attack tactics, it is also worth noting that several claims began to surface following the release of the drum magazine photos — stating that the capability was initially conceptualized as a beer delivery system for Heineken breweries. However, it is important to maintain that none of these assertions have been substantiated. That isn’t to say that Heineken isn’t confirmed to have played around with drone-powered beer delivery before, though. Regardless, this mysteriously modified drone is yet another reminder of the ongoing renaissance of sorts of low-end airpower in the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) domain, and just how fast things are moving. The sheer amount of firepower that the drum magazine could offer a low-end commercial drone underscores a growing trend that may forever change the way that both consumers and militaries look at drones. Such advancements have made it so that developing robust drone countering capabilities has become a foremost priority for the U.S. Department of Defense. This ‘revolver drone’ concept could go on to present a fearsome level of aerial threat capability on future battlefields, and it isn’t like the evolution came out of left field either. Smaller, weaponized drones aren’t necessarily anything new. UAV and drone technology has been rapidly heading in this direction for some time if not simply for the cost-reducing and tactical opportunities that it presents. Not only that, but these types of drones are becoming increasingly accessible to not only adversaries but really anybody who may want one. Homemade drones and other remote-controlled aircraft armed with improvised explosive devices were a prominent tactical development during the war against ISIS in Syria and Iraq in 2017, and the United States was not prepared. Despite the large sums of money that quickly went into funding research efforts to better prepare for such threats, including the advent of everything from electronic warfare systems to high-end solid-state laser capabilities to counter them, the threat not only remained but continued to evolve and multiply. In 2020, U.S. ground forces guarding oil and gas fields in Eastern Syria faced constant drone attacks. It got so bad in the region that now-retired U.S. Marine Corps Gen. Frank McKenzie, who was head of U.S. Central Command from 2019 until 2022, had said repeatedly that the threat posed by lower-end drones was among his top worries. In January 2022, video footage emerged of yet another bomb-dropping drone, except this event took place hundreds of miles away from the Middle Eastern conflict where such threats had been debuted. This time around, the drones were being employed in North America by one of Mexico’s drug cartels during an enemy confrontation. The news had come only a couple of years after it was reported that the cartel had been utilizing suicide drones carrying a single explosive device, with the January 2022 incident acting as proof that cartels had upgraded to bomber-style drones in Mexico. Simply put, what first predominately terrorized various forces in the Middle East has quickly become a global threat and weapons capability used even by state allies and enemies alike. The fact that two major militaries — one even belonging to an ex-superpower — are both using the same concepts that were put into play by non-state actors just a handful of years ago, and now even include engineered high-capacity bomblet magazines, tells you exactly where this capability is headed. Refinement is the name of the game. That a little drone, costing thousands of dollars and armed with readily available mortars deployed from a custom magazine, could potentially take out a column of military vehicles, including armored ones, is a cost-per-kill exchange rate that is just too good to pass up and it's pretty clear everyone is taking notice. Contact the author: Emma@thewarzone.com https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/now-theres-a-drum-magazine-for-dropping-multiple-bombs-from-commercial-drones

Aviation Defense News May 2022 aerospace air force industry Posted On Tuesday, 17 May 2022 14:57 According to Joe Saballa in The Defense Post, Turkey has agreed to collaborate with Kazakhstan in manufacturing Anka unmanned aerial vehicles. The agreement was reached when Kazakhstan President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev paid an official visit to Ankara with a large delegation last week. The Turkish Drone Anka-S A similar previous agreement had been concluded in December 2021 with Ukraine but the war triggered by Russia on February 24, 2022, creates uncertainty for the future of this program. Now, as part of the Anka agreement with Kazakhstan, engineers from Kazakhstan will design and build the medium-altitude, long-endurance drone with the help of the Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI). The collaboration will include technology transfer, maintenance, and repairs. Once finalized, the agreement will make Kazakhstan the first Anka drone production facility outside Turkey, as the deal with Ukraine is currently compromised. Envisioned in the early 2000s for aerial surveillance and reconnaissance missions, Anka has evolved into a modular platform with synthetic aperture radar, precise weapons, and satellite communication. The basic version, Anka-A, was classified as a medium-altitude long-endurance unmanned aerial vehicle for reconnaissance missions. Introduced in 2010, Anka was granted its first contract in 2013 from the Turkish Air Force which requested further studies in advanced uninterrupted intelligence, reconnaissance, and communication technologies. The aircraft was set to a long development phase to introduce a national mission computer, national flight control system, synthetic aperture radar, indigenous engine, and friend or foe identification system. Anka-B made its first flight in 2014 and completed factory tests in 2015. In 2017, Turkish Aerospace Industries introduced Anka-S and the aircraft entered service with the Turkish Air Force. Turkish Aerospace Industries offers the aircraft in two versions: Anka-B and Anka-S. Anka-I was developed specifically for Turkey's National Intelligence Organization for signal intelligence. Anka has accumulated more than 90,000 flight hours as of March 2021. The drone is named after Phoenix, a mythological creature called Zümrüd-ü Anka in Turkish. https://www.airrecognition.com/index.php/news/defense-aviation-news/2022-news-aviation-aerospace/may/8391-kazakhstan-to-produce-tai-turkish-aerospace-industries-anka-uavs.html

Ukraine - Russia Invasion conflict war Posted On Sunday, 08 May 2022 14:34 According to video and pictures published on the Internet on May 4, 2022, showing a Russian army destroyed T-90M Main Battle Tank (MBT), Russian armed forces have deployed its latest generation of main battle tanks, the T-90M, to conduct combat operations in Ukraine. The T-90M is a modernized version of the T-90 tank family. A Russian army T-90M Main Battle Tank was deployed by the National Guard in the Kharkiv region. (Picture source Russian National Guard) Previously, the Russian National Guard website published a picture on April 25, 2022, showing a T-90M MBT used for combat operations in the Kharkiv region. A video was released on the Internet on May 7, 2022, showing a Russian army T-90M Main Battle Tank (MBT) destroyed near Kharkiv, a city in northeast Ukraine. Citing military open sources information, the first T-90M was delivered in 2020 to the 2nd Guards M. I. Kalinin Taman Motor Rifle Division of the 1st Guards Tank Army. The division is deployed in Northeastern Ukraine and approximately 100 T-90M are currently in service amongst Russia's best-equipped units, including those fighting in Ukraine. The T-90M model 2017 also nicknamed Proryv-3 is an upgraded variant of the export version of the T-90MS Main Battle Tank (MBT) developed and designed by the Russian Company Uralvagonzavod. The T-90M Model 2017 is improved in terms of protection, mobility, and firepower. The tank was tested by the Russian army during the military exercise Zapad-2017 which was held from 14 to 20 September 2017. This tank was upgraded thanks to the combat experience of the Russian armed forces gained during the counter-terror operation in Syria. The main armament of the T-90M Model 2017 Proryv-3 consists of one 125 mm 2A46M-4 smoothbore gun able to fire standard ammunition but also Anti-Tank Guided Missiles (ATGM) Refleks NATO Code AT-11 Sniper-B. The main 125 mm armament is stabilized and enables the T-90M to shoot on the move with a high probability of a first-round hit. One of the most important improvements in terms of armament is the use of a remotely operated weapon station mounted at the rear of the commander hatch armed with an NSVT 12.7mm heavy machine gun. The layout of the T-90M Model 2017 Proryv-3 is similar to all the families of Russian T-90 MBT with a driver at the front, a turret in the center, and a powerpack at the rear. The tank features a new all-welded turret design protected by the Relikt ERA (Explosive Reactive Armor) armor fitted at the front and on each side of the turret. If you need to read more information about the technical features and combat capabilities, visit this link T-90M FACT SHEET. The T-90M is also protected by soft- and hard-kill active protection systems (APS), which seems similar to the Afganit system installed on the T-14 Armata. According to Russian military experts, the T-90M is also fitted with a modern fire-control system providing tank-type target detection at a range of 5,000 m by day, an enhanced dual-axis gun stabilizer, and an automatic target tracker that can operate in hunter-killer mode. Russian Army T-90M Main Battle Tank MBT at Army-2018 defense exhibition near Moscow, Russia. (Picture source Army Recognition) https://www.armyrecognition.com/ukraine_-_russia_invasion_conflict_war/russia_deploys_in_ukraine_t-90m_tank_latest_modernized_version_of_its_t-90_mbt.html

News Aviation by Min Cheol Gu May 5, 2022 South Korea’s state-funded arms development agency announced the completion of their development of the Medium Altitude Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (MUAV). The Agency for Defense Development, or ADD, said that it completed the development of medium-altitude long-endurance (MALE)-class remotely-piloted surveillance aircraft. Multiple news outlets reported that serial production of MUAV is scheduled to begin in 2023 and the first aircraft will be delivered to the Republic of Korea Air Force in the fourth quarter of 2023 or in the first quarter of 2024. The MUAV is a reconnaissance, remotely-piloted surveillance aircraft for mid-to-high altitude operations, which is currently under development with Korea’s indigenous technology. It is capable of scanning ground targets 100 km (62 mi) away, from an altitude of 10 km (33,000 ft). The aircraft is 13 m (43 ft) long with a 25 m (82 ft) wingspan and has a height of 3 m (9.8 ft). Powered by a 1,200 hp turboprop engine, it has endurance in excess of 24 hours while flying at a service ceiling of 13,000 m (43,000 ft). https://defence-blog.com/development-of-south-koreas-heavy-unmanned-aircraft-completed/

News Army, By Dylan Malyasov, May 13, 2022 Ukrainian volunteers have equipped a buggy-type vehicle with a domestic anti-tank guided missile system. The Serhiy Prytula volunteer center has reported that it develop a new version of the Petliura buggy adding LUCH’s Corsar anti-tank missiles to blast Russian armor. Corsar is a Ukrainian-made man-portable anti-tank guided missile (ATGM) intended for use against main battle tanks. It is intended to destroy stationary and moving modern armored targets and other objects with combined, carried or monolithic armour, including ERA (explosive reactive armour), as well as pinpoint targets such as weapon emplacements, a tank in a trench, light armored objects and helicopters. This laser-guided missile has a range of 100 to 2 500 m. Missiles are available with tandem HEAT and thermobaric warheads. A tandem HEAT warhead penetrates up to 550 mm behind explosive reactive armor. https://defence-blog.com/ukrainian-buggies-use-corsar-missiles-to-kill-russian-tanks/

Ukraine - Russia conflict war 2022 Posted On Tuesday, 17 May 2022 16:14 According to a picture released on Russian social networks, the Russian army starts the deployment of its BMPT-72 Terminator 2 tracked armored fire support vehicle, one of the most armed vehicles in the world. This combat vehicle was designed to offer fire support to main battle tanks. Russian army BMPT-72 Terminator 2 fire support tracked armored vehicle spotted in the Luhansk People's Republic. (Picture source Russian Facebook VK) A picture was released on the Russian Facebook "VK" showing a BMPT-72 Terminator 2 fire support tracked armored vehicle deployed in the Luhansk People's Republic (LPR). Citing information from a Russian source, apparently, their "debut" took place during the combat operations of Severodonetsk. The BMPT-72 is the next generation in the BMPT fire support tracked armored vehicle developed by the Russian defense industry. It was unveiled in September 2013 at the Russian Arms Expo exhibition which took place in Nizhny Tagil. The BMPT-72 is an almost completely unique vehicle because there is no real equivalent in the current military market. It is the world’s first dedicated Tank-Support Vehicle (TSV), a type of vehicle designed specifically to provide direct-fire support for MBTs. The BMPT-72 or Terminator 2 is fitted with a new unmanned redesigned fully stabilized electromechanical turret, with a lower profile and better protection. The main armament of the BMPT-72 turret consists of two 30mm automatic guns 2A42 and one PKTM 7.62mm coaxial machine gun which can be used against light armored vehicles and manpower. The second armament of the BMPT-72 includes two anti-tank guided missile Ataka-T launcher units mounted to each side of the turret. The missile 9M1201 can be equipped with two types of warheads, hollow-charge, and high-explosive concrete-piercing. The BMPT-72 is equipped with a computerized fire control system with a multichannel sighting system and weapon high-accuracy laying systems. The BMPT-72 Terminator 2 has a crew of three. The BMPT-72 hull and turret are made of steel armor and integrate the latest protection systems with Explosive Reactive Armor (ERA) to the front of the turret, a detachable ERA module on the glacis plate and applique ERA (Explosive Reactive Armor) on the sides of the hull and turret. The rear parts of the turret and the chassis are fitted with slat armor to increase protection against anti-tank Rocket-Propelled Grenade (RPG) attacks. The BMPT-72 is able to reach a maximum road speed of 60 km with a maximum cursing range of 500 km. It can cross a vertical step of 850 mm, a trench of 2.8 m, and a fording depth of 1.2m without preparation (1.8 m after 15 min of preparation). https://www.armyrecognition.com/ukraine_-_russia_conflict_war_2022/russian_bmpt-72_terminator_2_fire_support_vehicle_starts_fighting_in_ukraine.html

Naval News May 2022 Navy Forces Maritime Defense Industry Posted On Tuesday, 17 May 2022 13:59 The U.S. Navy’s Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) class successfully launched sea-based missiles at a land-based target for the first time during a proof of concept exercise, on May 12. Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Montgomery (LCS 8) fired three AGM-114L Longbow Hellfire missiles to strike a land-based target several nautical miles away as part of the LCS surface-to-surface mission module (SSMM). An AGM-114L Longbow Hellfire missile launches from the Surface-To-Surface Missile Module (SSMM) aboard Independence-variant Littoral Combat Ship USS Montgomery (LCS 8). (Picture source: U.S. Navy/Lt.j.g. Samuel Hardgrove) “This test proved the critical next step in increasing lethality of the Littoral Combat Ship,” said Cmdr. Dustin Lonero, Montgomery’s commanding officer. “Using our speed and shallow draft, we are now uniquely optimized to bring this level of firepower extremely close to shore in support of our warfighters and operators on the beach.” The Longbow Hellfire missile already plays a key role in the up-gunned surface warfare mission package. Originally fielded by both variants of the littoral combat ship in 2019, the missile has repeatedly demonstrated the capability quickly defeat multiple swarming Fast Attack Craft/Fast Inshore Attack Craft (FAC/FIAC). Each LCS is capable of carrying twenty-four missiles. “The SSMM is a fundamental cornerstone of LCS lethality and evolving capability to provide enhanced fire support in the littorals and over the horizon in support of the Navy and Marine Corps fighting force,” said Lt. Michael Jones, a warfare tactics instructor from Surface and Mine Warfare Development Center. “The new ability for LCS to conduct maritime strikes bolsters the role of the ship is conducting shaping operations within amphibious and expeditionary warfare areas.” The Longbow Hellfire missile was commissioned in 1998 and has proven successful over its years of service across all U.S. military branches. Originally designed as an anti-tank weapon for the U.S. Army, its all-weather millimeter-wave sensing and semi-active laser guidance continue to prove extremely effective in the maritime domain against all kinds of threats. “If you take a proven program of record and adapt its capability for the maritime warfare environment, you have a win for the taxpayer, improved interoperability between various services, and an increased lethality and competitive edge at sea,” said Chief Gunner’s Mate David Wynne, Montgomery’s weapons chief petty officer. Combining emerging technologies, an MQ-8C Fire Scout unmanned helicopter, from Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 23, remained airborne providing advanced targeting and bomb hit assessment capability. The Fire Scout already provides littoral combat ships an over-the-horizon intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and targeting capability. The LCS is a fast, agile, mission-focused platform designed to operate in near-shore environments, winning against 21st-century coastal threats. The LCS is capable of supporting forward presence, maritime security, sea control, and deterrence. https://www.navyrecognition.com/index.php/naval-news/naval-news-archive/2022/may/11738-us-navy-littoral-combat-ship-completes-first-land-attack-agm-114l-longbow-hellfire-missile-exercise.html

24/04/2022 At the World Defense Show in Riyadh it was mounted on a 7.62 mm machine gun, which made it look pretty cumbersome and heavy. However the SURI – III, the latest development from EOST of South Korea, was specifically designed for bigger weapons, such as 12.7 mm machine guns or 40 mm automatic grenade launchers, usually used in static positions or on board vehicles, where the weight of the sight, better say the fire control system, would have a very limited impact. The SURI – III night channel A full digital system, the SURI – III night channel is based on au uncooled microbolometer with a 640 x 480 array and a 17 µm pitch providing the image in the long-wave infrared band (LWIR), while the day channel is based on a 1,280×960 CMOS sensor that provides an HD quality colour image. The picture is presented to the shooter on a large 1920×1080 Full HD display, which is fitted with a sunshade to improve visibility. The laser rangefinder integrated into the SURI – III allows distance measuring, the data being shown on the display but also fed into the ballistic computer that moves the reticle providing the shooter with a corrected aiming solution. As option, the operator can choose a goggle display, which can be connected to the SURI – III either by cable or wirelessly. A remote control for the rangefinder is available, which allows the shooter to keep his hands on the weapon system while operating the LRF. The SURI – III night channel A full digital system, the SURI – III night channel is based on au uncooled microbolometer with a 640 x 480 array and a 17 µm pitch providing the image in the long-wave infrared band (LWIR), while the day channel is based on a 1,280×960 CMOS sensor that provides an HD quality colour image. The picture is presented to the shooter on a large 1920×1080 Full HD display, which is fitted with a sunshade to improve visibility. The laser rangefinder integrated into the SURI – III allows distance measuring, the data being shown on the display but also fed into the ballistic computer that moves the reticle providing the shooter with a corrected aiming solution. As option, the operator can choose a goggle display, which can be connected to the SURI – III either by cable or wirelessly. A remote control for the rangefinder is available, which allows the shooter to keep his hands on the weapon system while operating the LRF. Beside the video solution, the SURI – III is also fitted with a direct view option in the form of a big red dot sight; the overall view for the shooter is 70 MOA, while the red dot covers 3 MOA. Optimised for the Browning M2 .50 machine gun and the Mk19 40 mm AGL, the most widely used infantry direct support weapons, it is however quite obvious that EOST will adapt its product to other similar weapons on customer’s request, first of all those in service with the Republic of Korea Army. Currently the SURI – III is awaiting to go through field-testing. At the Riyadh exhibition EOST also brought its new Raptor 16B binocular night vision goggle, the company claiming that at 395 grams without battery it is the lighter binocular BVG on the market. It is fitted with Photonis 4G auto-gating image intensification tubes of the latest generation. Powered by a AA 1EA 1.5 V battery, either alkaline or lithium, the Raptor 16B can be fitted with n external battery pack located on the back of the helmet; not only this considerably increases operational endurance, but it also allows balancing the weight thus reducing fatigue. Battery consumption is also reduced thanks to the auto-shutdown system activated by a motion system, flip-up and flip-away positions automatically switching off the tubes, which are switched on once again when the NVG returns into working position. A small number of Raptor 16B has been recently sod to the US SOCOM for testing. Photos by P. Valpolini https://www.edrmagazine.eu/an-integrated-day-night-sight-for-12-7-mm-mgs-and-40-mm-agls-from-south-korea

Defense News April 2022 Global Security army industry Posted On Friday, 29 April 2022 14:53 A picture was posted on the Twitter account of ZOKA on April 29, 2022, showing the launcher vehicle of the new Chinese-made FK-3 surface-to-air defense missile system which was recently delivered to the Armed Forces of Serbia. Serbian TEL Transporter Erector Launcher vehicle of Chinese-made FK-3 air defense missile system (Picture source Twitter account ZOKA) On April 12, 2022, Army Recognition reported that China has delivered FK-3 air defense missile systems to Serbia as part of a contract this country signed with China that also included drones. This is not the first military equipment that Serbia buys from China, in fact, according to the SIPRI (Stockholm International Peace Research Institute) arms trade database. Serbia has already acquired nine CH-92 armed drones and 50 FT-8C air-to-surface missiles from China. The FT-8C missile can be launched from the CH-92 drone. The FK-3 is the export version of the Chinese-made HQ-22 which is a mobile medium-range air defense missile system that was revealed for the first time in 2014 at the Zhuhai AirShow in China. A typical battery of KF-3 air defense system includes three TELs (Transporter Erector Launcher) vehicles and one H-200 multifunction illumination and pointing radar. The TEL is based on 8x8 military truck chassis with four missile containers mounted at the rear of the truck. The surface-to-air missile of the FK-3 is able to intercept and destroy aerial targets such as fixed-wing aircraft, drones, cruise missiles, tactical air-to-ground missiles, and helicopters. The missile has a firing range of up to 170 km and can reach targets at an altitude of up to 27 km. The whole air defense system can engage up to 6 aerial targets at the same time. https://www.armyrecognition.com/defense_news_april_2022_global_security_army_industry/first_picture_of_serbian_army_fk-3_chiness_air_defense_missile_system_published_on_internet.html

By Christopher F Foss 28 July 2021 Israel's Elbit Systems is developing a new fully automatic 155 mm/52 calibre SP artillery system for the Israel Defense Force (IDF) that will start to replace the IDF's 155 mm/39 calibre M109 tracked SP artillery systems around 2023 company representatives told Janes. While many countries still deploy tracked self-propelled (SP) 155 mm artillery systems, there is a trend towards 155 mm wheeled artillery systems, as they offer strategic mobility due to less reliance upon heavy equipment transporters. A rendering of the new SIGMA 155 mm/52 caliber self-propelled artillery system being developed by Elbit Systems for the Israel Defense Force, based on an Oshkosh Defense 10×10 platform. (Elbit Systems) The new artillery system, called SIGMA, is being developed via an initial USD125 million contract announced in March 2019. It is based on a US-supplied Oshkosh Defense 10×10 platform selected by the IDF, which uses the trucks for a number of missions. The platforms will be fitted with a fully protected control cab, a nuclear biological chemical (NBC) system, and full air conditioning for a crew of two or three. Mounted on the rear of the chassis will be an automatic turret armed with a 155 mm/52 caliber barrel with a 23 liter chamber that meets the NATO Joint Ballistic Memorandum of Understanding (JBMoU), and is fitted with a muzzle brake and fume extractor. The 155 mm/52 caliber turret system will be remote controlled from within. In addition, the system provides a manual reversionary mode, or “degraded mode” of operation, an Elbit Systems spokesperson told Janes. The automatic loading system will set the fuze, load the projectile, and then the Uni-Modular Artillery Charge System (UMACS) with the primers will be automatically loaded via a separate magazine. https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/elbit-systems-progressing-new-sigma-155-mm-artillery-system

Ukraine - Russia Invasion conflict war Posted On Saturday, 19 March 2022 12:05 According to information published by the Russian press agency RIA Novosti on March 18, 2022, Russian armed forces have used for the first time Kinzhal hypersonic missile launched from an aircraft to destroy a Ukrainian military depot of ammunition in the village of Deliatyn in the Ivano-Frankivsk region, located about 100 km from the border with Romania. MIG-31K Carry the Hypersonic Kinzhal Missile What is a Hypersonic Missile? A hypersonic missile can fly at a speed of Mach 5 (five times the speed of sound) while maneuvering in the atmosphere. Unlike ballistic missiles, hypersonic weapons do not follow a ballistic trajectory and can maneuver en route to their destination. One of the advantages of the hypersonic missile is its ability to challenge detection and defense due to its speed, maneuverability, and low altitude of the flight. For example, terrestrial-based radar cannot detect hypersonic weapons until late in the weapon’s flight. This delayed detection compresses the timeline for decision-makers assessing their response options and for a defensive system to intercept the attacking weapon and potentially permitting only a single intercept attempt. The Kinzhal Kh-47M2 also nicknamed Dagger is a Russian nuclear-capable air-to-ground hypersonic missile that can be launched from Tu-22M3 bomber or MiG-31K fighter aircraft. The development of the Kinzhal ballistic missile was based on the Russian-made ground-launched Iskander-M short-range nuclear-capable ballistic missile using a solid-propellant rocket with small fins for maneuverability. The missile was successfully tested in July 2018 launched from a modified MiG-31 fighter, according to US intelligence reports. Russian military source has reported the Kinzhal can reach a top speed of Mach 10, with a range of up to 1,200 miles (around 2,000 km) when launched from the MiG-31. The Kinzhal is reportedly capable of maneuverable flight, as well as of striking both ground and naval targets, and could eventually be fitted with a nuclear warhead. The MiG-31K is a modified version of the Russian-made MiG-31 supersonic interceptor aircraft, NATO code designation Foxhound. The aircraft has been modified to carry one Kinzhal hypersonic missile. The missile is launched from an altitude of 18 km at supersonic speeds. The missile is released and falls probably tens of meters, ejects a rocket cap that is used to protect the rocket motor during the jet flight, and then uses its solid rocket motors to accelerate to hypersonic velocity. The Tu-22М3 long-range supersonic missile carrier bomber (NATO code designation Backfire) is designed to destroy sea- and ground-based targets by means of guided missiles and aerial bombs. In 2018, the first completely modernized Tu-22М3М missile carrier bomber was created within the framework of a large-scale modernization program for aircraft systems of strategic and long-range aviation. In the course of the complete modernization, the aircraft was equipped with an advanced digital avionics system based on domestic components. The conducted works resulted in the considerable enhancement of combat capabilities of the aircraft system including increased tactical effectiveness and larger operational radius. The first flight of the completely modernized Tu-22М3М missile carrier bomber was on December 28, 2018. https://www.armyrecognition.com/ukraine_-_russia_invasion_conflict_war/russia_uses_kinzhal_hypersonic_missile_to_destroy_ammunition_depot_in_ukraine.html

Defense News March 2022 Global Security army industry Posted On Tuesday, 01 March 2022 14:30 According to Luxembourg Times echoed by Ukraine form on February 28, Grand-Duchy of Luxembourg will send anti-tank weapons, vehicles and other supplies to Ukraine. Light Anti-tank Weapon (MBT LAW), also known as the NLAW (Picture source: Wikipedia) Faced with the urgency and the deterioration of the situation on the ground, the government of Luxembourg did not hesitate to show solidarity and to make these means available in order to support the Ukrainian army in the fight against the Russian invader," Luxembourg Defence Minister Francois Bausch said in a statement. According to this statement, Luxembourg's army will ship 100 light anti-tank weapons to the Ukrainian army along with four-wheel-drive vehicles and 15 military tents. No further technical detail is given concerning these weapons and 4x4 vehicles but the first ones must be NLAW systems, as they are the only ones the Luxembourg army can offer without depriving its own army of organic armament. NLAW The Main Battle Tank and Light Anti-tank Weapon (MBT LAW), also known as the NLAW, is a joint Swedish and British short-range fire-and-forget anti-tank missile system. Designed for use by infantry, the MBT LAW is shoulder-fired and disposable, firing once before being disposed of. It is currently in use with the military forces of the United Kingdom, Finland, Luxembourg, Ukraine, and Sweden, among others. KMW Dingo 2 of the Luxembourg Army (Picture source: Army Recognition) KMW Dingo 2 and AM General M1114 HUMVEE Regarding its 4x4 vehicles, the Luxembourg army is equipped with KMW Dingo 2 armored vehicles and M1114 Humvees. One may assume that the 4x4 vehicles Luxembourg is ready to donate to Ukraine are HUMVEES, not Dingo 2s (48 currently in service), as these are indispensable to the army and require an important logistical support system, as well as training for their use. Humvees, on the contrary, are easy to operate and maintain, also at a lower cost. The Luxembourg army operates 42 of them. The most used HMMWV in the Luxembourg army is the M1114 equipped with an over-armor kit and a turret on which is fixed a .50 machine gun. The ATF Dingo is a heavily armored military MRAP infantry mobility vehicle based on a Mercedes Unimog chassis with a V-hull design, produced by the German company Krauss-Maffei Wegmann (KMW). The first prototype of the Dingo 1 was completed in 1995 and the first production Dingo 1 entered service in 2000 with the German Army. It is designed to withstand land mines, rifle fire, artillery fragments and NBC threats. ATF stands for Allschutz-Transport-Fahrzeug, meaning all-protected transport vehicle in German. It is named after the Australian native dog, the dingo. The Dingo 2 entered service in late 2004 after undergoing trials from November 2003-May 2004. Currently, KMW is developing the Dingo 2 GFF for the German Army with an increased internal volume. M1114 HMMWV of the Luxembourg Army (Picture source: Luxembourg Army) https://www.armyrecognition.com/defense_news_march_2022_global_security_army_industry/luxembourg_to_send_4x4_vehicles_and_nlaw_anti-tank_weapons_to_ukraine.html