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UNITED KINGDOM AND NATO
10 Feb 23. Royal Navy to get new ‘eye in the sky’ to find and track threats at sea. The Royal Navy will have all new ‘eye in the sky’ uncrewed aerial technology to find and track threats as part of a c£20m contract.
Powerful surveillance sensors from Thales will be fitted to an S-100 uncrewed air system provided by Schiebel and feed real-time images and radar data back to Royal Navy warships on the front line from 2024.
This new flexible and tactical uncrewed air system will be known as ‘Peregrine’ – a name with strong historic links to the Fleet Air Arm.
Alongside the Navy’s Wildcat patrol helicopters, Peregrine will enable round-the-clock surveillance of targets over Gulf waters, and will be available for a spectrum of operational tasks to support allies and partners in the region – including during missions countering pirates, terrorists and smugglers.
Peregrine can be launched in challenging conditions, day and night, and will be deployed to protect warships, greatly extending detection range and fidelity, for enhanced intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance gathering.
Rear Admiral James Parkin, the Royal Navy’s Director Develop, said: “I am delighted that we are at the stage where this excellent capability is about to be introduced into the front line.
“As a system both deployed onto, and integrated into, warships and auxiliaries operating in congested and complex areas of the world, the Peregrine aircraft offers what the Royal Navy needs in order to respond to the wide variety of threats that we are facing today.
“Today is also a key milestone in the Fleet Air Arm’s evolution to a mixed crewed and uncrewed fighting arm of the Fleet, and we are anticipating learning many lessons as such technologies continue to develop and offer new opportunities for the current and future Navy.”
Andy Start, CEO of Defence Equipment & Support who awarded the contract, said: “The DE&S RPAS team have delivered a contract which will see a rapid development and deployment of a key Remotely Piloted Air System for the Royal Navy.
“Due to the collaborative approach we have taken with industry, the Navy shall be receiving a mature air system which is able to detect threats at range, protecting British interests in the Gulf.”
The air system – which takes off from the ship’s flight deck like a helicopter would – will be the first uncrewed rotary wing aircraft to operate alongside a Wildcat helicopter, allowing for round-the-clock aerial surveillance in a timely boost to the Royal Navy’s operational capability.
The high-definition imagery and radar data from Peregrine will be fed directly into the ship’s Combat Management System, allowing the command team to have good situational awareness and make rapid operational decisions.
Peregrine will be deployed directly into an operational theatre from mid-2024, initially for two years, with the option to extend. This foundation based on operational lessons will give the Royal Navy valuable experience and understanding of the use of uncrewed systems in this role ahead of further decisions and investments through the Future Maritime Aviation Force programme.
The S-100 has rapid launch ability and superior mission endurance of several hours. It will be fitted with the Thales I-Master radar, which will find, track and identify targets using its proven and modern, technology.
The name is inspired by the former HMS Peregrine, the Royal Naval Air Station in Ford, West Sussex, that was used after the Second World War as the Fleet Air Arm’s dedicated test and development centre in the early years of carrier-borne jet aircraft. (Source: https://www.gov.uk/)
08 Feb 23. Teaming for tactical drones: Rheinmetall and AeroVironment join forces to compete for NATO special forces project
Rheinmetall and AeroVironment, an American unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) manufacturer, have teamed to take part in a NATO special forces project. Group subsidiary Rheinmetall Technical Publications GmbH and AeroVironment have applied to participate in a procurement programme for a small UAS intended for special operations and infantry applications.
The system must be capable of operating in all conditions and environments, quick to deploy, hand launchable, have a maximum weight of ten kilos, and an operating range of 30 kilometres.
Rheinmetall and AeroVironment are ideally suited for developing and putting forward a compelling solution. AeroVironment is an industry leader in the design, development and production of unmanned aircraft systems. Its PumaTM 3 AE UAS is in operation with armed forces around the world, while its modular concept offers the optimum platform for a small UAS for special forces.
A certified aviation technology company, Rheinmetall Technical Publications is a systems house for tactical drones. Benefiting from decades long experience, Rheinmetall has the necessary expertise to introduce, support, and adapt drone systems to meet customer specifications.
07 Feb 23. Improving marksmanship training through data and analysis.
DASA funding and support has accelerated South West based SME Cervus’s innovative training tool
- DASA funding has helped Cervus develop XCALIBR, a marksmanship analytics and feedback tool to improve individual and collective training
- In just 3 years, DASA funding and support has taken Cervus from idea, to trials, to a finished product
Marksmanship is one of the most important aspects of a soldier’s training, helping improve the ability to shoot firearms safely, accurately and consistently. But while weapons and training practices have changed over the years, the method of collecting and analysing shot data from marksmanship training has remained the same for over 100 years.
Wiltshire based SME, Cervus, recognised an opportunity to use data and analytics to revolutionise the way firearms training is delivered.
Introducing Cervus
Veteran-owned, small business Cervus provides data driven innovation and insight for those working in defence and security.
Cervus was first funded through DASA in 2019 to develop their innovation to capture training and performance data (such as shot accuracy and lethality) to give military leaders a detailed overview of individual and collective performance, quickly and accurately.
Now known as XCALIBR, Cervus’s innovation, is a well-developed app based system to provide real-time data to users, commanders or instructors on how well a soldier fired, held their weapon and when and where they hit the target.
XCALIBR has been designed by soldiers for soldiers; it is very small, non-invasive, waterproof and ruggedised. The innovation is also based on a smartphone app, ensuring it is simple and intuitive to use.
Using the data collected from XCALIBR an individual can make adjustments to improve their performance. At a commander and instructor level, it provides an overview of how individuals perform, enabling instructors to provide support to improve platoon performance and optimise collective training.
Right on target: Trialling Cervus’s innovation
As part of Cervus’s first DASA project, and as a result of DASA support to test the innovation with soldiers, the system was trialled in early 2020 with the Parachute Regiment in Kenya during the annual Askari Storm training mission.
Following a successful trial, and using insights gained from the testing in Kenya, Cervus secured further funding through DASA to refine their innovation, which was then taken to trial with the Royal Marines.
After this, and with DASA support, Cervus secured funding through the Army, Research, Innovation and Experimentation Laboratory (ARIEL) – the Army’s solutions accelerator to further test their innovation. Cervus’s innovation, XCALIBR, has been trialled at the Infantry Training Centre in Catterick, and has the potential to improve a soldier’s marksmanship and the delivery of training.
Aiming for success: What’s next for Cervus?
In addition to trialling XCALIBR with the British Army, Cervus is in discussion with international partners, including the US Marine Corps, to find out how XCALIBR could support and improve their marksmanship training.
Alan Roan, Managing Director of Cervus said: “We would not be where we are today without DASA funding and the other opportunities DASA has opened up for us. To go from an idea to a product that is nearly ready to enter military service in just over three years is amazing and it all started with DASA.”
DASA funding and support has acted like a kite-mark, giving validation that our idea had merit and opening doors for us within the Front Line Commands in the UK and internationally.
Currently, Cervus is undertaking another project with DASA that could speed up the simulation process, resulting in faster decision making and lowering the cost of experimentation. Using experience drawn from their previous DASA project, Cervus is already exploring how the product could be commercialised and taken into service. (Source: https://www.gov.uk/)
03 Feb 23. Upgrade and retention of Tranche 1 Eurofighters ‘technically feasible’, BAE Systems tells UK Parliament. There is no technical reason why the UK Royal Air Force (RAF) could not upgrade and retain its fleet of Tranche 1 Eurofighter Typhoon combat aircraft, BAE Systems told the country’s parliamentary Defence Select Committee in January.
In a written response to the committee submitted on 23 January, the lead UK contractor in the Eurofighter consortium said that it would be “technically feasible” to bring the RAF’s remaining 30 Tranche 1 jets up to a standard where they could be retained in service rather than retired in 2025, as currently planned.
“It is technically feasible to bring a Tranche 1 aircraft to the standard of a Tranche 2 or Tranche 3 aircraft. BAE Systems has previously provided data to the Ministry of Defence (MoD) that outlines the scope of structural and avionic modifications that would be required,” BAE Systems said, noting that it has not been asked to provide an assessment of the non-recurring design effort, or associated costs, to implement such an upgrade. (Source: Janes)
04 Feb 23. Mounted Close Combat Overwatch (MCCO). Not to be confused with Land Precision Strike, Mounted Close Combat Overwatch (MCCO) is a British Army requirement defined as for:
A long-range system providing anti-armour coverage to the battle group, with concepts carrying multiple missiles weighing up to 50kg with a range of up to 10km or more
Mounted Close Combat Overwatch (MCCO) is part of the wider Battle Group Organic Anti-Armour (BGOAA) programme that also includes.
- Close in Self Defence (CISD), portable lightweight munitions carried by the Infantry section (a successor to NLAW and ASM)
- Close Combat Anti-Armour Weapon-Dismounted (CCAAW-DM), capable of destroying armoured vehicles even if hidden from view (A successor to Javelin)
- Close Combat Anti-Armour Weapon-Mounted (CCAAW-M), capable of destroying armoured vehicles even if hidden from view (A successor to Javelin)
In the publicity materials that accompanied the May 2021 concept launch, Lieutenant Colonel Mike Baxter, SO1 Light and Medium Forces, commented that Swingfire, Javelin, ASM and NLAW
These systems were designed in the 90s and 00s, with early 2000s conflict in mind, typically as dismounted systems and not optimised for on-the-move operations. During the lifetime of these systems, they have not really faced a significant armour threat
Obviously, this was prior to the Russian invasion of Ukraine in early 2022, he went on to say
If we took Swingfire nowadays, the Swingfire missile system would, noting the detectability of the host platform, would not provide anywhere near sufficient range. This is looking at providing an organic battle group anti-armour capability with a range in excess of 10 km. “The idea is MCCO would be in a position to provide dedicated anti-armour support to any user within the battle group… to allow a dismounted force to be able to call in an MCCO-class effector.”
In the comment above, Swingfire was mentioned, certainly worth looking at its background in order to understand the MCCO requirements.
Before Mounted Close Combat Overwatch (MCCO) – History
Guided missile overwatch as a term goes way back to concepts that eventually informed CVR(T) in the early seventies but the missile used, Swingfire, had an even longer heritage.
Swingfire Anti Tank Guided Missile (ATGW)
Despite the cancellation of the Orange William missile in 1959, Fairey Engineering continued development work, culminating in Swingfire, first mentioned by the government in 1962 as a replacement for the Malkara missile. (Source: Think Defence)
03 Feb 23. Windfarm Mitigation for UK Air Defence: 27 January 2023 Webinar. On 27 January 2023, DASA and BEIS hosted a webinar to test the vision for Windfarm Mitigation for UK Air Defence: Phase 3.
The Defence and Security Accelerator (DASA), in partnership with the Department for Business, Energy, and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) are exploring a Phase 3 of the “Windfarm Mitigation for UK Air Defence” competition, to build on current activities which seek to advance innovative technologies to enable the long-term co-existence of offshore windfarms and Air Defence radar.
The competition is funded by the BEIS Net Zero Innovation Portfolio (NZIP) and is undertaken in partnership with the Royal Air Force (RAF), the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl), and DASA.
On 27 January 2023, DASA and BEIS hosted a webinar to test the programme’s vision with the wider market and provide the opportunity to inform the programme. The scope of Phase 3 is likely to support technologies across the 3 broad categories:
- radar
- stealthy materials
- alternative tracking based solutions.
The competition is aimed at any technology providers within those 3 categories, as well as original equipment manufacturers, onshore and offshore owner/operators and developers who would be interested in collaborating with the technology providers as part of Windfarm Mitigation for UK Air Defence: Phase 3.
If you are interested in submitting a proposal when the competition launches in 2023, watch the below webinar.
What is covered in the webinar?
- Recap of Phase 1 and Phase 2
- Windfarm Mitigation for UK Air Defence: Phase 3 scope and timelines
- Proposed Delivery Model
- Collaboration survey
- Q&A
Collaboration Survey
For a potential phase 3, we encourage collaboration between suppliers. To support this, we have a short survey to collect details of suppliers who wish to explore collaboration possibilities. This collaboration list will be circulated to all those who have signed up on a weekly basis. In contrast to phases 1 and 2, the potential phase 3 will likely be a grant competition and require match-funding from the bidders.
The importance of Windfarm Mitigation for UK Air Defence
Offshore wind will play an increasingly critical role in the UK’s renewable energy supply to enable Net Zero ambitions, as manifested by a 50GW target by 2030 and a Climate Change Committee (CCC) central scenario of at least 75GW of capacity by 2050.
The offshore windfarm installations may adversely impact the quality of data obtained from the long-range Primary Surveillance Radars (PSR) which are the backbone of the UK’s Air Defence detection capability. A mitigating solution, or combination of solutions, is needed to enable the co-existence of windfarms and Air Defence and enable the deployment of offshore wind.
Through the Joint Air Defence and Offshore Wind Task Force, the Ministry of Defence (MOD) is currently working on procuring mitigation solutions in the near term, to enable the next generation of large-scale offshore windfarms to be built that will become operational from 2025 and beyond. This BEIS funded innovation programme is complementing the MOD work and focuses on helping to find solutions that will enable the long term co-existence of Air Defence and offshore wind.
What happened in Phase 1 and 2?
In Phase 1, £2m worth of contracts were awarded to fast-track ideas for technologies that could mitigate the impact of windfarms on the UK’s Air Defence radar system. Learn more here: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/38-m-in-contracts-awarded-to-mitigate-the-radar-risk-of-windfarms
In Phase 2, seven projects were awarded a total of £3.8m funding to develop technologies that support the coexistence of offshore windfarms and UK Air Defence systems. (Source: https://www.gov.uk/)
EUROPE
08 Feb 23. Norway special operators field pitches on fresh, Arctic-capable gear. Norwegian special operators staged the Arctic Warrior Experiment recently, inviting participants from eight countries to test their latest cold-weather gear in rugged terrain.
Modeled after similar experiments sponsored by U.S. Special Operations Command, the drill in late January assembled industry officials and military researchers under the banner “Remote effects delivery” in Arctic conditions – meaning, maximizing the combat utility of equipment while keeping a small footprint.
Torgeir Mørkved, research manager at the Norwegian Defense Research Establishment, one of the sponsoring organizations, told Defense News the theme was chosen because the stresses of the Arctic locale translate well into requirements for other areas of operations.
In attendance were a combination of military and industry members, a total of 50 companies represented, from the United States, U.K., Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Sweden, Denmark, and Finland.
Event organizers were especially interested in loitering munitions, from small hand-held to portable for a four-man team as well as unmanned vehicle platforms for all domains.
Nordic Drones CEO Pietari Sorri, a Finland-based participant, explains that one of the challenges of Arctic climate is that it “often makes it impossible, or at least very difficult, to transport large equipment, which is why our goal is to develop UAV systems that can be packed into a small space and are easily transportable while being high-performance.”
The company demonstrated its latest SkyDrone7 series, capable of flying for up to 74 minutes while carrying a 2.5-kilogram payload, as well as its new OW Striker UAV designed for shorter operations but with the ability to transport heavier cargo (maximum 4kg). Sorri says that the two models proved highly successful at the event and generated considerable interest.
In a similar fashion, Edge Autonomy responded to one of the key specifications listed by the Norwegian military: vertical take off and landing (VTOL) drones. The company’s single-operator VXE30 was developed to provide long-endurance imaging capabilities. It relies on either a solid oxide fuel cell, providing over 8 hours of endurance, or a rechargeable battery with 4 hours endurance.
Experiment organizers also had flagged as areas of interest the fields of battery and power supply in remote locations. On this, Sylvain Lhuissier, vice president of international operations at U.S.-based Bren-Tronics, says low temperatures impair battery components, resulting in reduced life cycle, performance and capacity.
The company displayed its tactical Light Universal Charger (LUC), which drew interest from participants for its innovative approach in allowing soldiers to recharge batteries while on mission through connection to a snowmobile battery or a fuel cell, Lhuissier said.
The experiment also called on manufacturers to present ideas for autonomous sensor operations and detection. For this category, Saab showcased its new passive electronic warfare sensor system, the Sirius Compact, in a stand-alone mast configuration. The system is able to detect, classify and prioritize radar as well as datalink signals without emitting signals of its own, which increases users’ situational awareness and early-warning capabilities.
Saab spokesman Conal Walker said the company’s focus for such systems is on low energy consumption, ease of use and ability to operate in all temperatures. “The Sirius Compact performed well in the cold environment, although we had wished for even colder weather during the test period,” he said.
BAE Systems Hägglunds was also among the participating companies, presenting the all-terrain BvS10 Protected Articulated Tracked Vehicle. “This specific vehicle was chosen due to its design for operations in the harshest and most remote environment,” said company spokesman Ola Thorén. “We successfully demonstrated its optimal maneuverability across varying terrains (snow, ice, rock as well as steep mountain forest environments), and the vehicle’s extreme mobility as well as modular design to be reconfigured for varying missions were found very interesting by attending countries,” he wrote in an email.
The vehicle found recent success in December 2022, when the U.K., Sweden and Germany signed an agreement to jointly procure 436 units, with deliveries beginning in 2024. (Source: Defense News)
08 Feb 23. Italy is considering the purchase of new Eurofighter Typhoons. British firm BAE Systems, a partner in the Eurofighter fighter jet program along with Airbus and Leonardo, has revealed that Italy is “considering the acquisition of new Typhoons”, as the planes are known.
This is reflected in a letter that the British parliamentary committee received from the company in connection with the possible modernization of the oldest aircraft of this model that the United Kingdom has. The text mentions that Italy is considering this purchase to compensate for the withdrawal of its Tornado aircraft and “potentially replace” its Eurofighter Tranche 1.
The French portal Zone Militaire explains that the revelation from BAE Systems shows that the Italian Air Force is considering equipping itself with the Eurofighter for electronic warfare to cover the gap left by the 13 Tornadoes that are now required to provide this service, of which a total of 54 which still owns and which are mainly being replaced by F-35A aircraft.
In any case, the electronic warfare [ECR]] version of the Eurofighter is still under development. Airbus, which has 46% of the company that coordinates the design, production, and improvements of the model [Eurofighter Jagdflugzeug, of which BAE Systems has 33% and Leonardo the remaining 21%], revealed in 2019 the details of the new electronic warfare variant which, if the planned schedule is met, will be available in 2026. This is a variant that, according to the manufacturer, will be able to provide threat localization and jamming and will offer a variety of electronic attack [EA] configurations.
Double cabin
It will also be prepared to suppress or destroy air defenses [SEAD or DEAD, for the English acronym of these concepts]. The Eurofighter ECR, originally designed to meet the needs of the German Air Force, will be equipped with the latest electronic escort technology available to any operator.
The new aircraft will also have a two-seater cabin equipped with a panoramic multi-function touch screen. The seat will include the necessary resources to be able to manage the mission teams. (Source: News Now/https://bulgarianmilitary.com/)
06 Feb 23. Czech Army eyes new Leopard 2A7+ tanks after testing older variant. While numerous allies are working on delivering their Leopard tanks to Ukraine, the Czech Republic is advancing plans to acquire new Leopard 2A7+ tanks. The country’s land forces are testing the first of the 14 used 2A4s the nation is to obtain from Germany.
Last year, the Czech Republic donated its Soviet-designed T-72 tanks to Ukraine to support the nation’s combat against the ongoing Russian invasion. Under its so-called “Ringtausch” program, Berlin has decided to supply a batch of Leopard 2A4s to Prague to enable the Czech Army to preserve its combat capacities and replace outdated Soviet weapons with Western gear.
The Czech Armed Forces say the Leopard 2A4 swap will make Prague ready for the acquisition of new Leopards, as suggested by Czech Defence Minister Jana Černochová. Last May, the politician said the nation could buy up to 50 tanks in the 2A7+ version from Germany.
“The 2A4 Leopards will prepare us for the most modern Leopard in the 2A7 version,” the Czech Armed Forces said in a tweet.
Under the plan, the remaining 13 Leopard 2A4s are to be delivered to the Czech military base in Přáslavice, in the country’s eastern part, until the end of this year. They will be operated by the 7th Mechanized Brigade, according to data from the Czech ministry.
Meanwhile, on Feb. 5, Canada’s National Defence Minister Anita Anand tweeted the “first Canadian Leopard 2 main battle tank that we’ve donated to Ukraine has now arrived in Poland. Alongside our allies, we’ll soon be training the Armed Forces of Ukraine in the use of this equipment.”
In addition to Canada and Germany, other countries who have declared their willingness to supply their used Leopard tanks to Ukraine include Denmark, Finland, Poland, Portugal and Spain. (Source: Defense News)
USA
08 Feb 23. DoD and Danish Ministry of Defense Sign Security of Supply Arrangement. On Feb. 8, 2023, the Department of Defense (DoD) and the Ministry of Defence (MOD) of the Kingdom of Denmark entered into a bilateral, non-binding Security of Supply Arrangement (SOSA). The SOSA was signed by Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment, Dr. William A. LaPlante, on behalf of the United States and the Director of the Danish Ministry of Defence Acquisition and Logistics Organisation (DALO), Lieutenant General Kim Jesper Jørgensen, on behalf of Denmark.
Through this SOSA, the United States and Denmark agree to provide reciprocal priority support for goods and services that promote national defense. The Arrangement will enable both countries to acquire the industrial resources they need from one another to resolve unanticipated supply chain disruptions to meet national security needs.
“This Security of Supply Arrangement with Denmark is very important to the United States,” said LaPlante. “Representing another productive step in the U.S.-Danish relationship, the SOSA will undoubtedly strengthen our respective security and resiliency of supply. Our signatures signify not only our pledge to standing together today, but also our commitment to robust collaboration long into the future.”
In the Arrangement, the U.S. and Denmark commit intent to support one another’s priority delivery requests for procurement of critical national defense resources. The U.S. will provide Denmark some assurances under the U.S. Defense Priorities and Allocations System (DPAS), with action by DoD and adjudication by the Department of Commerce. Denmark will in turn establish a government-industry Code of Conduct with its industrial base, where Danish firms will voluntarily agree to make every reasonable effort to provide the U.S. priority support.
Within the global defense industrial base, SOSAs are an important mechanism for DoD to strengthen interoperability with U.S. defense trade partners. The arrangements establish communication mechanisms, institute working groups, streamline DoD processes, and proactively act to allay anticipated supply chain issues in peacetime, emergency, and armed conflict.
Denmark is a long-term strategic partner and ally of the United States, and the U.S.’s twelfth SOSA partner. Other SOSA partners include Australia, Canada, Finland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden, and the United Kingdom.
About the Department of Defense’s DPA Title I Office:
Defense Production Act (DPA) Title I, ODASD(IBR), OASD(IBP) is the office responsible for securing and maintaining SOSAs with DOD’s foreign partners. DPA Title I’s efforts are focused on ensuring the timely availability of critical industrial resources to support national defense requirements through the U.S. Defense Priorities and Allocations System (DPAS). DPAS is a self-operating, legally binding U.S. priority system for industrial goods and services, administered by the Department of Commerce (DOC). In conjunction with DOC and through delegated authorities, DPA Title I oversees the prioritization and allocation of all national security contracts and orders rated under DPAS. DPA Title I’s efforts support requirements of stakeholders across the U.S. defense industrial base, including those of DoD components and its delegate agencies, foreign partners, and private industry. Through the execution of its mission, the DPA Title I program ensures the nation is prioritizing the production and procurement of critical defense industrial resources it needs in order to meet domestic and foreign partner national security demands in today’s ever-evolving threat environment.
For additional information on SOSAs and copies of the Arrangements, please see the Title I website at https://www.businessdefense.gov/security-of-supply.html. (Source: US DoD)
06 Feb 23. US DHS extends deadline for industry to respond to counter-UAS equipment requirement. The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has extended its deadline for requests for information (RFI) from industry from February 7 to February 14 for its latest counter-UAS system acquisition programme “to address current and future threats and gaps regarding unmanned aircraft systems.”
According to the tender document:
“DHS is interested in learning about the availability of counter-unmanned aircraft systems (C-UAS), which include the capability to detect, identify, classify, track, and/or mitigate these threats. DHS has an operational need for fixed site as well as rapidly deployable, mobile, and single person-portable employment modes to provide situational awareness and mitigation capabilities for personnel in the field.
“This RFI seeks to obtain information from industry about the availability of C-UASs with the characteristics described in Attachment A, C-UAS Characteristics. C-UASs described in the responses to the RFI shall have both a Technology Readiness Level and a Manufacturing Readiness Level of 6 or greater. Please refer to the DHS S&T Product Realization of Oct 2013 for level information[1].
This capability aligns with the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) missions and Strategic Goal 1, “Counter Terrorism and Homeland Security Threats”, and associated objectives[2]
- Objective 1.1 Collect, analyze, and share actionable intelligence
- Objective 1.2 Detect and disrupt threats
- Objective 1.3 Protect designated leadership, events, and soft targets
- Objective 1.4 Counter weapons of mass destruction and emerging threats
C-UASs will align with these overarching goals and mission priorities. In order to meet these goals and mission priorities, the core mission capabilities of the C-UAS include the following Mission Thread capabilities:
Predict: The capability to receive flight information, intelligence, and other advance and historical information.
Detect: To discover the presence of an unmanned airborne object within a defined reaction time and within a defined volume of airspace during all weather, day/night, 24x7x365.
Identify: To positively ascertain a detected Track of Interest (ToI) with a unique identifier and aircraft characteristics.
Classify: To determine the level of threat, risk, and/or intent of a detected ToI.
Track: To follow the progress or movements of a ToI continuously from detection through response for total airspace situational awareness.
Respond: To employ resources to address a potential incursion.
C-UASs will be responsible for countering the threat of UASs. Each C-UAS will be responsible for monitoring its area of coverage. The number of C-UAS deployed across locations will vary based on geography, availability of equipment and trained operators, and operational need. When deployed, the system will provide the C-UAS operator with information regarding detection, identification, classification, tracking, and mitigation of UAS threats. These UASs typically consist of a UAV (drone), a ground-based controller, and a system of communications between the two. The drones can be of varying sizes and weights, as well as varying configurations such as fixed-wing, vertical takeoff and landing, or hybrid. In addition, the sensor and payload capabilities vary between drones, as well as the data collection and transmission capabilities.
One example of an operational scenario includes a fixed C-UAS deployed to an operating area of interest.
- Upon detecting drone threats, the system logs the information and notifies the operator of a threat (either locally on the system interface, or remotely via connection to an information network).
- Next, the system begins to track the drone (determines drone and operator location and flight path) and attempts to classify and identify drones in terms of known characteristics (e.g., model, weight, payload, frequency, and launch location).
- In addition, the information collected in real-time will allow operators to take appropriate action given the drones known location.
- If deemed necessary and in accordance with policy, the system will enable operators to disrupt or deny further operation of the drone.
Throughout the scenario, the system data and intelligence are logged to increase awareness to the current and future drone threat.
For more information
https://sam.gov/opp/ad48853bdb584ad183905a47ffb8d414/view
(Image: Shutterstock)
[1] https://www.dhs.gov/sites/default/files/publications/Product%20Realization%20Guide.pdf
[2] Department of Homeland Security, (n.d.). “The DHS Strategic Plan Fiscal Years 2020-2024”. [Online]. Available: https://www.dhs.gov/sites/default/files/publications/19_0702_plcy_dhs-strategic-plan-fy20-24.pdf (Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)
03 Feb 23. Army wants ideas from industry on autonomous, anti-drone capabilities. Army Futures Command called on industry for white papers outlining potential technology capabilities it will look to deploy as part of its modernization strategy.
Army Futures Command is on the hunt for new tools ahead of its next Technology Gateway program this fall and is looking to industry to determine what solutions it will experiment with.
In a special notice released Friday, AFC called for industry white papers outlining potential technology capabilities it will look to deploy as part of its modernization strategy.
The Technology Gateway series is part of the military service’s Project Convergence effort, a broader campaign that began in 2020 to integrate emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, robotics and autonomy into plans for Joint Warfighting Concept and Joint All Domain Command and Control.
“Technology Gateway is a collaborative experiment between industry partners and the Army, intended to enable collective innovation and identify novel technology capabilities that will help the Army achieve its modernization goals,” the notice said. “It provides industry a structured opportunity to demonstrate their technologies to government representatives in a controlled and operationally relevant environment.”
AFC held its first Technology Gateway at the Yuma Proving Ground, Arizona, in October 2022, as part of last fall’s Project Convergence event, and this year’s edition is also slated for October.
The Feb. 3 special notice calls for focus areas on solutions that utilize tools like autonomous technology to deliver large quantities of supplies at scale, like fuel and management systems to help efficiently oversee hundreds of autonomous capabilities simultaneously.
Other requests include tools to help defeat the targeting and delivery capabilities of loitering munitions drones and unmanned aerial systems, solutions to help defense against electromagnetic warfare threats, innovative tools for reconnoitering and securing river — or “wet gap” — crossings and new innovations for multi-domain obscuration and maneuver.
Army modernization priorities include long range precision fires, next generation combat vehicles, future vertical lift, network, air and missile defense and soldier lethality.
White paper submissions will go through a two-step evaluation process based on technical merit and operational merit reviews, with qualifying companies being invited to the Technology Gateway based on the final operational merit review. Interested companies have until 4 p.m. EST on March 31 to respond. (Source: FCW)
03 Feb 23. Space Development Agency (SDA) issues DRAFT Solicitation for Tranche 2 Transport Layer — Beta.
Original Response Date: March 1, 2023
SDA has issued a DRAFT solicitation for the first of several types of Tranche 2 Transport Layer (T2TL) space vehicles—T2TL Beta. This DRAFT solicitation establishes the foundation for Tranche 2 of the Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture (PWSA).
To provide the warfighter full utility, the PWSA requires a global data and communications Transport Layer provided by a proliferated constellation of relatively small, mass-producible space vehicles in LEO.
The T2TL space vehicles will be similar to those currently under development for the Tranche 1 Transport Layer (T1TL) and Tranche 1 Development and Experimentation System (T1DES), with targeted technology enhancements, mission-focused payload configurations, increased integration, and greater production efficiencies.
T2TL will provide global communications access and deliver persistent regional encrypted connectivity in support of warfighter missions around the globe. Specifically, T2TL features multiple space vehicle and mission configuration variants procured through a multi-solicitation and multi-vendor acquisition approach.
Please review the full DRAFT solicitation for details and submission instructions. This DRAFT solicitation may be used to inform future solicitations.
The SAM.gov online solicitation listing
Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture (PWSA) Tranche 2 Transport Layer – Beta Program Solicitation (DRAFT)
The Space Development Agency (SDA) seeks input on its Draft Tranche 2 Transport Layer – Beta (T2TL-Beta) Program Solicitation.
T2TL features multiple space vehicle (SV) and mission configuration variants procured through a multi-solicitation and multi-vendor acquisition approach.
T2TL-Beta furthers the resilience and advances the capability of the Tranche 1 Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture (PWSA) with an initial global proliferation of Integrated Broadcast Service – LEO (IBS-L) and TACSATCOM capabilities.
This draft solicitation is for development, manufacture, test, launch integration, and deployment of the T2TL-Beta space vehicles, payloads, and mission-enabling ground systems.
The Draft T2TL-Beta Program Solicitation downloadable attachment PDFs may be accessed at https://sam.gov/opp/3e3eb41990ef4098b893b10cd6d297b6/view
To receive the additional Draft Program Solicitation Attachments and the Draft T2TL-Beta Bidder’s Library, please send an email to with the subject line “SDA Draft T2TL-Beta Solicitation Content Request.”
Please include your organization’s CAGE code and location in your request. Requests received from organizations that do not possess a facility clearance of at least Secret will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
SDA will endeavor to respond to all requests in the order that they are received and within one business day of receipt. All feedback should be provided via email to no later than March 1, 2023 at 12:00pm, Eastern, with the subject line “SDA Draft T2TL-Beta Solicitation Feedback.”
Please note that the above email address differs from the Special Notice number. This is intentional. SDA-PS-23-03 will be the final T2TL-Beta solicitation number. (Source: Satnews)
REST OF THE WORLD
09 Feb 23. WA approves $127k in funding for defence researchers. Defence researchers have been awarded more than $127,000 from the Western Australia state government under a Research Higher Degree Student Grant program.
Eleven grant applicants were successful in receiving a total of $127,500 to encourage research in WA’s defence industry and create future jobs.
Applicants presented research regarding automation, marine communications, and operational skill proficiency. PhD students will receive $15,000, Masters receive $10,000 and Honours or fourth-year engineering students receive $7,500.
WA Defence Industry Minister Paul Papalia said the Research Higher Degree Student Grant program encourages students to consider the potential defence application of their research and promotes student career pathways in the defence industry.
“Research is critical to Australia’s sovereign defence capability, and WA is at the forefront of turning ideas into practical defence solutions.
“Through the Defence Science Centre’s Research Higher Degree Student Grants, we are supporting the next generation of defence research that could lead to industry diversification and more jobs for Western Australians.
“The Research Higher Degree Student Grant program is a key enabler for defence research in Western Australia, and the McGowan government is proud to support some of our brightest scientific minds.”
The grant program supports collaborative projects between the Department of Defence and education institutions such as Curtin University, Edith Cowan University, Murdoch University, and The University of Western Australia. The Collaborative Research Grant program provides seed funding of $50,000 to $150,000 to DSC-member universities to grow the WA defence research sector and defence industry to build capability, create jobs, and support a key component of the WA Defence and Defence Industries Strategic Plan.
Applications are now open for round five of the Defence Science Centre Collaborative Research Grant. (Source: Defence Connect)
09 Feb 23. Japan to replace attack, observation helicopters with drone fleet. Japan has indicated it will give up its “obsolete” attack and observation helicopters in favor of unmanned systems, according to its defense buildup plans.
They will be replaced by “attack/utility,” “miniature attack” and “surveillance” unmanned aircraft systems, according to the English-language version of Japan’s defense buildup strategy released by the Defense Ministry in January.
That document did not provide further specifics about helicopter replacements. However, a Japanese-language summary showed graphical representations of what appears to be loitering munitions and medium-altitude, long-endurance drones as replacements.
It added that existing Japan Ground Self-Defense Force helicopters will be armed to maintain the minimum required capability. Japan currently operates about 50 Bell AH-1 Cobra and 12 Boeing AH-64D Apache attack helicopters. It’s observation helicopter fleet includes 37 Kawasaki OH-1s and approximately 100 Hughes OH-6D Cayuse light helos.
The country originally planned to acquire a new attack helicopter to replace its AH-1s, although that was subsequently canceled.
The elimination of the attack and observation helicopters would come with a reduction in required personnel by about 1,000. The plan comes amid efforts to reorganize the force’s aviation component, which includes the reassignment of air assets to regional army groups instead of the current structure, which attaches aviation squadrons at the division and brigade levels.
Japanese documents did note there will be exceptions, although it did not offer more specifics.
The Japan Ground Self-Defense Force operates Boeing CH-47 Chinook, Fuji UH-1 and Sikorsky UH-60 helicopters. Japan is introducing the Subaru UH-2 utility helo to replace its UH-1s, with plans to procure 77 between now and 2027. The UH-2 is based on the Bell 412EPI design.
The defense buildup plan also lists other obsolete systems that the country will replace, including nine Asagiri-, Hatakaze- and Abukuma-class destroyers and training ships of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force. Twelve Mogami-class frigates with leaner crewing requirements will replace that fleet.
The naval force will also look to reduce its planned number of Kawasaki P-1 maritime patrol aircraft in favor of an unmanned wide-area maritime surveillance capability.
Japan has ramped up its defense spending to record levels in recent years in response to what it sees as increased threats from China and North Korea, and it recently committed to raising its defense budget to 2% of its gross domestic product, up from the current level of just over 1%.
(Source: Defense News)
09 Feb 23. Indonesia seeks foreign lenders for UCAV programmes. The Indonesian Ministry of Finance (MoF) has approved a request from the Indonesian Armed Forces (TNI) to procure unmanned combat aerial vehicles (UCAVs) with foreign loans, and the country is evaluating suitable lenders for this. The UCAVs are part of a list of 16 programmes for the year for which permission to take on foreign loans has been granted by the MoF, provided that the formal contracts are signed with the Ministry of Defense (MoD) by 31 December 2023, documents provided to Janes indicate. Approvals to procure the unmanned vehicles have been granted separately for each of the three armed services and include provision for UCAV-mounted munitions. For the Indonesian Air Force (TNI-AU), the MoF has allowed a loan quantum of up to USD200m to procure UCAVs and a limit of USD38.115m for UCAV-mounted munitions. (Source: Janes)
08 Feb 23. Iraqi army planning to buy Bell helicopters to replace Russian models. The Iraqi Army Aviation Command (IAAC) is planning to replace its Russian helicopters with US-made types, according to the latest quarterly report on Operation ‘Inherent Resolve’ released by the US Department of Defense’s Office of Inspector General (OIG) on 7 February.
It said the Iraqi Ministry of Defence (MoD) has submitted Foreign Military Sales (FMS) requests for 16 Bell 412M and four Bell 412EPX medium-lift helicopters to replace the IAAC’s Russian-made Mi-17s, 15 new Bell 407Ms to replace existing 407s in the light-attack role, and 15 new Bell 505 helicopters to replace the 407s and OH-58s currently used as trainers.
It did not identify a direct replacement for the Russian Mi-28NE and Mi-35M attack helicopters but noted that the IAAC is also in the process of requesting an estimate for the cost and availability of an unspecified number of additional 407Ms. Russian sources have reported that Iraq ordered 15 Mi-28NE and 28 Mi-35M helicopters. (Source: Janes)
08 Feb 23. Sudan’s Military Industry Corporation pushes sales to Africa. Sudan’s Military Industry Corporation (MIC) wants to expand its exports to other African countries and is stepping up its presence at African defence shows.
In September the company exhibited at the Africa Aerospace and Defence (AAD) trade show in Pretoria. On display were a model of MIC’s multiple rocket launch system, guided bombs, assault and sniper rifles, as well as its rocket propelled grenade launchers. At AAD in 2018, the company had a larger stand and flew its domestically made SAFAT 02 light helicopter and SAFAT 03 two seat trainer in the air show.
Political changes in Sudan since the overthrow of President Omar al-Bashir, who ruled for 30 years until 2019, has brought increasing pressure on the defence sector to become more transparent. Much of the opposition views the reform of the country’s defence industries as central to reducing the role of the military. But the 25 October 2021 coup in which a military junta led by General Abdel Fattah Abdelrahman al-Burhan overthrew a civilian led government appears to have set back moves to reform these industries.
US sanctions against the country for its past support of terrorism were lifted about two years ago. Other US sanctions remain in place for human rights violations during the conflict in Darfur and the national emergency imposed in the aftermath of the 25 October coup, but these may be lifted as the country heads towards elections later this year.
The Military Industry Corporation is one of the country’s largest state owned conglomerates and the military is known to have a large but unknown stake in the company. Mogahid Osman Khalid, MIC Director, who spoke to defenceWeb, said Sudan has the third largest defence industry on the continent, after Egypt and South Africa.
Khalid said that MIC is moving toward greater transparency. “We want to open up and show what we have,” he said. Khalid said the MIC is audited and its annual report is sent to the central bank and the finance ministry, but only selected information is made public. Although the government has an economic reform programme, Khalid does not think the MIC will ever be privatised as it is a “strategic body”.
Khalid said the MIC mostly manufactures weapons systems under licenses from Russia, Ukraine, China, and Turkey, but is developing a few systems on its own.
The company has an extensive product range which includes armoured vehicles, tanks, trucks, artillery, light aircraft boats and ships, as well as uniforms. It also has interests in the auto and agricultural and mining equipment industries. Its more sophisticated products include the BK-3, a precision guided 270 kg bomb that can used on a variety of aerial platforms. MIC also produces the ASR-2, an 80 mm air-to-ground rocket that uses shaped charge fragments and shock waves to destroy ground targets. It is launched from rocket pods that hold 20 rounds.
Khalid said MIC “only deals with legal governments” and currently sells to a number of other African countries. MIC also has service contracts to maintain tanks, trucks, and aircraft for a number of armed forces on the continent. “Africa buys old technology and we have the ability to support, service, and maintain this,” he said.
Khalid added that MIC is open to collaboration with other African countries as well as the private sector.
MIC’s competitive position is helped by its geographical location on the continents and, “good products, and competitive prices,” he said.
Since the 1990s Chinese, Russian and Iranian companies have helped Sudan develop its domestic military industry after an international arms embargo placed on the country. The Military Industry Corporation was established in 1993 to manufacture weapons and equipment for the Sudanese military and is now marketing its products internationally, including main battle tanks (based on Chinese designs), small arms, recoilless rifles, mortars, rocket launchers, upgraded armoured vehicles, ammunition, electronics and uniforms. (Source: https://www.defenceweb.co.za/)
07 Feb 23. Indian Army issues RFI for life extension of Smerch rockets. The Indian Army has released a tender to support its programme for the life extension of 300 mm rockets used with the BM-30 Smerch Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS).
According to a request for information (RFI) by the Indian Army, the service seeks to identify private Indian vendors for participating in the proposal for life extension of all variants of Smerch ammunition, and facilitate the preparation of request for proposals (RFP).
The Indian Army proposed the life extension of four variants of 300 mm Smerch rockets, the RFI added. The four variants are 300 mm 9M55S fuel-air explosive (FAE) warhead, 300 mm 9M55F high explosive (HE) fragmentation significant wave height (SWH)-70 km, 300 mm 9M528 HE fragmentation SWH-90 km, and 300 mm 9M55K cluster warhead.
The Indian Army said that the life-extension methodology of any ammunition depends on its design configuration, composition and quantity of explosives. (Source: Janes)
06 Feb 23. Leonardo has signed two agreements with Israeli organisations for innovations and high-tech solutions in multiple fields, including defence, cybersecurity, aeronautics, intelligence and space, areas of strategic interest for Leonardo’s business.
The first agreement is with the Israeli Innovation Authority (IIA), an independent public agency providing technical and financial support for innovative projects promoted by both Israeli and international start -ups, mature companies, multinationals and universities. The second is with Ramot, the Technology Transfer Company that develops the Intellectual Property of the Tel Aviv University, with its 30,000 students (including 16,000 researchers).
The partnerships, promoted by Leonardo and supported and coordinated by the Italian Embassy in Israel, with the contribution of the Israeli Embassy in Italy and the Economic Mission of Israel in Milan, will focus in particular, on strengthening cooperation in the scouting and development of start-ups, drawing on the country’s experience and track record as a “start-up nation” as a result of its 7,000 plus start-ups and 430-odd venture capital funds operating in the country’s innovation ecosystem through nearly 100 accelerators and 37 active incubators.
The agreements will be implemented immediately through active collaboration in scouting start -ups for the second international call of the Business Innovation Factory (BIF) of Leonardo. As a result of the programme, launched by the company on 24 January and dedicated to start-ups submitting innovative solutions in the fields of simulation and gamification, networking & cybersecurity, one of the five legs of the promotional road show will be held in Tel Aviv (28 February). The agreement with Ramot will set out the principles for cooperating on Leonardo-sponsored research projects carried out by Tel Aviv University, for which Leonardo will define areas of research and of interest, and will set out the guidelines of the call for proposals dedicated to the University’s researchers. To date, Ramot has invested in over 100 start-ups and works with companies to implement applied research projects, also using IIA funds.
The agreements with IIA and Ramot form part of Leonardo’s strategy to strengthen relations with institutions, universities and private entities so as to create structural partnerships with the aim of fuelling technological innovation and business processes, following the guidelines set out in the Be Tomorrow 2030 strategic plan.
The agreement with the IIA, in particular, is part of the Authority’s “R&D and Pilot Collaboration with Multinational Corporation (Mncs)” program, launched in 2005 with the aim of promoting ambitious collaborations between large multinationals and the most innovative Israeli companies. (Source: News Now/https://asiapacificdefencereporter.com/)
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Since 1946, Industrial Electronic Engineers, IEE, has specialized in the design, test, support and fielding of display products for use in demanding military and aerospace applications throughout the world. IEE has developed an extensive product portfolio that today includes enhanced flat panel displays, smart displays and handheld devices.
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