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UNITED KINGDOM AND NATO
23 Feb 23. British Army to receive interim artillery solution within 12 months. The interim medium-range indirect fires programme is intended to fill a gap being created with the gradual departure of the AS90 from service, ahead of an MFP solution later this decade.
The UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) is seeking to deliver an interim medium-range land fires capability to the British Army within the next 12 months in an apparent attempt to bridge a looming capability gap, one created by the provision of the in-service 155mm AS90 self-propelled gun to Ukraine, that won’t be fully resolved until the introduction of a new artillery platform under the Mobile Fires Platform (MFP) programme.
Although the AS90 was planned to be retired towards the end of the decade, the need to provide Ukraine with viable artillery systems in its war against Russia saw the provision of a range of military equipment by the UK to Kyiv, including 24 of its remaining 80-90 AS90 platforms, a handful of M270 multiple launch rocket systems, and 14 Challenger 2 main battle tanks, among other items.
According to the UK Defence in Numbers document released by the MoD on 22 February, 64 artillery guns have been given to Ukraine, likely the L118 105mm light gun drawn from the British Army. It is known that vehicles traditionally attached to artillery regiment such as the Pinzgauer have also been donated.
Speaking to the UK defence committee on 21 February, Lt Gen Robert Andrew Magowan, Deputy Chief of the Defence Staff at the MoD, told members that there were efforts to “speed up” the main MFP programme, that was looking at a timeline towards the end of the 2020s.
“Therefore, we are working with partners to deliver an interim capability within 12 months. So, a fully capable, medium indirect fires is the target we are setting ourselves to meet the gap between what we have done with AS90 and what is going to appear towards the end of the decade,” Magowan said.
The UK Secretary of State for Defence Ben Wallace first announced the intention to deliver an interim medium-range land fires capability in January when outlining the landmark provision of Challenger 2 and AS90 to Ukraine, although no timeframe was given.
What options are available?
Quite what such an interim capability would consist of was not disclosed, but some existing UK test and trials programmes could provide some indication as to what type of platform and gun system could be utilised.
One solution could see the L118 105mm, manufactured by BAE Systems and in service with the British Army, fitted to an HMT 6×6 utility vehicle produced by UK company Supacat. Showcased at the DVD 2022 event last year, the solution is similar to a US system also being developed, visible at AUSA in 2022 (pictured), which saw a 105mm artillery system fitted to a striped-down AM General HMMVW.
An alternative could see the creation of additional indirect/direct fires capability through Project Wolfram, which is being undertaken by the MoD and industry stakeholders, to explore the potential to mount the Brimstone missile onto a flatbed truck, providing a strike range of about 20km.
Both of the above projects offer the advantage of kinetic delivery systems and mobile platforms that are in service with the British Army, meaning reducing workup and training time would be required. (Source: army-technology.com)
20 Feb 23. Defence Sourcing Portal and Gov.UK Contract Finder: https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/0cca468e-3bf4-46ec-9fc9-819b71e6a34f
– Opportunity Document Attached with details, from Def Sourcing Portal.
- Project Description
The UK MOD is publishing this Discovery Event for the Morpheus Key Management System (MKMS) to seek responses from industry to inform the MKMS project. MKMS will provide cryptographic key, and associated communications information, to the point of fill on cryptographic devices being delivered by MORPHEUS as part of the bearer solution. It will achieve this by interfacing to external key generation, manipulation and distribution systems, as well as by providing key generation for keys not supplied by external systems. MKMS will provide key manipulation and distribution internal to MORPHEUS in accordance with communication plans that are developed by system management tools. MKMS is planned to interface to the system management tools to receive communication plan information and provide any necessary information from MKMS. Keys generated by MKMS will need to be available to external key management systems to facilitate interoperability (e.g. between non-MORPHEUS Army Aviation and MORPHEUS ground troops).
MKMS will adopt a user-centric design, that takes account of the threat environment and places interoperability with allies and coalition partners at the heart of its development. The solution will also need to integrate with the wider UK crypt-key enterprise.
The scope of the project includes any fill devices and/or applications needed to fill cryptographic equipment as well as to manage the key management system in support of crypto management responsibilities. This scope shall include, where necessary, assured Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) to support the MORPHEUS crypt-key solution.
MORPHEUS will operate at up to, and including, SECRET Releasable to the Mission/NATO. The key management system scope will include all cryptographic key material including interoperability keys, GPS, transmission and communication security.
Further information on how to submit a response can be found in the attached document to this opportunity
- Notes
Default Additional Notes
- Work Category
Supplies
- Procurement Route
Other
- Listing Deadline
01/03/2023 17:00
- Contract Start Date
01/01/2028
- Contract Duration
- Estimated Value of Contract
- 20 Feb 23. Defence Online: https://www.defenceonline.co.uk/2023/02/15/morpheus-key-management-system-mkms-discovery-event/
Morpheus Key Management System (MKMS) – Discovery Event
February 15, 2023
Type of document: Contract Notice
Country: United Kingdom
- Title: MORPHEUS KEY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM (MKMS) – DISCOVERY EVENT
- Awarding Authority: Ministry of Defence, GB Email: . Web:
- Contract type: Supply contract
Other
- Description: The Awarding authority is publishing this Discovery Event for the Morpheus Key Management System (MKMS) to seek responses from industry to inform the MKMS project. MKMS will provide cryptographic key, and associated communications information, to the point of fill on cryptographic devices being delivered by MORPHEUS as part of the bearer solution. It will achieve this by interfacing to external key generation, manipulation and distribution systems, as well as by providing key generation for keys not supplied by external systems. MKMS will provide key manipulation and distribution internal to MORPHEUS in accordance with communication plans that are developed by system management tools. MKMS is planned to interface to the system management tools to receive communication plan information and provide any necessary information from MKMS. Keys generated by MKMS will need to be available to external key management systems to facilitate interoperability (e.g. between non-MORPHEUS Army Aviation and MORPHEUS ground troops).
MKMS will adopt a user-centric design, that takes account of the threat environment and places interoperability with allies and coalition partners at the heart of its development. The solution will also need to integrate with the wider UK crypt-key enterprise.
The scope of the project includes any fill devices and/or applications needed to fill cryptographic equipment as well as to manage the key management system in support of crypto management responsibilities. This scope shall include, where necessary, assured Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) to support the MORPHEUS crypt-key solution.
MORPHEUS will operate at up to, and including, SECRET Releasable to the Mission/NATO. The key management system scope will include all cryptographic key material including interoperability keys, GPS, transmission and communication security.
Further information on how to submit a response can be found in the attached document to this opportunity
- CPV Code(s): 32260000, 32430000, 32582000, 72262000, 72313000, 72317000, 72318000
- NUTS code(s): UKK, UKK1, UKK11
- Main site or location of works, main place of delivery or main place of performance: Any region
- Reference attributed by awarding authority: Project Code 706430452-RFI
- Estimated value of requirement: Not provided.
- Listing Deadline 1.3.2023 (17:00:00).
- Address to which they must be sent: You must register or log in at Web: to participate in this tender
- Other information: Notes : Default Additional Notes
Work Category : Supplies
Procurement Route : Other
Listing Deadline : 01/03/2023 17:00
Contract Start Date : 01/01/2028
TKR-2023213-EX-1545775
EUROPE
23 Feb 23. Fincantieri shrinks its S1000 submarine for covert special ops mission. Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri showcased at IDEX its latest S800 light submarine, designed for covert operations in shallow-waters and said to have grabbed the attention of Pakistani and Gulf region customers.
Based on the larger S1000 submarine, the S800 is smaller in size, 51 meters in length and 10 meters in height, but has similar capabilities and is fitted with many of the same technologies. It can accommodate 18 crew, operate in depths down to 250 meters and has a submerged endurance of 7 days without needing to surface.
Retired Rear Admiral Marcellino Corsi, a senior consultant for Fincantieri, touted the boat’s knack for secrecy. “Its dimensions and hull characteristics operationally make it the most suitable strategic asset for supporting Special Forces Operations, providing the ability to release and recover two chariots in fully covert missions,” he claimed.
Normally, the first customer to experiment with Italian shipmaker’s products is the Italian Navy. In the case of the S800, however, as the Marina Militare does not have a specific requirement to operate smaller submarines, the vessel will be trialed by the first export buyer. According to a company representative, both Pakistan and Gulf countries have shown a serious interest in the platform.
This comes amid a significant regional trend in recent years, where Arab states are increasingly looking to expand their naval capabilities, especially as tensions with Iran are rising. According to a recent Nuclear Threat Initiative report, as of February 2023, the Islamic Republic of Iran Navy commands a submarine force of 19 to 27 vessels, which have given it substantial submarine capacities. Pakistan has also gone on an upgrading spree to increase its subsurface fleet, and the country previously purchased several Cosmo-class MG110 midget submarines from Italy back in 1988.
The S800 is equipped with five torpedoes rather than six like the S1000. It has an automated platform control system with 4 ‘X’ stern rudders, which are configured in a way that increases propeller efficiency and provides higher maneuverability. The quiet operation of its fuel cell system further allows the acoustic signature of the submarine to be kept at a minimum, a critical feature during the types of missions it’s meant to perform. Corsi said the S800 will take roughly a year to build, as the larger version takes around 2.5 years to assemble. (Source: Defense News)
22 Feb 23. NATO outlines five-phased concept study for NGRC. NATO has outlined the concept study for its Next Generation Rotorcraft Capability (NGRC) programme, which will run across five phases that were commenced in 2022. Speaking at the IQPC International Military Helicopter (IMH) 2023 conference being held in London from 21 to 23 February, NGRC programme manager, NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA), Cyril Heckel, provided an overview of the concept phase for the NGRC programme that comprises the European NATO allies of France, Germany, Greece, Italy, the Netherlands, and the UK. Canada is set to join in the near future.
The baseline requirements for the NGRC programme are that the resulting airframe be no more than EUR35 m (USD37 m) per unit, with a cost per flight hour of between EUR5,000 and EUR10,000, and a more than 75% availability rate. Heckel said, these parameters, all much be achieved with the minimum of different aircraft configuration to reduce complexity and cost in the programme.
Heckel spelled out the five-point concept phase that was launched in June 2022, and which will run over three years.
24 Feb 23. Serbia to Purchase Kamikaze Drones from UAE. Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic announced on Tuesday that Serbia will sign a contract with the United Arab Emirates within two days on the purchase of suicide drones. Vucic’s remarks came in Abu Dhabi, where he was attending the International Defense Exhibition and Conference (IDEX).
“Within 48 hours, we will sign the first contract with the UAE on the purchase of their suicide drones, and they will arrive in the territory of the Republic of Serbia very soon,” he said.
Speaking about Serbia’s exports of military products, Vucic said that 30% of everything produced domestically must stay in Serbia.
“Our army and our country must come first. At least 30% of everything made in Serbia must stay in Serbia,” he said. “We can only sell what we can spare. Everyone wants to fight. Everyone is getting ready for war.”
“Our army has a priority. We have not started any war. We will not go to war unless we are attacked, and as far as weapons are concerned, I am most interested in our army and then how much we will earn,” he said.
He also said that they are continuing negotiations with the French for the purchase of Rafale warplanes.
He added that by the end of the year, 40 tanks at the disposal of the armed forces will be modernized.
According to Vucic, an escalation of the conflict in Ukraine will further complicate Serbia’s position in the political and military sense. (Source: UAS VISION/Anadolu Agency)
22 Feb 23. Italy’s U212 NFS programme completes CDR stage.
The CDR stage involved formal assessment of the submarine’s final proposed design. The Italian Navy’s U212 near future submarine (NFS) programme has achieved a significant milestone with the successful completion of the critical design review (CDR) stage.
The new progress was announced by the Organisation for Joint Armament Cooperation (Organisation Conjointe de Coopération en matière d’ARmement – OCCAR) on 21 February.
OCCAR said that this key decision, taken on 15 February, marks a fundamental step in the maturation of U212 NFS programme.
The traditional ‘spiral’ method of ship design, used successfully since the 1950s, consisted of several phases – concept, preliminary, contract and detail – each running a spiral of its own, including powering, arrangements, stability, and costing. However, the complexities of…
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This stage saw contribution from OCCAR-EA U212 NFS Programme Division, the Italian Navy submarine experts as well as a team of industry partners and small and medium-sized enterprises led by Italian shipbuilding company Fincantieri.
Under CDR stage, the teams carried out formal assessment of submarine’s final proposed design, as mentioned in the product specifications of each configuration items.
This associated stakeholders also validated the platform’s design to see whether it is mature and in accordance with the required mission performance standards or not.
One of the key objectives of the CDR stage was to determine the safety, maintainability and reliability of the programme to meet the latest technological advancements in the field, such as submarine’s survivability in harsh underwater environment and low-noise technology.
OCCAR claimed that all such features and standards have been address, while also weighing the budget, schedule and risk constraints of the programme.
Following the conclusion of CDR, the programme can now move to the next stage of construction, system installation, integration and trial phases.
Managed by OCCAR on behalf of the Italian Navy, U212 NFS programme involves construction of two submarines for to meet the future requirements of the Italian Navy to operate in complex underwater scenarios.
The initial contract was awarded to Fincantieri in 2021, while the production activities commenced in January last year.
(Source: naval-technology.com)
20 Feb 23. Estonia to increase indirect fire capability with loitering munitions. The capability is being procured amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The Estonian Ministry of Defence (MoD) has confirmed its intent to procure a ‘significant quantity’ of loitering munitions in the near future. This plan to acquire loitering munitions, that comes ‘as a consequence of Russian aggression’, was proposed by Estonian Defence Minister Hanno Pevkur in the government’s cabinet meeting on 16 February.
Pevkur said: “It is impossible to overestimate the importance of indirect fire in the development of Estonia’s defence capability, as aggressor nation Russia has caused destruction in Ukraine mostly with indirect fire strikes.”
Loitering munitions are being procured to increase the Estonian Armed Forces’ indirect firepower capabilities to attack the enemy forces from greater distances. Pevkur has not specified the exact number of loitering munitions that are being procured, however, he claimed that the acquisition process is nearing completion. An associated agreement is scheduled to be finalised in the first quarter of the current fiscal year. The MoD has already concluded a comprehensive market survey last year. The majority of the systems are expected to be delivered by 2024. During the same cabinet meeting, Pevkur also provided details of other measures that are being taken to support the ‘Defence League’. (Source: army-technology.com)
USA
23 Feb 23. Ukraine conflict driving European interest in MDH MD 530F Cayuse Warrior light attack rotorcraft. The continuing war in Ukraine is driving interest from several undisclosed European countries in acquiring the MD Helicopters LLC (MDH) MD 530F Cayuse Warrior light attack rotorcraft, a company representative told Janes on 21 February.
Speaking at the IQPC International Military Helicopter (IMH) 2023 conference held in London from 21 to 23 February, Steve Reyna, MDH senior director of Business Development Europe and Latin America, said that the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 had prompted some Eastern European countries to request information on the ‘Little Bird’-type helicopter.
“We are very active in a number of regions, and near-term deals are close to being finalised,” Reyna said. “We have also responded to proposals in the European region. While this is where a lot of the activity has been, this is still in the very early stages.” (Source: Janes)
31 Jan 23. Pentagon Addressing Use of Special Access Program Classification. It likely wouldn’t come as a surprise to anyone that the United States Department of Defense (DoD) oversees a number of classified programs of which few know all the details. Known as “Special Access Programs” (SAPs), these are established to control access and distribution and provide protection for sensitive classified information beyond that normally required. As previously reported, this is a high state of enforced need-to-know, and only a minimum number of cleared employees are given access to SAP information.
SAPs can range from secret black projects – for new aircraft, weapons, etc. – to routine but especially-sensitive operations, such as presidential transportation support. There are also two types of SAP: acknowledged and unacknowledged. The former SAP may be publicly disclosed, yet, details of the program remain classified; while the latter is known only to authorized persons, including members of the appropriate committee of the United States Congress.
SAP UNDER REVIEW
In the case of the unacknowledged SAP, there are now questions as to how the Pentagon uses the classification for space-related and other programs. According to Breaking Defense, Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks is now leading a review of how the SAP is being employed.
“Inside the department, the deputy secretary has directed kind of an SAP reform effort, and that is hopefully coming to some conclusion soon. I can’t say too much about any of that, obviously, but that’s across all domains,”
explained John Plumb, assistant secretary for space policy at the DoD, during an event at the Mitchell Institute on Tuesday.
“I think anyone in those systems has understood that the number of SAPs has kind of spiraled out of control,” Plumb continued.
Plumb, who was confirmed last March as DoD’s first-ever assistant secretary for space policy, said that the goal was to “bring down” data secrecy amidst concerns that the U.S. government has over-classified all space-related programs. Government watchdog groups have warned that the overuse of SAPs has resulted in compartmentalization that limits access to only a few individuals.
Instead of protecting the American people, the over-classification is actually harming the ability to convey the growing space threats from potential adversaries. This is impacting what lawmakers know, as well as allied/partner nations and even the U.S. public. This has further hampered cooperation with industry and foreign partners.
NOT SO BEAUTIFUL BALLOON
The timing of this announcement by Plumb comes just days after the United States Air Force shot down a number of balloons that were suspected of being Chinese in origin. The White House has suggested the balloons were privately owned, but it has also come as a surprise to many that such programs even exist.
It spurred a wave of questions by the media – as well as individuals on social media – about what else we don’t know.
SPACE THE UNKNOWN FRONTIER
Plumb has further focused on addressing over-classification in order to enable the Pentagon to better make use of the “asymmetric advantage” provided by U.S. allies with space capabilities, Breaking Defense also reported.
It was a year ago that the United States joins Australia, Canada, France, Germany, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom in the joint release of the “Combined Space Operations (CSpO) Vision 2031.” This was an initiative to address the overarching need to encourage responsible use of space, recognizing challenges to space sustainability, threats presented by technological advances, and the increasingly comprehensive and aggressive counter-space programs of other nation-states.
Moreover, the “CSpO Vision 2031” outlined the initiative’s overarching purpose and highlights its guiding principles, including freedom of use of space, responsible and sustainable use of space, partnering while recognizing sovereignty, and upholding international law.
Plumb suggested the group has worked on figuring out how to share crucial information – and noted that “the thing that limits us is over-classification of information.”
NOT DECLASSIFICATION
One point that Plumb also wanted to make sure is that reigning in SAP is about allowing people with clearance to one specific SAP program could also be clear into related programs. In addition, it could include “cross-level” security clearances of allied personnel to U.S. equivalents.
“A lot of folks think of classification: ‘Oh, we’re going to declassify things so that they’re unclassified,’” Plumb added. “I’m almost never talking about that.” (Source: UAS VISION/ Clearancejobs)
31 Jan 23. AI-powered surveillance sought for US Central Command. The U.S. Air Force is interested in installing always-on surveillance systems fueled by artificial intelligence and other advanced computing technology at sites overseen by U.S. Central Command.
In documents published last week, the service sought industry feedback on a potential high-tech “monitoring system” at Al Udeid Air Base, in Qatar, and other undisclosed “forward locations.”
Such a system could dramatically slash the manpower and man-hours needed to keep tabs on foreign workers, an around-the-clock assignment, the Air Force said. Al Udeid is the largest U.S. military base in the Middle East and served as a crucial evacuation hub amid the 2021 Afghanistan withdrawal.
“Force protection personnel deployed across the [area of responsibility] are responsible for watching [other country nationals] work on various projects,” the request for information reads. “This artificial intelligence system would replace the need for in-person monitoring and reduce up to 75% of those billets, enabling USAF resources and force protection assets to be employed against higher priorities.”
Components of the future network will likely include cameras and other hardware, pattern recognition capabilities, automated alerts, geospatial tracking and real-time digital twins, or virtual models designed to reflect the real world. Exactly when a system would be up and running was unclear.
The Department of Defense is investing in and relying on AI to boost productivity and augment military operations, including manned-unmanned teaming, intelligence analysis and personnel preparedness. More than 600 AI projects were underway at the department as of early 2021, according to a public tally, with the Air and Space forces together responsible for at least 80.
Air Force Chief Information Officer Lauren Knausenberger in November said the service must “automate more” in order to remain dominant. The speed and flexibility afforded by AI, other U.S. defense officials have said, are needed to maintain an edge over technologically savvy competitors, such as China and Russia.
The Air Force in 2020 deployed AI as a pilot’s sidekick, allowing it to handle sensing and navigation aboard a U-2 Dragon Lady surveillance plane. More recently, AFWERX, an Air Force office in charge of identifying innovative ways to use technology, established a program called Autonomy Prime to learn about autonomous kit the private sector is developing and how the military can apply it, Defense News reported.
The Pentagon’s public spending on AI, including autonomy, rocketed to $2.5 bn in 2021. The figure sat at a little more than $600 m in 2016. (Source: Defense News)
20 Feb 23. The US makes a move on its next generation DDG(X) destroyers.
US Department of Defense awards design conception contract for new destroyers to Gibbs & Cox; the production of this large surface combatant will prove necessary as China continues to flex its muscles in the South China Sea. The US Department of Defense (DoD) has awarded the naval architecture firm Gibbs & Cox a $39.6m contract to exercise options for supporting the US Navy’s Future Surface Combatant Force.
Its work will focus primarily on supporting the next generation guided-missile destroyer, the DDG(X) programme, as well as other emerging ship concepts, and to conduct feasibility studies as part of supporting the broader US Navy (USN) fleet.
The DDG(X) is intended to succeed the US Navy’s current surface combatant fleet, which consists of the ageing Arleigh Burke destroyers (DDG-51), and the even older Ticonderoga cruisers (CG-47). With little difference between these two, the US Navy envisages the DDG(X) as a replacement for both.
Gibbs & Cox’s work will contribute to the design and engineering of the ships which will become these principal large surface combatant ships the US Navy intends to have ready by 2030.
What is listed as a “support contract” may well mean Gibbs & Cox are the main company behind the overall design of the ship itself, but all warships are designed with close cooperation and input with the USN.
DDG(X) will almost certainly incorporate the combat system (sensors, radars, weapons, countermeasures, control computers etc.) of the new Flight III Burke destroyers onto a larger, sleeker hull, which helps simplify supply chains.
Work will be performed in Washington, DC (60%); Arlington, Virginia (35%); and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (5%), and is expected to be completed by February 2024. (Source: naval-technology.com)
REST OF THE WORLD
21 Feb 23. The U.S. and Israeli Governments invite U.S. and Israeli companies to submit proposals for innovative Homeland Security technologies through the BIRD Foundation.
The Israel-U.S. Binational Industrial Research and Development (BIRD) Foundation has issued a Call for Proposals to U.S. and Israeli entities in the Homeland Security sector, to submit joint proposals for the development of advanced Homeland Security technologies. An approved project can receive up to $1m in grants, covering up to 50% of its budget.
The BIRD HLS program is co-funded by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) and the Israel Ministry of National Security (IMNS). The program is managed by the BIRD Foundation and focuses on innovative technology solutions to support first responder and homeland security needs shared by both countries.
BIRD HLS is aimed at U.S. and Israeli companies that develop innovative Homeland Security products and solutions that employ technologies such as video analytics, robotics, biometrics, screening systems, command & control, communication, wearables, protective equipment, UAVs, standoff detection and identification of hazards, securing critical infrastructure and public facilities, safe and secure cities, border protection, and other relevant solutions for first responders. Over the course of the first seven years, twelve BIRD HLS projects have been approved for a budget of $24.5m.
The program’s Board of Governors chooses joint projects between two companies, one from Israel and one from the United States, or between a company and a university. The selection of projects is led by the Chief Scientist of IMNS and representatives from DHS S&T. As part of this process, the projects are reviewed and presented to the office of the Chief Scientist at the Israel Ministry of National Security, along with the relevant Israeli First Responder agencies, and are also reviewed by DHS S&T experts who oversee and promote innovation and partnerships with industry. The deadline for submission of Executive Summaries is April 24, 2023. A full description of submission requirements can be found on the BIRD Foundation website: https://www.birdf.com/hls-call-for-proposals/ (Source: PR Newswire)
21 Feb 23. SAMI seeks partner for Mulhim BMS. Saudi Arabian Military Industries (SAMI) is seeking a partner to progress the development of its Mulhim battle management system (BMS), Ibrahim Alswaidan, programme director at SAMI, told Janes at IDEX 2023 in Abu Dhabi, held from 20 to 24 February.
The partner would work with SAMI to add more features to Mulhim, specifically to develop “cognitive command-and-control (C2)”, Alswaidan said. This involves, among other things, adding artificial intelligence support functions that can automatically identify and detect threats. A detailed technology road map would be established with the support partner, Alswaidan added.
Mulhim is designed to operate at the brigade level and below, and intended for use at the command post, onboard vehicles, and with individual soldiers. Three separate offerings are available – Mulhim Headquarters (HQ), Vehicle, and Dismounted Solider.
Mulhim HQ features C2 tools for higher levels of command, while the vehicle configuration provides a tactical situational awareness capability that enables collaborative sharing of data, reports, and alerts on the battlefield, according to SAMI. (Source: Janes)
21 Feb 23. EU to provide €7m in assistance for Jordanian Armed Forces.
The EPF aims to strengthen military and defence capacities, as well as the national security and stability of Jordan.
The Council of the European Union (EU) has decided to provide assistance measures worth €7m that will support the armed forces of Jordan.
It follows a request for assistance from Jordan Foreign Affairs Minister Ayman Safadi in November last year.
The military support is being adopted under the European Peace Facility (EPF), an off-budget fund that aims to strengthen military and defence capacities, as well as military aspects of peace support operations, of partner nations.
Established on 22 March 2021, the EPF has an overall financial ceiling of €5.69bn in current prices until 2027.
European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy High Representative Josep Borrell said: “With today’s decision, the EU shows that Jordan can continue to count on the friendship and assistance of the European Institutions and the European Member States. We are a strong and sincere partner to Jordan.”
According to the council, the capacity enhancements will ensure security of civilians during crises and emergencies.
The assistance measure will be used by the Jordanian Armed Forces to improve the capacities of its military medical services for faster evacuation and treatment of injured ground soldiers.
Engineer brigades and border operational units will also benefit from the EU assistance and will be better equipped to support deployed units in the battlefield and in securing Jordan’s borders. (Source: army-technology.com)
21 Feb 23. Make UK Defence are working with a Ukrainian company who are looking to work with UK suppliers providing the following requirements. If you have the capabilities in 1 or more of the below areas, please send a brief overview (200 words) of how you can help, contact name, company name, website and email address to .
Please note Tuesday 7th March 2023 is the deadline to submit your interest.
- Night vision cameras
- Thermal cameras
- 4 or 7 channel anti-jamming solutions
- Radio solutions
- Toroidal Propellers
- Brushless motors
- Day cameras and optics
- UAV camera gimbals
In addition to the above hardware, they are also looking for possible International Cooperation agreements for research and development. These agreements can be in software R&D and/or the ability to not only field test but to also battle test products with users.
21 Feb 23. Belarus to make Su-25 attack aircraft as Russia eyes industry takeover. In another sign of tightening defense ties between Belarus and Russia, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has announced his country’s defense industry is ready to kick off the manufacturing of Sukhoi Su-25 ground attack aircraft. Some analysts suggest the move could be related to Moscow’s plan to streamline Minsk’s defense industry capacities towards its war against Ukraine.
The authoritarian leader made the announcement during a Feb. 17 meeting with his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, in Moscow’s Novo-Ogaryovo suburb.
“As I was informed by the [Belarusian] government, they are ready to start producing the Su-25 aircraft which has proven itself well in Ukraine as an attack aircraft, a workhorse,” Lukashenko said, as quoted in a statement released by his office. “They are ready to produce it even in Belarus with a small amount of appropriate technological support from the Russian Federation.”
Belarus’s involvement in Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine has pushed Minsk towards an even closer military cooperation with Moscow. Among others, Belarus has received S-400 air defense systems and Iskander missile systems from Russia. Last August, Lukashenko also announced that Moscow upgraded his nation’s Su-25s to enable them to carry tactical atomic weapons. Industry publications estimate the Belarusian military operate 67 Su-25 jets which makes the fighter the most prevalent combat aircraft in its fleet.
The dictator also said that, since the war began, cooperation has been established between numerous Russian and Belarusian “enterprises that previously considered each other competitors,” including truck makers KAMAZ and Minsk Automobile Plant (MAZ).
Meanwhile, the Institute for the Study of War, a US think tank, said in a recent analysis the “Kremlin will likely subsume elements of Belarus’ defense industrial base (DIB) as part of Moscow’s larger effort to reequip the Russian military to support a protracted war against Ukraine.”
Russia “may commandeer Belarusian factories and retool them to produce critical materiel that the Russian military needs,” according to the analysis. (Source: Defense News)
20 Feb 23. Bell Textron Inc., a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, has completed the AH-1Z program of record (POR) for the Kingdom of Bahrain. Bell delivered the final production aircraft to Naval Air Systems Command in December of 2022. The first Bahrain AH-1Zs made their in-country debut during the Bahrain Air Show and six have been delivered in country. The final six helicopters will be prepared for shipment to Bahrain with the Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA) before being transported to Bahrain in 2023.
“Congratulations to the Kingdom of Bahrain on obtaining the latest generation of the AH-1Zs,” said Mike Deslatte, Bell vice president and H-1 program director. “As a leader in the region, Bahrain’s defensive capabilities will be further bolstered by the advanced technologies of the Viper.”
The completion of the Bahrain AH-1Z program of record comes on the heels of Bell completing the U.S. Marine Corps program of record, signifying two major H-1 production milestones in one year. The AH-1Z Viper is Bell’s newest generation of dedicated attack helicopters manufactured by Bell. The U.S. Marine Corps currently operates the AH-1Z around the world, taking advantage of the minimal logistics requirements for shipboard and expeditionary operations.
20 Feb 23. India’s HAL begin talks with Egypt and Argentina for Tejas aircraft contract Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) chairman, Shri C.B. Ananthakrishnan, has announced at Aero-India 2023 that the company is in talks with Egypt and Argentinian officials to secure a contract to supply 35 Tejas LCA Mk-1A to the nation’s armed forces. Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) chairman, Shri C.B. Ananthakrishnan, has announced at Aero-India 2023 that the company is in talks with Egypt and Argentinian officials to secure a contract to supply 35 Tejas LCA Mk-1A to the nation’s armed forces.
Under the contract, the company would supply 35 Tejas LCA Mk-1A. Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, which manufactures the Tejas Aircraft, are attempting to sign an agreement with Egypt’s and Argentina’s defence ministries to deliver the aircraft.
The scope of the agreements is reported to include a complete transfer of technology (ToT) to Egypt, as well as encouraging the manufacturing of the Tejas Aircraft within Egyptian territory. At the same time, the contract with Argentina will involve replacing its ageing fleet of Lockheed Martin’s A-4AR Fightinghawk.
Chandan Kumar Nayak, defence analyst at GlobalData, says: “Over the last few years, there has been an increased focus on indigenisation, which has reoriented local defence manufacturers to explore foreign markets. At present, Indian defence equipment manufacturers are focusing on enhancing their R&D and manufacturing capabilities to support indigenous programmes.”
In September 2022, HAL inducted the Indian Army with their first indigenously developed Light Combat Aircraft (LCH).
“If these deals are signed, then the Tejas LCA Mk-1 will be the first combat aircraft to be exported from India to another nation. GlobalData estimates the deals will generate revenue of $1.5-2 bn for HAL.”
HAL’s Tejas is a light multirole and single engine 6.5t fighter aircraft designed for the Indian Air Force and Indian Navy. The 6.5t fighter jet’s noticeable hardware, software features and advanced technologies are quadruple fly-by-wire digital automatic flight control.
Its navigation suite includes a Sagem SIGMA 95N ring laser gyroscope inertial navigation system with an integrated positioning system. The Tejas also has a 23mm twin-barrelled GSh-23 gun and Derby BVR missiles. (Source: army-technology.com)
20 Feb 23. Canadian Army “issues urgent operational request” for counter-UAS systems.” Multiple news sources report that the Canadian Army is fast-tracking its purchase of counter-UAS systems to its troops stationed in Latvia.
According to TFI Global News: “the Canadian Army will buy a counter-drone system to be used for Operation Reassurance, the Canadian Forces mission in eastern Europe. The equipment is being classified as an Urgent Operational Requirement, the same process used during the Afghanistan war to speedily obtain gear without going through the slower traditional procurement process.”
In September 2019, Canada’s Innovation for Defence Excellence and Security (IDEaS) programme hosted a sandbox challenge in Suffield, Alberta, selected a dozen companies to demonstrate how they might identify, track and even destroy individual and swarming drones.
According to an August 2022 article in Canadian Army Today: “This October, IDEaS is going back to the sandbox to gauge how counter UAS technology has evolved and evaluate how well it can be integrated with Canadian Armed Forces command and control systems.”
(Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)
20 Feb 23. Angolan Navy to receive corvettes from Abu Dhabi Ship Building under bn euro deal. Angola has signed a 1bn euro deal with the United Arab Emirate’s Edge group that will see Edge subsidiary Abu Dhabi Ship Building (ADSB) deliver a fleet of corvettes to the Angolan Navy.
The “landmark” contract, announced on 20 February to coincide with the IDEX defence show (20-24 February), will see the construction of “a fleet” of 71 metre BR71 Mk II corvettes.
Khalid Al Breiki, President – Platforms & Systems, Edge said: “Signing a EUR1 bn defence export deal represents a momentous achievement for Edge as well as ADSB. This demonstrates our strategic approach and steadfast commitment to increasing national exports in line with the UAE Leadership’s directive.”
David Massey, CEO of ADSB, said: “The BR71 Mk II corvette is a highly advanced vessel capable of performing multiple missions to secure Angola’s 1 600 km coastline. We look forward to fulfilling the Angolan Navy’s operational requirements and strengthening their naval capabilities while expanding ADSB’s avenues of growth.”
The Combattante BR71 Mk II an advanced variant of the Baynunah class (BR 71 design) corvette developed by French shipyard CMN, a part of Privinvest Shipbuilding Group. The vessel is designed for littoral warfare defence operations against air and surface threats, patrolling tasks, law enforcement and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) missions.
It has a crew of 50 and maximum speed of 30 knots, with range of 2 500 nautical miles at 12 knots. Four MTU engines drive two steering and two booster water-jets. It can accommodate a 5 ton class helicopter on a rear deck and two six metre RHIBs. Primary weapon is a 76 or 57 mm cannon, backed by two 20 or 30 mm cannons. It can also launch Exocet anti-ship missiles and well as surface-to-air missiles.
Edge described the BR71 Mk II corvette as a highly sophisticated vessel fitted with advanced mission systems including a 3D radar, electronic warfare suite, secure communications, a main gun, and surface-to-surface and surface-to-air missile systems.
Operating from a 330 000 square metre shipyard in Abu Dhabi, ADSB builds corvettes, offshore patrol vessels and fast patrol boats for military customers, and commercial vessels for the oil services industry. The company also offers a full range of maintenance, repair and refit, upgrade and conversion, as well as design and engineering consultancy services. ADSB has built half a dozen Baynunah class corvettes for the UAE Navy, with the lead ship constructed in France by CMN.
It is not clear if the BR71 Mk II contract follows on from a 495 m 2016 contact between Angola and Privinvest that was to see the establishment of a shipyard in Angola and the supply of several naval vessels. It is believed the 2016 deal was scaled back significantly following pressure from the IMF – Angola did, however, take delivery of three HSI 32 high-speed patrol craft from CMN. Two patrol vessels were also apparently due to be delivered.
Privinvest has facilities and shipyards in a number of countries including France (Constructions Mecaniques de Normandie – CMN), Germany (German Naval Yards Kiel) and the Middle East. (Source: https://www.defenceweb.co.za/)
20 Feb 23. Lockheed Martin Australia to pursue $83bn IAMD export market on the back of AIR6500. Australian companies will be able to access a global Integrated Air and Missile Defence (IAMD) export market estimated to be worth $83bn on the back of Lockheed Martin Australia’s proposed solution for Project AIR6500, the RAAF’s planned Joint Air Battle Management System.
At its upgraded Endeavour Centre in Canberra, Lockheed Martin Australia (LMA) has showcased its proposed AIR6500 solution, demonstrating a modern Battle Management System that can fuse the inputs of Defence’s wide array of sensors into a single recognised picture, bringing clarity and cohesion to a complex undertaking. AIR6500 will replace the RAAF’s existing Air Battle Management System delivered under successive phases of Project Vigilare and associated programs.
The LMA solution for AIR6500 is designed with an undisclosed date for Initial Operational Capability (IOC) in mind. But its architecture is deliberately flexible so that new technologies and capabilities can be added quickly, meaning that its configuration could change significantly at relatively short notice while innovation will be a constant activity – which means in turn that terms like ‘Full Operational Capability’ become relatively meaningless.
The company also showcased its Australian supply chain, featuring CEOs or senior leaders from Silentium Defence, Consilium Technology, Consunet, Leidos Australia, C4i and Penten and their contribution to the total AIR6500 solution. Silentium Defence last year became the first Australian company and only the second non-US company to be admitted to Lockheed Martin’s Mentor Protégé Program for high-promise SMEs.
“Our focus on Australian industry, and how they contribute to our proposed solution, has the potential to provide a pipeline into the global IAMD enterprise” said Warren McDonald, Chief Executive, Lockheed Martin Australia New Zealand.
Lockheed Martin Australia is drawing on the best of Australian industry to deliver AIR6500. It has awarded contracts to more than 10 leading-edge companies, including QinetiQ Australia, Lucid Consulting Engineering and Daronmont. If its bid is successful, LMA has identified more than 130 other Australian SMEs as potential partners and aims to create some 400 high-value STEM jobs directly and another 1000 indirectly through the program. The company is also working with Raytheon and Boeing on its AIR6500 solution.
“By leveraging Australian companies with a strong understanding of Defence, we will create a system that connects Defence’s modern systems and display it to commanders who can make decisions with improved clarity and situational awareness,” said Kendell Kuczma, LMA’s International Business Development Director of Rotary and Missions Systems for Australia and New Zealand.
Lockheed has integrated and fielded more than 2,400 multi-domain Integrated Air and Missile Defence (IAMD) systems, or parts of systems, in 25 countries, it says. In Australia it has invested $103 m over seven years to develop the AIR6500 capability, with some 206 Australian employees working on it with a further 60 in the USA. To enable better integration and collaboration the company invested $10 m upgrading the Endeavour Centre.
The company has also committed to investing $74 m in Australia’s future IAMD ecosystem in order to create an enduring capability along with technology export opportunities. This suggests that Australia could become a key node in the development of the company’s IAMD capability worldwide.
“If ever there was a capability that you co-invest in and commit early to delivering a flexible architecture that can accommodate technological advances – it is IAMD,” said Kendell Kuczma.
AIR6500Endeavour CentreIAMD (Source: Rumour Control)
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