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09 Jan 24. Milanion have announced their flagship AGEMA Unmanned Ground Vehicle (UGV) is ‘in-service’ with Kraken Unit in Ukraine. Milanion have announced their flagship AGEMA Unmanned Ground Vehicle (UGV) is ‘in-service’ with the Kraken special unit of the Main Directorate of Intelligence of Ukraine. The Kraken unit is involved in front-line combat missions in Ukraine and the AGEMA UGV can provide vital battlefield support for personnel operating in the harsh Ukrainian winter conditions.
Milanion has a long-standing collaboration with local company Ukrainian Armor, which has facilitated getting the AGEMA into the combat zone. Vladislav Belbas, CEO of Ukrainian Armor, said “Unmanned systems play a very important role in modern warfare. The Kraken unit will provide ongoing feedback for the in-field performance and capabilities of the AGEMA UGV for future upgrades, with a view to enhancing effectiveness and efficiencies.”
Engineered for the most demanding missions, the AGEMA UGV is designed to operate in the most hostile and harsh environments. In Ukraine, the UGV will be used to provide support for ‘last-mile resupply’ and medical evacuation (Medevac). Providing critical relief and safety for soldiers by unburdening them from carrying and delivering vital supplies including fuel, food, equipment, and ammunition. It does the dull, dirty, and dangerous work by relieving the heavy burdens, leaving soldiers to focus on the mission. Wounded personnel can quickly and efficiently be evacuated from the battlefield with the AGEMA UGV.
The UGV equips war fighters to dominate the modern battlefield with integrated combat systems that support mission capabilities, increase safety and effectiveness, and enhance situational awareness while expanding reach and access. With its sophisticated AI-based technology, the AGEMA is designed to guide, secure, and protect human personnel and property.
Designed for rapid deployment, the AGEMA UGV is a powerful platform with its advanced technology and modular design allowing for unparalleled flexibility and scalability on the battlefield. Its ability to operate in extreme and hostile environments, combined with its all-terrain performance and amphibious capability, makes it a valuable asset for any military unit. (Source: www.joint-forcescom)
12 Jan 24. BAE Systems delivers first production-ready ACV-C (Amphibious Combat Vehicle Command and Control) variant to US Marine Corps. BAE Systems delivered the first Amphibious Combat Vehicle Command and Control (ACV-C) variant under the full-rate production contract to the US Marine Corps. The ACV-C will provide Marines with a mobile command centre which enables situational awareness and operations planning in the battlespace.
ACV-C provides true open-ocean and ship-to-objective amphibious capability, land mobility, survivability and ample growth capacity and flexibility to incorporate and adapt future technologies. Through previous studies with the Marine Corps, BAE Systems has proven that the ACV is truly customisable and has the built-in growth capacity to integrate future mission critical technologies, including new battle management capabilities, advanced communications, multi-domain targeting management, beyond-line-of-sight sensors, and Manned-Unmanned Teaming (MUM-T) with autonomous and unmanned systems.
“We are thrilled to deliver this critical capability into the hands of Marines in the field,” said Garrett Lacaillade, vice president of the amphibious vehicles product line for BAE Systems. “As the Marines begin to familiarise themselves with the new ACV-C, we remain ready to fulfil any of the Corps’ critical amphibious warfighting needs to ensure the Fleet Marine Force is mission ready.”
The Marine Corps and BAE Systems entered full-rate production on the ACV programme with a contract award in December 2020. Currently, two of the four ACV variants are in production today at BAE Systems facility in York, Pennsylvania: the ACV Personnel variant (ACV-P), which provides transport for 13 combat-loaded Marines and three crew, and the new ACV-C variant. Production Representative Test Vehicles (PRTVs) are currently in production for ACV 30mm (ACV-30). ACV-30 is armed with a 30mm Remote Turret System that provides the lethality and protection Marines need while leaving ample room for troop capacity and payload.
The fourth variant on contract, the ACV Recovery variant (ACV-R) recently completed phase one of the design process. BAE Systems will deliver production representative test vehicles in 2025. ACV-R will provide direct field support, maintenance, and recovery to the ACV family of vehicles.
ACV production and support is taking place at BAE Systems locations in Stafford, Virginia; San Jose, California; Sterling Heights, Michigan; Aiken, South Carolina; and York, Pennsylvania.
(Source: www.joint-forcescom)
13 Jan 24. CVSSP Update. The UK MoD issued the Conventional Vehicle Systems Post Design Services and Spares Procurement (CVSSP) in March 2023.
A Tender Notice by UK MINISTRY OF DEFENCE
Source: Find a Tender
Type: Contract (Services)
Duration: 4 year
Value: £72m (approx. Ed.)
Sector: DEFENCE
Published: 10 Mar 2023
Delivery: 01 Apr 2024 to 31 Mar 2028
Deadline: 21 Apr 2023 00:00
Concepts
- military vehicles
- design authority
- post design services
- provision of a design authority
- conventional vehicle systems post design services and spares procurement
- minor design alterations
- vehicles post design services contract
- snatch post design services
- supply of spares
Location
United Kingdom:
- MOD Bristol
Description
The Authority has a potential requirement for the provision of a Design Authority to provide Post Design Services (PDS) and Spares Procurement for variants of the Light Wheels Platforms. This will be a four-year contract and an additional two Options years (The Authority is under no obligation to invoke this).
Total Quantity or Scope
The contract will cover the following platforms utilised by the UK Armed Forces: • Land Rover
- Trailer Light Weight
- Pinzgauer
- SNATCH and
- RWMIK
The purpose of the PDS contract is to enable the undertaking of work to ensure that modifications and minor design alterations are properly appraised and, where approved, implemented. The PDS process includes the redesign, redevelopment and engineering necessary for preserving the capabilities of equipment. PDS includes the Design Authority (DA) work required to maintain the design, manufacturing data and configuration control, safety and obsolescence management including where necessary reference equipment and addressing Urgent Capability Requirements (UCRs). PDS may also be used for minor enhancements such as meeting new safety legislation, enhancement of capability or performance or for reducing in-service support costs. The Contractor will be responsible for engaging with the Authorised Demander who is responsible for managing the Service Provision and Transformation Contract (SPTC), regarding the procurement and supply of Spares. It is anticipated that Core Services will include (but are not limited to): Post Design Services – Provision of Integrated Support Plan (ISP) – Engineering and Technical Support – Supply Support – Risk & Opportunity Management – Configuration Management – Technical Documentation & Information Management – Post Design Services (PDS) Tasking Management – Quality Management – Safety Management Procurement of Spares – Supply Support – Spares Re-Provisioning – Obsolescence Monitoring and Management Provided for information purposes only and not definitive. The potential value of this contract is estimated at £71m exclusive of VAT (CAT C). Background Currently there are two extant and separate contracts for the provision of PDS. These are: 1) OSVP/0056 CVS ‘B’ Vehicles Post Design Services Contract. 2) PMT/0025 WMIK and SNATCH Post Design Services (PDS). The Spares contract will continue to be managed by Babcock, The Authority’s Authorised Demander, under the SPTC. Both PDS contracts expire on 31/03/2024. The Authority intends to run a competitive tendering process under the Restricted Procedure of the Defence and Security Public Contracts Regulations (DSPCR) 2011 (Regulation 17). The deadline for receipt of DPQQ submissions via DSP was 23:59 on Friday 21st April 2023. Indicative Timetable: Issue ITT – 29/05/2023 Tender Return Deadline on DSP – 25/07/2023 Contract Award – TBC Contract Award Notice – TBC Indicative Contract Start – 01/04/2024 Timings above have been provided purely for information purposes only and are subject to variation, solely at the Authority’s discretion.
Renewal Options
There will be an opportunity for an additional two Options years (The Authority is under no obligation to invoke this).
CPV Codes
- 73423000 – Development of military vehicles
- 35400000 – Military vehicles and associated parts
Indicators
- This is a one-off contract (no recurrence)
- Options are available.
- Renewals are not available.
Other Information
- ocds-h6vhtk-03b19c
- FTS 007005-2023
Domains
- mod.gov.uk
- contracts.mod.uk
(Source: https://bidstats.uk/)
BATTLESPACE Comment: CVSSP, worth approx. £72m is unique in that it combines spares supply and PDS Services and forms part of the MoD’s LIOS (Land Integrated Operating Service) Requirement issued in January 202.
The Prime bidders are believed to include NP Aerospace, RBSL and Babcock with Hobson Industries and TVS being sub-contractors.
10 Jan 24. Government of Canada Announces Preferred Bidder for Logistics Vehicle Modernization Project in Support of Canadian Armed Forces. The Government of Canada is committed to providing members of our Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) with the modern vehicles, equipment and services they need to keep Canadians safe. To support domestic and international exercises and operations, the CAF requires a robust logistics supply chain. An important part of this chain consists of logistics vehicles used to transport materiel, munitions, personnel and other supplies between and within areas of operation.
Following an open, fair and transparent procurement process, including multiple engagements with industry, Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) has identified General Dynamics Land Systems–Canada as the preferred bidder to provide the CAF with a new fleet of light and heavy logistics vehicles, equipment and in-service support. The modernized fleet and new equipment will increase mobility and protection, supporting the CAF in accomplishing missions in Canada and abroad.
Through the Logistics Vehicle Modernization (LVM) project, the Government of Canada is replacing its existing fleet of logistics vehicles, which can be used to transfer resources, personnel and military assets during domestic and international operations and training exercises.
The identification of General Dynamics Land Systems–Canada as the preferred bidder represents a significant milestone in the competitive procurement process and follows a rigorous bid evaluation process. A contract is anticipated to be awarded to the company in spring 2024, conditional on final government approvals.
Canada’s Industrial and Technological Benefits Policy applies to this procurement and requires the supplier to make investments in Canada equal to the value of the acquisition.
To support Indigenous participation in the delivery of the project, the preferred bidder is required to submit an Indigenous Participation Plan after contract award. This plan aims to commit up to 5% of the contract value to support the employment of Indigenous Peoples and the procurement of goods and services from Indigenous businesses and entrepreneurs. The plan will also implement training and skill development programs, in collaboration with the Indigenous partners of the preferred bidder.
“The identification of General Dynamics Land Systems–Canada as the preferred bidder for the Logistics Vehicle Modernization project marks a significant milestone in the procurement process to modernize the Canadian Armed Forces’ existing fleet. This will ensure members of the CAF are equipped with the vehicles, equipment and services they need to continue to fulfill combat, disaster relief and peacekeeping missions in Canada and abroad,” said Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Public Services and Procurement.
“Through the Logistics Vehicle Modernization project, we are investing to provide the Canadian Armed Forces with modern logistics vehicles that will be used to transport personnel, equipment and supplies in support of operations at home and abroad. Today’s milestone is an important step forward in this project. This decision brings the Canadian Army closer to receiving the vehicles that it needs to continue to protect Canadians,” said Bill Blair, Minister of National Defence.
Quick facts
— National Defence has a requirement to acquire a new fleet of light and heavy logistics vehicles, trailers, vehicle modules, armour protection kits, logistics support and initial in-service support.
— The LVM equipment will be used in a variety of missions, including emergency disaster relief in Canada and abroad, and during combat support and peacekeeping activities overseas.
— Engagement with qualified suppliers has been an integral part of this procurement process. Through this engagement, the Government of Canada defined its requirements, and industry representatives had the opportunity to provide feedback.
— To ensure the fairness and integrity of this procurement, PSPC engaged the services of an independent fairness monitor to oversee the process, including upcoming discussions with General Dynamics Land Systems–Canada. The fairness monitor will provide an impartial report, inclusive of opinions and observations made throughout the monitored procurement activities.
— The competitive procurement process began on March 18, 2019, with the publication of a draft Invitation to Qualify (ITQ). The formal ITQ was published on April 26, 2019, and a list of qualified suppliers was released on July 8, 2019.
— The final draft Request for Proposal (RFP) was provided to qualified suppliers in August 2021 in 2 phases, to allow suppliers the opportunity to review and provide feedback on the primary requirements of the LVM project. The final RFP was released in December 2021 and closed in May 2022. (Source: https://www.defense-aerospace.com/ Public Services and Procurement Canada)
11 Jan 24. Egyptian Army adds to request for additional light tactical vehicle chassis. The contract alteration, approved by the US State Department, will see the land vehicles prime AM General provide additional vehicle chassis to Egypt. The US State Department has approved the modification of a previously awarded Foreign Military Sales (FMS) contract initially worth $41.9m.
Now, the deal will include the supply of an undisclosed number of additional Light Tactical Vehicle chassis to the Egyptian Army, bringing the total cost to $200m.
The original FMS case included 4-Man REV1-B Rolling Chassis with 190 horsepower (hp) diesel engines upgraded to 205hp turbocharged engines; training for the chassis assembly process, operations, and maintenance; spare and repair parts; testing equipment; US Government and contractor engineering, technical, and logistics support services; and other related elements of logistical and program support.
The proposed sale will contribute to the modernisation of Egypt’s Light Tactical Vehicle fleet, “enhancing its ability to meet current and future threats,” the Defense Security Co-operation Agency reasoned.
The principal contractor will be AM General of Mishawaka, Indiana. There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this sale.
Implementation of this sale will require the assignment of up to five additional US Government and three contractor representatives to Egypt for a duration of five years to support fielding and training for the programme.
According to GlobalData’s Egypt Defence Market, 2023-2028 report, the country does not operate any vehicle produced by AM General.
Instead, the Egyptian Army currently uses 114 units of the Sherpa 4×4 light utility vehicle supplied by the US manufacturer, Arquus Defense, which were procured between 2012 and 2016.
In addition, the Egyptian Government also signed a deal in 2017 to acquire 2,000-3,000 Panthera T6 armoured multi-purpose vehicles from the Minerva Special Purpose Vehicles, an Emirati supplier.
There are two possible explanations for this circumstance: either Arquus’s 4×4 chassis is similar to AM General’s 4-Man REV1-B Rolling Chassis or the Egyptian Government intends to procure AM General’s Light Tactical Vehicle options.
Last year was a big year for the Indiana-based contractor as it surpassed its Wisconsin-based rival, Oshkosh, as the supplier for the US Department of Defense’s latest Joint Light Tactical Vehicle A2 variant. This may be an option that the Egyptians are considering.
Nevertheless, these AM General chassis will contribute to Egypt’s goal of updating its military capability while further enhancing interoperability with the US and other allies. Egypt will have no difficulty absorbing this equipment and services into its armed forces. (Source: army-technology.com)
04 Jan 24. Hanwha’s Arion-SMET Successfully Completes Foreign Comparative Test with US Military. Hanwha’s multipurpose unmanned ground vehicle (UGV), the Arion-SMET, has completed a week-long field test conducted by the US Marine Corps and US Army. This accomplishment marks a significant milestone for the robotic vehicle, positioning it as a potential contender in the global UGV market.
The field tests were carried out as part of the Foreign Comparative Testing (FCT) run by the US Marine Corps Systems Command. Representatives from III Marine Expeditionary Force (III-MEF) and Army Combat Capabilities Development Command (DEVCOM), Ground Vehicle Systems Center (GVSC) also joined the testing held in Marine Corps Training Area Bellows (MCTAB), located on the eastern edge of Oahu, Hawaii, from December 14-22, 2023.
This remarks the first instance of a South Korean UGV participating in the US Department of Defense FCT, a program designed to assess, evaluate, and verify cutting-edge technologies developed by defense contractors from the US allies, aimed at enhancing the defense capabilities of the US military.
Prior to the actual FCT, a group of Marines had three days of user training sessions to operate the 2-ton electric robotic vehicle on challenging terrains, such as turf-covered packed sand beach course, soft sand, sand clay, bumpy and rutted roads. The tests were focused on evaluating the vehicle’s various mission capabilities, including heavy equipment transport, remote-controlled driving, waypoint navigation, exploratory maneuvering, soldier following, and physical tether following.
Youngwoo Seo, Executive Vice President of Hanwha Aerospace’s Land Systems Business Group, expressed his confidence in the Arion-SMET’s advanced hardware and software, emphasizing the global attention the UGV is receiving. “Arion-SMET’s participation in the US FCT program as evidence of its potential success, positioning it as a strong contender in the UGV markets of the US and other countries in the future,” said Dr. Seo.
Meanwhile, Hanwha Defense USA (HDUSA), an American defense business affiliate of Hanwha Aerospace, is planning to compete for the second increment of the US Army’s Small Multipurpose Equipment Transport (S-MET) program, dubbed the S-MET Increment II.
John Kelly, President and CEO of HDUSA, said, “HDUSA is interested in the S-MET Increment II and is preparing a partnership with US prime contractors and suppliers to compete for the unmanned ground vehicle contest.”
The Arion-SMET, an acronym for Autonomous and Robotic Systems for Intelligence Off-road Navigation – SMET, is one of the most advanced UGVs for the perspective of fully integrating HAEMOS (Hanwha Aerospace’s solutions for robotic and autonomous systems) with 6X6 fully electric unmanned vehicle for supporting infantry operations, including ammunition transport, medical evacuation, reconnaissance, and close combat support.
With a maximum payload capacity of 550kg (1200 lb), the UGV can cover up to 100km (62 mi) on a full charge, boasting a top speed of 43km/h (26.7 mi/h) on paved roads, and 22km/h (13.6 mi/h) on unpaved roads. In addition, the Arion-SMET can be additionally equipped with an advanced Remote-Controlled Weapon System (RCWS) that can automatically track and aim at targets through gunshot source localization, featuring a 5.56mm RCWS extendable to 7.62mm machine gun.
The Arion-SMET can be operated in various modes including remote-controlled driving, autonomous off-road driving, exploratory maneuvering, physical tether following, and leading soldier and vehicle-following.
09 Jan 24. More Tanks and Mine-Resistant Vehicles for the Polish Army. On January 6, a new shipment of military equipment arrived in Poland, including 29 M1A1 Abrams tanks and 79 M-ATV vehicles.
On January 8, the unloading of the ship began in Świnoujście. This is the third tranche of M1A1 Abrams tanks purchased in January last year for the needs of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Poland. The delivery includes 29 tanks and a supply of consumables.
Together with the tanks, 79 mine-resistant MRAP (Mine Resistant Ambush Protected) Oshkosh M-ATV vehicles, purchased on July 31 last year under the EDA (Excess Defense Articles) program, arrived in Poland. The beneficiary of the order is the Land Forces.
On November 21, 2023, on the Tank and Automobile Service Day, a ship entered the port in Świnoujście with, among others, 26 M1A1 Abrams tanks and 9 M88A2 Hercules technical support vehicles. In turn, on June 28, 2023, the first batch of 14 M1A1 tanks for the Polish Armed Forces was accepted. The sea transport also included 3 M88A2 Hercules technical support vehicles.
On July 31 last year, a contract was signed for the supply of further M-ATV vehicles for the Polish Armed Forces. The parties to it are the Government of the Republic of Poland and the Government of the United States of America.
After delivery to Poland, the acquired vehicles will be adapted to national road traffic regulations and then subjected to servicing and adaptation to the requirements of the Polish Armed Forces. 45 vehicles of this type were previously acquired under the EDA program and have been equipped with Special Forces since 2015, where they are used as an armored patrol car.
Oshkosh M-ATV was developed for the needs of the US Army based on experience with the use of this type of vehicles in the first phase of the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. The design is based on the chassis of the MTVR military truck, and its combat weight is 14.7 tons. The vehicle can carry 5 soldiers and provides high mine resistance. Its armament may include a 7.62 mm machine gun, a 12.7 mm large-caliber machine gun or a 40 mm automatic grenade launcher mounted on a turntable.
On January 4, 2023, at 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, 8 M1074 Joint Assault Bridges, six M577 command vehicles and 26 NG SECM mobile 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 1.4bn net, of which nearly USD 200m is financed by the American side as part of the aid funds granted to Poland, while deliveries of tanks and other military equipment 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. (Unofficial translation by Defense-Aerospace.com) (Source: https://www.defense-aerospace.com/ Polish Armament Agency; issued Jan. 08, 2024)
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TEK Military Seating Limited
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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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