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06 Oct 23. Seven companies vying for Armscor APC tender. The South African Army’s search for new armoured personnel carriers (APCs) to replace its current border patrol vehicles is seeing seven South African defence companies this month submit their vehicles for testing and evaluation along the borderline.
Director Defence Corporate Communication Brigadier General Andries Mokoena Mahapa told defenceWeb that over a dozen local companies were invited by Armscor to submit APCs for testing and functional evaluation along the borderline in October, and thereafter be invited to Exercise Vuk’uhlome at the South African Army Combat Training Centre at Lohatlha in November for display and exhibition.
In January this year Armscor released a request for information (RFI) calling for a 2+8 seat APC for counter-insurgency operations with variable ballistic and mine protection, including the ability to defeat an 8 kg mine. Eight companies responded positively, while eight companies declined (Rheinmetall Denel Munition, Global Command and Control Technologies [GC2T], Hensoldt, AS Holding, Sandock Austral, Thales, Armiger, and Reutech). None of the companies that declined the RFI manufacture armoured vehicles. Twiga was contemplating submitting its Nyati APC, but decided not to as the Nyati is more than the specifications require for border patrol, and better suited to motorised infantry operations.
Of those that will be taking part in the evaluation, DCD Protected Mobility will have its Springbuck SD, Springbuck HD with Command & Control system (together with GC2T), Springbuck Multi Platform, and if permitted, the Husky to showcase a complete solution.
Denel told defenceWeb the company identified three vehicles for the evaluation and Vuk’uhlome demonstration, and these are the RG21 and RG31 armoured personnel carriers, and RG32M patrol vehicle/troop carrier fitted with an SD-ROW (Self Defence Remotely Operated Weapon) turret.
OTT Solutions is submitting its Puma M36 Mk 6 4×4 APC, while Paramount is contributing its new Maatla lightweight 4×4 APC and Milkor its 4×4 APC. Automotive Investment Holdings (AIH) has partnered with Integrated Convoy Protection (ICP) to contribute the Reva V armoured personnel carrier. SVI will also be taking part with its Max 3 lightweight, low cost armoured vehicle.
The South African Army is seeking to replace the current fleet of troop packs (as the border patrol Land Cruisers were named) with “improved vehicles” to enhance border security and safeguarding operations.
“The acquisition of new personnel carriers will reduce the potential risk to national security by creating deterrence and stopping cross-border movement in order to have non-porous borders,” SA Army Director Force Structure Development Plan, Brigadier General Bruce Motlhoki, said at a stakeholder meeting in mid-July.
Functional evaluation of the armoured vehicles starts on 20 October and ends on 14 November. “Different centres of excellence” will focus on command and control, firepower, mobility, “superior protection”, intelligence and sustainability with driver training concentrating on operator obstructions, tactics and off-road critical mobility.
National Treasury has allocated nearly R1bn to improve SANDF border security capabilities over the next three years. In the medium term, troop pack vehicles (over 400 were originally acquired) will be replaced with off-the-shelf vehicles and R500m will be spent in 2024/25 for this.
Armscor hopes to by the end of the year decide which vehicle is best and how many the SANDF can afford. A request for proposals will then be issued.
In addition to new vehicles, R200m worth of sensor technology will be acquired for Operation Corona in 2025/6 including a geographic information system (GIS) capability (R22.5m); intelligence collection and processing capabilities (R47 m under Project Baobab); upgraded Chaka command and control system (R7.2m); Reutech RSR 903 radars (R57m); 60 observation posts (R16 m under Project Dominate); 16 quadcopter unmanned aerial vehicles (R16 m) and two long range UAVs (R24m). (Source: https://www.defenceweb.co.za/)
06 Oct 23. Baltics’ largest infantry fighting vehicle site opens in Lithuania. At 4,500 square meters, Lithuania opened the largest Infantry Fighting Vehicle repair site in the Balkans Region.
Taking lessons from Ukraine’s need, under siege by Russian aggression, for industrial efficiency in the repair and service of military combat vehicles, Lithuania, on 5 October, opened the Baltic region’s largest infantry fighting vehicle workshop, stretching over 4,500 square metres.
The €12m ($12.6m) facility has bays for the maintenance of 22 vehicles, including eight ‘Vilkas’ Boxer multi-role armoured vehicle, six trucks, four tracked vehicles and another four all terrain vehicles. A statement from the Lithuanian Ministry of Defence (MoD) describes the workshops as “ready to maintain and repair all types of military equipment used in the Kingdom of Lithuania.”
The new workshop is designed to solve all of the needs of military equipment repair ‘under one roof’, from technical inspection and cleaning to complex metal cutting and bending. It is equipped with a unique system of reservoirs to pipe lubricants and coolant directly to vehicles under repair, saving time and ensuring effective monitoring of reserves. All of the equipment maintenance systems are connected to a common network to enhance fleet efficiency.
Lithuania’s military modernisation
“While accelerating new acquisitions of military equipment, we must also take care of a modern maintenance and service systems for such equipment. This workshop is an example of a complex approach to repair and servicing of equipment,” said Minister of National Defense Arvydas Anušauskas.
“Such opportunities – to organise the equipment of the Lithuanian army under one roof – contribute to the strengthening of the Lithuanian army in the same way as the acquisition of infantry fighting vehicles or other military equipment that strengthens the country’s defence capabilities. We aim for the Lithuanian army to have not one but several such workshops.”
Lithuania’s defence spending has doubled in the last three years, amounting to €2bn in 2023, 2.76% of its GDP, according to a release from the Lithuanian MoD. The rise in investment has sped up a military modernisation programme and seen 10% of the military budget channeled into strengthened infrastructure development for the Lithuanian army.
More than half of the funding allocated to Lithuania’s national defence system has been spent domestically – such as with Lithuanian company UAB, responsible for the construction of the newly opened workshop – and with a large share apportioned to the building of barracks and warehouses, as well as building roads and military ranges for army units.
“The workshop opened today is an extremely important element of the provision of the army,” said Lithuanian Prime Minister Ingrida Šimonytė. The Prime Minister emphasised the importance of the workshop, and highlighted the location of the site, Rukla, as an important point on Lithuania’s defence map.
“It is not only important that we ourselves strengthen our army, buy new weapons, equipment, and trust our partners who are willing to strengthen and expand their activities here,” said Šimonytė. “It’s also very important that everything that helps our military run like clockwork, everything that makes sure that what we acquire, what we have, works or will work like clockwork if needed.” (Source: army-technology.com)
09 Oct 23. Leonardo DRS On Board Vehicle Power System Shines in U.S. Army Evaluation with THAAD System. Leonardo DRS, Inc. (NASDAQ: DRS) announced today that it has successfully demonstrated its On Board Vehicle Power (OBVP) technology to provide vehicle-based electrical power in support of vehicle-based weapon systems.
The OBVP demonstration was part of a recent U.S. Army Operational User Assessment focused on vehicle to vehicle, and vehicle to grid power generation and power management. DRS installed its OBVP systems on the THAAD Launch Control Station FMTV, Tactical Operation Station FMTV, and the THAAD Launcher HEMTT for this assessment.
The DRS OBVP system is a vehicle-based generator using a permanent magnet machine integrated within an Allison transmission that provides electrical power to support operations in remote areas. To meet the Army’s power needs, OBVP systems are integrated within the vehicle transmission to generate up to 55kW of usable electrical power while on the move, or up to 125kW of usable electrical power while stationary. The DRS OBVP system has proven it can increase battlefield agility, reduce deployment logistics costs, and improve mission readiness with no impact on vehicle functionality.
“This successful demonstration once again showed how vehicle-based electrical power generation can be employed in remote areas where the concern about contested logistics is a reality,” said Bill Guyan, senior vice president and general manager of the Leonardo DRS Land Electronics business unit. “Our OBVP technology is a mature system and purpose-built to be a force-multiplier by reducing deployment logistics and provide a range of power solutions to the growing power need. It gives users clean electrical power anywhere, and anytime.”
The Operational User Assessment was conducted at McGregor Range in New Mexico. The event was the culminating event of the Secure Tactical Advance Mobile Power (STAMP) Joint Capabilities Technology Demonstration (JCTD) sponsored by Army Futures Command. The objective of the STAMP JCTD effort is to rapidly demonstrate and deliver a significant operational capability to the Combatant Commands.
This demonstration was the latest for the DRS OBVP system which has shown its proven capabilities in various technical demonstrations and evaluations to include the Army Expeditionary Warfare Experiment, Network Integration Evaluation, the U.S. Marine Corps Limited User Test, and other THAAD missile support operations vehicle tests. OBVP is a mature system that is ready to address mission power requirements.
Leonardo DRS is a leading provider of next-generation electrical power and propulsion technology for the U.S. military. Investments in the company’s market-leading propulsion and power generation technology for the Navy have created opportunities to use proven electric power generation for Army platforms. DRS solutions are leading the way in providing mission assured power to support the increased power requirements of current and future Navy ships and Army platforms. Watch the full range of our OBVP here.
About Leonardo DRS
Headquartered in Arlington, VA, Leonardo DRS, Inc. is an innovative and agile provider of advanced defense technology to U.S. national security customers and allies around the world. We specialize in the design, development and manufacture of advanced sensing, network computing, force protection, and electric power and propulsion, and other leading mission-critical technologies. Our innovative people are leading the way in developing disruptive technologies for autonomous, dynamic, interconnected, and multi-domain capabilities to defend against new and emerging threats. For more information and to learn more about our full range of capabilities, visit www.LeonardoDRS.com.
04 Oct 23. Turkey seeks repeat of drone success story for land systems. The Turkish-made TB-2 drone made headlines around the world due to its effectiveness against Russian forces and ground systems in Ukraine. Now, Turkey’s defense industry is aiming to repeat this success story with unmanned ground vehicles.
Several local companies are already developing unmanned ground vehicles in the hopes their products will be combat-proven by the Turkish military, which would make these systems more attractive on the foreign market.
“This is an almost endless market given Turkey’s [unmanned] technological capabilities and the future requirements of the militaries particularly in the Middle East, Caucasus, Africa and Asia,” according to a presidential aide whose portfolio includes the local defense industry. He spoke to Defense News on the condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to talk to the media.
Katmerciler, which specializes in anti-riot vehicles, is one private business seeking a foothold in the unmanned market. In partnership with military electronics specialist Aselsan, Turkey’s largest defense firm, Katmerciler won a Turkish government contract Jan. 3 to develop and produce the Tunga, a medium-weight, tracked unmanned ground vehicle.
The hybrid-powered Tunga can operate for up to six hours, plus another hour and a half with its battery. The multipurpose system can carry weapons and ammunition, and its design allows for maneuverability in urban areas.
“This will be the first vehicle of its kind to enter the inventory of the Turkish military,” Fahrettin Akpak, head of Katmerciler’s research and development department, told the media in August. “In addition, we are assessing export opportunities.”
Another private company, Otokar, has developed Turkey’s first heavyweight unmanned vehicle. The stealthy Alpar can carry a payload of up to 15 tons, and the company says it built the vehicle to minimize personnel loss and human deployment to the battlefield.
The remote-controlled vehicle, which can also carry a miniature unmanned ground vehicle inside its body, was made for reconnaissance, fire support, logistical support and anti-tank warfare missions. Its electric engine has a maximum range of 50 kilometers (31 miles). In hybrid mode, it can operate for up to 500 kilometers.
“UGVs have gained special prominence in countries like Turkey that face asymmetrical warfare threats. Such vehicles will be used in greater numbers as part of network-centric warfare concept,” according to independent defense industry analyst Kaner Kurt.
Indeed, Turkish military planners are interested in operating multidomain drone swarms. In August, the government-controlled military software company Havelsan said it successfully tested this concept, which demonstrated interoperability between two Baha sub-cloud — or low-altitude — unmanned aerial vehicles; two Barkan unmanned ground vehicles; and a swarm consisting of five drones.
“In 2020, the design and development studies of the unmanned ground vehicle Barkan were conducted, the first power supply was provided and the first run was conducted at the end of the year. In the same year, the first design and development studies of the Baha sub-cloud unmanned aerial vehicle began, and the first test flight of Baha was conducted five months later,” Havelsan told Defense News.
The company’s CEO, Mehmet Akif Nacar, said the test also showed “how UAVs could perform reconnaissance, track targets and direct UGVs to the designated targets.”
Havelsan has already delivered the Barkan to the Turkish military. The company also has plans to deliver the Baha to the government, though that timetable is unknown.
“The idea is to sell [export] aerial and ground vehicles operated as a single unit,” Nacar said, noting a Central Asian country has shown interest in the Baha, which would be the vehicle’s second export contract. He did not identify the first customer.
The Middle Eastern, African and Central Asian markets have shown interest in the Baha and Kapgan, Nacar added, and “we are working on integrating different payload demands from different [potential] buyers.”
The Kapgan is an unmanned ground vehicle with a speed exceeding 25 kph (16 mph). The vehicle can operate for six hours, perform autonomous patrol missions and features a 30mm gun.
“Could the Turkish industry repeat the success story it has had in aerial systems in land systems? I think the answer is a cautious ‘yes,’ ” an Ankara-based expert on unmanned systems told Defense News on the condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the topic. “The most critical point is whether the local industry will achieve the aerial cost efficiency in land systems too. That, we don’t know. But initial signs are quite promising.” (Source: Defense News)
04 Oct 23. RAND calls for reexamination of surface connectors’ survivability. The U.S. Navy and Marine Corps should reconsider the survivability of their surface connectors, which the Corps is increasingly relying on to operate in contested waters, RAND researchers warn in a new report.
The nonprofit research organization notes the newest connectors, the Ship to Shore Connector and the LCU 1700, were designed about a decade ago — but the Marines have overhauled the way they intend to fight in the last five years based on evolving threats.
“The landing craft utility (LCU) and landing craft air cushion (LCAC) … were not designed with survivability in mind as part of a [Stand-In Force]. The requirements for these craft were developed using past naval concepts for power projection and in a more permissive threat environment,” the report reads.
It notes the sea services previously believed they could use intelligence to avoid obstacles on their way ashore, maneuver the LCAC to keep it safe from incoming fire, and conduct ship-to-shore operations under the protection of the larger Navy-Marine force at sea.
But today, the Marine Corps is not focused on major amphibious landings, though it retains the ability to do them. Rather, the force is focused on being ever-present in contested waters.
The idea of Stand-In Forces and other recent concepts is that Marines are routinely operating in contested waters, training with partners and allies, monitoring the activities of potential adversaries, noting subtle changes in the operating area, and standing ready to tamp down any conflict that may emerge.
While this will involve traditional Marine expeditionary units aboard amphibious warships, it will also involve smaller units operating independently and moving themselves around the theater with surface and air connectors.
Many exercises to date have relied on air connectors — primarily the KC-130J transport plane and the CH-53 heavy lift helicopter — to move Marines and their goods into theater. But they’ll also need the surface connectors, especially while the Marine Corps awaits the arrival of its planned Landing Ship Medium, slated to begin detailed design and construction in fiscal 2025.
“The SSC and LCU could be the correct platforms for traditional contingency and amphibious operations and might offer some of the right capabilities for the broader [Stand-In Force]. Their survivability, however, will need to be reexamined for these contexts,” the report finds.
It calls on the Navy and Marine Corps to clarify the future roles of the LCU and SSC and then “consider ways to enhance their survivability and weigh the costs and benefits of additional investments in the current vessels.”
The report notes survivability improvements will require tradeoffs — the Navy may have to shrink its inventory of connectors if each costs more, meaning the Marines would have less ability to move around the theater — but RAND says these upgrades need to be “taken seriously.”
It also calls for a closer look at tactics, techniques and procedures to seek out areas where connector crews may be able to keep their signature low in certain scenarios to lower the risk of detection, where Navy or Marine special forces could establish overwatch or hit the beach first to take out any adversary forces, or where unmanned systems could be used to find and engage potential threats to the connectors. (Source: C4ISR & Networks)
04 Oct 23. ARTEC partners set up new subsidiary in UK. The shareholders of ARTEC GmbH (Krauss-Maffei Wegmann GmbH & Co. KG, Rheinmetall Landsysteme GmbH and Rheinmetall Defence Nederland B.V.) have elected to set up a new subsidiary in the United Kingdom, ARTEC Boxer UK Ltd.
The company will be a wholly owned subsidiary of ARTEC GmbH and assume responsibility for its operational activities in the UK. These include providing the British Army with service and maintenance support for the Boxer armoured transport vehicle. Furthermore, ARTEC Boxer UK Ltd. will pursue export orders.
The company’s operational goals include growing its market share in the UK service sector as well as gaining ground in the global market for highly protected 8×8 vehicles.
The agreement to create ARTEC Boxer UK Ltd was signed during the DSEI defence show in London.
03 Oct 23. To maintain or replace? That is the question for Canada’s tank fleet. Canada is deploying tanks on an overseas mission for the first time in more than a decade, but the future for the country’s armored fleet remains uncertain.
The first of 15 Canadian Leopard 2 tanks are expected to arrive in Latvia in mid-November as part of efforts to shore up NATO’s presence in that Eastern European nation. While that is taking place, work is underway in the Canadian Army to determine how best to maintain and support the aging tank fleet while trying to decide whether to replace the platforms.
An estimated CA$1.5bn (U.S. $1.1bn) will go toward the new Leopard long-term support contract, according to Defence Department spokeswoman Jessica Lamirande. That contract will see maintenance and support services for the Leopard 2 fleet in place until the tanks’ forecast end of life, currently scheduled for 2035.
“The scope of work will include key services such as maintenance support, upgrades as required, supply chain management, engineering support and technical support for the Canadian Leopard 2 fleet,” she said.
The Canadian Army had 82 Leopard 2 main battle tanks, but donated eight to Ukraine amid its fight against a Russian invasion.
Canada has identified German company Krauss-Maffei Wegmann as the sole-source provider for the long-term contract.
“We expect a contract award by spring 2024,” Lamirande said.
In addition, the Canadian Army briefed industry representatives on April 3 in Ottawa about a proposed plan to modernize the Leopard fleet.
Army Lt. Col. Chloeann Summerfield noted the tank life extension would cost more than CA$850m and deal with obsolescence issues as well as technology improvements.
The project is in its early stages but would prioritize improvements to the Leopard 2′s protection, surveillance, target acquisition, firepower and mobility, Summerfield told industry officials.
The Army would also seek cooperation and a common configuration for such upgraded vehicles with other users of the Leopard, according to the presentation, obtained by Defense News.
A request for bids from industry for the life extension effort is to be issued around 2028, with the first fielding of the upgraded tanks starting in 2030, the presentation noted.
One of the considerations is a “limited budget” for the project, Summerfield said.
Financial barriers will also impact Canada’s decision on whether to buy new tanks to replace the Leopard 2 fleet, according to Canadian defense observers.
Martin Shadwick, a professor of Canadian defense policy and the military at Toronto’s York University, said the Army has had a contentious relationship with tanks.
In October 2003, Lt. Gen. Rick Hillier, then-commander of the Army, announced Canada was retiring Leopard tanks from service and would purchase the U.S.-made Stryker Mobile Gun System, a wheeled vehicle, Shadwick noted. At the time, Hillier said the Army’s Leopards had served their purpose but were of limited use in warfare, as the enemy was no longer Russia but rather terrorists in austere environments like Afghanistan.
However, several years later, the Army’s new leadership reversed course, instead sending Leopard tanks to Afghanistan in 2006. Canadian military leaders fighting in that country had requested the tanks, as their heavy armor provided more protection against improvised explosive devices.
Since the end of the war in Afghanistan, Canadian tanks have been limited to training exercises at home. The Canadian government has committed to buying a limited number of new tanks to replace the eight Leopards it donated to Ukraine over the past two years. In February 2023, then-Defence Minister Anita Anand announced the acquisition plan, but it’s yet to move forward.
The office of Bill Blair, the current defense minister, would not provide specific details about that potential purchase. Daniel Minden, Blair’s press secretary, pointed out that “capability requirements are being reviewed by the Army to ensure capability replenishment and interoperability. Plans and timelines remain to be determined.”
For his part, Shadwick doesn’t expect the government will buy new tanks in the near future, including those meant to replace the Leopards now in Ukraine. “There is a real lack of funding for procurement, and new tanks are way down the list of priorities for the Canadian forces,” he said.
Former defense procurement chief Alan Williams agreed, noting major military purchases, such as F-35 fighter jets and the new Canadian Surface Combatant ships, leave little funds left over for tanks.
The annual budget for defense equipment acquisitions is CA$5 bn, but much, if not all, will be earmarked for the fleet of surface combatants, Williams told Defense News. The surface combatants are estimated to cost CA$100 bn over the next 20 years.
Canada has also committed to spending CA$40 bn to modernize North American Aerospace Defense Command — a figure that includes the purchase of F-35s — and another CA$6 bn on new P-8 patrol aircraft.
“I can’t see how the Army can even contemplate the acquisition of new tanks,” Williams said. “A lot of potential equipment projects will be seriously affected by programs already committed to by government.” (Source: Defense News)
04 Oct 23. Turkey develops indigenous Altay powerpack. Turkey has developed an indigenous powerpack for its Altay main battle tank (MBT), which will be fitted in all serial production vehicles from lot-2 onwards, Serhat Erpolat, senior associate at Turkey’s Defence Industry Agency, said on the second day of SAE Media’s Future Armoured Vehicles Power Systems conference held in Wokingham, UK, on 27 and 28 September. He addressed the conference on the country’s progress in developing a fully indigenous engine, transmission, and cooling system for the Altay programme. (Source: Janes)
03 Oct 23. GDLS Selected to Participate in US Army’s Robotic Combat Vehicle Competition. General Dynamics Land Systems announced today that it is one of four companies selected by the U.S. Army to compete for its Robotic Combat Vehicle (RCV) program of record.
General Dynamics Land Systems will design, build and deliver two prototypes of its modular TRX (Tracked Robot 10-ton) robotic combat vehicle in Phase I of the multi-phase competition. The prototypes will be delivered to the Army by August 2024 to support platform mobility testing and a Soldier touchpoint.
TRX supports Army objectives for a robotic combat vehicle that is highly transportable and provides significant growth, interoperability and modularity to accommodate a wide range of future mission modules and payloads. TRX is built to maneuver at speed with all formations and has a class-leading payload-to-chassis ratio of 1:1.
TRX’s architecture enables it to support RCV platform requirements and future growth. It generates significant exportable power to support mission command operations and is hybrid-electric, in support of the Army’s climate and electrification strategy.
“We are honored to have been chosen to continue to work with the Army on the Robotic Combat Vehicle program,” said Gordon Stein, General Dynamics Land Systems vice president and general manager for U.S. operations. “TRX features innovative thinking, ranging from its AI-enhanced design to advanced, lightweight materials and a hybrid-electric propulsion system. Its power and size make it an ideal platform for multirole Human Machine Integration on today’s battlefield.
“TRX provides superior performance as an enabling technology in critical battlefield roles, including direct and indirect fire, long-range loitering munitions, short-range air defense, counter-uncrewed aerial systems, autonomous resupply, complex obstacle breaching, electronic warfare and reconnaissance. It is designed to provide increased situational awareness and lethality to enable Army maneuver and combat support formations to win decisively through cutting-edge human-machine integration.” (Source: ASD Network)
03 Oct 23. Textron Systems, Howe & Howe and Teledyne FLIR Defense Selected for Next Phase of U.S. Army Robotic Combat Vehicle (RCV) Program. Textron Systems Corporation announced today that Team RIPSAW – Textron Systems, Howe & Howe and Teledyne FLIR Defense has been down selected to participate in the U.S. Army’s Robotic Combat Vehicle (RCV) Phase I: Platform Prototype program, an anticipated Army Program of Record (PoR).
Team RIPSAW submitted a response to this competitive prototype project solicitation, which was released to members of the National Advanced Mobility Consortium (NAMC).
Under Phase 1, the company will deliver two RIPSAW M3 prototype vehicles in 2024. Upon delivery, the U.S. Army will begin comprehensive testing against published system requirements related to mobility, sensor performance, remote vehicle control and overall systems reliability. In parallel to building and delivering vehicles, Team RIPSAW will complete the preliminary design for the M3 variant.
The RIPSAW M3 is a rugged and reliable RCV platform, leveraging Textron Systems’ nearly four decades of cross-domain uncrewed product design, integration, manufacturing, and fielding experience., Designed to meet stated Army requirements while keeping a focus on transportability and mission versatility, the vehicle is ready to meet the challenges of an everchanging battlefield. It features an open architecture design and common chassis which supports a wide variety of field exchangeable payloads from a basic flat-top deck configuration.
Team RIPSAW has invested in this family of robotic vehicles since 2019 when the RIPSAW M5 system first debuted. Later variants, including the M5-E (electric) and M3 Tech Demonstrator, leveraged the team’s collaboration with industry partners, academia and the U.S. Army to perform multiple mission sets in various environmental and test conditions. Since 2019, the RIPSAW family of vehicles have amassed over 2,000 miles of durability testing.
“The technology behind the family of RIPSAW vehicles demonstrates the innovative approach and experience Howe & Howe has in ground robotic vehicles,” said Senior Vice President Mike Howe. “We’ve developed multiple vehicles, all with the same robotic core, so they’re mission-ready and adaptable as needed.”
“Team RIPSAW combines the specialties of Textron Systems, Howe & Howe and Teledyne FLIR Defense, creating a mission-ready system to support the Army’s needs,” said Senior Vice President Land Systems and Sea Systems David Phillips. “Building on our proven cross-domain capabilities and experience, the vehicle has evolved and adapted based on customer feedback, leading us to the RIPSAW M3 of today.”
“We’re proud to be partnered with Textron Systems and Howe & Howe to deliver this unprecedented robotic platform to the U.S. Army,” said Dr. JihFen Lei, Executive Vice President and General Manager of Teledyne FLIR Defense. “We’re excited to bring our expertise in providing tethered uncrewed aerial systems, 360-degree situational awareness, and other intelligent sensing technology onto the RIPSAW M3 that will give our soldiers a decisive tactical edge and allow commanders to make better, faster decisions.”
Textron Systems has built thousands of ground vehicles in Slidell, LA over the last several decades for a variety of customers. With a range of experience in cross-domain robotics, Textron Systems has more than two m hours of uncrewed experience across air, land and maritime domains, and participation in cross-domain demonstrations including Project Convergence.
Textron Systems is a world leader in uncrewed air, surface and land products, services and support founded on the combined expertise in our family of brands that includes Textron Systems, Howe & Howe, Lycoming, and ATAC. We harness the unlimited power of teamwork to solve incredible problems across seven specialized domains: air, land, sea, propulsion, weapon systems, electronic systems and test, training & simulation. From product development and manufacturing to training, operations and support, we integrate and offer ingenious and advanced solutions to support defense, aerospace, and other customer missions.
Teledyne FLIR, part of Teledyne Technologies Incorporated, is a world leader in intelligent sensing, unmanned systems, and integrated solutions for defense and industrial markets, with roughly 4,000 employees worldwide. Founded in 1978, the company develops a wide range of advanced technologies to help professionals make better, faster decisions that save lives and livelihoods. (Source: https://www.defense-aerospace.com/ Textron Systems)
03 Oct 23. Nigerian Army acquires Tares armoured vehicles. The Nigerian Army is now operating Tares armoured vehicles after having just taken delivery of the new type from Saudi Arabia’s ERAF Industrial Company.
In August, photos circulated online of around 15 Tares vehicles being delivered on the back of trucks from Onne Port in Rivers State. Official confirmation of the acquisition came on 25 September when the Nigerian Army announced it had begun a two-week long training programme for its personnel on the newly acquired mine-protected vehicles.
The training course was declared open by Brigadier General Olushola Diya, Director of Training at the Department of Army Training (DAT). He said the new vehicles will aid Nigerian Army operations against insurgents and protect troops from explosions, ambushes and surprise attacks.
Diya said the planting of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) had been a major problem in the fight against terrorism in the northeast of the country, and troops will be much better protected in the new vehicles.
Training is being carried out by Altum Solutions, which offers aircrew, mine clearance/explosive ordnance disposal, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief training as well as advisory services and operational support, including logistics, and procurement of vehicles (armoured and all-terrain).
The Tares 4×4 is powered by a 6.7 litre V8 diesel engine developing 330 hp and giving a top speed of 120 km/h and range of 600 km. It has mine protection up to NATO STANAG Level II. The Nigerian Army vehicles are fitted with roof-mounted turrets.
ERAF was established in Saudi Arabia in 1996 and specialises in land, naval and power systems, including armoured vehicles and remote weapon stations. (Source: https://www.defenceweb.co.za/)
03 Oct 23. New timelines for Project Hoefyster. Denel is proceeding with work to complete the development of the Badger infantry fighting vehicle (IFV) under Project Hoefyster, and expects to establish a product baseline for the five main variants by the end of 2025.
In a presentation to the Portfolio Committee on Defence and Military Veterans (PCDMV) in mid-September, Armscor gave an update on the Badger programme, reminding the committee that an April 2023 Project Hoefyster Project Control Board (PCB) meeting recommended that Phase 1 (development) be completed, although “with acceptance of indicated specification deviations”.
The PCB meeting also recommended the four pre-production models that have already been manufactured be accepted, and that one battalion worth of vehicles be delivered to the SA Army (Armscor ultimately wants three battalions worth of vehicles delivered). The Phase 1 contract has to be amended to provide for the new completion dates, and possible consideration of penalties.
On 10 August, Denel asked Armscor for a Phase 1 contract variation order (CVO), which provides for new completion dates and accelerated payment milestones. Under the new schedule, product baseline for the Section variant is expected in April 2024; the Fire Support variant in July 2024; the Command variant in December 2024; the Missile variant in March 2025; and the Mortar variant in December 2025. Product baseline was originally scheduled for late 2017.
Armscor said it “is currently processing the Phase 1 CVO” while Denel is currently busy with costing of production (Phase 2) “and have indicated that they will only be in a position to provide definite costs by end of December 2023.”
Armscor added that it will process the Phase 2 contract variation order once approval for partial acquisition of one battalion (88 vehicles) at the indicated cost has been obtained from the Armaments Acquisition Council.
Project Hoefyster phase one – for the design and development of five main variants – came into effect in June 2007 with a contract value of just over a bn Rand (at 2006 Rand value) with delivery expected in May 2012. This was to be followed by phase two – industrialisation and production of 238 Badgers – with a completion date of November 2023. That not much of this happened is common knowledge, with blame variously laid at the doors of mismanagement at Denel, the State-owned defence and technology conglomerate awarded the contract by Armscor, and state capture.
Denel in March this year received bns of rands in bailout money from National Treasury, allowing it to restart much of the production at its facilities that have been dormant for years due to the fallout from state capture and mismanagement.
Denel Chief Restructuring Officer Riaz Saloojee told defenceWeb earlier this year that the company was confident it can get Badger production back on track for the South African Army, in spite of Armscor’s identified risks of subcontractor delays due to Denel’s financial situation and the departure of Denel personnel.
To date, R7.6 bn has been spent on Project Hoefyster, with R2 bn in advance payments owing, according to Armscor. Factoring in VAT, escalation and other costs, Armscor values the project at over R16bn.
(Source: https://www.defenceweb.co.za/)
02 Oct 23. Allison Transmission Partners with Key Polish Defense Industry Leaders. Allison Transmission, a leading designer and manufacturer of conventional and electrified vehicle propulsion solutions for tactical wheeled and tracked defense vehicles, has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Grupa Zbrojeniowa (PGZ), a holding group uniting Polish state-owned defense industry companies and one of the largest defense companies in Europe. The two defense leaders will partner to expand their product portfolio and bolster Allison’s supplier network and service capabilities in Europe and beyond.
“We are constantly building our strategic alliances to boost the development of the defense sector as part of the Polish Armed Forces Technical Modernization Plan,” said Sebastian Chwalek, PGZ CEO. “We welcome this opportunity to partner with Allison Transmission, a well-known provider of propulsion solutions that have a proven reputation on the battlefield.”
The MOU includes Allison Transmission partnering with PGZ to provide tracked vehicle transmission service and repair in Poland. The MOU also includes cooperation between PGZ and Allison on tracked vehicle programs. Poland is procuring thousands of fighting vehicles in response to the deteriorating regional security situation and a commitment to a strong defense. Allison Transmission is the provider of propulsion systems for the Abrams tank, K9 and Krab Howitzers. Poland has contracted to purchase several hundred Abrams tanks, hundreds of Howitzers, and PGZ has recently been awarded a contract for over 1,000 Borsuk vehicles.
“Allison Transmission is proud to support PGZ and its subordinate companies in the development of world class vehicle platforms such as the Krab Self-propelled Howitzer and multiple wheeled defense models as well as providing sustainment of our products in Poland,” said Dana Pittard, Vice President of Defense Programs, Allison Transmission.
PGZ brings together more than 50 companies, including Wojskowe Zakłady Motoryzacyjne (WZM) who will be added to Allison’s network of Authorized Dealer and Distributors to service tracked vehicles as a complement to Tezana, who services transmissions for wheeled vehicles in Poland. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)
29 Sep 23. Partner 2023: TRB rolls out Vihor 4×4. Tehnički Remont Bratunac (TRB) from Republika Srpska in Bosnia debuted its new Vihor 4×4 at the Partner 2023 defence exhibition in Belgrade. The multirole vehicle joins a portfolio now offered by TRB, which includes the Despot.
The Vihor has a payload capacity of 2 tonnes and is powered by a Volvo TAD 840-43VW engine that produces 320 hp at 2,200 rpm and is mated to an Allison 3000 SP gearbox. The chassis is equipped with a two-speed transfer case with a differential lock and an independent suspension system to offer improved offroad capabilities. The vehicle can reach a top speed of over 120 km/h on road and can ford to a depth of 1.4 m. STANAG 4569 Level 2 ballistic protection is provided as standard, but this can be enhanced to Level 3. (Source: Janes)
29 Sep 23. Troubled Ajax armoured vehicle project ‘in recovery.’ In a letter addressed to the Commons Select Committee on 3rd August, Minister for Defence Procurement, James Cartlidge MP, provided a detailed update on the Ajax Programme.
“…The Ajax Programme continues its recovery as the Department remains focussed on maintaining the positive trajectory which has seen us restart Field Army training alongside the ongoing Reliability Growth Trials (battlefield missions) which began in January this year.” Cartlidge’s letter mentioned.
In his communication to the committee, the Minister highlighted the Armoured Cavalry Programme Lessons Learned Review, an independent investigation conducted by Clive Sheldon KC.
This review identified multiple systemic, cultural, and institutional problems contributing to the programme’s management failures. “…Our focus now is on applying the lessons of the review to this and other programmes, and on delivering this game-changing capability to the Army as quickly as possible,” Cartlidge clarified.
The Reliability Growth Trials, which started this year, are progressing well it seems. Such trials stress-test the reliability of the vehicle’s platform and its components.
The Minister informed that since these trials began, the AJAX, APOLLO, ATLAS, and ARES variants have collectively traversed over 6,900 kilometres in varied terrains, completing several battlefield tasks.
Moreover, there has been a collaboration between the Department and General Dynamics to establish a realistic delivery schedule for Ajax.
Cartlidge stated the milestones: “…Ajax’s Initial Operating Capability of a trained and deployable squadron is to be achieved between July and December 2025 and its Full Operating Capability will be achieved between October 2028 and September 2029…”
He reiterated the significance of the Ajax Programme, terming it as “…central to the Army’s Future Soldier strategy…” and praised the substantial progress made since the last update to the Committee.
(Source: UKDJ)
28 Sep 23. Texelis celebrates an outstanding partnership with Yugoimport at Partner 2023. At Partner 2023 in Belgrade, Texelis celebrates its outstanding, long-running partnership with Yugoimport on the Milosh and Lazar families of combat vehicles.
Rooted in long-term commitment, trust, technical excellence and close cooperation, that partnership is now embodied by several hundred vehicles produced during the past 8 years.
Since 2015, Texelis has been involved in most vehicles developed by Yugoimport. The company was first selected to provide with mobility elements for the Lazar 3 Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV). It was then selected to provide with the axles for Milosh 4×4 multipurpose vehicle, which arguably offers the best balance on the 4×4 market between mobility, payload and protection. Building on the success of the Milosh, Yugoimport has recently launched the larger Milosh 2, which benefits from the Texelis’ new generation T750 axles and technology for further increased payload, mobility and general transport capability. Throughout the development process of these products, Texelis has been entrusted at the highest level with advising Yugoimport with mobility and general design ideas.
As of 2023, Texelis has equipped a serious quantity of Lazar 3 8×8 IFVs, with an ongoing order for T900 axles. Texelis has also equipped Milosh vehicles with its T700 axles. In total, Texelis has contributed to several hundred of Yugoimport vehicles in what has been an exceptional partnership.
Milosh, Milosh 2 and Lazar 3 also have export potential, which could further increase existing fleets in the years to come.
That outstanding partnership with Yugoimport highlights Texelis as a major supplier for Yugoimport, the Serbian Army, but also as a reliable, high-quality supplier of military mobility solutions for Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) worldwide.
In parallel, Texelis has developed new capabilities and now designs complete mobility solutions, integrated in first-rate systems such as the French Army’s Serval 4×4 armoured personnel and systems carrier, developed, qualified and produced in partnership with French leading Defence company Nexter, a company of KNDS. These complete mobility solutions can now be offered to create new vehicles in the framework of strategic partnerships.
Texelis takes pride in the quality of the relationship it creates with its clients and suppliers, which are all regarded as highly trusted partners. That proximity means that Texelis constantly finds new ways of pushing programs forward to meet the partner’s specific needs. Texelis delivers.
To better serve its partners, Texelis brings together the expertise of an actual “Team France”, which further develops the long-running ties between France and Serbia.
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TEK Military Seating Limited
TEK Military Seating Limited is a UK based designer and manufacturer of ProTEK military vehicle seating which offer the highest standards of safety and protection. The ProTEK brand is well respected across the globe for its robust construction, innovative design, built in modularity and cost effectiveness. Our superior products are supported by our experienced team who endeavor to offer unrivalled service to our customers from enquiry, through design and acceptance, to through life support.
From its inception ProTEK seats have been designed around a family of innovative seat frames onto which tested and certified modules can be fitted to create a bespoke solution for the user. These include Blast protection to Stanag 4569 standards, vibration reduction, head and body protection, seat risers and turntables, fore & aft adjustment, and seat back rake along with viable seat dimensions without the need for additional tooling costs.
Contact: David Parkman
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