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30 Aug 24. First upgraded engine for Taiwanese M60 tanks completed.
Renk America has completed the first AVDS-1790 diesel engine ordered by Taiwan to upgrade the Republic of China Army’s (RoCA’s) M60A3 Patton main battle tanks (MBTs), the company revealed on its social media page on 27 August.
“Last week, we proudly marked a major milestone as we celebrated the completion of the first for the Taiwanese M60 Repower Program, now ready for delivery,” said the company. “Our team, alongside our valued Taiwanese customer, commemorated this achievement as the first of many engines to be successfully built and tested for this critical program.”
“With full-rate production underway and a robust backlog of new engines on order, we are excited to continue expanding our relationships with new and existing customers as we bring additional orders to life,” it added.
Renk America – which was formerly the Combat Propulsion Systems division of L3Harris Technologies before its acquisition by Renk Group in 2021 – first announced the deal, which is valued at around US$241 million, in March 2023.
The state-run National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology (NCSIST) is currently leading an effort to upgrade an initial batch of 40 M60A3 MBTs
Forty M60A3 MBTs will receive enhancements to their main gun, ballistic fire control computer and sighting systems, centering on the replacement of the original 105 mm M68 rifled gun with a 120 mm smoothbore cannon as well as upgrades to the turret’s hydraulic system for the turret and associated electrical systems.
Upgraded tanks are expected to be redelivered in batches by October 2025.
The initial effort will determine whether the remainder of the RoCA’s M60A3 fleet – understood to comprise a total of 460 ex-US Army surplus tanks – will be upgraded. The type was originally acquired from 1995 through 2000 and are considered to be outmatched by modern tanks.
The RoCA also operates a large fleet of CM-11 Brave Tiger (hybrid M60 MBT with M48 turrets) as well as CM-12 (updated M48A3 MBT) platforms.
Preparatory work is also well under way for the anticipated delivery of the first batch of General Dynamics M1A2T Abrams MBTs by 2024.
(Source: AMR)
29 Aug 24. Russia to Equip BMP-3 Infantry Fighting Vehicles with Mini-Drones. Russian engineers are planning to modernize BMP-3 infantry fighting vehicles by equipping them with mini-drones, thereby enhancing their tactical capabilities and crew safety on the battlefield.
This initiative was announced on August 22 by the press service of the High-Precision Systems holding. The project is currently led by specialists at Kurganmashzavod, who are developing a business plan for integrating these unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) into the BMP-3 platform. Once testing is complete, the drones will be integrated into the vehicle’s design.
The mini-drones are specifically designed for reconnaissance and surveillance missions. They will provide real-time data to the BMP-3 crew, offering crucial information about battlefield conditions. Equipped with cameras and sensors, these drones will collect and transmit information, thereby improving the tactical capabilities of the combat vehicles and enhancing crew safety.
This innovation is part of Russia’s broader efforts to improve the performance of its military vehicles. Previous reports have highlighted how soldiers involved in the conflict in Ukraine have reinforced the armor of combat vehicles using ammunition casings.
The BMP-3 is an infantry fighting vehicle designed in Russia and used by many countries worldwide, including Azerbaijan, Cyprus, Indonesia, Iraq, Kuwait, Libya, Morocco, Nicaragua, Russia, Sri Lanka, South Korea, Turkmenistan, the United Arab Emirates, and Venezuela. This vehicle weighs 18,700 kg and stands out for its combination of firepower and mobility.
The BMP-3 is armed with a 100 mm main gun, a 30 mm cannon, and three 7.62 mm machine guns, providing significant versatility on the battlefield. Its structure is made of welded aluminum alloy, which offers effective protection against small-caliber weapons and shell fragments.
This vehicle is designed to travel at a maximum speed of 70 km/h on roads and 10 km/h on water, allowing it to traverse different types of terrain and operations. It has a range of 600 km, making it capable of covering long distances without the need for frequent refueling.
In terms of equipment, the BMP-3 is equipped with a sophisticated fire control system, night vision, and an NBC (nuclear, biological, chemical) protection system, making it well-suited for modern combat. It can carry a crew of three people along with seven additional infantrymen. Its dimensions measure 7.14 meters in length, 3.23 meters in width, and 2.65 meters in height, making it a formidable vehicle while still meeting the demands of infantry combat.
Thus, the BMP-3 is a robust and well-armed vehicle, considered the most modern infantry fighting vehicle in the Russian army. It will be interesting to see what additional capabilities these mini-drones can bring. This is certainly a development to watch closely. (Source: UAS VISION/Army Recognition)
29 Aug 24. Artificial intelligence in convoy: Rheinmetall takes first place at ELROB 2024. Rheinmetall has once again demonstrated its expertise in the field of artificial intelligence. It achieved a significant success in connection with the Interoperable Robotic Convoy (InterRoC) project. In the European Land Robot Trial 2024 (ELROB) competition, the Rheinmetall InterRoc team consisting of the Research & Technology division of Rheinmetall Landsysteme GmbH and Rheinmetall Canada Inc. won first place in the “Automated Convoy” category. The combination of HX truck and integrated PATH autonomy kit proved its worth.
The Rheinmetall PATH autonomy kit (‘PATH A-Kit’) is an AI-supported navigation system that can be installed in almost any vehicle. It has already proven itself several times in trials in various platforms, including in the Mission Master robotic vehicle family. Just last year, it was successfully used in the 2023 Estonia Unmanned Ground Systems Autonomy Trials. At ELROB 2024, the PATH A-Kit controlled two of the highly mobile HX logistics vehicles as part of the convoy scenario. Both HX vehicles were also equipped with a drive-by-wire system.
ELROB is one of the most demanding open international competitions in the field of robotics, sensor technology and autonomy. Every two years, participants from universities as well as civilian and military manufacturers compete against each other. The aim is to test the capabilities of modern robots. This year was the 12th edition. It took place from 24 to 28 June at the German Armed Forces Technical Center for Land-Based Vehicle Systems, Engineer and General Field Equipment (Wehrtechnische Dienststelle WTD 41) in Trier. 19 teams took part. Rheinmetall subsidiaries Rheinmetall Landsysteme GmbH and Rheinmetall Canada competed in a tactical leader-follower scenario and an actual real-life scenario.
The level of difficulty of this year’s tasks was significantly increased compared to the 2022 competition. The autonomously driving trucks and the convoy commander had to react to dynamic obstacles, alternative routes and various electromagnetic interferers, among other things. However, the system was able to solve all tasks in an exemplary manner.
The HX vehicles had to overcome eleven different obstacles on a 6 km circuit. The most difficult challenges included narrow paths, transitions between on-road and off-road driving, navigating through open and dense forests, communication interference, reversing and driving around obstacles. “The course was very challenging. The organisers did a fantastic job of making the competition a realistic military scenario and our performance shows that the Rheinmetall PATH-A kit is ready for real-world use cases,” said Paul Rocco, Managing Director of Rheinmetall Provectus. The company was acquired by Rheinmetall Canada in 2019.
The competition organisers also surprised the Rheinmetall team by bringing a car into their convoy. This forced the following truck to slow down and navigate around the moving obstacle. The convoy was also broken up, so the team had to remotely control the following truck on a parallel path and reconfigure the convoy to make the remote-controlled truck the new convoy leader. “The 2024 ELROB scenario was considerably more challenging than the scenario for the 2022 ELROB participation, for example,” commented Sebastian Elze, Rheinmetall Landsysteme Research & Technology division’s project manager responsible for the overall autonomous InterRoC system, among other things.
Despite these challenges, the team completed most of the route in convoy mode without GPS, as the terrain was overgrown with dense foliage. “This is the first time we have demonstrated this new specific capability, which is a significant upgrade for the PATH A kit,” said Luc Brunet, Director of Robotics and Autonomous Systems at Rheinmetall Provectus. “We were able to seamlessly switch between GPS-enabled and GPS-free environments without any degradation in functionality or noticeable change in operation.”
Although ELROB is a non-competitive event focussed solely on research and development, an award ceremony was held at the end of the trial. This is intended to give participants the opportunity to receive feedback and insights from the judges. This year, Rheinmetall received the prize for the best convoy performance, a first for the company and an important milestone for the PATH A-Kit.
In addition to the evaluated scenarios, the area of autonomous driving was also demonstrated to the many visitors – including generals and other military personnel from various countries, officials from the Federal Ministry of Defence, the Federal Office of Bundeswehr Information Technology and In-Service Support (BAAINBw) and WTD41 – in the open presentation area. The vehicles in the competition, which were also on display and available for demonstration drives, were very popular with the visitors and aroused great interest
The Research & Technology division of Rheinmetall Landsysteme GmbH from Unterlüß took part in this event for the first time as Team InterRoC in 2022 as part of the InterRoC project in the field of automated convoys. At that time, the team took the 2nd place with an American autonomy kit provided by BAAINBw and integrated by Rheinmetall Landsysteme GmbH.
The InterRoC project was launched four years ago in order to derive customer requirements for future autonomous logistics vehicles. It is continuously being expanded by the BAAINBw through supplementary orders with regard to system capabilities. Among other things, it includes two military HX2 trucks equipped with autonomy kits and drive-by-wire, which follow each other in a leader-follower principle. In view of this competition, the PATH autonomy kit developed by Rheinmetall Canada Inc. was also installed in the vehicles so that participation in the competition could take place with a complete “Rheinmetall solution”.
27 Aug 24. Denmark’s €1.34bn deal secures CV9035 MKIIIC vehicles upgrade. Forsvarsministeriets Materiel—og Indkøbsstyrelse (FMI) bypassed competition in purchasing advanced armoured vehicles from Sweden’s BAE Systems Hägglunds AB.
Denmark’s Ministry of Defence Acquisition and Logistics Organisation (FMI) has committed nearly 10bn DKK to procure 115 CV9035 MKIIIC armoured vehicles to add to its military capability.
Denmark has invested in its military capabilities with the recent announcement of a 9.975bn DKK (approx. €1.34bn) direct award contract for the procurement of 115 CV9035 MKIIIC infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs). The contract, awarded to BAE Systems Hägglunds AB, Sweden, emphasises the necessity of a heavy brigade in the face of growing geopolitical tensions in Europe.
Numerous countries have adopted the CV90 armoured combat vehicle platform. Sweden recently expanded its fleet with an additional 20 CV90 Mjölner mortar systems, increasing its total to 80. Slovakia and Czechia have also committed to acquiring and enhancing their CV90s, with Czechia purchasing 246 units and Slovakia integrating sight and fire control systems. Meanwhile, in collaboration with Sweden, Denmark is financing the delivery of additional CV90s to Ukraine.
The deal, negotiated without prior competition, reflects Denmark’s need for vehicles that meet specific operational requirements, including interoperability with its current fleet and with Nato partners.
According to GlobalData’s intelligence on Denmark’s defence market, the Danish Army has 44 of the CV9035, acquiring the infantry fighting vehicles from BAE Systems AB between 2008 and 2010.
FMI justified its decision to forgo a public tender by arguing that only BAE Systems Hägglunds could meet these technical and operational demands, particularly given Denmark’s existing use of the CV9035 platform.
This procurement is part of an effort to modernise Denmark’s military infrastructure. The CV9035 MKIIIC model, an upgraded version of the CV90 series, is equipped with enhanced armour, electronic warfare systems, and improved mobility. These features make it an asset in both conventional and asymmetric warfare scenarios.
BAE Systems Hägglunds is based in Örnsköldsvik, Sweden. The company’s relationship with Denmark dates back several years, with previous deliveries of CV90 models having established a foundation of mutual operational understanding. The CV9035 MKIIIC contract, set to span five years, will see vehicles delivered to multiple defence locations across Denmark, further cementing this collaboration.
While the exact delivery timeline remains flexible, FMI has indicated that the contract will conclude once all units have been delivered and fully integrated into the Danish Armed Forces. The deal also includes provisions for long-term maintenance and support.
Recently, Denmark has been strengthening its existing CV90 infantry fighting vehicle (IFV) fleet through a mid-life upgrade and a long-term support deal with BAE Systems. The upgrade, which includes integrating the latest D-series turret and weaponry, aims to enhance combat capability and vehicle balance. A 15-year, $400m agreement also ensures ongoing repair and maintenance for Denmark’s 44 CV90s.
(Source: army-technology.com)
26 Aug 24. US and Romania militaries order Joint Assault Bridge systems.
The Joint Assault Bridge system is a tracked, armoured engineer vehicle mounted onto a modified M1A1 Abrams main battle tank chassis.
Leonardo DRS will develop and deliver Joint Assault Bridge (JAB) systems for the US Army and Romanian military (through a Foreign Military Sales agreement).
Collectively, the contract is valued at $49m, according to a statement issued by the supplier on 22 August 2024.
The JAB is a tracked, armoured engineer vehicle mounted onto a modified M1A1 Abrams main battle tank chassis. Manufactured by Leonardo DRS, the US division of the Italian parent company of the same name, the platform is designed to manoeuvre US and allied forces more freely with bridging capabilities.
Specifically, it provides a gap-crossing capability to cross wet or dry gaps, and freedom of manoeuvre on the battlefield to keep pace with Abrams Heavy Brigade Combat Team (ABCT) operations.
Some of these heavy brigade units are incorporated into the V-Corps (all US forces on Nato’s eastern flank). The contingent is based in Poznań, Western Poland. Notably, there is a regional competence centre in the same town that specialises in operating Abrams tanks. This would, of course, complement the use of JABs in the region.
More than 100 JABs have been delivered to forces in partnership with the US Army, according to Aaron Hankins, senior vice president and general manager of Leonardo DRS Land Systems unit.
“We are proud to continue to deliver this robust and reliable system to the US Army and allied militaries to ensure armoured vehicles can better navigate complex battlefield conditions,” Hankins added.
Past and present
The next-generation JAB replaces the M104 Wolverine and M48/ M60 Armoured Vehicle Launch Bridge in the ABCT Brigade Engineer Battalions and Mobility Augmentation Companies.
Manufacturing of all kinds requires ready cash supplies to guarantee agility and mitigate risks. From automobiles to airplanes and computers to clothing, an approach with supply chain innovation at the heart is critical.
The system entered full-rate production in FY2021. Prior to this, the Live Fire Test and Evaluation agency discovered certain vulnerabilities during tests conducted from November 2017 to March 2018. Thus, the Army redesigned several subsystems and added or upgraded armour kits to reduce the JAB’s vulnerability to direct and indirect fires.
This is a key consideration given the forward presence of ABCTs in Europe, where the war in Ukraine has demonstrated the need for mobile, armoured firepower, and with that the need to keep operations going on the frontlines. (Source: army-technology.com)
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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
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