Sponsored by TEK Military Seating Limited
http://www.tekmilitaryseating.co.uk/
————————————————————————-
22 Mar 24. France, Germany divvy up workload for next-generation tank. The industries of Germany and France will have an equal share of work in developing and producing a future tank, the countries’ defense ministers announced March 22.
The agreement for the Main Ground Combat System, to be formalized in late April as a memorandum of understanding, caps years of wrangling over national preferences for the two main industry actors: the joint venture of France’s Nexter and Germany’s Krauss-Maffei Wegmann, known as KNDS; and Germany’s Rheinmetall.
The deal foresees a central role for KNDS in the project.
During Friday’s joint news conference in Berlin, German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius and his French counterpart Sébastien Lecornu announced the deal and praised the pact as “historic,” which brings together two countries with comparable and competing defense industries under a single major defense program.
For his part, Lecornu noted the bilateral work leads to “interoperability” for two nations that share a continent and are members of NATO.
Italy, the Netherlands and others have expressed interest in joining the MGCS program, Pistorius said in September after a meeting with Lecornu to discuss the project.
Manufacturers are to develop the tank from scratch, the ministers said, with drones and directed-energy weapons augmenting the platform. Those additional technologies for the tank are currently experimental.
The program aims to replace Germany’s Leopard tanks and France’s Leclerc fleet sometime in the 2040s, with a demonstrator expected around 2030. The French target is to have a successor to its Leclerc main battle tank closer to 2040 than 2050, though.
The future system will be much more than a successor to existing tanks, Lecornu said, describing the MGCS as a step beyond what exists today in terms of technology, with a “particularly impressive” level of innovation regarding connectivity, electronic warfare, drone integration, armor and self-defensive measures.
The countries have agreed on eight pillars within the program, each with a 50-50 work share, including the tank platform, main gun, new weapons, communication technology and combat-cloud system.
Germany will award contracts for a total of up to several hundred million euros for the pre-demonstrator phase by the end of the year. In addition to a significant part for Nexter, the French share is expected to include Thales, Safran and MBDA as well as smaller firms, while German companies beyond Krauss-Maffei Wegmann will include Rheinmetall and others.
France and Germany also said KNDS will create a unit in Ukraine to locally produce ammunition as well as spare parts for French and German systems in use in the country. In time, there would be a possibility to produce entire systems in Ukraine, Lecornu said.
KNDS systems operating in Ukraine include Leopard 2 tanks, the wheeled Caesar 155mm howitzer, the tracked PzH 2000 howitzer and the Gepard self-propelled anti-aircraft gun. (Source: Defense News)
22 Mar 24. British Army’s new Ajax continues brutal testing regime before hundreds go into service. The British Army can expect hundreds of Ajax armoured fighting vehicles to be ready for service before the end of the decade.
The new model of the fighting vehicle, which has recently been undertaking its latest trials in sub-Arctic conditions, is part of the intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition and reconnaissance (ISTAR) capability.
In the Arctic, crews are training in difficult terrain and in -38°C conditions.
The Royal Armoured Corps wrote on social media: “Ajax: The Armoured Fighting Vehicle providing a world-leading competitive advantage.
“Testing in difficult terrain and in -38°C conditions was a challenge for both vehicle and crew.
“After successful sub-Arctic trials, everyone will welcome warmer conditions in the next phase.”
Four hundred and forty-six Ajax models are scheduled to be delivered to the British Army by 2028.
Defence Procurement Minister James Cartlidge has also confirmed 93 Ajax vehicles will be ready for service this year, with a further 89 in 2025, 66 in 2026, 125 in 2027 and 73 in 2028.
It is not yet known how many units will be delivered in 2029 and 2030.
Mr Cartlidge, answering a written question from shadow defence secretary John Healey about numbers of Ajax vehicles and what year they will be delivered tio the Army, said: “In addition to the numbers of newly built platforms listed above, there are 143 Ajax vehicles that will be retrofitted from earlier build standards to the final deployable build standard.
“The plan for when these retrofitted vehicles will be delivered is currently still in development, however, all are currently scheduled for delivery by 2029.
“It is anticipated that all vehicles will be delivered to the Army in the same calendar year they are delivered to the department.
“If the vehicle is received late in the year, it is possible that the Army will receive the vehicle in the next calendar year.”
(Source: forces.net)
21 Mar 24. ADF trials autonomous refuelling system for heavy vehicles. The Australian Defence Force is trialling a new autonomous refuelling system in a major technological leap forward for Australian Army heavy vehicles.
The ADF is partnering with veteran-owned engineering company ECLIPS Logistics, Queensland automation company Universal Field Robots, and transport manufacturer Holmwood Highgate for the Self-Contained Tank Module, Autonomous Refuelling System (SCTM ARS) capability.
The fuel prototype (self-contained tank module with 3,400-litre capacity) is fitted with a unique slew drive, hydraulically actuated robotic arm to autonomously refuel both crewed and uncrewed systems using a dual delivery mechanism, digital fuel sensor, hose reel with manual splash fill, and advanced perception systems.
It’s understood successful application of an autonomous refuelling system would reduce the requirement for military personnel to manually lift heavy equipment, increase refuelling speed, and enable refuelling without putting military personnel in the line of fire during combat.
The ADF will next move to additional testing for the system.
“ECLIPS Logistics teamed up with Universal Field Robots and Holmwood Highgate recently to deliver a Self-Contained Truck Module Autonomous Refuelling System to RICO (Robotic and Autonomous Systems Implementation & Coordination Office) as part of a successful technology demonstration,” according to a public statement published by ECLIPS Logistics this week.
“SCTM ARS delivers to the Australian Defence Force a unique capability that is safe, connected, self-contained, modular, reliable and efficient.
“SCTM ARS removes soldiers from the refuelling task and will allow the refuelling of robots by robots in the future.
“SCTM ARS provides an autonomous refuelling capability for the existing vehicle fleet in the Australian Defence Force and for future crewed and uncrewed combat vehicle fleets.”
Earlier this week, the Australian Army also announced that 120 military personnel had taken part in Project Convergence, a US-led campaign of learning through persistent experimentation.
The project was hosted by the United States Army, Air Force, Marine Corps and Space Force, and included participants from the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, France, and Japan from 23 February to 20 March in California, USA.
The project focuses on testing and developing networks, robotic and autonomous systems, air defence and strike related systems, with particular importance placed on the aggressively advance and integration of technology across all warfighting domains to overmatch an adversary in competition and conflict.
Colonel Casey Guidolin, director Australian Defence Force Multi-Domain Strike, said being part of Project Convergence meant the ADF could test more new and emerging technologies as a part of a coalition force.
“Project Convergence Capstone Four provided Australia with the opportunity to work closely with allies and partners to promote a stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific region,” COL Guidolin said.
“The ADF continues to test and invest in new and emerging technologies through multinational activities such as Project Convergence.
“In a time of heightened competition and conflict, working with the militaries of our allies and partners ensures we can work together as an integrated force in all warfighting domains on national defence.” (Source: Defence Connect)
21 Mar 24. Two new military snowmobiles are launching today from Polaris Government and Defense: the 2025 Military 650 TITAN 155 and 2025 Military 850 PRO RMK 155, built off the industry-leading technology and ride-enhancing upgrades of the 2025 Polaris Snowmobile lineup. Warfighters worldwide rely on Polaris Government and Defense to provide off-road, light tactical vehicles for the most austere conditions. Polaris militarized snowmobiles, or over-snow reconnaissance vehicles (OSRVs), are a critical component of the off-road arsenal for winter warfare.
“Many expeditionary forces turn to Polaris for arctic mobility, and we are committed to providing vehicles that continue to meet the ever-changing needs of their missions,” said Nick Francis, vice president, Polaris Government and Defense. “The all-new 2025 Military 650 TITAN 155 and 2025 Military 850 PRO RMK 155 snowmobiles are engineered with the input of our longstanding snowmobile customers. Working closely with the operators that specialize in arctic operations helps ensure these next-gen OSRVs meet the standards and requirements of today’s militaries while continuing to provide exceptional maneuver capability, utility and reliable operation during harsh winter operations.”
The 2025 Military 650 TITAN 155 and 2025 Military 850 PRO RMK 155 have several modifications for the military mission:
* Blackout Mode – a single switch instantly turns off all lights for discreet operation
* IR Light – infrared lighting provides visibility to operators while in blackout mode
* White Body Panels – additional white on military snowmobiles provides camouflage
* 12V outlets – power or charge hand-held electronics and other mission essentials
* Power Boosting Regulator – automatically provides maximum electrical power at idle and low RPMs to support the 12V outlet as well as any added accessories
* Handlebar with Mountain Hoop – the added hoop provides better operator ride angle and control
Built on the proven Matryx platform with the quick accelerating 650 Patriot engine, the 2025 Military 650 TITAN 155 is the most capable widetrack in Polaris history. The two-person workhorse accommodates a passenger and another 125 lbs in the cargo area, as well as a hitch to tow a trailer and an additional 1200 lbs of mission-critical supplies. A powerful winch provides 1500 lbs of capacity for vehicle recovery or to move obstacles. With an all-new, patented BackTrak20 rear suspension, high-clearance independent front suspension and Trailbreaker skis, the TITAN can climb on top of the snow better than any previous model – in forward or reverse. This model also has an articulating rail, allowing the extra-long track to hinge upwards at the back, and a removeable rear snowflap for even greater mobility in reverse. The transmission has high and low gearing for controlled power distribution and added initial engine torque for heavy loads. A cooling system with radiator keeps the TITAN’s engine temp optimized during slow speed operation, while towing heavy loads and in low-snow conditions for more reliable operation and dependability.
The new 2025 Military 850 PRO RMK 155 is a nimble, lightweight snowmobile engineered for superior maneuverability for patrol and reconnaissance. The extended track and tapered tunnel increase the snowmobile’s performance in deep snow while a full-length cooler provides better cooling and greater reliability in marginal snow conditions. High elevation clutch calibration provides optimal operation at increased altitudes for this model, while Velocity shocks provide adjustability for varying rider and kit weight and size for greater control and precise handling.
Both snowmobiles are also equipped with durable, Polaris two-stroke engines and electric start, while also supporting manual, pull-start in extreme cold. Weight reduction and ergonomic upgrades provide added control while the advanced suspension improves handling, enhanced capability and agility. Calibrated shocks and a proven suspension architecture absorb bumps in shifting terrain to add a level of comfort to the ride while a narrow cockpit provides greater control, stability and precise navigation. To increase stealth, these two military snowmobiles are designed to blend in to snowy, arctic environmental conditions. A keyless ignition also comes standard on military models to simplify fleet operation. Orders for these military snowmobiles are open now directly through Polaris Government and Defense with production and deliveries also scheduled for this year.
Providing 70 Years of Winter Mobility
In arctic and mountainous snow-covered environments, Polaris military snowmobiles and tactical vehicles allow operators to move further and faster. The experts in winter mobility, Polaris has been making innovative snowmobiles for seven decades. Today’s snowmobiles are delivered mission-ready to military customers with confidence that all modifications have been validated by Polaris engineers. The dedicated team at Polaris Government and Defense also provides training courses to maximize operator effectiveness and ability for these specialty platforms.
Polaris Government and Defense also provides arctic mobility through its MRZR Alpha light tactical all-terrain vehicle. The MRZR Alpha transitions to cold-weather environments and terrain with the addition of an Arctic Mobility Kit. A fully enclosed cab helps protect occupants from weather conditions and environmental elements while a track conversion kit replaces each wheel with a separate track assembly providing off-road, all-terrain maneuver capability over snow, soft soil and mixed terrain. The full cab and tracks expand the environments the MRZR Alpha can operate in and increase an already wide range of terrain for which it is well-suited.
Polaris’ commercially modified platforms are air transportable, highly capable and a force multiplier for every service in the United States military and more than 60 allied countries. In addition to military snowmobiles, Polaris Government and Defense provides tactical wheeled vehicles like the MRZR, DAGOR and MV850.
21 Mar 24. The German Bundeswehr has commissioned Rheinmetall to supply the “Schwerer Waffenträger Infanterie (Heavy Weapon Carrier for the Infantry)”. Following the Budget Committee of the German Bundestag approved the proposal on 20 March 2024, the contract was signed today on 21 March 2023. The German Federal Armed Forces (Bundeswehr) will procure up to 123 vehicles “Schwerer Waffenträger Infanterie”. The contract is worth around €2.7bn, which also includes service and maintenance. Delivery is scheduled to begin in 2025. The Heavy Weapon Carrier for the Infantry serves as a replacement for the Wiesel (“weasel”) tracked vehicle for direct tactical fire support of infantry units. It is also a core element of the German Army’s new force category, the “medium forces” are able to rapidly deploy over long distances and thus contribute to credible national and alliance defence.
The Heavy Weapon Carrier for the Infantry is based on the Boxer Combat Reconnaissance Vehicle (CRV), the wheeled armoured reconnaissance vehicle of the Australian Defence Force, also supplied by Rheinmetall. This is the proven 8×8 combat vehicle with an armoured reconnaissance mission module including the two-person Lance turret. The main weapon is the Rheinmetall MK30-2 ABM automatic cannon, which is also installed in the German Puma infantry fighting vehicle. In addition, the multi-role guided missile system (“mehrrollenfähiges leichtes Lenkflugkörpersystem” or MELLS), which enables the Heavy Weapon Carrier for the Infantry to provide anti-tank defence, is also fitted.
Armin Papperger, Chairman of the Executive Board of Rheinmetall AG: “We are very proud to have been selected to supply the Schwerer Waffenträger Infanterie, an essential element of the German Army’s new force category, the ‘medium forces’. In order to be able to provide the Army with the required combat vehicles as quickly as possible, we are integrating not only our German but also the Australian sites in our Rheinmetall network.”
The vehicles earmarked for the Bundeswehr will use production capacities at Rheinmetall’s state-of-the-art Military Vehicle Centre of Excellence (MILVEHCOE) in Redbank, south-east Queensland – together with the Combat Reconnaissance Vehicles produced for the Australian Defence Forces.
Comprehensive German-Australian cooperation on this programme was initiated in 2023. In July 2023, Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese agreed a corresponding agreement in principle in Berlin on the fringes of a visit to Germany. A declaration of cooperation had previously been signed in Canberra on 23 March 2023 by the Australian Minister for Defence Industry, Pat Conroy MP, and the German Parliamentary State Secretary at the Federal Ministry of Defence, Thomas Hitschler. This lays the foundation for further contractual arrangements between the Australian and German Ministries of Defence and Rheinmetall.
John Abunassar, head of Rheinmetall’s Vehicle Systems Division, emphasised the similarities between the Australian and planned German Boxer vehicles and the trust that both allies place in Rheinmetall. “The Bundeswehr Boxers, some of which are to be built at MILVEHCOE, are based on the design of the successful Australian Boxer wheeled armoured reconnaissance vehicle. This would be one of the largest Australian defence exports in the country’s history and supports Rheinmetall’s goal to further develop the capabilities of the Australian defence industry and integrate it into the company’s global supply chains.”
“Rheinmetall has more than 900 employees in Australia, high-tech capabilities and an established manufacturing facility in Redbank that produces vehicles, armour and electronics. Our Australian and global supply chain will grow and bring further prosperity to small and medium sized businesses as we secure new orders to complement existing export programmes. We welcome the close defence industry partnership between Australia and Germany as the two nations work together to enhance global security,” added Nathan Poyner, Managing Director of Rheinmetall Defence Australia.
The Boxer is a modern 8×8 armoured vehicle that is in service or under procurement with various armed forces around the world. The Boxer provides increased safety and protection for crews and has a high level of firepower and mobility for prolonged peacekeeping operations as well as near-peer conflict.
In Australia, Rheinmetall is the largest supplier of military vehicles to the country’s armed forces. In addition to the 211 Boxer vehicles delivered as part of the Land 400 Phase 2 project – 133 of them in the CRV variant with the crewed Lance turret – the company also supports the Australian Defence Force’s HX fleet, which comprises over 2,900 vehicles. Rheinmetall also provides the Multi-Ammunition Soft-Kill System to the Royal Australian Navy, manages training systems for Defence and has delivered more than 200 HX Trucks to the New Zealand Defence Force.
20 Mar 24. Logistics Modernization Figures in USMC’s Future.
New watercraft, including some that are autonomous, and new ways to work with partners figure into how the Marine Corps plans to improve the way it supplies itself though improved logistics.
That logistics is the linchpin of any successful military operation is no surprise, but Gen. Christopher Mahoney, the assistant commandant of the Marine Corps, made a point of it Tuesday when talking with Defense One digital media platform in Washington, D.C.
“Logistics will stop you in your tracks if you haven’t thought it through, if you don’t have a system that is strong and functioning,” Mahoney said.
Command and control of supplies, which means ensuring that the Marine Corps has visibility of its supplies and commodities, is only part of the Marine Corps’ plan to better supply Marines.
“We’ve got a few initiatives that we’re taking on board,” he said. “One is GPN, the global positioning network, which has two main segments to it in my mind. You have a terrestrial segment, where you have agreements with host nations and countries where you can put stocks forward to destroy time and distance, and then a seaborne segment, which makes use of large cargo ships that are in the maritime prepositioning squadron that is able to maneuver across the sea domain to put your stocks where they’re needed.”
Modernizing Marine Corps logistics — the mechanism which brings necessary supplies and materials to the troops — also involves new transportation equipment capable of doing more than what is possible now, Mahoney said. One of those options is the medium landing ship, or LSM.
According to the Congressional Research Service, the amphibious LSMs are expected to be anywhere from 200 to 400 feet long, carry a crew of about 70 sailors, and have about 8,000 square feet of deck cargo space. They are also expected to be less expensive to procure and operate than the Navy’s current amphibious ships. The Navy plans to purchase from 18 to 35 of those ships to support the Marine Corps.
“It is a shore-to-shore logistics connect to get heavy things that we can’t put on airplanes or don’t want to have a big ship coming in to bring, get it from Point A to Point B to move; maneuver it from Point B to a more advantageous position at Point C; and then sustain that position,” Mahoney said.
The general also said the Marine Corps is interested in the “autonomous low-profile vessel,” or ALPV, which he describes as an “extremely low-observable,” autonomous, ocean-going ship.
The general said looking into how drones can contribute to logistics is also part of the plan.
“We also are interested in large autonomous drones and medium autonomous drones … to get after movement, to get after maneuver and sustainment and in the logistics realm,” he said.
Mahoney said this will be a “big year” for testing and evaluation of drones and watercraft that can help the Marines do better logistically. (Source: U.S. DoD)
21 Mar 24. Australian armour: Germany signs off on historic Boxer export deal. German parliament has officially approved the purchase of more than 100 Australian-made Boxer Heavy Weapon Carrier vehicles for the German Army.
Under single largest defence export agreement in Australia’s history, the Australian-made armoured vehicles will be built by Rheinmetall at its Military Vehicle Centre of Excellence in Redbank, Queensland before being exported to Germany.
This agreement, now passed through the German parliament, follows Prime Minister Anthony Albanese witnessing the signing of the in-principle agreement between Germany and Australia during his visit to Berlin in July last year.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said today’s announcement will see Australian defence industry at the forefront of delivering world-leading defence capability to Germany, a trusted security partner.
“This significant announcement is worth over $1 bn to the Australian economy in the production and supply of these vehicles,” he said.
“The agreement will boost Australia’s sovereign defence industry, secure local jobs and contribute to Australia’s economic growth.
“This deal secures well-paid jobs in Queensland and across the country.”
The deal is considered a significant milestone for Australia’s defence industry; worth over $1 bn to the Australian economy, boosting sovereign defence industry and securing more than 600 direct jobs in Queensland, with more expected through the supply chain.
“I am pleased to announce the signing of the biggest defence export agreement in Australia’s history,” according to Minister for Defence Richard Marles.
“The build and export of Boxer Heavy Weapon Carrier vehicles to the German Army highlights a strengthening of the relationship between our two countries.
“The Albanese Government is not only committed to bolstering our nation’s growing defence industry, technology and talent, but also supporting ongoing economic prosperity in the region.”
Minister for Defence Industry Pat Conroy said the announcement underscores the support and immense effort on the part of the Federal Government in ensuring the nation has a robust defence industry.
“A strong defence industry is crucial to protecting Australians and their interests. This announcement is also a testament to the hardworking Australians employed in this critical industry,” he said.
“Today’s announcement means more than 600 Australians will secure and stable employment at Rheinmetall’s Military Vehicle Centre of Excellence in Queensland, along with many more throughout our defence industry across the nation.”
Around 200 Boxer CRVs are currently in production in Queensalnd for the Australian Army. Late last year, Australian Defence Force personnel tested the new Block II Boxer combat reconnaissance vehicle in Germany. Three soldiers from 2nd/14th Light Horse Regiment (Queensland Mounted Infantry) were involved in testing at the Rheinmetall site in Unterluss, Germany.
Testing of the Boxer CRV conducted in Germany included firing the MK30-2 cannon and MAG58 machine gun in extreme weather conditions, testing new programmable munitions capability as well as a brief on the Block II vehicle design, operation of the combat intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance system and new weapon control systems. (Source: Defence Connect)
18 Mar 24. Pentagon budget 2025: Army plans to slow down Abrams, Stryker upgrades. While the US Army is planning a major design overhaul for its Abrams M1A2 SEPv3 main battle tank (MBT), the service wants to slow down the tempo of upgrades for its most advanced MBTs, according to budget documents released on 11 March.
The decision to slow down the rate was “financial” as well as to keep the upgrades on pace with the rest of the capabilities in the Armoured Brigade Combat Team (ABCT), Major General Joe Hilbert, director of Force Development and deputy chief of staff (G-8), told reporters on 12 March.
In the fiscal year (FY) 2024 budget request, the army’s plans showed that it wanted to fund 45 upgrades in FY 2025, 49 in FY 2026, 21 in FY 2027, and 70 in FY 2028. In the recently released FY 2025 budget request, the service requested to slow procurement down to 30, 35, 35, 35, and 35 upgrades in FY 2025–29 respectively. (Source: Janes)
21 Mar 24. BAE Systems has signed a contract with the Danish Ministry of Defence Acquisition and Logistics Organisation (DALO) for the Mid-Life Upgrade (MLU) of the Danish CV90 fleet, ensuring the vehicles’ performance for many years to come. This MLU contract follows the previously signed framework agreement regarding repair and maintenance services.
Under the contract, the Danish CV90 infantry fighting vehicles will be integrated with the new D-series turret, a leap forward in design and functionality which provides significant improvements in vehicle balance and new ways to introduce a variety of weaponry for increased lethality. The new vehicle also offers considerable ergonomic improvements to its crew and is built on years of combat-proven experience, continuous vehicle improvements, and data analysis from the CV90 User Club. The User Club consists of all of the user nations operating CV90 fleets.
“I am very pleased to sign this contract for Mid-Life Update of the Danish CV90 fleet. It is an important upgrade of one of the Army’s most important weapon systems. As the manufacturer of the vehicles, BAE Systems Hägglunds has a great knowledge of the capability, and the upcoming upgrade will bring the vehicles back to a state-of-the-art platform that will ensure it is equipped for future operations,” said Lieutenant General Kim Jesper Jørgensen, director of DALO.
“These upgrades will provide Danish CV90 crews with improved protection and increased combat efficiency, all while securing the functionality of the Royal Danish Army’s existing fleet of CV90s,” said Tommy Gustafsson-Rask, managing director of BAE Systems Hägglunds, which designs and produces the CV90 family of vehicles.
The upgrades include equipping the Danish CV90s with rubber tracks that both decrease the vehicle’s weight, freeing up payload for the addition of new systems, as well as reduce noise and vibrations, to minimize long-term bio-mechanical impact on crew and reduce crew fatigue. The upgraded vehicles will have an anti-tank guided missile (ATGM) and Defence Aid Suite (DAS) sensor system—increasing both the lethality and protection of the Danish troops. The delivery of the program is planned between 2026 and 2029 and will be executed in close cooperation with Danish industry and partners.
BAE Systems Hägglunds’ CV90 infantry fighting vehicle provides world-leading, proven combat capability in the 20-38-ton class. It integrates a wide range of weapon systems, providing all-target capability to land forces around the world. With a total of 1,700 vehicles ordered, in 17 different variants, the CV90 has covered more than eight m kilometers. It has been selected by 10 European nations, eight of them NATO members, and has been operated in Liberia and seen combat in Afghanistan and Ukraine.
18 Mar 24. Brazil unveils upgraded M113BR APC. Ares Aeroespacial e Defesa, a Brazilian subsidiary of Elbit Systems, has completed the development of an upgraded M113BR armoured personnel carrier (APC) belonging to the 20th Armoured Infantry Battalion of the Brazilian Army.
This self-funded technology demonstrator, developed with technical support from the army’s manufacturing directorate, could emerge as a possible option for a potential upgrade of the M113BR by the army, Ares told Janes on 13 March. The upgraded vehicle is scheduled to be trialled in April.
The modernisation was aimed at improving situational awareness and protection of the M113BR. The company installed its REMAX 4 lightweight remotely controlled weapon station, an OIP Sentinal driver’s thermal imaging system, a power management system featuring autonomy of 13 hours, and an adaptable mechanical interface, Ares said.
The REMAX 4, which was jointly developed with the Army Technological Center (CTEx), consists of a dual-axis gyro-stabilised weapon mount, 12.7 mm or 7.62 mm machine gun, ammunition feeding system, ammunition magazine, four 76 mm smoke dischargers, the OIP Sensor Systems EOPTRIS 2.0 imager, as well as command-and-control workstation. (Source: Janes)
20 Mar 24. New border patrol APCs to be ordered in April. After some delay, Armscor will next month place an order for new armoured personnel carriers (APCs) for the South African Army for use in border safeguarding operations.
In a presentation to Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Defence and Military Veterans (PCDMV) on 20 March, the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) gave an update on the ring-fenced funding allocated by National Treasury for border safeguarding equipment.
The R500m earmarked for the procurement of APCs to replace the ‘mobility packages’ or ‘troop packs’ is set to take place in 2024/25 financial year. “Armscor has finalised the contracting process and will place the procurement contract with effect from 1 April 2024. Progress report will be provided starting from the first quarter of the FY2024/25,” the presentation stated.
On 12 January 2023, Armscor issued a Request for Information (SA Army/R/403/6) for a 2+8 seat APC capable of counterinsurgency operations with variable ballistic and mine protection able to defeat an 8 kg mine. The vehicles would replace or supplement the current Mamba and Casspir, which are in need of replacement.
Sixteen local defence companies were invited to respond, with eight doing so. The intention was to evaluate the different vehicles along the South African borderline in operational conditions in October/November and afterwards demonstrate the vehicles during the SA Army’s Exercise Vuk’uhlome in November.
However, a 16 October letter addressed to Army command by Major General JPM Kobbie, Acting Chief Director Army Force Structure and seen by defenceWeb, explained the postponement of the evaluation and demonstration originally scheduled to take place from 16 October to 14 November.
The letter stated that Armscor failed to issue the request for bids (RFB). Joint Operations requested to support the borderline evaluation around the Ndumo area, but “it came to light from Joint Tactical KZN that they are not ready to feed and accommodate the drivers including the support staff to execute the functionality evaluation over the period as indicated.”
Armscor amended its procurement plan to allow “proper procurement processes to be followed,” the SA Army letter read.
“Armscor didn’t adhere to the target dates as per their original plan that they will issue the RFB by the 7 September 2023 including the specifications and even after thorough and extensive communication with them to come on board as they are delaying the process.”
As a result, the SA Army explained, companies were reluctant to release their prototypes before the RFB and specifications are issued.
With regard to the way forward, “Defence Materiel Division (DMD) had a meeting with Armscor on the 12 October and have agreed to compile a revised procurement plan with new target dates. The functionality evaluation plan will be aligned based on the issuance of the RFB and the tender closure date, then the evaluation of prototypes will commence.”
Armscor subsequently revised specifications for the troop pack replacement to move the acquisition forward. Based on the original requirements received, the combat weight was not to exceed 20 tons, but this was amended to 6.5 tons. The original user requirement specification was mostly taken from that of the Badger infantry fighting vehicle for the SA Army, and this was not practical for the vehicles required for border patrol.
In its new timeline, Armscor had 1 March listed as the approved request for offer being issued to industry; 4 April the cutoff for receipt of offers from industry; 12 April being the date for offers to be evaluated by; and 30 April being when the order is placed.
The companies that originally responded to the original Armscor specifications included DCD Protected Mobility with its Springbuck series; Denel with its RG21, RG31 and RG32M; OTT Solutions with its Puma M36 Mk 6 4×4; Milkor with its 4×4 APC; Automotive Investment Holdings (AIH) and Integrated Convoy Protection (ICP) with their Reva V; SVI with its Max 3; and Paramount with its new Maatla lightweight 4×4 APC.
National Treasury has allocated nearly R1 bn to improve SANDF border security capabilities over the next three years. In the medium term, troop pack vehicles (over 400 were originally acquired) will be replaced with off-the-shelf vehicles and R500 m will be spent in 2024/25 for this.
In addition to new vehicles, R200m worth of sensor technology will be acquired for Operation Corona in 2025/6 including a geographic information system (GIS) capability (R22.5m); intelligence collection and processing capabilities (R47 munder Project Baobab); upgraded Chaka command and control system (R7.2m); Reutech RSR 903 radars (R57m); 60 observation posts (R16m under Project Dominate); 16 quadcopter unmanned aerial vehicles (R16m) and two long range UAVs (R24m).
The PCDMV on Thursday heard that progress on the R200m sensor technology spend can only be provided during the first quarter of 2025/26. (Source: https://www.defenceweb.co.za/)
20 Mar 24. Sweden purchases over 300 armoured vehicles from Patria. The Swedish Defence Procurement Agency (FMV) has signed a contract to buy 321 six-wheeled armoured vehicles from the international defence and technology company Patria. The contract has a value of around 470 m euros and is one of the largest ever in Sweden for Patria. The 321 vehicles, which in Sweden are called Pansarterrängbil 300, will be stationed at Livgardet regiment in Kungsängen and several other units around the country. Patria has previously delivered 20 6×6 vehicles which were ordered in a separate contract signed in April 2023.
The Patria 6×6 vehicle set for delivery is the troop transportation model, which offers the latest vehicle technology such as state-of-the-art protection for up to 12 crew members. The vehicle is modular and can be configured for a wide range of different purposes. Apart from troop transport, it will be used for command & control and ambulance duties in Sweden, and it will form an important cornerstone for Sweden’s increasing defence capability.
“Sweden is an increasingly important market for us, and we are glad to be able to support the Swedish Armed Forces at a time of their significant expansion. We are confident that we can fill the deliveries promptly as we have done previously. Pansarterrängbil 300 vehicle is an excellent example of Finnish-Swedish cooperation as the vehicle is designed for Nordic conditions from the start and significant value is provided by Swedish suppliers, such as the engine and the steel of its armour”, says Mats Warstedt, Senior Vice President of Market Area Nordics at Patria.
Patria 6×6 vehicle was chosen as the platform for a unique Common Armoured Vehicle System (CAVS) collaboration programme between several European countries, participated already by Finland, Latvia, Sweden and Germany. Finland purchased additional 40 6×6 vehicles in January 2024, which brings the total number of the Finnish purchase to 131. Sweden joined the 6×6 research and development programme in 2022.
————————————————————————-
TEK Military Seating Limited
TEK Military Seating Limited is a UK based designer and manufacturer of ProTEK military vehicle seating which offer the highest standards of safety and protection. The ProTEK brand is well respected across the globe for its robust construction, innovative design, built in modularity and cost effectiveness. Our superior products are supported by our experienced team who endeavor to offer unrivalled service to our customers from enquiry, through design and acceptance, to through life support.
From its inception ProTEK seats have been designed around a family of innovative seat frames onto which tested and certified modules can be fitted to create a bespoke solution for the user. These include Blast protection to Stanag 4569 standards, vibration reduction, head and body protection, seat risers and turntables, fore & aft adjustment, and seat back rake along with viable seat dimensions without the need for additional tooling costs.
Contact: David Parkman
————————————————————————-