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15 Nov 24. Jorsin launches new Tau 4×4 armoured personnel carrier. At a glance what appears to be a 4×4 version of the famous Ratel infantry combat vehicle is in fact Jorsin’s new Tau armoured personnel carrier (APC), which made its first public appearance at the recent Africa Aerospace and Defence (AAD) exhibition. The prototype was completed just in time to take part in late September’s AAD 2024 at Air Force Base Waterkloof in Pretoria. The Tau can accommodate up to thirteen crew (ten in the rear crew compartment plus a driver, a commander and a gunner in an optional turret). A horizontal double rear door functions as a flip-up/drop-down ramp, facilitating easy entry and exit. Roof-mounted hatches provide alternative access points, while side-mounted armoured glass windows with integrated shooting ports offer good visibility. As with the Ratel, the driver is positioned in the centre of the vehicle, avoiding the need to offer the vehicle in left or right hand drive configurations. “This placement offers full frontal visibility through armoured glass, significantly enhancing offroad manoeuvrability. A dedicated hatch provides the driver with easy access to the vehicle,” Jorsin explained.
The vehicle is powered by a Cummins 157 kW (210 hp) turbocharged and intercooled diesel engine driving an Allison six-speed automatic transmission through a Meritor two-speed transfer gearbox, giving a maximum speed of 115 km/h and range of 800 km plus. A Meritor fully independent suspension provides enhanced off-road mobility and “superb” on-road stability, eliminating the wobble the Ratel is known for. The ground clearance of 600 mm in front and 570 mm below belly of vehicle are class leading parameters, Jorsin’s Johan Lamprecht told defenceWeb.
The power pack has designed to be modular and easily replaced – it is fitted to a frame that can be rolled in and out, allowing the engine to be changed in 30 to 60 minutes – quick connect fuel and hydraulics lines facilitate the process. A collapsible rail/frame, carried with each vehicle, can be assembled in minutes and the complete powerpack can be rolled out to the side of the vehicle: no crane is required to access or change the powerpack.
The 9 500 kg vehicle makes use of a monocoque hull manufactured from 8 mm armoured steel to provide ballistic protection to NATO STANAG Level II (stopping up to 7.62×39 mm armour piercing rounds). A turret weighing 1 500 kg can be fitted to the vehicle – at AAD 2024, the Tau was displayed with a 20 mm Ratel cannon turret, weighing 1 160 kg, but other turret options can be fitted. Tau can accommodate a full size Ratel turret basket, as opposed to the trend of basket free overhead weapons. This is important in the African context where a variety of Russian-made turrets, with an assortment of weaponry, are available, mostly mounted on immobile vehicles due to lack of spares or maintenance, Lamprecht said.
Jorsin shared with defenceWeb that development of the Tau started last year, with a design philosophy of simplicity and reliability, as the vehicle is aimed at the African market. The APC has no complex electronics to ensure fewer points of failure, for example.
Jorsin is aiming the Tau at countries that want a vehicle similar to the Ratel but more modern (the Tau uses some components from the Ratel, such as the turret, seats, shooting ports etc.). While the vehicle does not yet have a launch customer, there is interest from potential clients in Africa who are looking for a vehicle similar to the Ratel. Jorsin has decades of experience maintaining Ratel and other armoured vehicles, having for example been awarded multiple contracts from the South African Army for Ratel maintenance and repair.
(Source: https://www.defenceweb.co.za/)
15 Nov 24. China’s DEEP Robotics Unveils Versatile Wheeled Robot ‘Lynx’ for Rough Terrain and Rescue Missions. China’s DEEP Robotics, known for its advanced quadrupedal robots, used in industries like search and rescue, inspection, and exploration, has launched its latest innovation, the Lynx—a rugged, four-legged robot equipped with wheels for tackling rough terrain at high speeds.
Unlike its predecessors, Lynx moves on four all-terrain wheels instead of traditional feet, combining speed with the stability of a four-legged stance. This design allows the robot to navigate complex environments with agility, as shown in a recent demonstration video.
The promotional video highlights Lynx’s ability to traverse various terrains, including forest trails, steep slopes, and rocky surfaces. Lynx can climb over obstacles up to 80 centimeters high, maneuver down 50-degree inclines, and perform sharp turns and jumps. The robot’s wheels can also lock, enabling it to switch between rolling and walking modes, making it versatile for tasks on uneven ground.
The Lynx joins DEEP Robotics’ lineup, which includes the X20 and X30 models used for industrial tasks like security inspection and emergency search operations. The company’s earlier quadrupeds have been successfully trialed in challenging environments, including earthquake simulations, where they assisted in locating people and safely transporting hazardous materials.
Lynx is available for pre-order and is expected to serve applications such as search and rescue, mapping, and equipment transport. DEEP Robotics aims for Lynx to redefine robotics for industrial use, combining speed, agility, and durability to meet the demands of hazardous and unpredictable terrains. (Source: https://www.sofx.com/)
14 Nov 24. UK plans to procure more modules than chassis for next batches of Boxers. Boxer Overwatch variant concept demonstrator fitted with a launcher for eight Brimstone missiles on display at Defence Vehicle Dynamics (DVD) 2022. (Janes/Christopher Petrov)
The UK plans to procure more modules than chassis for the next batches of Boxer armoured vehicle procurement, British Army officers said on the last day of SAE Media Group’s Future Armoured Vehicles Survivability (FAVS) 2024 conference held in London from 11 to 13 November.
The next batches will be specialised versions of Boxer: Repair & Recovery, Armoured Mortar, Close Support Bridging, Mobile Fires Platform (MFP), Short Range Air Defence (SHORAD), Serpens Deep Find Radar (DFR), and Mounted Close Combat Overwatch (MCCO). SHORAD Boxers include Command and Control, Forward Repair Team, Active Sensor, Counter-Small Aerial Targets (C-SAT), and SHORAD Mounted variants.
The Boxer MFP will have the Remote Controlled Howitzer 155 module that is being developed by Germany and the UK. The DFR will have the Ground Master 200 Multi-Mission/Compact GM200 (MM/C) radar module. The MCCO concept demonstrator has a module for launching Brimstone missiles. The Boxer has also been demonstrated with a NEMO mortar module. So far, the UK has ordered an equal number of Boxer chassis and modules: 146 Infantry Carriers, 212 Command, 200 Specialist Carriers, and 65 Ambulances.
British Army officers said at FAVS 2024 that having more modules than chassis would require a change in mentality in their service, which traditionally views vehicles as indivisible. (Source: Janes)
14 Nov 24. Türkiye’s Akkor APS to be fielded in 2025 on Altay MBT. The SSB announced the completion of the modernisation of Turkish M60Ts to the M60TM standard under the Fırat project in July 2020. A Pulat countermeasure module can be seen on the front left of the MBT. (SSB)
Türkiye’s Akkor active protection system (APS) will enter service on the domestically produced Altay main battle tank (MBT), Janes learnt at SAE Media Group’s Future Armoured Vehicles Survivability (FAVS) 2024 conference held in London from 11 to 13 November.
Abdulmenaf Erdem, project engineer at the Turkish Defence Industry Agency (SSB), told Janes on 12 November that Akkor trials were taking place and that the APS would enter service with the Altay in 2025. The SSB announced the signing of the Altay serial production contract on 29 May.
During his presentation earlier on 12 November, Erdem said that Akkor is being installed on Türkiye’s Leopard 2A4 MBT as part of an upgrade, and on the Korhan light armoured vehicle, in addition to the Altay. Akkor consists of a high-speed hard-kill launcher, smart hard-kill munition, and a very high resolution radio.
Erdem also presented the Pulat APS, which has been installed on an entire battalion of M60T MBTs as part of an upgrade and is operational. Pulat consists of countermeasure modules, a control panel, and a power distribution unit. (Source: Janes)
14 Nov 24. The Canadian government has awarded Rheinmetall a major order for the production of 85 heavy recovery vehicles to the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) as part of the Enhanced Recovery Capability (ERC) project. The five-year purchase agreement, worth $325m CAD (around €215m), includes vehicles, recovery equipment and other modifications. The first deliveries are scheduled for 2027. A supplementary $28.9m CAD (around €20m) multi-year in-service support contract has also been awarded to Rheinmetall.
Serving as prime contractor, Rheinmetall Canada will replace the CAF’s heavy logistic vehicle wheeled recovery fleet with 85 HX 8×8 trucks, each equipped with a heavy towing and recovery module. This will provide the CAF with enhanced capabilities to effectively recover and tow their latest generation of heavier armoured and logistical vehicles. The new HX heavy recovery vehicles also provide additional capabilities, such as an integrated rotary crane that can be used for container handling and for other crane work.
Rheinmetall HX: a best-in-class, combat-proven flagship
Purpose-built for military end users and characterized by high mobility, reliability, and durability, the HX represents a long-term solution for Canada. It will provide logistic support to combat forces anywhere on the battlefield, even in the most stringent conditions. The HX recovery truck will also offer a high level of protection, significantly increasing soldiers’ survivability and mission success.
In terms of maturity, Rheinmetall’s flagship has been reliably serving military customers in the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Germany, Norway, Denmark, Sweden, Slovenia, Singapore, and Japan in a variety of operational scenarios, from domestic disaster relief and humanitarian support, to combat operations in harsh operating battlefield environments encountered in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Mali. This international distribution of HX trucks brings major advantages when it comes to interoperability and logistics among NATO partners.
The ERC team: world-leading partners offering a unique solution
The ERC project team will be led by Rheinmetall Canada, a leading system integrator in the defence and security industry. Rheinmetall Canada will be supported by Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles, a German-Austrian world-leading logistic vehicle manufacturer; Miller Industries Towing Equipment, a premier supplier of towing and recovery equipment located in the United States; and Rotzler Holding, a leading manufacturer of hydraulic winches and winch systems based in Germany with operations in Canada.
“Together, this strong team will provide a sophisticated best-in-class recovery solution that will enable the CAF to fulfil its tasks in support of Canadian national interests. This vehicle is an extraordinary system which will meet Canada’s needs for decades to come. Moreover, Canada is now joining an elite group of operators of the HX recovery platform and will benefit from other nations’ experience with the system.” stated Pietro Mazzei, President and CEO of Rheinmetall Canada.
“We are very grateful to be able to welcome Canada as a new member of the HX user group,” stated Michael Wittlinger, CEO of Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles. “With the heavy recovery vehicle, the HX fleet is now prominently represented on the North American continent for the first time. Our mission-proven vehicle family is increasingly becoming the backbone of the logistics forces of NATO and allied nations.”
Significant industrial and economic benefits for Canada
The benefits of the ERC project will be felt across Canada: it will create high-tech career opportunities at both Rheinmetall Canada and its Canadian suppliers, in addition to generating a number of valuable investments throughout the country. With over 1,5 bn Canadian Dollars in Industrial Technological Benefits (ITB) and Industrial and Regional Benefits (IRB) credited since the company was founded just over 35 years ago, Rheinmetall Canada is one of the leading companies for delivering ITBs, IRBs, job creation, and economic growth to Canada.
About Rheinmetall Canada Inc.
Rheinmetall Canada Inc. is a subsidiary of Germany’s Rheinmetall AG: Europe’s foremost supplier of defence and security technology and a longstanding partner of the CAF. With employees at locations in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Ottawa, and other offices throughout the world, Rheinmetall Canada has accumulated over 35 years of expertise in system integration, real-time command and control; communication solution; air defence systems; weapons soldier systems; and uncrewed ground systems.
About Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles GmbH (RMMV)
Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles is one of the world’s leading OEMs of logistic and tactical truck systems. Together with its predecessor companies, the Munich-based joint venture has over 100 years of experience engineering and producing military, militarized, and commercial trucks. The HX family of tactical trucks is RMMV’s combat-proven flagship; over 20 000 4×4 to 10×10 HX vehicles in various configurations currently serve 20 nations worldwide, including Commonwealth nations, as well as numerous other NATO and Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) armies.
13 Nov 24. Latvia selects Ascod infantry fighting vehicle for its land forces. The Latvian Ministry of Defence has selected the Ascod infantry fighting vehicle for the country’s armed forces, and officials expect procurement negotiations with manufacturer GDELS-Santa Bárbara Sistemas to conclude by the end of this year or early next. In a statement, Latvian Defense Minister Andris Sprūds said the tracked vehicle will bolster the operational capacities of the Baltic state’s military.
“Experts from the Ministry of Defence and the Armed Forces have conducted a thorough analysis to select the combat vehicles that are most suitable for our needs,” Sprūds said.
The minister did not disclose the number of vehicles to be purchased nor the estimated value of the planned contract. However, a spokesperson for the Defence Ministry told Defense News the country aims to spend around €250 m (US$265 m) on new fighting vehicles.
“Latvia’s Ministry of Defence is planning to purchase new infantry fighting vehicles to increase the mobility, protection level and firepower of the Land Forces,” the spokesperson said.
Meanwhile, the Latvian ministry is also advancing other acquisitions for the country’s military. For example, Riga is planning to buy wheeled, self-propelled howitzers, according to the spokesperson. Based in Spain, GDELS-Santa Bárbara Sistemas is part of General Dynamics European Land Systems. Ascod vehicles “are currently operated by the armed forces of Spain, Austria, the United Kingdom, the United States and the Philippines,” the Latvian ministry said. (Source: C4ISR & Networks)
14 Nov 24. Patria to provide 56 additional armoured command and control vehicles for Latvia. Patria and Latvian Ministry of Defence have agreed on the manufacturing and delivery of 56 additional armoured Patria 6×6 vehicles, on top of the already ongoing deliveries as part of joint Common Armoured Vehicle System (CAVS) programme. These vehicles will serve as command and control (C2) units. Production of the vehicles will utilize local industry capabilities in Latvia, including Patria’s armoured vehicle production facility in Valmiera, opened in May 2024. The deliveries will begin during this year and last until 2029. The value of the agreement is above 60 m Euros.
“The new Patria 6×6 armoured command and control vehicles will significantly improve the operational capabilities of our armed forces, as well as contribute to the development of the Latvian military industry, continuing the successful cooperation between the defence sector and industry”, emphasizes Andris Sprūds, Minister of Defence of the Republic of Latvia.
“We are pleased to have a new armoured vehicle variant in the joint CAVS programme and Latvia as the first customer for it. The deep cooperation between Patria, Latvia and other CAVS member nations has yet again proved its benefits in the form of cost-effective and efficient research and development programme which enables rapid manufacturing and delivery process,” says Mats Warstedt, Senior Vice President of Market Area Nordics of Patria.
The procurement is part of the international CAVS programme, participated currently by Finland, Latvia, Sweden, and Germany. The research and development agreement for the programme was signed at the end of 2020 and deliveries to Latvia, Finland and Sweden have already started within the first three years of the programme. The programme is open to European countries with similar equipment requirements, with the approval of other participating countries.
Within the CAVS programme, the 6×6 armoured vehicle system development is led by Patria, that has more than four decades of experience in developing and delivering state-of-the-art protected troop transportation and system integration. Vast majority of supply of the vehicles is conducted by utilising the member nations’ local industry capabilities and every new nation is inherently reinforcing the security of supply for the whole collaboration system. Patria has already received orders for over 750 Patria 6×6 vehicles.
13 Nov 24. Curtiss-Wright Completes All Program Requirements for Delivery of Turret Drive Stabilization Systems to Australian Army. Curtiss-Wright and IntelliDesign, its preferred Australian Supplier Partner, successfully complete TDSS production for Australia’s Project Land 400 Phase 2 Combat Reconnaissance Vehicle program with 50% Australian Industrial Content. Curtiss-Wright’s Defense Solutions Division today announced that it has successfully completed all Australian Industry Capability (AIC) program requirements for delivery of cost-effective, scalable turret drive stabilization systems (TDSS) to Rheinmetall Defence Australia in support of the Australian Army’s Project Land 400 Phase 2 Combat Reconnaissance Vehicle (CRV) program. Curtiss-Wright, with the local support of IntelliDesign, its preferred Australian Supplier Partner, completed on schedule the manufacture, qualification and testing of 130 TDSS and associated hand controllers. The success of the local partnership program, in addition to supporting the expansion of Australian industry capability by creating new highly skilled technical jobs, fully met the program requirements for 50% Australian Industrial Content (AIC).
“We are very proud to announce that as a result of the success of our Australian Supplier Partner program, Curtiss-Wright was able to support Rheinmetall’s Boxer 8×8 Combat Reconnaissance Vehicle ‘Boxer CRV’ production schedule,” said Brian Perry, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Curtiss-Wright Defense Solutions. “We want to thank Rheinmetall for its confidence in Curtiss-Wright, and for recognizing us as a trusted, proven leader for TDSS solutions. What’s more, we have been able to further leverage our relationship and successful production program with IntelliDesign to fulfill production requirements for additional Rheinmetall defense programs.”
The selection, in 2021, of IntelliDesign as its preferred Australian Supplier Partner, enabled Curtiss-Wright to provide local manufacturing of the TDSS motor controllers and gyroscopes, beginning at the end of 2022. IntelliDesign’s production and testing of the TDSS motor controllers and gyroscopes was completed in August 2024. Curtiss-Wright and IntelliDesign engineering teams worked closely together to source alternative parts and suppliers to prevent the production timeline from being impacted by supply chain challenges. Curtiss-Wright provided IntelliDesign with test benches so that every step of production, including functional and power testing, could be performed seamlessly and without delay locally in Australia. IntelliDesign was able to fully qualify components locally and perform advanced tasks, including the application of special coatings, which was historically undertaken at Curtiss-Wright’s facility in Neuhausen am Rheinfall, Switzerland. Additionally, the teams collaborated on fit, form, and function design changes, resulting in a more robust TDSS solution.
About Curtiss-Wright’s Turret Drive Stabilization System
Curtiss-Wright’s TDSS delivers unmatched target location accuracy and turret stabilization while providing system integrators with an unprecedented level of freedom to define and deploy the exact solution they require. It uniquely enables system designers to upgrade and add stabilization functionality as their mission requirements change. The TDSS uses standard system configurations, which speeds system development and enables programs to reach demonstration and production phases more rapidly. The use of preconfigured TDSS system components also reduces the time and costs associated with the requirements definition process.
TDSS enables system integrators to select the exact aiming and stabilization solution that their platform requires – from a manually operated drive all the way up to a highly sophisticated, stabilized drive system – while streamlining enhancements and/or system modification for use on different platforms. The TDSS approach is significantly more cost-effective and flexible than traditional bespoke aiming and stabilization system alternatives. TDSS is designed to make it easy for system integrators to configure only the system that they require now, and later add increasing levels of stabilization as their mission evolves. TDSS system components can be easily adapted for use on different ground vehicle turrets to meet dynamic program requirements including performance and precision.
The TDSS and hand controller products covered by the Project Land 400 Phase 2 CRV program contract were designed at Curtiss-Wright’s Drive Technology facility in Neuhausen am Rheinfall, Switzerland. The final assembly of the products covered by this agreement will take place at Rheinmetall’s new Military Vehicle Center of Excellence (MILVEHCOE) facility in Redbank, Ipswich, Queensland, Australia.
12 Nov 24. UK government says it cannot project IOC for Boxer AMV and RCH 155. The government’s stance at odds with information revealed in September, which disclosed projected timelines for both programmes.
The UK government has declined to provide an expected initial operating capability (IOC) and minimum deployable capability (MDC) for its respective Boxer AMV 120mm mortar and RCH 155 artillery platforms, despite timelines for both programmes having previously been reported.
Responding to a UK parliamentary question on 11 November, Maria Eagle, Minister for Defence Procurement at the Ministry of Defence (MoD), stated that an IOC or MDC for the Boxer AMV and RCH 155 “could not be projected at this time “.
However, Army Technology reported in September that the 120mm mortar Boxer AMV variant was anticipated to reach an IOC of 2030, with the MDC for the RCH 155 coming in 2029, according to British Army officials speaking at the DVD 2024 event at UTAC Millbrook in September.
The full operating capability for what was termed the MFP, or Mobile Fires Platform – which is the RCH 155 artillery system – was set at mid-2031.
It was understood that these timeframes were not set in stone, with even the wider introduction of the more basic mechanised infantry vehicle variant Boxer potentially extending to the right.
According to Eagle, the difference in terminology between the Boxer AMV and RCH 155 self-propelled howitzer (SPH), which both use the Boxer 8×8 as a base platform, is due to the former being a project within the overall Boxer programme, thus using the IOC acronym.
However, with the RCH 155 falling under the Mobile Fires Platform project and thus part of the Close Support Fires Programme, the MDC term is applied.
“Therefore, an estimated IOC or MDC for either variant cannot be projected at this time,” Eagle said.
Boxer AMV and RCH 155
The Boxer AMV and RCH 155 are both effectively combat capability variants of the Boxer 8×8 wheeled vehicle, incorporating different modules, with the former using a Patria 120mm turreted mortar and the latter a remotely operated 155mm artillery gun system.
Both platforms are part of a wider effort by the British Army to increase its mobile fire support capability, with lessons being learned in observing combat operations between Ukraine and Russia giving renewed emphasis on the need for improved lethality among the service.
The RCH 155 SPH programme is being jointly developed between Germany and the UK, and will replace what is left of the British Army’s AS90 155mm ‘Braveheart’ artillery which have mostly been donated to Ukraine.
However, the Boxer AMV would provide a new capability as the British Army currently does not have a mobile mortar vehicle, which would be used to support troops at the tactical level, requiring a high rate of fire and mobility.
Patria states that its NEMO 120mm mortar is able to achieve a maximum rate of fire of 10 rounds per minute and allows for firing on the move from the Boxer vehicle out to a range of up to 10km. (Source: army-technology.com)
11 Nov 24. Skunk Works Reveals New Optionally Crewed Tanker Concept. Lockheed Martin’s Skunk Works advanced projects division has put forward a new notional vision for a stealthy pilot-optional aerial refueling tanker. This comes as the U.S. Air Force is refining requirements for a future Next Generation Air-Refueling System (NGAS) ‘system of systems’ and amid serious concerns about how the service expects to pay for that and other modernization priorities.
An artist’s rendering of a Lockheed Martin Skunk Works concept for a potential stealthy and autonomous Next-Generation Aerial-refueling System (NGAS) aircraft is getting new attention after a repeat display at the recent Airlift/Tanker Association meeting.
The concept breaks with many other notional futuristic tanker designs which have been variations on a crewed flying wing or blended wing body. The Skunk Works artwork shows an uncrewed aircraft with a conventional planform, shaped for some degree of stealth.
The image, displayed at the A/TA’s conference last week in Grapevine, Texas, reveals a highly flattened design with Air Force-style refueling booms deployed from pods on the far outboard of the wings. Two outward-canted stabilizers at the tips of the elevators sit well apart from a central, sawtooth exhaust, but out of the way of the two refueling stations. The exhaust suggests a single engine, but the angle of the depiction does not reveal where the air intakes are, or their shaping.
It’s not clear whether the flying booms used to connect to receiver aircraft could be made stealthy, a problem long acknowledged by designers. The ones shown in the image appear similar to those used on the KC-135, although a differently-colored leading edge on the control winglets may suggest a stealth treatment.
The notional NGAS images show the aircraft refueling two Lockheed F-35s. No central refueling station is depicted, nor is there an indication of a Navy-style probe-and-drogue capability.
There is no apparent cockpit in the images, indicating the aircraft would be autonomous. That fits with a growing trend, as Boeing’s MQ-25 tanker for the Navy is an autonomous aircraft, and several other companies have demonstrated the ability to conduct air refueling without a human crew onboard. The Air Force has also expressed a desire to reduce the number of aircrew required on tankers.
The general shaping of the design—chines, sawtooth seams, and wing leading edges at the same angle as the elevators—suggest a low-observable design, but perhaps not an extremely low observable concept.
“This graphic depicts a notional concept of an optionally-crewed future air-refueling platform,” a Skunk Works spokesperson said.
“Our team has been maturing the next generation of air mobility through investments in survivability, autonomy, resilient communications and digital transformation that will enable the range and persistence needed for contested air refueling operation.”
The spokesperson noted that the design was publicly displayed at the 2023 A/TA conference but it “didn’t draw the attention it’s receiving this year.” Lockheed has subsequently released other NGAS artist’s concepts, and the spokesperson said none of them exactly represent what the company may submit to the Air Force for an NGAS competition.
The concept art is drawing attention as the Air Force wraps up its NGAS Analysis of Alternatives. Air Force acquisition executive Andrew Hunter has said on various occasions that the AOA would be concluded in the fall of calendar 2024 and provide a way ahead for NGAS and a potential “bridge tanker.”
Hunter has described the latter as a way to keep some kind of tanker in production until the stealthy NGAS is available, circa 2033-2035. The current contract for Boeing KC-46As concludes around 2028 at 179 aircraft. Air Force officials have said the “bridge tanker” program could involve as many as 75 aircraft.
The concept for the NGAS is that it will accompany crewed fighters and Collaborative Combat Aircraft into contested airspace. It will be much smaller than traditional tankers like the KC-46 and KC-135 in order to have comparable stealth with the aircraft it escorts, and to be able to operate out of smaller airfields. The concept also calls for the NGAS to shuttle between older, larger tankers, flying out of reach of adversary missiles, and combat aircraft well inside the combat zone. The Lockheed concept shows the tanker with an aerial refueling receptacle of its own, centrally located on the aircraft’s spine.
Whether the NGAS will come to fruition is in considerable doubt, however. Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall, speaking at the A/TA meeting, said the service cannot simultaneously afford the NGAS, Next-Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) air superiority fighter and Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) fleet of autonomous wingman drones simultaneously. Absent a large influx of resources, the Air Force will have to “get creative” to come up with a scheme for air dominance that will work with a mix of new and old systems.
Analysts at several think tanks have said that five percent funding increase above inflation for the U.S. military, suggested by some close to incoming President Donald Trump, would not be sufficient to address the wave of conventional and strategic weapons modernization deficits facing the Air Force.
The Skunk Works’ notional design is pilot optional, with no clear provision for a crewed cockpit seen in the renderings available. It is possible that a cockpit could be fitted, as required, in place of a faired-over section on top of the forward fuselage. Another variation of the rendering might also exist showing a cockpit.
A pilot-optional design versus a completely uncrewed version does offer certain benefits. The War Zone previously explored this in detail after the emergence of the stealthy Model 437 Vanguard technology demonstrator jet from Northrop Grumman subsidiary scaled composites earlier this year, writing:
“Unmanned aircraft are still quite restricted as to where and how they can operate. A pilot totally changes this massive bottleneck and means the aircraft can be flown wherever it needs to go, to participate in any developmental flights or training exercises, no matter how complex. It can do this unburdened by typical drone airspace restrictions and the need for chase aircraft that can be required in certain situations. Just ferrying to a different location while manned, so it can access airspace where it can fly as if it were an unmanned aircraft, is a giant advantage.”
“For many tests, having a human onboard can accelerate the speed at which they can be accomplished. At its most basic, initial primary flight testing of the airframe will go far faster with a pilot at the controls. Overall, more risks can be taken when executing autonomous activities with a pilot there to take over and act as a safety backstop if needed.” (Source: UAS VISION/The War Zone; Air & Space Forces)
05 Nov 24. Defenture and the Polish Defence Force signed a multi-year contract for the delivery of Defenture’s GRF platforms. Defenture and the Polish Defence Force signed a multi-year contract for the delivery of Defenture’s GRF platforms. With this agreement, European interest in Defenture’s mobility solutions continues to grow.
Modernising fleet: The Polish Defence Force are choosing Defenture’s GRF platform to increase the level of mobility and safety. The GRF platform is known for example for its agility and modularity. Among other features, the platform features 4-wheel steering, is air transportable and has an excellent fording ability.
Growing European interest in Defenture’s mobility: The cooperation with the Polish Defence Force once again demonstrates the growing European interest in Defenture’s innovative, scalable, and modular solutions in military mobility. More countries in Europe are recognising the value of the Defenture platforms in the gross vehicle weight range from one up to ten tons.
Johan Claassens, CPO Defenture: “The cooperation with the Polish Defence Force marks an important step in our mission to provide military mobility that meets the highest requirements, now and in the future. We are proud that the Polish Defence Force puts their trust in us and that they choose our vehicles. We look forward to realising our shared vision.”
Innovation, collaboration, and customisation: Defenture’s approach and portfolio are shaped by a distinctive philosophy of innovation, collaboration, and customisation. Each platform is built with in-depth knowledge of military operations and with a strong focus on modularity, safety, and usability. This approach enables Defenture to deliver vehicles that not only meet the highest technical standards but are also flexible and future-proof.
As a Netherlands-based Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) of light tactical and air-transportable vehicles, in a range up to about ten tonnes, Defenture is already a mobility partner of several Ministries of Defence, including the Netherlands, Germany, Switzerland and Austria.
(Source: joint-forces.com)
08 Nov 24. Milrem Robotics expands to Finland. Milrem Robotics, the world’s leading robotics and autonomous systems developer, has established a subsidiary in Finland and opened an office in Helsinki. This strategic move significantly expands the company’s presence in the Nordic region and reinforces its commitment to supporting defence and security partners across Europe.
“Establishing an office in Helsinki is a natural progression for Milrem Robotics as we continue to grow our footprint in Europe,” said Kuldar Väärsi, CEO of Milrem Robotics. “Finland’s advanced tech ecosystem and strong defence industry make it an ideal location for us to innovate and collaborate with key partners. We look forward to contributing to the local economy and bringing cutting-edge robotic solutions to the region.”
Currently, the Helsinki office employs 10 skilled professionals specializing in sales, robotics engineering and project management, including EU defence projects.
“We plan to significantly expand our Finnish workforce in the coming years, aiming to tap into the country’s rich pool of technological talent,” added Kimmo Laine, Managing Director of Milrem Robotics Finland.
The new Helsinki office will focus on program management, research and development initiatives, enhancing the company’s ability to provide its clients with state-of-the-art unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs). Milrem Robotics has a history of successful collaborations across Europe, including supplying its flagship THeMIS UGVs to several defence forces and participating in key research projects on autonomous warfare systems.
By expanding into Finland, Milrem Robotics aims to strengthen partnerships with Finnish defence institutions and contribute to developing innovative solutions tailored to the needs of the Finnish Defence Forces.
Milrem Robotics’ solutions are currently part of robotics programs in 19 countries worldwide, with Sweden and Japan being the latest to join its user group. The company’s systems also assist Ukrainian soldiers in the war with Russia.
Milrem Robotics is the world’s leading robotics and autonomous systems developer and systems integrator, with offices in Estonia, Finland, Sweden, the Netherlands, Poland, the US, and the UAE. The company is known for its THeMIS Unmanned Ground Vehicle (UGV), Type-X Robotic Combat Vehicle (RCV), and MIFIK I—the autonomous functionalities kit.
The company is also renowned for successfully completing the European Defence Industrial Development Programme (EDIDP) project iMUGS, which focused on developing a modular and scalable architecture for hybrid manned-unmanned systems.
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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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