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07 Oct 21. Dstl showcases autonomous future for army logistics. Uncrewed ground vehicles are being trialled for potential use in future resupply operations. The potential future of the British Army’s logistic capabilities has been showcased by the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) at the Combat Service Support Training and Development Unit (CSS TDU) in Aldershot.
Dstl has been scientifically assessing the potential use of autonomous systems for resupply operations to provide greater capability and utility for the Army under the Joint Tactical Autonomous Resupply and Replenishment (JTARR) project.
This work will inform the wider Project Theseus, which aims to ‘define and deliver an end-to-end, highly automated ground and air resupply network, enabled by a logistic information system; 24/7 and in all conditions.’
Two uncrewed ground vehicle (UGV) systems from HORIBA MIRA and QinetiQ were purchased by Dstl in March 2020 under contracts collectively valued at £5m.
HORIBA MIRA’s Viking is a 6-wheeled tracked vehicle capable of operating at 50 kilometres per hour (kph) even in electric mode. The vehicle uses advanced AI-based autonomy, based on visual terrain recognition, to enable GPS-denied navigation, terrain perception and object recognition. It can carry up to 600kg of supplies.
QinetiQ’s Titan UGV comprises a tracked system based around a modular mission system software architecture, employing LIDAR (a remote sensing technology using lasers) and stereo vision as the primary means to detect its environment. The vehicle is powered by a hybrid electric engine with a lead acid battery and has a top speed of 20kph with a load capacity of up to 750kg.
The Dstl trials will fully test the machines’ capabilities to increase the understanding of the potential of UGV systems and understand how they will integrate with the wider defence logistics capability.
Dstl Principal Technical Authority, Guy Powell, said, “During the trials we are conducting we are assessing mobility, to understand if they can get to the dismounted soldiers; autonomy – how well they navigate; and to understand the limitations of the technology.”
Equipment support Sergeant Major Dan Brown added, “If there is a machine that can do what a human can but take personnel from harm’s way, that’s a fantastic thing. If robots can take over certain tasks, soldiers can do other, more vital ones. The concept of resupply is critical. Troops can’t fight without water, food or ammunition. And these platforms are very good. It is absolutely realistic to deploy them in the near future.”
The JTARR project is a scientific assessment of the robotics and autonomous systems (RAS) technologies, capabilities and limitations through the purchase and trials of selected systems developed during the Autonomous Last Mile Resupply (ALMRS) project initiated in 2019.
The Future Capabilities Group (FCG) Theseus competition, led by the Expeditionary Robotics Centre of Expertise (ERCOE), aims to more broadly assess the current marketplace, completing experimentation activity with Army personnel. This experimentation will develop the user requirements and tactical viability of use of a RAS system of systems for logistical resupply activity through user interaction, which will build upon, and be informed by, the outputs of this prior activity from the Dstl JTARR project.
Both projects are funded from the Theseus transformation fund, but the Dstl project is referred to as JTARR to differentiate it from the FCG Theseus competition. (Source: https://www.gov.uk/)
07 Oct 21. Jankel and Williams Advanced Engineering collaborate to bring EV technologies and capabilities to the US Defence market.
- Jankel and Williams Advanced Engineering (WAE) are collaborating to bring EV technologies and capabilities to the US defence market
- The partnership will combine complementary technologies and capabilities to help progress military hybrid and electrification projects
- The partnership will see Jankel and WAE working on joint projects to electrify legacy and new military fleets across the US DoD
Jankel, a world-leader in the design and manufacture of high-specification defence, security and NGO protection systems, are collaborating with Williams Advanced Engineering (WAE); born out of the UK Formula 1 Williams Racing Team, to provide services and technologies to prime contractors in the US defence market. The partnership will see Jankel and Williams Advanced Engineering working on joint projects to electrify legacy and new military vehicle fleets across the US DoD.
Jankel’s US South Carolina based company Jankel Tactical Systems takes the lead in the USA with extensive experience designing, manufacturing and delivering vehicle related technology and integration solutions in the US defence market. Williams Advanced Engineering are renowned for providing world class technical innovation, engineering and specialist electric vehicle solutions across multiple applications. Proven out in the Formula E and Extreme E arena, WAE is a pioneer in battery systems, battery management and EV drivetrain solutions across a wide range of sectors including motorsport, transport, mining and defence.
The partnership will combine complementary technologies and capabilities to help progress military hybrid and electrification projects no matter what the size, from a light tactical vehicle to a main battle tank. The experience, innovation and engineering expertise of both companies will be combined to leverage the integration, problem solving, and tailored approach required to solve the military problem set, essential to help meet the military engineering challenges of the 21st century – mobility, sustainability and efficiency.
Craig Wilson, CEO, Williams Advanced Engineering said, ”This partnership is well placed to support the integration and delivery of EV solutions and we look forward to working with the team at Jankel, combining our individual areas of expertise to deliver innovative and advanced solutions for the US defence market”
Andrew Jankel Chairman of the Jankel Group said “Jankel is historically known around the world for providing outstanding vehicle survivability conversions and complex systems integrations. However, in line with our new company strategy we are also expanding our expertise to incorporate advanced technologies including remote autonomous systems, cyber security and platform electrification”. He added: “We are delighted to announce this collaboration with Williams Advanced Engineering to capitalize on some world leading technologies and bring the very best to the US military by delivering potential EV solutions across its whole range of vehicles both old and new – driving mission success.”
06 Oct 21. AUSA 2021- WFEL’s Military Bridging Systems provide crucial. Disaster Relief Support. Following participation at the DSEI exhibition in London last month, leading Military Bridging Systems supplier WFEL is attending the AUSA event in Washington next week (11-13 October) to promote the ‘dual use’ versatility of its rapidly deployable modular bridging systems. Disaster Relief operations following severe flooding in Europe recently saw WFEL’s rapidly deployable military bridging systems deployed to provide emergency temporary infrastructure during natural disasters in both Germany and Turkey. Both MGB Medium Girder Bridges and DSB Dry Support Bridges were deployed. WFEL will be discussing the range of rapidly deployable bridging systems on booth 1815 in Hall A/B, alongside colleagues from parent company, KMW. WFEL’s DSB Dry Support Bridge and the MGB Medium Girder Bridge are already held in inventory by many militaries worldwide. The U.S. Military have been users of WFEL’s bridging systems for many years, with well over 100 Dry Support Bridging systems in their inventory. At 120 Military Load Classification (MLC), the DSB can get traffic and supplies moving over a 46-metre gap in less than 90 minutes using just eight soldiers and a single launch vehicle: crucial in rapidly escalating combat, homeland defence or disaster relief scenarios – when every second counts.
05 Oct 21. Allison Transmission developing a next generation electrified transmission. Allison to accelerate development of transformational electrified transmission technologies for future U.S. Army combat vehicles. Allison Transmission, a leading designer and manufacturer of conventional and electrified vehicle propulsion solutions for tactical wheeled and tracked defense vehicles, and medium- and heavy-duty commercial vehicles is accelerating the development of electrification technology for integration into the U.S. Army’s ground combat vehicle fleet including tracked Infantry Fighting Vehicles and the Main Battle Tank. Defense tracked and wheeled vehicle electrification continues to gain momentum and increased U.S. government investment as commercial markets advance emerging technology. Military benefits of electrified vehicles include silent mobility to reduce enemy detection and increased survivability, exportable power provisions for on-board and off-board systems, and flexible operational modes capable of balancing performance and fuel economy demands.
“Our Defense team leverages Allison’s investments for commercial products and applies them to defense applications” said Dana Pittard, Vice President for Defense Programs at Allison Transmission. “The Next Generation Electrified Transmission is informed by Allison’s two decades of experience in electrified propulsion. Now we are focused on powering the U.S. Army’s Optionally Manned Fighting Vehicle (OMFV) a tracked vehicle program that could be the Army’s largest vehicle procurement in over four decades, with a potential volume of nearly 4,000 vehicles. Allison remains committed to working with our Defense partners and customers around the world to meet the demanding propulsion requirements of today, and developing solutions for the future.”
“Electrification to the Army represents a means to achieving many different capabilities that enhance soldiers’ effectiveness in multi domain operations. Specifically, it means the use of electric power to augment vehicle performance,” and “We work closely with commercial partners to foster collaboration and leverage industry’s investments in electrification technology development,” said Michael Cadiuex, Director of the U.S. Army’s Ground Vehicles Systems Center, in May 2021 during testimony to the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Tactical Air and Land Forces.
For the Next Generation Electrified Transmission, Allison will design, develop and validate a motor/generator and inverter system to be coupled to a tracked vehicle transmission. Coordination with U.S. Army’s Ground Vehicle Systems Center is ongoing and Allison will begin work to accelerate the Next Generation Electrified Transmission program.
The Next Generation Electrified Transmission has been selected by American Rheinmetall Vehicles for their OMFV offering. Looking to the future, the U.S. Army is also considering replacing its heavy wheeled vehicle fleets with a Common Tactical Truck, and is considering options for new main battle tanks. These programs are likely to rely on electrification.
Allison’s electrification portfolio for defense applications also includes the Transmission Integral Generator (TIG) which for the last year has undergone rigorous testing by the Ground Vehicle Systems Center. The TIG was developed in partnership with Leonardo DRS, and is applicable to defense medium and heavy tactical wheeled vehicles.
“The TIG is an innovative technical solution that converts transmission mechanical power to electrical power for use on the vehicle or off the vehicle, providing up to 120kW of electrical power, and reducing reliance on traditional towable generators,” said Pittard. The TIG was named the 2020 Military and Aerospace Electronic Innovators Platinum Award winner.
Allison is also evaluating future defense applications for the eGen Power™ product family consisting of single and dual motor fully integrated electric axles with a multi-speed gearbox, and gross axle weight ratings up to 13 tonnes. These are purpose built, fully integrated electric axles with a low gear ratio providing superior grade and launch capability, while the higher range optimises energy consumption and system efficiency while operating at higher speeds.
About Allison Transmission
Allison Transmission (NYSE: ALSN) is a leading designer and manufacturer of vehicle propulsion solutions for commercial and defense vehicles, the largest global manufacturer of medium- and heavy-duty fully automatic transmissions, and a leader in electrified propulsion systems that Improve the Way the World Works. Allison products are used in a wide variety of applications, including on-highway trucks (distribution, refuse, construction, fire and emergency), buses (school, transit and coach), motorhomes, off-highway vehicles and equipment (energy, mining and construction applications) and defense vehicles (tactical wheeled and tracked). Founded in 1915, the company is headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana, USA. With a presence in more than 150 countries, Allison has regional headquarters in the Netherlands, China and Brazil, manufacturing facilities in the USA, Hungary and India, as well as global engineering resources, including electrification engineering centers in Indianapolis, Indiana, Auburn Hills, Michigan and London in the United Kingdom. Allison also has more than 1,400 independent distributor and dealer locations worldwide. For more information, visit allisontransmission.com.
06 Oct 21. Rheinmetall and Navistar Defence Canada join forces in bid to win Canada’s Logistics Vehicle Modernization project. Rheinmetall Canada and Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles (RMMV) are proud to welcome Navistar Defence Canada to their partnership, dubbed Team 45⁰ North (45⁰N), in pursuit of Canada’s Logistics Vehicle Modernization (LVM) project – an initiative that will revitalize the Canadian Army’s light and heavy logistics vehicle capabilities. Drawing on more than 200 years of combined expertise in developing technical solutions in the realm of defence and vehicle programmes in Canada, Team 45⁰N brings together two premier military vehicle manufacturers and a world-class integrator to offer the Canadian Army battle-tested trucks that are purpose-built for military use.
Team 45⁰N: Joining forces to support our Forces
With its members’ extensive experience in various logistics vehicle solutions and in the execution of complex defence projects, Team 45⁰N offers a low-risk, high-quality solution for Canada’s LVM project.
For decades, Rheinmetall Canada has been a trusted partner of the Canadian Armed Forces in several programmes. The company is an internationally acknowledged system integrator in the defence and security industry and a dependable provider of in-service support to large Canadian vehicle projects. Rheinmetall Canada is also known for its collaborative approach in working with its customers throughout the full lifecycle of their programmes.
Bringing unique skills and deep knowledge to the team, RMMV has successfully developed, built, and serviced military vehicles around the globe for more than a century. To satisfy all of its customers’ needs and to support them in fulfilling their most demanding missions, the company offers a complete range of services, including project management, systems engineering and integration, through-life support, repair and maintenance, as well as spares management.
Navistar Defence Canada rounds out Team 45⁰N, offering significant experience in working with the Canadian government. Navistar Defence Canada delivered 1 300 militarized commercial-off-the-shelf (MilCOTS) vehicles to the Canadian Department of National Defence for the Medium Support Vehicle System (MSVS) project to support domestic and expeditionary missions. It continues to provide logistic support through its vast parts and service network across Canada. The company also supplied the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) with armoured personnel carriers to provide increased protection and rescue capabilities for RCMP officers and members of the public in high-risk situations.
Reliable capabilities, proven solutions
In collaboration with its partners, Team 45⁰N will offer a comprehensive LVM solution that fulfills the Canadian Army’s logistics mission profile, specifically designed to meet military requirements – durability, protection, payload capacity, mobility, and all-terrain capability.
RMMV’s HX series of tactical trucks already has a successful track record globally and has a well-established group of user nations, including Canada’s close allies (Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom) as well as other NATO nations (Germany, Norway, Denmark) and western countries (Austria, Sweden). These reliable military vehicles excel in all climates, are off road capable, and – most importantly – offer an unparalleled level of protection to soldiers. The combat-proven ready-to-use design can also be upgraded and modified according to specific customer needs. A true military off-the-shelf solution, the HX family of vehicles combines professional logistics with force mobility support and tactical special role applications, making it a reliable enabler for joint operations in complex environments.
Navistar Defence Canada provides unrivalled domestic and expeditionary logistic vehicle solutions. Its vehicles are among the most versatile in the world. The flexible platforms are easily tailored to meet specific mission requirements and configured in several variants such as water tankers; petroleum, oil and lubricant trucks; general troop transporters; wreckers; dump trucks; heavy equipment transport trucks; and more. They have been used in recent natural disaster relief missions in Canada and have been a key logistics force-multiplier on the front lines in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Dedicated to supporting the Canadian Armed Forces while leveraging the Canadian industry
Team 45⁰N is committed to supporting the Canadian Armed Forces before, during, and after deliveries while creating pan-Canadian economic growth. The partnership draws on a coast-to-coast network of suppliers and will help bolster an in-country workforce and supply chain. Rheinmetall Canada and its partners’ excellent track record in fulfilling their Industrial and Technological Benefits (ITB) commitments are a testament to Team 45⁰N’s dedication to Canadian industry.
Thanks to the alliance’s exceptional product offering, extensive experience in working with the Canadian Armed Forces, and its commitment to Canadian economic growth, Team 45⁰N is the solution of choice for Canada’s LVM project, as well as all other future logistic vehicle initiatives.
05 Oct 21. UK convenes top defense official to fix – or end – the Army’s Ajax vehicle program. A top Ministry of Defence official has been given charge of resetting or recommending termination of the troubled Ajax armored reconnaissance vehicle program destined for the British Army. David Marsh, the MoD’s director of project delivery, was named as the senior official responsible for one of Britain’s most high-profile military programs in a letter released by the department and the government’s Infrastructure and Projects Authority. The 30-year veteran of the MoD has held previous appointments in a range of major project, program and operational delivery leadership roles and is the departments head of profession for portfolio, program and project management. The letter to Marsh, dated Oct. 1, said his role heading the armored cavalry program is to “develop a robust plan to recover and reset it, then ensure its ongoing viability and delivery.” The MoD and the Infrastructure and Projects Authority – the body which reports to the Cabinet Office and the Treasury on progress in major programs in defense and other Government sectors like IT – also gave Marsh the power to recommend cancelation of Ajax if necessary.
“You are also responsible for ensuring the ongoing viability of the program and recommending its pause or termination if appropriate,” said the letter.
In what some will see as unprecedented language in an appointment letter Marsh was also told he had to ensure the “honest and timely reporting on the position of the program to the Infrastructure and Projects Authority.”
That’s a possible reference to concerns that some issues relating to the program had previously not been aired quickly enough.
The General Dynamics UK-developed Ajax vehicle is a cornerstone of British Army restructuring plans involving the creation of deep reconnaissance strike and armored brigade combat teams.
But the program, awarded to General Dynamics in 2014 to deliver 589 Ajax family vehicles, has been dogged with noise and vibration problems, leading to Army trials and testing being halted on a number of occasions.
Several hundred soldiers have been assessed for possible vibration and noise injuries in the last few months.
Trials have recommenced in the last few weeks but the work is being conducted by General Dynamics, rather than Army, personnel.
Around two dozen vehicles have been delivered by General Dynamics but defense leaders have made it clear that initial operating capability will not be declared until the problems are resolved.
Initial operating capability was set for June 2020 but was recast to June of this year. Now nobody is willing to make a guess on a new date on a firm-priced program which could cost as much as £5.5bn, or $7.5bn.
As of June, the British had paid out £3.2bn, defense procurement minister Jeremy Quin told Parliament this summer.
An MoD spokesperson said that the possible causes of the vibration had been narrowed down to a handful of problem areas but that work was ongoing in the search to identify the source of the issues.
Marsh’s appointment is as a full-time senior responsible owner, a title denoting full authority for a given government program. Most SRO’s, who are ultimately accountable for programs or projects meeting their objectives, also have other roles.
Quin told the Parliamentary Defence Select Committee earlier this year: “I have described Ajax as a troubled program, I wish it wasn’t, but it is.
“It requires a lot of work from ourselves and our industry partners to get ourselves back on track. We can’t be 100 percent certain that that can be achieved,” he said.
At least one Defence Committee member has called for the program to be axed altogether.
The Infrastructure and Projects Authority has been critical of the program in the past and said at one point the successful delivery of the program to time, cost and quality appeared to be “unachievable.” (Source: Defense News)
BATTLESPACE Comment: The BATTLESPACE prediction is that Ajax is too big and important a contract to cancel. Our predicted solution will be a retrofit of the advanced Horstman suspension system and improved running gear, previously rejected by GDUK, this may or may not include band track. This will solve the vibration and turret wobbling problems. This will delay the programme by at least five years. Who will pay this huge bill will be the nest question, Given the engineering changes required by the MoD and the fact that the CT40 canon is GFE, the finger points at the UK taxpayer taking the hit; the estimated cost of the refit is £1.2m per vehicle.
05 Oct 21. Spain continues funding of IFV programme. Spain’s Council of Ministers announced on its website on 28 September that it had authorised the Ministry of Industry and Trade to sign a new contract with national consortium Tess Defence to continue the Dragón 8×8 wheeled infantry fighting vehicle (IFV) production programme. The contract, valued at EUR1.2bn (USD1.4bn) to be paid in installments between 2021 and 2024, is the ministry’s contribution to the EUR2.08 bn Spanish IFV programme, with the Ministry of Defence (MoD) paying the remainder. The MoD signed a contract with Tess Defence in August 2020 for the first tranche of 348 Dragón IFVs for delivery to the Spanish Army over the next decade, with further tranches planned for another 348 and then 287 vehicles. The Council of Ministers said the IFV production programme involves high technological and industrial content not only from TESS Defence, but also numerous Spanish companies in sectors such as materials, telecommunications, defence systems, and propulsion. The Council of Ministers expected the contract to create 1,230 qualified jobs per year and sees it as an opportunity to develop a national product and to export technology, allowing the Spanish defence industry to position itself on the international market. The Tess Defence consortium comprises General Dynamics Santa Bárbara Sistemas, Indra, Sapa Plasencia, and Escribano Mechanical & Engineering. (Source: Jane’s)
30 Sep 21. South Korea advances plan for next-generation amphibious assault vehicle. Seoul has taken further steps to progress the next generation of its indigenously developed Korea Amphibious Assault Vehicle (KAAV) with plans to operationally field the new equipment by 2036.
South Korea’s Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) announced on 28 September that the country will allocate about KRW2.1trn (USD1.78bn) towards the programme, referred to by the agency as the ‘Landing Assault Armoured Vehicle-II’ project. The decision was taken at the 139 th meeting of the Defense Project Promotion Committee that was held a day before DAPA’s announcement, the agency added. The new vehicle will be more mobile with better survivability features for its crew.
The Republic of Korea Marine Corps (RoKMC) is estimated to operate a fleet of about 170 KAAV units. The equipment is based on the BAE Systems’ AAV7A1 series of armoured vehicles and manufactured in-country by Samsung Techwin (now Hanwha Defense).
The KAAV fleet mainly comprises troop transport variants, referred to as KAAVP7A1s. The service also operates command variants of the vehicle, which it refers to as KAAVC7A1 units, and vehicle recovery variants, which have been designated as KAAVR7A1s.
The vehicles are meant to perform as ship-to-shore connectors for expeditionary forces, augmenting the assault capabilities of vessels such as the Dokdo-class helicopter carrier.
In August 2020 South Korea’s Ministry of National Defense confirmed plans to enhance the RoKMC’s amphibious capabilities by acquiring additional MUH-1 Marineon helicopters, fast landing craft, and new amphibious assault vehicles.
The plans were disclosed just months after South Korean company Hanwha Defense unveiled a scale model of the KAAV II that it is developing for the RoKMC, with support from the Agency for Defense Development (ADD).
(Source: Jane’s)
30 Sep 21. Russia starts deliveries of BTR-82A to Belarus. The first batch of the latest Russian wheeled armored vehicles has already arrived in the country, and the second is expected in November.
The first batch of Russian armored personnel carriers BTR-82A arrived in Belarus. The second batch is expected in November this year. This was announced on Thursday, September 30, by the press service of the Ministry of Defense of Belarus in its Telegram channel.
“The first batch of BTR-82A, manufactured by JSC Arzamas Machine-Building Plant, arrived at the Ozerishche railway station in Minsk. The bulk of the new armored vehicles will enter service with the 120th separate mechanized brigade. Several BTR-82A units will receive 72 OTC (United Training Center) and the Military Academy of Belarus “, – the message says.
According to the press service, the rearmament is proceeding as planned to replace the tracked armored vehicles of mechanized brigades with wheeled ones. The Ministry of Defense noted that the arriving batch of BTR-82A was equipped with communication means of OJSC Agat-System and sights of OJSC Peleng of Belarusian production.
In addition, the military department informed, two BREM-K units – an armored repair and recovery vehicle on the BTR-80 chassis, arrived in Belarus. They are designed to equip the 120th and 6 separate mechanized brigades.
The Ministry of Defense clarified that the second batch of armored vehicles from the BTR-82A battalion kit is expected in November this year.
BTR-82A is the newest Russian model of wheeled armored vehicles, adopted by the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation in 2013 and replaced the Soviet BTR-80. Armored vehicles of this model are also used in the armies of Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan.
We will remind, earlier in the Armed Forces of Ukraine stated that not see the withdrawal of Russian troops from Belarus after joint exercises.
Let us remind you that the Russian-Belarusian exercises West-2021 ended on September 15… They have been recognized as the largest exercise in Europe since the Cold War. About 200 thousand people took part in them. (Source: https://www.world-today-news.com/)
01 Oct 21. Oshkosh wins $16m deal to boost military mobility for Iraq, Lebanon and Malaysia. Oshkosh Defense has won a $16.7m contract to provide three types of Heavy Expanded Mobility Tactical Trucks as well as Heavy Equipment Transporters to Lebanon, Iraq and Malaysia.
The contract for the M1120A4, M977A4 and M978A4 HEMTTs as well as the M1070A1 HETs is a part of the U.S. Defense Department’s Foreign Military Sales program. The deal was announced Sept. 22, and its estimated completion date is Jan. 31, 2022. Oshkosh was the only bidder.
M1120A4′s load-handling system is capable of transporting 11 tons; M977A4 has a 10-ton payload capacity; the fuel-servicing M978A4 tanker can transport 2,500 gallons of fuel; and the M1070A1 tank transporter has a 75-ton maximum payload.
Lebanon
“These Low loaders are expected to be added to the transportation regiment in the Lebanese armed forces, whereby vehicles with similar capabilities are centralized at the same site to facilitate maintenance and professional training, and will be dispatched for tactical use only,” retired Lebanese Army Brig. Gen. Maroun Hitti, who served as the director of operations and the deputy chief of staff for planning, told Defense News.
He said the deal will see 80 trucks delivered to the three countries, each of which has an approximate value of $200,000. (The remaining money is to go toward maintenance costs.)
Hitti said that, amid Lebanon’s economic crisis, the trucks are expected to tremendously reduce the cost of transportation, while increasing military mobility.
Aram Nerguizian, senior associate with the Center for Strategic and International Studies, told Defense News that the initial delivery to Lebanon is for 23 HEMTTS (10 M977A4s and 13 M978A4s).
“These 23 trucks to the LAF [Lebanese Armed Forces] are part of a larger purchase of modern transportation systems using U.S. funding,” he said, explaining that this is part of a much larger $40m acquisition by the military of more than 160 trucks.
The military “is using Section 333 to procure 50 2.5-ton trucks, and 50 5-ton trucks,” he said, referring to a U.S. government authority used to build the capacity of partner nations. “Additional 70 5-ton trucks are to be contracted under [the U.S. State Department’s Foreign Military Financing program] by the LAF.”
Iraq
A retired brigadier of the Iraqi armed forces and a defense expert, Adnan Al Kenany, told Defense News that the trucks headed to the country will serve as additional transportation capabilities for the services. It’s unclear how many vehicles the country is to receive.
“Iraq directorate of orientation and provision has a number of heavy transportation trucks that exceeds 250 trucks, including trucks from Russia and others from France. These trucks will transport heavy armored vehicles, usually within the country to operate or perform maneuvers in places that are 300-400 kilometers away including the borders,” Al Kenany said.
Malaysia
Defense News contacted a Malaysian military source, but the individual was unaware how many vehicles are bound for the country under the latest sale. (Source: Defense News)
01 Oct 21. US Army artillery soldiers conduct JLTV fires integration operational test. The JLTV system is the replacement of high mobility multipurpose wheeled vehicle. US Army field artillery soldiers from the 101st Airborne Division are conducting a fires integration operational test of the Joint Light Tactical Vehicles (JLTV) system. Carried out at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, US, the tests will help inform the operational suitability of the vehicle in real-world operations. According to US Army Operational Test Command Maneuver Support and Sustainment Test Directorate test officer major Nathaniel Holman, the evaluation involved a modified JLTV. More than 100 live-fire missions were executed and over 900 rounds of high explosive ammunition downrange were fired during testing. US Army Operational Test Command (OTC) — the Maneuver Support and Sustainment Test Directorate (MS2TD) Test Officer in charge Rob Richardson said the test data will provide a view into the system’s effectiveness, and reliability, as well as support decisions whether to field it or not.
Richardson said: “Operational testing is about soldiers executing unit missions. This test is about making sure the modifications to the JLTV are effective in the hands of soldiers performing the fire support mission and suitable for the environments in which field artillery units operate.”
The JLTV, which is being fielded across the US Army, would be a replacement for the high mobility multipurpose wheeled vehicle (HMMWV). (Source: army-technology.com)
04 Oct 21. Innovative Croatian robotic system Komodo premiered at ASDA. The innovative remote-controlled robotic system Komodo, which works in extreme nuclear, biological, chemical and radiological conditions, was premiered at the 2021 Adriatic Sea Defense & Aerospace Exhibition and Conference (ASDA) in Split from 29 September to 1 October. The Komodo is a product of Croatian intelligence and we are ready to make about 60 units a year, Gordan Pešić, business development manager at DOK-ING, the company which manufactured the robotic system, told Hina on Saturday, adding that the Komodo attracted the attention of domestic and foreign military experts at ASDA.
He said the Komodo was designed to assist in various natural and technical disasters and threats, including terrorism, by removing all obstacles which hindered rescuers in their actions.
The Komodo can also remove unexploded explosive devises and decontaminate buildings as well as personnel, he added.
This product has been chosen as a partner in the European Defence Agency’s Permanent Structured Cooperation initiative, Pešić said.
The manufacture of this unique remote-controlled robotic system cost HRK18m and was co-financed by the European Structural and Investment Fund, he added.
Pešić said DOK-ING, which makes special demining vehicles, cooperated with the Defence Ministry, including in absorbing money from the European Defence Fund. (Source: Google/https://www.croatiaweek.com/)
15 Sep 21 Russia Claims Battlefield Breakthrough with Robot Tanks. Russia has employed unmanned ground vehicles in combat formations for the first time, a significant step in the country’s quest to develop an effective all-robot military unit, experts say.
Two remote-controlled vehicles were deployed during Russia’s weeklong Zapad joint military exercises with Belarus, which are set to conclude Thursday.
Western leaders have viewed the exercises with concern because of their sheer size and proximity to NATO’s eastern flank.
Both armored vehicles were used for fire support and reconnaissance work, Russia’s Defense Ministry said in a statement released Monday.
The Uran-9, a tracked vehicle equipped with a 30 mm autocannon, a machine gun, anti-tank missiles and a flamethrower, destroyed mock enemy targets over 3 miles away, the statement said.
Meanwhile, the smaller Nerekhta unmanned ground vehicle, or UGV, fired at targets with a mounted machine gun and a grenade launcher in addition to performing tasks that would be dangerous for troops, such as delivering ammunition and equipment in combat.
Russia tested two unmanned combat robots this week during the joint strategic Zapad-2021 exercise with Belarus. (Russian Defense Ministry)
Russia has been working to improve its robot combat vehicle capability for years and previously tested a prototype of the Uran-9 on the battlefield in Syria. In April, Russia’s Defense Ministry announced plans to establish a unit armed with strike robots.
The apparently successful use of UGVs during the Zapad exercises underscores Moscow’s determination to improve its robotic capabilities, said Alexis Mrachek, a researcher specializing in Russian and Eurasian affairs at the Heritage Foundation, a Washington D.C.-based think tank.
“That fact is certainly significant because it means that Russia is continuing to experiment and seeking new ways to obtain greater lethality and survivability,” Mrachek said. “We should expect that with continued experimentation they will perfect their equipment and tactics.”
Another expert elaborated on the significance of the announcement.
The fact that Russian UGVs were performing various tactical roles during combat simulations is notable, said Samuel Bendett of the Center for a New American Security.
In addition to the fire support and reconnaissance work provided by the Uran-9 and the Nerekhta, other machines were being used for mine clearing and urban warfare, he said.
“The Zapad drills are part of the effort to guide the Russian military in ways to better incorporate such systems in combined arms formations, where they have to function as part of different units and manned forces,” Bendett said.
Russia has said as many as 200,000 military members have been taking part in the quadrennial drills, which have occurred in various locations in the country and also in Belarus, which shares borders with NATO members Poland and Lithuania.
The drills have a history of unnerving alliance officials, who are concerned that Moscow may use them to move undisclosed numbers of troops to NATO’s backyard.
The United States remains a leader in the development of autonomous and robotic systems used for land, air and maritime operation, and the Russians have yet to match its expertise in the field.
Even so, it’s important for Washington and its allies to take note of Russia’s efforts to incorporate armed robots into its formations, said Peter W. Singer, a strategist at the New American Foundation.
“Just like with tanks and airplanes at roughly the same point last century, there will be all sorts of different approaches and doctrines for how to use robotics,” Singer said in an email exchange. “Each nation’s wargames give a hint of that future and should be watched for insights into what is to come.” (Source: Military.com)
07 Oct 21. ARC, Inc. Launches Pioneering Predictive Maintenance Sensors for U.S. Marine Corps. Groundbreaking U.S.-Based IoT & Predictive Analytics Company Leads the Way to the Future of Conditions-Based Maintenance for Weapons Platforms. Armaments Research Company, Inc. (ARC) announced today its plans to develop a predictive maintenance platform for crew-served weapons for the U.S. Marine Corps. This project is part of ARC’s recently awarded 5-year, $60m Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) Phase III contract with the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) and General Services Administration (GSA) to develop systems for the military’s ‘Joint All-Domain Command and Control’ (JADC2) project portfolio. JADC2’s goal is to connect sensors from each military service into one, integrated network.
Last month, ARC introduced Task Orders 1 and 3, the first projects to be delivered under the ‘Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity’ (IDIQ) contract. These projects focus on fusing data from ARC’s miniaturized AI-enabled edge computing sensors with other battlefield data sources, transmitting decision-quality information to tactical forces through mobile and extended reality (XR) platforms.
Given the importance of functioning, well-maintained weapons systems on the battlefield, ARC’s latest project expands the development of its AI/ML-powered weapons sensor—the ARC-Response (ARC-R)—from small- to medium-caliber weapons platforms. This capability enables predictive maintenance and optimizes unit readiness. The project empowers units to predict, plan, and take proactive steps for events such as parts repair or failure before they occur, ensuring reliability and safety during training and operations.
ARC will adapt its state-of-the art, Internet-of-Things (IoT) sensor to transparently embed into crew-served weapons platforms to collect, synthesize, and communicate diagnostics for units to assess the overall health of their platforms. The data will be used to develop machine-learning (ML) algorithms that detect when a component of the weapon may fail or when the weapon system requires maintenance.
These insights allow commanders to take decisive action with timely, accurate information about the utilization rates of their weapons systems, 1) significantly reducing unscheduled weapons maintenance, 2) extending the lifetime of the weapon and 3) creating cost saving through supply chain optimization.
“Supporting the Marines’ leap forward from time- to conditions-based maintenance for their medium-caliber weapons creates extraordinary potential for efficiencies. This project is particularly exciting because we have the opportunity to understand and help better predict non-age-related equipment issues, which typically comprise 80% of total failures,” said Michael Canty, Chief Executive Officer of ARC. “Ultimately, a properly functioning weapon can be a Marine or Soldier’s lifeline in combat and reliability matters; our team is thrilled to contribute.”
ARC technical solutions and case studies are available for individual demonstration. Interested parties are invited to visit armaments.us and contact for more information.
About Armaments Research Company, Inc.: Founded in 2016, ARC is a privately-owned, top-secret-cleared, Washington D.C.-based technology firm, led in tandem by innovative technology experts and combat-tested military veterans. ARC’s original solutions were developed under DARPA and National Science Foundation sponsorship, leveraging state-of-the-art internet-of-things (IoT) and machine learning (ML) technologies to transform weapons into information nodes or ‘sensors’ and arm Commanders with advanced, real-time decision support. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)
04 Oct 21. More details emerge about RoKA’s acquisition of M3K amphibious rigs. More details have emerged about South Korea’s procurement of the M3K – a localised version of the M3 – amphibious rig to meet a Republic of Korea Army (RoKA) requirement for an amphibious bridge and ferry system. General Dynamics European Land Systems (GDELS) said in a 30 September statement that it had been selected along with its South Korean partner, Hanwha Defense, to jointly produce 110 examples of the M3K variant for the RoKA.
The announcement came after Hanwha Defense revealed around mid-August that it had secured a contract from the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) in Seoul to lead a KRW500 bn (USD426 m) project for the local development and production of the systems under a technology transfer from original equipment manufacturer (OEM) GDELS in Germany.
Sources had told Janes on 18 August that M3K deliveries to the RoKA are slated to begin in 2024 and be completed three years later.
The M3K variant, which had been proposed by Hanwha Defense in partnership with GDELS, was chosen in December 2020 following a series of trials and evaluations conducted in the second half of 2020. The M3K had been in competition with the Otter Armoured Amphibious Assault Bridge (AAAB) system, which had been proposed by rival bidder Hyundai Rotem in co-operation with OEM FNSS Savunma Sistemleri.
In its bid, which was submitted in March 2020, Hanwha Defense had stated that the M3K variant would be built under licence in South Korea and specifically tailored to meet RoKA requirements. (Source: Jane’s)
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