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02 June 22. Otokar Aims to Meet Bulgarian Armed Forces’ Requirements.
Otokar, Turkey’s global land systems manufacturer participates in HEMUS 2022 on June 01-04 in Plovdiv, Bulgaria. During the exhibition, Otokar will exhibit its ARMA 8×8 infantry fighting vehicle.
Stating that Otokar military vehicles are actively used in five continents, General Manager Serdar Görgüç, said, “As a listed NATO and UN supplier, Otokar’s military vehicles are actively in service in more than 35 countries and more than 55 end users in different climates and geographies around the world. Our combat proven know-how in land systems and related R&D, engineering and testing capabilities as well as our wide product range puts us at the forefront of the global defense industry. We introduce innovative solutions in land systems by taking into account the current and future requirements of modern armies and security forces. We continue to aim to meet the Bulgarian Armed Forces’ requirements being available for the local manufacturing opportunities. In this context, HEMUS is particularly important.”
ARMA 8×8
Otokar’s multi-wheeled modular armored vehicle ARMA 8×8 offers superior mobility, high mine and ballistic protection, as well as medium and high-caliber weapon system integration options. Offering high tactical and technical features, ARMA is capable to serve modern armies in the real battlefield, peace keeping and humanitarian aid operations in most demanding terrain and climate conditions.
ARMA 8×8 stands out especially with its high payload capacity and large interior volume. ARMA can be equipped with different weapon stations and manned / unmanned turrets according to the needs. The ARMA 8×8 can be used for various missions as surveillance, recovery, armored personnel carrier, armored combat vehicle, command control, reconnaissance, and CBRN reconnaissance vehicle while different weapon systems can be integrated into the vehicle.
(Source: ASD Network)
20 May 22. MRCVs Multi-Role Ready. Multi-role combat vehicles (MRCVs) give a good range of options (and savings) over fleets of role specific combat vehicles.
The main battle tank, infantry fighting vehicle, and self-propelled howitzer are commonly looked upon as defining an army’s combat capabilities. These are, however, highly mission role specific systems which also carry a considerable support burden. Their development and manufacture also demand investment and industrial capacity not always readily available. Many counties, including those in the Asian-Pacific, therefore focus on a more utilitarian approach to addressing their combat vehicle requirements – the Multi-Role Combat Vehicle (MRCV). These are usually a six or eight wheeled platform with armoured body and utilising available local production capabilities. Collaborating with established foreign combat system firms have been used to ‘jump-start’ some domestic developments. The resulting vehicles address the broader roles, missions and circumstances of these militaries, such as peacekeeping, while providing systems that are more readily supported while contributing to the local economy and the possibility of sales in other markets. In fact, MRCVs reflect the majority of combat vehicles in use in the region.
Anoa – Indonesia
Indonesia has been developing an indigenous defence industry since 2000. One of its premier efforts has focused on combat vehicles through the company PT Pindad. The Anoa, a 6×6 wheeled armoured combat vehicle named after a local water buffalo, has been one its success stories. The development was prompted by Indonesian Army (Tentara Nasional Indonesia Angkatan Darat – TNI-AD) interest and facilitated through collaboration with France’s GIAT, which explains the similarity to the Véhicule de l’avant blindé (VAB), which is also in Indonesian service. However, the APS-3 first publicly viewed in 2006, though also a monocoque hull has, in fact, several improvements over its French ‘cousin’. These include an independent suspension with new torsion bars and large 360-degree weapon station on the left side behind the forward commander’s position. It uses the widely used Renault MIDR 06-20-45 engine and ZF 6FIP502 automatic transmission delivering 320hp. Anoa has proved both dependable and adaptable in filling a range of mission roles including personnel carrier, command, logistics, recovery, mortar carrier, and reconnaissance. Over 400 currently are in service with the TNI-AD. Further development has resulted in the BADAK fire support version. Mounting the CMI Defence CSE 90LP MKIII two-person turret with a 90mm low-pressure rifled gun, it is adapted with a double wish-bone suspension to accommodate gun firing.
K806 and K808 – Korea
The Republic of Korea Army (ROKA) realised a requirement for a highly mobile response force for rear area security and to support its heavier units. Competitors for this need included Doosan’s Black Fox, Samsung Techwin’s MPV, and Hyundai Rotem’s KW1 with the last selected. Low-rate production began in October 2016 was later increased to provide 100 16 tonne 6×6 K806 and 500 20 tonne 8×8 K808 armoured combat vehicles. An order for a third batch of vehicles was announced on 29 September 2020 valued at $348.6 m. The vehicles share many performance characteristics including the 420hp Hyundai diesel power pak, automatic transmission and independent ISU suspension with central tyre inflation and run flat tyres.
The K806 can be configured with a .50 machine gun or 40mm AGL cupola or Remote Weapons System (RWS) as a nine-soldier personnel carrier, as a 30mm turreted ACV, a mobile gun with 90mm low pressure cannon or for medical evacuation. A larger and more protected K808 has rear water jets allowing swimming. It not only accommodates the weapons of the K806 but can act as a 120mm mortar carrier and command post. In June 2020 the Army also ordered the K808 configured with the K30 Biho twin anti-aircraft system from Hanwha with first delivery in December 2021. The high commonality across the K806 and K808 fleets will also offer significant logistics, maintenance and support benefits.
It is worth noting that the Peoples Republic of Korea (North Korea) has also shown its interest in developing and fielding indigenous wheeled combat vehicles. Local designed 6×6 and 8x8s with a twin 14.5 machinegun turret, a rear engine, and side troop doors resembling the Russian BTR080 have been observed although the production scale is unknown. Then during the 10 October 2020 military parade in Pyongyang an obviously new and different 8×8 combat vehicle was shown in two versions. The first had a large calibre cannon in an overhead turret while the second had five anti-tank guided missiles. It remains unclear whether a chassis for a broader multi-role vehicle series will be offered.
AV8 Gempita – Malaysia
Malaysia is also encouraging domestic defence manufacturing by pursing locally developed multirole armoured vehicles. The firm DRB-HICOM Defense Technologies, known as DefTech, established a relationship with Turkey’s FNSS Defense Systems in which the later provided military vehicle design and development assistance. The collaboration led to the AV8 Gempita (Thunder) an 8×8 wheeled armoured vehicle with a modular design which is based on FNSS’s PARS 8×8. AV8 uses aluminium and steel composite armour with add-on protection against 14.5mm (STANAG 4569 Level 4) on the sides and front. A turbocharged 550hp Deutz engine linked to an automatic transmission provides a power to weight ratio of up to 19.6hp/ton which, coupled with its independent air suspension, offers a road speed of up to 100 kilometres per hour (km/h) (62 miles per hour). It is swim capable with two rear shrouded waterjets providing a water speed of 3.2 knots (6km/h). Other features include dual channel central tyre inflation, run flat tires, air conditioning, NBC protection, land navigation and front and rear thermal and CCD cameras.
In common with most multirole vehicles AV8 has a roomy interior with a rear compartment that can be configured for various mission types. This is further facilitated by open architecture vehicle electronics offering internal and external voice, data, and video exchange, platform status management, battlefield information management, and improved situational awareness. Twelve mission variants of AV8 have been provided. These range from infantry carriers to anti-tank missile, mortar, command, RSTA (reconnaissance surveillance and target acquisition), ambulances, recovery, maintenance team, engineering and signals versions. The infantry combat versions use the common chassis but mount either a 12.7mm remote weapon station, a 25mm Bushmaster autocannon Sharpshooter one-man turret, or a Denel South Africa LCT30 two-man turret with 30mm GI30 cannon, digital fire control and day/night sights. Around 54 LCT30 in Malaysian service include the ZT3 Ingwe laser beam riding anti-tank guided missile. Overall, the development and fielding of AV8 is providing a versatile and capable complement to the army’s PT-91M main battle tanks and ACV-300 tracked combat vehicles.
Deliveries of a first batch totalling 257 systems was completed in 2021 while a second order was planned for 2022. There is the possibility that this second requirement, one as large as 400 vehicles, might be recast as a 6×6 for which an initial requirement open to international competition was announced in September 2021. This potential tender already has the attention of PT Pindad with its Anoa in a 6×6 version, Hyundai Rotem with K806, Hanwha Defense with AVP Engineering with TIGON and General Dynamics Land Systems Canada. In addition, DefTech could again work with FNSS which recently show cased a PARS III 6×6 with front and rear axle steering further improving performance.
The joint development by South Korea’s Hanwha and Malaysia’s AVP Engineering appears, at least initially, targeted to Malaysia’s 6×6 requirement. It’s TIGON is based on the Black Fox, the unsuccessful contender for South Korea’s wheeled combat vehicle with Doosan DST (and Samsung Techwin) being acquired by Hanwha. Black Fox (considered as its second generation) was, however, successfully offered to Indonesia, renamed Tarantula, as a fire support vehicle with a Cockerill CSE 90mmLP gun. TIGON’s wheeled 6×6, the third generation, uses a double-wishbone suspension with wide tires and has two forward steering axles spaced from its single rear axle. Rear waterjets offer swimming. The basic welded steel hull can be supplemented by bolted add-on armour up to Level 3 while the semi-vee bottom form meets STANAG 4569. With a 525 turbocharged Caterpillar power pak and Allison 4500SP electronically controlled automatic transmission giving 100km/h (62mph) road speed, rear water jets provide swimming at 4.5kts (8.5km/h). The vehicle has been designed to allow variants up to 24-tonne GVW which is facilitated by the spacious interior space. TIGON has undergone extensive field testing since 2018 in Asia and the Middle East. A Hanwha representative indicated it “passed all test categories with the highest score in the later despite rugged terrain and 50C degree temperatures”.
Type 96 Replacement – Japan
Japan’s Ground Self Defense Force (JGSDF) announced in August 2021 it had selected three designs as competitors to replace its Type 96 8×8 armoured carrier. General Dynamics Land Systems withdrew itself in November leaving Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and Finnish Patria as competitors. Although designated by the JGSDF as an armoured personnel carrier, the Type 96 configuration and field employment reflect many of the properties of an MRV. Patria’s entry is its AMV XP (extra payload, extra performance, extra protection) which has been undergoing tests in Japan. The AMV is not only in service with eight countries but is both combat proven and had full local manufacturing successfully transitioned in at least two occasions.
Mitsubishi is reconfiguring its MCV fielded in 2016 with a 105mm tank cannon and a rear troop compartment as its entry. Called the Mitsubishi Armoured Vehicle (MAV), it is all wheel drive with the company’s 4MA-4 cylinder 536hp diesel and independent suspension with space for two crew and up to nine passengers. Notably Mitsubishi had already received a contract in December 2019 to develop prototypes of its Type 16 MCV reconfigured as an infantry combat vehicle, a reconnaissance combat vehicle, and a manoeuvre mortar combat vehicle as part of a JGSDF Common Tactical Wheeled Vehicles (CTWV) project. Prototypes are to be delivered in March 2022.
Boxer – Australia
The winner of Australia’s Land 400 Phase 2 Combat Reconnaissance Vehicle (CRV) requirement happens to use a platform, the Rheinmetall/ARTEC Boxer, that could be considered as one of today’s up and coming multi-role vehicles. Utilising an innovative ‘mission module’ approach it has a drive platform composed of the chassis, power pak, suspension and driver station. It contains the 711hp MTU 8V199 engine (growing to 805hp in the latest A3), eight-wheel drive and steering, independent double wishbone suspension, and large tyres with run-flat and CTI. On to this platform a variety of interchangeable mission modules can be installed. The Boxer has demonstrated its performance and reliability including service in Afghanistan. The payload and platform stability have also allowed it to extend its adaption to mission roles not typically anticipated in prior multi-role vehicles. These include as a self-propelled 155mm howitzer, the Boxer RCH155, a 105mm direct fire cannon turreted vehicle, a mobile bridge layer, and a highly mobile weapon locating system (WLS) platform with Saab’s Arthur radar.
The current Australian Army requirement consists primarily of a reconnaissance variant with a Lance 30mm autocannon – 133 have been ordered. However, the balance, according to the MoD, will include command and control, surveillance, joint fires, ambulance, and battlefield repair and recovery models. This collection of variants is the broadest in any of the current other Boxer users, though it may well be topped by the British Army which in July 2018 announced its intent to order up to 600 Boxers with the possibility of fielding as many as 1,500. Still as Gary Stewart, managing director of Rheinmetall Defense Australia stated regarding the Australian programme: “Rheinmetall’s investment in the MILVEHCOE (manufacturing and support centre) … is creating a strong sovereign military vehicle industry”. This is amplified by the programme’s incorporation of over 40 indigenous content providers contributing to the vehicle. As a result, Boxer has a potential to offer a local Asian-Pacific contender in other multi-role requirements in the region.
Yunpao – Republic of China (Taiwan)
The Republic of China’s Yunpao Clouded Leopard 8×8 began as the Taiwan Infantry Fighting Vehicle with two-man 30mm MK44 auto-cannon turret. It has subsequently added additional variants establishing itself as a multi-role platform. Other variants are the CM-33 with 40mm auto-grenade launcher / 7.62mm machine gun remote station, plus command and reconnaissance models. In addition, Leopard II has been displayed with a 105mm tank cannon (CM-37 Black Bear) and a mounted mortar with a howitzer integration understood to be in development. These will equip the new combined-arms battalions.
PLA – Type 8 and Type 90/92
The Asian military which has most embraced the multi-role combat vehicle is the People’s Republic of China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA). This is a factor of economics and efficiency driven by the numbers of vehicles necessary to fill its needs. Having common platforms contributes to simplifying training, maintenance and support and offers manufacturing economy of scale.
The PLA fielding include the ZBL08/Type 08 (also referred to as VN1) 8×8 provided in 30mm autocannon turreted personnel carrier, command, recovery, air defence, 122mm howitzer, and at least 15 other mission models. An estimated 4,500+ are in service with 75 acquired by Thailand. Another option is the WZ551 6×6 referred to as the ZSL/Type 90 and 92 with the latter being the improved version. Intended as a universal platform these are found with a 100mm cannon, 120mm gun-mortar, missile-carrier, air defence, command, 25mm fighting vehicle, and other combat support versions. Both 4×4 and 8×8 configurations have also been developed. The automotive platform draws from the Tiema XC2030 truck.
Norinco continues to add new multi-role designs as shown by the VN22 6×6 debuted at the Zhuhai air show in September 2021. Displayed with a UW5 unmanned 30mm turret with pop-up twin anti-tank missiles its form suggested adaptability to other roles. It differs from previous PLA models with the driver forward left of the engine and with height adjustable suspension. It remains unclear if VN22 will enter PLA service.
Future MRCVs
Advances on combat vehicle technologies including improvements in suspension and power to engine weight/volume are permitting multi-role platforms to accept greater payloads increasing their compatibility to larger and more demanding mission packages. Expanding the roles they are able to take-on provides militaries with the possibility of outfitting battalions with troop carriers, assault guns, mortars, air-defence, reconnaissance, maintenance/recovery, ambulances and other task vehicles. By each utilising a common platform not only are major training, maintenance, logistic and support benefits realised but so too is the mobility and integrity of the entire force. Evidence from recent battlefields also suggest future combat will require an integrated all-arms force. Multi-role systems are proving ideal platforms for incorporating the necessary capabilities though mission variants to address these cross-domain threats. (Source: AMR)
01 June 22. Iveco Defence Vehicles unveils its new logo and visual identity. With a dynamic, solid, and innovative design, the new IDV logo conveys an immediate sense of resilience, strength, and focus. The three letters are designed to represent the brand’s guiding principles and to symbolize the company’s unstoppable drive for technological advancement and its readiness to master new challenges with determination, passion, and dedication. Proud of its past, Iveco Defence Vehicles is looking forward to the future. The brand-new logo and the new visual identity will have their premiere at the 2022 edition of Eurosatory in Paris this month.
Since 1937, Iveco Defence Vehicles has been building its solid reputation as a key player in the field of Land Defence solutions. Over the years the company has succeeded thanks to its everlasting focus on innovation, advancement, and ambition together with a great team of people whose passion and dedication embody everything Iveco Defence Vehicles stands for.
It has always been the company’s mission to be a solid, trustworthy global partner – a partner on which the customers can rely on even when facing the most demanding and extreme challenges. Whatever the circumstances, the company’s Multirole Vehicles, Tactical and Logistic Trucks and Armored Vehicles provide the customers with a complete range of solutions for on- and off-road scenarios. This customer-centric approach, combined with the continuous aspiration for excellence, contribute considerably to the brand’s position on the market.
Aware and proud of its heritage, Iveco Defence Vehicles now firmly looks to the future – stronger than ever and determined to mark this milestone with the adoption of a brand-new logo and a new visual identity. Compact, catchy, and dynamic, the new logo fully represents both the traditional and innovative guiding principles of the brand, its people, and its solutions.
Forming a single, compact body, the three letters IDV convey an immediate sense of strength, determination, and protection. The letters’ shape clearly evokes a sense of dynamism and progress – attributes which are reflected by the company’s drive for progress, always embracing new challenges such as the ever-changing needs for security, protection, and safety. IDV is ready to adapt and to respond to its customers’ evolving requirements by delivering outstanding mobility and state-of-the art protection.
31 May 22. GM Defense Strengthens Global Offerings by Expanding into Canada. GM Defense LLC is expanding its global strategy to Canada, leveraging the existing relationships of GM Canada along with the advanced technologies and capabilities of its parent company, General Motors, with the aim of delivering efficient and innovative solutions to international military, security and government customers.
Leveraging GM’s $35bn corporate investment in transformational technologies, GM Defense is well-positioned to support international growth with its defense and government customers. GM has invested $6 bn since 2009 to update its Canadian manufacturing facilities, including the reopening of Oshawa Assembly and investments to convert CAMI Assembly into Canada’s first large-scale commercial electric vehicle manufacturing plant. Benefitting from these investments, GM Defense is positioned to have the agility to meet Canadian defense requirements with potential made-in-Canada solutions.
“GM’s world-class manufacturing and engineering resources in Canada make this collaboration a natural next step for expanding our global presence,” said Steve duMont, GM Defense president. “We have a seamless partnership with GM Canada that will enable us to deliver highly customized solutions to meet the unique requirements of Canadian defense and government customers. We understand that the Canadian military procurement process requires significant investments in country, and we’re confident that GM’s current and future investments will help us meet our Industrial Technological Benefit obligations in support of our Canadian customers.”
Working as one team alongside GM Canada, Bradley Watters, GM Defense’s new vice president of International Business Development and Pete Johnson, GM Defense’s new vice president of Integrated Vehicles Business Development, will lead military customer engagements on behalf of GM Defense in Canada and more broadly across the globe.
GM Defense will be showcasing some of its solutions and discussing its capabilities at Canada’s global defense and security trade show hosted by Canadian Association of Defence and Security Industries in Ottawa on June 1-2, 2022. For more information, please visit www.gmdefensellc.com. (Source: PR Newswire)
01 June 22. Slovak army selects CV90 MK IV as future infantry fighting vehicle. Slovakia intends to purchase 152 armored tracked vehicles of seven different variants in the first phase of procurement, while in the second phase, a further 71 vehicles are to be procured
BAE CV90 MK IV Infantry Fighting Vehicle is the Slovakian Army future IFV. The Slovakian Ministry of Defense announced last week that an evaluation committee of the Ministry selected the CV90 Mk IV as the new platform to replace the outdated BVP-1 and BVP-2 armored personnel carriers. However, this decision still has to be confirmed by the Slovak government, which should happen by June 30, 2022.
Slovakia intends to purchase 152 armored tracked vehicles of seven different variants (110 infantry fighting vehicles, 15 command posts, 9 reconnaissance, 3 ant material rifles team, 9 grenade launcher team, 3 recovery and 3 maintenance and repair) in the first phase of procurement. In the second phase, a further 71 vehicles in seven variants (including 20 120 mm mortar carriers) are to be procured. BAE bid for the first phase is approximately €1.7bn.
By the deadline of January 31, 2022, a total of five offers were received. Rheinmetall offered the Lynx KF41, General Dynamics European Land Systems the ASCOD, BAE with two variants of the CV90 Mk IV (CV 9030 IV and CV 9035 IV) and The last candidate was Borsuk from Polska Grupa Zbrojeniowa.
The CV90 Mk IV ended up being the closest to the requirements of the Slovak Army. According to a published evaluation table by the Slovak Ministry of Defense, the CV90 offer scored 292 points. The ASCOD finished second with 279 points and the Lynx third with 257 points. The Borsuk scored just 30 points, mainly due to the fact that its development is not completed. The current schedule envisages the delivery of the first nine CV90 Mk IV in the armored personnel carrier variant in 2025. The remaining 143 vehicles are scheduled to be delivered between 2026 and 2028. (Source: News Now/https://www.israeldefense.co.il/)
31 May 22. British Army rules out JLTV acquisition. The British Army has decided to not purchase the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV) under the Multi-Role Vehicle (Protected) (MRV-P) programme.
Around five years after receiving approval from the US government to purchase Joint Light Tactical Vehicles (JLTV), the British Army has decided to not acquire these platforms under the Multi-Role Vehicle (Protected) (MRV-P) programme.
A spokesperson for the UK MoD confirmed to Shephard that the army has ended the proposed MRV-P Package 1, which comprised acquisition of JLTVs. ‘This difficult decision took into consideration affordability and the requirement to deliver several major army programmes within the same period,’ the official stressed. (Source: News Now/Shephard)
BATTLESPACE Comment: This would appear to be a misleading erroneous headline. Sources suggest that the MRV(P) Programme is dead but JLTV is still waiting funding approval. From a personal point of view the Editor suggest that the MoD looks at a fleet of armed JLTVs to take the place of the soon to be canned Ajax!
01 June 22. Collins Aerospace to support RNLAF’s F-35 and CH-47F programmes. Work to establish the service centre at RNLAF’s Logistics Centre Woensdrecht (LCW) Air Base is expected to commence in 2026.
Collins Aerospace has signed two letters of intent (LOI) with the Royal Netherlands Air Force (RNLAF) to support the RNLAF’s F-35 and CH-47F programmes.
The LOI was signed by Netherlands Organization for Applied Scientific Research (TNO) managing director Marja Eijkman, RNLAF deputy commander major general Elanor Boekholt-O’Sullivan, and Collins Aerospace Avionics Service and Support vice-president and general manager Lisa Steffen.
Under the first LOI, Collins is planning to integrate its F-35 simulator helmet into the TNO’s DESDEMONA motion simulator, at the RNLAF’s F-35 Pilot Readiness Centre (PRC) in Soesterberg, the Netherlands.
Located at the RNLAF’s Center for Man in Aviation, this PRC recently achieved initial operating capability (IOC).
For the past year, Collins has been working with RNLAF to develop a PRC outside the US to provide dynamic testing and helmet fitting for F-35 aircraft pilots.
DESDEMONA’s spatial disorientation programme is expected to provide insights into the physiological dynamics and drive helmet innovation.
Additionally, the joint effort will provide new operational benefits to the F-35 operators by developing a single integrated training condition.
The second LOI, signed with RNLAF, involves creating a service centre at the Logistics Centre Woensdrecht (LCW) Air Base.
The centre will provide a supply chain for the F-35 helmet-mounted display (HMD) and CH-47F avionics components to support RNLAF and other operators in the region.
Work to set up this centre and to place a local support team is expected to commence in early 2026.
Steffen said: “We’re currently providing performance-based logistics (PBL) avionics support to the Air Force’s CH-47F fleet at the Gilze-Rijen Air Base, and we look forward to now bringing depot repair capability for the F-35 and CH-47F platforms at LCW – both of which will provide seamless support to the armed forces.” (Source: airforce-technology.com)
31 May 22. Skanska awarded contract to deliver modern British Army vehicle storage facility. The Ministry of Defence has awarded Skanska UK a £259m contract to deliver the Vehicle Storage Support Programme (VSSP) at Ashchurch, Tewkesbury. Contracted via the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO), Skanska together with the Technical Services Provider, MACE, will provide modern, sustainable and effective storage and maintenance solutions for the British Army’s land equipment fleet.
Belinda Lunn, Senior Responsible Owner for VSSP said: “We are very excited to be working with Skanska to deliver this project which will bring the Ashchurch site back up to full operating capability. Whilst the majority of the Army’s vehicle fleet is either on, or training for operations, a sizeable fleet is centrally stored to ensure that they are ready to deploy when required. VSSP will redevelop this centralised facility and deliver a modern, sustainable storage solution that ensures operational readiness of the Army’s vehicles by minimising the need for maintenance.”
Warren Webster, DIO’s Programme Director for Army Major Projects and Programmes, said: “It’s great to see this project take a major step forward as we award the contract. This important work will future-proof the Army’s vehicle storage and maintenance facilities at Ashchurch for years to come and we look forward to continuing to work with our partners in the Army, Skanska and Mace to support this significant capability improvement.”
Demolitions will begin this September enabling regeneration of the site by providing brand new infrastructure and updates to existing buildings. Once complete the Ashchurch site will provide Controlled Humidity Environment (CHE) storage for 4100 vehicles.
Katy Dowding, Executive Vice President, Skanska UK, said: “We’re delighted to continue supporting modernisation of the Defence estate following completion of Worthy Down in 2021, so we’re excited to help transform this site to protect and maintain this vital asset for the Army.”
Steve Holbrook, Managing Director for Skanska UK’s construction arm, added: “We’re also proud to continue to help drive greener solutions as part of this complex project and plan to make significant use of modern methods of construction to drive down carbon emissions.”
The project will employ up to 400 people, a number of whom are expected to be employed from the Tewkesbury area. There will be a range of employment opportunities available including demolition, groundworks, structural steelwork and scaffolding. In addition, the project will also support 10 apprenticeships. All construction activity is expected to complete by 2027. (Source: https://www.gov.uk/)
09 Jun 21. Suppressed auditor general’s report warned $1.3bn Australian defence deal not value for money. Guardian Australia has previously reported the auditor found the government could have spent half the amount to buy a new combat vehicle fleet.
auditor general’s report warned that the government’s $1.3bn deal to buy a new combat vehicle fleet was not value for money, newly released material shows.
In 2018, the attorney general, Christian Porter, deployed rarely used powers to suppress parts of an auditor general’s report that criticised the purchase of a new combat vehicle fleet, the Hawkei, manufactured by multinational arms giant Thales.
The Guardian revealed in 2018 that, in the redacted parts of the report, the auditor general had suggested the government could have spent half the amount if it had chosen to join the US joint light tactical vehicle (JLTV) program, instead of purchasing the Hawkei.
Thales was furious at the auditor’s finding, believing it could threaten its ability to market the Hawkei abroad. The arms manufacturer lobbied Porter to intervene and remove references comparing the JLTV and the Hawkei in January 2018.
Government wrong to censor report to protect arms maker’s interests, tribunal finds
Porter did so by using largely unprecedented powers that allow him to suppress audit reports, including on grounds of national security and commercial prejudice.
In the almost three years since, the independent senator Rex Patrick has used freedom of information laws in an attempt to secure the full unredacted report. He won his protracted battle in the administrative appeals tribunal last month, and a less redacted version of the report has now been released.
The newly unredacted findings largely reflect what was revealed by the Guardian in 2018: that the auditor found Australia could have saved money by going with the JLTV program instead of the Hawkei.
One suppressed part of the report found that:
“Defence has not clearly demonstrated that the acquisition provides value for money, as it did not undertake robust benchmarking in the context of a sole source procurement.”
The redacted parts of the report detail a cost comparison between the JLTV and the Hawkei. One part finds the JLTV would have been significantly cheaper than previously suggested to the government in 2015 advice.
“Although only one element of assessing overall value for money, the ANAO’s high-level cost-comparison indicates that the cost of the Hawkei capability exceeds the 23 per cent price difference advised to the government in 2015,” one previously redacted part of the report said.
Thales has always argued the cost comparison is deeply flawed and unfair, because it seeks to compare two vastly different vehicles and fails to take into account the benefits of local manufacturing brought by the Hawkei.
The government has continued to resist the publication of the unredacted report because it fears it would hamper Thales’ efforts to export the Hawkei abroad.
The case prompted criticism in 2018 because it was widely seen as a threat to the independence of the auditor general’s office, one of the key accountability bodies in the country.
Patrick said the government must now explain why it thought it was appropriate to redact the report on national security grounds.
“I’m just astounded at what the attorney thought was security sensitive,” he said on Saturday.
“I have written to the attorney general insisting he make an explanation to the parliament as to how he completely misjudged national security and issued a certificate under the auditor general’s act to censor the auditor’s findings from the parliament.”
A spokesman for the acting attorney general Peter Dutton said the decision to suppress parts of the report was made “following careful consideration”.
“Balancing the content of the report with the required s.37 security, defence and international relations issues and the issues relating to the commercial interests of relevant parties was the subject of a thorough and considered process conducted strictly in accordance with the act,” the spokesman said.
“It is important to note that the relevant auditor general report is, and has been, publicly available since September 2018, with only a small amount of particular information of the report redacted on these grounds.” (Source: Guardian Australia)
29 May 22. Hanwha Redback infantry fighting vehicle demonstrates manoeuvres in six week long ROK (Republic of Korea) Army trial.
The Redback Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV), developed by Hanwha Defense, has demonstrated its outstanding performance during a media invitation event held on May 27 at an Army unit.
- The ROK Army trial of Hanwha Defense’s Redback IFV has ended successfully after six weeks of pilot run
- The Redback showcased its high-performance manoeuvrability in off-road environments during a media invitation event
- The Defense Acquisition Program Administration announced intent to acquire the ‘Korean version of Redback’ through a ‘fast-track R&D programme’
- Shortlisted for Australia’s LAND 400 Phase 3 project, the Redback is set to compete in US and European IFV contests
The event took place at the end of the Republic of Korean Army’s six-week-long trial of the next-generation IFV. The ROK Army trial followed the Redback’s successful tests and evaluations last year under the Australian Risk Mitigation Activity to select the preferred bidder for the LAND 400 Phase 3 project aimed at acquiring about 400 next-generation IFVs. During the media event, the tracked armoured vehicle impressed the audience by showcasing its off-road manoeuvrability through an obstacle course, including a ramp and a muddy puddle of water. The vehicle also performed its pivot steer; turret rotation; and troop dismounting.
“The reliability and sophisticated technology of the Redback IFV has been proved during the latest ROK Army trial run of the vehicle, which is expected to be a strong basis for the Redback’s international sales and marketing,” said Brig. Gen. Cho Hyun-ki, head of the DAPA’s Manoeuvre Programme Department.
“Domestically, we consider acquiring a Korean version of the Redback meeting the ROK Army’s operational concept and capable of featuring technology and performance required by the service, under a fast-track research and development programme,” Cho added. “With this approach, the ROK Army will be able to deploy next-generation IFVs earlier than schedule, which will contribute to improving the service’s capability to deploy and sustain armed forces.”
The fast-track R&D programme is aimed at procuring weapons systems equipped with the latest technologies after verifying the military utilisation of the systems concerned. With this rapid R&D programme, the military is able to shorten the period of introducing state-of-the-art weapons systems to an extent.
Hanwha Defense is on track to meet the potential demands of the ROK Army, as the company is scheduled to conduct the durability testing on the Redback’s manoeuvrability on the Korean terrain from August this year. The testing is to cover around 10,000 kilometres of driving on rough terrain as well as on paved and unpaved roads.
Taking advantage of core technologies of the K21 Infantry Fighting Vehicle, the Redback was developed to meet the operational requirements of the Australian Defence Force. The tracked vehicle features several innovative technologies such as the composite rubber track; the Iron Vision see-through helmet mounted display; the Iron Fist hard-kill active protection system; the In-arm type hydro-pneumatic suspension unit; the offboard Health and Usage Management System; and the Solar Sigma Shield technology.
The Redback is also receiving strong attention from the US and European markets. The Oshkosh Defense Consortium, including Hanwha Defense USA, is trying to leverage the proven capability of the Redback for the US Army’s Optionally Manned Fighting Vehicle (OMFV) design effort. Several European nations have also shown in the Redback for their IFV acquisition programmes.
“The Redback demonstrated its overwhelming performance during the final tests and evaluations in Australia, and the latest trial run of the Redback for the ROK Army proved the vehicle’s all terrain capabilities and reliability,” said Lee Boo-hwan, Vice President of Hanwha Defense’s Overseas Department. “We’re confident in the Redback’s competitiveness in the global IFV market.” (Source: www.joint-forces.com)
27 May 22. WFEL, a world-leading provider of rapidly deployed modular military bridging systems, will showcase its range of products at Eurosatory 2022. For the first time in WFEL’s many appearances at the Eurosatory exhibition in Paris, the Military Bridging Systems supplier will be exhibiting on the KNDS (KMW Nexter Defence Systems) booth, alongside parent company KMW.
The world-leading provider of rapidly deployed modular military bridging systems will showcase its range of products, including the DSB Dry Support Bridge and also its newest collaboration with KMW, the Boxer Bridge-Layer system.
WFEL’s Dry Support Bridge is the world’s most technically advanced, rapidly deployable military bridge of its type and a 46m bridge can be constructed by a crew of eight in under 90 minutes. The user base for the Dry Support Bridge is constantly growing worldwide and the latest country to join the user base is the Philippines, which is acquiring a number of DSB systems under the Horizon II modernisation programme.
Strategic Importance: WFEL’s rapidly-deployable bridging systems – including the MGB Medium Girder Bridge as well as the DSB – provide temporary infrastructure and have the potential to be used both in combat situations and in the event of natural disasters, greatly enhancing an Army’s capability to quickly manoeuvre across physical terrain as complex as rivers, ravines and man-made gaps.
The current growing ‘state of readiness for battle’ for many militaries around the world, combined with the greater involvement of the military in support of natural disasters which have occurred in recent times, illustrates the strategic importance of the dual-role capabilities of WFEL’s bridging systems.
Both DSB and MGB Bridging Systems were deployed in 2021 during rescue and relief operations, following severe flooding in Europe, namely in Germany and Turkey.
30 May 22. Romania moves towards full domestic production of Piranha V. Romanian industry will soon attain the capability for full domestic production of the Piranha V 8×8 wheeled platform, according to Marinica Mirzu, managing director of General Dynamics European Land Systems Romania (GDELS-RO). The programme has ushered in a rapid modernisation of Romanian military-industrial capacity, following foreign direct investment from GDELS-MOWAG and Elbit Systems in connection with the programme. On 12 January 2018 Romania signed a multistage framework agreement with a total value of EUR868 m (USD930 m) for a total requirement of 227 Piranha V 8×8 vehicles in six different variants: armoured personnel carrier (APC); command; mortar carrier; chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN); recovery; and medical evacuation. Under the conditions of the contract, the bidders would provide technology transfer and an 80% production offset, ensuring that the majority of the vehicles and their components would be produced domestically. (Source: Janes)
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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: David Parkman
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