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13 Sept 24. GDUK Exhibits at DVD. BATTLESPACE Editor Julian Nettlefold caught up with Rhys Owen of GDUK to discuss the exhibit at DVD 2024. GDUK is on stand OR-21, exhibits include:
- Ajax: all six existing variants and concepts for future variants, including an Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV), and upgrades. The world’s most advanced Armoured Fighting Vehicle (AFV) and the basis for a medium-weight family of vehicles for the British Army and the export market. 182 Ajax vehicles have now been delivered to the MoD.
- GD will show a new air defence turret with higher elevation for C-UAS applications., with a thicker CT40barrel funded internally by GD IRAD funding. CTAI Ltd will be exhibiting on the Stand.
- GD will have live AI demos in association with Helsing. This will demonstrate the ability of Ajax to transfer targets across the Bowman system to multiple recipients.
- Foxhound: the latest Foxhound utility variant and a new ORPA general purpose variant. This new Foxhound variant Foxhound Mk2 has the same Ford 3 litre V6 diesel and drivetrain as the Ford Ranger as below. The engine compartment has space for a proposed hybrid engine variant. The MoD has ordered 50 new Foxhound upgraded variants with a new Pod for C4I. The Mk2 Foxhound prototype will be available in 12 months Applications.
- Ford Ranger: militarised for the British Army, with a ‘special edition’ available to select stakeholders. Ricardo, Ford and GD have formed a JV to develop the vehicle with production in Merthyr proposed for the 3-700o light and medium vehicles under the MoD Light Vehicle Requirements. 6×6 varinats for both Foxhound Mk 2 and Ford Ranger are under development.
- New MeshNet HPSS system. GDUK will be showing a new MeshNet HPSS system, shown on Foxhound, developed from funding under the Bowman ECO contract. This proposed upgrade ensures that Bowman will be able to deliver data across the battlefield for many years to come. Demos will be carried out during DVD showing how imagery and compressed data is tracked and distributed.
- Also watch a range of cutting-edge demonstrations in the ‘Tactics to Technicians’ area and experience the AJAX and ARES first-hand on the dynamic ‘Ride & Drive’ area.
12 Sept 24. Oshkosh Defense, LLC, an Oshkosh Corporation (NYSE: OSK) business, announced today that it received a direct commercial sales (DCS) order to supply Heavy Equipment Transporter (HET) A1 tractors and 635NL trailers to Optimum Vehicle Logistics, LLC (Milwaukee, WI). The HET A1 systems will be fielded to the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces.
The HET A1 tractor provides line haul, local haul, and maintenance evacuation of the heaviest mission-critical equipment including tanks, armored vehicles, and recovery vehicles.
“We are pleased to work with Optimum Vehicle Logistics, our exclusive distributor in the Kingdom of Morrocco, to supply the Kingdom with additional heavy tactical wheeled vehicles in support of its M1 Abrams modernization efforts,” said Pat Williams, chief programs officer for Oshkosh Defense. “This award reinforces our dedication to partnering with our international partners to strengthen their capabilities and improve interoperability.”
Delivery of the HET A1 systems is anticipated to begin in the summer of 2025. (Source: Defense Arabia)
11 Sept 24. Malaysia’s 3 Royal Armoured Regiment inducts Gempita vehicles. Malaysia’s 3 Royal Armoured Regiment (RAR) has inducted its first squadron of AV8 Gempita 8×8 infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs), the Malaysian Army disclosed via its official social channels from late August 2024.
The vehicles were inducted on 26 August in a commissioning parade that was held at Sungai Petani in the West Malaysia state of Kedah, the service added.
“This event was held to mark the historical transfer of the vehicles from the 2 RAR to the 3 RAR to support the operational and training requirements, and maintain the crew competency of the 3 RAR,” the service added.
No details on the number of vehicles were provided, but images that have since been released by the Malaysian Army indicate that a total of 14 vehicles were present during the commissioning parade.
Of these, one unit is seen with a Red Crescent livery, indicating its function as an armoured ambulance platform, while another unit is seen with vehicle recovery contraptions, which specifies its role as a maintenance and technical support unit.
In addition, one of the Gempita units transferred is configured as an armoured surveillance vehicle and this is apparent from its mast-mounted sensors, while another IFV appears to have been configured as a command vehicle.
All other units have been configured with the Denel Land Systems-supplied LCT-30 turret that is incorporated with a 30 mm main gun and a 7.62 mm secondary weapon, indicating their roles as ‘pura play’ armoured fighting vehicles (AFVs).
The Gempita is a 29,200 kg IFV that can accommodate a crew of 10. Powered by a Deutz TCD 2015 V6 engine, the vehicle can attain a top speed of 100 km/h. (Source: Janes)
11 Sept 24. Supacat unveils Medium Utility Vehicle. Supacat’s new Medium Utility Vehicle (MUV) has a payload capacity of 3.5 tonnes. (Supacat)
Supacat launched its new Medium Utility Vehicle (MUV) platform at the opening day of the Land Forces 2024 exhibition in Melbourne, Australia, which runs 11–13 September.
According to Supacat, the modular MUV, which comes in 4×4 and 6×6 configurations, features a flexible load bed and a payload capacity of 3.5 tonnes. The company said the MUV can be deployed for offroad and littoral operations.
Supacat said the MUV has been designed to be fitted with commercial off-the-shelf components and can be “re-rolled in response to emerging technologies and equipped” for high readiness defence forces.
The 4×4 and 6×6 configurations have a gross vehicle mass capacity of 5 tonnes and 6.5 tonnes respectively. The two configurations measure 5.45 m and 6.45 m in length respectively. They also come with a range of options including self-recovery winch, remote weapons station, weapon mounts, smoke grenade launchers, ballistic armour, and forward- and rear-facing infrared (IR) cameras.
Matt Grech, Supacat’s head of future business, said, “The MUV continues the inheritance of Supacat products by combining high mobility and high payload with liberating modularity. We believe the MUV will find favour with regional forces seeking to maximise capability while being able to support the product locally from existing resources and infrastructure.”
Supacat said the MUV “fills the gap” between its existing High Mobility Transporter (HMT) family of vehicles and its All Terrain Mobility Platform (ATMP). (Source: Janes)
12 Sept 24. NP Aerospace receives multiple UK MoD related contracts following Jankel Acquisition. NP Aerospace, the global vehicle integrator and armour manufacturer, has today announced the award of multiple UK MoD related contracts following the acquisition of the assets of Jankel Armouring Limited. The specifics of the contracts cannot be disclosed however, there are seven individual contracts in total and together, they involve the provision of products and services in the areas of tactical vehicles, civilian armoured vehicles (CAVs), armour protection systems, military seating and through-life support services. Contracting routes vary and range from direct to UK MoD (DE&S) and supply contracts to UK MoD through established tier one prime contractors. This announcement coincides with the DVD event taking place at Millbrook, 18-19 September 2024, where NP Aerospace are exhibiting on stand OR13 in the Off-Road Area.
NP Aerospace is already fully established as a trusted supplier to UK MoD with major contracts in place in the areas of vehicle supply, systems integration, through-life support, and armour protection systems. Integrating the former Jankel contracts into the existing operational model is an excellent fit as NP Aerospace already has the required facilities, skills, knowhow, supply chain and processes in place to deliver exactly what the customers require, with a proven and resilient track record fully established.
Since the announcement of the acquisition of the assets of Jankel Armouring Limited on 10 June 2024, NP Aerospace has been successful in securing talent from the original Jankel Armouring Limited staff including pivotal engineers and critical executives with the required knowledge of the acquired assets and legacy contracts, such as these. In addition, it is expected that these contracts, together with others, will help to create and/or sustain around 60-70 skilled jobs. This places NP Aerospace in the ideal position to successfully deliver on these UK MoD related contracts, plus several other former Jankel overseas contracts that are likely to be announced in the coming months.
James Kempston, NP Aerospace CEO, commented: “Following on from our recent announcement regarding the acquisition of Jankel Armouring Limited’s assets, we are very pleased indeed to announce the award of these UK MoD related contracts, having been novated to us by the MoD and the MoD’s tier one suppliers.” He added: “We are already in a strong position as a trusted and resilient supplier to UK MoD and we’re operating in very similar capability areas to the seven contracts we’ve now received. This is a very good fit and will suit all parties conceed but in particular, our customers, who previously relied on Jankel Armouring Limited for some key and critical specialist capabilities. Thank you to UK MoD and to the relevant prime contractors for placing their trust in us, once again, and we look forward to extending our already successful working relationships, effectively integrating these contracts into the NP Aerospace operating model.”
11 Sept 24. ATLAS CCV unveiled by BAE Systems Australia at Land Forces 2024. Industry. BAE Systems Australia has unveiled a new uncrewed ground vehicle that gives military commanders an added tactical option while keeping soldiers out of harm’s way.
The Autonomous Tactical Light Armour System (ATLAS) Collaborative Combat Variant (CCV), a new cost effective, modular, 8×8 UGV, has been designed and built leveraging BAE Systems’ world-leading expertise in autonomous technology, armoured vehicles and in collaboration with industry partners.
The future battlefield will involve a mix of autonomous, semi-autonomous and human machine teams, generating combat mass and removing soldiers from many of the most dangerous tasks. A BAE Systems Australia official said the company is exploring additional modular variants of the ATLAS CCV, including a littoral option, a 30-millimetre armed variant and those equipped with rockets.
ATLAS CCV will operate using high levels of autonomy both on and off-road, complementing crewed counterparts such as infantry fighting vehicles and main battle tanks, at a lower cost. The vehicle incorporates existing, proven technologies to provide a cost-effective capability that is mission configurable and upgradable so that it continues to evolve to counter new and emerging technologies and threats.
BAE Systems is continuously exploring innovative technology that provides armed forces with a tactical advantage in an ever-changing battlespace. The autonomy system at the core of the ATLAS CCV will “drive” the vehicle, avoid obstacles, route plan, and make tactical decisions.
“We’ve developed the ATLAS vehicle to give soldiers the advantage on the modern battlefield. This has resulted in an autonomous platform that will deliver the dull, dirty, and dangerous tasks expected in a combat environment,” said Andrew Gresham, managing director, defence delivery at BAE Systems Australia.
“ATLAS will enable the Australian Army to be fit to fight in the littoral environment. It will help the soldier outpace, out-manoeuvre and out-think conventional and unconventional threats.
“We have proven expertise in autonomous technologies, built on more than 30 years of complex autonomous projects. We’re excited that this is the first UGV of its kind to be developed in Australia and look forward to working with our industry partners to deliver this capability for our customers.”
ATLAS CCV is armed with a new, lightweight, affordable, highly automated medium calibre turret system called “VANTAGE ATS”, designed for use on uncrewed platforms. Importantly, the turret is designed with a “human in-the-loop” targeting system.
ATLAS CCV is easily transportable, designed to fit into a standard 20-foot ISO container or 20-foot ISO flat rack. It will also deliver a logistics multiplier effect for companion crewed platforms, effectively extending the combat endurance of vehicles currently in service.
BAE Systems has worked with partners including Supacat in the UK/Australia, Valhalla Turrets in Slovenia, and Victorian manufacturer Marand to deliver ATLAS CCV. (Source: Defence Connect)
11 Sept 24. US Army Dragoons to be replaced by new lethality Stryker from early 2025. A total of three US Army brigades will be equipped with the ICVVA-1 upgrade, intended to improve lethality for forces in Europe. The US Army is looking to begin fielding the Stryker 8×8 armoured vehicles upgraded through the ICVVA1-30mm lethality package in early 2025 following the completion of Follow-on Operational Testing and Evaluation in May, the service has stated.
In early September, the US Army Program Executive Office (PEO) Ground Combat Systems revealed that over the next three years, three Stryker formation across the US Army will benefit from what it described as a “major firepower and capability upgrade” through the ICVVA1-30mm package.
The ICVVA1-30mm will replace the predecessor ICVD “Dragoon” vehicle, providing “much needed upgrades”, the PEO stated.
The Stryker 8×8 armoured fighting vehicle (AFV) is one of the US Army’s central armoured mobility capabilities, with more than 2,400 units delivered by General Dynamics between 2005-2021, according to GlobalData.
In service with the US Army, the platform is based on the GDLS Canada LAV III 8×8 light armoured vehicle, itself a version of the Piranha III built by Mowag of Switzerland, now part of GDLS – Europe.
Stryker is available in ten variants, including infantry carrier vehicle, commander’s vehicle, medical evacuation vehicle, fire support vehicle, engineer squad vehicle, anti-tank guided missile carrier, mortar carrier, reconnaissance vehicle, mobile gun system, and nuclear, biological, and chemical reconnaissance (NBCR) vehicle.
Operational Test Command Public Affairs
The ICVD Dragoon, which the new ICVVA-1 lethality Stryker will replace, is itself a relatively recent programme of record for the US Army, being initiated in July 2015 in response for an operational need for land forces based in Europe for “improved or upgraded lethality of organic direct fire weapons”.
In 2015 the US Army approved the upgrade of 81 Strykers to the Dragoon standard.
Both the ICVD and ICVVA-1 feature a turret-mounted 30mm main gun, although a potential weakness for the then new ICVD variant was identified by the US Army in FY2017 due to the “stowage of the 30mm ammunition in the ICVD represent[ing] a unique vulnerability not present for other Stryker vehicles”.
In 2022 Oshkosh Corporation’s subsidiary Oshkosh Defense delivered the first upgraded Stryker Double-V Hull Infantry Carrier Vehicle (ICVVA1) to the US Army of 269 contracted platforms, featuring the 30mm Medium Caliber Weapon System (MCWS). In June 2021, the US Army selected Oshkosh Defense and partners Pratt Miller Defense and Rafael Advanced Defense Systems to integrate the 30mm MCWS onto the Stryker ICVVA1.
US GAO issued 2023 warning on lethality upgrade
In March 2023, a US Government Accountability Office (GAO) report stated that the US Army’s bid to upgrade the firepower of its Stryker 8×8 combat vehicle in response to increased competition from Russia resulted in hardware and software issues impacting the platform.
Published on 20 March, the GAO report stated that as the US Army sought to upgrade its existing Stryker vehicles with more firepower, it did so without “fully analysing and addressing potential production risks”, resulting in issues arising during the programme.
According to the GAO, the US Army “did not fully implement leading practices for acquisition” to mitigate production risks which were introduced, in part, by using a different turret and chassis than what was tested in Germany during earlier Stryker lethality increase testing.
Since production started in March 2022, the US Army has found problems with the contractor’s manufacturing processes as well as software issues, reported the GAO. The consequences of the problems to the Stryker upgrade resulted in the US Army halting acceptance of vehicles in February 2023, after 19 had been delivered. (Source: army-technology.com)
11 Sept 24. UGVs deployed by ADF for border protection. GUS is equipped with cameras and sensors providing persistent surveillance for more than 30 continuous days using battery power. Soldiers from the Australian Army’s Regional Force Surveillance Group, Pilbara Regiment, have trialled new Uncrewed Ground Vehicles (UGVs) for border protection.
Designated the ‘Ground Uncrewed System’, and referred to as GUS, this autonomous surveillance system is an Australian-developed robot.
GUS is equipped with cameras and sensors capable of providing persistent surveillance for more than 30 continuous days using battery power. An on-board liquid fuel generator recharges the battery when it is low to extend GUS’s mission endurance even further.
Furthermore, the Army’s 13th Engineer Regiment has previously trialed GUS under a variety of conditions, including deployment on Exercise Talisman Sabre in 2023.
GUS can detect moving objects and can then transmit this information to a remote operator. GUS has potential to remove soldiers from harsh environmental conditions and expand the surveillance area.
The Australian Army and industry partner Outlook Industries have worked together to develop GUS. Research and development is taking place in the Victorian town of Yinnar. The use of locally sourced materials and creation of new jobs has brought a welcome economic boost to the Gippsland community.
The global military UGV market is valued at $599m in 2024, according to GlobalData intelligence. However, it is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 7.2% over the forecast period. It is expected to reach $1.2bn by 2034 and cumulatively value $9.5bn over the forecast period.
Notably, the market is expected to be dominated by the Combat UGVs segment, which accounts for 41.% of the market, followed by the Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) UGVs segment with a 22.8% share – GUS would come under the latter segment.
This combat segment seems to be surpassing the ISR segment for the first time, as the ISR capability had been a primary purpose of drone warfare in the past.
Uncrewed Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) employed during the early stages of the Global War on Terror, such as the MQ-1 Predator and RQ-11B Raven, were almost exclusively tasked with conducting ISR operations to inform the activities of conventional forces, with the Predator fulfilling a more limited precision strike role on certain occasions.
Over the last two decades, however, research and development in the field of drones has experienced a creativity and investment boom, with numerous manufacturers designing and marketing uncrewed vehicles of all kinds tailored to an increasingly diverse range of operations including air-to-air combat, aerial refuelling, explosive ordnance disposal, search and rescue, precision strike, suppression of enemy air defences, electronic warfare, battlespace networking, and ISR to name a few. (Source: army-technology.com)
11 Sept 24. G3 Systems awarded contract by UK MOD to deliver additional deployable Mobile Roller Brake Test systems. G3 Systems Limited, the British company with over 23 years of operationally proven expertise in designing and producing deployable containerised solutions has been awarded a contract to deliver six more Mobile Roller Brake Testing (MRBT) systems for Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S). The contract has been placed by the MoD’s Operational Infrastructure team under Project AMPHORA and is being announced at DVD (18/19 September 2024). G3 Systems will be at stand C4-401 throughout the event to discuss this and their wider defence capabilities, such as austere infrastructure project management and overseas fire and rescue services.
G3 Systems were first contracted to deliver 12 MRBT’s in 2018 and have been subsequently tasked by DE&S, in June 2024, to provide 6 more new MRBT containerised solutions that are fully compliant with current regulations, compatible with current generic operational base architecture, such as Field Electrical Power Supply (FEPS), and critically SIM 14 compliant. Delivery will be complete by March 2025.
Project AMPHORA is a significant initiative aimed at providing comprehensive support for multiple containerised deployable systems that are critical to sustaining military operations. This project is a cornerstone in the MoD’s operational infrastructure policy to ensure that various deployable systems remain at high operational standards, swiftly and efficiently. This recent contract for G3 Systems is a perfect example of the UK MoD leveraging industry’s expertise to ensure that military mission critical vehicles remain operationally safe and ready when deployed overseas or on exercise.
In addition to the normal range of demanding military operational specifications, and the requirement to test vehicles up to 20 tonnes per axle with a maximum wheel diameter of 2 metres, the MRBT systems also have to meet the stringent testing requirements of SIM 14. This means adherence to a specific set of guidelines and standards established by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) regulations for the inspection and maintenance of braking systems in heavy vehicles, particularly those used in industrial and commercial settings. These regulations remain applicable for military vehicles even when deployed on operations. Inherent in the G3 Systems design is consideration for the end user. Using their vast experience and expertise in providing such systems for Defence, G3 Systems ensured the MRBT can be fully operational using two trained operators in under two hours from deployment and be ready to move in less than an hour.
Nick Rose, Managing Director G3 Systems said, “We are delighted to be supporting the UK MoD again with the MRBT capability under Project AMPHORA. This is an excellent way for DE&S to use existing partnerships with specialised SMEs to leverage our expertise in providing agile and effective solutions, ensuring that the military can rely on robust infrastructure even in the most demanding environments.”
10 Sept 24. HMG Paints, the UK’s largest independent paint manufacturer have coatings covered at DVD 2024. The company’s team of experts will be available to answer questions and offer insights into their extensive range of paints and coatings, including CARC and IRR coatings. Additionally, they’ll be bringing their new Surface Preparation & Coating Application Guide.
The new Surface Preparation & Coating Application Guide launched earlier this year and was developed in partnership with Corrodere Academy and is the ultimate guide to all things paint. The guide is a one stop shop for all things paint related from preparation basics, blast cleaning standards, application information, coatings arithmetic and detailed equipment information, all of which is supported by HMG’s technical support.
“The new guide has been a great tool for our customers, especially combined with the training and application support the HMG team provides, it really is a winning combination.” said Alan Sharples, Defence Sales Manager at HMG Paints. “There is nothing more we enjoy than talking paint and we’re looking forward to DVD Show so we can help with any paint and coating questions.”
New Products
Previous shows have seen HMG receive several requests for new products, which thanks to their agile manufacturing structure and integrated R&D facilities has led to two new products being developed.
The first of which is a brand-new Anti-Slip Walkway coating for brush application for use on land vehicles and ground equipment . DEF2302037 is a high solids, two pack Polyurethane finish which when used over an appropriate primer, satisfies the infra-red camouflage requirements of DEF STAN 00-23 and the Chemical Agent Resistance Coating (CARC) requirements of DEF STAN 00-72.
A second product which has come from collaboration with industry partners is a 2 pack Polyurethane primer system which surpasses the requirements of Def Stan 80 – 225 for land based military equipment. The DEF2301001 Light Grey Polyurethane Primer boasts an impressive capability to endure over 2,000 hours in BS EN ISO 9227 salt spray conditions, making it a standout performer in demanding, high-stress environments.
Fast Delivery
As a British based manufacturer HMG can provide fast delivery across its entire range, something which the company believes can benefit businesses from primes and OEMs to refinishers. “Having a short lead time on products, and a number of key products within our portfolio on stock is hugely advantageous to our customers,” commented Paddy Dyson, HMG Paints Marketing Manager. “Being able to ship our products across the country in a matter of days allows us to assist customers during periods of surge demand and allows them greater flexibility with their production challenges.”
HMG’s product range is suitable for equipment such as containers, trailers, vehicles, bridges and armour. HMG are renowned for their innovative approach to coatings including corrosion resistant primers, functional topcoats approved to UK defence standards and if you can’t find the perfect product in their existing portfolio the company is also able to offer bespoke formulation development to solve those tricky paints and coatings problems.
Don’t miss the opportunity to connect with HMG Paints at stand C3-819 during the DVD Show 2024 and discover how their products and services can benefit your projects. To book in a meeting in advance at the show you can email the team at .
Attendees can expect to receive personalised technical advice tailored to their specific requirements, as well as gain valuable insights into the latest trends and advancements in the field of coatings technology.
HMG is also JOSCAR certified which means Primes can speed up their access to HMG’s defence portfolio, and all products are also Made in Britain certified. The HMG Defence range offers products which are free from Chrome VI, meet low VOC requirements, IRR and CARC paints and includes military standards such as 80-225. Alongside Defence Standard products, HMG produce a wide range of approved high-quality coatings for practically every purpose for the defence industry. You can find out more about HMG’s range of Def Stan products and bespoke coatings development service at www.hmgpaint.com/products/landing/Defence.
09 Sept 24. US Army eyeing new ground logistic robot dubbed MMET.
“It’s a very draft requirement [with] a lot of work to do on how to refine it, but we have PLS systems – the larger tactical resupply [tucks] – and you have the S-MET and there’s really a gap between the two,” said Kevin Mills.
The US Army is developing requirements for a new unmanned ground transport vehicle, larger than the robotic mule but smaller than a transport truck, a service official revealed to Breaking Defense.
While stressing that the requirement is still early and there is “a lot of work to do on how to define it,” Kevin Mills, the deputy executive director for the Army Combat Capabilities Development Command’s Ground Vehicle Systems Center, said there is a clear need the service has identified and is going to pursue.
“We have [Palletized Load System] PLS systems — the larger tactical resupply [trucks] — and you have the [Small Multipurpose Equipment Transport] SMET and there’s really a gap between the two,” Mills said. The SMET is a smaller, eight-wheeled robot, designed to ferry roughly 1,000 pounds of equipment and supplies around the battlefield, while the PLS, weighing over 50,000 pounds, is a large logistics truck.
Given the in-between size, the service is aptly referring to the new effort as the Medium Multipurpose Equipment Transport, or MMET.
“Hence the medium” in the name, Mills added. “The hope would be to do some experimentation to help refine that requirement but that’s very early stages.”
For now, MMET requirements are being drafted by the Combined Arms Support Command’s Sustainment Center of Excellence, and multiple industry sources said they are awaiting more details about the plan ahead.
If work on the medium transport progresses forward, it would join a host of other ground robots in development inside the Army including the SMET robotic mule, the Robotic Combat Vehicle (RCV) and the Ground Expeditionary Autonomy Retrofit Systems (GEARS).
Northrop Grumman has taken a page from commercial industry playbooks, producing sensor software, firmware and hardware in parallel, essentially folding the development timeline and accelerating sensor deliveries.
From Breaking Defense
Despite a wide range of investments into ground autonomy, there are an array of challenges the service is facing — including the systems navigating physical obstacles like trees and buildings, and hesitancy to field autonomous systems. (Source: Breaking Defense.com)
09 Sept 24. Supporting the move to electric vehicles. In a pan-Defence collaboration, trials of hydrogen fuelled charging facilities to power the electric vehicle fleet have concluded. This marks a significant step forward in the use of sustainable energy sources in Defence.
Generating enough electricity to power roughly 120,000 miles of travel, the trial provided learning on the use of hydrogen as a source of fuel in Defence’s future energy mix.
Hydrogen provides an opportunity to influence operations at home and overseas, as well as providing resilience and mobility in off-grid and compromised locations. Following the trials successful delivery, new initiatives focused on hydrogen as an energy system for Defence, are planned.
Starting in August 2023, the trial was initially planned for three sites (RAF Leeming, Devonport Naval Base and Merville Barracks in Colchester). It was later extended to include two more (HMS Excellent Portsmouth and RAF Northolt).
On the trial, Assistant Chief of Defence Staff (Support Operations),Air Vice-Marshal Rich Pratley said: “In embracing innovative solutions like hydrogen power, the Ministry of Defence has reaffirmed its commitment to sustainability and as the trial has proved, to improving operational efficiency. This trial has demonstrated the potential of hydrogen as a key enabler of our transition to zero-emissions energy, while also addressing the current challenges posed by our expanding electric vehicle fleet.”
The trial used Hydrogen Power Units (HPU) to convert hydrogen into electricity, which is then harnessed to charge electric vehicles via fast-charging posts. The HPUs provided a reliable and environmentally friendly source of power, ensuring seamless rapid charging with zero harmful emissions. They also bypass the constraints of grid capacity, allowing MOD to provide power even in areas where grid upgrades are delayed or not feasible.
This work was a joint endeavour between Defence Support within Strategic Command, the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) and Front Line Commands (FLC), delivered in partnership with industry experts, GeoPura.
GeoPura’s Chief Hydrogen Business Officer, Matt Barney, said:
GeoPura HPUs and supply of green hydrogen provide a seamless solution to these challenges. By harnessing the power of green hydrogen, our generators ensure rapid charging with zero harmful emissions, completely unrestricted by grid limitations. This not only facilitates the widespread adoption of EVs but also contributes to a cleaner and more sustainable future.
Hydrogen is just one of the ways Defence might be able to manage electric vehicles in the future. Defence Support are now expanding the trials across other Defence sites and are working with partners, such as DIO, to consider how Defence can use hydrogen in other ways.
(Source: https://www.gov.uk/)
06 Sept 24. Leopard 1 could roar even louder thanks to new engine from Rolls-Royce and FFG. A new engine is set to modernise the Leopard 1, a Cold War tank from the 1960s, bringing it up to modern battlefield standards (Picture: Alamy)
A new chapter could be unfolding for two of Europe’s most enduring military vehicles, the Leopard 1 and the less well-known Wisent 1.
Rolls-Royce, FFG Flensburger Fahrzeugbau Gesellschaft and transmission specialist ZF are collaborating on a significant engine upgrade aimed at enhancing performance and extending the operational life of these vehicles.
The German-made Leopard 1, first introduced during the Cold War in the 1960s, remains in service with several armed forces across the world.
The Leopard 1A5 tank is the most common Western-made tank in the Ukrainian armed forces.
Around 100 Leopard 1s were handed to Ukraine from Germany and Denmark.
The Wisent 1 is based on the Leopard 1 tank chassis and is part of the arsenal of the German army, and is also used by other countries, including Ukraine.
Known for its versatility, the Leopard 1 family also includes specialised vehicles like the Gepard (Cheetah) anti-aircraft platform, which Ukraine has effectively used to defend against aerial threats.
The Leopard tank is known as a best seller, having undergone numerous upgrades over the years, with its early advantage coming from British engineering.
The tank was initially fitted with the British-made 105mm L7 gun, also used on the British Centurion tank and the initial variant of the American M1 Abrams.
This British contribution played a key role in the Leopard’s widespread adoption and long-standing legacy.
Later versions of the Leopard 1 received enhanced armour protection, resulting in the boxy, angular turret seen on models like the Leopard 1A5, ensuring the tank stayed relevant in modern warfare.
The centrepiece of the latest upgrade is the replacement of the ageing mtu MB838 engine with a modern mtu 8V199 engine.
The 8V199, already proven in vehicles like the Boxer, brings a substantial power boost, increasing output by 190 kW to a total of 800 kW.
The engine is lighter and cheaper. As Rolls-Royce senior vice president Knut Müller puts it: “Our mtu Series 199 engines have been setting standards in terms of performance, reliability and economy for years.
“The new 800 kW version is the perfect drive solution to ensure that the vehicles in the Leopard 1 family can continue to be operated efficiently in the future.”
For countries still operating Leopard 1 fleets, upgrading to the newer Leopard 2 could be too expensive.
This engine upgrade offers a cost-effective way to modernise the Leopard 1 and Wisent 1 without needing to replace the entire fleet.
The tank has proven its worth across decades of service and if adopted the new engine could take the Leopard 1 into the future, ensuring Ukraine can continue to rely on these battle-tested vehicles.
(Source: forces.net)
09 Sept 24. The Commonwealth of Australia has awarded a vehicle contract to Polaris Australia for the DAGOR vehicle, an off-road and internally transportable tactical mobility platform from the company’s Government and Defense division. The contract is valued at AUD22 m (USD14.6M) and includes vehicles, mission accessories, technical manuals, spare parts and tool kits, driver and maintainer training and ongoing, in-country support.
Polaris will deliver the DAGOR vehicles to the Australian Defence Force in several variants in support of joint missions worldwide. The four-wheel, all-terrain vehicles will be configured in three different variants – a transport variant for enhanced tactical mobility and greater standoff; an expeditionary reconnaissance variant for continued agility and increased stealth in austere conditions; and a cargo variant with the rear seats replaced with a rear bed extension for increased combat load capacity. Polaris engineered standard mission configuration items, as well as locally engineered and manufactured content, will be integrated onto the vehicles at a Polaris facility in Melbourne.
“We are proud to provide this capability for Australian personnel. The DAGOR all-terrain vehicle will allow teams to move faster, carry more and significantly reduce combat fatigue by navigating complex terrain otherwise covered on foot,” said Michael Cannell, Government and Defense sales and operation manager, Polaris Australia. “Polaris Australia will also provide in-country sustainment, leveraging the global presence of Polaris as these vehicles deploy globally.”
DAGOR comprises an optimal balance of rapid air transportability, payload capacity and advanced mobility and is the most capable military platform in its class for off-road, rugged terrain. The chassis and suspension are engineered for off-road operation at full payload of 1,814 kilograms (4,000 pounds), which also contributes to the vehicle’s overall reliability and durability. DAGOR uses a readily available commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) driveline, controls and components like a diesel/JP8 engine selected for its ideal combination of power, weight and size. DAGOR can produce up to 4.4 kW of exportable power and is heavy-weapons capable. Its weight and size allow it to be internally transportable on a variety of in-service aircraft, including CH-47, C-17 and C-130 and is also airdrop and sling-load certified.
“Collaboration within the global defence community is critical to mission success and equipment commonality helps enable interoperability among joint forces,” said Nick Francis, vice president, Polaris Government and Defense. “Polaris military vehicles have become force multipliers for expeditionary forces by extending mission range while mitigating operator fatigue and increasing mission readiness and capability.”
DAGOR’s unique design and use of commercial components allows for ease of operation, maintenance and sustainment in support of combat operations. Allied forces that also have the DAGOR platform include U.S. forces, Canadian forces, and multiple European countries. DAGOR vehicle production is underway, and deliveries will take place over the next two years. These vehicles will augment existing Australian vehicle fleets, which include two other Polaris products: the MV850 and Sportsman 6×6 Big Boss ATVs.
Polaris designs and manufactures the most capable light tactical and all-terrain military vehicles available today with technology development and insertion for the battlefield of tomorrow. No one knows light off-road mobility like Polaris, whose light tactical vehicles – the MV850, MRZR turbo diesel, MRZR Alpha and DAGOR – support more than 50 military forces worldwide which is a testament to the capability gap these vehicles fulfill. These platforms provide unmatched off-road capability while also being intuitive to operate, simple to maintain, highly transportable and easy to globally support.
06 Sept 24. BCB – The Evolution of Vehicle Camouflage. Camouflage is a vital system cloaking the turret and its vital systems from being located by advanced EO/IR systems and then engagement by enemy attack.
Wales, UK based BCB International launched the anti-thermal ULCAT (UltraLightweight Camouflage Tunnel) at DSEI 2023.
The main feature of the BCB exhibit at DVD exhibit will be the MK8 Multi-spectral Camouflage (MSC) in service with a number of special forces throughout the world.
The vehicle tunnel is made from specialised lightweight natural 3D material that helps your assets blend into any environment while at the same time protecting them in the visual, infrared and thermal spectrums. Patterns, colours and sizes can be customised to the customer’s requirements.
“Armoured vehicles are prime targets for enemy drones seeking to disrupt Ukrainian operations. BCB’s Multi-spectral Camouflage (MSC) can be quickly and easily fitted with reversible desert or green systems. MSC will be shown on the Hobson Industries gunship at this year’s DVD.” Andy Howell, Managing Director of BCB said.*
Visit BCB International on stand C3-701.
04 Sept 24. India progresses future tank programme. India has approved the Indian Army’s procurement of next-generation main battle tanks (MBTs) to replace the service’s ageing fleets of T-72s.
The Future Ready Combat Vehicle (FRCV) programme was cleared as part of a series of Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) approvals announced by the Indian Ministry of Defence (MoD) on 3 September.
The MoD said these AoN approvals, which also include other procurements for the Indian Army and Indian Coast Guard (ICG), are worth a combined value of INR1.44 trillion (USD17.2 bn). The specific value of the FRCV programme was not revealed.
“For modernisation of the tank fleet of the Indian Army the proposal for procurement of Future Ready Combat Vehicles has been cleared,” the MoD said. “The FRCV will be a futuristic main battle tank with superior mobility, all terrain ability, multilayered protections, precision and lethal fires, and real-time situational awareness.”
Previous MoD statements have said the Indian Army intends to procure 1,770 FRCVs over several phases. The first phase is intended to feature the production of 590 vehicles, although it will likely be several years before a contractor is finalised. The FRCV is unlikely to enter Indian Army service before the mid-2030s.
In addition to the FRCV programme, AoNs announced by the MoD cleared the Indian Army procurements of the Air Defence Fire Control Radar (ADFCR) and Forward Repair Team (Tracked) equipment. (Source: Janes)
04 Sept 24. Mobile APU Test & Evaluation System Unveiled. Sky Power International is now offering the SP-180 SRE APU demonstrator mobile APU test and evaluation system for tactical vehicles, only requiring a 48 V DC power supply to operate. Sky Power International has introduced the SP-180 SRE APU demonstrator mobile APU test and evaluation system, based on the SP-180 SRE-hybrid Wankel engine.
Auxiliary Power Units (APU) are small, self-contained power sources that are used in land and rail vehicles as well as in general aviation or maritime applications. These units provide an independent power supply that allows the main engine to remain switched off while electrical devices continue to operate.
The system runs on gasoline. A 48 V DC power supply is required to operate the demonstrator. Exhaust and silencer, engine control unit (ECU), starter and alternator (12 KW constant), EFI, fuel pump, an electrical system consisting of power supply and starter control, a thermal system for oil as well as a cooling circuit including pumps and a heat exchanger are installed as standard in the SP-180 SRE APU demonstrator.
With the installed SP-180 SRE hybrid Wankel engine, the APU demonstrator works very efficiently. Thanks to the compact design of the engine, the test and evaluation system is very space-saving, lightweight and extremely smooth-running. Furthermore, Wankel engines can also reach higher speeds with low vibrations.
In addition, the Wankel engine offers further significant advantages in APU applications. By using the APU, the main engine can be switched off when idling, which can significantly reduce fuel consumption.
Switching off the main engine also leads to a considerable reduction in exhaust emissions. By using an APU, wear can be reduced, which extends the service life of the main engine and reduces maintenance costs.
Karsten Schudt, Managing Director of Sky Power International, said, “Thanks to its very compact and simple design, low vibrations, high speeds and consistent power output, the Wankel motor offers some decisive advantages over traditional reciprocating piston engines. These characteristics make it particularly attractive for applications where space, weight and power play a major role.
“Overall, Auxiliary Power Units offer a wide range of benefits for land vehicles and help to reduce fuel consumption, protect the environment and increase comfort for users. With advancing technology, such as that of the Wankel engine, APUs will become even more efficient and environmentally friendly.” (Source: https://www.defenseadvancement.com/)
05 Sept 24. Personnel carrier tender: Is all well at Armscor?
The Request for Bid (ELWS/2024/71) for the procurement of personnel carriers for the SA Army was issued on 23 July 2024, with a requirement for 462 vehicles. This Request for Bid followed the initial Request for Information (RFI/01/2023) for armoured personnel carrier vehicles capable of counterinsurgency operations.
This is an exciting development for providing locally produced solutions for the market. The problem is that there have been too many changes in approach since the issuing of the RFI. It makes industry wonder if the Handbook for the Acquisition of Armaments in the Department of Defence and in Armscor (DAHB 1000) has been followed. The Required Operational Capability would have been completed. The definition phase with the Staff Target that guides the Functional Study, which gives the output of a Staff Requirement would have been captured prior to entering the rest of the procurement process. Project Study Report has earmarked a buy decision. The buy decision is for existing Off-The-Shelf products with minor modifications to achieve specification. The specification of the end user is generally captured at this stage in the Functional User Requirement Specification (FURS). This process is signed off by the Operations Staff Council for recommendation by the Military Command Council. This guides procurement requirements and Armscor then generates a procurement specification based on the FURS.
The confusion started with the RFI mentioning different levels of protection. Firstly, paragraph 3.1.1 states minimum 7.62 x 51 mm ball ballistic protection and Level 1 blast protection, followed by second requirement 5.2.1.2 & 3 that “shall be used as a guideline” that mentioned protection against 7.62 x 51 mm and 5.56 mm ball ammunition and protection against a single 8 kg surrogate mine (Level 3 blast) placed under the vehicle. The mine protection was subsequently reduced to Level 1 (only against hand grenades).
The standard APC configuration in the RFI aligned with the South African defence industry (SADI) accepted norm of 10 crew members (generally 2+8 seating configuration), with the option for variant configurations of Section, Command and Ambulance variants.
Many Military-Off-The-Shelf (MOTS) solutions were options that could satisfy the differing range of protection mentioned in the RFI. Below are some vehicles by local entities that meet the various descriptions of APC for counterinsurgency operations.
The specification has called for the RFI minimum 7.62mm x 51mm ball ballistic protection and no blast protection. There was then an additional change in configuration to have a minimum of 11 crew with 10 seats in the rear crew compartment of the Section Variant. This effectively requires a 2+10 seat configuration, but also asks for all patrol equipment and personal kit for 72-hour operations to be carried inside the vehicle, not in storage bins as per the RFI. A further development captured in the RFP is that the vehicle is to have a 13.5 ton Gross Vehicle Mass, while catering for a minimum payload of 1.5 tons.
The RFP was issued on 23 July 2024 with a bid submission date one month later of 23 August 2024. A bidder’s conference was held on 8 August 2024 (initial date was 31 July 2024).
The answers to questions raised leading into the bidder’s conference were only answered on 21 August 2024, just two days before submission. On this date, an extension was granted by Armscor for submission of bids to 13 September 2024. The problem is that the answers to the questions have significantly changed the vehicle system requirements.
The ballistic protection has effectively been increased to “full” STANAG Level 1 protection that covers 7.62 x 51 mm and 5.56 mm ball ammunition. Not just the 7.62 x 51 mm ball ammunition of the RFP Specification. Even more importantly, the mine blast protection was changed to a Level 2 blast (single 6 kg surrogate mine placed under the vehicle) versus the RFP specification mentioning NO mine blast protection, and then down to Level 1. These two changes have a significant mass impact, but also eliminate some potential supplier solutions. I am thinking of the competitive Paramount Maatla in a Long Wheel Base as an example of how the changes to requirements can cause bidders to restart documentation, or even change the solution being offered, or in the worst case decide on a no bid due to a now non-compliant solution.
Of less consequence is that the decision to allow a crew member to sit in the open front seat, thus changing the configuration to 2+9 seat. This could aid in fitting the equipment to be fitted in the vehicle. As example, the radios must be mounted behind the driver, using seat space.
The changes are significant. If a MOTS vehicle needs to be modified to achieve the specification, then in reality the mine blast certification would have to be conducted again. This adds significant overhead to a product in terms of time and cost to initial delivery.
At what point does a change of specification imply that a tender needs to be retracted? There is hope that the submission would not have to be redone by suppliers due to a future challenge of any contract award. Think of the VISTULA programme that was challenged. The impact is that the SANDF still does not have a replacement for the SAMIL support vehicle fleet 20 years later.
The reality of the time for placing orders and the potential of industry to deliver complex systems is also in question. The process of acquisition is well specified in DAHB-1000. The Personnel Carrier approval will be at the highest level of the Armaments Acquisition Council (AAC) that is chaired by the Minister of Defence & Military Veterans. Delays in the approval process are well known. As examples, the pilot rescue vehicle tender (ELWS/2023/39) that was posted on 26 September 2023 with a validity of 365 days has requested bidders for extension to 31 March 2025. The really urgent 6×6 vehicle tender (EWSD/2024/18) published on 14 May 2024 that was going to be delivered for testing by 31 July 2024 has requested bidders for an extension to 31 October 2024.
Now the Personnel Carrier tender has set stretch targets for industry to submit a proposal for a complex system. Keep in mind that the previous timelines related to a complex RFP would generally be minimum three months to submission. The last large complex vehicle programme RFPs of similar stature (VISTULA and HOEFYSTER) had a one-year timeframe for submission. It is as if the defence industry is being punished for delays in the internal acquisition process. If the original Armscor tender is correct, then an order should have been placed from 1 April 2024. The RFP was only issued in July 2024.
The delivery dates are also a stretch. The first article vehicles of each variant are required two months after receipt of order for entering testing. According to the DAHB 1000, these would establish a manufacturing baseline after testing. Then 20 of each variant is required by 15 March 2025. This is 60 vehicles. A question would be why Armscor does not specify the 82 vehicles needed to cover the first deployed battalion. The vehicle supply of 60, or 82 vehicles, would be a challenge unless the vehicles are in stock. If not in stock, then a realistic timeline based on long lead items would be 12 months for the initial 60 vehicles. The remaining portion of the 462 vehicles with the logistics and support deliverables are required by a realistic 15 March 2028.
The earliest AAC would be at the beginning of December 2024 or end January 2025. Keep in mind that there are at least three other approval levels to be navigated prior to submitting the information to an AAC. The AAC also needs the information at least two weeks in advance of a meeting. The examples used above indicate that this is stretch. The tender validity of 180 days is more realistic, but still tight. So, the revised dates are interesting and raise questions on the validity of the tender process.
Is all well at Armscor?
Written by James Kerr, Orion Consulting CC, which provides Market Entry Strategy and Bid & Proposal services to the Aerospace & Defence related industry and assists international SME mission system product suppliers to gain traction in South Africa.
(Source: https://www.defenceweb.co.za/)
03 Sept 24. Dutch army to have its own tank unit for the first time in 10 years. The Dutch army will have its own tank unit for the first time in more than 10 years, local media reported on Tuesday, quoting some extracts from a defence white paper that the government will unveil on Thursday. The set up of this unit, which will help the Netherlands comply with the NATO target of spending at least 2% of its GDP on defence, will cost between 260m and 315 m euros ($347.82m) per year, the NRC Handelsblad reported. That sum will, amongst others, cover the purchasing costs of new tanks, likely to be the Leopard 2, built by German tank maker Krauss-Maffei Wegmann, which has been used by the Dutch land army since 40 years. ($1 = 0.9056 euros) (Source: Reuters)
03 Sept 24. GDELS displays Pandur AFV with Skyranger 30 air-defence turret. General Dynamics European Land Systems-Steyr (GDELS-Steyr) has displayed the air-defence variant of its Pandur 6×6 Evolution (EVO) wheeled armoured vehicle, with Rheinmetall’s Skyranger 30 turret.
GDELS told Janes that while it could give no concrete information on potential customers for the system, there was “demand there” for it, and that customer preferences had shaped the choice of the Skyranger turret and its armament.
As well as a Rheinmetall-supplied 30 mm cannon, the system will be fitted with a launcher for two MBDA Mistral infrared homing short-range air defence (SHORAD) missiles. Asked about the choice of missile, GDELS told Janes that as the Austrian army already uses the Mistral, it may be a way of keeping the logistics footprint low.
On 23 February 2024 the Bundesheer (Austrian Armed Forces) became the launch customer for the Pandur EVO with Skyranger 30 turret. Ordering 36 of the turrets, the Bundesheer wanted them installed on 36 of the 225 Pandur EVOs it had ordered on 19 February. Under the contract, valued in the mid-three-digit m euro range, deliveries are scheduled for 2026–30.
The Skyranger 30 turret is also being mounted on up to 48 of Germany’s Rheinmetall Landsysteme GmbH (RLS)- and KNDS-manufactured Boxer 8×8 wheeled armoured vehicles, and 15 of Denmark’s GDELS-Mowag-manufactured Piranha 5 8×8 wheeled armoured vehicles. (Source: Janes)
03 Sept 24. NATO moves to enhance wet gap crossing capability. The UK Ministry of Defence’s (MoD’s) Defence Intelligence briefing posted on X (formerly Twitter) on 13 June 2022 addressed the battle around Sieverodonetsk. It said, “Over the coming months, river crossing operations are likely to be amongst the most important determining factors in the course of the war.”
Analysing the Russian front line at the time, the MoD said that to achieve success in its Donbas offensive, Russia “is either going to have to complete ambitious flanking actions, or conduct assault river crossings”. However, it added that Ukrainian forces have “often managed to demolish bridges before they withdraw” and that Russia “has struggled to put in place the complex co-ordination necessary to conduct successful, large-scale river crossings under fire”.
This was evident from the early days of the invasion after 24 February 2022 when Ukrainian forces destroyed bridges on the highway approaches to Kyiv to prevent the Russian army from advancing and taking the capital. In September 2022 during the Ukrainian counter-offensive, Russian units were forced to retreat from Kherson and this time successfully used their bridging systems to cross the Dnipro River allowing its army to pull back with minimal losses. The main bridge into Kherson, the Antonivskiy bridge, collapsed in November though it is not clear who was responsible. (Source: Janes)
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)
29 Aug 24. New US squad vehicle makes dent in mobile combat brigade. The US Army’s new Infantry Squad Vehicle (ISV) is making it easier for small units to be on the go, but the army is still learning how to use the new equipment, service leaders told Janes during one of the first major training rotations to feature the vehicle.
Soldiers drove the ISV over the wooded and swampy terrain of Fort Johnson, Louisiana, for an August training rotation. The ISV enabled soldiers to drive and ditch, and “has significantly changed our ability to move the mobile brigade combat team around the battlefield”, Major General Brett Sylvia, commanding general of the 101st Airborne Division, told reporters on 22 August.
He described a moment from the 101st’s Joint Readiness Training Center rotation at Fort Johnson where soldiers in ISVs presented multiple dilemmas for the opposing force.
Instead of executing a positional defence where soldiers would be defending from a fixed location, they executed a mobile defence, Maj Gen Sylvia said. The opposing force “had to piecemeal the introduction of [its] own combat power … because [the enemy] knew that the strike brigade out there had the capability to rapidly reposition its forces and execute that”, he said. (Source: Janes)
01 Sept 24. Mercedes-Benz Special Trucks has expanded its defence portfolio with a new four-axle all-wheel drive Zetros unveiled at Eurosatory 24. Mercedes-Benz Special Trucks is now offering the Zetros off-road truck with four axles and all-wheel drive (8×8) in two variants from 2025 onwards. The Zetros will now be available in various configurations from a two-axle to a four-axle model.
The Zetros 8×8 which Mercedes-Benz Special Trucks exhibited at Eurosatory is the result of a major order from the Canadian Ministry of Defence, under which more than 1500 Zetros vehicles will be delivered over the next few years. Mercedes-Benz Special Trucks also presented a Zetros with a protected cab at Eurosatory. From now on, the vehicle with a protected cab can be delivered directly from the Wörth plant.
Franziska Cusumano, Head of Mercedes-Benz Special Trucks: “With the expansion of our portfolio, we can now offer our customers the complete product range of the Zetros high-terrain truck series. With the new Zetros 8×8, customers get a robust and highly mobile logistics vehicle with a large payload for military use. In future, they will also benefit from being able to obtain the Zetros with a protected cab from a single source. And all of this made in Germany, of course.”
Zetros 8×8 with armoured cab and Marshall shelter body [© Carl Schulze]
New Zetros 8×8 comes with more payload and larger body space: The new 8×8 vehicle variant offers a significantly increased payload of up to 25 tons with the usual high off-road capability. At the same time, the available body space is increased thanks to the longer vehicle frame. The Zetros can therefore be used for an even wider range of tactical and logistical requirements.
In any case, the series with an OM 460 in-line six-cylinder diesel engine, with 265 to 375 kW (360 to 510hp) and a maximum torque of up to 2,300 Nm from 12.8 litres of displacement, is designed for heavy-duty use. Off-road, drivers benefit from the large slope and ramp angles and the fordability, while engageable longitudinal and transverse differential locks can increase traction and manoeuvrability depending on the driving situation. The Zetros 8×8 also retains full off-road capability while significantly increasing transport performance.
8×8 times two: two four-axle variants available in future: The new Zetros 8×8 will be available in two variants. The first variant has two axles at the front and two axles at the rear, with the two front axles being steered. In the second variant, there is one steerable front axle and three rear axles. The last of the three rear axles is steered in order to reduce the curve radius. Both variants will be available both as a tractor unit and as a carrier vehicle with a large body space.
All Zetros vehicles will also be available with a protected cab in future: The start of production of the new Zetros 8×8 follows the introduction of the likewise new option of a protected cab ex-works. With the special cab armouring, the driver and crew inside the vehicle can be protected from ballistic fire or landmines. The protected cab is already available for the Zetros 6×6 and will be successively available to order on a project-specific basis for the entire product range of the Zetros high-terrain series from 2025 onwards. Mercedes-Benz Special Trucks is thus expanding its product portfolio and will in future be able to offer vehicle solutions including protected cabs from a single source, even for large orders. For customers, this means: one contact partner, one manufacturer, one complete vehicle with harmonised components, one invoice. Mercedes-Benz Special Trucks also ensures extensive service and spare parts availability. Mercedes-Benz Special Trucks will continue to collaborate with manufacturers of protected driver cabs and protected cells for military trucks and military chassis to realise specific customer requests and national requirements. (Source: www.joint-forces.com)
23 Aug 24. Hanwha Aerospace announced today that it has completed the construction of the Hanwha Armoured Vehicle Centre of Excellence (H-ACE) in Geelong, Australia. This marks the first overseas production base established by a Korean defense company.
“This facility represents Hanwha’s commitment to Geelong, Victoria, and Australia, demonstrating that the company is focused on the future of programs in this region, including howitzers, vehicles and other technological advancements beyond our current initiatives,” said Jae-il Son, CEO and President of Hanwha Aerospace. “H- ACE is a significant part of our global defense supply chain, further strengthening the relationship between Australia and Korea. We will continue to collaborate with Australian companies and work towards integrating more of them into our global supply networks.”
The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence The Hon Richard Marles MP, South Korea’s DAPA Minister Jong-gun Seok, Chief of Army Lieutenant General Simon Stuart, and Head of Land Capability Major General Richard Vagg participated in the formal opening ceremony of H-ACE, along with other dignitaries from around the world. This facility is expected to strengthen the relationship between Australia and South Korea, bringing high-technology vehicle manufacturing back to the Geelong region.
H-ACE is set to initiate the production of the AS9 Self-Propelled Howitzer and the AS10 Armoured Ammunition Resupply Vehicle. The goal is to supply 30 and 15 units of each, respectively, to the Australian Army. Moreover, the Redback Infantry Fighting Vehicle, which has secured a supply contract for 129 units, will be manufactured at H-ACE, following the successful delivery of prototype products after 2026.
Hanwha Aerospace is accelerating its entry into the AUKUS markets through the completion of the Australian factory. As demand for defense products increases in the Indo-Pacific region due to geopolitical crises, efforts are being made to utilize H-ACE as a production base not only for Australia but also for major allied countries.
The H-ACE facility, built on a site of approximately 150,000 square meters, includes a total of 11 facilities including the main building, production building, assembly plant, driving test site, and shooting range. Located an hour’s drive from Melbourne and 10 minutes from Avalon Airport, the area’s accessibility provides logistical and hiring advantages.
23 Aug 24. Call for more M10 Booker vehicles in US Army LRIP deal. The tracked vehicle supports frontline troops and suppresses or destroys entrenched hostiles and enemy fortifications.
The US Army has placed another order for more M10 Booker combat vehicles with the prime contractor and original equipment manufacturer, General Dynamics Land Systems (GDLS), as part of the low-rate initial production phase.
Booker’s unique design is intended to offer the Army’s Infantry Brigade Combat Teams with protected mobile fires.
The tracked vehicle – which lies somewhere between a tank and an infantry fighting vehicle – is capable of supporting troops and suppressing or destroying entrenched hostiles and enemy fortifications.
Valued at $323m, the latest contract will produce additional M10 LRIP units, though the company has not disclosed the exact number. Nevertheless, it follows a string of previous orders for more vehicles: including a deal for 26 more units in July 2023, which marked the second phase of LRIP production.
Originally, the LRIP phase began with an order for 96 vehicles in GDLS’ first M10 contract with the US government agreed in June last year.
Initial operational testing and evaluation are planned for the end of FY 2024. The first unit equipped is scheduled for Q4 2025, consisting of a battalion of 42 M10s.
Each LRIP system is expected to cost approximately $12.8m. Full-rate production M10 systems are expected to cost less than LRIP variants and may include modifications based on operational testing and evaluation results.
Too early to tell what FOC units will look like
The call to increase LRIP units suggests that GDLS is still in the process of ironing out the platform before full-rate production.
It is too early to tell what inevitable changes will be made in the eventual standard platform configuration when the Army reaches full operational capability (FOC) between 2030-2035.
Even so, the M10 production process so far has proven successful as one of the few examples of timely industrial output in an age of intense military demand around the world.
Other programmes have faced enduring delays and considerable cost overruns, such as the British Ajax armoured vehicle or the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter’s Block IV modernisation.
(Source: army-technology.com)
20 Aug 24. Sweden receives first Sisu GTP 4×4 offroad vehicles. The FMV has received Sweden’s first Sisu GTP 4×4 offroad vehicles, which it plans to begin delivering to the Swedish Armed Forces during the fourth quarter of 2024. (Sisu Auto)
The Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) announced on its website on 15 August that it had received the country’s first Sisu GTP 4×4 offroad vehicles. The FMV did not specify how many were delivered nor how much they cost, but 260 vehicles are being procured under a Swedish-Finnish framework agreement signed with Sisu Auto in January.
The 16.5-tonne protected mobility vehicles were delivered in the five-seat general purpose vehicle (GPV) configuration with a double cab and 10-seat GTP armoured personnel vehicle (APC) version. The two configurations have a common driveline and modular hull, enabling the vehicles to be altered for different missions, with possible variants including single cab; air defence; command; ambulance; and chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear detection (CBRN) versions.
FMV deliveries of the vehicles to the Swedish Armed Forces are scheduled to begin in the fourth quarter of 2024. Verification of the vehicles is under way and the FMV will provide Swedish Armed Forces personnel with user and technician training in November.
Designated TGB24 in Swedish service, the vehicles are being procured together with Finland under a framework agreement based on joint security of supply, operations, and production, which Micael Ågren Berner, the head of the FMV’s wheeled vehicles department, said reduced development costs and unit prices. (Source: Janes)
14 Aug 24. Henkel brands joining forces at DVD 2024.Renowned adhesive specialists LOCTITE® and TEROSON® are set to make a significant impact at the upcoming DVD2024 show at UTAC Millbrook. Taking place on September 18th – 19th, brand owner Henkel will reinforce LOCTITE’s quality and dependability and establish TEROSON as the go-to brand in vehicle repair and maintenance by introducing its’ rebuild, replace, and repair capabilities to field engineers responsible for the maintenance of military vehicles.
Already a success in the automotive sector, TEROSON will be introducing its’ rebuild, replace, and repair capabilities to field engineers responsible for the maintenance of military vehicles. TEROSON’s repair pocket guide leverages decades of expertise to help end users better understand its capabilities.
Not only do TEROSON adhesives increase productivity, but the best-in-class adhesives allow engineers to restore vehicles damaged in the field back to the original manufacturers finish. Ensuring they are road ready and in optimal condition.
In addition to showcasing the vast product range of both brands, LOCTITE and TEROSON aim to engage with attendees to organise visits to military barracks for in-person training. The training sessions for engineers include demonstrations on the practical application of Henkel products, ensuring that military personnel are well-versed in the latest repair technologies to maintain vehicles in peak condition. It is more than just academic learning, however. Attendees to the training will get hands on with LOCTITE and TEROSON product to practice the application of them.
Building on its strong relationship in the defence industry, Henkel is keen to progress the listing of its products with the Ministry of Defence (MOD). Achieving this status will streamline the procurement process, allowing the MOD to order LOCTITE and TEROSON products as needed.
George Hickey, Market & Customer Activation Manager at Henkel commented: “We are excited to present both LOCTITE and TEROSON at DVD2024. Our focus is on providing innovative and reliable solutions that enhance the maintenance and repair processes of military vehicles. By showcasing our products, we aim to support Armed Forces engineers in their critical work and establish strong, lasting partnerships.”
14 Aug 24. Ford Pickups Could Get Resilient UAV Landing Platforms.
Ford Motor Company has filed a patent for resilient UAV landing platforms that may be used in future Ford pickups, Ford Authority has learned.
The patent was filed on February 8th, 2023, published on August 8th, 2024, and assigned serial number 0262546.
The Ford Authority Take
Ford clearly sees unmanned aerial vehicles – or UAVs for short – as a potentially useful compliment to its future vehicles, as the automaker has filed a number of patents outlining ways it may utilize drones or similar aerial models in recent years. That list includes ideas for a moonroof docking system for UAVs, as well as a more traditional type of landing platform. Now, this newly published patent presents us with an idea for a resilient UAV landing platform that may be used in future Ford pickups, specifically.
The reason Ford continues to explore different types of landing pads for UAVs is quite simple – drones face a number of difficulties when trying to take off and land, including wind and other environmental factors, and many are also simply not rugged enough to be able to withstand harder landings. Thus, Ford proposes using a special kind of landing platform that would be mounted on the roof or in the bed of a pickup.
That special platform would use “protuberances” arranged on a base plate that are designed to compensate for hard landings and protect the drone, which wouldn’t necessarily be the case with a traditional flat platform. This could help prevent damage to the drone, and make it possible for users to easily land one in more rugged conditions as well – such as when off-roading, as Ford points out in the patent. (Source: UAS VISION/Ford Authority)
09 Aug 24. British Army’s Ajax proves 40mm main gun in mobility firing trials. The Ajax AFV is undergoing a series of trials to prove its mobility and lethality capabilities, most recently completing firing-on-the-move exercises, using military crews, the previous firing trials were with GDUK crews,according to DE&S. The British Army’s future Ajax armoured fighting vehicle (AFV) has completed its first firing on the move exercise in the UK, according to the UK Ministry of Defence’s Defence
In an 8 August 2024, post on social media, DE&S stated that the Ajax AFV had conducting on-the-move firings of its 40mm main gun following earlier cold weather trials in Sweden, as the type continues a series of trials ahead of future entry into service.
A distinct difference of the Ajax platform compared to the Warrior IFV it will in part replace is the use of the CTA International 40mm main gun, which is stabilised to enable firing on the move. The Warrior uses the unstabilised 20mm Rarden cannon, a significant disadvantage in the mobility-driven doctrine of today’s modern battlespace.
The Warrior would have seen the benefit of the CTA International 40mm main gun had its Capability Sustainment Programme (CSP) been completed, which would have been integrated into a new turret. However, the Warrior CSP was cancelled in 2021.
Although it was not disclosed where the Ajax mobility firing trials took place, on 8 August QinetiQ stated that it had welcomed a senior DE&S and British Army delegation, including Major General Lizzie Faithfull-Davies (Director Land Equipment), at its Hurn Proving Ground to observe “several trials”.
The British Army’s Ajax armoured cavalry programme will not reach its initial operating capability (IOC) until December 2025, according to a timeline released on 22 July by the UK government.
By January 2024, more than six months had passed since the last of the 44 units delivered in June 2023 had been handed over, as crews continued familiarisation with the platform.
According to a UK Parliament report published in March 2023, the UK MoD had a firm price contract of £5.5bn ($6.9bn) with GDUK to deliver 589 vehicles. It is understood that IOC is achieved once 50 units of the 589 total have been delivered, which will see 27 used by a deployable squadron, with the remaining 23 utilised by the British Army for crew and maintainer training.
In January 2024 it was disclosed that 152 Ajax programme vehicles had been built, representing just over 25% of the planned total fleet number. The latest standard of the vehicle, known as Capability Drop 3, had been accepted” by the UK Ministry of Defence, with deliveries reported to be “on track” to achieve IOC.
The Ajax AFV has been put through a number of trials, but is yet to enter IOC. Credit: UK MoD/Crown copyright
The Ajax programme had been halted in 2021 due to excessive vibration and noise leaving crews in need of medical attention, entering Reliability Growth Trails at the start of 2023.
According to official UK data it was revealed that personnel operating Ajax in Reliability Growth Trials were using “dual layer” headsets, comprising of the in-service Crewguard Mk2 headset and the Communications Ear Piece inner headset.
In total the programme is intended to deliver the platforms across six variants, incorporating the Ajax infantry fighting vehicle, Apollo armoured recovery vehicle, Ares armoured personnel carrier, Argus reconnaissance vehicle, Athena command post vehicle, and Atlas engineering vehicle into British Army service. (Source: army-technology.com)
08 Aug 24. Thales showcases Bushmaster to Czech defence officials.
Thales Australia hope to build on the Bushmaster’s minimal presence in Europe with Czechia a potential suitor for the armoured 4×4.. Thales Australia demonstrated the capability of the Bushmaster armoured vehicle to Czech Ministry of Defence officials, according to an update from the multinational company on 6 August 2024.
Supported by indigenous Czech supplier VOP CZ and Thales Australia personnel, attendees observed the Bushmaster’s manoeuvrability at the VOP test track, as well as its payload and passenger configurations.
Bushmaster is a 4×4 armoured vehicle that has been deployed in Afghanistan with the Australian Army. Thales Australia (formerly ADI) developed the platform and it remains in full production at Thales’s protected mobility systems manufacturing facility at Bendigo, Victoria.
Toward the end of last month, the supplier confirmed it would build 15 additional vehicles for the Australian Army’s command and control of the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) long-range fires regiment.
Currently, the Thales parent company states that there are more than 1,200 Bushmasters in service across nine defence forces, from Australia, Fiji, Indonesia, Jamaica, Japan, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Ukraine and the UK.
Thales Australia hopes to consolidate the Bushmaster’s European presence with Czechia beyond what little presence it has among Australia’s vehicle donations to Ukraine and while the UK operates only a handful of vehicles. The only committed European customer is the Netherlands, with 106 Bushmasters and four more Medical evacuation variant units.
“In the future, we would like to become the centre of delivery and support for Bushmaster vehicles in the Central and Eastern European region,” said the interim director of VOP CZ, Martin Sturala.
“Thanks to this important project, we would also increase our workforce in areas of production, service and development, which is a real opportunity for our region and a promise of work for the future.
(Source: army-technology.com)
09 Aug 24. GM Defense is teaming with NP Aerospace at DVD, where attendees can experience a ride & drive at Booth OR13-SS in the Offroad Area. GM Defense will have our nine-passenger Infantry Squad Vehicle available, in addition to their Light Duty Off-Road Tactical Wheeled Vehicle, based on the Chevrolet Silverado ZR2.
25 Jul 24. British Army’s Boxer mechanised infantry vehicle 2025 IOC at “risk.” The UK Chief of the Defence Staff wants to form a more mobile, hard-hitting British Army, with the service at breaking point due to Ukraine donations and obsolescence.
The planned attainment of the British Army’s Boxer mechanised infantry vehicle (MIV) initial operating capability (IOC) by Q4 2025 could be at risk due to global supply chain issues, it has emerged, as the service struggles to modernise an ageing vehicle inventory.
With the British Army’s Ajax armoured cavalry vehicle also recently confirmed as not due to reach IOC until October 2025, two of the service’s landmark programmes are still over one year away from being able to deploy on the battlefield.
By Electro Optic System
Confirming the Q4 2025 IOC timeline for Boxer, the UK government stated on 25 July that “wider global supply chain issues remained a delivery risk” that were being “closely managed”.
It was reported by Army Technology in June 2024 that the British Army’s Boxer MIV had completed live firing trials at the service’s Lulworth Ranges.
The firings represented the first time that British Army soldiers have operated the remote weapon station (RWS) on a UK Boxer platform, firing the general-purpose machine gun, heavy machine gun, as well as the grenade machine gun.
“The accuracy of the fully digital and stabilised RWS has been demonstrated when firing static, at night and on the move,” a British Army post stated at the time.
Supply chain risks were first noted in January this year, as reported by Army Technology, which will see fellow partners in OCCAR’s Boxer programme – Germany, Lithuania and the Netherlands – use their spares parts for the UK Boxers.
This arrangement was reported to have to potential continue for up to two years.
Boxer key element of UK’s new mobile army
The current contract order will see 623 Boxer MIV across a range of variants delivered to the UK, although a June 2023 UK Government statement indicated that funding had been allocated for 1,016 Boxer MIVs against a land requirement of 1,305 units.
In January 2024 the UK MoD said that the Boxer was to begin formal customer validation trials for the command variant platform, coming after the MoD’s Defence Equipment & Support agency received prototype vehicles in December 2023.
The Boxer programme is also being delivered by RBSL from Telford and Stockport, with the European OCCAR agency stating the UK would receive initial operating capability platforms by Q4 2024.
Hollowed out by continued equipment donations to Ukraine, the UK government has a British Army incapable of projecting itself at force, lacking platforms, munitions, and firepower.
The Boxer is a key capability in the British Army’s modernisation efforts as the service looks to reorient itself in a new Nato operating concept amid Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine.
Delivering a speech to the RUSI Land Warfare Conference 2024 on 23 July, UK Chief of the Defence Staff, Admiral Tony Radakin, said that the unique geography that the UK has “shapes” its role in Nato, giving examples of where countries such as Poland were doubling down on large land formation, the British Army could be different.
“It is why over the past two years I’ve been working with [Nato’s Supreme Allied Commander Europe – SACEUR] to position the (UK-led) Allied Rapid Reaction Corps to become one of NATO’s two Strategic Reserves, with the other being led by France,” Radakin said.
“What SACEUR wants most from the UK is an Army that is more lethal. More mobile. More available. Organised to advance, react and respond at Division, and Corps levels. And equipped to strike faster, harder and deeper.”
Any delays to the IOC of what amounts to be the mobility element of the British Army infantry force could have a significant short term impact on the UK’s ability to deliver what Nato is seeking.
(Source: army-technology.com)
04 Aug 24. Ajax vehicle to reach initial capability end of next year. In other news, the British Army’s Ajax armoured vehicle programme is progressing towards achieving Initial Operating Capability (IOC) by December 2025, according to a recent response from the Ministry of Defence.
In response to a question from Luke Akehurst, Labour MP for North Durham, Minister of State Maria Eagle confirmed the programme’s timeline.
Eagle stated, “The Armoured Cavalry Programme (Ajax) is due to achieve Initial Operating Capability by December 2025 as planned.”
This comes amid ongoing scrutiny of the programme’s financial and operational milestones.
Efforts to expedite the delivery of the troubled Ajax armoured vehicles have been outlined previously. In response to a Written Parliamentary Question earlier in the year, James Cartlidge, the then Minister of State for Defence under the previous Conservative government, detailed the steps taken to improve the delivery rate.
Cartlidge explained, “As a result of revised contractual terms with MOD, General Dynamics UK have introduced a number of measures designed to improve the delivery rate. These measures include extending the current shift patterns, optimising the build line, and increasing collaborative practices.”
The Ajax programme has faced significant challenges and delays, with the Ministry of Defence disclosing earlier this year that it had already spent £4.096 bn on the project as of May 2024. The programme aims to deliver a total of 446 vehicles between 2024 and 2028, with yearly deliveries varying from 93 in 2024 to 125 in 2027.
Additionally, 143 vehicles are set to be retrofitted and delivered by 2029.
The vehicles are intended to enhance the British Army’s protection, mobility, and situational awareness. However, despite substantial investment and effort, the programme’s progress towards meeting key operational capabilities has been slow. Initial delivery numbers have paused just short of IOC delivery targets for several months.
According to the British Army website:
“The Ajax family has been designed to be at the heart of the British Army’s future armoured fleet, offering enhanced lethality, survivability, reliability, mobility and all-weather intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition and reconnaissance (ISTAR) capabilities through its advanced sensor suite.
Ajax is currently in the Demonstration and Manufacture phases of its lifecycle. The Army has been conducting training on early Ajax vehicles in both operational Units and Training establishments, with Reliability Growth Trials progressing well. Operationally deployable platforms will be delivered to the Field Army throughout 2024, with the Household Cavalry Regiment being the first Army unit to convert to Ajax.” (Source: UKDJ)
09 Apr 24. HMG Paints, a leading manufacturer of paints and coatings, announced its participation in the upcoming DVD Show, scheduled for September 18th – 19th 2024, at UTAC Millbrook in Bedfordshire.
As one of the premier events in the defence industry, the DVD Show provides a platform for showcasing cutting-edge technologies and solutions. HMG Paints will be prominently featured at stand C3-819, where the company’s team of experts will be available to offer insights into their extensive range of paints and coatings, including CARC and IRR coatings.
Attendees can expect to receive personalized technical advice tailored to their specific requirements, as well as gain valuable insights into the latest trends and advancements in the field of coatings technology.
“We are excited to participate in the DVD Show ponce again and to engage with industry professionals to discuss their upcoming projects and our latest innovations in paints and coatings,” said Alan Sharples, Defence Sales Manager at HMG Paints. “Our team looks forward to sharing our expertise and assisting attendees in finding solutions to their unique paint and coating challenges.”
Don’t miss the opportunity to connect with HMG Paints at stand C3-819 during the DVD Show 2024 and discover how their products and services can benefit your projects. To book in a meeting in advance at the show you can email the team at .
Made in Britain
As a British based manufacturer HMG can provide fast delivery across its entire range, something which the company believes can benefit businesses who use JOSCAR and other OEMs and refinishers.
One of the many products the team is sure to be discussing is their new 2 pack Polyurethane primer system which surpasses the requirements of Def Stan 80 – 225 for land based military equipment. The DEF2301001 Light Grey Polyurethane Primer boasts an impressive capability to endure over 2,000 hours in BS EN ISO 9227 salt spray conditions, making it a standout performer in demanding, high-stress environments.
HMG’s product range is suitable for equipment such as containers, trailers, vehicles, bridges and armour. HMG are renowned for their innovative approach to coatings including corrosion resistant primers, functional topcoats approved to UK defence standards and if you can’t find the perfect product in their existing portfolio the company is also able to offer bespoke formulation development to solve those tricky paints and coatings problems.
HMG is also JOSCAR certified which means Primes can speed up their access to HMG’s defence portfolio, and all products are also Made in Britain certified. The HMG Defence range offers products which are free from Chrome VI, meet low VOC requirements, IRR and CARC paints and includes military standards such as 80-225. Alongside Defence Standard products, HMG produce a wide range of approved high-quality coatings for practically every purpose for the defence industry. You can find out more about HMG’s range of Def Stan products and bespoke coatings development service at www.hmgpaint.com/products/landing/Defence.
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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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