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23 Nov 23. NATO urges members to get their logistics homework done.
Summary
- National regulations hamper swift troop movements across Europe
- NATO logistics chief warns: We are running out of time
- “Surplus of regulations” could slow response to a crisis
NATO has warned its members that too much red tape is hindering troop movements across Europe, a problem that could cause major delays were a conflict with Russia to erupt.
“We are running out of time. What we don’t get done in peacetime won’t be ready in case of a crisis or a war,” the chief of NATO’s logistics command JSEC, Lieutenant-General Alexander Sollfrank, told Reuters in an interview published on Thursday.
NATO’s Joint Support and Enabling Command (JSEC) in the southern German town of Ulm started operating in 2021. Its job is to coordinate the swift movement of troops and tanks across the continent as well as logistical preparations such as the storage of munitions on the alliance’s eastern flank.
A result of Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine in 2014, the creation of JSEC reflected the assessment that NATO, after decades of detente following the Cold War, once again needed to be ready for a war in Europe that could break out at any time.
However, the task of quickly deploying forces up to a size of a division with some 20,000 troops, as well as having ammunition, fuel, spare parts and provisions in place, has become trickier since the Cold War.
While NATO and Warsaw Pact troops in the past faced each other mainly in Germany, the alliance has since expanded some 1,000 kilometres (600 miles) to the east, multiplying the length of NATO’s eastern flank to some 4,000 kilometres in total.
“The expanse of space, the fact that not all forces are forward-based – all this means that the alliance has to be quick in moving troops from their bases to the right spot on the eastern flank,” Sollfrank noted, adding this needed preparation.
“At the heyday of the war in Ukraine, Russia fired 50,000 artillery shells per day. These rounds have to reach the howitzers,” he said. “So you have to set up warehouses – for ammunition, fuel, spare parts and provisions.”
As it is, NATO forces have to navigate a variety of national regulations, stretching from the advance-notice required before ammunition can be shipped to the permissible length of military convoys and disease prophylaxis.
“We have a surplus of regulations, but the one thing we don’t have is time,” warned Admiral Rob Bauer, head of NATO’s military committee. “Russia’s war against Ukraine has proven to be a war of attrition – and a war of attrition is a battle of logistics.”
Sollfrank said he would like to see a “military Schengen”, an area of free military passage akin to the political Schengen zone that allows free movement within most of the EU.
NATO must not prompt a miscalculation in the Kremlin by giving the impression Moscow might stand a chance to win because the alliance is not prepared, he warned.
“We need to be ahead of the curve. We have to prepare the theatre well before Article 5 has been invoked”, he said, referring to NATO’s collective defence clause which effectively puts the alliance at war. (Source: Reuters)
23 Nov 23. Serbia shows new military equipment. The Serbian Armed Forces’ (SAF’s) new indigenously developed, locally produced or modernised weapons, and military equipment were presented to Defence Minister Miloš Vučević at the SAF’s Weapons and Military Equipment Test Centre ‘Nikinci’ on 14 November, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) announced on its website later the same day.
Among the equipment shown, was a new series of six BOV M16 Miloš 4×4 multi-purpose armoured vehicles, PASARS self-propelled anti-aircraft gun-missile systems, Mali (Little) Miloš unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs), three modernised M80AB1 tracked armoured fighting vehicles (AFVs), and at least nine new Fabrika Automobila Priboj (FAP) BOV-OT M-21 4×4 armoured personnel carriers (APCs), in addition to other newly produced infantry weapons and artillery ammunition.
Shown earlier at Nikinci on 11 November were recently acquired up-armoured M1151A1B1 Humvee vehicles armed with locally produced 12.7 mm machine guns or 40 mm grenade launchers installed on their improved Gunner Protection Kit (GPK) turrets and with integrated transparent armour windows offering enhanced visibility and compatibility with modern optronic sights and night-vision devices. (Source: Janes)
23 Nov 23. Tanks and Launchers from the United States for Poland. On November 21 this year, on Poland’s Tank and Automobile Service Day, a ship carrying M1A1 Abrams tanks, HIMARS multiple rocket launchers and M88A2 HERCULES technical support vehicles entered the port of Świnoujście.
This is the second tranche of M1A1 Abrams tanks, purchased in January this year. for the needs of the Polish Armed Forces, which reached the Polish port by sea, this time to Świnoujście. The delivery includes 26 tanks and associated equipment, including nine M88A2 HERCULES technical support vehicles, and a supply of consumable parts. After unloading, the tanks will be transported to their destination in the country.
Together with the tanks, the third group of M142 HIMARS multiple rocket launchers, purchased in 2019, arrived in Poland, including 11 launchers in the “American configuration”.
On June 28 this year, the first batch of 14 M1A1 Abrams main battle tanks for the Armed Forces of the Republic of Poland was accepted. The sea transport also included three M88A2 HERCULES technical support vehicles.
On May 15, at the 1st Transport Aviation Base, the first five M142 HIMARS multiple rocket launchers for the Armed Forces of the Republic of Poland were accepted. In the second half of the month, two more launchers arrived in Poland.
On January 4, on the premises of the 1st Warsaw Armored Brigade in Wesoła, a contract was signed for the supply of M1A1 Abrams main battle tanks for the Armed Forces of the Republic of Poland.
The subject of the contract concluded with the American side is the delivery of 116 M1A1 Abrams tanks, which will be adapted to the requirements of the Polish Armed Forces, along with accompanying equipment, including 12 M88A2 HERCULES technical support vehicles, eight M1074 Joint Assault Bridges, six M577 command vehicles and 26 NG SECM workshops on the HMMWV chassis, as well as a training and logistics package.
The above contract is the first stage of the project, which also includes significant numbers of modern types of combat ammunition, as well as training ammunition, in accordance with the maximum scope of the order approved by the United States Congress. The above orders, including sub-caliber anti-tank ammunition and multi-role programmable ammunition, will be implemented successively, in accordance with the needs of the Polish Armed Forces.
The total value of the contract is approximately USD 1.4 billion net, of which nearly USD 200 million is financed by the American side as part of the aid funds granted to Poland, while deliveries of tanks and other military equipment will start this year and will be completed by the end of 2024.
The logistics package includes a stock of spare and consumable parts and equipment for tank maintenance, as well as mobile container weapons repair workshops and diagnostic devices.
The training package includes comprehensive training for instructors, crews and technical staff.
On February 13, 2019, a contract worth USD 414 million net was concluded between the governments of the Republic of Poland and the United States of America for the delivery of the first division fire module of Homar multi-launch rocket launchers (DMO WWR Homar) for the Polish Armed Forces.
Since last year, other elements included in the squadron’s equipment have been successively delivered, including technical security vehicles, as well as combat assets. According to the contract, the Polish Armed Forces will receive a total of 18 combat launchers and two M142 HIMARS training launchers, along with a supply of GMLRS and ATACMS missiles and training ammunition (LCRRPR), as well as command vehicles and technical support vehicles. The agreement also provides logistical, training and technical support.
The acquired M1A1 Abrams tanks will become part of the equipment of the 18th Mechanized Division, in addition to the 250 M1A2 SEP v.3 Abrams tanks contracted in April 2022, which were acquired for the amount of USD 4.75 billion along with associated equipment, including 26 M88A2 HERCULES technical support vehicles and 17 M1074 Joint Assault Bridge, as well as a training and logistics package and ammunition supplies.
Deliveries of the M1A2 SEP v.3 tanks are scheduled for 2025-2026, however, whenever possible, the delivery dates of the first vehicles will be accelerated. Moreover, in 2022, based on a separate agreement, the United States Army transferred 28 M1A2 SEP v.2 Abrams tanks to the territory of Poland, along with instructors, to train Polish crews as part of the Abrams Academy, launched at the Land Forces Training Center in Poznań.
M142 HIMARS rocket launchers will provide the necessary fire support to the Land Forces units by performing deep fire strikes. The system will use rocket ammunition (guided using inertial and satellite navigation systems) capable of precisely hitting targets at distances of several dozen kilometers, using GMLRS ammunition, and in the area of operational operations at distances of up to several hundred kilometers, using ATACMS missiles. (Unofficial translation by Defense-Aerospace.com) (Source: https://www.defense-aerospace.com/ Polish Armament Agency; issued Nov. 22, 2023)
22 Nov 23. Indian Army issues RFI to restore T-72 tanks. The Indian Army has issued a tender to support its programme for the restoration and life extension of in-service T-72 main battle tanks (MBTs).
According to a request for information (RFI) issued by the Indian Army on 21 November, the programme – named ‘Overhaul II of Tank T-72′ – is carried out to ensure restoration of the T-72 to “as good as new condition”.
The programme seeks to “neutralise effects of age, usage, and restoration of T-72 to near-zero hour [and] zero km state of operational readiness”, the RFI said.
The T-72 restoration process comprises “stripping of the tank, removal of assemblies, stripping of the repairable assemblies, inspection of the components of repairable assemblies, and replacement of assemblies [that are not repairable] with new ones”, the RFI added. (Source: Janes)
22 Nov 23. Switzerland Finally Authorizes Export of 25 Leopard 2A4 Tanks to Germany. Federal Council Authorizes Export of 25 Main Battle Tanks to Germany. On November 22, 2023, the Federal Council approved the request for the export of 25 Type 87 (Leopard 2A4) battle tanks to Germany by reselling them to the company that manufactured them, Rheinmetall Landsysteme GmbH. Berlin has assured Switzerland that the tanks will remain in Germany or in NATO or EU member countries, and will be used to supplement their inventories.
By letter dated February 23, 2023, the German Minister of the Economy, Robert Habeck, and the German Minister of Defense, Boris Pistorius, asked Switzerland to resell part of its decommissioned Type 87 / Leopard 2A4 tanks to the German company that manufactured them (Rheinmetall). In their letter, they assured that the tanks will not be transferred to Ukraine and that they will remain in Germany or in NATO or EU member countries.
Decommissioning decided by Parliament
The army currently uses 134 Type 87 (Leopard 2A4 WE) tanks, which were modernized as part of the 2006 Armament Program. In addition, it has another 96 tanks of the same type which have not been modernized, and which are not in use.
As part of the message on the army, the Council of States adopted, on September 26, 2023, the federal decree of the Federal Council on the 2023 arms program in the version approved by the National Council on June 14, and approved the decommissioning of 25 Type 87 (Leopard 2A4) battle tanks on the condition that they be resold to the company that manufactured them. Following this decision and in accordance with the provisions of the Federal War Materials Act (LFMG), armasuisse submitted an export application for these 25 tanks to SECO on October 12, 2023.
Tanks are not intended for Ukraine
The export of tanks to Germany complies with the authorization criteria provided by the LFMG. A point which weighed heavily in the decision, Berlin assured Switzerland that the tanks will remain in Germany or in NATO or EU member countries and will be used to supplement their armament.
(defense-aerospace EDITOR’S NOTE: While these tanks will not be exported to Ukraine, once refurbished by Rheinmetall they will be sold or otherwise supplied to replace those that other countries may supply to Ukraine.) (Unofficial translation by Defense-Aerospace.com)(Source: https://www.defense-aerospace.com/ Swiss Federal Council; issued Nov. 22, 2023)
21 Nov 23. Brazilian marines details its 2032 tank replacement plan. The Brazilian Marine Corps wants to replace its ageing SK105A2S Kürassier light battle tank fleet with a new main battle tank (MBT) by 2032, Commander of the Marine Material Command Vice Admiral Rogério Ramos Lage told Janes. The MBT project, part of the Marine Corps Combat Power Strategic Program (PROADSUMUS), aims to significantly increase the firepower of the marine air-ground task forces, Vice Adm Lage said in an October interview. He said 8×8 and tracked options, or a fleet of both configurations, are being considered. Of the 17 SK105A2S Kürassier tanks purchased for the Marine Armoured Battalion of the Marine Fleet Force (FFE) in 1998, approximately half remain in active service, Vice Adm Lage said. While High-Staff Requirements and High-level Systems Requirements are being developed, approximately 17 MBTs could be acquired, Vice Adm Lage added. A schedule to formally issue a tender or award a contract is yet to be defined. (Source: Janes)
21 Nov 23. Brazilian marines eye wheeled Assault Amphibious Vehicle fleet. The Brazilian Marine Corps is looking to acquire 8×8 wheeled amphibious armoured vehicles in several variants to replace its fleet of AAV7A1 Assault Amphibious Vehicles (AAVs), Vice Admiral Rogério Ramos Lage, Commander of the Marine Materiel Command, told Janes recently.
The project, part of the Marine Corps Combat Power Strategic Subprogram, would modernise the Amphibious Vehicles Battalion, Vice Adm Lage said in an October interview. The last of the current fleet of BAE Systems-designed AAV7A1 vehicles was delivered in 1997.
The marines have already laid out the High-Staff Requirements and High-Level Systems Requirements of the 8×8 project, and a preliminary study is being carried out, Vice Adm Lage said. Brazil is considering the 8×8 BAE Systems Amphibious Combat Vehicle (ACV), among others, to meet its requirements, he added. Between 1986 and 1997, 26 AAV7A1 vehicles – 22 troop carriers, two command vehicles, and two recovery vehicles – were delivered. (Source: Janes)
20 Nov 23. RoK to reinforce defense arsenal with new amphibious bridge systems. The Republic of Korea Army, also known as the ROK, showcased its cutting-edge bridging capabilities with the deployment of eight M3-K Amphibious Rigs, forming a 100-meter-long bridge along the river at the demilitarized zone, or DMZ.
This maneuver highlighted the advanced bridging capabilities of the M3-K, a vehicle developed by Hanwha Aerospace in partnership with General Dynamics European Land Systems.
These recent exercises were critical in testing the M3-K’s capabilities, set for deployment within the South Korean Army by 2024. These vehicles will significantly enhance the army’s operational effectiveness across water obstacles, augmenting their strategic mobility and flexibility.
South Korea becomes the sixth nation to operate the M3 variant, joining Germany, the U.K., Taiwan, Singapore, and Indonesia in deploying this state-of-the-art amphibious bridge system in various allied operations.
The M3-K stands out as the world’s most modern and fastest-to-deploy amphibious bridge and ferry system, excelling in loading capacity, assembly time, and cross-country and in-water maneuverability. As both a ferry and a bridge, when multiple units are interconnected, the M3-K serves as a vital link across water bodies. Its robust design supports substantial loads, accommodating over 70 tanks with an impressive weight capacity of up to MLC85. Powered by a 400-horsepower diesel engine, this 28-ton rig boasts remarkable land speeds of up to 80 kph, a maximum water speed of 14 kph, and a cruising range of 750 kilometers.(Source: Google/https://defence-blog.com/)
20 Nov 23. Procurement of New Dingoes and Maritime Patrol Aircraft Approved. On November 16, the Budget Committee of the German Bundestag released funds for the procurement of Dingo 2A4.1 protected command and function vehicles (GGF) and additional maritime patrol aircraft P-8A Poseidon.
The green light was specifically given for the purchase of 50 protected command vehicles of the Dingo 2 A4.1 type for a total of around 150 m euros. They are financed through the so-called strengthening title, as the Bundeswehr has given its own Dingoes to Ukraine to support the country in its defense against Russian aggression.
These vehicles are now being replaced and are scheduled to be delivered to the Bundeswehr in 2026. The Federal Government’s strengthening initiative, Individual Plan 60, supports selected partner states with military material, equipment and training.
In addition, another three P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft can be ordered from the US government. The almost 1.1 bn euros required come from the Bundeswehr special fund.
In 2021, the budget committee had already approved the money for the first five aircraft. The committee has also already approved the procurement of a simulator for the future crews of the eight aircraft.
The P-8A Poseidon from the US manufacturer Boeing will take over submarine hunting and maritime reconnaissance from the P-3C Orion as an interim solution from the end of 2024.
In the long term, these capabilities are to be covered by the German-French cooperation project Maritime Airborne Warfare System (MAWS).
(Unofficial translation by Defense-Aerospace.com) (Source: https://www.defense-aerospace.com/ German Ministry of Defense; issued Nov 17, 2023)
17 Nov 23. Italy modernises armoured forces. Lieutenant Colonel Salvatore Bizzarro, head of the Force Development Section of the Italian Army General Staff’s Capability Development and Financial Planning Division, presented plans to modernise his service’s armoured forces and develop new-generation platforms on the last day of SAE Media Group’s Future Armoured Vehicles Survivability (FAVS) 2023 conference held in London from 13 to 15 November. He said legacy capabilities would be modernised in the short term and new-generation platforms developed in the medium term. The Italian Army’s Ariete main battle tank (MBT) will be upgraded and its Dardo infantry fighting vehicle (IFV) will receive a life extension, according to Lt Col Bizzarro. He added that Italy would procure a new MBT and variants, looking at the Franco-German Main Ground Combat System (MGCS). Italy could join MGCS, according to media reports. (Source: Janes)
17 Nov 23. USMC to deploy ACV amphibious vehicles in 2024. The US Marines Corps (USMC) plans to deploy its first four 8×8 Amphibious Combat Vehicles (ACVs) in March 2024, Janes learned at SAE Media Group’s Future Armoured Vehicles Survivability (FAVS) 2023 conference held in London from 13 to 15 November. Colonel Timothy Hough, programme manager for Advanced Amphibious Assault in the USMC’s Program Executive Office Land Systems, told conference attendees on 15 November that the vehicles would continue to be fielded and reach an initial operational capability (IOC) in 2024–27. (Source: Janes)
17 Nov 23. Derco and Aerostar Sign Agreement in Support of Romanian Air Force F-16 Fleet. Derco, a Lockheed Martin Company, signed an agreement with Aerostar S.A. to repair landing gear, wheels and brakes in support of the Romanian Air Force F-16 fleet, reducing lead times and improving logistics for mission readiness.
Through specialized tooling, equipment, technical documentation and training provided by Derco, Aerostar will be equipped with the knowledge and skillset to successfully repair F-16 components.
“We’re proud to be the latest Lockheed Martin business to partner with Romania through this new agreement with Aerostar,” said Derco’s President and General Manager Todd Morar. “Derco’s technology solution that we are sharing with Aerostar will ensure the readiness, effectiveness and safety of Romanian military personnel operating F-16 fighter jets.”
“Aerostar will provide maintenance and repair activities required for new aircraft fleets in Romania and the region. We want to strengthen Romania’s position in this market and rely on our technical capabilities and knowledge,” said Grigore Filip, president and CEO at Aerostar S.A.
The agreement comes days after the first European F-16 Training Center was inaugurated earlier this week at Fete?ti Air Base, southern Romania and builds on Lockheed Martin’s 26 years of cooperation with Romania in support of its national defence, industry and academia.
As a global technology leader, Lockheed Martin is committed to supporting the Ministry of Economy’s work to strengthen the capabilities of Romania’s aerospace and defence industry and to investing in long-term partnerships that support the creation of high-skilled jobs and technology transfer. (Source: ASD Network)
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