Sponsored by TEK Military Seating Limited
http://www.tekmilitaryseating.co.uk/
—————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————
03 Jul 24. Leonardo and Rheinmetall have signed today a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a new 50:50 joint venture aimed at developing a European industrial and technological approach in the field of land defense systems. The objective of the agreement is the industrial development and subsequent commercialization of the new Main Battle Tank (MBT) and the new Lynx Platform for the Armoured Infantry Combat System (AICS), within the Italian Army’s ground systems programs. Armin Papperger, CEO of Rheinmetall AG: “With Leonardo and Rheinmetall, two leading European suppliers of defence technology are joining forces to realise ambitious projects. Together we want to set new standards and open the door to a new generation of state-of-the-art combat vehicles in and for Europe. In doing so, we are addressing the Italian market as well as other partner countries that have a need for modernisation in the field of combat systems.” Roberto Cingolani, CEO of Leonardo: “Technology and industrial synergies between Leonardo and Rheinmetall are a unique opportunity to develop state-of-the-art Main Battle Tanks and Infantry Vehicles. We consider this agreement a fundamental contribution to the creation of a European defense space” In particular, the future joint venture – headquartered in Italy – will be the Lead System Integrator, prime contractor and system integrator, in both the Italian programs (MBT and AICS) and will define the roadmap for the participation in the future European Main Ground Combat System (MGCS). Within the MBT and AICS programs, mission systems, electronics suites and weapons integration will be developed and produced by Leonardo according to the requirements of the Italian client. The technologies will also be the basis for the development of the future European MBT (MGCS) and the new versions intended for international export. With the newly developed Panther main battle tank and the new Lynx infantry fighting vehicle, Rheinmetall has the appropriate basic technology on which to build in both programmes. Final assembly lines, homologation testing, delivering activities and the logistic support will be done in Italy with an Italian workshare of 60%. The implementation of the MoU signed today will be subject to prior approval by the competent regulatory authorities, including the European Commission and the respective national competition authorities.
03 Jul 24. Nigeria manufacturing Mengshi vehicles locally. Nigerian company EPAIL is manufacturing Dongfeng Mengshi light tactical armoured vehicles for the Nigerian military, which recently took delivery of 20.
The Nigerian Ministry of Defence in early May announced that the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Defence, Ibrahim Abubakar Kana, had handed over 20 armoured personnel carriers to Defence Headquarters during a ceremony at Mogadishu Barracks in Abuja. They were received by Chief of Defence Staff General Christopher Gwabin Musa, who was also accompanied by Chief of Defence Intelligence, Major General Emmanuel Undiandeye.
According to Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, the Director of Defence Information, the armoured vehicles represent a significant advancement, boasting upgraded weaponry and communication systems capable of detecting and engaging adversaries from afar, thereby enhancing military effectiveness.
Kana noted that the vehicles were domestically manufactured, signalling a cost-saving measure for the nation, while also generating employment opportunities and reducing dependence on foreign currency.
The vehicles, while not named by the Nigerian Ministry of Defence, appear to be Mengshi models with the badge of the Nigerian company Equipment and Protective Applications International Limited (EPAIL).
After the handover, EPAIL stated, “we had the privilege of delivering 20 cutting-edge Light Tactical Armoured Vehicles (LTAVs) to the Defence Headquarters, representing a pivotal moment in our nation’s fight against insecurity. By producing these LTAVs domestically, we contribute to Nigeria’s journey towards self-sufficiency.”
EPAIL pledged to support the newly delivered vehicles, including through operator training, maintenance, and spares.
EPAIL first displayed a Mengshi with its badge on in August 2023 – three months later, Nigerian defence ministry officials were seen inspecting Menghis being produced at an EPAIL factory – according to Janes, the vehicles are the Dongfeng EQ2063 model. In addition to local manufacture, EPAIL plans to offer the vehicle for export.
The Nigerian Army is already a Mengshi operator, with the type being seen in service since at least November 2021 when Mengshis and CS/VP3s were also spotted after delivery. Apparently 100 Mengshi vehicles were imported from China – in August 2020, DongFeng announced that an undisclosed African country had ordered 100 Mengshi (Warrior) 4×4 armoured vehicles through Poly Technologies – this was most likely Nigeria.
The Mengshi family of 4×4 vehicles was initially developed by Dongfeng from the license-built Humvee, while later generations of the vehicles are of indigenous design. The version supplied to Nigeria appears to be the largely indigenously developed CSK-131 variant, which accommodates a driver and five passengers or a 2 000 kg payload.
The CSK-131 can mount various weapons on top of the roof and can be fitted with a shielded machine gun position or remotely-controlled weapon station. It has been seen armed with a 12.7 mm heavy machine gun, and 35 mm automatic grenade launcher.
Nigeria has acquired significant amounts of military equipment from China, including Type 89 tracked infantry fighting vehicles, VT-4 main battle tanks, ST-1 8×8 tank destroyers and SH-5 105 mm self-propelled howitzers. However, the country is also pursuing an extensive domestic manufacturing strategy and is acquiring armoured vehicles from local manufacturers such as Proforce (Ara), DICON (Ezugwu), and the Nigerian Army Vehicle Manufacturing Company (NAVMC). (Source: https://www.defenceweb.co.za/)
02 Jul 24. Milrem Robotics establishes a centre of excellence for ground robotics in Poland. Milrem Robotics, the world’s leading robotics and autonomous systems developer, has established a centre of excellence for ground robotics in Poland. This strategic expansion aims to strengthen the company’s presence in different regions of Europe and accelerate product development.
The new engineering hub in Warsaw will serve as a centre for innovation and collaboration, bringing together top engineering talent from the capital and the surrounding region. The hub will focus on designing and developing advanced robotic systems that address the evolving needs of Milrem Robotics’ customers. The new engineering hub will start with 20+ engineers already in July and is determined to grow rapidly.
Establishing the hub underscores Milrem Robotics’ commitment to the European market, supporting economic growth and technological advancement.
“Poland has a rich tradition of engineering quality and innovation, making it an ideal location for our new centre of excellence. This investment reinforces our commitment to the region and enables us to leverage local talent and expertise to drive forward our mission of developing state-of-the-art robotic solutions,” said Kuldar Väärsi, CEO of Milrem Robotics.
Michal Ossowski, Local Team Lead at the Warsaw Hub, added: “We are thrilled to be part of Milrem Robotics’ expansion into Poland. Our team of more than 20 specialists is eager to contribute to the development of groundbreaking technologies and to collaborate with some of the brightest minds in the industry. This hub will strengthen our capabilities and provide exciting career prospects for engineers passionate about robotics and autonomous systems.”
Milrem Robotics is the world-leading robotics and autonomous systems developer and systems integrator, with offices in Estonia, Finland, Sweden, the Netherlands, and the US. The company is known for its THeMIS UGV, the Type-X Robotic Combat Vehicle, and MIFIK, the autonomous functionalities kit for defence platforms.
The company is also renowned for successfully completing the European Defence Industrial Development Programme (EDIDP) project iMUGS, which focused on developing a modular and scalable architecture for hybrid manned-unmanned systems.
01 Jul 24. GM Defense expanded on the success of the nine-passenger ISV by developing the ISV Family of Vehicles. Using common components across variants, the ISV Family delivers added efficiencies in operational sustainment and maintenance.
The variants are offered in two-, four-, five- or nine-seat configurations and can be developed with mission packages that include rapid casualty evacuation, fire support, command and control, electronic warfare, counter-unmanned aerial system (C-UAS), reconnaissance, logistics and network extension.
The ISV Family of Vehicles includes: • ISV Troop Carrier (ISV-9) – The ISV-9 seats nine passengers and offers the ability to transport individual and unit equipment, along with 72 hours’ worth of supplies. • ISV Multi-Mission and Logistics (ISV-4/5) – The ISV-4/5 seats four or five with a standard NATO pallet cargo area and supports modular mission equipment packages, such as mortars, loitering munitions, command and control suites, and C-UAS capabilities. Additionally, it can be used as a utility vehicle hauling additional supplies.
- ISV Multi-Mission and Logistics (ISV-2) – The ISV-2 seats two with the ability to load on a standard 463L pallet in an extended cargo area. The vehicle offers configurable payload capacity for larger mission packages, including casualty evacuation, tactical network shelters, loitering munitions and C-UAS. The vehicle can also be used as a utility vehicle hauling higher volume supplies.
- ISV Heavy Gun Carrier (ISV-HGC) – The ISV-HGC seats five and features 46-in. / 117 cm. turret gun ring for mounting medium and heavy machine guns and grenade launchers. • Electric Military Concept Vehicle (eISV) – The eISV is a four- or five-seat concept vehicle featuring GM’s commercial battery electric propulsion system that will help the user community transition to a more electric future.
BRINGING ENHANCED MOBILITY TO THE BATTLEFIELD GM Defense uniquely engineered and sized the nine[1]passenger ISV to fulfill U.S. Army requirements for rapid deployment.
Offering high performance, reliability and safety upon arrival and mission employment, the ISV is a versatile, expeditionary, ultra-light tactical vehicle that can be inserted on the battlefield through C-17, C-130 and A-400M low[1]velocity air drop, as an internal load in a CH/MH-47 Chinook, CH-53E Super Stallion and CH-53K King Stallion or sling-load under a UH-60 Blackhawk.
GM Defense developed the lightweight, high-strength Rollover Protection System (ROPS), borrowing design elements from GM’s racing expertise, that provides safety protection for all vehicle occupants.
(Source: Paulo Dominonni via LinkedIn)
28 Jun 24. The final 47 M1A1 Abrams main battle tanks (MBTs) and 26 M1152A1B2 Humvee workshop vehicles ordered by Poland arrived in the country on 26 June, the Polish Armament Agency (AA) announced in a press release later the same day.
The agency said it was the last M1A1 delivery before the Polish Armed Forces receives M1A2 SEPv3 Abrams MBTs. The Polish Armed Forces general staff tweeted on 27 June that M1A2 SEPv3s were ready to be shipped to Poland.
Poland received its first company of 14 M1A1s at the Port of Szczecin on 28 June 2023, in addition to three M88A2 armoured recovery vehicles.
It ordered 116 M1A1 tanks adapted to the requirements of the Polish Armed Forces on 4 January 2022. The procurement includes 12 M88A2s, eight M1074 Joint Assault Bridges, six M577 command vehicles, 26 Next-Generation Shop, Equipment, Contact, and Maintenance (NG SECM) workshops mounted on Humvee vehicles, and an ammunition, training, and logistics package.
This was followed by a contract in April 2022 for 250 M1A2 SEPv3s, 26 M88A2s, and 17 M1074s, plus ammunition, logistics, and training packages, with deliveries planned to begin in 2024.
Under a separate agreement, the US Army transferred 28 M1A2 SEPv2s to the Polish 18th Mechanised Division from US depots with instructors to train Polish crews at the Abrams Academy in 2022. (Source: Janes)
27 Jun 24. Altay main battle tank prime example of Türkiye’s defence ambitions. Türkiye’s defence industry is developing systems for domestic use while also aiming to secure deals in the international market, with the Altay MBT a prime example.
Türkiye’s development of its Altay main battle tank (MBT), conducted with significant assistance from South Korea, offers a prime example of the country’s defence industry positioning itself to deliver platforms into the wider international market, according to analysis by GlobalData.
The Altay MBT is based on the South Korean K2 Black Panther and heavily relies on Korean technology. The Turkish firm BMC received technological assistance from Hyundai with the development and production of initial models with the first prototype being delivered in 2016, as detailed by GlobalData defence analyst, Wilson Jones.
Compared to the K2, the Altay features a modified CN08 120mm main gun with improved stabilisers, chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN)-resistant armor, and a braking system that allows for rapid acceleration and deceleration to avoid anti-tank guided missiles. The T1 and T2 are described as being “extremely similar”.
The T1 was originally supposed to feature a Turkish-manufactured engine and transmission, but due to supply chain issues, it had to use a variety of German, Korean, and Ukrainian imports for these components. The T2 is the serial production that features these Turkish elements.
A future T3 model will have an uncrewed turret, and it is possible these earlier T1’s and T2’s could receive such upgrades. All variants are compatible with exterior reactive armour additions.
Jones concludes: “Türkiye’s acquisition plans of several hundred Altay’s indicate it seeks to replace foreign systems in this domain. There has also been significant foreign interest in the Altay reported from Colombia, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan. Qatar has already purchased 400 units, and Oman is currently negotiating a deal with Türkiye.
“While the Altay is a powerful platform with strong export potential, its development history also indicates that Türkiye’s defence industry remains heavily reliant on international trade and assistance. This poses challenges to the government’s plans for full defence industry autarky.”
The Altay MBT is expected to enter service in the coming months, possible in 2025 depending on manufacturing and testing progress. It is thought that Türkiye could seek to build an initial batch of 250 Altay MBTs, with a planned production of up to 1,000 vehicles across separate 250-vehicle batches.
Türkiye’s current MBT inventory is comprised of a range of foreign platforms, including M60A1 and A3 variants, older Leopard 1 tanks, as well as 339 Leopard 2A4s acquired from KMW between 2006-2013.
In data: Türkiye’s military modernisation
Türkiye is embarking on a wide-ranging modernisation programme, although the country’s economic and political issues threaten to undermine its efforts to expand its domestic defence industry, while the erosion of an independent central banking system have limited Western investment, GlobalData stated in a 27 June release.
Examination of GlobalData’s report, “Turkey Defense Market 2024-2029”, reveals the country’s defence budget is set to increase significantly to $73.2bn in 2029, up from $44.5bn in 2024. In addition, the acquisition budget, which is $8.3bn in 2024, will rise to $12.5bn by 2029.
The personnel spend will increase from $24.1bn in 2024 to $40.3bn by the end of the forecast period. (Source: army-technology.com)
28 Jun 24. BAE Systems calls on Czech industry for work on CATV BvS10.
Prototype production is scheduled to begin in the summer of 2024, while serial production is set for the end of 2025.
BAE Systems Haaglunds has struck a deal with the Czech supplier, Tatra Defense Vehicle, which will provide welding, painting and fitting hull insulation to British, German and Swedish Collaborative All-Terrain Vehicle (CATV) BvS10 units.
In a deal worth Kč1bn ($42.7m), the contract covers 250 new BvS10s with an option for an additional 274 vehicles.
It includes both front and rear carriages, which vary from armoured transporters to ambulances according to their mission configuration. Protoype production is scheduled to begin in the summer of 2024, while serial production is set for the end of 2025.
Prior to this latest development service, the three partner nations jointly procured 436 BvS10s in December 2022 – a total of 436 units for $760m. However, it is uncertain whether these will be the units Tatra will augment.
Czech-Swedish industrial partnership grows
Sweden’s prime contractor will lean on its preexisting relationship with the Czechoslovak Group of companies in its global supplier ecosystem. There is already a Czech contribution to Haaglunds’ CV90 Mark IV vehicles for the Czech Army; Czech industrial partners will deliver 40% of the Army’s $2.2bn acquisition in development, production and assembly contracts.
The family of BvS10 variants are armoured, tracked and amphibious vehicles that are capable of traversing terrain that would hinder other all terrain vehicles, asserted Haaglunds.
These systems have a flexible design allowing commanders and users to make the vehicle fit for specific mission. Its spacious volume aallows for the installation of inter-changeable equipment and hardware.
For optimum security, BvS10 offers protection against ballistics and anti-tank mines, while smoke grenade launchers provide additional protection.
Global BvS10 units
Data from the International Institute for Strategic Studies’ 2023 Military Balance indicated that the Swedish Armed Forces operate 150 BvS10 MkII vehicles.
Elsewhere, Austria employs 32 units; France have 49; the Netherlands use 77; besides BvS10s, Germany also operates 179 Bv206S units; while the UK Royal Marines have 99 units it designates the ‘Viking’.
Designed for austere conditions, sales for the Swedish platform may be set to grow further following the announcement that Norway, Sweden and Finland have agreed to establish a transnational military transport corridor, from west to east, across their northern region. The three neighbours will face challenging Arctic climes so far north with minimal infrastructure available to traverse the region smoothly. (Source: army-technology.com)
28 Jun 24. Paramount reveals new Mk III Mbombe 6 infantry combat vehicle variant. Paramount has announced a series of new additions to its battle-proven Mbombe 6 Infantry Combat Vehicle (ICV) to create the Mk III version, which is in production for global customers.
The Mbombe 6 Mk III features a redesigned electrical system with a focus on enhanced driver ergonomics, the ability to adopt more commercially available components, electromagnetic interference (EMI)-compliance, and a new interior layout offering greater functionality and space utilisation.
The enhancements also include increased engine bay protection and recovery capabilities with the addition of a new heavy-duty front-mounted bumper, complete with integrated recovery points and an updated electric winch.
Deon Grobler, CEO of Paramount Land Systems said: “Paramount has always been at the vanguard of innovation, particularly in the realm of armoured vehicle design and manufacturing. Leveraging our decades of experience, we’ve crafted the Mbombe vehicle family to meet the demands of the modern battlefield. The enhancements to the Mbombe 6 will further cement the warrior reputation of this pioneering and battle-proven platform.”
The Mbombe 6 has been supplied to four countries located in Africa, the Middle East, Latin-America and Asia. It has also been successfully produced in Kazakhstan as part of Paramount’s portable production model with Kazakhstan Paramount Engineering. There it is known as the Barys 6.
The Mbombe 6 was launched in 2010 and since then, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, it has been ordered by Ecuador (five) and Jordan (25). At the DSEI show last year, Paramount said more than 20 of its next-generation infantry combat vehicles were then in production, with deliveries underway.
The Mbombe 6 weighs 17.3 tonnes empty and has a payload of 5.2 tonnes. The vehicle can carry three crew and eight soldiers. Its hull meets STANAG 4569 Level 4, which means the vehicle can withstand a 10 kg TNT blast under its hull or any wheel station. Ballistic protection is to Level 3, scalable to STANAG 4569.
The Mbombe family (4×4 Mbombe 4, 6×6 Mbombe 6, and 8×8 Mbombe 8) features a flat mine-protected floor, giving a lower and better stability than V-shaped armoured hulls. All three models share 80% common components to reduce through life costs and make training and logistics easier. A six-cylinder diesel gives a top speed of more than 110km/h. (Source: https://www.defenceweb.co.za/)
01 Jul 24. Record order for Rheinmetall: Bundeswehr orders up to 6,500 military trucks – value up to €3.5bn. Rheinmetall has been given the largest order in the company`s history concerning logistic vehicles by the Bundeswehr. The framework-contract was now signed in Koblenz and incorporates the delivery of up to 6,500 military trucks, valued up to €3.5bn incl. VAT. After the budget committee of the Federal German Parliament had approved funding on 26 June 2024, the contract with Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles (RMMV) was signed on 1 July 2024 by the President of the BAAINBw, Annette Lehnigk-Emden and the Management of RMMV. A first call-off for over 610 vehicles, valued at €312m incl. VAT is imminent, of which 250 trucks are to be delivered in 2024. The financing of this call is mainly based on the special funds of the Bundeswehr. Rheinmetall AG will book the order in the third quarter of 2024 of the current fiscal year.
This framework-contract allows the Bundeswehr to flexibly order further quantities of already introduced unprotected transportation vehicles UTF 5t and UTF 15t-trucks for seven years. In addition to that, a new vehicle category will be introduced via the framework-contract: the 4×4 UTF 3.5t. It has a maximum of identical parts to the UTF family.
“The framework-contract is an essential contribution to a fast fulfillment of demand by the logistic forces of the Bundeswehr”, states Michael Wittlinger, Chairman of the management of Rheinmetall Military Vehicles GmbH. “The standardized vehicle family and the uniformity with vehicles of other beneficiary nations establish the HX-vehicles as the main logistic vehicles within NATO and set a standard for interoperability and logistic efficiency within the Alliance. Once again, this order reflects our leading role in the global market for logistic vehicles.”
“The extremely short period of four months from the invitation to tender to the signature of the contract underlines once more that the turning point for procuring logistic trucks has been introduced”, says Armin Papperger, CEO Rheinmetall AG. “We are thankful for the trust in the products of Rheinmetall.”
Already, the Ungeschützte Transportfahrzeug (UTF)-family has been contributing significantly to the performance of logistic units of the Bundeswehr. In July 2017, the Bundeswehr placed an order at Rheinmetall MAN for the delivery of the new family “UTF military all-terrain with 5t and 15t load capacity categories”. The UTFs are a show-case project which, especially within the procurement, has opened new ways. This was the first time that flexible framework agreements with large quantities have been concluded. Since 2017, more than 6,000 HX vehicles will be delivered to the Bundeswehr by the end of 2024, together with the swap-body loader systems (Wechselladersystem or WLS) and 70t tractor units. A large proportion of the added value at WLS and UTF – over 75 percent – is created in Germany.
UTF and WLS are based on the robust HX-family of RMMV. From the beginning, it was designed for military use and is characterized by high mobility, also in heavy terrain. The large world-wide distribution of the HX-vehicle family offers major advantages concerning interoperability and logistics, especially with respect to multinational missions. In addition to Germany, the user group currently includes the UK, Australia, New Zealand, Norway, Sweden, Austria, Hungary, Singapore, Slovenia, Denmark and Ukraine. The newly placed order highlights the high acceptancy of the tried-and-tested HX-vehicles of which about 20,000 are already in use world-wide.
—————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————–
TEK Military Seating Limited
TEK Military Seating Limited is a UK based designer and manufacturer of ProTEK military vehicle seating which offer the highest standards of safety and protection. The ProTEK brand is well respected across the globe for its robust construction, innovative design, built in modularity and cost effectiveness. Our superior products are supported by our experienced team who endeavor to offer unrivalled service to our customers from enquiry, through design and acceptance, to through life support.
From its inception ProTEK seats have been designed around a family of innovative seat frames onto which tested and certified modules can be fitted to create a bespoke solution for the user. These include Blast protection to Stanag 4569 standards, vibration reduction, head and body protection, seat risers and turntables, fore & aft adjustment, and seat back rake along with viable seat dimensions without the need for additional tooling costs.
Contact: Paul Fleming
———————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————–