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21 Jun 24. CV90 infantry fighting vehicle shows British Army Warrior what might have been. Where the CV90 has been upgraded over the decades, the British Army’s Warrior has remained relatively unchanged in its more than 30 years of service.
The continued upgrade of the CV90 infantry fighting vehicle (IFV) by operators across Europe paints a picture of what might have been with the British Army’s FV510 Warrior, whose Capability Sustainment Plan (WCSP) was axed in 2021 ahead of its planned departure from UK service in 2025.
Both IFVs, where the Warrior has soldiered on with little to no upgrades throughout its near 40-year service life – the Kuwaiti Desert Warrior being the exception – the CV90 has been continuously built upon, with multiple national variants offering bespoke solutions departing on operational requirements.
A decade newer and slightly larger (the CV90 Mark IV is around 38 tonnes compared to the Warrior’s 25 tonnes), the CV90 does have an advantage in having more physical space in which to perform upgrades, although this by no means excuses the Warrior’s lack of spiral development.
CV90 infantry fighting vehicle vs Warrior: a no contest
The most recent capability announcement coming from a CV90 operator is indicative of the range of upgrades that the platform is capable of undertaking, and came at a time when the British Army’s own Warrior fleet saw another batch consigned to retirement.
In early June 2024 the first of the upgraded CV90 IFVs operated by the Royal Netherlands Army completed its mid-life upgrade (MLU) process, with a total of 122 vehicles due to undergo the MLU programme that will see, among other system, the addition of an entirely new turret.
Other upgrades for the Dutch CV90 include an active protection system (APS) capability through Elbit Systems’ Iron Fist, which provides radar and optical detection of incoming threats, with the inbuilt hard-kill system neutralising inbound shells and missiles.
Additional anti-tank capability is achieved through the Spike LR2 missile launcher, which can be operated in a range of modes, including Non-Line-Of-Sight (NLOS) targeting. The new electro-optical panoramic sight sits in a retractable mast, which has also integrated new thermal imaging cameras and 360-degree IR/day cameras to improve situational awareness.
Looking at CV90 as a base platform, it can accommodate 30mm, 35mm, and 40mm main gun options, the integration of anti-tank guided missiles, APS, and the potential to integrate a UAV in the latest Mk V variant, among other possibilities including sensors or appliqué armour as needed.
Other weapon options including 105mm or 120mm main guns, 81mm mortar, and other systems have also been created as concepts, should there be a requirement for future development in this direction.
Some 1,400 have been produced since 1993 across 17 variants, and is currently in service with Sweden, the Czech Republic, Norway, Finland, Estonia, Ukraine, Switzerland, Denmark, the Netherlands, Norway, and Slovakia.
Warrior CSP: a plan created, and axed
The WCSP was designed to extend the in-service life of the Warrior beyond 2040 and was broken up into three parts; the Warrior Fightability Lethality Improvement Programme, Warrior Enhanced Electronic Architecture, and Warrior Modular Protection System.
The lethality element, comprising the new turret and main weapon, was perhaps the most significant, but each element would have contributed to the wider upgrade of the platform.
A leading feature of the British Army’s planned WCSP was the integration of a new turret and 40mm main gun from CTA International, in what would have added a significant uptick in lethality capability for the platform through a range of new ammunition types and the new ability to fire on the move.
The same CTA International 40mm main gun is also being installed on the Ajax IFVs currently being built for the British Army, a programme that is still planned to be delivered in full to the service. The development of a new turret for the Warrior, along with the bespoke Ajax programme, were to first new turrets being manufactured in the UK since the Challenger 2 main battle tanks in the 1980s.
However, in 2021 the UK Defence Command Paper announced that the British Army would retire the Warrior IFV fleet from 2025, abandoning plans to undertake the WCSP.
How many Warriors are left in the British Army?
In May 2024 it was revealed that of the 632 Warrior IFVs in the British Army’s inventory, 80 are awaiting disposal with the fate of a further nine platforms expected during the 2024-25 financial year, despite the fleet due to hit its out-of-service date in 2025.
This number has dropped from a July 2023 report in which the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) stated the British Army had 708 Warrior IFVs in its inventory.
In 2023 the UK MoD contracted Rheinmetall Electronics UK in a £10.6m ($13m) deal for the delivery and integration of rear-facing cameras on the British Army’s Warriors, in order to meet critical safety requirements.
The MoD contract will see the delivery and integration of 359 units and include the following sub systems: rear camera; display control unit; cabling loom, and camera wash wipe facility.
At the time the Warrior rear-camera deal was stated as being an ‘accelerated procedure’, with the MoD justifying the process due to “reasons of urgency” in that allowing the usual contractual process to be undertaken would “have safety implications” to the Warrior IFV crew while on operations.
The contract is listed as having a conclusion by 31 October 2025.
Warrior to persist, but what future?
Despite the loss of the WCSP, the Warrior in the British Army will persist beyond 2025 given 359 vehicles are to be upgraded with the RSCS system.
However, they are already on the precipice of obsolescence on the battlefield, and without any sort of upgrade, bar rear camera for safety purposes, the platforms are rapidly falling into the rear-view mirror of counterparts in service to the East and West. (Source: army-technology.com)
26 Jun 24. Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense (MND) has unveiled a prototype of the Cloud Leopard (‘Yunpao’) 8×8 wheeled armoured vehicle fitted with a locally developed turret-mounted 105 mm gun.
The vehicle, which is intended for Republic of China Army (RoCA) direct-fire support operations, was displayed to the media for the first time at the MND’s Armaments Bureau’s 209th Arsenal in central Nantou County on 25 June.
The MND said the new vehicle is scheduled to complete testing in 2025 before entering a mass production phase. The vehicle will be manufactured by Armaments Bureau factories.
The MND said that in demonstrations before the media, the prototype – dubbed D2 – showed mobility and performance capabilities in various on-road exercises. The vehicle also fired a 105 mm armour-piercing discarding sabot round at a static target from a distance of 2 km.
The prototype is the second of two manufactured by the Armaments Bureau in 2023. These vehicles also underwent initial weapons testing and combat readiness testing in that year. The production of a third prototype is under way at a cost of TWD290 m (USD8.9 m), Taiwan’s state-run Central News Agency (CNA) reported.
The vehicle has been developed in collaboration with the state-owned National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology (NCSIST), which was also responsible for developing the vehicle’s 105 mm gun. The vehicle is also fitted with a 7.62 mm co-axial machine gun and a remote weapon station mounting a 12.7 mm machine gun. (Source: Janes)
26 Jun 24. Guardiaris reveals JLTV crew simulator, a market first.
Slovenian simulation specialist Guardiaris has developed a Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV) crew training simulator.
Launched at the Eurosatory 2024 defence exhibition held in Paris from 17 to 21 June, it is, as far as Janes is aware, the only specialised JLTV crew simulator on the market. Doron Precision Systems offers a JLTV driver training simulator, but Guardiaris’ model features other crew positions as well.
The Guardiaris simulator is designed for customisable vehicle and remote weapon station (RWS) training for four crew members: driver, gunner, commander, and fourth operator. It is a high-fidelity mechanical, functional, and procedural digital replica of the actual vehicle interior mounted on a 6 degrees-of-freedom (DoF) motion platform from Polish firm Motion Systems. This simulates dynamic vehicle motion on multiple terrain types (gravel, concrete, mud, sand, and snow), which can significantly improve driver and crew perception.
Inside the cabin, LCD screens integrated into the cabin walls simulate all windows to provide battlefield views tailored to each crew member’s point of view. The system uses Guardiaris’ Guard synthetic environment.
The simulator provides training in crew skills including operating procedures, driving and tactical manoeuvring, weapon handling, terrain observation, voice over intercom and radio inter-crew communication, and battle management system (BMS) operation in a variety of combat scenarios.
It is agnostic to user equipment selection. The modular design allows various types of RWSs to be simulated, including the Elbit Systems 12.7 mm remote controlled weapon station (RCWS), Kongsberg’s Common Remotely Operated Weapon Station (CROWS) 151 or 153, Rafael’s Samson 30 mm, Otokar’s Mizrak 30 mm, and Valhalla Turrets’ Mangart 25. The appropriate BMS and communications systems can also be replicated. (Source: Janes)
25 Jun 24. BAE Systems eyes larger AMPV production line, new variants, foreign customers. As company leaders eye new AMPV variants and potential international customers, they want to boost the York facility’s annual production capacity up towards 220 vehicles.
As BAE Systems ramps up Armored Multi-Purpose Vehicle (AMPV) production to meet US Army demand, company leaders eyeing possible international sales say they’re actually aiming to produce 220 vehicles per year at the York, Pa. facility.
AMPV program director Bill Sheehy and international business development director for Europe Paul Zukowski were at Eurosatory last week and spoke with a handful of reporters about the M113 armored personnel carrier replacement program, work with the US Army and possible new customers.
Around the March timeframe, BAE Systems kicked off a year-long production ramp up plan that would increase production from about one brigade set per year (approximately 130 vehicles) up to a brigade-and-a-half (in the neighborhood of 195-197 vehicles).
While work is underway to achieve those previously disclosed goals, Sheehy said the company is “looking well beyond” the Army’s current demand and would ideally like to produce 220 AMPVs at the York facility each year. Doing so, he said, would enable the company to meet current contract obligations, as well as new ones from the US Army and international customers.
“I do anticipate either new vehicles coming down the pike, whether it’s … command [and] control, or counter [unmanned aerial systems] UAS or whatever you want to call it: I do anticipate the family growing,” Sheehy told reporters. “But I also anticipate interest from the rest of the world to replace their M113.”
The Army’s current AMPV plan currently revolves around five vehicle configurations: general purpose, mission command, mortar carriers, medical evacuation and medical treatment. However, the service is eyeing additional configurations including using the platform as the crewed control vehicle for Robotic Combat Vehicles. According to Sheehy, BAE and the Army have now begun conversations creating such a variant.
The company has also been touting its universal top plate system as an avenue for rolling out new configurations like a prototype with the Kongsberg-Patria NEMO remote-controlled 120mm turreted mortar system.
“There are a number of things [coming out of Ukraine] that they’re talking to us about,” Sheehy said.
“One of the lessons learned is counter-battery threats to artillery or mortars, and [when] you are stationary when they fire, that turreted mortar capability allows the vehicle to fire while moving, which … reduces counter-battery [threats],” he later added.
At the service behest, the company produced that turreted mortar prototype and soldiers have been testing it out this month at Yuma Proving Ground in Arizona before it heads to Ft. Moore in Georgia for a demonstration later this summer, according to Sheehy.
“They’re paying for it, and they are evaluating that technology,” he added, noting there are other turreted motors out there that could also be integrated onto the AMPV.
“Our job, again, is to be prepared whichever way they want to go,” he added. In addition to producing that prototype, the company has created several others. Last week at the European arms show, it showcased an AMPV with a 30mm cannon configuration from Oshkosh Defense that is part of the Army’s upgunned Stryker program, also dubbed the Medium Caliber Weapon System.
Looking beyond the US market, Zukowski said the company is having active conversations with Romania about AMPV options within their military, and as Poland acquires M1 Abrams main battle tanks, the AMPV mission command and medivac variants would be a “good fit” to support those tanks.
“While Poland [and] Romania are obviously front leaders in this piece of the discussion with us, anyone who owns M113s, I think, should be talking about AMPVs coming in and replacing those mission goals,” Zukowski added.
Circling back to production capacity, though, the duo said the York facility could handle a few smaller orders from foreign militaries but if a larger order is placed or for multiple variants, setting up local production would be a viable option. (Source: Breaking Defense.com)
25 Jun 24. Sweden Joins as Latest User of Milrem Robotics’ THeMIS UGV.
Sweden has officially joined the growing list of countries aiming to adopt robotics to boost their defence capabilities by purchasing the THeMIS Unmanned Ground Vehicle (UGV) by Milrem Robotics, the world’s leading robotics and autonomous systems developer.
The THeMIS Cargo, equipped with MIFIK—Milrem’s Intelligent Functions Kit, which enables autonomous mobility—will be used for trials and experimentations by the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration, the Swedish Defence Research Agency (FMV), and the Swedish Armed Forces.
The contract was signed at Eurosatory 2024 by Brigadier General Jonas Lotsne, Director of Land Systems at FMV and Sverker Svärdby, managing director of Milrem Robotics Sweden, in the presence of the Swedish Chief of Army, Major General Jonny Lindfors.
“We are proud to welcome Sweden as the latest user of the THeMIS UGV. Our collaboration will ensure that the Swedish forces are equipped with the most advanced robotic systems available, enhancing their operational effectiveness,” said Svärdby.
The THeMIS UGV is renowned for its versatility, reliability, and advanced technological features. Although purchased as a cargo version for supply delivery, the vehicle can be adjusted to perform casualty evacuation, reconnaissance, and combat missions by integrating third-party technologies.
The integration process will involve rigorous training for Swedish military personnel to ensure seamless operation and maintenance of the vehicle. Additionally, Milrem Robotics will provide ongoing support and updates to ensure the system remains at the forefront of technological advancements.
Sweden’s decision to adopt the THeMIS UGV represents a forward-thinking approach to modern warfare, embracing innovation to stay ahead in an increasingly complex security landscape.
25 Jun 24. Eurosatory 2024: Thales
Thales has revealed a command-and-control (C2) vehicle for short-range air defence (SHORAD) at the Eurosatory 2024 defence exhibition held in Paris from 17 to 21 June.
The modified Spanish High Mobility Tactical Vehicle (Vehículo de Alta Movilidad Táctico: VAMTAC) is equipped with a variety of sensors and functions as a communication node rather than an independent weapon system, according to a Thales representative responsible for the product line.
Externally, the vehicle has a range of sensors mounted on it. These include a short-range radio transceiver for communications with air-defence weapon systems, including manportable air-defence system squads and platform-mounted SHORAD systems. Thales states this wireless network has a range of up to 3 km in the field. The vehicle is also equipped with a satellite communications antenna that allows the vehicle to receive aerial target detection data from networked radar systems and allows the VAMTAC to send local aerial surveillance data to higher-echelon command structures. The vehicle uses Thales’ ControlView C2 system.
On the roof of the VAMTAC is a 30 mm remotely operated weapon station (ROWS) that Thales said is supplied by Electro Optic Systems (EOS) of Australia and looks like EOS’ Slinger counter-unmanned aerial vehicle turret, which integrates the 30×113 mm Bushmaster M230LF cannon. Thales says that while the weapon system is integrated for defence against nearby aerial and ground targets, the vehicle itself is primarily a C2 rather than combat vehicle. (Source: Janes)
24 Jun 24. Poland to produce K2 Black Panther tanks following South Korea deal. Poland will produce 180 of the K2 Black Panther main battle tanks for service in the Polish Army following a deal with South Korea.
The Polish Ministry of Defence has confirmed the commencement of domestic production of 180 K2 tanks in Poland for service in the Polish Army, following successful talks with a South Korean delegation.
This initiative is part of an executive contract for 180 K2 tanks, which is expected to be signed during the Kielce defence industry exposition.
The meeting between Deputy Prime Minister Kosiniak-Kamysz and South Korean Defence Minister Shin Won-sik took place on June 20 2024, in Pruszków.
The K2 Black Panther, developed by Hyundai Rotem, is an advanced main battle tanks. It features a 120mm L/55 smoothbore gun, and both a 12.7mm heavy machine gun and a 7.62mm machine gun. For protection, it includes composite armour, Explosive Reactive Armour (ERA), and an active protection system to counter anti-tank threats.
The Black Panther’s 1,500hp MT 833 diesel engine allows it to reach speeds of up to 70km/h with a range of 450km. The tank, operated by a crew of three, is equipped with advanced targeting, battlefield management, and NBC protection systems.
Kosiniak-Kamysz emphasised the strategic importance of cooperation with South Korea, citing existing deliveries of FA-50 aircraft, Chunmoo launchers, K9 howitzers, and K2 tanks. He underscored the significance of localising production within Poland, aligning with the government’s pledge that 50% of production and purchases for the Polish Armed Forces will occur domestically.
The discussions covered various aspects, including cooperation in the military sphere, defence, and armaments industry. They co-chaired a meeting of the joint ministerial committee on bilateral cooperation in these fields, discussing the stabilisation activities on the Korean Peninsula and prospects for developing military relations between the two countries.
Kosiniak-Kamysz expressed satisfaction with the South Korean Minister’s commitment to resolve any issues promptly. This assurance aligns with Poland’s goal of ensuring the feasibility and timeliness of the contracts and the transfer of technology to Poland.
Deputy Minister Paweł Bejda noted that the discussions also focused on financing military equipment purchased from South Korea for the Polish Armed Forces and presenting the Polish armament industry’s offerings to the Korean side. This move reflects Poland’s broader strategy of integrating domestic production capabilities with international cooperation.
According to the Polish Ministry of National Defence, the deal with South Korean firms Hyundai Rotem and Hanwha Defense includes the delivery of 180 K2 Black Panther tanks and 212 K9A1 self-propelled howitzers, along with ammunition, training, and logistics support.
Defence Minister Mariusz Błaszczak highlighted the importance of quick deliveries and the large-scale transfer of technology to Poland. Initial deliveries include ten K2 tanks and 24 K9 howitzers, expected to arrive later this year, with Polish soldiers set to train in Korea on the new equipment starting in October 2024.
The latest contracts build on previously signed framework agreements between Poland and South Korea, with deliveries of K2 tanks and K9 howitzers scheduled between 2022 and 2026.
(Source: army-technology.com)
24 Jun 24. When will Argentina receive its modernized tanks?
The Argentine Army will begin receiving its first modernized 2CA2 medium tanks in September, with a dozen to be delivered by year’s end, military sources in Buenos Aires told Defense News.
The more detailed confirmation follows a hint from the president during a June 20 event in the capital. In front of attendees, Argentine President Javier Milei asked Defence Minister Luis Petri: “Is it true that we will have new toys?”
“Yes, Mr. President,” Petri replied. ”We will start receiving the modernized tanks this year.”
The program is expected to be worth $30 m and involve the modernization of 74 of Argentina’s existing 200-plus medium tanks by 2027. The initial budget for this effort is $3 m, but the government plans to allocate more money between fiscal 2025 and fiscal 2027, the sources said, speaking on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the program.
Argentina launched the tank upgrade project in 2010 under a cooperation agreement with Israel where Elbit Systems would provide technological support to the South American country. For its part, Argentine private firms involved in the metal mechanic sector would participate.
The initial budget was approved in 2021, and contracts were finalized by July 2023 following a technical and operational evaluation of the final prototype. Work started in late 2023.
“One of the main priorities of President Javier Milei is rebuilding the capabilities of Argentina’s armed forces, neglected by governments since the 1980s and 1990s, and even more after the financial meltdown of 2000,” according to Emilio Meneses, an independent analyst based in Santiago, Chile.
“Milei wants to make a difference. The recent procurement of F-16s, coupled with the decision to phase out older fighter jets like the A-4AR and the Super Etendard, confirms his priorities — and it is the same with the upgrade of the [medium tank],” Meneses told Defense News.
According to the military sources, the Army would like to modernize up to 50 more medium tanks over those already earmarked in the current program.
What are the upgrades?
The tank modernizations are expected to improve the 2CA2 medium tank’s detection, targeting, engagement and destructive capabilities. To that end, Elbit is providing a new fire control system and associated technology.
The main local subcontractor, IMPSA, which specializes in precision engineering and the production of components for nuclear reactors, is refurbishing and modifying the turrets, replacing the original hydraulic action system with a new, indigenously designed servo-electric version that includes improved stabilization and reaction.
IMPSA is also integrating the new fire control and subsystems provided by Elbit. These include the Israeli firm’s E-LAWS laser warning system, which can simultaneously detect up to 10 threats, establishing an order of priorities for engagement.
Each tank is to receive two COAPS-L sight systems — one for the tank commander position and one for the aimer — fitted with optronics for thermal detection and vision as well as laser range-finding. The systems provide a day and night, all-weather capacity for target acquisition and tracking. The driver position is being fitted with a thermal vision system.
They will also receive a new communications suite, both for internal and external communications, with data transfer capabilities, as well as an auxiliary generator to secure electricity supply for electronic systems.
The tank’s main weapon is not changing; it is currently a Rheinmetall-made RH-105-30 105mm gun, manufactured under license by the local state-owned firm Fabricaciones Militares.
Protection improvements are currently on hold. However, the plan is to use a custom-designed, add-on applique armor proposed by Israeli company IMI, which is now a part of Elbit.
Arsenal Battalion 602, the Army’s main maintenance and support center for mechanized equipment, will use its facilities at Boulogne-Sur-Mer to complete any remaining work, testing and acceptance efforts of the upgraded tanks. (Source: C4ISR & Networks)
24 Jun 24. BAE Systems developing a hybrid AMPV. BAE Systems disclosed that it was working on a hybrid-electric version of its Armored Multi-Purpose Vehicle (AMPV) during a media briefing held at the Eurosatory 2024 defence exhibition held in Paris from 17 to 21 June.
Bill Sheehy, AMPV programme director at BAE Systems, told Janes the company was funding the continued development of this system so that it would be ready for future customer requirements, including from the US Army. Janes understands that this work includes investigation of both serial and parallel hybrid systems.
BAE Systems also displayed a turreted version of the AMPV, shown for the first time with Oshkosh Defense’s Medium Caliber Weapon System (MCWS) turret, which is a derivative of the Rafael Samson 30 mm unmanned turret produced for integration onto the US Army’s upgraded Stryker Infantry Carrier Vehicle Double V Hull (ICVVA1).
The integration of the MCWS is not intended to meet a specific customer requirement but instead to showcase how the External Mission Equipment Package (ExMEP) installed on the top hull plate of the AMPV allows for a range of different systems to be mounted on top of the vehicle. Sheehy hinted that this theme will be continued at the upcoming AUSA exhibition in October 2024, where the AMPV will be shown for the first time with the Kongsberg RT-20 (remote turret) as used on the BAE Systems Amphibious Combat Vehicle (ACV) fleet, and said that as many as 30 different turrets could ultimately be installed as part of the ExMEP. (Source: Janes)
24 Jun 24. Eurosatory 2024: Rheinmetall unveils Keiler NG armoured breaching vehicle. Rheinmetall unveiled its Keiler Next Generation (NG) armoured breaching vehicle (ABV) at the Eurosatory 2024 defence exhibition held in Paris from 17 to 21 June.
The ABV is equipped with a mine plough, rocket-assisted mine-clearing line charge (MICLIC), and magnetic signature duplicator designed to breach deep obstacles in all terrain. The over 4 m-wide Pearson mine plough has a minesweeping speed of up to 250 m/min in rough terrain and Rheinmetall Denel Munition’s rocket-assisted MICLIC Plofadder system is available to clear solid ground. The latter is designed to open 160 m-long and 9 m-wide breaches through minefields and obstacles within minutes, with two Plofadder systems fired in overlapping bursts able to clear 250 m-deep minefields within minutes, according to Rheinmetall.
The integrated lane marking system can be used to mark lanes created for follow-on forces, even in limited visibility or at night, the company added.
A quick-exchange front-end interface allows the mine plough to be quickly replaced with a dozer blade for clearing anti-tank obstacles, fill in trenches, or create emplacements and prepared positions. Keiler NG also has an integrated crane for conducting conversions, resupply, and retooling independently.
It has a crew of two and is equipped with a ROSY rapid obscurant system and the Natter 12.7 remote-controlled weapon station for self-protection, with the possibility of adding an active protection system, as well as remote control and digitalisation of the ABV.
A Rheinmetall spokesperson told Janes that the Keiler NG’s development time was reduced by the vehicle having the same interfaces as the company’s Kodiak armoured engineer vehicle. He added that the APV’s development was self-financed by Rheinmetall.
(Source: Janes)
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Contact: Paul Fleming
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