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24 Jan 24. Brazil upgrades armour. Defence iQ’s International Armoured Vehicles (IAV) 2024 conference being held in London from 22 to 25 January received an update on Brazil’s plans to upgrade its armoured forces.
The first part of the modernisation plan consists of two parts, the first involving the upgrade of Brazil’s Leopard 1A5 tanks and installing a 30 mm turret on its M113 armoured personnel carriers (APCs), and the second part the acquisition of a new tracked armoured vehicle – both a main battle tank and an infantry fighting vehicle.
In addition, Brazil is seeking 36 wheeled self-propelled howitzers to complement or replace the Brazilian Army’s tracked and towed artillery.
Under a contract signed in December 2022, two prototypes of the Centauro II 8×8 armoured vehicle armed with a 120 mm gun procured from Società Consortile Iveco – Oto Melara (CIO) are being evaluated as Brazil’s Viatura Blindada de Cavalaria Média Sobre Rodas (Wheeled Medium Armoured Cavalry Vehicle). If the technical evaluation is successful, 89 serial production vehicles are planned to be manufactured over a 15-year period and equipped with a Brazilian battle management system. (Source: Janes)
25 Jan 24. USMC new amphibious vehicles will soon deploy to the Pacific. The Marine Corps will deploy its new amphibious vehicle within a few months, after nearly a year and a half of restrictions on the operation of the platform.
In October 2022, an amphibious combat vehicle rolled over in the water during training, prompting the Corps to halt most operations of the vehicle in the surf — the second time that year that the service restricted the use of the vehicle after a mishap in rough waters.
The Marine Corps attributed the mishaps to training shortfalls and is recertifying vehicle operators and maintainers, focusing the new training on how the amphibious combat vehicle differs from its predecessor, the amphibious assault vehicle.
With these new training procedures in hand, the Corps plans to deploy amphibious combat vehicles with the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit in or around March, Assistant Commandant Gen. Christopher Mahoney said Thursday at a Hudson Institute event in Washington.
combat vehicles can emerge from a ship, transit the waves and then roll onto shore, allowing the military’s amphibious force to conduct amphibious operations. But the vehicle has faced challenges, not only on the water but also on land, including a a December 2023 rollover that killed a Marine aboard a California Marine base.
Even the operators who had gotten recertified weren’t yet authorized to transit the surf zone with embarked troops or when the average height of the tallest waves are at 4 feet or higher, Marine spokesman Capt. Ryan Bruce said in December 2023. Marine Corps Times on Thursday asked the Corps when it would officially lift those restrictions but didn’t immediately receive a response.
The California-based 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit will deploy on the Navy’s Boxer Amphibious Ready Group in phases, with the amphibious transport dock Somerset heading to the Pacific in the coming days to begin a six-month scheduled deployment, Shon Brodie, the director of the Maritime Expeditionary Warfare Division at the Corps’ Capability Development Directorate, told Defense News on Friday.
The amphibious assault ship Boxer and the dock landing ship Harpers Ferry will deploy about two months later, in or around March, due to ship readiness and maintenance challenges.
Corps and fleet leaders recognized the importance of having Marine forces afloat in the Pacific between Taiwan’s January election and its May inauguration, Brodie said. Since the entire amphibious ready group would not be ready to go, they elected to send the Somerset early to allow for some presence in the region.
Mahoney said the vehicles likely will deploy with the other two ships, allowing for more time to wrap up testing and training.
The Marine Corps previously had been tight-lipped about when it would lift the restrictions on the operation of the vehicle.
Bruce said via email back in December 2023, “Our Marines are training and experimenting with the platform as we speak, but the service is not going to rush into announcing capabilities on upcoming deployments until we are certain we have done our homework.”
In announcing that the vehicles soon would deploy with the Marine expeditionary unit, Mahoney acknowledged that Marines still have some more homework to do first.
“We have a very detailed checklist sort of criteria to get that platform back to unprotected waters,” said Mahoney, who also is the acting commandant while Commandant Gen. Eric Smith recovers from his October 2023 cardiac arrest.
“We’re working on that. There are a couple more things to go, but I’m confident that we will get the training, get the procedures and the methods to the level that we need to be confident in rough sea states.”
25 Jan 24. Canada readies for new, smaller truck fleet. The Canadian military expects to acquire a new fleet of trucks starting in 2026 — but it will order fewer vehicles than it has in its the current fleet.
The Canadian government announced Jan. 10 it had selected General Dynamics Land Systems-Canada of London, Ontario as the preferred bidder for the Logistics Vehicle Modernization (LVM) project.
Negotiations are ongoing and specific details of the contract won’t be available until it is signed later this year. But the LVM project budget is estimated to be between $1bn and $5bn Canadian dollars (U.S. $740m and $3.7bn), according to the Department of National Defence.
The new vehicles will replace the current in-service fleet of 1,300 light support vehicles and 840 heavy logistics vehicles as well as the fleet of heavy engineer support vehicles, National Defence spokeswoman Andrée-Anne Poulin said in an email.
Those vehicles have all been in use since the late 1980s and early 1990s, she added.
However, the government won’t be buying the same number it has.
“It’s important to note that LVM is not a one-for-one capability replacement,” Poulin stated. “Instead, we have developed a solution-focused procurement that weighs both the quality and quantity of deliverables within a fixed budget.”
The actual number of vehicles and ancillary equipment that will be delivered to the Canadian Forces will be made public following award of the contract.
An April 4, 2023 Canadian Army briefing to defense industry executives in Ottawa provided a general outline of the service’s acquisition plans. Those included one variant of light truck, four variants of light trailers and 14 variants of interchangeable modules that would provide a variety of specialized functions, according to the briefing by Army Lt. Col. Eric Hardy of the Directorate of Land Requirements.
In addition, the project will deliver seven variants of heavy trucks and three variants of trailers for those vehicles. Two different types of tractor trailers would also be acquired, according to the briefing, which was obtained by Defense News.
Armor protection systems for the vehicles would be included in the package to be provided by General Dynamics Land Systems, Poulin said.
“It is anticipated that first deliveries will occur in the 2026-2028 timeframe,” she noted. Initial operational capability is expected in the 2027-2029 timeframe, and full operational capability is slated for between 2029 and 2031.
The contract will include interim in-service and logistic support as well as long-term in-service support, Poulin noted.
General Dynamics Land Systems-Canada will be the prime contractor in a consortium that will provide the Canadian Forces with Mercedes-Benz Zetros trucks, according to a Jan. 15 news release issued by consortium member Marshall Land Systems Canada.
The Zetros truck will provide the common vehicle chassis across all configurations, the firm noted.
Marshall will produce a range of interchangeable containerized mission modules for the trucks at its facility in Moncton, New Brunswick.
GDLS-Canada did not respond to a request for comment. (Source: Defense News)
25 Jan 24. Italy tees up $5bn-plus program to build 1,000 combat vehicles.
Italy will pick industrial partners to start work on a major new €5bn ($5.4bn) tracked fighting vehicle program within “a few months,” an Italian senior army official has told Defense News.
Companies will be invited to launch feasibility studies for the program which is expected to lead to a 1,000 vehicle purchase as Italy hurries to replace its aging Dardo vehicles, and as the war in Ukraine has put land combat back on the map.
Furthermore, with Italy determined to involve European firms, the program could prove a catalyst for industrial integration in the sector, as soon as Rome can decide on who to pick from potential partners like Italy’s Leonardo and Iveco, French-German team-up KNDS, and Germany’s Rheinmetall.
“From a programatic point of view, all documents related to the operational requirement have been approved and the Ministry of Defence has allocated an important part of the necessary budget,” said Maj. Gen. Francesco Olla, the head of the Italian army’s General Planning and Financial Division.
“Therefore, the procurement activities will begin in next few months,” he added.
Formerly called the Armored Infantry Combat System (AICS) and now renamed the Army Armored Combat System (A2CS), the program foresees a vehicle able to share targets with other platforms, use a wide range of ammunition, including airburst rounds, and capable of tackling threats from improvised explosive devices and anti-tank missiles as well as swarming drones.
The Italian army also envisages a vehicle with scalable armor, open architecture, hefty command and control capability and the ability to work with drones and unmanned ground vehicles.
Italy’s 2023 defense budget mapped out spending of €5.2bn on the program over 14 years, projecting that final spending would rise to €15bn.
The document also claimed the program would be run in a “multi-national context, based on alliances with solid European firms that already work with Italian companies.”
Olla said that was because no one European nation could now afford to develop its own vehicle.
“I do not see any EU country capable of developing such a complex technological program alone, because of the associated costs and requested technological know-how. Therefore, we expect to see multinational cooperation in this regard and I am sure that the recent agreement signed by Leonardo and KNDS is a very encouraging step toward that direction,” he said.
In December Italy’s state defense champion Leonardo and Franco-German consortium KNDS signed what the companies called a “strategic alliance.” The pact is meant to bring Italy on board the European battle tank program known as the Main Ground Combat System (MGCS) and guide talks on workshare on new Leopard tanks Italy is ordering from KNDS.
The deal also mentions a possible team-up on the A2CS program, said a source knowledgable of the deal who declined to be named because he was not authorized to speak to the media.
An KNDS spokesman said, “The Italian vehicle could be a program for possible cooperation between Italian industry and KNDS.”
KNDS may consider offering Italy the tracked version of its Boxer vehicle, which it has tested and showed off at the Eurosatory defense show in France in 2022 but not put into production.
Olla said he was wary of Italy buying an existing vehicle, adding he would like to see Italian industry take the role of design authority.
“It is not only a matter of investments and jobs obtained in our homeland, but also an operational problem, if you think of the logistics of the systems and the required development and upgrades they will bring with them.”
He added, “It does not mean that Italy will be self-sufficient, but we need to recover our industrial capabilities to produce high-quality platforms, which represent the best tool we can put in the hand of our warriors to give them the higher probability to accomplish their mission and get back home safe.”
Rheinmetall, which is offering Italy its tracked Lynx vehicle, said it is ready to hand over design authority.
“The Lynx is the most modern Infantry Fighting Vehicle available today. It has open architecture and because we control the product, we can give Italy technology transfer and the design authority,” said Alessandro Ercolani, the CEO of the firm’s Italian subsidiary, Rheinmetall Italia.
Ercolani said Italy would risk delaying the program if it tried to develop a vehicle from scratch.
“Italy would need 5-7 years to design a new IFV or tank, something it has not done since the 1990s, and there would be the cost of development to consider,” he said.
Asked if Rheinmetall was at a disadvantage in talks since Leonardo had already signed a strategic deal with KNDS, Ercolani replied: “We are not at a disadvantage because KNDS does not have an IFV to offer at this time.”
The need for more European cooperation on big-ticket programs has been stressed repeatedly by Leonardo CEO Roberto Cingolani, and A2CS could be a prime catalyst at a moment when the European main battle tank is mired in delay.
But if Italy wants a multi-national alliance to work on the A2CS program, officials in Rome may have to bring some patience while the pieces of that alliance fit together.
A source familiar with the program told Defense News that the nascent effort was parked with procurement officials who are waiting to see what industrial consortium might evolve to handle a feasibility study.
Leonardo, which is certain to be involved, not only signed its cooperation deal with KNDS in December, but also has a well established joint venture to build military vehicles with Italy’s Iveco, called CIO.
“One possibility would be for the work on the study to be handed to CIO, but officials are waiting for a signal from industry about evolving alliances that will want to handle the work,” said the source who declined to be named because he was not allowed to speak on the record.
Leonardo has reportedly mulled the purchase of Iveco Defence Vehicles – the branch of Iveco with which it runs CIO – in order to bulk up its land operations business ahead of potential European consolidation in the industry.
“Leonardo needs to decide what to do on that front,” said the source. Ultimately, he added, if Italy wants a new vehicle it will need to accept longer development times. “That is why this consortium needs to come together fast,” he added. (Source: Defense News)
24 Jan 24. UK leans on 4 land export ‘priority campaigns’ to chase $26bn prize: Army chief. The British Army has shared how it plans on reshaping a dismal land vehicle and equipment export track record that saw it contribute just 4 percent, equivalent to $4.5bn, toward all UK military exports between 2012 and 2021.
The UK is pushing hard to secure lucrative export land vehicle and equipment contracts by focusing on “four priority campaigns” that could deliver a combined total of £20bn ($26 bn) in new orders, but the strategy won’t work if rival aerospace and maritime campaigns receive greater political support, the head of the British Army warned today.
Gen. Patrick Sanders, chief of the General Staff, explained during the IQPC International Armoured Vehicles Conference in London that the service is currently “seeing land export opportunities grow much faster than expected,” and pledged to turnaround the British Army’s dismal export track record that saw it contribute just 4 percent, equivalent to $4.5bn, toward all UK military exports between 2012 and 2021.
“The last significant land exports were Desert Warrior [Infantry Fighting Vehicles] to Kuwait and Challenger 2 [Main Battle Tanks] to Oman in the 1990s,” Sanders said. But he stressed that new business opportunities are now on the horizon courtesy of “a series of international engagements and four priority campaigns” which, if successful, would land orders in the region of £20bn ($26bn).
Sanders shared few details about the nature of the export campaigns, not disclosing which vehicles or equipment have been offered or to which nations, but did mention the proposals are based around the “right strategic partnerships [and] founded on shared capability and interoperability.”
He added, however, that “promising green shoots [means] land export campaigns and the small- and medium-sized enterprises that deliver them, need protection against massive maritime and aerospace campaigns that dominate the political narrative, to the exclusion of the relative simplicity and pace of land exports, which should be celebrated and promoted.”
British Army acquisition cancellations, misspending, vehicle technical faults and a shrinking land equipment national industrial base have all contributed in recent times to limit export potential, while affordability issues continue to hang over the service’s long-term Future Soldier modernisation programme. Additionally, the war in Ukraine has placed in sharp relief, the need for the service to increase capabilities and accelerate procurements.
There are signs that newer platforms on order, chiefly the Boxer Mechanized Infantry Vehicle (MIV) and Challenger 3 Main Battle Tank are making meaningful progress, while the restart of Ajax armored fighting vehicle tests show it is belatedly on course to enter service after years of disruption, largely caused by safety issues related to previous test crew personnel suffering hearing loss from excessive noise and vibration.
It was also revealed earlier this week that London has decided to go ahead with acquiring newer Boxer vehicles, while the German-UK joint venture Rheinmetall BAE Systems Land (RBSL) shared imagery of a first Challenger 3 prototype after completing manufacturing of the vehicles at company facilities in Telford, England.
In all, the British Army expects to take delivery of more than 1,200 armored vehicles over the next five years.
Elsewhere, Sanders suggested that the UK should prepare to follow the approach of eastern and northern European allies in readying for a fight against Russia by “laying the foundations for national mobilisation” — a potential that raised eyebrows after his speech was leaked to the British press. (Source: Defense News Early Bird/Breaking Defense.com)
25 Jan 24. Babcock extends GLV variants. Babcock briefed BATTLESPACE Editor Julian Nettlefold at the IAV Conference held in Twickenham, London, this week The General Logistics Vehicle(GLV) is able to fulfil a multitude of tasks for militaries across the world.
Replacing the Land Rover Defender, the vehicle is based upon the Toyota Land Cruiser, but with significant re-build and enhancements. It builds upon the characteristics, performance, and core architecture of the iconic military Land Rover, whilst applying our engineering expertise and the latest technology.
Meeting the needs of different missions
The GLV series offers a common vehicle base with various role modules to meet the needs of different missions in evolving theatres of operation. Optimum functionality is provided through value-engineered specifications that prioritise operational effect whilst maintaining passenger comfort and ease of operation.
The GLV design enables us to integrate various signals and communication technologies, enabling the vehicle to perform a key role within an integrated C4ISTAR eco-system. The payload also allows for the integration of self-defence counterstrike capability to intercept missiles and unmanned aerial threats without compromising on mobility.
The GLV is future-proofed against payload growth and capability improvements through the ability to undertake:
- Gross vehicle weight uplift packages
- 6×6 conversions
- Wheelbase and chassis extensions
- Zonal armour kit installations
- High output power systems upgrades
Our through-life capability management approach provides the ability to develop hybrid, electric vehicle and hydrogen powertrain solutions within the GLV, including retrofit if required in the future.
An effective, reliable, and affordable all-terrain vehicle
We recognise the need to balance rising costs with a pressing requirement for greater and more robust defence and security. The GLV is an effective, reliable, and affordable all-terrain vehicle that will enable militaries and security forces to operate larger multi-role fleets.
Through our significant and unique experience with equipment support and asset management, we ensure that critical vehicles are readily available, affordable and future proofed, and that the through-life costs of the GLV are kept to a minimum.
Ensuring militaries are mission-ready
The GLV is a resilient workhorse built around the proven Toyota Land Cruiser LC70 vehicle which has been used by militaries and aid agencies all around the world. End user comfort, safety, manoeuvrability, and protection has been foremost in the design and production of the GLV, as has the ability to integrate evolving technologies and mission systems. The ergonomically designed cabin accommodates the widest range of driver dimensions compared to other utility vehicles in the market with no loss to urban or off-road mobility.
The layout and familiarity to the Land Rover will be evident for technicians and users alike due to the:
- Beam axle suspended front engine
- Ladder frame chassis with separate body
- Familiar layout and componentry
24 Jan 24. At the recent IAV Conference, held in London, Jonathan Welch Thales UK Capture Lead, gave BATTLESPACE Editor Julian Nettlefold an update on the forthcoming British Army’s Land Mobility Programme (LMP). Thales is offering its Hawkei and Bushmaster 5,5 vehicles for the LMP Light and LMP Medium Programmes respectively.
LMP Medium Protected is a 1500 vehicle Requirement with the existing fleet of Mastiff, Ridgback, Bloodhound having an OSD of 2028
LMP Lightweight Protected is a 3100 vehicle Requirement to replace the Panther fleet with an OSD of 2028-30.
LMP Lightweight Utility variant is for 7000 vehicles which Thales will not be bidding.
Thales will supply the initial 240 Hawkei vehicles from Bendigo in Australia while it prepares a UK partnership to build and support the vehicles in UK in partnership with Thales’s Glasgow facility. Thales will provide 60% UK content to met UK MoD Requirements
The Hawkei specification offered is a 3 tonne payload 10.5 tonnes GVW with capability to be underslung from a CH-47. Hawkei has a Plasan modular armour system which can be easily added and removed in the field.
Oshkosh showed its JLTV at IAV another contender for LMP Medium.
The Pre-IAC is expected inMarch 2024 with Trasury Approval in April with ITT in June.
Army-technology.com reported on LMP in September 2023.
The service’s Land Mobility Programme is looking to consolidate from a mixed fleet of platforms acquired during the Iraq and Afghanistan years.
The UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) is expected to make a decision on an strategic outline case for the British Army’s Land Mobility Programme (LMP) in February 2024, as the service looks to replace and reduce the 16 vehicle types currently in the mobility fleet down to around five designs.
Speaking at the LMP briefing at DSEI 2023, British Army officials provided details on the programme as it stands, which had been rebranded from the service’s earlier Protected Mobility Programme, with survivability now required to be “sufficient, rather than exquisite”.
Funding for the first ten years of the programme would be around £2.2bn, although replacement platforms would not be acquired on a one-for-one basis, with the emphasis around increasing commonality across base platforms that can be rerolled or fitted with mission-specific equipment.
In-service platforms that will be part of this consolidation effort include the Wolfhound, Mastiff, and Ridgeback protected mobility platforms, the Panther and Foxhound 4x4s, the tracked Bulldog FV430, as well as utility platforms such as the Coyote, Jackal, Land Rover, and Pinzgauer.
One of the main causes of the range of platforms utilised in the British Army’s mobility fleet is a legacy of the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan, when the service found itself under-equipped for the type of vehicles required to conduct sustained counter-insurgency operations. As a result, a series of urgent operational requirement acquisitions have left a mark, resulting in unwieldy sustainment and support, and inflated costs.
Brigadier Matthew Wilkinson, vehicle support team leader at the MoD’s Defence Equipment & Support, said the British Army had “inherited a mixed fleet of vehicles”, which would have to be consolidated.
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“We will be prepared to compromise on platform performance and requirements,” said Wilkinson, in order to achieve the requirement commonality. “We will have fewer core platforms, but in a broader range of configurations.”
Acquisition strategy would also see a shift away from the purchase of “monolithic blocks” of vehicles to “packages”, filling a requirement where needed. In addition, platforms competing for LMP requirements should have a “60% or greater” UK footprint, further emphasising a leading narrative emerging across the UK defence sector.
LMP focused on mobility, commonality, and affordability
Overall platform numbers being sought under the LMP effort are still being refined, but information presented at the British Army briefing saw four main categories of platforms being sought – Heavy (~500 vehicles), Medium (~2000 vehicles), Light (~2500 vehicles), and Utility (~3000 vehicles) – for a potential total of around 8,000 vehicles.
The Heavy platform would weight between 20-40,000kg, have high levels of protection and be able to accommodate large mission payloads and system. The Medium platform is envisaged to weigh up to 20,000kg with medium levels of protection, and fulfill roles typically performed by light mechanised infantry.
The Light platform would weigh up to 10,000kg and expand into the mechanised infantry roles into areas such as reconnaissance. The Utility vehicle, potentially the most numerous, would weight around 7,000kg and focus on lower levels of protection with high mobility.
In all imagery displayed no mention of incoming tracked vehicles was given, indicating a decision taken early on to go all-wheeled for the LMP, in an ongoing trend within the British Army to reduce its tracked fleet, such as with the acquisition of the Boxer 8×8.
The programme does not include acquisitions being sought under the Light Tactical Mobility Platform (LTMP) Medium and LTMP Light programme, through which the MoD is currently seeking industry responses to the potential purchase of more than 1,000 4×4 and all-terrain vehicles, valued at a combined total of £91.3m ($113.8m). However, British Army officials said that commonality between these respective programmes could be sought, depending on requirements.
The latest version has a new 2.8 litre engine and strengthened suspension. The GLS variants have been expanded to Short Wheel Base Hardtop, Medium Wheelbase Hardtop, Long Wheelbase Hardtop and 6×6 load carrying variant with a payload of 2.5 tonnes to fit a standard NATO pallet. The rear doors folds into the body to allow the GLV to be loaded via a forklift. Babcock foresees the Requirement for a number of C4 systems including displays and radios for which racking has been installed. Babcock expects a Requirement for over 5000 GSUP vehicles. Competitors will include the usual suspects including the AM General HMMV, INEOS with the Grenadier and Jankel.
25 Jan 24. Bridging the gap: Essential military bridging contract secures 300 UK jobs. British Army battlefield mobility will be bolstered in a new £150m contract for military-grade general support bridges which will secure 300 UK jobs.
A General support bridge crossing a Gap
- £150m contract for cutting-edge Army bridges to secure around 300 UK jobs in North West.
- New bridges can extend almost 50 metres across land or water and carry weight of British Army tank.
- High-tech capability is interoperable with UK’s NATO partners.
British Army battlefield mobility will be bolstered in a new £150m contract for military-grade general support bridges which will secure 300 UK jobs.
Stockport-based company KNDS UK (Krauss-Maffei Wegmann and Nexter), which has a long history of manufacturing military bridge systems, will deliver the support bridges based on their Dry Support Bridge design.
Extending up to 46 meters – the length of five buses – and able to carry the weight of the Army’s future tank, the Challenger 3, the bridges can be used to cross both wet and dry gaps.
Enabling the safe movement of personnel and equipment across the battlefield, the bridges will also ensure the resupply of forward fighting elements and humanitarian aid in disaster relief situations.
Replacing the BR90 ABLE system previously in service with the British Army, the new capability will be interoperable with other NATO partners’ bridge systems, meaning that resources can be shared between nations during joint exercises and deployments.
Minister for Defence Procurement James Cartlidge said: “This is a fantastic example of this government delivering on our Land Industrial Strategy – investing in UK industry and delivering world-class bridging capabilities to our Armed Forces. Securing hundreds of jobs in Stockport, this contract is a crucial step forward in our military capability, improving interoperability with our NATO allies as we work closer together.”
The £150m contract for General Support Bridges has been placed by Defence Equipment and Support as part of Project TYRO. TYRO will provide a significant capability improvement for the British Army, facilitating the mobility of future Armoured Brigade Combat Teams, and equipment across gaps in the terrain.
Defence Equipment & Support Fires, Infrastructure & Manoeuvre Support (FIMS) Portfolio Lead Mr Mark Bunyan said: “Military Equipment Bridging is the bedrock of successful operations and is vital to ensuring that our personnel can move around a battlefield in the safest and quickest way.
Project TYRO GSB will enable the UK to maintain an operational advantage and is a great example of British Industry supporting UK Defence Capability. “
The TYRO general support bridge system will be one of the?world’s most technically advanced, rapidly deployable military bridges?and will be mounted on Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicle (RMMV) HX2 tactical trucks.
AHQ DProgs – Col Adam Foley, SRO for Military Engineering Capability said: “Project TYRO GSB has been an excellent example of close collaboration with industry and our NATO and ABCANZ partners to meet our bridging requirements now and into the future.”
Managing Director, KNDS UK – Ian Anderton said: “We are delighted that the British Army will join the ever-growing community of Dry Support Bridge users. The Dry Support Bridge is a proven capability that is manufactured in the UK and exported globally. Project TYRO also marks over 50 years as a prime contractor to the UK MoD and we remain very proud to support the UK Defence Capability.” (Source: https://www.gov.uk/)
24 Jan 24. Milrem to deliver dozens of military robots to UAE forces. Emirati defense conglomerate Edge Group announced that its Estonia-based entity Milrem Robotics will provide 60 robotic combat vehicles and unmanned ground vehicles to the UAE military.
The contract between Milrem and the country’s Ministry of Defense was announced at the three-day UMEX drone fair here that began Jan. 23.
The deal will include the procurement of 20 tracked robotic combat vehicles and 40 THeMIS unmanned ground vehicles for the Gulf country, highlighting the government’s investment in military ground robots.
In a news release, Edge referred to the purchase as the world’s largest combat robotics program. The company did not disclose a price tag.
“The contract includes the supply of tracked RCVs with 30mm MK44 cannons, THeMIS combat units equipped with 30mm M230LF remote weapons stations and indirect fire systems, and THeMIS observe units with radar and camera systems, including shot detection capabilities,” the company statement reads.
Milrem unveiled the newest generation of the THeMIS vehicle at the 2018 edition of UMEX, several years before the company was acquired by Edge Group.
In September, the Estonian firm also debuted an armed version of the vehicle featuring the Hunter 2-S loitering munition, manufactured by Halcon, another Edge subsidiary. The Emirati-made aerial drones are advertised as being the first of their kind to possess swarming technology.
As part of the UAE National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence 2031, released by the government in 2018, officials want to make the country into a test bed for AI capabilities.
(Source: Defense News)
24 Jan 24. GDLS Completes Testing of Advanced Reconnaissance Vehicle Prototype for Marine Corps.
- Vehicle is designed for U.S. Marines’ future Mobile Reconnaissance Battalion
General Dynamics Land Systems announced today that it has successfully completed testing of its Advanced Reconnaissance Vehicle (ARV).
Test locations from January to November 2023 included the Nevada Automotive Test Center (NATC), U.S. Army Aberdeen Proving Ground in Maryland, and Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California.
General Dynamics Land Systems’ ARV capability is designed to serve as the Marine Corps’ “quarterback” on the mobile and multi-domain battlefield. It connects to an array of onboard and off-board sensors, plus uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) and, in the future, ground and water robotic systems. The General Dynamics Land Systems design ensures growth margins and modular open architecture to rapidly incorporate new technology as it develops. It also incorporates the company’s Next Generation Electronic Architecture, enabling artificial intelligence functionality and control of robotic systems.
The Marine Corps-directed tests and demonstrations in 2023 included: Command, Control, Communications and Computer/Uncrewed Aerial Systems (C4/UAS); land and water mobility; and blast and kinetic tests, as well as cyber and electromagnetic interference (EMI) assessments.
A closely monitored aspect of testing involved ocean swim mobility and surf zone transition of littoral beach areas. To this end, General Dynamics Land Systems has incorporated next-generation swim propulsion, vectored thrust and water safety systems to enable swim operations in likely Marine Corps operational areas around the globe.
“The testing and demonstration activities last year helped us collect the data to ensure we can meet and exceed the Marine Corps’ requirements for ARV,” said Richard Trotter, ARV Program Director at General Dynamics Land Systems. “We are confident we can achieve key performance requirements and competitively position ourselves for the next phase of the program.”
Testing has included Marines from Light Armored Reconnaissance (LAR) units. “Having the Marines operate the ARV and provide feedback was very valuable,” said Chris Dell, ARV Program Manager at General Dynamics Land Systems. “Their constructive feedback is priceless as we aim for an innovative and transformational solution.”
“Highly mobile on land and in the water, the ARV allows Marines to sense and communicate like never before,” Trotter added. “These tests were some of the most extensive to date for us to trial our strategic innovation technologies across the General Dynamics Land Systems portfolio. We pride ourselves on delivering capabilities for today and are thoughtful, deliberate and innovative about realizing the future vision of the Marine Corps. We look forward to continuing our decadeslong partnership with the Marines and contributing to their efforts to ensure that ARV is a transformational reconnaissance capability.” (Source: ASD Network)
23 Jan 24. Thales’ Bushmaster paves the way for Hawkei’s future success.
Thales land team exhibits next-gen Hawkei at the International Armoured Vehicles Conference 2024. Thales, a global high-tech player, showcased its latest armoured vehicles at the International Armoured Vehicles Conference 2024.
With a focus on the Hawkei, a versatile and scalable protective vehicle, Thales aims to demonstrate its commitment to advancing military technology within armoured vehicles.
Designed and developed in Bendigo, Australia, the Hawkei is a light, versatile, and C41 integrated vehicle. Offering protection, mobility, and payload alongside advanced mission system integration, it stands out as a force multiplier.
Jonathan Welch, Thales’ Capture Lead on armoured vehicles, expressed, “The great thing about Hawkei is that it is scalable in terms of protection,” emphasising its flexibility and ease of assembly globally, providing “fantastic flexibility and gross protection.”
Welch further highlighted Hawkei’s utility: “It has fantastic utility, with the ability to off-port power, allowing 17 kilowatts to run command centres, offering tremendous flexibility in operational scenarios.”
Regarding global deployment, Welch stressed Hawkei’s adaptability, stating, “It can be used anywhere,” drawing parallels with the Bushmaster’s user community across nine nations and showcasing Hawkei’s potential global reach.
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Some notable countries to use the Bushmaster include Australia, which awarded Thales a $160m (A$243m) contract to build new Bushmaster Protected Vehicles for the Australian Army last year. In a separate initiative, Australia committed 30 additional Bushmaster vehicles to support Ukraine in its conflict against Russia, with the total Bushmaster donation reaching 90.
Meanwhile, New Zealand welcomed the Bushmaster and Indonesian soldiers completed training on Bushmasters, a gift from Australia.
Discussing real-world impact, Welch referred to the Bushmaster’s service history, stating, “Bushmaster has seen active service in Afghanistan, Iraq, Mali, subject to over 120 explosive events without any reported fatalities.” He positioned the Bushmaster as a testament to the Hawkei’s potential success in diverse operational scenarios.
Thales Australia delivered the final two Hawkei-protected mobility vehicles to the only Hawkei customer in Australia in 2013. In July 2021, Hawkei achieved initial operational capability under Project Land 121 Phase 4, replacing the Australian Army’s Land Rovers. Thales Australia celebrated the production of the 1000th Hawkei in March 2022. Also in 2022, Australia introduced an electric Protected Military Vehicle (ePMV), colloquially known as the ‘electric Bushmaster,’ during the Chief of Army Symposium.
Looking ahead, Welch discussed Thales’ vision for the future of armoured vehicles, mentioning key elements: electrically driven, optionally crude, and systemically protected vehicles. He highlighted ongoing work with an electrically driven hybrid drive Bushmaster prototype, showcasing Thales’ dedication to future technologies in land mobility programmes.
(Source: army-technology.com)
24 Jan 24. Dutch CV90 MLU releases new firepower and survival tech.
Since 2009, the CV90 has been the backbone of the Royal Netherlands Army. Holland continues its transformative mid-life upgrade for the CV90, ushering in firepower and heightened survivability.
As geopolitical tensions rise and security threats evolve, the Netherlands military continues to take steps to fortify its arsenal with the CV90 mid-life upgrades. Initiated following a surge in investment and approval from the parliament in September 2018, this project aims to address obsolescence.
Since 2009, the CV90 has been the backbone of the Royal Netherlands Army, providing a massive increase in firepower for ground-based operations. With the absence of tanks in the Dutch Army, the CV90 plays a pivotal role as the primary weapons system. The mid-life upgrade, set to be completed by 2026, focuses on enhancing firepower, situational awareness, and survivability.
In October 2022, BAE Systems unveiled the first upgraded CV90 infantry fighting vehicles with advanced features for the Royal Netherlands Army at its Hägglunds facility in Sweden. The $500m (€460m) contract, awarded in January 2021, mandated the modernisation of 122 CV90s, with an option for 19 additional vehicles, ensuring service through 2039.
Key contributors include user representatives actively participating in the project team, continuous communication with battalions experienced with the CV90, and user influence in the design phase. The collaborative effort involves adjustments, such as repositioning the main gun and machine gun, implementing a new ammunition feeder, and relocating the machine gun outside the crew compartment for increased safety and efficiency.
One of the upgrade’s features is incorporating an Active Protection System developed by Elbit Systems Land and BAE Systems Hagglunds. This system, known as Iron Fist, provides radar and optical detection of incoming threats, offering a hard-kill active protection system to intercept anti-tank threats.
The Spike LR2 launcher further elevates the CV90’s offensive capabilities, allowing various launch modes, including Non-Line-Of-Sight (NLOS) launches at coordinated targets.
The Electro-Optical Panoramic Sight (EOPS) on a retractable mast, new thermal imaging cameras, and 360-degree IR/day cameras enhance situational awareness, which is crucial in modern warfare scenarios. Furthermore, the upgrade addresses life cycle costs, with a comprehensive analysis covering fuel, ammunition, spare parts, personnel costs, and maintenance, revealing a 12.1% increase compared to the previous model, CV9035NL.
According to GlobalData’s “The Netherlands Defense Market 2023-2028” report, the Netherlands Army has 144 CV9035NL infantry fighting vehicles in its fleet. These were acquired from BAE Systems AB between 2004 and 2009.
BAE Systems has made strides in reinforcing European armoured forces through various contracts. They delivered the first four out of 20 modern CV90 support vehicles in Norway. Meanwhile, BAE Systems, in a €1.3bn agreement with the Slovak Republic Ministry of Defence, will provide 152 CV9035 infantry fighting vehicles in different configurations, marking Slovakia as the eighth member of the CV90 user club.
Additionally, a non-binding memorandum of understanding has been signed with Sweden and the Czech Republic, paving the way for potential collaboration on CV90 acquisition, support, and technology development. Finally, BAE Systems secured a contract modification to deliver 20 more CV90 Mjölner mortar systems for the Swedish Armed Forces, reinforcing indirect firepower capabilities and bringing the total number of CV90 mortar systems in the Swedish Army’s fleet to 80.
With the CV90 Mid-Life Upgrades nearing completion, the Netherlands military stands poised to navigate the changing landscape of global security, showcasing a commitment and adaptability in the face of emerging threats. (Source: army-technology.com)
25 Jan 24. US Army reshapes its mechanised force for future decades.
The US Army is reshaping its formation structure to be more soldier-centric and threat-informed, which requires an extensive digital plan.
Throughout the International Armoured Vehicles conference, hosted by Defence iQ in January 2024 at Twickenham Stadium, London, the US Army revealed it will undergo an extensive cultural shift in the way its land forces operate.
Ultimately, their plan hinges on “unburdening our soliders” for the next several decades, said one spokesperson.
This will involve greater digitalisation and a common systems architecture, both of which will serve to bolster the performance of its land systems over the long term through spiral development enhancements.
The XM30 – the last IFV build?
Following the announcement of the new XM30 mechanised infantry fighting vehicle (IFV) in June 2023, it was suggested that the Army will focus on a modular approach to sustaining the system.
Of course, the the necessity to rebuild will not go away entirely as maintenance, repair and overhaul is unavoidable. Nevertheless, a modular approach offers a cost-saving iterative development process that will integrate new capabilties.
The Optionally Manned Fighting Vehicle (OMFV) programme – designated the XM30 – illustrates the Army’s plan of action.
This future IFV is due to replace the enduring Bradley armoured fighting vehicle, now more than forty-years-old. It is used to transport infantry on the battlefield as well as provide support to dismounted troops.
At the time XM30 was announced last year, Douglas R. Bush, assistant secretary of the Army, acquisition, logistics and technology stated:
“The modular open system architecture [of] the XM30 will allow new… technology to be added to the vehicle as that technology matures, ensuring an overwhelming advantage in any potential adversary competition.”
In that sense, the new adaptable combat vehicle “needs to stay relevant,” the spokesperson added.
Abrams – new and enduring
While the Army phases out the M1A2 System Enhancement Package version 4 effort to develop the M1E3 Abrams main battle tank (MBT), which will focus on making the capability improvements.
“The Abrams Tank can no longer grow its capabilities without adding weight, and we need to reduce its logistical footprint,” explained Major General Glenn Dean, program executive officer for ground combat systems.
In this way, the Army will substanitally reduce the tank’s weight and therefore its sustainment through an open system architecture.
Simultaneously, the enduring SEPv3 variant will continue to play a part in the force structure as the “most sustainable version of the Abrams tank,” the spokesperson noted.
Foreign Military Sales customers are beginning to acquire this interoperable MBT.
The US State Department approved Romania’s acquisition of 54 M1A2 SEPv3 Abrams MBTs in November 2023, alongside an array of combat vehicles, weaponry, and logistical support that mirrors the American digital plan.
Likewise, Poland acquired M1A1 version for its 18th Mechanised Division, in addition to the M1A2 SEPv3 tanks already contracted in April 2022.
Roboticise the formation
One notion the Army’s update at the IAV chimed memorably: that right from the get go it does “not want to trade blood for first contact.”
This soldier-centric outlook therefore gives way to a human machine interface, where advanced robotic combat vehicles are tasked with engaging the enemy and to attain critical battlefield intelligence.
However, an uncrewed approach to warfare does have its pitfalls. One protective solution one spokesperson referred to, was the Army’s research and development into mine-resistant vehicles as well as a ground-based swarming solution – none of which have yet been fielded. (Source: army-technology.com)
23 Jan 24. Lithuania seeks to buy Leopard 2 tanks from Germany.
Lithuania’s Defence Council has decided to initiate negotiations to buy Leopard 2 tanks from Germany, Defence Minister Arvydas Anusauskas told reporters on Tuesday, as the NATO member seeks to build a tank battalion.
The Leopard 2 is made by Krauss-Maffei Wegmann, part of German-French technology group KNDS.
“Our intention is creating a tank battalion, but much will depend on conditions, such as what price we agree on. So I can‘t name any details yet,” he said.
Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, NATO has pledged to strengthen its presence on the alliance’s eastern border.
Lithuania, a neighbour of Russia and Moscow’s close ally Belarus, currently does not operate tanks. The new tank unit is scheduled to be combat-ready by 2030.
Germany has committed to permanently deploy a combat-ready brigade of about 4,800 soldiers in Lithuania by 2027, which will be the first permanent foreign deployment of German troops since World War Two.
It has headed the international NATO force of more than 1,000 troops in the country since 2017.
Lithuania recently took final delivery of a 670 m-euro-order ($727.71 m) of 91 German-made Boxer armoured fighting vehicles, which it ordered in 2016. ($1 = 0.9207 euros) (Source: Reuters)
23 Jan 24. UK plans more Boxer variants. The UK plans additional variants of the Boxer armoured vehicle, Janes learnt at the International Armoured Vehicles (IAV) 2024 conference being held in London from 22 to 25 January. The first priority is to order Boxer Repair and Recovery Vehicle, Armoured Mortar Vehicle, and Armoured Vehicle Launched Bridge variants in 2024, with initial operating capabilities (IOCs) at the end of the decade. This could be followed later by the Serpens Deep Find radar, Mounted Close Combat Overwatch (MCCO) anti-tank vehicles, and counter-unmanned aircraft system vehicles, and if the UK selects it for the British Army’s Mobile Fires Platform (MFP) programme, Remote Controlled Howitzer (RCH) 155 self-propelled artillery with IOCs in 2031–37.
The UK has so far ordered 146 Infantry Carrier Vehicles, 200 Specialist Carrier Vehicles, 212 Command and Control Vehicles, and 65 Ambulance versions of the Boxer for one or two brigade combat teams.
(Source: Janes)
23 Jan 24. Challenger 3 Programme Achieves Major Milestone. A huge leap towards delivering the British Army’s next Main Battle Tank capability has been achieved with the first pre-production Challenger 3 going into trials in the coming weeks.
This marks a major milestone for the Army and the culmination of many months of hard work by RBSL’s engineers and technicians. This prototype, along with further prototypes to follow close behind, will soon show their capabilities on trials. During the trials the prototypes will be tested under operational conditions to validate their performance and make refinements before another 140 are built and delivered to the British Army.
The Challenger 3 platform will be fitted with a new 120mm L55A1 smoothbore gun built by Rheinmetall, enabling the use of the most advanced ammunition available. Next Generation UK-sovereign modular armour, a fully digitised turret and integration of Trophy Medium Variant APS onto the platform will protect against rocket propelled grenades and anti-tank missiles and provide the British Army with a step change in war-fighting capability.
Challenger 3 Deputy Project Manager at RBSL, Nick Berchem said: “Designed with the crew’s safety, operational effectiveness, and comfort at its heart, and with the users’ advice at every stage, I am sure it will prove to be a very potent and popular addition to the British army’s inventory. It is hugely exciting and very satisfying to be part of the team bringing this immensely capable tank to life.”
RBSL is playing a key part in delivering the Land Industrial Strategy through its Challenger 3 programme, ensuring it benefits from the best of British engineering and manufacturing, whilst also sustaining valuable skills across the country. The multi-m pound investment in its Telford facility, and the creation of jobs within RBSL and the UK supply chain, contributes towards national industrial resilience, and the social value and ‘levelling up’ aspirations the UK Government has set out.
Colonel Will Waugh, Senior Responsible Owner of the Army’s Armour (Main Battle Tank) Programme:
“Delivery of the first pre-production Challenger 3 and the commencement of trials marks a critical milestone on the journey to the Army’s modernised Main Battle Tank capability. Challenger 3 will be at the heart of the Army’s Armoured Brigade Combat Teams, alongside Ajax and Boxer, under Future Soldier. Events in Ukraine have underscored the need for credible warfighting capabilities. The Army’s Armoured Brigade Combat Teams, with Challenger 3 at their centre, are key to the UK’s contribution to NATO’s deterrence.”
Major General Darren Crook, Director Land Equipment for Defence, Equipment & Support said: “In an increasingly uncertain and dangerous world, our priority is to deliver to the Army the capability it needs to deliver Future Soldier and be more lethal on the Battlefield. I am immensely proud of the work the whole team has undertaken: the Army, DE&S and RBSL working together to deliver the first pre-production Challenger 3. This marks a critical milestone in our delivery of this impressive capability to the British Army and will provide our soldiers with a world-class Main Battle Tank made here in the UK. It also demonstrates the centrality of the Land Industrial Strategy, with the UK increasingly developing a highly-skilled industrial base and maintaining strategic advantage through our Industry partners such as RBSL.”
22 Jan 24. UK voices frustration with Boxer manufacturers over supply chain delays. A Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S) official at the IQPC International Armoured Vehicles conference in London today said that while they had “some sympathy for industry covering excessive supply chain challenges” caused by COVID-19 and cyber hacking, manufacturers only reacted after feeling an “impact.”
An official with the United Kingdom’s military procurement arm today criticized Boxer Mechanised Infantry Vehicle (MIV) manufacturers for “seemingly choosing not to seize the initiative” when confronting supply chain delays that continue to disrupt the 8×8 program.
A Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S) official, speaking on condition of anonymity at the IQPC International Armoured Vehicles conference in London, said that while they had “some sympathy for industry covering excessive supply chain challenges” caused by COVID-19 and cyber hacking, manufacturers only reacted after feeling an “impact.”
The official suggested a better response should have seen industry “seeking to minimize” supplier problems ahead of time, not only at the point of “impact.”
“This is the view of the customer, and [could be] ultimately interpreted by the warfighter as unfairly damaging the reputation of the vehicle,” added the official.
Alexander Abeler, managing director of Artec, the Rheinmetall Landsysteme-Krauss-Maffei Wegmann (KMW) joint venture that makes Boxer, acknowledged to Breaking Defense that COVID-19 and the war in Ukraine had caused supplier delays, with the conflict in particular leading to a huge spike in demand and increased “global competition” for vehicle parts.
He said, however, that industrial progress has been made at UK Boxer production lines in Telford and Stockport, with drive module welding “doing quite well” and mission module activities moving forward as planned.
The British Army announced last month that it had received two Boxer prototypes which are currently undergoing vehicle trials.
An acquisition decision by the UK Ministry of Defence on newer variants, in addition to a mix of infantry carrier, specialist carrier, command post carrier and ambulance variants already under order, is expected shortly, according to a presentation delivered by a British Army official.
Abeler confirmed that London is “in the process” of addressing the newer variant acquisition decision.
More broadly, the UK has decided against procuring close to an additional 400 vehicles, despite allocating funding for 1,016 platforms last year. A reduced figure has since been declared because of affordability issues, but several hundred are set to be ordered, according to the British Army presentation.
Abeler confirmed that London is “in the process” of addressing the newer variant acquisition decision.
An Artec official told Breaking Defense last year that expanded Boxer production offered an opportunity to produce 200 vehicles a year across Europe, dependent on suppliers keeping “the pace” of industrial planning. It is unclear if that production rate was achieved, though a ramp up is expected to occur this year, according to the British Army presentation.
Britain rejoined the Boxer program in 2019, pledging £2.8 bn ($3.6 bn) for the program and has so far ordered 623 vehicles which are due to be integrated into new Armoured Brigade Combat Teams, alongside Ajax armored fighting vehicles and Challenger 3 main battle tanks.
The future combat teams are specifically designed to “deploy rapidly over long distances and then operate across varied terrains,” with Boxer expected to first enter service in 2025.
Platforms like Boxer, Ajax and Challenger 3 are critical to the British Army’s Future Solider modernization program, introduced so the service can become “more global in its perspective, its operations and its partnerships,” though such aspirations look out of step with a plan to cut service numbers to 72,500 next year, ending a previous target of 82,000. (Source: Breaking Defense.com)
22 Jan 24. First look at UK’s Challenger 3 main battle tank prototype.
“The Challenger 3 program will deliver the best tank in NATO … and deliver a network enabled, digital main battle tank, providing the soldier with a step changing capability,” said Rory Breen, strategy and future business director at RBSL.
The German-UK joint venture Rheinmetall BAE Systems Land (RBSL) has shared imagery of a first British Army Challenger 3 Main Battle Tank (MBT) prototype, after completing the build of the new vehicle at its Telford, England, production facility.
The first public images of the prototype were released today at the IQPC International Armoured Vehicles conference in London, with the vehicle expected to begin trials shortly. A total of 18 months of trials, split between sites in the UK and Germany, are planned before a systems qualification review next year. Eight prototypes are due to be developed.
“The Challenger 3 program will deliver the best tank in NATO … and deliver a network enabled, digital main battle tank, providing the soldier with a step-changing capability, ensuring a 21st century deterrence through to the out of service date [slated for 2040],” said Rory Breen, strategy and future business director at RBSL. “The first prototype … will begin trials in the coming weeks.”
The main purpose of the trial, set to be uncrewed, is to “allow us to confirm the system is safe for [subsequent] crew trials,” added Breen.
New items integrated on the prototype and set for integration on 148 serial production tanks, as part of the wider £800 m ($1 bn) Challenger 3 program, include Rheinmetall’s 120mm smoothbore gun, a digitized turret, sights for day and night targeting, Rafael’s Trophy active protection system and a modular armor system.
Mobility enhancements also include the introduction of a third generation hydro gas suspension system and a more powerful engine.
Development of Challenger 3 “showcases advancements in the iron triangle of protection, firepower and mobility,” said Breen.
He said that RBSL could manufacture new vehicles from scratch, if requested by the UK Ministry of Defence. As plans stand, the company is only under contract to upgrade Challenger 2 vehicles.
The serviceability and operational readiness of the British Army’s Challenger 2 fleet has proven contentious in UK political circles and more relevant than ever in the wake of the UK’s commitment of main battle tanks to Ukraine in 2023.
As Breaking Defense previously reported, Lt. Gen. Robert McGowan, UK Chief of Defence Staff for Financial and Military Capability, denied that the decision by London to donate 14 of the older vehicles to Kyiv had reduced the British Army’s main battle tank “operational assets” by nearly a third. He told lawmakers in February 2023, the actual percentage was “not that high” but refused to discuss serviceability issues.
The British Army said at that time the tanks “being fed into the [Challenger] upgrade process are being actively used” by the service.
Despite lawmaker concern with Challenger 2 tanks, a number of recent milestones suggest development of Challenger 3 is faring better.
The final design of the vehicle was approved upon completion of the Critical Design Review (CDR) phase in February 2023, while Breen noted proof of performance trials, CDR of new anti-tank ammunition and testing and verification trails of the Trophy active protection system have all gone ahead successfully. Challenger 3 Initial Operating Capability is targeted for 2027. (Source: Breaking Defense.com)
23 Jan 24. British Army’s Ajax still short of IOC with 25% of vehicles built. The platform has yet to enter initial operating capability with deliveries still short of the 50-unit benchmark required to hit the milestone. More than one quarter of the 589 Ajax family of armoured vehicles intended for use in the British Army have been manufactured, although no deliveries have taken place since at least June 2023, as crews continue familiarisation programmes with the platform.
The programme will deliver the platforms across six variants, incorporating the Ajax infantry fighting vehicle, Apollo armoured recovery vehicle, Ares armoured personnel carrier, Argus reconnaissance vehicle, Athena command post vehicle, and Atlas engineering vehicle, into British Army service.
In a UK parliamentary written response on 17 January 2024, it was revealed that 152 Ajax vehicles had been built, representing just over 25% of the planned total fleet number. In addition, it was stated the latest standard of the vehicle, known as Capability Drop 3, had “now been accepted” by the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD), with deliveries “on track” to achieve initial operating capability (IOC).
It is understood that IOC is achieved once 50 units of the 589 total have been delivered, which will see 27 used by a deployable squadron, with the remaining 23 utilised by the British Army for crew and maintainer training. As of 17 January 2024, 44 units had been delivered, a situation that has not changed for more than six months.
In total the programme is intended to deliver the platforms across six variants, incorporating the Ajax infantry fighting vehicle, Apollo armoured recovery vehicle, Ares armoured personnel carrier, Argus reconnaissance vehicle, Athena command post vehicle, and Atlas engineering vehicle into British Army service.
A further written response published on 19 January 2024, revealed that since manufacturing began, 461 hulls have been delivered to General Dynamics Land Systems UK (GDUK).
According to a UK Parliament report published in March 2023, the UK MoD has a firm price contract of £5.5bn ($6.9bn) with GDUK to deliver 589 vehicles, though the MoD’s Equipment Plan 2022-32 gave an estimated forecast cost to completion of £5.4bn.
As of 9 January 2024, around £4bn has been paid against the General Dynamics Ajax contract, according to the MoD.
Overseas cold weather firing trials for 2024
Detailing the current progress of the Ajax family of vehicles through their development timeline in December last year, the UK Government said in December 2023 that the programme had “turned a corner” as it works to deliver the platforms to the British Army.
The Ajax, Apollo, Atlas, and Ares variants have driven more than 20,000km through different terrains, as part of Reliability Growth Trials, the MoD stated, adding that Capability Drop 3 vehicle production continued at the GDUK site “with all production lines operating and all six variants in progress”, with delivery to the British Army starting in 2024.
The early stages of 2024 will see Ajax undertake Live Crew Clearance Cold Climate Trails in Sweden, the first time the vehicle will be firing with British Army personnel outside of the UK.
The Ajax programme had been halted in 2021 due to excessive vibration and noise leaving crews in need of medical attention, entering Reliability Growth Trails at the start of 2023.
According to official UK data it was revealed that personnel operating Ajax in Reliability Growth Trials were using “dual layer” headsets, comprising of the in-service Crewguard Mk2 headset and the Communications Ear Piece inner headset.
The User Validation Trials were bespoke trials undertaken to test the effectiveness of the proposed modifications to the Ajax platform, with costs for this process covered by the contractor. The UK MoD bore approximately £650,000 in costs for the preparation, execution and analysis of the independent monitoring and instrumentation necessary for the joint trials.
Ajax’s elongated timeline
At the end of 2022 a series of parliamentary written responses updates for the programme’s timeline, revealing that Reliability Growth Trials and subsequent analysis, due to begin in January 2023, could run until Q1 2025.
This future capability is a key element to the restructure of the British Army, initially into the so-called Strike Brigades and more recently into Brigade Combat Teams, a term apparently lifted straight from the US Army’s owned force structures.
The formation of the Ajax programme dates back to 2010 under the Scout SV endeavour, when GDUK was selected as preferred bidder against the BAE Systems CV90 armoured vehicle, with the UK MoD later that year awarding a £500m contract to GDUK for prototype development, based on the Spanish ASCOD armoured vehicle. The first prototype Ajax vehicle was unveiled in 2015. (Source: army-technology.com)
23 Jan 24. UK Boxer Update.
Vehicle trials
From January 2024, the Mechanised Infantry Vehicle (MIV) programme has moved into the start of formal customer Verification and Validation trials taking place at Millbrook Proving Ground, Bedford UK. These trials will qualify the design against the MIV technical requirements, demonstrating the Boxer vehicle’s capability and performance for the British Army.
There are two Rheinmetall prototype vehicles in the Command variant that will conduct the trials, as part of the Army’s modernisation plan. They will focus on mission systems including C4I, Electronic Counter Measures, User Human Machine Interface, Electromagnetic Compatibility and Climatics. The trials are supported by ARTEC and KNDS.
Vehicle Production
MIV first series production vehicles will be delivered this year – an important phase of the programme for both the customer and industry. These will be Command variants, built in the Rheinmetall factory in Kassel, Germany. They are currently in the final stages of their build before being shipped to the UK.
The production of UK Boxer vehicles has commenced in the UK. This also drives the delivery of UK economic and prosperity benefits, with jobs in the land industry in the UK. A further commitment made by Rheinmetall has seen the UK supply chain providing into European programmes.
Boxer – versatile and battle-tested
In 2019, the UK Ministry of Defence placed an order for 523 Boxer vehicles, and went on to increase the order by 100 in April 2022. The Boxer is a highly-protected 8×8 wheeled armoured vehicle. Its modular architecture enables a greater number of variants than any other vehicle system. The British Army is procuring four variants, including Infantry Carrying Vehicle, Command & Control, Field Ambulance and Specialist Carrier variants.
UK Prosperity
All of the investment into Telford and our Bristol headquarters demonstrates Rheinmetall’s commitment to investing in high value jobs, enabling the pursuit of export opportunities.
MIV Production facilities were commissioned and installed through RBSL’s Industrialisation Programme, with a £40m investment into the Telford site to transform it into a world-class manufacturing facility. The programme is working with a vibrant UK supply chain, supporting economic growth and level-up regional economic opportunity. It focuses on supporting and enhancing UK supply chain, and developing the skills and expertise in-country.
Through the progression to the first series delivery, we are supporting the economic and prosperity benefits of the programme, as there is an increase in land industry jobs in the UK, and the UK supply chain involved are also contributing into European programmes.
There has been a significant recruitment effort, both at RBSL and across the UK supply chain, to support the MIV Programme. At RBSL, there has been a focus on apprenticeships, with many apprentices joining to support the programme and beginning a career in the industry.
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