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19 Jan 24. Textron Systems has recently been awarded an amendment to the delivery of the fully integrated prototype vehicle platform and system integration lab that will shape the future of the US Marine Corps’ (USMC) ARV (Advanced Reconnaissance Vehicle) programme. This amendment aims to enhance both the C4 (Command, Control, Communications, and Computers) and automotive systems of the ARV, by increasing requirements maturity and improving overall vehicle system performance through enhanced reliability. The effort is expected to complete in 2025.
One of the key aspects of this amendment is the incorporation of improved battle software that will help both define and refine the programme requirements. This upgraded software will enhance ARV’s operational capabilities and ensuring optimal performance in a variety of mission scenarios. Textron Systems’ advanced software solutions offered in the Cottonmouth will support the Marines as they evaluate future operations in a variety of [sic].
As Textron Systems continues to push the boundaries of innovation, the development of improved battle software and the integration of advanced C4 and automotive systems will undoubtedly strengthen the USMC’s ARV programme, positioning them to excel on future battlefields. With the amendment, Textron Systems will continue purpose-built ARV development efforts into 2025. (Source: www.joint-forcescom)
19 Jan 24. EndureAir develops Sabal logistics UAVs. Indian firm EndureAir Systems has developed two new unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for military logistics operations. The ‘Sabal’ series UAVs consist of small, electrically propelled tandem-rotor aerial vehicles designed primarily for cargo and observation applications, the company said.
Rama Krishna, CEO of EndureAir, told Janes that the Sabal UAVs, comprising Sabal-10 and Sabal-20, have a low audio and visual signature and can be transported and operated by two people.
Krishna added that the Sabal UAVs are geared towards operations in locations at high altitudes that are difficult to access. The Sabal UAVs are fitted with a dual redundant Global Positioning System (GPS) feature and can be operated in the event of GPS failure. Both UAVs also have a ‘return to home’ feature, which is activated in the event of loss of communications and low battery. (Source: Janes)
21 Jan 24. Belgian Army to Receive Falcon Command and Liaison Vehicles (CLVs). The Belgian Army Bataljon Jagers te Paard proudly announced the arrival of its first Joint Light Tactical Vehicles (JLTVs) from Oshkosh Defense. In Belgium, the JLTV will be baptized “Falcon Command and Liaison Vehicles (CLV)” and adapted to Belgian needs and to the European legislation.
The move comes as part of Belgium’s strategic plan to modernize its military fleet and enhance operational capabilities. As disclosed in a tweet by the Directorate General Material Resources (DGMR) of the Belgian Army on September 11, 2020, Oshkosh Defense secured a crucial contract to supply 322 JLTVs.
These vehicles are intended to replace the aging IVECO LMV Lynx armored vehicles currently in service. The Belgian Council of Ministers gave the green light to the Ministry of Defense to proceed with the acquisition, amounting to a substantial €134.7 million.
The decision reflected a concerted effort to ensure a seamless transition, with the new CLVs set to be delivered starting in 2023—three years ahead of the scheduled retirement of the existing fleet of IVECO LMVs.
The urgency for this fleet renewal becomes apparent when considering the current Lynx vehicles’ compromised structural integrity, leading to their premature retirement.
The IVECO LMVs, introduced in 2007, have faced challenges related to chassis and roof armor cracks, particularly in the 120 SPS and RPK variants equipped with Remote Weapon Systems (RWS) and additional armor. The unforeseen extra weight resulted in a significantly shortened operational lifespan. The contract with Oshkosh not only includes the procurement of JLTV CLVs but also a supplementary €15.4 million agreement for “technical assistance” and logistical support during the initial four years of service.
This comprehensive approach ensures the Belgian military’s ability to seamlessly integrate and maintain the new vehicles, minimizing downtime and maximizing operational efficiency.
The Belgian Ministry of Defence has awarded Oshkosh Defense a contract for 322 Oshkosh Defense Command and Liaison Vehicles (CLV) for the Belgian Armed Forces in 2020. The Belgian Falcon Command and Liaison Vehicles (CLV) is the proven Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV) platform from Oshkosh equipped with Belgian communication systems. The JLTV is currently used by the U.S. military.
The Ministry of Defence opted for a worldwide competition in which “money for value” was the only criterion. The CLV will be integrated in the CaMo program, an international partnership between the French and Belgian land forces.
Traditionally procured via foreign military sales, the Belgian procurement marks Oshkosh Defense’s first large direct commercial sale of a JLTV-based vehicle. Belgium joins the United States, the United Kingdom, Lithuania, Slovenia, and Montenegro in choosing this vehicle.
135 of the Falcon Command and Liaison Vehicles (CLV) platforms will be equipped with FN Herstal deFNder Light Remote Weapon Systems armed with a 7.62mm machine gun, underscoring Belgium’s commitment to equipping its forces with cutting-edge firepower. The decision to opt for an “off the shelf” purchase underscores the Defense Ministry’s intention to avoid unnecessary development costs, opting for a mature vehicle that has undergone thorough evaluation and analysis, particularly in the United States.
The Defense Ministry clarified that the procurement process prioritized Payload, Tactical Mobility, and Passive Occupant Protection. By choosing a vehicle that has been rigorously tested in partner countries, Belgium aims to ensure the reliability and effectiveness of its new fleet, aligning with international standards. by:militaryleak (Source: Paulo Dominonni via LinkedIn)
18 Jan 24. The Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) are undergoing a period of rejuvenation with force modernization as part of its efforts of reconstitution. This is essential as the Chief of Defence Staff’s directive for CAF reconstitution states that: adversaries and allies are outpacing us in the evolution of technology advancement and ability to operate in a pan-domain environment, making it an imperative for National Defence to evolve and improve itself to ensure we are a relevant and trusted partner.
The directive further states that: this imperative will drive National Defence to invest in the Force Development and Design (FD&D) of the Future Force and work to implement new flexible and responsive procurement approaches in order to ensure the long-term effectiveness, relevance, and credibility of National Defence, and create a truly joint Defence Team that can seamlessly integrate in a whole of government approach to delivering on national security priorities.
Sadly the defence procurement process in Canada is woefully inadequate in so many ways, and that has led to programs often “shifting to the right” and that means they become more expensive, especially when factoring in inflation. One can perhaps appreciate how this can happen with complex procurements like ships and aircraft, but delays also happen with innocuous equipment acquisitions like trucks, which is the focus of this article, and sadly that means the CAF is operating with vehicles that are well past their ‘best before’ date. Examples of such wheeled vehicles are the Heavy Logistics Vehicle Wheeled (HLVW) which entered service in 1990 after a protracted selection process; and the Light Support Vehicle Wheeled (LSVW) which was selected in 1991 and entered service in 1993. Both of these fleets are becoming unsupportable.
One would think that trucks are relatively uncomplicated, and therefore easy to replace, yet the procurement process has proven to be an achilles heel, so it’s no wonder that potential recruits steer clear of a force with aging equipment, and that CAF members become disenchanted. With that said, there is light at the end of the proverbial tunnel. Projects like the Logistics Vehicle Modernization (LVM); Light Utility Vehicle (LUV); Light Forces Enhancement (LFE); Enhanced Recovery Capability (ERC); and Domestic and Arctic Mobility Enhancement (DAME) are all seeing movement in the right direction (note: DAME is a tracked vehicle). Among all projects, the concept of capability modularization has been a key element.
Most of the wheeled vehicle projects for the CAF fall under the Directorate of Land Requirements 6 (DLR 6) or DLR 5.
LVM
The current CAF fleets of light (LSVW) and heavy logistics trucks (HLVW and HESV) and their associated equipment are in need of replacement due to their age and decreasing ability to meet operational requirements.
The Logistics Vehicle Modernization project will modernize and improve the light and heavy portion of the Logistics Fleets through the acquisition of new fleets of light and heavy logistics vehicles, trailers, vehicle modules, and armour protection kits. These vehicles are used by the CAF to transport personnel, equipment, and supplies in support of operations at home and abroad in support of Canadian National interests. They will also transport modules that can be used as spaces for functions such as cargo space, troop lift, ambulances, workshops, and command posts.
The project has a projected budget of $1-2 bn CAD, and will provide equipment with a minimum life expectancy of 20 years. This new, modern fleet will be able to carry a larger load, be more mobile, and provide increased protection to help ensure the CAF can continue meeting national and global missions. These missions will include situations such as disaster relief both in Canada and abroad during emergencies such as flooding, combat support, and peacekeeping overseas.
The LVM project will deliver one variant of light truck, four variants of light trailers, 14 variants of modules and an armour protection solution. It will also deliver seven variants of heavy truck, three variants of trailer, two variants of tractor trailer, five variants of module, flat racks and an armour protection system.
The LVM Request for Proposals (RFP) was released on December 9th 2021, and the project is currently under bid evaluation and a contract award is expected in 2023/24. The expected fielding date for Initial Operational Capability is likely not earlier than FY 27/28 according to a CAF document.
The LVM project is in addition to the separate Medium Support Vehicle System (MSVS) Standard Military Pattern (SMP) project which is the medium fleet solution that is already in service.
LUV
The CAF requires a protected, lightweight multi-role and highly mobile ground wheeled vehicle in order to conduct multiple battlefield roles and tasks across the spectrum of conflict. This includes, Combat roles, Command Support roles, Combat Service Support roles, Individual Training and Training support tasks. The current Light Utility Vehicle Wheeled (LUVW) fleet is comprised of a Standard Military Pattern (SMP) Mercedes G-Wagon and Militarized Commercial Off-The-Shelf (MilCOTS) Chevrolet Silverado truck, which have served the CAF since 2004.
The G-Wagon fleet includes the following variants: Command and Reconnaissance; Basic; and Military Police. The MilCOTS fleet includes the following variants: Cable-layer; Utility; and Military Police. Both the G-Wagon SMP and Silverado MilCOTS have reached their life expectancy; in fact, the Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) of both fleets no longer produce the vehicles nor parts resulting in significant capability shortfalls.
The LUV project has a projected budget between $700 m to $1 bn CAD, and will deliver 2,000-2,200 light multi-role vehicles with up to four variants: Command and Reconnaissance Vehicle; Utility Vehicle; Military Police Vehicle; and Cable-Laying Vehicle. It will also deliver Ancillary equipment, Integrated Logistics Support (ILS); and an In-Service Support solution.
ER
The Enhanced Recovery Capability (ERC) contributes to combat effectiveness by recovering vehicle casualties (where the tactical situation allows wheeled armoured fleets) to a location where it can be repaired, returned to combat, and/or denied from the enemy. The ERC project will replace the existing fleet of HLVW heavy tow trucks with an enhanced capability to match the new, heavier CAF wheeled vehicle fleets and the containerization of logistic vehicles. The project deliverables are expected to include heavy tow trucks and other special equipment for lifting and towing. Several armoured cab add-on kits or replacement cabs will be purchased to protect the crews when operating in high threat areas. ERC will be a single or dual-variant fleet comprised of ERC trucks and ERC Lifting and Controlled Righting System (LCRS) trucks.
The budget projected for the ERC is $250 – $499 m CAD, which will enable the CAF to procure up to 159 new heavy wreckers and up to 24 Armoured Protection Kits; Infrastructure; and Integrated Logistics Support & In-Service Support solution.
When the LVM project delivers, along with the ERC and in-service MSVS, this will represent a complete modernization of the fleet of logistics vehicles that will enable reliable support to domestic and expeditionary operations.
DAME
The Canadian Army needs a high mobility vehicle to move and survive for extended periods in the severe weather and terrain conditions found in the Arctic, in order to transport troops and equipment for safety, security and defence missions in Canada’s North. The in-service Bandvagn 206 (BV-206) vehicles are nearing their end of life. As a result, the CAF is more reliant on snowmobiles and light all-terrain vehicles which lack amphibious capabilities and environmental protection for the crew, are limited in troop and cargo carrying capacity, and are not designed for year-round use, nor are they suitable for casualty or medical evacuation, and all of that results in a greater dependency on limited and costly air medical services.
The CAF therefore needs a high mobility vehicle to transport personnel and equipment for extended periods in the extreme temperature and terrain conditions found in the Arctic. The Domestic and Arctic Mobility Enhancement Project is intended to be a key enabler for achieving present and future strategic goals in Canada’s North as well as enhance domestic response capabilities throughout all regions of Canada.
DAME is in the Optional Analysis phase and has a projected budget of $100 – $249 m CAD. The project will obtain a medium size, high mobility vehicle platform for the CAF that can provide the mobility, sustainment and communications required by forces employed in support of domestic operations. The platform will also provide essential mission support such as medical services and resupply. The project intends to deliver a common vehicle platform in 4 variants: Command Post; Troop Carrying; Cargo and Equipment Carrying; and Ambulance.
Specifically, DAME seeks to acquire up to 170 utility vehicles that can operate year-round in the Arctic and can move a light infantry section (10 soldiers) and crew (2 soldiers) 300 km while being self-sufficient for 72 hours.
LFE / LTV
The Light Forces Enhancement (LFE) project will deliver a new suite of vehicles to the Canadian Army specifically tailored to the Canadian Light Forces (LF) unique operational requirements.
As part of a review in support of the Adaptive Dispersed Operations concept, the Canadian LF need new light tactical personnel and cargo carrying capabilities. These capabilities will move soldiers and equipment across complex terrain which currently can only be reached on foot. It will lighten CAF soldiers’ on-person combat burden by carrying additional equipment and supplies, and will cover a larger area of operation through increased speed, range, and duration. This powerful, lightweight solution is expected to operate in domestic and expeditionary deployments, up to and including high threat environments; and enabling LF to keep up with mechanized elements of the Canadian Forces.
The project will deliver upgraded tactical mobility to Army LF including: Light Infantry, Artillery Tactical Groups, Light Engineers, Influence Activities, Intelligence, Electronic Warfare, as well as select Tranche 1 and 2 Reserve Mission Tasked (M/T) Infantry Units in 2,3, and 4 Divisions (mortars, direct fire support, pioneer platoons, Inf Recce Pl).
The LFE project has a projected budget of $50 – 99 m CAD, and will procure up to 330 ultralight tactical mobility platforms comprised of a mix of both Tactical Mobility Platforms – Personnel (TMP-P) and Tactical Mobility Platforms – Cargo (TMP-C) vehicles capable of being configured between both roles which will allow individual teams of soldiers to move themselves and the materiel necessary for completion of the mission efficiently, while minimizing fatigue, and sustain soldiers for its duration.
In support of Canada’s contribution to NATO Advanced Force Projection (aFP) in Latvia, as part of Operation REASSURANCE, Canada will procure Tactical Mobility Platform vehicles (TMPs) to equip a deployed Light Forces Battle Group starting in Fall 2024. This accelerated procurement is Phase 1 of LFE and is named Light Tactical Vehicle (LTV). An RFI was published on November 20th 2023, asking industry for options for Phase 1 – LTV which could acquire up to 108 vehicles. (by:Joetey Attariwala is CDR’s Senior Staff Writer) (Source: Paulo Dominonni via LinkedIn)
17 Jan 24. Rheinmetall Canada, Elistair pair robots and drones in test for Europe. European military officials witnessed how an intelligence-collecting drone can work with an unmanned ground vehicle to perform reconnaissance and escort tasks thought critical to success in future fights. Defense companies Elistair and Rheinmetall Canada on Jan. 16 announced the successful demonstration of their paired Khronos drone and Mission Master SP robot before the cadre of officials at a test track in Quebec. The companies did not disclose a detailed list of attendees.
Militaries the world over are increasingly interested in developing and deploying remotely guided or autonomous systems; machines can keep humans out of harm’s way, augment already precious manpower and work around the clock in unpleasant conditions. Elistair’s Khronos deploys from a small box and can stay aloft for 24 hours while tethered to a moving object, and Rheinmetall’s eight-wheeled Mission Master SP is capable of following troops and shuttling smaller items such as sensors and weapons.
“The Mission Master family of UGVs can carry a variety of ISR payloads,” Alain Tremblay, the vice president of business development and innovation at Rheinmetall Canada, said in a statement. “But Khronos definitely has its advantages, and we see international interest given its innovative capacity to adapt to current and future complex theaters of operation.”
The two companies plan to market the combination of autonomous drone and ground vehicle to “military customers,” according to their announcement. Both have experience in North America and Europe.
Rheinmetall is the 19th largest defense contractor in the world when ranked by defense-related revenue, according to Defense News Top 100 analysis. It earned $5bn in 2022 and $4.7bn in 2021.
Dardily, France-based Elistair is much smaller. Its chief executive, Guilhem de Marliave, in a statement said it was exciting to collaborate with a major defense contractor and sync unmanned technologies.
(Source: C4ISR & Networks)
19 Jan 24. RBSL integrates modular armour onto Challenger 3 main battle tanks. Following integration trials in 2023, the new modular armour system will improve the survivability of the British Army’s only 24-hour, all-weather, protected MBT. The British Army has adopted a new modular armour system for the Challenger 3 main battle tank (MBT) programme.
With integration trials conducted in 2023, the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) has selected the original equipment manufacturer of the platform, Rheinmetall–BAE Systems Land (RBSL), to start the manufacture and integration of the armour onto the MBT.
Designed by specialists at the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl), an executive agency within the MoD, this new armour offers greater survivability through its active and layered protection.
According to the UK Government, this new contract is a key part of the Land Industrial Strategy, released in May 2022. The document made reference to the new modular, integrated protection system architecture:
“Following a successful technology demonstrator, the Army is exploring options to use an open architecture to integrate active protection systems into its core platforms – starting with Challenger 3.
“This will help mitigate the different integration challenges and create options for different sensors and effectors.
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“Further research and experimentation in this area will also consider how such an architecture can incorporate a broader set of sensors and effectors to provide a more holistic system of protection against multiple ground and airborne threats.”
The tank underwent a full electromagnetic testing campaign to ensure its survivability in the most demanding battlefields saturated with sensors.
Lessons in armour from Ukraine
“The conflict in Ukraine has provided a timely reminder of the threat posed by Russia’s MBTs and other weapons systems,” stated Colonel Will Waugh, Senior Responsible Owner for the Army’s Armour (MBT) Programme. “This armour is a world-class sovereign capability that will provide a step change in protecting our soldiers and the survivability of the Challenger 3.”
In September, footage circulated of the destruction of a British Challenger 2 MBT destroyed by a mine and a Russian uncrewed aerial system.
The Challenger 2 turret is protected with second generation Chobham armour. A nuclear, biological and chemical protection system is located in the turret bustle.
This demonstrates the demand for reliable armoured systems at a time when even advanced protection, such as the Challenger 2’s armour, can be compromised in this way. (Source: army-technology.com)
17 Jan 24. DRDO rolls out light tank prototype. India’s state-run Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has “successfully” developed a fully functional prototype of the Zorawar light tank, Vipin Kumar Kaushik, director of the DRDO’s Directorate of Public Interface, told Janes on 16 January.
“The prototype of the light tank will now undergo development trials within the DRDO, and user trials with the Indian Army will begin either at the end of 2024 or the beginning of 2025,” Kaushik said.
The DRDO will showcase the prototype of the light tank at Defexpo 2024, to be held later this year, he added.
The DRDO has developed Zorawar in collaboration with Larsen & Toubro (L&T) for the Indian Army’s requirement of light tanks to deploy in the Himalayas along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China.
The Indian Army issued a request for information (RFI) in April 2021 to procure 354 locally manufactured light tanks for deployment in challenging terrain. (Source: Janes)
15 Jan 24. Marshall and Power Team selected as preferred bidder for Canada’s flagship vehicle logistics project. Public Services and Procurement Canada has named General Dynamics Land Systems-Canada
(GDLS-Canada), representing the Power Team, as the preferred bidder for its Logistics Vehicle Modernization (LVM) project. The Power Team, made up of GDLS-Canada, Marshall Land Systems, Mercedes Benz, Soframe and
Manac, will provide the replacement for the Canadian Armed Forces’ (CAF) existing fleet of logistics vehicles, which can be used to transfer resources, personnel and military assets during domestic and
international operations and training exercises.
With GDLS-Canada serving as prime integrator, Marshall will produce a range of interchangeable containerised mission modules capable of being mounted onto Mercedes-Benz Zetros trucks, which will provide the common vehicle chassis across all configurations. A contract is anticipated to be awarded in spring 2024, conditional on final government approvals.
“Marshall has operated in Canada for more than 17 years and views Canada as a second home,” said Marshall CEO Kathy Jenkins.
“Weare delighted to have the opportunity to work with government and local partners to build capability for Canada in Canada.”
Mission module production will begin this year at Marshall’s new production facility in Moncton, New Brunswick. The 82,000 sq ft (7,600 sq m) site opened its doors last October as part of Marshall’s
strategic plan to broaden its global reach and availability to meet the scaling of global customer base.
“For Marshall, delivering LVM will build on our proud heritage of supporting NATO partners through key strategic defence projects,” said Marshall Land Systems Managing Director Gary Moynehan.
“This decision on LVM represents a major milestone for our business, both in the UK and for our growing operations in our second home market of Canada.
“It is a resounding validation of our groupwide targeted investment and local partnership strategy in and beyond North America.”
On a global basis, Marshall Land Systems is also making progress in relocating its UK headquarters to a new 15,000 square metre purpose-built facility at Alconbury Weald, aiming to capitalise on global
opportunities for operational and deployable infrastructure. Construction will commence in the first half of 2024, with the start of operations slated for 2025.
12 Jan 24. First modernised Dutch navy LCU floated out. The first modernised Royal Netherlands Navy (RNLN) landing craft utility (LCU) Mk IX vessel was launched at De Haas Shipyards in Rotterdam on 9 January. De Haas Shipyards is carrying out the LCU mid-life upgrade (MLU) programme for the RNLN’s five LCUs under a contract awarded in 2022, with work to be completed by 2025. The first unit, L 9525, entered dry dock at De Haas Shipyards on 21 January 2023 to start its MLU. Following its launch, the ship will now undergo final testing ahead of certification and delivery to the navy in the coming weeks, the Dutch Ministry of Defence (MoD) said. (Source: Janes)
15 Jan 24. Lithuania Completes Boxer Procurement, Stands Up Two Battalions. Minister of National Defence A. Anušauskas Reviews Recently Completed Acquisition of “The Wolves.” The Ministry of National Defence has finished the procurement of the Boxer-Vilkas IFVs: last vehicles arrived in Lithuania late last year completing the delivery of the 89 purchased Infantry Fighting Vehicles and 2 prototype vehicles. Two battalions of the Iron Wolf Brigade have been full furnished with the new equipment.
Minister of National Defence Arvydas Anušauskas reviewed the Lithuanian Armed Forces acquisition of critical importance saying that combat power of a brigade upgraded with such equipment matched top NATO standards.
“Our Infantry Fighting Vehicles boasting superior armor and crew protection against mines are among the best across NATO. These IFVs, the new Joint Light Tactical Vehicles JLTV, PzH2000 howitzers, Javelin anti-tank unit and the RBS-70 short-range air defence unit means the Iron Wolf Brigade is a NATO brigade with the most advanced equipment and now multifold more capable,” Minister says.
- Anušauskas notes that the impressive results required significant effort over the past years. The ministry of National Defence conducted intense negotiations with the manufacturers in 2021-2022 agreeing on the desired system upgrades and additional test trials because the Vilkas IFVs delivered by 2020 had flaws. As a result of the upgrades, all the Vilkas IFVs have no operation restrictions since late 2022.
“The number of infantry fighting vehicles in our Armed Forces have quadrupled in three years and all operation restrictions have been fixed. The IFVs are now capable of destroying tanks and other heavy armor targets with Spike missiles and neutralize smaller, lighter or not armored targets with the 30 mm cannon at the same time. Our “Wolves” will also get drone jamming and other electronic defence upgrades,” says A. Anušauskas and also underscores the importance of additional procurements carried out in the recent years in support of the Vilkas IFV use.
“Last three years saw implementation of infrastructure projects that had been stuck due to low financing until 2021: garages and maintenance facilities for the Vilkas IFVs were constructed to make sure the equipment is used efficiently for many years. We have also acquired the IFV ammunition, 30mm rounds and Spike missiles, over the past years, as well as spares,” Minister points out.
The Vilkas project conducted under contracts signed back in 2016 has cost Lithuania approx. EUR 670m. The amount covers not just the IFVs but also logistical support, spare parts and the ammunition in full. (Source: https://www.defense-aerospace.com/ Lithuania Ministry of Defence)
12 Jan 24. Bulgaria MoD Explains Growing Cost of Stryker Vehicles.
Bushmaster Guns, Javelin Missiles and More Armor. What Will the New “Stryker” for the Army Be Armed with?
The contract with the USA for the supply of 198 machines for the army has been signed. However, the opposition claims that the machines are many times more expensive and are not even armored. The “Stryker” that Sofia is buying have indeed increased in price during the negotiations, but there are reasons for this – they will be assembled in Bulgaria and will be modernly armed.
An additional 422m BGN. for land force machines
The Stryker that Bulgaria is buying from the USA have increased in price by approximately this amount, as part of the negotiations on the deal. It was concluded at the end of 2023, after the project to modernize the ground forces had been stalled for years.
The main reasons for the increase in the price of the machines are additional requirements of the Bulgarian army command to the initial offer – that the machines be assembled in Bulgaria, to be reinforced with additional armor, weapons and means of intelligence and communication. This is understood from the answer of the Minister of Defense Todor Tagarev to the questions of the Chairman of the Committee on Defense in the Parliament Hristo Gadjev (GERB) from the end of November 2023.
The document reveals details of what weapons the new infantry vehicles will have – information that was not made public. They will be additionally armored, there will be powerful and fast-firing Bushmaster XM812 anti-tank missiles guns, Javelin and communication systems that transmit intelligence data in real time, including to and from the new F-16 fighters that Bulgaria bought and expects from the USA.
Parliament approved the deal with the US in November and in December 2023 ratified an intergovernmental treaty. It marks the beginning of the first rearmament of the Ground Forces of the Bulgarian Army in 30 years.
With the purchase of 198 combat and auxiliary vehicles, 183 of which are from the “Stryker” family, Bulgaria must equip a mechanized brigade. This is one of the country’s commitments to NATO. They cost about BGN 2.5bn, together with the necessary ammunition and Javelin missiles. Payment is staggered between 2023 and 2027; the first instalment of $263m was paid in late 2023.
Delivery will begin in 2025.
In addition to the machines being assembled and tested in Bulgaria, the armor technology will be provided to a Bulgarian company, as well as the ammunition.
What will be the equipment, what made the deal more expensive and how the information about all this refutes the opposition’s claims, which is against the contract for the modernization of the ground forces – the answers are in the following lines.
Weapons, capabilities and what makes the deal more expensive
The following abilities are added to the basic purchase of land war machines, which make the deal more expensive:
— $70m because the machines will be assembled and tested in Bulgaria.
— $50.6m for communication and information equipment.
— $48m for additional armor for all 183 Stryker combat and special vehicles. These armor parts will also be produced in Bulgaria.
— $33m for additional equipment for the intelligence machines.
— $911.2m – integration of Javelin missiles
— $31.5m – new domes for the reconnaissance vehicles, installation, spare parts and training
— $4m – more auxiliary machinery and field workshops.
— $33m for Bushmaster XM81 2 guns.
— $6.5m dollars for mine cleaning equipment.
— $8m more for training because of requested new systems and weapons.
Armor for all
In addition to the equipment and armaments described above, the initial offer did not include prices for Battle Management System (BMS), specialized medical equipment and additional communications. They have been added to the contract, and the medical equipment will be the same as that of the US Army.
At the beginning, only lattice armor was provided for tandem-warhead projectiles, so additional armor was requested for all Strykers. The armor technology will be provided to Bulgaria. It was also requested that the Javelin anti-tank systems be mounted on the turrets of the combat vehicles instead of inside.
Because of all the requested optical and radar reconnaissance systems, the turret of the reconnaissance machines had to be replaced.
The main fighting force in the investment expenditure project is 90 Dragoon or XM1296 Infantry Carrier Vehicles – Dragoon (ICVD) machines.
It is not yet clear what the domes of the machines will be. The latest modification of the XM1296, which is made by a consortium from Oshkosh (Oshkosh Defense), uses a turret from the Israeli company Rafael. An earlier announcement by the US State Department, which included all items authorized for sale, did not include turrets.
During the development of the design for the US contract, the number and type of auxiliary machines were changed from 12 to 15 and 6 refueling machines were added. The number of field workshops has been increased.
The base of Stryker machines is constantly being developed and modernized. In June 2023, the US Army placed a $712.3m order for 300 Stryker DVHA1 machines.
According to Minister Todor Tagarev, it is possible to acquire more machines from the “Stryker” family – for radio-electronic warfare, for direct air defense and others – “to supplement the mechanized brigade”.
Myths and accusations from the opposition
The information on the capabilities and armament of the new infantry vehicles, provided by the Minister of Defense, refutes the claims of deputies from “Vazrazhdane” that “Stryker” are not armored and are “one mine away from life” and Rumen Gechev from BSP that they will we have to import “ammunition of a caliber we do not produce”.
The statement of the former minister Krasimir Karakachanov that “the USA is selling us Stryker at 3 times higher prices, an old model that does not meet the requirements for armor protection and has been decommissioned”, also turns out to be false. Borislav Gutsanov (BSP) used the same argument to even demand the resignation of Defense Minister Todor Tagarev again a few days ago, albeit on a different occasion. It was claimed that there is no “offset” to the project – that is, none of the activities will be carried out in Bulgaria, which is also not true.
Tagarev’s responses say that in May 2022, a Request for Prices and Availability (LOR for P&A) letter was sent to the US government for combat and special purpose vehicles of the Stryker family. The response from the USA was received in Bulgaria on January 24, 2023. The estimated value is USD 968,178,208. It is noted that this is not an official offer, but information based on previous arms deals concluded by the US. The prices of the requested combat and auxiliary machines and equipment are comparable to those offered by companies in response to a request for information, the analysis of the Bulgarian army shows.
Project history
The concluded intergovernmental contract with the USA for “Stryker” at the end of 2023 unblocks the project for the modernization of the ground forces of the Bulgarian army, which has been moving unsuccessfully for more than a decade.
In 2018, the parliament approved a project to purchase 150 armored vehicles for the infantry. It was preceded by a long process of gathering information from countries and manufacturing companies. In 2021, the Ministry of Defense terminated the procedure, as “the price proposals of the two companies admitted to the second stage significantly exceed the framework approved by the National Assembly”. The Minister of Defense at that time was Krasimir Karakachanov, and the Prime Minister, Boyko Borisov.
Then, as expected, it turned out that both bids submitted in the competition – of the Finnish company “Patria” and of the European division of the multinational ” General Dynamics” (with mostly American participation) exceeded the then ceiling of nearly BGN 1.5bn.
According to unofficial information, the bids of the two companies, which reached the final stage, were for about BGN 1.7bn, with an estimated cost of BGN 1.22bn at the time. The two firms claimed that ways could be found to fit into the MoD’s planned budget. Some of the participants in the procedure proposed government-to-government negotiations. (Unofficial translation by Defense-Aerospace.com) (Source: https://www.defense-aerospace.com/Bulgarian Ministry of Defence; issued Jan 15, 2024)
16 Jan 24. VBAE Light Armored Vehicle Study Contract Could Support Industry Consolidation. Arquus and Nexter, French vehicle builders, have signed a contract worth €15m ($16m) to conduct a “pre-design” study for a light armored vehicle, dubbed Véhicule Blindé d’Aide à l’Engagement (VBAE), a European procurement agency, OCCAR, said in a Dec. 6 statement.
“VBAE Program covers the preparation and definition phase anticipating further development, production and ISS (in service support) contract in the near future,” the agency said. “The overall value of this first phase is 15M€ and it will last approximately two years.”
John Cockerill Defense (JCD), a Belgian company, will be a major subcontractor.
Nexter is the French partner in KNDS, a 50/50 joint venture held by the French state and the privately held German company Krauss-Maffei Wegmann. The Bode-Wegmann family controls KMW. France holds a golden share in Nexter to protect the most sensitive assets, to maintain national sovereignty.
The Organisation for Joint Armament Cooperation (OCCAR) said it was signing for France and Belgium, the partner nations backing the VBAE project, due to deliver in 2030.
“The VBAE Program stems from the need of the French and Belgian armies for a modern, innovative light armored vehicle, fully integrated into the battlefield information system and offering a high added value in terms of reconnaissance and combat,” the agency said.
The planned vehicle will be versatile and suitable for a variety of missions, Arquus and Nexter said Dec. 6 in a joint statement.
“A strong emphasis will be placed on essential performances of mobility, stealth, protection, and fire function,” the companies said. “It will combine compactness and optimized payload capacity.”
Arquus is lead contractor, Nexter co-contractor, and they will subcontract activities to the Belgian partner, John Cockerill Defense (JCD), the French partner companies said.
“This partnership, initiated from the pre-design phase, marks the desire for Franco-Belgian industrial cooperation on a major armaments program,” the French companies said.
The new vehicle will replace the Véhicule Blindé Leger (VBL) scout car and will boost reconnaissance, and command and control capabilities for the Belgian army, the companies said.
Arquus and Nexter are partners in the Future highly mobile Augmented Armoured Systems (FAMOUS) project backed by the European Defense Industrial Development Program, and FAMOUS 2, two projects supported by the European Defense Fund, in a European Union technology drive for future vehicles, including light armored vehicles and heavy tanks.
John Cockerill Defense is a member of the FAMOUS consortium, OCCAR said, and the three companies can draw on research from the FAMOUS studies for the VBAE project.
The EU has set a total budget of €122.5m for the FAMOUS 2 two-year project, with a maximum EU contribution of €95m.
The launch of the VBAE project marked an “ambitious and innovative cooperation,” the French companies said.
The architecture study is “indispensable,” an industry executive said, preparing the ground for the development phase.
The study brings in John Cockerill Defense as a subcontractor, but a larger industrial role is likely later on, when the program gets under way in development and production, the executive said.
The French army has operated the VBL since 1990, after Panhard developed a light vehicle in the 1980s and beat an offer from the Renault RVI unit in a two-way competition.
Talk of merger and acquisition
Two French specialist sources pointed up the possibility of a merger of the Belgian company JCD with Arquus, the French subsidiary of Volvo, the Swedish truck manufacturer. Such a merger is seen as defensive, as both John Cockerill, also known as CMI, and Arquus are seen to be struggling to win sales and boost their order books.
There is a natural fit, with John Cockerill specializing in guns and turrets, while Arquus builds chassis and platforms, a specialist source said. Both companies work on light and medium armored vehicles.
“It’s not idiotic,” the source said. A second source said JCD has factories in France, which makes it more acceptable as a merger partner.
JCD’s two French factories, Distroff – which builds cannon barrels – and Guénange, are both in the north, close to the border with Belgium. The Aubange factory in southern Belgium, builds parts and turrets, and assembles vehicles.
Although JCD’s initial stake in VBAE is subcontractor on the studies, the company is expected to win industrial work once the program contract is signed and development and production get under way.
La Lettre, a French newsletter, reported that JCD was in “advanced talks” with Volvo on an offer for Arquus, which is a rebranding and relaunch of Renault Trucks Defense (RTD) and other military vehicles.
The parent company Volvo cancelled in 2017 a sale of its Volvo Group Governmental Sales unit, which included Acmat, Mack Defense, Panhard, RTD, and Volvo Defense. That open tender had attracted rival offers from the Belgian company CMI and KNDS, reported to have been in the region of €300m-€400m. Volvo had expected €500m-€700m, and the Swedish company took the military business off the market. Rothschild acted as adviser on that planned sale.
RTD and other company names, including Panhard, were rebranded as Arquus after Volvo relaunched the business unit, which is active in the military market, while the parent company focuses on the commercial truck sector.
The valuation of Arquus is thought to have fallen sharply since Volvo took the business off the market, with a declining order book, which drags the asking price down, the sources said.
Arquus has relied on the French army Scorpion modernization program and service support, while striving to win foreign orders. Sales to foreign clients accounted for some 25 percent of 2021 revenue, with the rest from France. Arquus has aimed to hit a 50/50 target of export and domestic sales.
Generally, sales of French-built vehicles have been slow, and commercial success has been mainly in orders for Caesar truck-mounted artillery and 155mm ammunition, an industry source said.
Industry has long waited for the French Direction Générale de l’Armement procurement office to launch a competition for a fleet of army trucks, worth some €3bn, with a fuel truck among the support vehicles to be delivered.
But the DGA has yet to launch that tender, which is expected to attract bids from a Dutch company, DAF, German company Mercedes, Italian builder Iveco, and Rheinmetall Man of Germany.
Architecture study
The two-year VBAE contract refers to studies on the architecture and concept of the new vehicle, which will be shipped in various versions, industrial sources said.
The studies will look for the best compromise for a vehicle of seven or eight tonnes – not exceeding 10 tons – with the right level of ballistic protection, payload, and mobility, an industrial source said.
That compares to the four-ton VBL, of which Arquus offers an upgraded MK3 Ultima version. The French army has a fleet of some 1,600 VBL, which carries a three-strong crew, and accompanies the Leclerc tank.
On power source, Arquus has invested own funds in developing its Scarabée hybrid diesel-electric armored vehicle, aimed for the VBAE program.
The VBAE will go beyond just the VBL, one source said, with the project looking to deliver two key combat versions, namely a tank-killer turret armed with the medium-range Akeron MMP missile, and a fire-support model with a 25mm or 30mm cannon.
The 25mm caliber is a Nato standard and is to be found in the U.S. army and marines on the Stryker and Bradley armored vehicles, the source said. The Italian forces also use a 25mm gun, built by Leonardo Oto Melara, and the French army’s VBCI infantry fighting vehicle also uses the 25 mm gun, which was developed by Nexter on own funds.
A feature in the VBAE’s key reconnaissance mission will be an aerial drone and a small robot land vehicle.
Production targets
The French government gazette shows 180 VBAE are due to be delivered by the end of 2030, with a further 1,440 units shipped by the end of 2035. That is in an annex report to the 2024-2030 military budget law.
Those are “targets,” an executive said, with delivery depending on the government of the day respecting the annual spending set in the multi-year defense budget, which was voted in parliament in July this year.
The first delivery in the VBAE program was previously expected in 2027, slipped to 2028, and then pushed back to 2030, with the bulk of shipments now expected in the mid-2030s.
The VBAE was backed by the previous defense minister, Florence Parly, who saw the vehicle as essentially a European project, drawing on technology from the EU FAMOUS research projects, a source said.
Belgium is partner nation on the VBAE study, and is expected to order some 300 units.The VBAE is seen as an extension of Belgium’s order for vehicles in the French Scorpion program through its Capacité Motorisée (CaMo) program. Belgium has ordered the key Scorpion vehicles, namely the Jaguar combat reconnaissance vehicle and Griffon multirole troop carrier, and the SIC digital command and control network.
Those are key elements designed and built in France, which has also ordered the Serval light armored troop carrier.
The VBAE project is open to European partners, but it remains to be seen whether other nations will sign up.
Soframe, a unit of the privately owned Lohr company, said in February 2021 it was offering its Mission Observation Surveillance Acquisition Investigation Combat (MOSAIC) concept for the VBAE project. The concept came in three main versions, namely reconnaissance and intelligence gathering, direct fire, and transport vehicle for the MMP missile team, the company said. Soframe offered a diesel-electric hybrid vehicle, which could be remote controlled without a crew onboard. The MOSAIC concept took into account export potential. The French authorities did not take up Soframe’s offer, and although the company did not build a prototype, that concept may not have been buried. (Source: https://www.defense-aerospace.com/)
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