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23 Apr 24. Defence Equipment & Support (DE&S) has secured a contract for the British Army’s Heavy Equipment Transport (HET) capability. HET enables the Army to rapidly move heavy armour, such as Challenger 2 tanks, to where it is needed, using an operationally proven vehicle platform. The vehicles were secured under an £80 million interim capability solution over the next three years, with industry partners KBR Ltd. The agreement forms part of a wider Materiel Distribution Land Programme, which incorporates HET, bulk liquid transportation (such as fuel tankers) and palletised load carrying vehicles for the Army.
Nick Taylor, Head of Land Combat Vehicles for DE&S, said: “These vehicles are the bedrock of credible operational capability and underpin our logistical provision to ensure the right equipment is delivered to the right people, on time. I am thrilled that we have secured this vital contract so that we can continue to equip and support the British Army.” The contract with KBR Ltd means the Army will be provided with serviced HET trains – each consisting of a cab and trailer – with enough operational spares packs to allow for operations on multiple fronts, anywhere in the world. Mike Cooper, Senior Responsible Owner of the MDL 25 Programme for the British Army, said: “Placing this contract secures a critical enabling capability for the Army, allowing continued logistic movement of heavy armour and other large equipment for current and future operations and exercises that will ensure the British Army remains able to project fighting power where required.” (Source: www.joint-forces.com)
25 Apr 24. Dutch specialist off-road military vehicle manufacturer Defenture has announced it will present the AGF 2 Mammoth at EUROSATORY 2024. Defenture this morning announced they will be present at Eurosatory 2024 in Paris, showcasing their complete portfolio of light tactical military of the shelf (MOTS) and air transportable vehicles in the range up to 10 tonnes. The major milestone during this edition of Eurosatory will be the reveal of the Mammoth. Earlier this month it was leaked through the German media that four examples of the Mammoth in two variants, conceived for Germany’s elite Kommando Spezialkräfte (KSK) and known as the AGF 2, had been delivered to the Bundeswehr for trials. The Dutch manufacturer did not issue a press release on this sensitive topic at the time, but at the beginning of this week a company representative was able to confirm to Joint-Forces that a delivery had indeed been made. (Source: www.joint-forces.com)
26 Apr 24. France, Germany push on with 2040 joint tank project. France and Germany agreed on Friday to move to the next phase of a project to jointly develop a battle tank by 2040, their defence ministers said, as they seek fresh impetus despite reservations and differences on each side.
CONTEXT
Berlin and Paris in 2017 agreed to work on a joint fighter jet under French lead, estimated to cost some 100 billion euros in total, and also a Franco-German tank to succeed the German Leopard 2 and the French Leclerc.
Both projects have been plagued by disagreements and delays, further straining Franco-German ties burdened by differences over energy topics and over how far Europe should become independent from the U.S. in its security policy.
WHY IS IT IMPORTANT?
The political decision to move to the next phase is important because French and German companies have their own interests, while Paris and Berlin do not see eye to eye on the concept.
The support of French Defence Minister Sebastien Lecornu and his German counterpart Boris Pistorius to drive things forward maintains some momentum.
Development of a next-generation tank is also seen as vital in highlighting how Europe can create its own defence autonomy, compete with new players like India and China, but also take the lead over Russia and the United States, who have yet to unveil plans for tanks to replace their existing models.
WHAT HAS BEEN AGREED?
The two sides have agreed on a way ahead for the distribution of work between manufacturers and hope to sign their first contracts by the end of year.
WHICH COMPANIES ARE INVOLVED?
Funded equally and carried out under German management, it is led by KNDS, a holding company created between France’s Nexter and Germany’s Krauss-Maffei-Wegmann (KMW), maker of the Leopard tank. Rheinmetall and Thales are also involved.
KEY QUOTES
“There has been very important work which … enables us to say that in the 2040s, it will be time for two friendly neighbouring countries, members of the European Union and members of NATO, to have a completely functional and operational armoured cavalry,” Lecornu said.
“There is still a long way to go before our Franco-German land combat system of the future, MGCS, is realised. And yet today’s signing of the MOU is another important milestone,” Pistorius said.
(Source: Reuters)
25 Apr 24. Live firings of the British Army’s highly lethal future tank – the Challenger 3 – have taken place in Germany this week, witnessed by UK Defence Procurement Minister, James Cartlidge.
- Live firing tests for Challenger 3 tank completed.
- Follows latest Challenger 3 tanks finalising production in Telford.
- £800 m programme supporting hundreds of UK jobs.
With advanced survivability 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 live firing took place in northern Germany, following Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s visit to Berlin yesterday where he announced a joint endeavour to develop Remote-Controlled Howitzer 155mm Wheeled Artillery Systems (RCH 155), which will be fitted to Boxer vehicles.
The UK and Germany are the two largest economies in Europe, and Germany is our largest trading partner on the continent, with bilateral trade worth £147.7bn last year.
Challenger 3 is being delivered by Rheinmetall BAE Systems Land (RBSL) under an £800m 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 live qualification firings involved the first Challenger 3 tank firing rounds at targets from a range of distances to ensure accuracy. They are being led by RBSL UK and Rheinmetall and are using the Rheinmetall ranges for consistency with NATO Reference Standards for the new weapon and ammunition.
This important milestone follows Defence Secretary, Grant Shapps, last week seeing the latest of eight Challenger 3 prototypes at the Rheinmetall BAE Systems Land factory in Telford.
Minister for Defence Procurement, James Cartlidge said: “Challenger 3 is a hugely impressive, cutting-edge tank. It will be crucial in the Army’s warfighting ability and the UK’s contribution to NATO, while acting as a deterrent to our adversaries. The live firings and production progress are testament to the talent of our defence industry, helping equip our soldiers with one of the world’s most lethal tanks and creating hundreds of skilled jobs back home in the process. 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 the most lethal NATO ammunition available, as well as improved sensors, advanced armour, and an Active Protection System.” (Source: https://www.gov.uk/)
24 Apr 24. Brazil to buy additional VBMT-LSR Guaicurus 4×4 vehicles.
The Manufacturing Directorate of the Brazilian Army plans to acquire up to 420 new Iveco Defence Vehicles (IDV) Light Multirole Vehicles (LMVs).
The IDV and the Army High Staff signed a protocol of intent on 17 April to pave the way for this acquisition. Designated Viatura Blindada Multitarefa Leve Sobre Rodas (VBMT-LSR) Guaicurus in Brazil, the 4×4 vehicle project is part of the army’s Strategic Program Armoured Forces (Programa Estratégico do Exército Forças Blindadas: Prg EE F Bld).
The contract for the acquisition is currently being drafted, according to the army’s projects office.
The Brazilian LMV will be acquired in different configurations, the army’s Manufacturing Directorate told Janes in 2023.
The original VBMT-LSR project called for acquiring an initial batch of 32 LMVs and placing subsequent orders for two tranches of 77 vehicles each. The plan has since evolved to procuring 420 vehicles, thanks to ordering fewer new IDV VBTP-MSR Guarani 6×6 armoured vehicles than originally planned, a defence sector source told Janes. (Source: Janes)
22 Apr 24. Operational testing for M10 Booker planned for July. One company in the 82nd Airborne Division will be the first unit to perform operational testing on the new M10 Booker combat vehicle in boreal summer 2024 and will then become the first unit equipped if the testing is successful, army leaders announced on 18 April. Testing at Fort Liberty, North Carolina, will focus on making sure the platform is baseline operational, Major General Glenn Dean, programme executive officer for Ground Combat Systems, told reporters on the sidelines of an army live-fire and commemoration event. Training for soldiers will focus on logistics and new maintenance after the unit receives the vehicles in July, Captain Rachel Ledbetter, company commander of the M10 Booker test detachment, 82nd Airborne Division, told Janes on 18 April. While the Abrams M1A2 main battle tank (MBT) and M10 Booker share many commonalities, such as the Commander’s Independent Thermal Viewer (CITV) and machine guns, the logistics tail is different. This means that the test detachment, which come from armoured backgrounds, will have to practice, Capt Ledbetter said. (Source: Janes)
24 Apr 24. DARPA conducts RACER Heavy Platform vehicle autonomous tests.
The tests showcased the 12-tonne (t), 20ft-long RACER Heavy Platform (RHP) vehicles’ ability to autonomously navigate a 15-square-mile area with diverse terrain.
The US Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) has conducted autonomous movement tests on the RHP, as part of the Robotic Autonomy in Complex Environments with Resiliency (RACER) programme.
The RHP, a 12t, 20ft-long skid-steer tracked vehicle, underwent testing as part of the programme’s efforts to enhance adaptability and capability of RACER algorithms.
These vehicles are similar in size to the upcoming robotic and optionally crewed combat vehicles, and complement the existing 2t, 11ft-long, Ackermann-steered and wheeled RACER Fleet Vehicles (RFVs).
The programme’s second phase commenced in autumn 2023 with its fourth experiment (E4), which included first testing of RHPs and RFVs by NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory and University of Washington teams.
RACER E4, conducted at military training areas in Texas in late 2023, demonstrated the vehicles’ ability to autonomously navigate a 15-square-mile area with diverse terrain such as bushes, vegetation cover, rocks, slopes, trees and other obstacles.
It also showcased the vehicles’ capability to operate at night.
The two teams completed more than 30 autonomous runs on courses, which varied in length from three to ten miles, covering nearly 150 autonomous and unoccupied miles at maximum speeds of 30mph.
In addition, the programme saw commissioning of RHP at E4 by operating in an autonomous-route-following-mode for nearly 30 miles, undergoing similarly complex terrain to collect sensor data sets, evaluate low-level autonomous control, enhance operations and assess mobility.
The programme also focused on software development for global planning.
RACER Phase 2 performer teams include the Georgia Institute of Technology, University of Washington, NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Overland AI, Offroad Autonomy and Duality Robotics.
Following the experiments in 2022 and 2023, RACER is planning two more tests in 2024 to maintain its biannual cadence of field tests, with continuous development and testing due to be conducted by Phase 2 teams at various local test sites.
RACER programme manager Stuart Young said: “RACER’s early Phase-2 activities, both with E4 performance successes in difficult, new-to-the-programme, military relevant terrain in Texas, as well as recent incorporation of RHP as a fleet platform is setting the tone for the programme to achieve tougher autonomous manoeuvre goals while showing autonomy resiliency and adaptability to new environments on any robot at any scale.” (Source: army-technology.com)
23 Apr 24. BMT Partners with DNV to Accelerate Australian Landing Craft Design. BMT’s Mature CAIMEN® Large Design: A Key Player in the Expanding CAIMEN® Landing Craft Family for Australia’s LC-H Needs.
(23 April 2024) London, UK / Canberra, Australia — BMT, a global leader in maritime design and technical consultancy, is pleased to announce the signing of a significant Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with DNV, the world’s leading classification society and a trusted advisor to the maritime industry. This partnership marks a pivotal moment for Australian defence capabilities, particularly in accelerating BMT’s development of an Australian version of our CAIMEN® Large Design for the future Landing Craft – Heavy (LC-H) program for the Australian Army.
Under this MoU, DNV will work with BMT throughout the process of tailoring our CAIMEN® Large, to meet the Australian Army’s future requirements. DNV’s insights will ensure that BMT are able to identify and manage technical risk, minimising schedule impacts through early classification society engagement.
The collaboration aims to enhance the design maturity of the future Australian variant of BMT’s CAIMEN® Large, reinforcing BMT’s commitment to delivering state-of-the-art, multi-mission amphibious capabilities to the Australian Defence Force (ADF). The CAIMEN® Large is designed for operational versatility, capable of performing intense amphibious assaults and humanitarian missions, and is well-suited to support the ADF’s focus on enhancing amphibious capabilities in littoral environments.
“Partnering with DNV enables us to leverage their unparalleled expertise in certification and technical advisory, ensuring our designs meet rigorous standards and contribute effectively to Australia’s defence strategy,” stated Graeme Nayler, Regional Managing Director APAC, BMT. “This MoU sets the stage for a dynamic collaboration that will ultimately deliver enhanced operational capabilities to the Australian Army through a risk-based ship design.”
Tim Holt, Area Manager at DNV – Maritime, noted, “We are excited to work alongside BMT on this critical initiative. Our role in this partnership ensures the highest standards of design are embedded into the CAIMEN® Large from the outset through a comprehensive technical assurance approach, supporting BMT’s vision of providing a future-ready defence capability.”
The partnership between BMT and DNV underscores a shared commitment to excellence and innovation in the maritime sector. It promises to deliver robust, flexible,
and advanced solutions, to enhance and sustain Australia’s landing craft capabilities for years to come.
22 Apr 24. MTU Researchers Deliver Prototype Hybrid Electric HMMWV to US Army. A team of engineers led by Michigan Tech’s Advanced Power Systems Research Laboratories (APS Labs) delivered a new tactical hybrid electric High-Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV) to the U.S. Army’s Rapid Capabilities and Critical Technologies Office (RCCTO).
Michigan Tech, along with industry partner Pilot Systems International, designed and constructed the prototype technology demonstrator vehicle before conducting internal testing and evaluation. The vehicle was then officially delivered to the RCCTO, who will test and demonstrate the vehicle’s capabilities.
The HMMWV is the Army’s light-wheeled vehicle for combat support and combat service support missions. Introduced in the 1980s, there are over 100,000 currently in service. HMMWVs are expected to remain in the military until at least 2050.
Electric propulsion technologies, including energy storage systems, have matured and advanced in automobiles, commercial vehicles, and off-road applications, and are ready for integration into military vehicles. However, the designs need to be tailored to the military’s unique operational service and support requirements.
The MTU/Pilot team developed a hybrid electric solution for the HMMWV focused on enhancing its operational capabilities and effectiveness on the battlefield. This series hybrid architecture has retained many stock components of a base HMMWV while maximizing the use of military and commercial off-the-shelf hardware. APS Labs’ test results demonstrated the hybrid electric HMMWV meets or exceeds the performance of a base HMMWV and adds additional functionalities, including extended silent watch, silent mobility, and exportable power to support combat reconnaissance scenarios and overall operational efficacy. The design focused on redundancy, reliability, soldier safety, and high-efficiency power generation.
The goals of this project were to demonstrate feasibility and vehicle performance improvements to support future systems and extend the effectiveness of the HMMWV well into the future. Most importantly, the results of this project will provide the Army with critical information needed to inform future designs, performance targets, and investment decisions.
Michigan Technological University is a public research university founded in 1885 in Houghton, Michigan, and is home to more than 7,000 students from 55 countries around the world. Consistently ranked among the best universities in the country for return on investment, Michigan’s flagship technological university offers more than 120 undergraduate and graduate degree programs in science and technology, engineering, computing, forestry, business and economics, health professions, humanities, mathematics, social sciences, and the arts. The rural campus is situated just miles from Lake Superior in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, offering year-round opportunities for outdoor adventure. (Source: Paulo Dominonni via LinkedIn)
22 Apr 24. Successful Airdrop Tests for Oshkosh FMTV A2 LVAD. The U.S. Army Operational Test Command’s Airborne and Special Operations Test Directorate (ABNSOTD) recently conducted the final airdrop test of the Oshkosh® Defense FMTV A2 Cargo 6×6 Low-Velocity Airdrop (LVAD). The airdrops, which took place at Fort Liberty in North Carolina, mark a key milestone for the FMTV A2 LVAD program. The tests validated the design and capabilities of the Cargo 6×6 LVAD to ensure its suitability for the stringent demands of airdrop and follow-on operations. Developed to address the challenges of an aging medium LVAD fleet, the three Oshkosh Defense FMTV A2 LVAD variants, the Cargo 6×6, Cargo 4×4, and Dump Truck 6×6, are each engineered to fulfill a critical need for the Airborne community.
“We are extremely pleased with the results of the FMTV A2 LVAD airdrop tests,” stated Pat Williams, chief programs officer at Oshkosh Defense. “This is an integral step in delivering the FMTV A2 LVAD capability that underscores our commitment to partnering with the U.S. Army to deliver mission-critical tactical vehicles that meet the needs of the modern battlefield.”
The FMTV A2 Cargo 6×6 LVAD successfully demonstrated its ability to withstand the rigors of an airdrop, maintain structural integrity upon landing and complete the post-drop road maneuvers. In 2023, the Cargo 6×6 LVAD prototype completed Rollover Protection Structures (ROPS), RIGEX (Rigging Exercises), Roller Loading, and Simulated Airdrop Impact Testing (SAIT). The Cargo 4×4 and Dump Truck LVAD variants will undergo similar testing in 2024. (Source: ASD Network)
22 Apr 24. Japan Ground Self-Defense Force expected to continue procuring UGVs over next decade, says GlobalData. The Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) has awarded a contract to Milrem Robotics to supply three THeMIS unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs). This follows another contract awarded last week by the Japanese Ministry of Defense to Rheinmetall to deliver its Mission Master SP UGVs. These procurements by the JGSDF are being driven by the Japan Ministry of Defense’s Rapid Acquisition Program, which focuses on leveraging cutting-edge technologies for its military to counter the growing aggression from its adversaries. Japan seeks to maintain a small but capable military and will continue to procure unmanned systems over the next decade, says GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.
GlobalData’s research on the global military unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) market reveals that Japan’s investment in procuring various types of UGVs is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.7% over the next 10 years. The prime focus will be on acquiring intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) UGVs that can be configured to perform a wide range of missions.
Harshavardhan Dabbiru, Aerospace & Defence Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “Japan has territorial disputes with China over the Senkaku Islands, currently administered by the former. The growing Chinese military prowess in the Indo-Pacific and their claims over the Taiwanese territory, which lies only about 70 miles from the Japanese mainland, are forcing the country’s policymakers to review its military readiness and invest in advanced technologies like unmanned systems.”
In addition, acquiring UGVs like THeMIS and Mission Master SP that can replace humans in various military roles will help the JGSDF in mitigating the risks of human losses on the battlefield, which is important for JGSDF that is currently facing a structural problem in terms of a fall in military applicants due to a shrinking young population in the country. With this situation expected to continue over the coming decades, the country will likely continue investing in unmanned systems.
Dabbiru concludes: “Japan’s involvement in several security partnerships with the US to counter the common adversary in the Indo-Pacific region, China, will also drive enhancements in JGSDF’s preparedness level. As such, the procurement of UGVs like THeMIS and Mission Master SP will help the JGSDF enhance its ground-based surveillance capabilities and react to any unforeseen threats.” (Source: GlobalData)
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