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06 Sep 23. The International Data Links Symposium 2023 (IDLS2023) takes place from 30th October to 2nd November in Herning, Denmark.
We are pleased to announce that booking for IDLS2023 is now open!
IDLS2023 will feature presentations from the government and industry’s leading experts, guest speakers, comprehensive demonstration vignettes, and an exhibition where the latest Tactical Data Links (TDL) capabilities will be available for detailed description by the world’s leading TDL system providers. The event also includes a showcase of military equipment from various nations.
Whether you are new to the industry or a seasoned expert, this symposium is an opportunity to discover the latest advances in communication systems for aircraft, ships, and ground stations, and network with experts from industry, government, and academia.
The symposium theme is “Achieving Superiority Through Information and Communication Services” focuses on the advantage gained through the employment of Tactical Data Links (TDL). Today’s operational environment benefits greatly from the compilation of multiple data feeds. These information streams provide unprecedented situation awareness and force application capabilities. The superiority gained through these TDL systems is due in large part to the interoperability levels achieved by the systems and services you will find at this symposium.
LtCol Volker Schaaf, Chairman of the International Data Links Society said “This symposium offers a unique opportunity for both military and industry practitioners in the field of TDLs to discuss the latest advances in the technology, real world application of Data Links and strengthen connections, improving interoperability across nations.”
For more information and to book your place visit www.idls2023.com
05 Sep 23. Iconic Red Arrows to open DSEI. It is expected – subject to weather conditions – that the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, the Red Arrows, will formally open Defence and Security Equipment International (DSEI) next week, with their signature aircraft flypast. Representing the speed, agility and precision of the Royal Air Force, the team is the public face of the service. They assist in recruiting to the Armed Forces, act as ambassadors for the United Kingdom at home and overseas and promote the best of British.
DSEI is a seminal event for global defence and security, held in partnership with the UK Ministry of Defence and Department for Business and Trade.
It will provide one of the last opportunities to see the Red Arrows’ in 2023 with their last appearance of the season due in October.
DSEI Director, Grant Burgham, said: “DSEI is only one week away, with more than 1,600 exhibiting companies, over 3,000 UK and International VIPs and tens of thousands of visitors expected to be in attendance. I am delighted to be able to announce the Red Arrows flypast. The iconic Red Arrows are a great advert for Great Britain and this is an ideal way to kick off a global event on the scale of DSEI.”
05 Sep 23. 2023 MSPO Preview: The State of Defence Modernisation on NATO’s Eastern Flank. The 31st International Defence Industry Exhibition ‘MSPO’ is taking place here on September 5-8, and more than 700 companies from all over the world are expected to participate in the exhibition. The MSPO has established itself as one of the key defence venues in Europe. Its importance has grown even more due to the war in Ukraine and the unprecedented rise in defence spending in Central Europe.
The event is also a good excuse to briefly look at the defence modernisation plans of NATO’s eastern flank countries (Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, and Slovakia) also known as the Bucharest Nine (B9).
These countries’ total defence spending will reach $380.3 bn by 2028, growing on average by 3.4% annually. The defence spending on the eastern flank of NATO will rise from $56.6 bn in 2023 to $66.9 bn in 2028. It is expected that at least a quarter of that total, or about $95 bn, will be spent on the acquisition of modern weapon systems.
The Eastern flank of NATO is one of the fastest-growing defence markets in the world. The armed forces of B9 which have been underfunded for a long time, are finally undergoing a rapid reinforcement process and finally ridding themselves of former Soviet weaponry.
Poland is leading in the modernisation process, due to its size, financial resources, recent unprecedented weapon systems acquisitions and its role in the support of Ukraine. The procurement decisions made by Warsaw are closely analysed and often followed by other countries in the region. The sustainment of funds for the modernisation process seems to be relatively secure in the short and medium term due to the rearmament needs and challenging security environment. However, in the longer term, these countries will need to rebalance their resources and switch from the acquisition accounts to the operation and maintenance of the procured advanced weapon systems.
Poland leads the way
Poland is responsible for almost half of the spending of the B9 countries. It is the new centre of gravity in Europe due to its leadership in defence spending growth, quick acquisition of various advanced weapon systems, constant support for Ukraine’s war efforts and humanitarian support for Ukrainian refugees.
Since the beginning of the war in Ukraine, the country has signed contracts to buy 250 M1A2SEPv3 and 116 M1A1FEP Abrams main battle tanks (MBT), 180 K2 Black Panther MBTs, 212 K9A1 Thunder self-propelled howitzers (SPH), 48 ‘Krab’ SPHs, 218 K239 Chunmoo multiple launch rocket systems (MLRS), 48 FA-50GF/FA-50PL Fighting Eagle aircraft, 400 Kia Light Tactical Vehicles (KLTV), 32 AW149 helicopters, 3 ‘Miecznik’ frigates, 3 ‘Kormoran II’ minehunters, 3,500 ‘Piorun’ man-portable air-defence systems (MANPADS), 22 batteries of ‘Pilica+’ very short-range air defence / short-range air defence systems (VSHORAD/SHORAD) with 44 iLaunchers and CAMM missiles, 2 batteries of ‘Mala Narew’ SHORAD systems, 2 S950 very-high-resolution (VHR) reconnaissance satellites, 2 second-hand airborne early warning and control Saab 340B AEW-300 aircraft and large quantities of ammunition.
This impressive acquisition list did not reduce Poland’s appetite for modern weapon systems. The Ministry of National Defence (MND) has also signed framework agreements for up to 1,400 locally produced ‘Borsuk’ Infantry Fighting Vehicles (IFV), 700 Heavy IFVs based on K9 Thunder chassis integrated with ‘ZSSW’ remote-controlled weapon station, additional 820 K2 MBTs, 460 K9 SPHs, and tank destroyers armed with Brimstone anti-tank guided missiles (ATGM).
Additionally, the authorities will also procure 6 batteries of Patriot air and missile defence systems within the second stage of ‘Wisla’ programme, 23 batteries of ‘Narew’ SHORAD systems, up to 486 units of M142 HIMARS MLRS, 96 AH-64E Guardian combat helicopters, 22 AW101 and two squadrons of S-70i Black Hawk helicopters, several hundred ‘Rosomak’ 8×8 armoured personnel carriers (APC) extended version, at least 4 aerostat systems to provide 24/7 intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions and 4 sets of ‘Zefir’ medium-altitude long-endurance (MALE) unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV).
On top of that, the MND has just recently relaunched the delayed ‘Orka’ programme for the acquisition of 3 modern submarines and contemplating the acquisition of an additional two squadrons of combat aircraft by 2030.
Poland’s ambitious procurement list would be enough to arm a several European armies. Assuming that all the afore-mentioned contracts will be implemented, there is a question of money, a critical factor in sustaining the current high pace of the defence modernisation process.
The Homeland Defence Act, adopted in 2022 increased the level of defence spending to 3% of GDP but this is not enough to support the modernisation agenda. Therefore, the process is co-financed by the domestic and foreign debt instruments within the established Armed Forces Support Fund. However, the financing of the modernisation process on credit, whose costs are significantly higher compared to pre-pandemic times will be a burden for future MND budgets. This may also lead to negative choices where weapon systems suppliers may ultimately be judged by the credit conditions they offer and not by the weapon’ capabilities.
Another issue is the smooth implementation and sustainment of the large quantities of modern weapon systems and the recruitment of skilled military personnel needed to operate them. These are just a few of the challenges in the rearmament process of the Polish Armed Forces. The decision-makers elected in the coming parliamentary elections will have to deal with all of them. The election itself may also lead to the final verification of the defence acquisition priorities.
Romania is second-largest spender
Romania is the second biggest defence spender on the eastern flank of NATO, responsible for 16.3% of the B9 spending. The country is trying to follow the Polish example in terms of modernisation pace. However, one of the challenges could be the scale of investment spending, not supported by debt instruments, to address modernisation ambitions.
Nevertheless, Romania has recently acquired 32 second-hand F-16 fighter aircraft from Norway to augment its F-16 fleet and initiated the procurement procedure regarding the acquisition of 32 F-35A aircraft with an option for an additional 16 fighter jets. The acquisition of 5th generation aircraft will significantly increase the airpower capabilities on the eastern flank of NATO as both Poland and Romania will operate the F-35As. The MND also purchased 3 systems of Bayraktar TB2 UAVs and up to 7 Watchkeeper X systems to strengthen its ISR capabilities.
Romania also decided to buy 54 second-hand M1A2 Abrams MBTs, and an additional 150 Piranha V APCs, and initiated procedures to acquire up to 90 155mm SPHs to equip five artillery battalions. The K9A1 SPH is a front contender for the programme due to the openness of the South Korean firm to local production of the howitzers. In this context, K239 Chunmoo MLRS is also being contemplated as a potential option for Romania.
In the naval domain, the MND acquired two batteries of Naval Strike Missile (NSM) Coastal Defence Systems and is going to modernise its 3 Tarantul-class corvettes with new 3D radars, battle management systems and NSM missiles. The country will also acquire 2 second-hand Sandown-class minehunters from the United Kingdom.
The Romanian Parliament has also approved the initiation of procurement procedures for 2 Scorpene-class submarines from the Naval Group. However, some doubts are arising regarding the implementation of the submarine programme after the recent cancellation of the delayed multi-mission corvette programme, which was also offered by the French company. The termination of the contract for 4 multi-mission corvettes due to legal and financial disputes will negatively impact Romania’s capabilities in the Black Sea, a crucial operational theatre during the ongoing war in Ukraine.
In addition to the already impressive procurement list, the near future will be dominated by the acquisition of VSHORAD/SHORAD systems which are critically needed to modernise air defence capabilities, therefore on the agenda is the acquisition of 41 in total VSHORAD/SHORAD systems. Additionally, Romania is planning to strengthen its land forces by procuring 298 tracked IFVs to replace the existing MLI-84 IFVs and an additional three to four battalions of MBTs. If the industrial cooperation and transfer of technologies for K9A1 SPHs meets Romania’s expectations, then South Korean firms will have strong arguments in competing for both land projects. In that case, Korea’s defence industry will significantly strengthen its position in Central Europe.
Czech Republic law mandates 2% of GDP
The Czech Republic has adopted a new law that is increasing defence spending to 2% of GDP starting from 2024. The legislation, which ends speculations regarding the future level of defence spending, was finally implemented under the influence of Czech President Petr Pavel, former Chief of the General Staff of the Czech Armed Forces and former Chair of the NATO Military Committee.
Following Poland’s and Romania’s example, the country decided to buy the F-35A aircraft. Prague will acquire 24 platforms which will create a significant increase in capabilities compared to the current Saab JAS 39 Gripen aircraft. Additionally, the MoD has finally selected a platform in a long-delayed IFV programme and signed a contract for the delivery of 246 CV90 MkIV IFVs.
Prague also bought 10 more CAESAR SPHs on top of the 52 already procured units. To keep the defence modernisation momentum the Czech Army is going to buy nearly 80 modern MBTs. The most likely contender for the MBT programme is the Leopard 2A8, potentially jointly procured with Germany, due to the ongoing intense dialogue between Prague and Berlin in this regard. On top of that, the armed forces may also opt for the acquisition of new MLRS systems to strengthen its long-range fire capabilities.
Magyar resurgence
Hungary was focused on the implementation of military equipment acquired under the ‘Zrínyi 2026’ modernisation programme e.g. Leopard 2A7 MBTs, PzH 2000 SPHs, Lynx KF41 IFVs, NASAMS SHORAD systems, H145M and H225M helicopters and KC-390 transport aircraft. The acquisition list was extended by procuring 12 Aero Vodochody L-39NG trainer aircraft.
It is expected that the Hungarian Army will focus its attention on long-range rocket artillery by acquiring MLRS systems and augmenting its air defence by adding VSHORAD and medium-range air-defence capabilities, as the next step in the process of developing modern armed forces. However, the country’s challenging macroeconomic situation and lack of fund transfers from the European Union, due to disputes regarding the rule of law, may prevent the government from making additional defence modernisation commitments.
Slovakia emphasizes armor, GBAD to follow
Like the Czech Republic, Slovakia has selected the CV90 MkIV platform as its future IFV and procured 152 units of CV90 MkIV IFVs. The country also procured 76 Patria AMV XP 8×8 armoured vehicles. However, the recent decision marks just the beginning of an intense modernisation process as the ambitions are much higher and include the acquisition of an additional 76 tracked IFVs and more than 400 8×8 armoured vehicles in IFV and APC configurations.
The Slovak Army will also have to rearm its tank battalion with new MBTs to complement the newly acquired IFVs and APCs. However, the most critical defence needs of the Slovakian Armed Forces is the rebuilding of its air defence capabilities. This is an area of paramount importance, particularly after the donation of the Slovak S-300 system to Ukraine. Consequently, Slovakia needs to acquire shortly both VSHORAD and mid-range air and missile defence systems.
Bulgaria redraws modernization plans
In contrast to the armed forces of the other B9 countries, the Bulgarian military has had difficulties in making measurable progress in the implementation of the defence modernisation agenda despite a number of glaring needs.
The authorities presented the Defence Investment Programme 2032 (DIP 2032) which covers 13 major programmes e.g. the acquisition of 8 F-16 Block 70 aircraft, 2 diesel-electric submarines, at least 150 IFVs, 155mm SPHs, MLRS systems, 3D radars, SHORAD and mid-range air defence systems, UAVs and the coastal defence system. However, the DIP 2032 was withdrawn by Bulgarian authorities to cover recommendations from the Vilnius NATO Summit, and will need to be re-submitted to the Parliament. Therefore, despite the urgent modernisation needs, the lack of consistency in its implementation, plus internal political instability, form substantial challenges on the path to the rearmament of the Bulgarian Armed Forces.
Baltics strengthen artillery and air-defense
The Baltic states have been heavily invested in the indirect fire capabilities, with both tube and rocket artillery, which are seen as a conventional deterrence. All countries acquired in total 20 units of M142 HIMARS systems, Estonia also ordered 12 more Korean K9 SPHs and Lithuania acquired 18 CAESAR howitzers. The artillery systems have been supplemented by the coastal defence systems – NSM Coastal Defence Systems and Blue Spear missiles systems procured respectively by Latvia and Estonia.
The Baltic countries are also increasing their air defence capabilities. All of them invested in the VSHORAD systems by acquiring either the ‘Piorun’ MANPADS or the RBS 70 NG systems. Additionally, Estonia and Latvia reached an agreement to jointly procure the IRIS-T SLM SHORAD systems.
In terms of land platforms, Lithuania has initiated a process to purchase an additional 120 Boxer IFVs which will augment the existing 88 units, and has expressed interest in acquiring 54 Leopard MBTs, most likely in the 2A8 variant. The other Baltic states will most likely follow Lithuania and procure MBTs, presumably one tank battalion per country.
US and South Korean industry dominate in Eastern Europe
The US defence firms are the main beneficiaries of the defence modernisation process in the B9 countries. The fact is unsurprising considering the solutions offered by and the size of the American companies. The role of the US in NATO, and as a security provider in the region, are also beneficial for US firms.
However, slightly unexpectedly, South Korean defence firms joined the regional rearmament race, offering quick delivery slots and flexibility in terms of tech transfer and local coproduction of the procured weapon systems. The region is an important bridgehead in South Korean industry’s further market expansion, and throws up a challenge to traditional European defence suppliers.
The future of East Europe’s defence industrial base, which has been neglected since the end of the Cold War, remains an open question. The local sector has to fight for its slice of the ‘defence cake’ by offering new and competitive solutions, absorbing tech transfers, and both cooperating and competing with foreign primes operating on the market.
(Source: https://www.defense-aerospace.com/)
29 Aug 23. MSPO 2023, the 31st International Defence Industry Exhibition in Kielce next week, is on track to be the largest ever such event in Poland.: In addition to armoured equipment, Targi Kielce will traditionally feature an impressive set of helicopters. It has already been announced the Robinson R-44 trainer helicopter, AW149 multi-role helicopter, AW109 Trekker, S-70 Black Hawk, APACHE AH-64 attack helicopter, MD-530 light helicopter and CH-47 Chinook transport will land in Kielce.
The 31st International Defence Industry Exhibition in Kielce had already broken all records well before it even started. At the end of August, the exhibition space already amounts to 34,000m², the exhibitors’ list includes 711 companies from 36 countries. For the first time, the MSPO exhibition will use an additional, 2800m². expo hall.
The defence industry representatives from Australia, Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Spain, India, Israel, Japan, Canada, Lithuania, Latvia, Germany, Norway, South Africa, Slovakia, the United States, Switzerland, Sweden, Taiwan, Turkey, Ukraine, Hungary, United Kingdom, Italy, United Arab Emirates and South Korea will join the event held in the Świętokrzyskie capital.
The latter plays a unique role at this year’s MSPO; South Korea is this year’s MSPO lead nation. The Asian partner featured as the Lead Nation at this year’s International Defence Industry Exhibition is a natural consequence after Poland has decided to purchase a large share of military equipment from this country. This year’s South Korea’s Lead Nation Exhibition showcases the equipment that will soon be part of the Polish army equipment. It is worth recollecting that at the end of July 2022, Mr Mariusz Błaszczak, the head of the Ministry of National Defence, approved contracts to purchase a thousand K2 tanks and over 600 K9 howitzers.
The Lead Nation Exhibition, prepared by South Korea, will present the country’s most important achievements in the defence industry domain. The Hanwha company will bring Chunmoo multiple rocket launchers, which will soon be delivered to the Republic of Poland’s Armed Forces, and a multi-purpose UGV unmanned ground vehicle. Hyundai Rotem will show K2 tanks, which are already used in the Polish Army, the K808 wheeled armoured vehicle and mock-ups of defence UAVs and unmanned ground vehicles. KIA Corporation will showcase its KLTV Reconnaissance light tactical vehicle and the hydrogen-powered ATV armoured tactical vehicle. The equipment from SNT Dynamics incudes the mortar system mounted on a light tactical vehicle. Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) will interestingly develop the expo space. FA-50 light combat aircraft, which will also serve in the Polish Armed Forces, and the prototype of the KF-21 multi-role fighter model will be on display.
The largest Polish exhibitor is MSPO’s strategic partner, i.e. Polish Armaments Group and the companies that are a part of the PGZ holding. This continues the expo’s many-year tradition. Following many years example, the Republic of Poland Armed Forces Exhibition is prepared by the Inspectorate for Armed Forces Support – SZ Bydgoszcz. This year’s exhibition is held under the banner of ‘New Equipment – New Challenges – New Opportunities‘.
Space scholarship and important conferences: This year’s Expo witnesses the launch of the ‘Al Worden Endeavor Scholarship’ project for the Republic of Poland, the project’s objective is to encourage young people from our country to work as engineers and space explorers. The project final is when four students and a teacher are selected to participate in a week-long training for astronauts in Space & Rocket Centre in the United States. The scholarship is supported by the Polish Space Agency, Targi Kielce and Kallman Worldwide. Alfred Worden was an American astronaut, the United States Air Force colonel, one of the Apollo 15 mission crew. Colonel Worden was the featured guest at the US Lead Nation Exhibition at MSPO 2019.
‘Space’ is also on the agenda of the debate organised by the Ministry of Development and Technology on the second day of MSPO. The event enables discussion on the development of EU industrial policy, the role of the defence industry, and international cooperation in the industry domain, including the development of synergies with the space sector in terms of economic and defence challenges. Important stakeholders of the European defence sector have been invited to participate in the debate; the panel includes industry experts, political milieus and academia. The discussion offers a platform for institutional and business leaders to reflect on Europe’s defence transformation in a changing security environment. (Source: joint-forces.com)
01 Sep 23. EUROCAE and RTCA to host Future Connectivity virtual summit, 25 October 2023. Standards agencies EUROCAE and RTCA are to host the joint “Aviation Summit: Future Connectivity” virtual summit on 25 October 2023. The event brings together leading experts and stakeholders from the aviation industry to deliberate on the pivotal topic of datalink communication in aviation.
As the aviation industry continues to evolve, the significance of efficient and secure communication through data becomes increasingly apparent. The “Aviation Summit: Future Connectivity” will serve as a strategic platform for industry players to address the challenges, advancements, and opportunities presented by datalink technology in modern aviation.
Attendance to the Summit is complimentary. Event and registration details: https://bit.ly/futureconnectivity.
For more information visit: www.eurocae.net
(Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)
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DSEI 2023 – POWERING PROGRESS, DEFINING YOUR FUTURE
DSEI connects governments, national armed forces, industry thought leaders and the entire defence & security supply chain on a global scale. With a range of valuable opportunities for networking, a platform for business, access to relevant content & live-action demonstrations, the DSEI community can strengthen relationships, share knowledge and engage in the latest capabilities across the exhibition’s Aerospace, Land, Naval, Security & Joint Zones.
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