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20 Sep 24. Duality AI to Continue Work with NASA JPL in DARPA RACER Program. The agreement between Duality AI and NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory accelerates autonomy development by allowing rapid iteration and discovery of flaws through simulation. Falcon digital twin simulation platform by Duality AI.
Duality AI, the company behind Falcon, a digital twin simulation platform, has agreed to continue its work with NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (NASA JPL) on Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency’s (DARPA’s) Robotic Autonomy in Complex Environments with Resiliency program (RACER).
This announcement follows Phase I of the RACER project, where Duality successfully completed the program, as one of only two simulation providers selected by DARPA. The agreement accelerates autonomy development for NASA JPL by allowing rapid iteration and discovery of flaws through simulation, reducing risks and providing the synthetic data vital to training advanced AI algorithms that push the boundaries of robotic autonomy.
During the second phase of the RACER program, teams will have to display their ability to create advanced AI solutions that allow large-scale vehicles to travel autonomously at faster speeds and over longer distances than in Phase 1. The team from NASA JPL will use Duality’s advanced digital twin simulator, Falcon, to overcome the challenges associated with autonomous high-speed, off-road vehicles, including mapping, perception, planning, and responding to hazards and obstacles. The ultra-realistic synthetic data generated by Falcon is pivotal in the training and testing of the next-generation AI systems.
Mike Taylor, Chief Product Officer and co-founder of Duality AI, said; “Success in the RACER program relies on training intelligent systems to complete complex tasks that traditional autonomous vehicles do not face. From unexpected obstacles to unpredictable weather challenges, the number of scenarios these AI systems must be trained and tested against is astounding.
“Simulation technology enables a practical way for NASA JPL to train their systems in virtual environments and generate synthetic data that is essential for highly-capable AI models to be ready for any challenge.”
As part of the agreement, Duality will provide the tools and processes required to train AI through the use of digital twin simulation and aid in the development of NASA JPL’s next generation of autonomy technologies.
The contract also provides NASA JPL with access to expansive, highly realistic digital twin environments necessary for robust testing and training of autonomy software. The digital twins of real locations enable the NASA JPL team to generate relevant synthetic data and test their autonomy software with a higher percentage of code coverage than possible with conventional simulators.
By leveraging Duality’s AI-powered tools to build digital twin environments from satellite imagery, as well their library of configurable virtual sensors, NASA JPL can easily manipulate digital twin environments with different rocks, trees, weather, and more. This level of precise control helps NASA JPL transition cutting-edge ideas from simulation into the real world.
Duality’s contract with NASA JPL advances Duality’s mission to build a digital twin simulation platform that helps solve the most complex robotics problems. Working alongside top minds in robotics allows Duality to enhance its simulation capabilities and demonstrate the power of its technology by overcoming immense real-world challenges. (Source: https://www.defenseadvancement.com/)
24 Sep 24. First UK Prototype Boxer Mortar Variant Revealed.
The Boxer Armoured Mortar Variant, featured at the Defence Vehicle Dynamics (DVD2024) exhibition, is designed to enhance battlefield effectiveness and features a Patria NEMO 120mm turreted mortar
Patria and Rheinmetall debuted their prototype Boxer Armoured Mortar Variant at the recent Defence Vehicle Dynamics (DVD2024) exhibition in Millbrook, Bedfordshire, UK on 18 September, 2024.
The new Armoured Mortar Variant, designed to enhance battlefield effectiveness, features state-of-the-art Patria NEMO 120mm turreted mortar system integrated onto Boxer highly mobile and protected platform.
Key Features
- High rate of fire: The 120mm turreted mortar system can achieve a maximum rate of fire of 10 rounds per minute, providing rapid and sustained firepower in combat situations.
- Fire on the move: This capability allows the vehicle to fire while on the move, significantly reducing the risk of counter-battery fire and enhancing operational flexibility.
- Direct and indirect fire: Unlike typical mortar systems that only offer indirect fire, this variant can perform both direct and indirect fire, increasing its versatility and effectiveness in various combat scenarios.
- Multiple Rounds Simultaneous Impact (MRSI): The system can deliver up to five rounds to hit a target simultaneously, overwhelming enemy positions and maximising impact. MRSI can also be coordinated between multiple platforms to further increase the firepower.
- Extended range: With a range of up to 10 kilometres, the mortar system can engage targets at a considerable distance, providing support to frontline troops from a safe location.
- Superior protection: The turreted mortar system allows operators to remain protected within the vehicle at all times, enhancing survivability and crew safety in hostile environments, adding to the army’s deterrence.
Rebecca Richards, Deputy CEO at Rheinmetall Vehicle Systems International, said; “We are excited to present this innovative Armoured Mortar Variant at the DVD2024 exhibition. This collaboration with Patria underscores our shared commitment to advancing military technology and providing the UK’s armed forces with the best possible equipment.”
Hugo Vanbockryck, Senior Vice President Market Area Europe at Patria, added; “The Armoured Mortar Variant represents a significant leap forward in superior battlefield capabilities. We are proud to partner with Rheinmetall in delivering this state-of-the-art solution to our customers.” (Source: https://www.defenseadvancement.com/)
26 Sep 24. NP Aerospace, the global vehicle integrator and armour manufacturer, has today announced the award of a contract by the Belgium MOD (BeMOD) to deliver the remaining 87 Light Tactical Transport Vehicles (LTTV). The original LTTV programme was to deliver 199 of the Mercedes-Benz UNIMOG based vehicles to the BeMOD. The contract to deliver the remaining vehicles has been novated following NP Aerospace’s acquisition of the assets of Jankel Armouring Limited, announced on 10 June 2024.
As well as the production of new LTTV vehicles, this contract also includes lifetime in-service support to the LTTV vehicle fleet for which NP Aerospace will use its proven Vehicle Systems, Services and Spares business unit to deliver. In addition to the LTTV contract, NP Aerospace has also signed an in-service support contract with BeMoD for their Rapid Reaction Vehicles (RRV) fleet, a product for which NP Aerospace also now owns the intellectual property.
NP Aerospace will commence the ramp up of the production plan adopting a fresh approach, with operations being established in their Coventry facilities. As already agreed with the customer, a particular emphasis will be placed upon working to the required quality standards and timescales. NP Aerospace has a fully established vehicle related, UK-based supply chain in place and will be employing proven best practices to deliver a production programme that meets and where possible, exceeds customer expectations, bringing delivery back on track.
The LTTV vehicle is designed to provide a modular and configurable tactical support vehicle that benefits from unique, removable mission modules that enable the vehicle to be re-roled rapidly for operational platform versatility. With a payload of over 3 tonnes, dependent on the final vehicle specification, the LTTV has 3 core variants for Special Operations support, including an ambulance variant. Alongside a user-configurable, fully integrated suite of military sub-systems that includes a removable ballistic protection kit, a Roll-Over-Protection-System (ROPS), weapon mounts and communications fit.
Lieutenant Colonel Jean-François Gennotte from BeMoD said: “We are very pleased with the acquisition of the assets of Jankel Armouring Limited by NP Aerospace, which allowed us to novate our existing contracts and to keep our fleet supported. The long record of experience in this sector of NP Aerospace looks very promising and we are looking forward to a long lasting and hopefully fruitful cooperation.”
James Kempston, NP Aerospace CEO, commented: “following on from our recent announcement regarding the acquisition of Jankel Armouring Limited’s assets, we’re very pleased indeed to announce the award of this major contract, having been novated to us by the BeMoD customer.” He added: “We’re now putting everything in place to get the LTTV programme up and running and delivering to the customer’s expectations. This is great news for NP Aerospace, for our UK supply chain and for Coventry as we continue to create and/or sustain high skilled jobs in the region and across our supplier partnerships.”
26 Sept 24. Rheinmetall Defence Australia builds on National Maintenance Capability. Rheinmetall, one of the largest Defence prime contractors in Australia, is building on the success of the existing Maintenance and Support Partnership established with RGM Maintenance Townsville for the Medium Heavy Capability by joining with Defence prime contractor, Supacat, to ensure a maintenance footprint across Australia.
Nathan Poyner, Managing Director, Rheinmetall Defence Australia, said the signing of the deed of agreement in 2022 was the first step in providing original equipment manufacturer supported maintenance in regions where the vehicles are located.
“These new strategic partnerships aim to reduce total cost of ownership to the Commonwealth and bring ongoing secure jobs, training and sovereign industrial capability to the regions.”
“The deed brings together both organisations of working in region on the Medium Heavy Capability services for logistic vehicles as part of the Australian Defence Force’s Land 121 program, at RGM premises in Townsville.”
“Recently, Rheinmetall has added two additional partners, RGM Maintenance Darwin and Supacat Perth, a world leading design and technology organisation specialising in high mobility defence vehicles.”
“These partnerships grow Rheinmetall’s ability to support the Commonwealth of Australia and allied nations, in regions where HX logistic vehicles are located with specialist expertise through the deployment of Field Service Representatives (FSRs) and assistance from technical experts.”
“The agreements allow our partners to provide value-for-money light and medium grade repairs and FSR supported heavy grade repair where the vehicles are located with OEM support.”
“Rheinmetall also gains valuable insights in to how vehicles are performing by utilising these existing trade repair relationships,” Mr Poyner added.
Mr Poyner said that representatives from both organisations participated in a course delivered by Rheinmetall trainers at facilities in regional Victoria on the HX platform focussing on systems, documentation and the associated diagnostic tools across all vehicle variants from the 40M to the 45M Heavy Recovery.
Bruce Tait, Supacat Managing Director, said, “We are delighted to continue to expand our relationship with Rheinmetall to include supporting the HX logistics vehicles from our Support Centre in Perth.”
“Rheinmetall’s training and support program means that we are confident of being able to support the Rheinmetall vehicles with the same responsiveness and competency that we apply to our own vehicles. Our focus remains on continuously evolving the capability and availability of Army’s vehicle fleets as it transitions to a literal and amphibious force,” Mr Tait said.
RGM Maintenance Business Development Manager, Mick Ferguson, said RGM had heavy vehicle operations throughout Queensland and the Northern Territory and has a 20+ year history of service provision to the ADF.
“RGM’s support to Rheinmetall reduces maintenance lead times for the ADF’s Land 121 fleet in region, putting vehicles back in the hands of ADF operators sooner,” Mr Ferguson said.
26 Sept 24. Marshall forges new relationship through first contract with U.S. Army. Marshall has won a contract to design and supply a rigid-walled expandable container enabling the U.S. Army’s Combat Capabilities Development Command Chemical Biological Center (DEVCOM CBC) to provide forensics and environmental capabilities to allies and partners.
The 20 ft expandable container will be produced at Marshall’s Cambridge site in line with specifications defined by DEVCOM CBC. As part of the bespoke modifications to the container, Marshall will install a special ventilation system and a “glovebox” area for safe passthrough of potentially hazardous materials.
Once production is complete, Marshall will also assist DEVCOM CBC with the integration of specialist customer equipment, as well as providing training, documentation and logistics packages covering spare parts.
“The DEVCOM Chemical Biological Center is pleased to be working with Marshall in support of global initiatives around countering weapons of mass destruction,” said DEVCOM CBC Program Manager George Lawson.
“We are proud of the advanced CB technical analysis capabilities we are developing and delivering for the Defense Threat Reduction Agency’s Cooperative Threat Reduction Program.”
Deployment of the container is planned for January 2025, with Marshall to offer in-service support for at least one year.
“We are proud to add the U.S. Army to the growing list of customers we provide mission-critical support for,” said Andy Smith, Director – Vehicle & Mission Systems at Marshall.
“Winning this contract speaks to our ability to observe and adapt to the constant evolution of the battlespace, drawing on nearly eight decades of providing industry-leading expertise in deployable infrastructure, complex integrated systems and capability sustainment.”
Earlier this year, Marshall secured a contract to design, build and demonstrate a containerised system to simplify logistics and accelerate deployment of aircraft and personnel for the United States Air Force.
Additionally, Canada’s Department of National Defence announced in May that it has formally awarded the Logistics Vehicle Modernization contract to the Power Team—a consortium led by General Dynamics Land Systems-Canada (GDLS-Canada) and Marshall Canada.
Marshall has also recently received a contract valued at over £100 m to design and produce an extensive suite of command and control (C2) shelters, workspaces and equipment for the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration.
25 Sep 24. Škoda is taking occupant protection to a whole new level with the development of a new Kodiaq Armoured. Developed as a joint project between Škoda UK and British-based security experts UTAC Special Vehicles, the new Kodiaq Armoured follows in the wheel tracks of the Superb Armoured, of which nearly 500 have been sold around the world since its launch in 2018.
Like the Superb Armoured, which was fully updated with new features and even greater levels of personal security last year, the Kodiaq Armoured is fully certified to PAS 300 and PAS 301 Civilian Armoured Vehicle standards. PAS 301 certification is only awarded to vehicles that can pass a number of demanding tests including those for payload, acceleration, maximum speed, handling and braking. Other tests carried out as part of the certification process include the vehicle being subjected to in excess of 200 rounds of ammunition, plus an assessment of blast resistance to the vehicle side, roof and underfloor. The Kodiaq Armoured meets all these criteria and offers exceptional levels of personal protection for occupants.
As part of the vehicle’s development, the new Kodiaq Armoured was subjected to a rigorous programme of testing. As with all previous armoured variants, the Kodiaq was developed with the full co-operation and technical support of Škoda, and designed to look as similar to the production model as possible.
The Kodiaq Armoured incorporates a raft of features and enhancements to offer complete protection for occupants. These include special bullet-resistant glass and armoured steel protection for the passenger compartment. As a result, the Kodiaq Armoured offers bullet resistance to various handguns and assault rifles, and blast resistance to both grenades and high explosives.
To ensure that the Kodiaq Armoured retains the same drivability and agility of the standard production model, the new model is equipped with uprated suspension and braking systems. Both are specified to accommodate the armoured model’s weight increase. To ensure that the Kodiaq Armoured can continue to travel in the event of punctures, all four wheels are fitted with a tyre retention system that prevents the tyre from leaving the rim, even when deflated. This system will allow the driver to maintain control of the car at all times.
Other features incorporated into the design is an emergency lighting and siren system along with an 8-inch touchscreen communications hub with GPS, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality.
Despite the significant re-engineering of many elements of the car, the Kodiaq Armoured retains the same high levels of comfort and practicality of the standard production model. It is offered in five-seat form and has boot space of more than 2,000 litres. As with the Superb Armoured, customers can choose from a range of powertrain options, along with four-wheel drive.
24 Sept 24. Teledyne FLIR Defense, part of Teledyne Technologies Incorporated (NYSE:TDY), announced that it has received two five-year requirements contracts worth up to $47m in total to provide and support nearly its entire range of ground robots to the United States government. The contracts were awarded by the U.S. Army Contracting Command in Detroit and will be administered by the Robot Logistics Support Center.
The first contract, valued at up to $32m, will support sustainment of the Man-Transportable Robotic System (MTRS) and Common Robotic Systems-Heavy (CRS-H) fielded robots. This contract is available to all Department of Defense units and includes spares and repair services. The second contract, valued at up to $15m, will support sustainment of the FLIR Defense FirstLook® 110, SUGV™ 310, PackBot®, and Kobra™ 725 ground robots. This contract is available to all U.S. government agencies and includes the purchase of all robotic systems listed as well as training to fulfill foreign military sales and customer requirements for robots, training or parts.
“These new funding vehicles are critically important in maintaining both DoD and Federal government readiness to address threats solved with the help of ground robots,” said Tung Ng, vice president of Unmanned Systems North America at Teledyne FLIR Defense. “Whatever the job may be, our men and women in uniform know they can depend on all our robotic platforms to help them perform missions more safely and effectively. We are honored by their trust.”
The two contracts span nearly the full portfolio of FLIR Defense’s unmanned ground systems – from the six-pound throwable FirstLook to the man-portable PackBot, relied on by America’s military for bomb disposal since 2001, up to the 525-pound Kobra/CRS-H robot used for remote CBRN detection, larger ordnance disposal, and other heavy-duty tasks.
Funding for the contracts will be provided with each delivery order received. Both contracts feature a five-year performance period, with three base years and two option years. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)
23 Sept. 24. Arquus and ENSTA Bretagne Innovate for the Tank of the Future: Advances in Combat Vehicle Hybridization.
For the past three years, Arquus and ENSTA Bretagne have combined their expertise to develop hybridization solutions for future armored vehicles through an academic partnership. August 2024 marks the completion of the third edition of the Final Year Projects (PFE) by ENSTA Bretagne students, with promising results for the future of military vehicles.
As a leading school for defense engineering, transportation systems, and vehicle architecture, ENSTA Bretagne is one of the public engineering schools under the supervision of the Direction Generale of Armaments (DGA). It trains engineers who are both generalists and specialists in technical fields, to meet tomorrow’s challenges. Over the past three years, strong ties have been forged between the engineering school located in Brest and Arquus. The commitment of both players to developing hybridization solutions for combat tanks has led to substantial energy savings and performance equal to or exceeding that of current armored vehicles.
The advancements of the past three years are the result of collaboration within the THOR joint laboratory, inaugurated in May 2023, dedicated to optimizing the energy efficiency of land defense vehicles. Created by ENSTA Bretagne and Arquus, this unique laboratory brings together joint efforts to develop hybridization solutions for heavy vehicles.
After several months of study and development within Arquus, three engineering students from ENSTA Bretagne delivered ambitious projects this August, covering areas from remotorization to transmission of tanks, a broad scope of study aimed at meeting the needs for the modernization of military equipment.
ENSTA Bretagne and Arquus continue their cooperation through this comprehensive partnership. Young graduates from the school have been employed by Arquus following their final internships. The deep school-company connection is also supported by Emmanuel Levacher, president of Arquus, who is the patron of the ENSTA Bretagne classes of 2024 and 2025. In addition to the THOR laboratory, new areas of focus are under development and will further strengthen this partnership.
20 Sept. 24. Y-20 strategic airlifter makes AAD 2024 debut. The Xian Y-20A, China’s home-grown strategic military transport aircraft, is making a significant appearance at AAD 2024. This marks only the second time that the Chinese People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) has showcased its strategic airlifter at an African airshow, following its first public display in Egypt earlier this month for the Egypt International Airshow.
The Y-20, officially named ‘Kunpeng’ after a mythical fish-bird creature, but affectionately nicknamed ‘Chubby Girl,’ is China’s answer to global heavy transport needs. Its display at AAD highlights China’s growing interest in strengthening military cooperation with African nations.
Developed by Xi’an Aircraft Industrial Corporation with support from the Russian Antonov design bureau, the Y-20 is China’s first domestically manufactured heavy transport aircraft. Comparable in size and performance to Russia’s Ilyushin Il-76 and the US Boeing C-17 Globemaster III, the Y-20 was designed to meet the PLAAF’s strategic and tactical airlift requirements. Since its maiden flight in 2013 and introduction into service in 2016, the aircraft has become a key asset for China’s military logistics operations, significantly enhancing its global reach.
Y-20s have performed numerous overseas missions, including an April 2022 arms delivery to Serbia, and have delivered humanitarian aid throughout the world. Before the Y-20, the PLAAF relied on the Ilyushin Il-76, but fielded them in small numbers (around 20) due to a shortage of airframes. Around 60 Y-20s are in PLAAF service, with more in production, and the type is now being actively offered for export.
The Y-20 boasts a maximum payload capacity of 60-65 tons and a maximum take-off weight of 220 tons. With a length of 47 meters and a wingspan of 50 meters, the Y-20 has an imposing presence on the tarmac. Its versatility lies in its ability to carry a wide range of military equipment, from tanks and armoured vehicles to helicopters such as the Changhe Z-10 attack helicopter, which is also on display alongside the aircraft at AAD.
The Y-20 integrates several advanced technologies, including a glass cockpit equipped with a heads-up display (HUD) for pilots, and uses composite materials in its construction to reduce weight while maintaining strength and durability. Initial versions are powered by four D-30KP-2 engines, while the Y-20B features the more powerful WS-20 engines. The WS-20 develops about 31 000 lb of thrust compared to the less efficient D-30KP-2’s 26 450 lb.
A relatively new development is the YY-20A/Y-20U air-to-air refuelling version, which first entered service in mid-2022. At least eight are now flying with the PLAAF, allowing it to conduct interoperability exercises with many modern platforms, including J-16s, J-20s and J-10s, H-6N strategic bombers, and KJ-500 airborne early warning aircraft. Three probe-and-drogue hoses can be used at the same time (flying boom technology is apparently under development). The YY-20As complement the three second-hand Il-78 Midas and two dozen H-6U Badger tanker aircraft that support the J-8 and J-10 fleets. Other Y-20 special mission variants, including an AEW version, are expected to follow.
The presence of the Y-20 at AAD is widely seen as a strategic move by China to deepen its defence ties with African nations. Not only does it showcase China’s advancements in military technology, but it also demonstrates Beijing’s commitment to expanding its defence industry partnerships across the African continent. Several African countries, including Nigeria, are considered potential buyers of the Y-20.
The aircraft on display at AAD 2024 is assigned to the 12th Transport Regiment based at Qionglai Air Base in Chengdu, Southwestern China, and made its journey to South Africa via Djibouti. (Source: https://www.defenceweb.co.za/)
20 Sep 24. Milkor showcases new vehicles at AAD 2024. Milkor is showcasing the latest advancements in its vehicle range at the Africa Aerospace and Defence (AAD) 2024 exhibition, together with new vessel models, and upgraded grenade launchers.
Milkor’s brand new Vanguard MRAP (Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected) vehicle is launching at AAD 2024. This 16-ton gross vehicle mass (GVM) vehicle is built for high-end combat and cross-domain operations, offering what the company said is unparalleled protection and strength. It meets NATO STANAG 4A and 4B standards, providing protection against 10 kg landmines. Its Level 3 ballistic protection ensures the safety of the 2+8 or 2+10 crew, depending on the seating configuration.
Built for demanding environments, the Vanguard MRAP features independent suspension and a 450-horsepower engine, giving a top speed of 100 km/h on road. The turret may be optionally manned or unmanned. With its V-shaped hull design, it offers enhanced survivability in combat situations, making it ideal for UN peacekeeping missions and European defence forces. Variants include troop deployment, command vehicle, border surveillance, field ambulance and anti-riot capability.
For markets in Africa, Latin America and Asia, Milkor has launched the Land Cruiser-based 6×6 Frontier military vehicle, making its debut at AAD 2024. This vehicle addresses the need for an agile, well-protected military transport vehicle. Built on the reliable Toyota Land Cruiser chassis, this 6×6 vehicle features a 4.5-liter V8 engine, ensuring a powerful, yet adaptable, platform for various combat and peacekeeping roles.
Milkor said the Frontier is ideal for regions requiring mobility and cost-effective military solutions. It features proven off-road capability with military-grade armour. Variants include troop carrier (seating up to 12), Long Range Patrol Vehicle, Rapid Reaction Vehicle and fire fighter. GVM is 8 700 kg and top speed up to 120 km/h. Armour can be up to B6 level.
A smaller, lighter 4×4 Milkor Frontier model with a GVM of 5 700 kg is also available, perfect for border surveillance and utility tasks. It is available in three versions, including a stripped-down extra lightweight VTT version.
Another standout offering of Milkor’s Land Systems is the Milkor BushCat APC (Armoured Personnel Carrier). Based on the proven performance of the Milkor 4×4, this 13.5-ton GVM vehicle offers a balance between high-level protection and operational efficiency, positioning it as a cost-effective solution for military and peacekeeping operations, Milkor said.
Designed with rugged terrain and infantry transport in mind, the BushCat provides robust protection for its occupants, making it an ideal choice for peacekeeping missions, border security and law enforcement. It offers military-standard protection with minimal operational costs, making it one of the most affordable APCs in its class, Milkor said. Blast protection is to STANAG 3A and 3B standards, with Level 2 ballistic protection. It can accommodate manned or unmanned turrets.
Growing vessel lineup
Milkor’s naval division is showcasing its Inshore Patrol Craft (IPC), a 12-metre high-speed patrol vessel designed for inshore surveillance and reconnaissance. Capable of reaching speeds of 50 knots and a range of up to 750 nautical miles, this catamaran-style vessel can remain at sea for up to five days, making it an efficient asset for coastal and inshore patrols.
While the IPC can be weaponized (including machineguns, cannons, grenade launchers and torpedoes), its primary mission is surveillance and patrol. The vessel’s catamaran design gives it increased stability and efficiency, allowing it to navigate rough waters and perform extended missions with a crew of four.
For deeper offshore and high-speed interception missions, Milkor has introduced the Commander. This 16-metre patrol vessel is built for speed and agility and will be officially launched at IDEX 2025 in UAE. With a top speed of 45 knots, thanks to its two 1 000-horsepower engines and water jets, the Milkor Commander is perfect for river mouth and coast guard operations, where speed is critical.
The Commander’s ability to carry a crew of ten and perform high-speed intercepts makes it an ideal vessel for missions in high-threat maritime zones, Milkor said. Weapons options include machine guns, torpedoes, laser-guided rockets, cannons, and grenade launchers.
While Milkor’s land and naval systems are expanding rapidly, the company’s weapons division remains its core strength. The Milkor Super Six, a 40 mm grenade launcher, is still one of the flagship products in the arsenal. Capable of firing six rounds in three seconds with a range of 800 metres, this medium-velocity launcher has proven its worth in military operations worldwide.
Other 40 mm products showcased at AAD are Milkor’s Underbarrel Grenade Launcher and Automatic Grenade Launcher. The automatic grenade launcher will fire 250 rounds per minute over a range of 2 200 metres.
The Milkor 380, the largest Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) unmanned aerial vehicle to be designed and built in Africa, is also being displayed by Milkor. This nine metre long, 18.6 metre wingspan UAV is capable of surveillance, reconnaissance, intelligence-gathering and armed missions. (Source: https://www.defenceweb.co.za/)
24 Sep 24. Paperwork threatens UK Boxer mechanised infantry vehicle IOC. Thousands of pages of technical documentation are required by the British Army in order to help train personnel in the operation of the Boxer vehicle.
The British Army’s future Boxer mechanised infantry vehicle may not reach its scheduled initial operating capability (IOC) deadline due to incomplete technical documentation, effectively the service’s paperwork that is required for vast swathes of training intended to familiarise personnel with the new platform.
The British Army’s Boxer IOC is due to be met by Q4 2025, more than seven years after it rejoined the pan-European programme.
Speaking at the recent DVD 2024 event at UTAC Millbrook, the British Army’s director mechanised infantry programme, Col Iain Fake, said that Boxer was “on a knife’s edge” in relation to meeting its IOC, with the technical documentation the main timeline risk.
Although some work on creating effective training programmes for the wider British Army to use when the Boxer is introduced into service, it has been hampered by service doctrine requiring accompanying paperwork.
In July 2024 it was reported that global supply chains also represented a significant risk to the UK Boxer IOC, and noted as a possibility earlier still, in January 2024.
At the DVD event, Fake also acknowledged that supply chains were the other main risk for the UK being able to meet the Boxer’s IOC, with European operators of the platform likely being used to provide parts as required until a UK capability could come online.
Boxer: additional variants in the pipeline
A total of 623 Boxer vehicles across four distinct variants are on contract in the following amount: infantry carrier (146 units), command platform (212 units), specialist carrier (200 units), and ambulance (65 units).
The first UK production Boxer is expected to begin its build process in Q4 2024, while the first of the ambulance variants will be delivered in November or December this year.
Meanwhile, information revealed that the DVD event also showed Boxer programme’s so-called strategic pipeline, which included variants not among the original four that could be acquired in the years ahead.
This strategic pipeline includes the Boxer-based RCH 155 self-propelled artillery platform, with the UK recently signing a deal to undertake the co-development of the capability with Germany, as well as the introduction of an Amoured Mortar Vehicle (AMV) variant.
While the RCH 155 is well-known, the public detailing of the prospect of the AMV variant and a proposed timeline is rare. British Army officials indicated the AMV variant would have an IOC of 2030, compared to an anticipated 2029 for the RCH 155 platform.
Other Boxer types being considered as part of the strategic pipeline include the SERPENS deep find radar platform, which appeared to have a 2031 IOC, a ground-based air defence (GBAD) C-SAT variant (2032 IOC timeframe) that would feature something like a SkyRanger turret, and a TYRO combat support bridging vehicle reaching IOC a little earlier, around 2029. (Source: army-technology.com)
24 Sept. 24. British Army’s Ajax AFV undertakes hot weather trials in desert heat. Information disclosed during the DVD exhibition and conference indicated that the hot weather trials took place in desert conditions in temperatures that rose to 46°C.
An Ajax AFV on display at DVD 2024. Credit: Richard Thomas
The British Army’s Ajax armoured fighting vehicle (AFV) has undertaken hot weather trials in recent weeks, as the platform continues along what has been an extended timeline towards initial operating capability (IOC), expected by December 2025.
Information disclosed during the DVD exhibition and conference at the UTAC Millbrook vehicle test site on 19 September 2024, indicated that the hot weather trials took place in desert conditions in temperatures that rose to 46°C, with descriptions of the Ajax being hard to distinguish among the trial area’s ‘sand dunes’.
Looking at countries and regions where UK vehicles have been known to undertake trials, it is possible that the Ajax hot weather tests could have taken place in the United States, or else in the Gulf region.
In the Gulf, the Sultanate of Oman hosts a British Army logistics hub at Duqm, which is close to the southeastern range of the Rub Al Khali desert that encompasses much of the Arabian Peninsula. Within the timeframe of the Ajax’s hot weather trials, temperatures in Duqm reached up to 40°C, and would have been higher further into the interior.
Similar temperatures were recorded at US Army military test complexes, such as Fort Bliss, over the past fortnight.
General Dynamics Land Systems, which is manufacturing the Ajax family of vehicles for the British Army, lists the UK, US, Saudi Arabia, the Middle East, and North Africa, as active markets.
Officials for UK Defence Equipment & Support (DE&S) would not specify which country hosted the UK Ajax AFV hot weather trials, when asked by Army Technology, other than they took place “a few weeks ago” in an “A1 climatic region”.
The UK military classifies an A1 climatic region as ‘Extreme Hot Dry’, as comprise areas which experience very high temperatures accompanied by high levels of solar radiation, namely, hot dry deserts of North Africa, Western Australia, parts of the Middle East and central Asia, including parts of the Indian sub-continent, and parts of southwestern United States and into Mexico.
Ajax: updates and timelines
In July 2024, the UK’s new Labour government released an update timeline that stated the British Army’s £3.47bn ($4.61bn) Ajax armoured cavalry programme would not reach IOC until December 2025.
The IOC delivery checkpoint in reached once 50 units of the total programme requirement of 589 have been delivered, which will see 27 used by a deployable squadron with the remaining 23 utilised by the British Army for crew and maintainer training.
In total the programme is intended to deliver the platforms across six variants, incorporating the Ajax infantry fighting vehicle, Apollo armoured recovery vehicle, Ares armoured personnel carrier, Argus reconnaissance vehicle, Athena command post vehicle, and Atlas engineering vehicle into British Army service.
In January 2024 it was disclosed that 152 Ajax programme vehicles had been built, representing just over 25% of the planned total fleet number. The IOC standard vehicle is known as Capability Drop 3 and forms the deployable standard ahead of the spiral development and integration of Capability Drop 4, or Full Operating Capability (FOC).
Officials disclosed that the British Army received its first Capability Drop 3 Athena command post vehicle the week beginning 16 September.
In August 2024, the Ajax performed mobile firing trials, following earlier cold weather tests in Sweden, using the new, stablised 40mm main gun system.
The Ajax programme had to be paused in 2021 following revelations that crews training on early-build iterations had experiencing significant medical issues related to excessive noise and vibration. (Source: army-technology.com)
16 Sept. 24. UK Land Mobility Programme – Prior Information Notice., On 11th September the UK MoD issued a ‘Land Mobility Programme – Prior Information Notice’ regarding protected mobility and utility platforms.
Land Mobility Programme – Prior Information Notice
- Requirement.
o The Authority has a potential requirement for a Land Mobility Programme (LMP). It will deliver a fleet of modernised, digitally enabled and adaptable protected mobility and utility platforms, that leverage the very best industry has to offer, providing the Joint Force with globally competitive platforms that meet the demand now, and in the future.
o The Authority will deliver a Land Mobility Programme brief at Defence Vehicle Dynamics 24 (DVD 24) on 18 September 2024. The brief is scheduled to be delivered between 1120 and 1220hrs although the Authority retains the right to change the time without notice to meet the needs of DVD 24.
- Route to Market
o This Prior Information Notice has been issued to enable industry to attend the Land Mobility Programme brief and consider whether they would want to be engaged in any future procurement. This is a pre-concept brief, and the Authority is not committed to exact requirements or to establish the programme.
- Next Steps
o Should the Land Mobility Programme Strategic Outline Case gain formal UK cross-government endorsement, the Authority will seek expressions of interest. Further announcements are expected to be issued as and when the programme is initiated. This will seek expressions of interest in the programme, providing the same information as that presented at DVD.
Editor’s Note: At DSEi 2023 it was stated that the UK MoD Land Mobility Programme aimed to replace 13 types / categories of in-service (predominantly) wheeled vehicles, from MASTIFF and FOXHOUND down to Pinzgauer and Land Rover, with just four types: Heavy, 20-40 tonne GVW; Medium, up to 20 tonne; Light, up to 10 tonne; and Utility, up to 7 tonne. (Source: joint-forces.com)
23 Sept. 24. The Finnish Defence Forces is acquiring more Patria 6×6 vehicles from the additional purchase option included in the previously signed agreement. In the summer of 2023, Patria and the Defence Forces Logistics Command signed an agreement for 91 armoured personnel carriers with equipment. The procurement agreement included an additional purchase option for 70 vehicles, of which the Defence Forces previously redeemed 41 at the turn of the year 2023–2024 and now an additional 29 vehicles. The ordered vehicles will be delivered by the end of 2025.
“Redemption of the entire domestic additional purchase option is remarkable for Patria and the whole international CAVS joint programme. The programme has progressed rapidly thanks to excellent cooperation between Patria and the participating countries. The joint programme between nations enables cost-effective vehicle development and lifecycle support, quick procurements, and equipment compatibility, strengthening defence cooperation in Europe,” tells Jussi Järvinen, responsible for Patria’s operations in Finland.
The procurement is part of the international CAVS (Common Armoured Vehicle System) joint programme, which includes Finland, Latvia, Sweden, and Germany. The research and development agreement for the joint project was signed at the end of 2020, and deliveries to three countries have started within three years
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