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19 Sept 24. Devon-based defence engineering group Supacat has received its second order in 18-months from UK MoD, this time for fifty-three (53) Jackal 3 Extenda series of the High Mobility Transporter (HMT), a versatile platform developed for use by global Special Forces and the British Army .
As with last year’s order for 70 Jackal 3 variant , the Extenda variant has an increase in payload and capable of speeds of 120kph, will be manufactured at Babcock’s Devonport facility in the Freeport zone and Supacat’s facility in Dunkeswell, Devon. This second batch of vehicles is an amendment to the original contract signed in February 2023, which provides additional vehicles up to 240 of the light armoured vehicles should operational requirements demand.
The HMT Extenda Mk3 (Jackal 3) is the latest development of the operationally proven, highly capable HMT platform. Delivering superior payload capacity with exceptional off-road performance and operational transportability, the Extenda Mk3 is in a class of its own. Supacat’s modular design philosophy provides a range of configuration options at production and the flexibility to re-role the base platform throughout the lifetime of the vehicle with a variety of mission modules and protection levels available to meet changing demands. In service with Special Forces across the world, this next iteration, HMT Extenda Mk3 offers an entirely unique capability that allows the user the choice of either a 4×4 or 6×6 wheel drive vehicle delivered by one platform in left or right hand drive. This highly versatile design enables the configuration of the system to meet specific mission-based demands.
Named ‘Jackal’ by the British Army, the HMT series of mobile platforms is a supremely versatile system with unparalleled cross-country performance. Originally, developed in the 1990s, the Jackal builds on the success of Supacat’s original All Terrain Mobility Platform (ATMP). With its convertible ‘Extenda’ configurations and common base platform, Supacat’s HMT range has a worldwide reputation as formidable off-road vehicles. This latest batch will be named Jackal 3(E) to signify that it is the Extenda variant.
The vehicle was brought into service under urgent operational requirements (UOR) to provide British Forces in Afghanistan with an off-road patrol and fire-support vehicle with increased performance, replacing variants of Land Rover which previously fulfilled the role. Since then, the British Army’s fleet has fully utilised the HMT platform in both 4×4 and 6×6 configurations, becoming integral to its land tactics and operations. Supplied with an optional mine blast and ballistic protection kit, the HMT platform can also be fitted with a variety of mission specific load beds, weapons, communications, ISTAR (intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, and reconnaissance) and force protection equipment to suit a wide range of operational roles.
This contract consolidates Supacat’s well established relationship with Babcock, initially developed to meet the UOR demand for Afghanistan when over 600 vehicles were assembled within a three-year period.
Phil Applegarth, Director, Head of Supacat, said: ” Firstly, we are enormously proud that Supacat’s Jackal 3 ‘Extenda’ is now adding to the Army’s Land Fleet which will help support CGS’s intent of increasing lethality with a modular high mobility platform. We have demonstrated the modularity and the ease of integrating specific mission winning systems and we look forward with continuing our collaboration with the UK MoD and our industry partners in the near future. Secondly, we are enormously pleased that our partnership with Babcock and Devonport continues to produce Jackal 3 and now the Jackal 3 ‘Extenda’, exemplifying The British Army’s Land Industrial strategy and the huge benefits to both the UK and local economies through social value.”.
Babcock’s Land Sector Chief Executive, Tom Newman said: ““This contract cements the success of the Jackal programme and delivers a critical boost to the British Army’s fleet with a vehicle that is the most capable and versatile in its class.
“Babcock teams play a broad and critical role supporting capabilities across the UK’s armed forces; the production of 53 new Jackal 3 Extendas is an excellent example of this and at the same time securing 100 jobs in the South West region.” (Source: joint-forces)
19 Sept. 24. KNDS will sustain all of Canada’s Leopard 2 tanks.
KNDS confirmed that a new Regional Maintenance and Repair Centre will be established to enable these efforts.
Canada has contracted KNDS Germany to sustain the Leopard 2 family of main battle tanks (MBTs) in active service as well as the Armoured Recovery and Engineering Vehicles based on the tracked model.
The €600m (C$907.2m) deal, which begins in September 2024, runs until March 2031. It also includes an option for five more years of service, which if exercised, would bring the cost to C$2bn, the government estimates.
Canada has operated various Leopard 2 vehicles – 103 in all, according to GlobalData intelligence – over the last 20 years. This includes engineering vehicles, recovery vehicles, 2A4s, 2A4Ms and 2A6Ms.
The new sustainment contract was signed in Ottawa, the Canadian capital, and includes programme management, maintenance, technical services, supply support, engineering support and other forms of service as required.
KNDS confirmed that a new Regional Maintenance and Repair Centre will be established to enable these efforts. The facility would be located near Edmonton, Alberta. These commitments will contribute a total C$32.5m to Canada’s gross domestic product.
Notably, KNDS owns and has access to the intellectual property rights and supply chains for the Leopard 2. This makes the German manufacturer the only viable industrial partner to become Canada’s single prime contractor providing long-term sustainment services to the existing fleet.
“This interim measure to sustain our Leopard 2 family of vehicles is a welcome and important step to ensure that we can continue to conduct operations and train effectively, while concurrently planning for the future mobility and firepower requirements of the Canadian Army,” commented Lieutenant-General Michael Wright, a Canadian Army Commander.
(Source: army-technology.com)
19 Sept 24. Challenger 3 Paves Way for Future International Main Battle Tank Development.
Challenger 3 programme delivery is benefitting from years of maturing a modern Main Battle Tank development and upgrade capability by RBSL, signifying the British company as a key influencer and enabler of the future international military vehicle battlefield.
The British Army’s new Main Battle Tank, Challenger 3, takes inspiration from its highly respected and battle-proven predecessor, introducing cutting-edge technology and a fully-digital fabricated turret. RBSL is bringing together systems and expertise from its c.700-strong workforce, and that of its industry partners from across the UK and Europe, to deliver the most lethal tank ever operated by British Armed Forces.
RBSL’s capability includes the people, knowledge, process, tools and facilities for next-generation Main Battle Tank development. Marrying the depth of expertise across the systems engineering lifecycle with technology building blocks give opportunity for RBSL to tailor new solutions for customers from its purpose-built Telford facility in the UK.
A key part of RBSL’s facilities include unique in-house test and integration rigs managed by specialist engineers – to prove designs in controlled environments to rigorous UK and international defence standards. The Dynamic Turret Test Rig proves equipment in a live turret test environment early. The Turret Test Rig is a step-change in turret test capability not seen before, able to expose Main Battle Tank turrets to full Battlefield Mission motion and vibration profiles, matching the vehicle in a controlled and repeatable test environment.
Both rigs have been built at Telford using the latest technology and significantly decrease programme risk and maximise design-to-development success. They work in a sustainable way compared to traditional on-vehicle development, save time and enable testing in measured and known conditions. They are flexible enough to be used on other vehicles, expanding RBSL’s capability across NATO’s armoured vehicle enterprise.
Challenger 3 Engineering Director, Mark Critchley, said: “The ability to dynamically test turrets independently is a game-changer in Main Battle Tank development. Robust, repeatable testing across the performance envelope can be flexed for use on multiple platforms, minimising costs and enabling faster development times.
“This, twinned with the RBSL expertise in all aspects of the military vehicle development domains and lifecycle, means we are perfectly equipped to take on new development work that NATO allies can benefit from.”
Challenger 3 is being delivered by Rheinmetall BAE Systems Land (RBSL) under a £800 m+ contract, creating highly skilled roles, with nearly 300 jobs generated within RBSL, including 130 engineers and 70 technicians, with an additional 450 jobs across the UK.
The contract is also attracting a £40 m inward investment in RBSL’s Telford facility, utilising a UK supply chain that includes companies in the West Midlands, Glasgow, Newcastle upon Tyne and the Isle of Wight.
19 Sept 24. The Future of Logistic Autonomy Demonstrated As part of Rheinmetall’s commitment to the UK and drive to support the British Army a Logistic Autonomy Demonstration was recently held Millbrook Proving Ground, Bedfordshire, UK, showcasing world-leading autonomous technology ready for integration to deliver greater logistic flexibility on the battlefield. The autonomous leader-follower technology was demonstrated live to our guests, using Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicle’s (RMMV) HX trucks and Polaris 4×4 MRZR vehicles, illustrating the versatility that the advanced technology can provide in a variety of environments. The leader-follower technology is readily available to be integrated on existing vehicles and for the next-generation of vehicles. It will be a critical enabler for future force capabilities, and support interoperability between the nations that adopt the kit. The use of a HX truck proves how easily compatible the technology is with many existing trucks in service with NATO countries. The technology enables future force logistics with less soldiers, moving greater volumes, at day and at night. For the demonstration, a RMMV HX truck was fitted with the ‘leader’ kit, and three following vehicles were fitted with both ‘A’ and ‘B’ kits. This enabled them to wirelessly connect to the convoy autonomously, with the functions of the vehicles operating remotely. Our guests saw both the HX trucks and MRZR vehicles cross tarmac roads, prepared tracks and off-road areas in densely wooded terrain, move over steep gradients and navigate numerous bends while seamlessly connected. This revealed the resilience of the advanced autonomous system’s capability in a range of environments, and demonstrated how this advanced technology can provide dispersed logistics with diverse vehicle types. The reduction in the number of personnel required to deliver effective logistics by using the leader-follower technology also significantly reduces the risk involved. In the recent European Land Robot Trial 2024 (ELROB) competition, the Rheinmetall InterRoc team won first place in the “Automated Convoy” category. The combination of HX truck and integrated PATH autonomy kit demonstrating Rheinmetall technology.
19 Sept. 24. SVI ‘unleashes’ new SWAT vehicle. Being displayed for the first time at the 2024 Africa Aerospace and Defence (AAD) 2024 exhibition is SVI Engineering’s new MAX SWAT armoured vehicle, able to carry 12 crew and provide protection against assault rifles and other threats.
SVI is using the 12th edition of AAD, being held at Air Force Base Waterkloof from 18 to 22 September, to ‘unleash’ the latest addition to its range of bullet-resistant vehicles, a sibling to the company’s popular MAX 3 range of armoured personnel carriers (APCs) and the MAX 9 military vehicle.
“From the outset of our rigorous design and engineering process, we knew a high level of adaptability was key for the SVI MAX SWAT – and that’s exactly what we’ve achieved. This new APC’s versatility means it’s well suited to various sectors, from police and correctional services to private security and indeed military. Therefore, AAD 2024 was the perfect place for us to reveal it,” said Jaco de Kock, CEO of SVI.
The new SVI MAX SWAT has been designed for a wide range of roles, including border patrol, public-order maintenance, command & control, and tactical surveillance, as well as special weapons & tactics (SWAT) and mobile assault & reconnaissance system (MARS) operations.
Providing a minimum protection level of EN1063 BR6 (assault rifles, including AK47, R1 and R5), the MAX SWAT employs a custom-fabricated armoured monocoque hull (bolted to a ladder-frame chassis) and armoured glass windows, with the latter strategically positioned to maximise situational awareness. The substantial side doors, meanwhile, allow for rapid ingress and egress, providing a distinct tactical advantage during high-risk operations, SVI said.
The 12-seater MAX SWAT can carry a payload of more than 2 tonnes. It can be fitted with an optional auxiliary power unit (APU) capable of independently running the air-conditioning system as well as any specialised systems (such as ground radars and long-range cameras) that the client may wish to include. These can be accommodated in two cargo bay areas at the rear corners of the vehicle. At AAD 2024, one bay is fitted with a Honda generator, and another a Hensoldt South Africa Bushbaby 100 optronic mast.
“Since reliability and ease of maintenance are particularly crucial factors for vehicles tasked with transporting personnel and equipment in high-risk areas, SVI opted to use a well-proven powertrain from Japanese automotive giant Isuzu. As such, the MAX SWAT employs the 7.8-litre, inline-six turbodiesel engine (6HK1-TCN) familiar from Isuzu’s range of medium-duty trucks,” the company said.
Generating peak outputs of 176 kW and 706 Nm, this six-cylinder motor drives all four wheels as standard. SVI upgraded the drivetrain to include a six-speed Allison 2500 Series automatic transmission in place of the otherwise-standard manual gearbox.
“The use of this field-proven Isuzu 4×4 powertrain, along with tough Isuzu axles and suspension components, plus various commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) components, serves to not only ensure reliability and simplify maintenance but also to boost operational efficiency and thus reduce total lifecycle costs. In fact, routine servicing can be performed at any Isuzu dealership across South Africa or in neighbouring African countries,” SVI said.
The SVI MAX SWAT has a build time of three months and is priced from R4.4 m. It comes standard with SVI’s innovative anti-riot scraper – which looks like a regular bumper until it is deployed – as well as anti-riot screen guards. In addition to the APU, available options include heavy-duty runflat rings, shot-detection and -location systems, medical equipment, and mast-mounted camera.
(Source: https://www.defenceweb.co.za/)
17 Sept 24. Poland’s HSW presents Heron 6×6 battery command vehicle.
A Heron 6×6 artillery and air defence command vehicle, by Polish defence contractor Huta Stalowa Wola, displayed at its first major show MSPO 2024 from 3 to 6 September in Kielce, Poland. (Janes/Jakub Link-Lenczowski)
Polish defence contractor Huta Stalowa Wola (HSW) revealed its Heron 6×6 armoured command vehicle to provide expanded command-and-control (C2) capabilities for artillery and air defence batteries.
Larger than the Polish army’s current 4×4 Waran light armoured vehicle serving in this role, the Heron can accommodate more personnel and equipment with better ballistic protection. The vehicle, displayed at its first major show – MSPO 2024 from 3 to 6 September in Kielce, Poland – is HSW’s latest military vehicle.
Heron was developed as a platform with room to accommodate assets for C2 at battalion and brigade level. Its suitability for integrating battle management systems (BMSs) and headquarters management systems (HMSs) was tested during the Polish army’s Field Experimentation Exercise (FEX) 2024.
Janes understands that Heron might be used as the command vehicle for Homar-K (K239 Chunmoo) multiple rocket launcher (MRL) batteries. Heron 6×6 is jointly developed by the Huta Stalowa Wola (HSW), part of Polska Grupa Zbrojeniowa (PGZ), and the Czech Tatra Export Company, part of Czech Group Tatra Trucks, based on the TADEAS 6×6 vehicle, with its Tatra Force T815-7 chassis.
For more information on domestic Polish military production, please seePoland orders LOTR light armoured reconnaissance vehicles , Poland orders more Rosomak APCs , HSW signs contract with Raytheon Polska on domestic production of M903 Patriot launchers , and Poland to procure Borsuk IFVs. (Source: Janes)
18 Sept 24. Supacat proposes HMTs with same modules as Boxer for UK Land Mobility Programme. Supacat is proposing its High Mobility Transporter (HMT) with some of the same modules as the Boxer armoured vehicle for the UK Land Mobility Programme (LMP). The company is proposing HMT versions, including the Battle Group Organic Anti-Armour (BGOAA) vehicle armed with the Brimstone or complex weapons, 120 mm mortar carriers, counter-unmanned aircraft systems (C-UASs), ambulances, and recovery vehicles for the LMP medium protected mobility family.
Previewing the Defence Vehicle Demonstration (DVD) 2024 exhibition held in Millbrook, United Kingdom, on 18 and 19 September, Phil Applegarth, director and head of Supacat, told Janes that the HMTs could support Boxers with the same modules, citing as an example the possibility of wounded soldiers being transferred from a Boxer ambulance to an HMT ambulance to be evacuated to rear areas, allowing the Boxer to continue its mission closer to the front line.
He emphasised the modularity and open architecture, combined with the mobility, of the HMT, allowing the integration of numerous weapon or mission systems.
With a British Army requirement for about 1,600 vehicles, the LMP medium protected mobility family will have a gross vehicle weight (GVW) less than 20 tonnes and the light protected mobility family a GVW less than 10 tonnes. The HMT 4×4 vehicle weighs 9.5 tonnes and the 6×6 version 12 tonnes.
LMP medium protected mobility vehicles will be procured in troop-carrying vehicle, command-and-control (C2), equipment support, tactical support, battlefield ambulance, and mission system carrier versions, with the latter to be used to carry ground-based air defence (GBAD); intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, and reconnaissance (ISTAR); or chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) mission systems. (Source: Janes)
18 Sept 24. Otokar Aims To Increase Its Exports In Africa. Türkiye’s global land systems manufacturer Otokar participates in Africa Aerospace and Defence (AAD) on September 18-22, in City of Tshwane, South Africa. During the five-day exhibition, Otokar will display a scaled model of its tactical wheeled armored vehicle COBRA II from its broad range of armored platforms. Visitors of Otokar stand will have chance to have detailed information about Otokar’s superior capabilities on land systems and also its own design and production of armored military vehicles family along with its turret systems.
Stating that Otokar is a listed NATO and United Nations supplier, Sedef Vehbi, Otokar Military Cluster Head, said, “Today, more than 33 thousand Otokar military vehicles are actively in service in more than 40 countries and more than 60 end users in different climates and geographies around the world. Currently, Otokar vehicles are actively used in five continents, including Africa. We stand out in global defense industry with our ability to respond quickly to ever-changing requirements and needs of our users”
Underlining COBRA II’s successful performance in Africa, Vehbi continued, “Our vehicles are widely used by peacekeepers in the African continent. Otokar COBRA II is a combat proven vehicle with its exceptional performance suitable for conventional and asymmetric warfare conditions. COBRA II is actively used in more than 20 end-users worldwide. We are indeed proud of our vehicles’ success with several United Nations and African Union peacebuilding and peacekeeping missions. We aim to increase our exports to Africa in the coming years”
COBRA II
COBRA II offers high level of protection, payload capacity, and large internal volume. In addition to its superior mobility, COBRA II provides high protection against ballistic, mine, and IED threats. With high power to weight ratio COBRA II delivers high performance. The combat proven vehicle is operated by many armies in different parts of the world on toughest terrain and climate conditions.
Being suitable for the integration of wide range of weapon and mission equipment options, COBRA II is successfully in service for border protection as well as internal security and peacekeeping missions in different users. The modular structure of COBRA II also makes the vehicle a flexible platform to be used as a personnel carrier, anti-tank weapons platform, Reconnaissance & Surveillance, CBRN reconnaissance vehicle, command control vehicle, recovery and medical evacuation.
18 Sept 24. Paramount delivers Maatla 4x4s to Ghana. Paramount has delivered its Maatla 4×4 light protected multi-mission border patrol vehicle to the Ghanaian Ministry of Interior. Making the announcement at the Africa Aerospace and Defence (AAD) 2024 exhibition, the company said the introduction of the Maatla (meaning Power in Setswana) aligns with Ghana’s continued efforts to strengthen its border patrol and defence operations in the face of increasing security threats impacting the greater Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
The Maatla, now in operation with the Democratic Republic of Congo and Ghana, meets increasing global industry demand for lighter and more affordable armoured vehicles, while offering advanced capabilities and reconfigurability in the field in the process, Paramount said. “Both its light weight and cost-effectiveness make it an attractive option for nations seeking cutting-edge security capabilities, without the prohibitive costs of heavier armoured platforms.”
Launched at the September 2022 AAD exhibition, the Maatla received its first order from the Police Nationale Congolaise, with deliveries beginning at the end of 2022. At the time of its launch, the company said the Maatla (meaning Power in Setswana) had already received orders for 50 vehicles from two customers.
The Maatla light protected vehicle (LPV) features ‘Smart Floor’ technology, enabling the vehicle’s seating to be quickly removed and adapted for various assignments, including border patrol, ambulance services, command and control, military support, policing, and peacekeeping missions.
The Maatla provides ballistic and blast protections to STANAG 4569 Level 1, and can protect against handguns and other small calibre ball rounds. It also provides underbelly protection against M26 hand grenades or a blast equivalent.
The Maatla can reach a road speed of up to 100 km/h, with a cruising range of up to 600 km when traveling at 80 km/h, and a fording depth of up to 750 mm without preparation. The vehicle is fitted with a 2-speed transfer case and 3 differential locks for difficult terrain. The vehicle can be operated in environments with temperatures ranging from -10°C to + 55°C.
“We are pleased to announce that deliveries of our advanced Maatla armoured personnel carrier are underway to the Ghana Armed Forces. Our partners in Ghana and across Africa are benefitting from three decades of armoured vehicle innovation, engineering excellence, and market leadership, emblemised by the multi-mission Maatla. This best-in-class LPV is designed to meet the challenges faced by modern border security forces, providing them with the flexibility and capability needed to execute diverse missions such as border patrol over any terrain,” Paramount said.
Ghana has previously acquired Maverick internal security vehicles from Paramount. (Source: https://www.defenceweb.co.za/)
16 Sept 24. Hyundai Rotem expects delayed Polish K2 tank contract to be signed by November. Hyundai Rotem and the Polish Armaments Agency are currently in talks about which K2 components will be produced by “Polish companies,” said Euiseong Lee, defense solutions senior vice president at Hyundai Rotem.
South Korea’s Hyundai Rotem is confident a second contract covering180 Polish Army K2PL main battle tanks and 81 supporting vehicles will be signed by November, amid reports an agreement has been postponed because of industry contracting and financial problems.
The forthcoming agreement, known as Executive Contract 2 (EC2), opens the way for a number of the tanks to be manufactured in Poland for the first time and was set to be signed at the country’s annual International Defence Industry Exhibition (MSPO) last week.
Warsaw originally signed a framework agreement covering 1,000 K2 tanks in 2022, part of an extraordinary spending spree in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine that also included orders of 672 Hanwhai K9 self-propelled howitzers and 48 KAI FA-50 light combat aircraft. All told, the package came with an estimated $14.5 bn price tag.However, that total agreement is really broken up into a series of smaller tranches, and to this point only the first K2 tranche has actually been agreed to.
Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz, Poland’s deputy prime minister and defense minister, said after talks in July with his South Korean counterpart, that cooperation had been agreed on the transfer to Polish industry of “all technical information” relating to the K2, so local suppliers, led by the state owned PGZ, could prepare to produce the vehicles. At that time, Kosiniak-Kamysz suggested EC2 would be signed at MSPO. “This is the goal, so that tanks from this tranche are produced in Poland,” he noted.
Ultimately, though, the signing of EC2 during MSPO, proved “too ambitious” because there is “so much work to be done,” Euiseong Lee, defense solutions senior vice president at Hyundai Rotem, told Breaking Defense. “We are working on it, so we hope to sign it by October or November.”
The K2 is equipped with a 120mm/55 caliber smoothbore gun, 7.62mm coaxial machine gun, an automatic loader capable of firing 16 rounds and self protection systems including automatic fire suppression technology, composite armor and a nuclear, biological and chemical (NBC) protection suite, according to Hyundai Rotem.
The upgraded K2PL tank will, additionally, be equipped with a remote control weapons system, counter UAS jammer and an active protection system, though a final configuration could take “several years” to develop, said Lee.
Local manufacturer Military Automotive Works (WZM), based in Poznan, has proposed producing 12 components “from PGZ companies” for the upgraded tank, according to Defence 24, a Polish military trade publication.
Lee said that Hyundai Rotem and the Polish Armaments Agency are currently in talks about which components will be produced by “Polish companies.” He declined to comment on any specific parts or subsystems under discussion.
He noted Hyundai will collaborate with PGZ so that the Polish manufacturer “will be able to establish the production line,” which will also include technology transfers for in-country maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) infrastructure.
“This [K2PL design] will really enhance survivability,” he added, stressing that the Ukraine war has demonstrated the need for new land vehicles to be able to “confront” drones.
“Delivery time is also crucial, so what we need to do, step by step, is gradually increase performance,” of the K2PL. “Otherwise it takes too long. So the first K2PL will be equipped with these advanced systems, we believe, and the next batch” is to receive additional upgrades, said Lee. “We don’t know yet,” what that future configuration will look like, “but nowadays, technology leads” the way.
Despite the future roadmap for the tank shared by Lee, Poland’s new government continues to face criticism from opposition lawmakers over the pace of high profile arms deals, including the K2.
In a translated Tuesday post on X (formerly Twitter), Mariusz Blaszczak, PiS (Law and Justice) party chair and former Polish minister of defense, said, “Another contract is going to waste,” in response to a Rzeczpospolita report (Polish business newspaper) claiming an acquisition of 486 US-made High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS) will be cancelled. “This government is wasting a historic opportunity to build one of NATO’s strongest armies in Poland. In less than a year, contracts for K2 tanks, K9 and Krab [self-propelled] howitzers were cancelled,” added Blaszczak.
The Polish Ministry of National Defence and Lockheed Martin had not responded to a request for comment at the time of publication. The US State Department deferred questions about the HIMARS acquisition to the Polish government. (Source: Breaking Defense.com)
16 Sept 24. India starts ‘Zorawar’ light tank trials. India’s DRDO and Larsen & Toubro unveiled a prototype of the ‘Zorawar’ light tank in July. India’s state-owned Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has started preliminary tests of the locally developed ‘Zorawar’ light tank, the Indian Ministry of Defence (MoD) said on 13 September.
The MoD said the trials were conducted in “desert terrain”, reportedly located in India’s northwestern state of Rajasthan. It added that the tank met “all the intended objectives” in the trials.
“In the initial phase, the tank’s firing performance was rigorously evaluated, and it achieved the required accuracy on designated targets,” the MoD added. It provided no additional information about the trials.
An initial prototype of the Zorawar light tank was unveiled by the DRDO and its partner on the project, Larsen & Toubro (L&T), in July.
DRDO Chairperson Samir V Kamat said at the time that preliminary trials of the tank would be completed by the DRDO and L&T early in 2025, after which the tank would be trialled by the Indian Army. He added that DRDO expects the tank to be ready for Indian Army induction by 2027.
The Indian Army intends to deploy the tank in India’s Ladakh region, a high-altitude mountainous plateau in the north of India where the average elevation is more than 5,000 m above sea level, and over terrain that requires low-track pressure.
The Zorawar prototype is the result of a request for information (RFI) issued by the Indian Army in April 2021 to support its intention to procure 350 locally manufactured light tanks for deployment in assorted terrain. The Indian Army has a requirement for more than 350 Zorawar light tanks, according to the RFI. (Source: Janes)
16 Sept 24. Japan bids to procure additional KC-46A tankers. Japan is seeking to acquire nine additional Boeing KC-46A Pegasus tanker aircraft, the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) said on 13 September.
The potential foreign military sale (FMS) – estimated to cost USD4.1 bn, according to the DSCA – would add to the six KC-46As already ordered by Tokyo for deployment by the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF).
The DSCA said the potential sale, of which Congress has been notified, would include nine aircraft, up to 18 PW4062 turbofan engines, up to 16 AN/ALR-69A radar warning receivers (RWRs), and up to 33 Large Aircraft Infrared Countermeasure (LAIRCM) Guardian Laser Turret Assemblies (GLTAs) as well as other associated equipment and components.
“The proposed sale will improve Japan’s aerial refueling capability and passenger transport operations, which will contribute to enhanced deterrence of current and future threats in the region,” the DSCA said.
Japan’s 2025 defence budget – announced late August – proposed funding of JPY206.8bn (USD1.47bn) for the procurement of four KC-46As. The total proposed defence budget was JPY8.54trn, a year-on-year increase of 10.5%.
In its budget proposal, Japan’s Ministry of Defense (MoD) said additional KC-46A tankers were required to support JASDF fighter aircraft deployments in Japan’s southwest region, parts of which are also claimed by China.
In the past, the MoD has said the KC-46As would meet a growing need to sustain air operations around Japan and in the Pacific. (Source: Janes)
13 Sept 24. South Korea completes batch-four K1A2 deliveries. South Korean firm Hyundai Rotem has completed deliveries of a fourth batch of K1A2 main battle tanks (MBTs) to the Republic of Korea (RoK) Armed Forces.
The Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) in Seoul said on 12 September that the final batch-four tanks – an upgraded version of the K1A1 – were delivered to the RoK Army earlier this month. It also confirmed that the RoK Marine Corps has inducted batch-four K1A2s.
DAPA said the batch-four upgrades took place between November 2021 and September 2024, but did not disclose the number of units the tranche covered for the RoK Army and RoK Marine Corps. “The [K1A2] was sequentially deployed to the RoK Army and RoK Marine Corps,” DAPA said. “[The tank] is expected to increase combat efficiency, operator convenience, and safety through improved performance.”
DAPA added that a key capability of the K1A2 is the integration of GPS-based satellite navigation systems that enable real-time information sharing and accurate battlefield awareness. “Equipped with rear surveillance cameras, the real-time operational response capability of the tank has been strengthened,” it said.
According to DAPA, other capability upgrades on the K1A2 include the integration of a new battlefield management system and new digital systems that replace the legacy analogue equipment integrated into the K1A1 type. “[The K1A2 can] share real-time information based on digital maps and visualise the battlefield situation,” it added.
Upgrades on the K1A2 are also intended to enable improved interoperability with the RoK Army’s Hyundai Rotem K2 MBTs and Hanwha K21 infantry fighting vehicles. (Source: Janes)
16 Sept 24. Supacat unveils low-cost Medium Utility Vehicle. The Medium Utility Vehicle is intended to bridge a gap between Supacat’s HMT and ATMP offerings in the land mobility market segment.
Supacat’s new MUV has been pitched to the Asia-Pacific market, although it could offer solutions to European requirements.
Defence vehicle provider Supacat has unveiled its new Medium Utility Vehicle (MUV) at the recent Land Forces 2024 event in Melbourne, Australia, intended to fill a portfolio gap between the existing HMT and ATMP platforms for use as a general utility vehicle.
The document includes detailed information on the manufacturers and suppliers and their products, along with contact details, to inform your purchasing decision.
The 6×6 Supacat MUV features a flexible load bay to accommodate a variety of payloads up to 3.5 tonnes and has been developed to maximise commercial off-the-shelf components to reduce unit price, the company stated.
In addition, the MUV can be re-rolled in response to emerging technologies and equipped for very high readiness defence forces, as required. During the Land Forces event, the Supacat MUV demonstrated a number of possible payloads.
Matt Grech, Supacat Head of Future Business, said: “We believe the MUV will find favour with regional forces seeking to maximise capability while being able to support the product locally from existing resources and infrastructure.”
While the platform was unveiled in Australia and pitched to regional markets in the Asia-Pacific region, the MUV could have applicability in Europe, with countries such as the UK also seeking to modernise its light logistics fleets.
Supacat involved in BAE Systems’ ATLAS combat UGV
Meanwhile, Supacat also revealed it own participation in the development of the BAE Systems ATLAS Collaborative Combat Variant (CCV) uncrewed ground combat vehicle, also showcased at Land Forces 2024, which incorporates a drive module developed the UK company on the back of its HMT vehicle.
BAE Systems’ decision to select Supacat would “maximise commonality of supply chain and support” as well as “minimise the developmental risk”, given the commonality of the platform, Supacat said.
The ATLAS CCV has been optimised for high levels of autonomy, providing both on-road and off-road mobility that aligns with crewed counterparts, including infantry fighting vehicles, and main battle tanks, company literature states.
Commenting on the ATLAS platform, Nick Ames, Group CEO, Supacat, said: “This mobility platform integrated with BAE Systems’ autonomy and program management, and Valhalla turrets capability, has created a unique unmanned ground vehicle.”
Further, Ames said that in the “modern battlefield”, crewed systems remain “highly vulnerable” and as such there was a “strong need” for uncrewed capabilities. (Source: army-technology.com)
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