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30 May 24. Babcock International Group (Babcock), the defence company and Hobson Industries, the engineering company, have signed an agreement to work together with the aim to resolve obsolescence in military Land Rovers.
Babcock provide the through-life support and management for 60 percent of the British Army’s vehicles with a focus on providing innovative solutions to long standing supply chain challenges which routinely impact the availability of British Army vehicles such as the Land Rover Wolf platform.
Hobson Industries is an innovative and highly technical engineering business that specialise in the through life support of the Land Rover Defender (Wolf) platform. This partnership draws upon the combined experience of Babcock’s maintenance & repair capabilities, with Hobson’s subject matter expertise on the Wolf platform.
With an initial focus on the Land Rover Wolf, the partnership will bring forward a wide range of modern technical solutions in the areas of design, manufacture, remanufacturing and repair. This will increase the availability of assets for the front-line commands, increase reliability and enable the most cost-effective solution for the British Army.
The suite of technical and digital solutions now available through this partnership provide an unprecedented opportunity to reverse the trend of obsolescence impacting the defence fleet.
Jon Morley, Director of Material Availability Services at Babcock, said: “Finding modern, sustainable solutions to some long-standing challenges will enhance the operational capability of the British Army. Hobson Industries are subject matter experts and we’re delighted to be formalising our relationship with them.”
Peter Hobson, Managing Director at Hobson Industries said, “This framework agreement builds on a long-term association of mutual respect, joint skills and capabilities and enables Hobson Industries and Babcock to work more closely together to achieve a common goal to deliver excellence of service and capabilities to UK Armed Forces.”
BATTLESPACE Comment: The availability of the approximately 3600 Land Rover Wolf vehicles has long been a problem for the MoD due to spares availability and obsolescence. It is believed that there are as many as several thousand vehicles off the road. This will mean that the fleet will be asset managed throughout. Hobson Industries has had an Asset Managed system in place for many years to supply renewed parts which has solved some of the issues. However, key parts such as chassis remain difficult to source. This agreement will solve these critical supply issues and bring vehicles left in store back into service. However, this announcement also signals the MoD’s intention to keep the Land Rover Wolf in service beyond 2030 and puts a question mark over the In Service Date (ISD) for the GSUPS Wolf Replacement Programme which appears stalled after the initial MoD brief in March 2023. This may be due to the clash of the UK’s Electric Vehicle strategy requiring manufacturers to provide 30% of their production to be electric. The introduction of electric vehicles to the MoD’s fleet is a long way off due to the lack of mobile battlefield charging points and general electrification policy. The shift appears to be going to a hydrogen-based vehicle solution where manufacturers such as INEOS are producing vehicles. Babcock has provided the MoD with a fleet-wide solution for GSUPS with its Toyota-based 4×4 and 6×6 solution using naturally aspirated engines. Other contenders include Mercedes Benz ‘G’ Wagen and the Rheinmetall Mercedes Caracal. This contract may also cause a delay in the forthcoming Land Rover parts contract.
29 May 24. Indian Army seeks hydrogen fuel for mobility vehicles. The Indian Army has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) to develop and deploy hydrogen fuel cell technology in its heavy-duty mobility vehicles, the company said in a press release on 27 May. According to IOCL, it also delivered a hydrogen fuel cell bus to the Indian Army during the “handing over and [MOU] signing ceremony” held at the National War Memorial in New Delhi. During the event, Chief of the Army Staff General Manoj Pande said, “The Indian Army is committed to exploring and adopting innovative technologies that enhance our operational capabilities while ensuring environmental sustainability.” Gen Pande added that the Indian Army will evaluate the hydrogen bus delivered by IOCL. According to a press release by the Indian Ministry of Defence (MoD), hydrogen fuel cell technology “offers a clean and efficient alternative by converting hydrogen gas into electricity through an electrochemical process”. (Source: Janes)
30 May 24. Sweden enhances naval logistics with new multi-purpose barges. The new barges are designed to transport various goods, including trucks and containers, and will also be equipped to handle waste and water supplies. The Swedish Defense Materiel Administration (FMV) has initiated the procurement of four barges designed to transport ships and supply vessels for the Swedish Armed Forces.
The decision to acquire these new barges stems from the 2020 defence decision, which identified a critical need for improved maritime logistics support. “It is a capability that was requested in the defence decision 2020 and part of supplying material to the newly established naval base battalions. We are currently finalising the requirements specification for the ships,” said Carl Johan Widmark, FMV project manager.
The new barges are designed to transport various goods, including trucks and containers, and will also be equipped to handle waste and water supplies. These ships will resupply the Navy’s ships and submarines at sea, thereby reducing the need for vessels to return to port for refuelling and rearming.
“The push ships mean that other ships will not have to go into port to, for example, bunker diesel or load ammunition, but they should be able to do that out at sea. The new ability that the strait ships have means that the logistics of the navy’s ships will become more flexible and less vulnerable,” Widmark emphasised.
The procurement process has begun with a call for applications to qualify suppliers, marking the first step in the acquisition strategy. FMV plans to purchase civilian vessels and later retrofit them with military systems at a specialised shipyard. This two-stage approach is intended to streamline the process and ensure that the new ships meet the requirements of the Swedish Navy.
The first two ships are expected to be delivered by 2029, with the remaining two in 2030. The specifications for these vessels include a length of 42 metres (m), a width of 10.5m, and a speed of 12 knots. They will have an endurance of seven days, a crew capacity of 14, and can accommodate up to 35 passengers. Additionally, the barges will have load capacities, including 90 cubic meters of fuel oil and ten cubic meters of fresh water, with a deck load capacity of 55 tonnes and a general cargo capacity of 20 tonnes. (Source: naval-technology.com)
30 May 24. Canada signs $11.2bn recapitalisation for entire Air Force training fleet. Canada will also recapitalise its logistics vehicles to the amount of $2.58bn, purchasing 1500 vehicles. Canada announced a contract for 70 training aircraft from across five airframe fleets at a value of $11.2bn (C$8.17bn) on 29 May 2024, to be procured from SkyAlyne Canada Limited Partnership for the Future Aircrew Training (FAcT) programme.
The status of future Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) training had been in question since March 2024, as the fast-jet training programme entered a multi-year hiatus, with Nato programmes across the Euro-Atlantic taking on Canadian pilots. The newly announced investment includes airframes and training, with instruction scheduled to begin in Spring 2029.
The 25-year FAcT programme will acquire more than 70 training aircraft, including: the Airbus Helicopters H-135; the Beechcraft King Air 260; the De Havilland Dash 8-400 equipped with a mission training system in the cabin; the Grob G120TP; and the Pilatus PC-21.
This investment is part of the largest recapitalisation of the RCAF since WWII, and adds to the approximately 140 aircraft Canada has finalised procurement of since 2022, which include F-35 fighters and P-8A Posiedon multi-mission aircraft.
“Today’s investments demonstrate that when we work collaboratively with Canadian industry partners, we can provide our troops with the tools that they need to do their jobs – and support good jobs right across Canada,” said Minister of National Defence Bill Blair. “With these projects, and through our renewed vision for defence, Our North, Strong and Free, we are committed to building an even stronger relationship with industry, founded on transparency and trust.”
Canada’s rapid expansion of its air capability will be supported by the purchase of trainer aircraft from SkyAlyne, and by the contract line items for classroom instruction, simulator and flight training, as well as support activities for a range of RCAF roles, that includes pilots, air combat systems officers, and airborne electronic sensor operators.
The FAcT training programme will replace in-house training delivered by the RCAF, as well replacing as a $4.6bn 25-year contract with Nato that was due to expire in 2028, and a $1.18bn contract with Allied Wings that was due to expire in 2027.
Royal Canadian Air Force Commander Lieutenant-General Eric Kenny framed the FAcT as an investment in RCAF personnel: “Nothing is more important than our people. We must modernise our training systems as we are modernising our front-line equipment and weapons systems.
“The Future Aircrew Training program will do that by incorporating the latest training concepts and technologies and adapting to emerging trends to ensure Royal Canadian Air Force personnel can operate and win in highly contested and increasingly complex theatres of operation.”
According to a release from the Canadian Ministry of National Defence, the FAcT programme is anticipated to contribute $405m annually to Canada’s GDP over its 25 year duration, and create or maintain 3,400 jobs.
Logistics Vehicle Modernisation programme moves forward
During the same announcement from Defence Minister Blair at the Canadian Association of Defence and Security, investment of up to $2.58bn in logistic vehicles was made public, with delivery expected to begin in Autumn 2027.
Contracts for more than 1,000 light trucks and approximately 500 heavy trucks awarded to General Dynamics Land Systems – Canada in a joint venture with Marshall Canada, as part of the Logistics Vehicle Modernisation (LVM) programme. A second contract for 25-year support of the fleet was also awarded.
Sub-contractors include Mercedes Benz, and Soframe, as well as Canadian sub-contractors GDLS-Canada, Marshall Canada, K-Line Trailers, and Manac.
The LVM programme is intended to provide increased mobility and protection for Canadian Armed Forces personnel, and to transport larger loads of equipment and supplies. The new vehicles will replace the current fleet light support vehicles, heavy logistics vehicles, and heavy engineer support vehicles, that have all even in use since the late 1980’s and early 1990’s.
Canada’s Minister of Public Services and Procurement Jean-Yves Duclos noted the benefit of the FAcT investment to the Canadian economy, stating the contracts will “create highly skilled jobs and further contribute to the growth and competitiveness of Canada’s defence industry.”
Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry François-Philippe Champagne highlighted the wider impact of the FAcT investment on the Canadian defence-industrial base, saying that through the Industrial and Technological Benefits Policy the investments “not only strengthen our defence capabilities but also nurture the leadership of Canadian supply chains, fostering job creation and economic prosperity for years to come.”
The Industrial and Technological Benefits Policy requires companies to make investments and provide business activities in Canada equal to the value of the contract. (Source: army-technology.com)
27 May 24. Russia’s most modern battle tank hit by ‘disco head’ glitch. Videos show a mysterious fault seemingly causing gun turrets to spin out of control when vehicles come under fire. Russia’s most modern battle tank has been struck down by a “disco head” glitch that sends its turret spinning out of control.
The mysterious fault has hit the T-90 – dubbed the “best tank in the world” by Vladimir Putin – on numerous occasions after it came under fire from Ukrainian forces.
The worst example of the flaw came during a battle in Ukraine’s eastern Donetsk region when Ukrainian troops in two US-supplied Bradley fighting vehicles engaged one of the Russian tanks.
The Ukrainians opened fire from close range, peppering the tank’s armour with projectiles from a 25mm Bushmaster chain gun.
Footage of the clash appears to show the T-90 losing control, its turret spinning in a frenzy, before smashing into a tree.
Unable to fight back against the pair of Bradley armoured machines, its crew fled on foot and the tank was destroyed by a Ukrainian first-person view (FPV) attack drone.
A similar malfunction was captured on video when another T-90 came under attack by a strike drone company from Ukraine’s battle-hardened 47th mechanised brigade.
The tank can be seen taking several hits from above as it travels down a road, presumably in eastern Ukraine.
The second blow, which appears to strike the rear of T-90’s hull, sends the turret into a spin, with its operators seemingly unable to regain control.
In a social media post, the 47th Brigade speculated that the strike had damaged one of the tank’s guidance optics.
Unlike older, Soviet-era tanks, the T-90’s 125mm smoothbore cannon has an automatic targeting system. The electrical turret responds to laser warning sensors dotted around the tank and turns its gun towards the target.
Both the US-made Abrams and British Challenger 2 tanks have similar features, known as “hunter-killer systems”.
“It’ll likely be a combination between inexperienced crews and poor electronics,” Hamish de Bretton-Gordon, a former British Army tank commander, said. (Source: Daily Telegraph)
29 May 24. Cash in hand for armored vehicles, Italy weighs its clout in Europe. Italy is expected to come up with a design for a new €5bn ($5.4bn) armored fighting vehicle program by the end of the year after it picks European partners for the job.
To meet the target, work is now picking up pace on Italy’s A2CS program to build 1,050 tracked vehicles to replace its aging Dardo vehicles, making it Europe’s biggest current land warfare program.
“This year is going to require a lot of work to make that deadline,” said a source knowledgeable of the program who declined to be named because he was not allowed to speak on the record.
Earlier this year the Italian army handed local defense giant Leonardo and Italy’s Iveco Defence Vehicles the task of recruiting European partners who can bring expertise and platforms to the table, in the knowledge that Italy cannot afford the time or expense involved in starting a program from scratch.
The industry grouping is expected to have a design ready for the Army by Christmas.
Given the size of the program, A2CS, formerly named AICS, could be both a catalyst for long awaited integration in Europe’s ground warfare industry and shape further consolidation in the sector.
So attention will be paid to the European team-up picked by Leonardo and Iveco Defence Vehicles, which already operate their own joint venture known as CIO.
Current candidates include French-German alliance KNDS, which would propose its tracked Boxer vehicle as a baseline for the design, while Germany’s Rheinmetall has offered its Lynx. BAE Systems Hägglunds would have an outside shot with its CV90.
Planners intend to order the vehicle in 16 configurations, including combat, anti-tank, reconnaissance, 120mm light tank, anti-air, mortar carrier, ammunition carrier, command post and ambulance. The aim is to produce twenty prototypes by 2027 or 2028, with deliveries to follow between 2029 and 2041.
The A2CS program is one of two ongoing vehicle procurement programs in Italy, the second being the purchase of Leopard tanks from KNDS, which will be assembled in Italy.
Italy’s Leonardo meanwhile signed a cooperation deal with KNDS in December which covered eventual cooperation on the French-German Main Ground Combat System battle tank program being worked on by KNDS.
Italy has also signed recent bilateral defense cooperation deals with Germany and France which laid the groundwork for Italian involvement in the MGCS program.
But earlier this month the French branch of KNDS told Defense News that a planned project company between KNDS, Germany’s Rheinmetall and France’s Thales to work on the tank will remain closed to other shareholders for now.
The French and German divisions of KNDS, Rheinmetall and Thales will each hold a 25% stake in the project company, with work on different parts of the tank now divided up between France and Germany.
Alessandro Marrone, who heads the defense program at Rome think tank IAI, said the announcement suggested Italy risked being left behind.
“Italy plans to acquire the platform and be involved in the design – that was the sense of the deal between Italy and France. If it is just about sub-contracting it is not much different to Italy’s role on Leopard, which will be customized and assembled in Italy but will still be a Leopard. Italy’s ambition on MGCS is different,” he said.
“Italy did not do enough to link its Leopard purchase to involvement in MGCS, and the more structured the MGCS program becomes the more difficult it will be to change it,” he added.
One way for Italy to get a better foothold in MGCS would be if it becomes a participant in the KNDS venture.
Late last year, Leonardo bid to buy IDV from Iveco, its parent company.
Adding the firm to its own ground vehicles activity, Leonardo would have created an entity with a potentially sufficient mass to become a partner in KNDS, turning KNDS into a land version of European missile house MDBA in which nations have grouped their domestic firms.
MBDA has been offered as a model for European defense industry integration by Leonardo CEO Roberto Cingolani. Leonardo’s bid to buy IDV has however been turned down by Iveco, an industry source told Defense News. (Source: Defense News)
29 May 24. Marshall and Power Team awarded contract for Canada’s flagship vehicle logistics project. Canada’s Department of National Defence today announced that it has formally awarded the Logistics Vehicle Modernization (LVM) contract to the Power Team, a consortium led by General Dynamics Land Systems-Canada (GDLS-Canada) and Marshall Canada. The announcement was made in Ottawa by the Honourable Bill Blair, Minister of National Defence, at an industry and media gathering on the opening day of CANSEC, the nation’s largest security and defence show. The Power Team, made up of GDLS-Canada, Marshall Canada, Mercedes Benz, Soframe and
Manac, will provide the replacement for the Canadian Armed Forces’ (CAF) existing fleet of logistics vehicles—an essential capability for transferring resources, personnel and military assets during domestic and international operations and training exercises. The LVM project is being awarded in two contracts: one for vehicle acquisition to provide over 1,000 light trucks and approximately 500 heavy trucks valued at CAD$1.5bn (including taxes), and one for in-service support for a total potential value of CAD$1.08bn (including taxes) over 25 years. With GDLS-Canada serving as prime integrator, Marshall will produce a range of interchangeable light and heavy 10ft and 20ft mission modules capable of being mounted onto Mercedes-Benz Zetros trucks, which will provide the common vehicle chassis across all configurations.
“We are incredibly proud to be supporting this flagship logistics project for the Canadian Armed Forces as part of the Power Team,” said Marshall Chief Growth Officer Bob Baxter.
“The LVM contract award demonstrates the strength of our partnership with General Dynamics and reflects the level of confidence some of the world’s largest governments have in our ability to deliver high volume, multi-year contracts.”
Production of the mission modules will be carried out at Marshall’s new site in Moncton, New Brunswick. The 82,000 sq ft (7,600 sq m) production facility opened its doors last October as part of Marshall’s strategic plan to broaden its global reach and availability to meet the scaling needs of a growing global customer base.
“Delivering LVM will bring a new level of growth and maturity to Marshall’s presence in New Brunswick,” said Marshall Canada Executive Vice President Sam Michaud.
“This is an unprecedented opportunity to further strengthen the industrial base that continues to thrive in Atlantic Canada, while hiring and training to secure a pipeline of talent into the future.”
By 2028, the LVM project is expected to create over 500 new direct employment opportunities in eastern Canada. Production from Marshall’s Moncton facility is expected to boost New Brunswick’s fabricated metal manufacturing sector GDP by as much as 15 per cent by 2026, while driving export revenues to help address the province’s trade deficit in the sector.
29 May 24. CANSEC 2024: Rheinmetall to display its complete range of Mission Master autonomous vehicles for the very first time.
Rheinmetall is set to impress attendees at Canada’s foremost defence industry event by showcasing, for the very first time, all three Mission Master vehicle variants. The Mission Master SP, XT, as well as the very latest addition to the family, the CXT, will all be on display, allowing visitors to discover the unique capabilities of each vehicle.
In addition to its Uncrewed Ground Systems (UGSs), Rheinmetall will display its Hardware-in-the-Loop Simulator, so that delegates can test the vehicles first-hand in a virtual, yet realistic environment.
Rheinmetall will also present the MSU-GP 200T Air Start Unit (ASU), the SolarΣShield fabric, and the Polaris MRZR-D4 equipped with the PATH autonomy kit. Additional vehicle solutions designed in collaboration with partnering companies will also be on display at the outdoor booth.
Rheinmetall Mission Master family:
- The Mission Master SP is a compact UGS with a low-signature electric motor and amphibious capabilities, and therefore an invaluable asset when silence is a must.
- The larger Rheinmetall Mission Master CXT and XT vehicles can tackle ice and snow, as well as sandy, rocky, and mountainous topography. Their advanced amphibious capabilities allow them to float and swim while maintaining their full payload capacity of 1000 kg.
The CXT is slightly smaller than the XT and has hybrid propulsion, meaning it can silently transport heavy payloads.
The XT is the largest Mission Master vehicle and is diesel powered.
Rheinmetall PATH A-Kit: This world-leading AI-powered navigation system is installed on all Mission Master UGS vehicles and is agnostic, meaning it can drive almost any military and commercial vehicle. To demonstrate the agnostic capacity of the PATH A-Kit, Rheinmetall will display its light tactical MRZR-D4 vehicle from Polaris.
TAK integration: Rheinmetall offers an extensive Tactical Assault Kit (TAK) integration service, including the development of tailored plugins to meet the most specific needs. Visitors will be able to test the Android Tactical Assault Kit (ATAK), which is integrated on all Mission Master vehicles, first-hand at the indoor booth.
MSU-GP 200T: The MSU-GP 200T is the only turbine-powered ASU on the market. It is lighter to deploy and more compact than diesel engine units. Proven across the globe in extreme weather environments, the MSU-GP is both reliable and versatile. It can also be transported by air and aboard naval carriers. Visitors will be able to discover this unique solution at the outdoor booth.
SolarΣShield: Pronounced solar sigma shield, this simple and affordable solution is a patented fabric designed and tested by Defence Research and Development Canada, and selected to equip the Australian Defence Force’s new Redback IFV. It allows a significant solar heat load reduction on systems by natural air convection and artificial shadow. The SolarΣShield also allows multispectral signature management against thermal, visual, near infrared, radar, and ultraviolet detection. Visitors will be able to discover the SolarΣShield technology at the outdoor booth.
Common Heavy Equipment Replacement (CHER) project: Rheinmetall Canada will join forces with JCB and other OEMs in pursuit of Canada’s CHER project. This initiative will provide the Canadian Armed Forces with dependable and sustainable heavy support equipment for the next generation of deployable and effective earth-working and cargo-handling capabilities. The High Mobility Engineer Excavator from JCB will be on display at Rheinmetall’s outdoor booth.
Domestic Arctic Mobility Enhancement (DAME) project: Rheinmetall Canada will partner with UTV International in pursuit of the DAME project, which aims to provide the Canadian Armed Forces with a high mobility vehicle platform that can move sufficient personnel, equipment, and resources over different terrains during all seasons faced by operations in Canada’s North and Arctic. The “Voyager” from UTV International will be on display at Rheinmetall’s outdoor booth.
As Canada reinforces its commitment to protect the High Arctic and as partnerships with our global allies continue to become increasingly important, Rheinmetall’s display will provide visitors with a unique opportunity to discover the company’s comprehensive range of defence solutions. Also, having recently been awarded the Progressive Aboriginal Relations Level 2 Committed certification through the Canadian Council of Aboriginal Business, Rheinmetall Canada’s team looks forward to exchanging with delegates from across Canada.
24 May 24. BSDA 2024: UMB unveils TR-85 M1R MBT. Uzina Mecanică Bucureşti (UMB), part of Romania’s state-owned ROMARM conglomerate, displayed a modernised version of the TR-85 M1 main battle tank (MBT) for the first time at the Black Sea Defense and Aerospace (BSDA) 2024 exhibition held in Bucharest from 22 to 24 May. Designated TR-85 M1R (with the ‘R’ denoting renovated), it is designed to extend the service life of Romania’s TR-85 M1 MBT fleet by overhauling certain components and replacing many of the platform’s mission systems, protection systems, and automotive components. (Source: Janes)
27 May 24. Japan decommissions Type 74 tanks. The Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) has decommissioned its Type 74 main battle tanks (MBTs) manufactured by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI), a spokesperson for the Japan Ministry of Defense (MoD) told Janes on 27 May. According to the spokesperson, the MoD has also “abolished” JGSDF units equipped with Type 74 MBTs.
“In accordance with the abolition of units such as [the] JGSDF 9th Tank Battalion based in Iwate, [the] 10th Tank Battalion based in Imazu, and [the] 13th Tank Troop in the reorganisation at the end of [the] Japanese financial year 2023, [the] JGSDF has disposed of approximately 90 Type 74 tanks,” the spokesperson said.
However, the spokesperson did not elaborate on where the personnel from these units were transferred. (Source: Janes)
28 May 24. Roboteam, a leading developer and manufacturer of tactical unmanned platforms for defense and security missions, announced today that it received an initial purchase order to deliver to the United States Marine Corps more than 130 of its Micro Tactical Ground Robot (MTGR) systems, which will be part of a larger order of additional robots to follow, totaling approximately $30 m.
The purchase order was received through collaboration with Roboteam’s U.S. partner, Mistral Inc. Roboteam will supply a total of approximately 200 units of its MTGR to the U.S. Marine Corps, along with spare parts and maintenance services. Manufacturing is being conducted locally in the U.S with final assembly at Mistral’s White Marsh production facility. Roboteam has already provided the first batch of MTGR systems to the US Marine Corps and aims to complete the delivery by the first quarter of 2025.
This achievement underscores Roboteam’s track record of success in the United States, where the US Air Force has previously procured hundreds of MTGR systems under a Program of Record valued at over $25 m, demonstrating the MTGRs’ efficacy through successful deployment and operational performance. Notably, the current contract represents a significant advancement as the first penetration into the US Marine Corps market, with potential for future orders.
The MTGR is a highly maneuverable, lightweight, and man-portable robotic platform. Its robust design and agile mobility, including advanced capabilities such as stair-climbing and self-righting, excel in both indoor and outdoor terrains. Whether deployed for Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) missions, special operations, or tactical maneuvers, the MTGR’s unparalleled performance and adaptability ensure superiority in navigating and overcoming field challenges.
In addition to the MTGR, Roboteam’s combat-proven family of robotic systems (ranging from 1.5 kg up to 1.2 tons) has a track record of successful deployments of thousands of systems by Tier-1 defense and law enforcement customers in over 30 countries. Powered by cutting-edge software and algorithms, Roboteam’s platforms leverage MESH communication technology, streamlining transmission through a singular network. This innovative approach enables centralized control via a single control unit, empowering operators to seamlessly manage multiple systems with unparalleled ease.
“We are honored that the US Marine Corps has selected the MTGR to enhance their arsenal of combat engineering robotics. Proudly selected by Tier-1 customers globally, our unmanned platforms empower defense forces to execute missions efficiently while prioritizing soldier safety,” said Matan Shirvi, Roboteam CEO. “We have customized the MTGR to meet the U.S, Marine Corp’s operational needs, enabling them to maintain unmatched battlefield supremacy while enhancing their daily operational capabilities. We are delighted to collaborate with Mistral to bring this advanced robotic solution to the US Marine Corps, reaffirming our commitment to providing innovative solutions tailored to the demands of modern warfare.”
21 May 24. All vehicles, all electric: Australian Defence Force heading towards charged future. Federal government ministers have met with the domestic defence industry to discuss the future electrification of the Australian Defence Force’s vehicle fleet.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Richard Marles, Minister for Defence Industry Pat Conroy, and federal member for the Hunter Dan Repacholi attended meetings with industry representatives on 20 May.
The transition to electric vehicles for the ADF is expected to be a critical priority and in keeping with the future of international defence equipment, according to the ministers.
Minister Marles, speaking at a doorstop interview in the Hunter Valley on 20 May, said the electrification of the entire ADF vehicle fleet, where possible, is being considered.
“The electrification of our vehicles is critically important; this is the way in which vehicles are going to operate into the future,” he said.
“There’s a lot more versatility that comes from being able to have electric vehicles. But as the broader economy decarbonise, we’re seeing that within defence industry, as well.
“What we’re going to be seeing is technologies develop in the broader economy, which makes them fundamentally important and sustainable in the context of defence technology, defence industry, or defence capability as well.
“The challenge of doing this in a defence context, is to make sure that they are sustainable, they have durability, but robust, robust in a conflict environment. And that’s what’s being developed here and what is so impressive about this technology.”
The Australian Defence Force has previously rolled out a Bushmaster electric protected mobility vehicle to support field training at Gallipoli Barracks in October last year. The Bushmaster vehicle prototype, which uses electric propulsion technology, was tasked with supporting members of the 8th/9th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment undertaking simulated medical treatment in Queensland.
During the training, the ePMV was able to demonstrate its power storage and supply capability, enabling medical staff to work forward a role-two emergency hospital in an area of operations.
The ePMV was previously unveiled during the Chief of Army Symposium 2022 before being trialled and tested in a variety of conditions and by different units to test technological limitations.
“We’ve got one prototype Bushmaster, which is electrified now. And that speaks to the possibility of how we can do this going forward,” Minister Marles said.
“We are very mindful that this is the direction that the world is heading in. And this is the direction that we need to see our fleets heading in as well.
“I would say this is the first step along a path that we’re going to have to walk in a very significant way. Obviously, it’s not just the Bushmaster, we will be looking at the possibilities of electrifying ultimately, all the kind of drive trains that we have, where it’s possible.
“How you move down the pathway of electrifying a fleet is something that we need to be examining. It’s why the research that’s being undertaken here, in combination with the Defence Science and Technology Group within Defence, is so important. And it really is groundbreaking, innovative companies like 3ME which are helping us walk into this future.”
The Deputy Prime Minister met with industry representatives and applauded domestic defence manufacturing being carried out on precision machinery, battery technology and manufacturing of autonomous sea vessels.
A 3ME Technology spokesperson said the clean energy company, which develops lithium-ion battery systems and electric vehicle technology, was honoured to host the federal government representatives.
“We extend our heartfelt gratitude for their visit and the Australian government commitment to ‘A Future Made in Australia’.”
“Our conversation with Minister Marles was particularly enlightening, focusing on Australia’s first iconic electric Bushmaster which he drove in 2022 before it commenced extensive testing with the Army. We discussed how hybridisation can significantly enhance the capabilities of ADF vehicles, providing them with operational advantages such as greater mobility, stealth and range.
“We highlighted how our expertise and experience in the Australian underground mining sector has proven invaluable, with the arduous duty cycles, challenging environmental conditions and safety focus serving as an ideal proving ground for defence technology.”
Hybridisation of tactical vehicles could provide silent operation, reduced thermal and acoustic signatures, power distribution and enhanced performance benefits, according to the company.
“Our discussion delved into the challenges that Australian small and medium-sized enterprises face in competing and collaborating with large multinational corporations and global defence primes. We remained poised to support the ADF through primes or directly with life of type extension upgrades to Defence platforms in the future,” the spokesperson said.
Deputy PM Marles said 3ME Technology represents an example of how technology and industry can be made domestically in the future.
“They (3ME) are a local company that are working closely with government to modernise and provide our Defence Force with the equipment they need,” he said.
“Just one example is the work they have undertaken for the electrification of the bushmaster; a key army capability.
“Pat Conroy MP and I chatted to the team in Cardiff about the work they’re doing and the importance of an Australian defence industry.”
(Source: Defence Connect)
24 May 24. BSDA 2024: BAE Systems to pitch AMPV, CV90, and Archer to Romania. The AMPV (seen here in the M1284 Medical Evacuation variant) made its international debut at DSEI in September 2023. Following this, it is planned to be offered to the Romanian army as a potential candidate for an upcoming IFV procurement programme. (Janes/Sonny Butterworth)
BAE Systems has revealed to Janes that it is offering its CV90 tracked infantry fighting vehicle (IFV), Armored Multipurpose Vehicle (AMPV) family of tracked armoured fighting vehicles, and its Archer self-propelled howitzer (SPH) to the Romanian army.
In an interview with Janes on 24 May at the Black Sea Defense and Aerospace (BSDA) exhibition in Bucharest, Paul Zukowski, Director, International Business Development – Europe at BAE Systems, explained that it intends to offer the Romanian army a choice of either the CV90 Mk IV, the AMPV, or potentially both platforms for an anticipated IFV procurement tender.
Janes understands that while the programme’s requirements are yet to be finalised and a request for proposal (RFP) has not been issued, the Romanian army is seeking to procure 298 vehicles with variants including IFVs, self-propelled mortars, and command vehicles.
Explaining the rationale for offering the AMPV, Zukowski highlighted that “it’s a digital platform that’s designed to be configured quickly and easily to different customer expectations” using its External Mission Equipment Package (ExMEP), an interface that sits on top of the hull to facilitate the integration of different turrets. BAE Systems has previously used the ExMEP to demonstrate how the AMPV can be adapted to the counter-unmanned aircraft system (C-UAS), self-propelled mortar, and IFV roles. (Source: Google/Janes)
24 May 24. Patria opens a new armoured vehicle production facility in Valmiera, Latvia. Patria has opened a new armoured vehicle production facility in Valmiera, Latvia. This marks the start of full-cycle production of Patria 6×6 armoured vehicles in Latvia, the first and so far, the only one in the Baltics.
“Patria has more than four decades of experience in developing and delivering state-of-the-art protected vehicles for troop transportation and system integration. Patria’s success in its market-leading armoured vehicles and related programmes, in which the unique, joint Common Armoured Vehicle System (CAVS) programme plays the key role, drives the opening of this new facility in Latvia,” says Esa Rautalinko, President and CEO of Patria. “We at Patria are proud about the close collaboration with Latvia and Latvian National Armed Forces. As in the case of Latvia, vast majority of supply of the vehicles is conducted by utilising the CAVS member nations’ local industry capabilities. Every new nation is inherently reinforcing the security of supply for the whole collaboration system.”
Defence Partnership Latvia, a Patria majority-owned joint venture with a local Latvian partner Unitruck, manages Patria’s Latvian production operations and the facility. Latvian Ministry of Defence ordered in 2021 more than 200 Patria 6×6 armoured vehicles for delivery by 2029. This cooperation agreement strengthens the combat capabilities of the Latvian National Armed Forces (NAF) as well as contributes to the development of Latvian defence technological and industrial base.
“The local Patria 6×6 project creates the conditions for a development breakthrough in the Latvian defence industry. Our new facility will focus on the delivery of armoured personnel carriers ordered by the Latvian National Armed Forces, but we are actively working to ensure that our facility also implements other capability development projects of the NAF and produces military equipment for the defence forces of other countries,” says Uģis Romanovs, Chairman of the Board of Defence Partnership Latvia, and Patria Latvia.
Patria 6×6 vehicle was chosen as the platform for the CAVS programme, participated already by Finland, Latvia, Sweden, and Germany. The CAVS-related Patria 6×6 deliveries are ongoing besides to Latvia, also to Finland and Sweden, and vehicles are in operational use. Patria has already received orders for nearly 700 Patria 6×6 vehicles. The programme is open to European countries with similar equipment requirements, subject to participating nations approval.
24 May 24. BSDA 2024: Otokar outlines Cobra II pitch for Romania. Otokar displayed a pickup-style configuration of the Cobra II on a revolving pedestal at BSDA. The vehicle was equipped with an Anubis 3.0 ROWS from Pro Optica, one of Otokar’s partners in the programme. (Janes/Sonny Butterworth)
Otokar confirmed that it is offering its Cobra II 4×4 protected patrol vehicle to the Romanian Army during a media briefing delivered at the Black Sea Defense and Aerospace (BSDA) 2024 exhibition held in Bucharest from 22 to 24 May.
During the briefing, Sedef Vehbi, military cluster head of Otokar, emphasised that the company aims to “play the game” of national capability development. The proposal therefore includes a transfer of technology arrangement that would allow the vehicle to be produced in Romania in partnership with Automecanica SA in Mediaș, Transylvania.
However, Vehbi stressed that Otokar would do “more than what is required” by supporting research and development work as well as manufacturing at its Romanian facility, which could potentially act as a hub for other European users of Otokar products.
In line with Romanian requirements, Otokar will also offer offset contracts to local suppliers. One of these Romanian partners is Pro Optica, which had its Anubis 3.0 remotely operated weapon systems (ROWS) mounted on a Cobra II displayed by Otokar at the exhibition.
Otokar did not elaborate on further details of the procurement programme, such as the number of vehicles offered, the potential value of the procurement, or the delivery timeframe.
However, it is understood that the offer concerns the Light Armoured Tactical Vehicle (Autovehicule Tactice Blindate de Tip Ușor: ATBTU) programme, for which the Romanian Ministry of National Defence (MND) expressed a total requirement for 1,059 vehicles in a document published in December 2021. (Source: Google/Janes)
24 May 24. BSDA 2024: Romanian Piranha 5 programme progresses. Janes has learnt that 47 Romanian-produced Piranha 5 8×8 armoured fighting vehicles (AFVs) have been completed by armaments factory and state-owned ROMARM subsidiary Uzina Mecanică București (UMB), with a further 68 in various stages of production.
Speaking to Janes on 23 May at the Black Sea Defense and Aerospace (BSDA) 2024 exhibition held in Bucharest from 22 to 24 May, Andreas Himmelsbach, senior manager German & International News and Media at General Dynamics European Land Systems (GDELS), and Mihai Rafiu, general manager at UMB, confirmed that a follow-on order for an additional 150 vehicles was also being prepared.
Although no delivery timeframe for this follow-on batch was disclosed, it will follow the delivery of the initial consignment of 227 vehicles, which the Romanian Ministry of National Defence (MND) contracted from GDELS on 12 January 2018.
Split into three phases, this first order saw production of the Piranha 5 gradually transferred to Romania. Under the first phase, 30 vehicles were produced by GDELS-Mowag in Switzerland. This was followed by the second phase in which 64 vehicles were assembled in Romania under the direction of GDELS using the facility of its Romanian partner, UMB. The programme is in the third phase that will see 133 vehicles produced entirely in Romania by UMB, which GDELS stated had achieved full production readiness in April 2019. (Source: Google/Janes)
24 May 24. BSDA 2024: Hanwha to offer Redback IFV to Italy and Romania. Hanwha revealed that it intends to enter its Redback tracked infantry fighting vehicle (IFV) into Italian and Romanian competitive IFV procurement programmes at the Black Sea Defense and Aerospace (BSDA) 2024 exhibition held in Bucharest from 22 to 24 May.
In a press release published on 21 May, Billy Boohwan Lee, head of Hanwha Aerospace Europe, claimed that “the Redback IFV solution is expected to help bring a massive manufacturing capability to the Romanian market through active industrial partnerships”. This followed an industry day held on 17 May, in which the company met with representatives from Romanian industry to investigate avenues for potential collaboration in upcoming programmes.
However, in an interview with Janes on the first day of the exhibition, Peter JK Bae, vice-president for business development at Hanwha Aerospace Europe, confirmed that partnerships with Romanian industry had yet to be finalised and that there are currently no arrangements in place for prototypes to be shipped from Australia to Romania for testing.
Nevertheless, Bae envisioned the creation of a Romanian land systems hub on the condition that the Redback and the K9 Thunder self-propelled howitzer, which it is also offering to the Romanian Army, are selected. This could carry out production and testing, as well as maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) for Hanwha land systems operated in Europe.
(Source: Google/Janes)
24 May 24. In response to corrosion issues found in numerous A1 vehicles, the JLTV A2 incorporates additional corrosion protection to critical automotive systems. This measure prevents the cracking and breaking of crucial structural areas and increases reliability. Joint-forces.com Editor’s Footnote: In August 2015 Oshkosh Defence was selected for the initial eight year JLTV (Joint Light Tactical Vehicle) production contract. In February 2022, in response to US Congress having earlier mandated a recompete to bring down costs, a Presolicitation Notice was issued for a five years plus five years option follow-on (JLTV A2) contract. Two companies, Oshkosh Defence and AM General, submitted bids. On 09 February 2023 AM General LLC was awarded a $230,874,512 contract for JLTV A2 production and at the time it was stated that deliveries were expected to begin 17 months after contract award; i.e. July 2024. (Source: www.joint-forces.com)
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