Sponsored by TEK Military Seating Limited
http://www.tekmilitaryseating.co.uk/
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09 Apr 26. Hanwha Aerospace has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Spanish defence company Indra Group to jointly offer armoured vehicle solutions for the Chilean Army and cooperate across Latin America. The signing ceremony took place at the FIDAE 2026 International Air and Space Fair in Santiago, Chile. Dong Hyeon Kim, Head of Hanwha Aerospace’s Land Systems Business Group, Domingo Castro Fernández, Indra’s Director of Defence and Security for America, and María Dolores Carrillo Aguilera, Indra’s Business Development Director of Land Systems and The Republic of Korea’s Ambassador to Chile, Hak-jae Kim attended the ceremony. Under the agreement, the two companies will jointly propose a combined solution for Chile’s next-generation armoured vehicle program. Hanwha Aerospace will supply its Tigon armoured vehicle platforms, while Indra will provide Mission System Equipment (connectivity, situational awareness and C2 among others) and serve as the regional coordination lead. Starting with Chile, the two companies aim to expand their cooperation across ground defence programs in the wider Latin American region. The collaboration marks a step beyond conventional equipment supply, with the two companies offering a turnkey package that integrates Hanwha Aerospace’s proven Tigon platforms with Indra’s mission system technologies. Dong Hyeon Kim, Head of Land Systems Business Group at Hanwha Aerospace, said, “Indra has defence electronics capabilities and a track record in Latin America that complement our vehicle platforms. Through this MOU, the two companies will be able to offer a more complete package to armed forces in the region.” Indra Group spokesperson said, “This partnership creates an optimum framework for combining the core technologies and areas of excellence of both companies into a competitive, state-of-the-art product, capable of meeting high demand in the region.”
16 Mar 26. The Future of Romania’s Next-Generation Tracked Infantry Fighting Vehicles. Romania’s major infantry fighting vehicle (IFV) modernisation programme—aimed at replacing its ageing MLI-84/MLI-84M fleet—is gaining momentum as one of Eastern Europe’s largest land force overhauls, drawing intense focus on transparency, domestic industry integration, and NATO eastern flank readiness. Entering a critical phase in early 2026, the competition pits government, military planners, and industry stakeholders against debates over procurement structure, with outcomes poised to redefine Romania’s mechanised capabilities and defence industrial base amid rising security pressures. Romania’s forthcoming procurement of 246–298 next-generation tracked infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs) under the MLI modernization programme presents a landmark opportunity to transform its mechanized brigades and bolster NATO’s Black Sea flank. By replacing ageing Soviet-era MLI-84/MLI-84M (BMP-1 derivatives), this multi-billion-euro initiative could leverage EU SAFE financing to drive domestic industrial growth, technology transfer, and interoperability—positioning Romania as a key player in Eastern Europe’s defence manufacturing revival. Programme Scope and Strategic Value The initial 246 IFVs, with options to 298, target enhanced protection, mobility, and networked warfare capabilities essential for high-threat environments. This acquisition would enable Romanian units to seamlessly integrate with NATO armoured formations, addressing critical gaps in modern sensor fusion, modular armour, and remote turrets amid Russia’s persistent regional posture. Leading
Contenders Global manufacturers are vying for selection, each offering battle[1]proven platforms adaptable to Romanian needs: • Rheinmetall Lynx KF41: 44-tonne, 1,140hp Liebherr[1]powered vehicle with Lance 2.0 turret (30/35mm cannon), Spike LR2 missiles, and open architecture for rapid upgrades. • BAE Systems CV90: Modular family with 30/35mm turrets, advanced electro-optics, and active protection system (APS) integration, in service across multiple European armies. • Hanwha Aerospace Redback: K21-derived design with 30mm turret, Iron Fist APS, and stabilized firing on the move. • General Dynamics ASCOD: Flexible chassis (basis for Ajax) supporting varied turrets and sensors. Recent Rheinmetall consultations signal competitive momentum, though the process remains open. Industrial and Financing Opportunities SAFE loans could offset fiscal pressures while mandating local content—assembly, sustainment, and tech transfers—to maximize economic returns, potentially establishing Romania as a regional IFV hub. Balancing transparency with national benefits will be key: maintaining multiple bidders strengthens negotiations, while EU-focused financing may favour established © Hawk Information 2026, MPI ISBN 1361-0228 Page 5 European suppliers, offering a pathway to co-production that sustains decades of capability. Broader Implications Success here could accelerate Romania’s defence autonomy, enhance Alliance deterrence, and spawn supply chain synergies across NATO’s east. As one of Eastern Europe’s largest land programmes, it signals investor confidence in Black Sea security investments—watch for contract awards in 2026–2027 to shape the continent’s armoured future
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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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