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18 Apr 24. Allison Transmission, a leading designer and manufacturer of conventional and electrified vehicle propulsion solutions for tactical wheeled and tracked defense vehicles, partnered with HST Otomotiv, Allison’s licensed manufacturer in Türkiye, to deliver the Allison X1100-5A4 cross-drive transmission for integration into the Next Generation T-155 Firtina 155 mm Self-Propelled Howitzer for the Turkish Armed Forces. As part of the initial delivery, 10 transmissions have been successfully provided to Türkiye, with several already installed in the vehicles. Full production of the new tracked defense vehicle is scheduled for July 2024, with a total of 140 Firtina Howitzers expected to be delivered to the Turkish Armed Forces. The Firtina is one of many growth opportunities expected to drive $100 m of incremental annual revenue in Allison’s Defense end market.
“Allison has an established history of delivering propulsion solutions that deliver unrivaled reliability and durability for the severe duty-cycles associated with the defense end market,” said Dana Pittard, Vice President, Defense Programs, Allison Transmission. “We are pleased to collaborate with HST to power Turkish-built defense vehicles for the Turkish Armed Forces with superior maneuverability, increased fuel efficiency and low maintenance requirements.”
The Turkish Armed Forces first unveiled the tracked defense vehicle at the International Defense Industry Fair in Istanbul, Türkiye. The next generation Firtina features design and technology improvements including firepower and mobility upgrades. The vehicle can achieve a maximum speed of up to 65 km/h and is capable of navigating through ditches that are 2.8 meters wide and water bodies with a depth of 1.5 meters.
The Allison X1100 SeriesTM cross-drive transmission is specifically designed for heavy tracked combat vehicles from 45 to 63 tonnes. It offers four forward ranges, two reverse ranges and a cross-drive design that integrates steering and braking into a single compact, rugged unit. The X1100-5A4 transmission will enable the vehicle to operate efficiently in lower engine speeds, which is often required in severe duty-cycles including defense operations.
18 Apr 24. UK’s most lethal tank rolls off the production lines.
British Army soldiers are a step closer to getting their hands on one of Europe’s most lethal tanks – the Challenger 3 – the Defence Secretary has announced.
- Latest Challenger 3 tanks finalising production.
- Supporting hundreds of UK jobs in Telford, Gateshead, Bristol and Bovington.
- 148 cutting-edge Main Battle Tanks to be provided to the British Army.
With advanced armour and devastating firepower, the Challenger 3 boasts an impressive range of state-of-the-art technology, making it the most lethal and survivable tank ever operated by the British Army.
The latest of eight Challenger 3 prototypes rolled off the Rheinmetall BAE Systems Land factory production line in Telford as the Defence Secretary had an opportunity to meet the engineers and apprentices who have worked on this crucial programme.
The first tank is already showing its capabilities on trials. All will be tested under operational conditions to validate their performance and make refinements, before another 140 are built and delivered to the British Army.
Defence Secretary, Grant Shapps, said: “In a more dangerous world, the need for vehicles such as the Challenger 3 is imperative, as the threats facing the UK evolve. This tank will be at the heart of the British Army’s warfighting capabilities and will be integral to the UK’s deterrence.
The hard work and dedication on show in Telford and across the country is instrumental in driving forward UK defence innovation and delivering for our forces in the frontline. Providing the Army’s Main Battle Tank, the Challenger 3 will remain in service until at least 2040. This third iteration of the Challenger series includes a state-of-the-art turret with a more capable smoothbore gun, which is compatible with NATO ammunition, as well as improved armour and sensors.”
The Army’s Director Programmes, Major General Jon Swift OBE said: “Challenger 3 will be at the heart of the Army’s Armoured Brigade Combat Teams, alongside Ajax and Boxer, and is critical to the Army’s warfighting capability and the UK’s contribution to NATO. The delivery of these prototype vehicles, the first of which has already started trials, marks a significant milestone on the Army’s modernisation journey.
Director General Land for Defence, Equipment and Support, Lieutenant General Simon Hamilton CBE said:
Delivering the capability the Army needs to be more lethal is vital in an increasingly uncertain and dangerous world. The Challenger 3 Programme is a cornerstone of the Army’s Future Soldier modernisation, and I am delighted to see the Army, DE&S and RBSL collaborating together to provide our soldiers with a world-class Main Battle Tank made here in the UK.”
RBSL Managing Director, Will Gibby said: “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. Delivery of the first pre-production Challenger 3 and the commencement of trials 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.”
Challenger 3 is being delivered by Rheinmetall BAE Systems Land (RBSL) under a £800 m contract, creating a number of highly skilled roles, with nearly 300 jobs generated within RBSL, including 130 engineers and 70 technicians, with an additional 450 jobs across the UK.
The contract is also attracting a £40m inward investment in RBSL’s Telford facility, utilising a UK supply chain that includes companies in the West Midlands, Glasgow, Newcastle upon Tyne and the Isle of Wight.
(Source: https://www.gov.uk/)
16 Apr 24. Babcock and Roshel sign a memorandum of understanding. Babcock and Roshel, a leading manufacturer of armoured special purpose vehicles, have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to collaboratively explore opportunities to support the Canadian Armed Forces.
For over 16 years, Babcock has been proud to play a critical role supporting Canada’s safety and security. With a focus on mission critical assets, Babcock is trusted to support members of the Canadian Armed Forces from coast-to-coast. As Babcock expands its operations in Canada, it continues to draw on its global experience in the latest land vehicle technology to deliver fully integrated solutions tailored specifically for Canada and its unique environment.
Roshel designs and manufactures an extensive line of smart armored vehicles for military and law enforcement agencies across North America and worldwide. Its vehicles are outfitted with advanced security measures designed to optimise survivability, thereby enhancing their capability to execute missions successfully under adverse conditions.
This MOU enables both leading Defence companies to leverage their respective capabilities, combining Babcock’s global asset management expertise and Roshel’s vehicle manufacturing experience, to deliver innovative solutions.
Jerry McLean, CEO, Babcock Canada, said: “We are proud to be a trusted partner of the Canadian Armed Forces and are delighted to sign this memorandum of understanding with Roshel. This agreement will enable us to leverage our global expertise and jointly explore innovative opportunities that will support the requirements of the Canadian Army.”–
Roman Shimonov, CEO, Roshel Inc. said: “Signing a MOU marks a significant milestone in our expansion efforts within Canada and globally. We are delighted to partner with Babcock, whose extensive capabilities enable them to provide in-service support for our vehicles on a worldwide scale. There are numerous opportunities where our combined expertise can collaborate to set new industry benchmarks.”
This MOU reinforces both Babcock and Roshel’s commitments to supporting defence and government customers now and into the future, ensuring their mission critical assets and support services are ready whenever, wherever, and however they need them.
17 Apr 24. Mbombe 6 vehicles delivered to Ecuador. Ecuador has become the latest country to take delivery of Paramount’s Mbombe 6 infantry combat vehicle. Info Defensa last week reported the first vehicles, painted in an olive green scheme, had been delivered to the Ecuadorian Army, and shared a screengrab of a Mbombe 6 wrapped in protective plastic on the back of a truck.
The publication added that Ecuador will deploy its Mbombe 6s on its northern border, in areas affected by the presence of Colombian armed groups, including FARC-EP rebels.
In November 2022, Info Defensa reported that Ecuador had awarded Elbit Systems a $65m contract for the purchase of 137 Israeli MDT Armor Tiger MKII 4×4 armoured vehicles, and Paramount Mbombe 6 vehicles from South Africa. Ecuador previously acquired 5 700 Arad assault rifles from Israel Weapon Industries.
“Elbit Systems will supply the first fully networked mechanised brigade solution to Ecuador, as part of its modernisation programme for the entire military. The armoured vehicles will be equipped with an E-LynX software-defined radio mobile network solution, a suite of battle management applications, and the Magni vertical take-off and landing mini UAS,” the publication reported.
The Tiger Mk II is a 4×4 armoured vehicle developed from a Dodge RAM 5500 or Ford F550 chassis, with capacities for between eight to 12 crew members, depending on configuration. Combat weight is between 8 and 12 tons. The vehicle can be equipped with a turret for mounting machine guns or grenade launchers or a remotely controlled combat module. The Tiger Mk II is also used by the Mexican police.
The Mbombe 6 was chosen for its mine resistant capabilities, which is a concern on Ecuador’s northern border. Its hull meets STANAG 4569 Level 4, which means the vehicle can withstand a 10 kg TNT blast under its hull or any wheel station. Ballistic protection is to Level 3.
The Mbombe 6×6 weighs 17.3 tonnes empty and has a payload of 5.2 tonnes. The vehicle can carry three crew and eight soldiers.
The Mbombe family (4×4 Mbombe 4, 6×6 Mbombe 6, and 8×8 Mbombe 8) features a flat mine-protected floor, giving a lower and better stability than V-shaped armoured hulls. All three models share 80% common components to reduce through life costs and make training and logistics easier. A six-cylinder diesel gives a top speed of more than 110km/h.
At the DSEI show last year, Paramount said that its Mbombe 6 has been ordered by national defence forces in Latin America and in the Southern African Development Community (SADEC). More than 20 of its next-generation infantry combat vehicles were then in production, with deliveries underway, the company said at the time.
Kazakhstan Paramount Engineering (KPE) is building the Mbombe 6 and 8 as the Barys 6 and 8 vehicles for the Kazakh Ministry of Defence, and Paramount has also produced Mbombe 6s for the Jordanian Armed Forces – some of which were transferred to Libya. (Source: https://www.defenceweb.co.za/)
17 Apr 24. Armormax Defence introduces new TAC-6 6×6 vehicle for security, military users. Armormax’s new TAC-6 6×6 vehicle being put through its paces in thick sand. Johannesburg-based Armormax Defence is officially launching its new 6×6 TAC-6 multi-purpose vehicle, originally developed for the French Special Forces but now aimed at filling a multitude of civil and military roles – from firefighting to weapons carrier – with agility and versatility at its core.
Purposely built on the proven Land Cruiser 79 series, the TAC-6 has been so extensively reengineered as to become a vastly more capable and quite different vehicle. With the additional axle, the TAC-6 offers greater payload (gross vehicle mass is up to seven tons) and offroad agility. Armormax Defence said the TAC-6 has been comprehensively over-engineered to ensure it can not only go anywhere but come back again, in environments where product failure simply is not an option.
Michael Broom, Manager: Sales & Marketing at Armormax, told defenceWeb that the TAC-6 started life as a development for the French Special Forces, which acquired a number for evaluation before the Covid-19 pandemic interrupted, but development has been completely self-funded.
Only a few have manufactured 6×6 Land Cruiser variants in South Africa – amongst those is Hansie Coetzee, who achieved success with his Commander Defence Systems 6×6. The TAC-6 is a major development of this platform, which has previously been exported to the French military and the Mauritanian government. Coetzee is also involved with the TAC-6 programme.
“We feel our greatest advantage is we have the only OEM (original equipment manufacturer) spec eight-speed automatic transmission developed and homologated by ZF in South Africa and Germany exclusively for the TAC-6,” Broom said. Initial versions of the TAC-6 were powered by manual gearboxes, but the automatic transmission was chosen as the optimal solution. “We were ready to launch this vehicle a year ago and had already started marketing it directly in a discreet manner, but we postponed the official launch for the development of the automatic transmission,” Broom added.
“Getting any other existing transmission to work with the base vehicle and drivetrain results in using a gearbox designed for a different purpose and trying to ‘manipulate’ the programming into overriding safety parameters that are there for good reason. In effect this renders it a second-hand gearbox. Our ZF unit was specifically designed and constructed for high GVM off-roading in the harshest environments, and continuously tested and programmed in South Africa in real time during the development phase,” Broom explained.
Indeed, the ZF 8HP90 transmission is one of the TAC-6’s core components, being purpose-built for the vehicle – development took just nine months, rather than the three years such projects typically take, according to Armormax Defence.
The transmission has a torque capacity of up to 1 000 Newton metres (Nm) and its eight gears and wide gear ratio spread ensure optimal power delivery across diverse terrains. One of the key design aims was driving under heavy load in thick sand, and so the transmission incorporates a special cooling system for difficult conditions and hot weather.
Over-engineered
“Aside from just the transmission, the vehicle has been comprehensively over-engineered. We consciously chose to design and build the final product beyond the likely specification requirement for this class of vehicle because failure is simply not an option,” Broom told defenceWeb. “We wanted to be sure that in any environment where it will be pushed beyond the capability required, which often happens in tactical operations, the vehicle will not only survive but excel.”
Part of this ‘over-engineering’ is the use of gear rather than chain drive for the transfer case, and the transfer case being manufactured from a solid block of aircraft-grade aluminium for optimal strength. A drop forged drive coupler, designed and manufactured specifically for the TAC-6, is 115% stronger than standard units, ensuring seamless power transmission between the factory transfer case and the 6×6 transfer case.
Heavy duty DANA drive shafts are used and Armormax Defence has ensured that the drive coupler universals can be easily serviced in the field using readily available DANA components. “This empowers operators to maintain and repair the platform without relying on third-party unique components, thereby enhancing operational readiness and minimising downtime,” the company said. Indeed, many standard OEM components are used to ease maintenance, such as standard Land Cruiser brake disks (brakes on all six wheels give 50% more braking power over a 4×4).
Although the TAC-6 uses standard length leaf springs, the suspension can be customised with various lift systems and tyre sizes – clients can choose to add lift systems ranging from two to four inches without needing extensive suspension modifications, while tyre sizes can range from standard 31 inch tyres to much larger 35 inch units. The wheels feature bead locks to significantly reduce the chance of tyres coming off the rim, even at low tyre pressures in sandy conditions. Tyres can be changed with a single 13 mm socket spanner.
Another area that was over-engineered was the axle housings, which feature extra oil capacity for better cooling, and a full-floating side shaft setup that allows for the easy removal of side shafts in case of damage – interchangeable components between the two rear axle housings means the TAC-6’s 6×6 system remains mobile even if two rear side shafts are damaged and removed.
The high-strength custom axle housings are compatible with the OEM components, including the differential centre unit and wheel hubs, allowing for seamless repairs and maintenance.
The new axle housing design aligns the rear track width with the front axle, eliminating the need for bolt-on applications or wheel spacers.
The TAC-6 is powered by a 4.5 litre Toyota V8 diesel developing – in the automatic transmission variant – 192 kW and 710 Nm of torque, supplied by two specially designed fuel tanks with capacities of 210 and 90 litres – this gives the vehicle a range of over 2 000 km. In addition, the TAC-6 can be upgraded to hold up to 560 litres of fuel on the double cab and a massive 610 litres on the single cab. If a customer selects the armour package, the fuel tanks are made puncture-resistant and self-sealing. Rubber mounts are used to minimise stress and vibration on the tanks.
A fully electric drivetrain is also available through a strategic partner that builds electric Land Cruisers for the mining sector.
With its strengthened components, the TAC-6 has a payload of up to 4 400 kg, but can also tow heavy loads – the new chassis features a boxed high-strength steel rear cross member that can accept a military-grade tow hitch.
“When it comes to mobility, the TAC6 platform outperforms any full-sized 4-ton truck available today,” Armormax Defence said. “Extensive testing across diverse landscapes in Africa and Europe has solidified its reputation as the epitome of mobility.” The TAC-6 has done over 250 000 km of testing, including with the French Special Forces. During testing they tried to break the vehicle, and would disqualify it after three failures – during evaluation, the vehicle only experienced two failures and these were disqualified as operator errors (overloaded and burnt clutches).
A variant for every mission
The TAC-6 is available in both single cab and double cab configurations, serving as a foundation for a wide range of modular units – the base vehicle is designed to fulfil a multitude of roles, including personnel carrier; weapons platform; ammunition carrier; mechanical field workshop; 3 500 litre fuel or water tanker; water purification plant carrier; firefighting unit; food/cold haulage vehicle; generator carrier; logistics support platform; radar platform; drone platform; or anti-tank guided missile launch platform.
One customer has even had a vehicle converted to a luxury six-seat game viewing vehicle. Indeed, Armormax Defence believes that due to the TAC-6’s modularity, the vehicle is highly suitable for hunting, overlanding, or farming, amongst others.
So far Armormax Defence has built single, double and stretch versions of the TAC-6 (the latter with an extra 50 centimetres of length). The armoured personnel carrier variant is in the works, as is a variant with an armoured cab. Broom told defenceWeb Armormax Defence plans to showcase several variants and modular options with a number of partners over the next 24 months.
Armormax* specialises in armouring private vehicles – it has armoured some 1 750 vehicles over the last 20 years – and offers a variety of armour packages for the TAC-6. STANAG Level I vehicle armour can stop shell fragments as well as 7.62 mm and 5.56 mm bullets: lightweight armour and 40 mm ballistic glass is employed throughout to replace the original windows.
Local product, global market
The TAC-6 is being marketed in both South Africa and beyond its borders. Armormax Defence sees a bigger market overseas “simply because of the number of defence contracts that are out there in comparison with South Africa. We do also anticipate there will be a secondary civilian and agricultural market for the vehicle locally,” Broom explained. “There has been great interest locally and abroad,” he added, with a number of negotiations in motion already.
In South Africa, the TAC-6 will be submitted as a contender for the Special Forces’ requirements for a 6×6 Land Cruiser. Although this tender was published some months ago by Armscor, it has been retracted and will be reissued. The South African National Defence Force has a separate requirement for new border patrol vehicles, and the TAC-6 may be offered for this as well.
The TAC-6 was built with the military in mind and this includes deployment in a standard 20 foot ISO shipping container, making international deployment easy – and less conspicuous.
To The Point International’s Gunslinger turret on the TAC-6.
Weapons ranging from light machineguns to anti-tank missiles can be mounted on the TAC-6, and so far the vehicle has been fitted with a Centauri (formerly Evotex) 12.7 mm remotely operated weapon station, and a To The Point International (TTPI) Gunslinger 12.7 mm manual turret. During testing in Europe, the French military fitted 60 and 81 mm mortars and a 12.7 mm turret.
At present, Armormax Defence is working with a global supplier to fit and test an 81 mm mortar ahead of the Africa Aerospace and Defence (AAD) exhibition in September.
One of the TAC-6’s unique features is a hydraulic stabiliser that can be automatically deployed at low speed to neutralise the lateral pivoting movement inherent in heavy-calibre weapon recoil. Armormax Defence Lead Engineer Shane Kleb explained that when the vehicle is about to fire, at speeds below 5 km/h, the stabiliser locks the axle onto the chassis to ensure weapon stability. This is ideal for 20 and 30 mm weapons.
Test drive
defenceWeb had the chance to test the TAC-6 at the Legends MX offroad track east of Pretoria, taking it through thick sand, mud and rocky terrain. Starting off in 2×6 mode, the TAC-6 immediately got stuck in the adventure venue’s sand trap but once 6×6 was engaged (there is no 4×6 mode), it cruised through the thick sand at all speeds – flotation was excellent, with no need to keep up momentum to avoid sinking. In fact, it was impossible to get the vehicle stuck, as applying full throttle from standstill did not bury the wheels but sent the TAC-6 moving forward.
With its extra axle, the TAC-6 offers a 50% increase in traction compared to regular 4x4s, giving “unparallelled sand flotation,” Armormax Defence said. “The TAC-6 effortlessly glides through sandy terrains, surpassing any 4×4 in its load category,” the company added, and this was clearly the case during defenceWeb’s test drive.
On steep, rocky terrain the TAC-6 felt extraordinarily smooth and absorbed bumps and boulders with little notice. Thanks to the long wheelbase and third axle, it felt harder to get hung up on trench-like obstacles.
Armormax said that off-road, the platform’s chassis remains flatter due to the third axle, reducing roll and ensuring maximum stability. This was clearly evident when traversing rocky terrain and crossing obstacles like deep ditches at 45-degree angles.
The eight speed automatic transmission was extremely responsive and changed gears very quickly – it can go from second to sixth gears instantly. Coupled with the V8 engine, the TAC-6 never felt short on power, even with the Gunslinger turret and five people aboard the double cab version.
According to Armormax Defence, the chassis has been strengthened with strategically placed stiffeners, adding to stability that is naturally added by the extra axle. The third axle also eliminates the need for heavy-duty anti-sway bars. Off-road stability was excellent, as was on-road stability.
When driven on tar, the TAC-6 comfortably cruised at 120 km/h at around 2 000 rpm, with a theoretical top speed of 180 km/h (redline is over 4 000 rpm) although listed top speed is 160 km/h. Driving on paved roads felt little different from a normal Land Cruiser.
Although the TAC-6 is a relatively long vehicle thanks to the extra axle, it did not feel particularly unwieldy, and doing three-point turns and reversing was no more difficult than manoeuvring a large SUV (a built-in reverse camera helps).
Conclusion
The seven-year long TAC-6 project was designed to create a military platform that “would excel in deployment, maintenance, reliability, and capability.” The original Special Forces requirement was for a vehicle to fulfil multiple roles, be able to get in and out of non-permissible environments quickly, did not require any special training to operate and could be easily serviced in the field by its operators.
“All other solutions available are either too light and incapable, or too heavy and large to be agile and easily transported. In many military combat situations, agility and versatility are key to operational success,” Armormax Defence said.
“Aside from the obvious tactical uses, the high GVM, stability, traction, ease of operation and durability of the product in the worst environments imaginable make it a logical replacement to vehicles that are much heavier and less agile, or where several vehicles are deployed for the same role.”
Armormax Defence is confident the TAC-6 is well positioned as a formidable option not just for military and security users worldwide but for non-defence operators as well.
Customers can either provide their own vehicle for conversion (in left hand drive or right hand drive) or request Armormax Defence to source a vehicle for them. The total conversion process takes approximately 14 weeks to complete (without any vehicle armouring options).
The cost of the base conversion for a manual gearbox starts at R1.5 m (excluding the base vehicle itself) while armouring options for STANAG Level 1 start at R850 000 and a lightweight, discreet armouring package starts at R880 000 or R1.3 m for B4 and B6 levels of armour respectively. Multiple-vehicle orders reduce the production costs and timeline significantly and will result in a retail pricing reduction, Armormax Defence pointed out.
The ZF eight speed automatic gearbox can also be sold and fitted separately to any Land Cruiser 79 4.5 litre diesel V8 at a cost of R440 000.
Specifications:
Length: 5 995 mm (single and double cab)
Width: 1 870 mm
Height: 2 015 mm
Ground Clearance under diff: 265 mm
Ground clearance to chassis: 350 mm
Approach angle: 40 degrees
Departure angle: 38 degrees
Breakover angle: 15 degrees
Gross vehicle mass: 7 000 kg
Tare (unladen weight): 2 950 kg (single cab)
Tare: 3 080 kg (double cab)
Payload: 4 050 kg (single cab)
Payload: 3 920 kg (double cab)
Max speed: 160 km/h
Engine: Toyota 4.5 litre V8 turbodiesel
Power: 151 kW (five speed manual)
Power: 192 kW (eight speed automatic)
* Armormax has been in existence for 20 years, and has armoured some 1 750 vehicles to date, mostly private luxury vehicles. Its defence division was established in 2016 to investigate new potential product developments and markets and in addition to the TAC-6, it is working on personal ballistic protection, mobile panic rooms and a few other projects. (Source: https://www.defenceweb.co.za/)
16 Apr 24. Oman’s main battle tank spend to double as defence projected to grow. Besides the UK, Oman is the only other operator of the Challenger 2 main battle tank, with the first units arriving nearly 30 years ago.
Aprojected rise in defence budgets in the Sultanate of Oman, strategically located on the southeastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula, is being driven by spending in the land domain, in part through a doubling of expenditure on its main battle tank (MBT) and infantry fighting vehicle (IFV) fleets.
Newly released figures from GlobalData’s Oman Defense Market report indicates that spending on MBTs would rise from $38m (OR14.4m) in 2024 to $85m by 2034, a significant decade-long increase. Over a shorter time period, between 2024-2029 Oman’s spending on IFV would increase from $4.5m currently to $9.6m by 2029.
Oman acquired 38 Challenger 2 MBTs from Alvis Vickers, now BAE Systems Land Systems, between 1996-2001, along with four Challenger recovery vehicles in 1996. The country also operates an unknown number of M60A1 and M60A3 MBTs, obtained from the US in the 1980s and 1990s respectively.
Oman’s PARS III IFVs have been provided by FNSS, and are among the newest platforms in the Sultanate’s military. Credit: FNSS
It is likely that the increase in spending in the MBT segment will be driven by maintenance and upgrade costs as the Sultanate looks to keep its ageing platforms operational. Oman’s Challenger 2 MBTs were ‘desertised’ in order to improve their operational capabilities in hot, dry, and sandy conditions, with one armoured brigade operating the type.
The only other operator of the Challenger 2 – the UK – is upgrading 148 of its 227-strong fleet to the Challenger 3 variant, incorporating an active protection system, a new turret, and Rheinmetall’s 155mm L55A1 smoothbore gun.
Oman operates 27 PARS III 6×6 and 145 PARS III 8×8 wheeled IFVs provided by FNSS in the mid-to-late-2010s, and as such are among the Sultanate’s newest land platforms. It also operates a small number (approximately six) of VBC-90 scout vehicles obtained in the 1980s, according to GlobalData intelligence.
Charting Oman’s defence spending increase
Oman looks to be emerging from a multi-year period of defence spending decline, which between 2020-2024 registered a negative compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.9%, primarily due to lower oil prices and the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.
As a result, the defence budget was reduced from $9bn in 2020 to $8bn in 2024, while the acquisition budget was dropped from $1.7bn in 2020 to $1.4bn in 2024.
However, according to GlobalData’s Oman Defense Market 2024-2029 report, the country’s defence expenditure is forecast to value $8.2bn in 2025 as it seeks to modernise its current inventory, keeping pace with regional neighbours such as Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Bahrain.
Over the 2025–29 forecast period Oman is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 2.6%, while the defence acquisition budget is expected to grow at 3.9% to record $1.7bn over the reporting period. The defence budget for 2029 is forecast to reach $9.1bn, with Oman’s Ministry of Defence expected to invest in land vehicles, fixed-wing aircraft, and ammunition. (Source: army-technology.com)
16 Apr 24. British Army’s Ajax armoured vehicle programme: from promise to peril. Despite setbacks and delays, the UK Ministry of Defence remains committed to the Ajax programme, aiming to equip the British Army with capabilities for national security and Nato commitments.
The Ajax armoured vehicle programme, plagued by issues ranging from vibration concerns to delivery delays, faces scrutiny as it inches closer to achieving initial operating capability (IOC).
Initiated in 2010, the programme aimed to equip the British Army with a fleet of fully digitised platforms to replace the ageing Combat Vehicle Reconnaissance Tracked (CVR(T)) family.
Led by General Dynamics European Land Systems Group, the programme promised capabilities, including enhanced reconnaissance, surveillance, and survivability.
However, the road to realisation has been far from smooth. Initial delays pushed back the timeline for equipping the first British Army squadron, with testing issues surfacing.
Testing delays and technical issues
The original plan foresaw the first British Army squadron being equipped by mid-2019, but there were a series of testing issues, including an inability to reverse over any terrain higher than 20cm, as per GlobalData’s intelligence on the UK defence market.
Noise and vibration problems emerged as significant concerns, impacting crew health, stability of armaments, and electronics functionality.
These issues led to a suspension of trials in November 2020, underscoring the magnitude of the technical challenges faced by the programme.
Despite reassurances from defence officials, including then-defence secretary Ben Wallace in February 2023, about the programme being “back on track,” concrete milestones and solutions to underlying issues remain elusive.
The latest reports indicate that only 26 out of the intended 589 Ajax vehicles have been delivered, and none have been deemed deployable due to unresolved technical issues.
Programme suspensions and milestone delays
According to GlobalData’s “The Global Military Land Vehicles Market 2023-2033” report, the UK is investing in one of the largest IFV programmes in the European region, acquiring 245 Ajax IFVs for $3.3bn (£2.64bn).
Harshavardhan Dabbiru, an aerospace, defence, and security analyst at GlobalData, highlights that since the Russia-Ukraine conflict, there has been “renewed attention” on the more fundamental warfighting capabilities of the British Armed Forces.
“With the Army being the least modernised armed force, the focus is on several key procurement programmes. The focus on Army modernisation will continue to drive the country’s policymakers to take measures to overcome the delays and challenges associated with the programme in the next decade,” Dabbiru said.
The implications of these delays extend beyond logistical and operational concerns. The Ajax programme, with a firm-priced contract of £5.5bn, represents a significant investment of taxpayer money.
The Public Accounts Committee has raised alarms about the potential impact on national security and additional taxpayer expenses if the issues are not rectified promptly. As alternatives, such as upgrading the Warrior infantry fighting vehicles, are considered, the fate of the Ajax programme has previously hung in the balance.
Glimmers of hope
Despite the challenges, there are glimmers of progress. Lockheed Martin reports over 50% completion in turret production, signalling some advancement in production capabilities. Recent trials in Swedish Lapland showcased the Ajax platform’s resilience in sub-Arctic conditions, offering hope for its operational viability.
Looking ahead, the Ministry of Defence remains committed to the programme, resuming payments to General Dynamics to expedite delivery. The goal of achieving initial operating capability (IOC) by mid-2025 and full operational capability (FOC) by the late 2020s persists, albeit with uncertainties surrounding timelines and technical feasibility.
Harshavardhan Dabbiru provided his opinion on how realistic the IOC and FOC goals are: “Despite the delays, overbudget, and technical issues that plagued the programme over the years, the British Ministry of Defence (MoD) is taking measures to accelerate the Ajax programme timelines and avert further delays.”
In February 2024, the MoD outlined efforts to expedite the vehicle delivery schedule, which include optimising the build lines, recruiting additional resources, and focusing on increasing collaborative practices for the programme.
These might help the programme achieve its initial operating capability by 2025, and if further delays can be averted, the programme might achieve its full operational capability by 2028-2029.
The crossroads of the Ajax programme
The Ajax armoured vehicle programme stands at a crossroads, with its future hanging in the balance. While the promise of advanced capabilities and modernisation remains tantalising, the reality of delays, setbacks, and technical hurdles paints a sobering picture.
(Source: army-technology.com)
15 Apr 24. GDELS (General Dynamics European Land Systems) has expanded its PIRANHA family with a new variant ~ the 10×10 HMC or Heavy Mission Carrier. General Dynamics European Land Systems (GDELS) has expanded its PIRANHA wheeled armoured vehicle family by a new variant: The PIRANHA Heavy Mission Carrier ‘HMC’.
The PIRANHA HMC marks with its Gross Vehicle Weight of up to 40 tons and a payload of 17 metric tons the top-end of the most successful Western wheeled armoured vehicle family. PIRANHA HMC features advanced driveline und suspension technologies like a 10×10 all-wheel-drive-power-driveline and a unique multi-link suspension system (MLS) with 1st / 2nd and 4th / 5th axle steering. These features allow minimum axle-loads to comply with European road regulations, superior cross-country mobility and trench crossing capabilities with a reduced turning cycle of less than 18 metres.
With the 10×10 PIRANHA Heavy Mission Carrier, the company is responding to the growing need for highly manoeuvrable wheeled armoured vehicle platforms for increasingly demanding mission profiles while accommodating with essential Military Mobility requirements for NATO and international customers. “The PIRANHA HMC is a direct response to our global customer base’s evolving payload and space claim requirements for versatile and multi-purpose missions including direct and indirect fires, air-defence and tactical bridging capabilities”, says Dr. Thomas Kauffmann, GDELS Vice President for Global Sales & Services.
“This unique vehicle platform is a result of our continuous strive towards innovative automotive and driveline technologies combined with over 40 years of excellence and experience as a world-class vehicle OEM”, added Giuseppe Chillari, GDELS Vice President Wheeled Vehicles & Managing Director GDELS-Mowag.
With more than 12,000 vehicles in over 20 user nations, the PIRANHA family of vehicles is the most successful wheeled armoured vehicle in the Western world. In addition to the widespread 8×8, there are 4×4, 6×6 and 10×10 versions as well as amphibious variants in use. (Source: www.joint-forces.com)
12 Apr 24. GM Defense Names Hendrick Motorsports 2023 Supplier of the Year. GM Defense LLC, a subsidiary of General Motors (GM), has selected Hendrick Motorsports as its 2023 Supplier of the Year. The award recognizes global suppliers that distinguish themselves by exceeding requirements, in turn providing defense and government customers with innovative technologies and high-quality solutions.
GM Defense has recognized Hendrick Motorsports for its efforts in supporting the Infantry Squad Vehicle (ISV), a troop transporter currently fielded to the U.S. Army’s 82nd and 101st Airborne Divisions. Hendrick Motorsports, the provider of the chrome-moly steel exoskeleton for the ISV’s Roll Over Protection System, supports enhanced Soldier safety and helps the GM Defense-led team deliver next generation military mobility solutions to our U.S. Army customer.
Designed to provide rapid ground mobility, the light and agile ISV is based on the Chevrolet Colorado ZR2. The vehicle features 90 percent commercial-off-the-shelf parts, including Chevrolet Performance race components proven to perform under some of the toughest off-road conditions. A cornerstone program for GM Defense, the ISV is manufactured in the business’ award-winning production facility in Concord, North Carolina, located just minutes from Hendrick Motorsports’ headquarters.
“Hendrick Motorsports shares GM Defense’s commitment to bringing advanced technologies like the Infantry Squad Vehicle to our Soldiers,” said Steve duMont, president of GM Defense. “Our team’s unrelenting focus on quality, safety and reliability is what makes the collaboration with the Hendrick team so successful and is why I’m pleased to recognize them as our Supplier of the Year for the second year in a row. Through our important work with Hendrick Motorsports, as well as our ability to leverage GM’s racing legacy, GM Defense continues to deliver best-in-class tactical mobility solutions around the world.”
“We take immense pride in our relationship with GM Defense,” said Scott Lampe, senior vice president and CFO, Hendrick Motorsports. “It is unbelievably rewarding to support a program that impacts our country’s national security, and we do not take the responsibility lightly. To be recognized for the second consecutive year underscores our teammates’ commitment to the ISV mission and to providing unparalleled innovation, quality and reliability. We look forward to growing our collaboration with GM Defense and working together to meet the evolving needs of our armed forces.”
GM honored several companies, including Hendrick Motorsports, at its annual Supplier of the Year event in Miami, Florida. Each year, GM’s Supplier of the Year recipients are selected by a global, cross-functional GM team for their performance in criteria such as Product Purchasing, Global Purchasing and Manufacturing Services, Customer Care and Aftersales, and Logistics.
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