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02 Feb 23. Mack Defense Awarded a Contract for the Prototype and Testing Phase of U.S. Army’s Common Tactical Truck (CTT) Program. Mack Defense has been awarded a contract to design, build, and deliver trucks for the prototype and testing phase of the U.S. Army’s Common Tactical Truck (CTT) program. The prototypes will be tested and evaluated to determine the final requirements for the next generation of trucks to ultimately begin modernization and replacement of the Army’s fleet of approximately 35,000 heavy tactical trucks which perform a wide range of combat logistics, support, and service support missions.
The U.S. Army’s requirements for the CTT program dictate a modern, scalable commercial-based platform with advanced safety technologies, increased off-road mobility, advanced cybersecurity, open systems architecture, improved fuel efficiency and commonality across truck variants to promote enhanced sustainability.
“We were confident in our ability to meet the needs outlined by the U.S. Army when we submitted our initial bid,” said David Hartzell, president of Mack Defense. “Being chosen for the prototype phase of this program confirms that the Army recognizes Mack Defense has the experience in adapting our commercial based products, technologies and global value chain needed to meet the strict requirements outlined for the CTT.”
Mack Defense will provide three prototype vehicles to the U.S. Army by January 2024 to be tested by the Army in a myriad of situations to evaluate vehicle performance, efficiency, and durability. According to Jack Terefinko, CTT Program Manager at Mack Defense, “the vehicles include an on-road tractor, an off-road tractor, and a load-handling system (LHS) truck each based off our commercial-based vehicle platforms and technologies modified to meet the strict requirements of CTT”. Upon completion of the prototype evaluations and testing in 2025 the Army is expected to launch a separate competition which will lead to production contract for the modernization of the heavy tactical vehicle fleet. Army has stated that an initial production contract could be over 7,000 trucks valued at more than $5.1bn.
Mack Defense is currently performing two major defense programs of record, each with a scope that directly aligns with the CTT. Both projects use modified, commercial-based vehicles from the extensive global Volvo Group network.
The first is the U.S. Army’s M917A3 Heavy Duty Dump Truck (HDT). The M917A3 HDT is based on the commercial Mack® Granite® model. Mack Defense was awarded the contract in 2018 after extensive testing and validation. Serial production began in 2021 and continues today in Allentown, PA.
The second active defense program is the Canadian Medium Support Vehicle System – Standard Military Pattern (MSVS-SMP). For the MSVS-SMP program, Mack Defense chose to use the Renault Kerax 8×8 truck, which was used to create 5 different logistics support vehicle platforms for the Canadian military. Mack Defense brought together expertise from the U.S., Canada, and France to successfully deliver 1,587 vehicles during a five-year production contract from June 2015 to June 2020 and is currently in the third year of a sustainment contract for the MSVS which includes parts, field service, maintenance, and repair.
As a part of the Volvo Group, Mack Defense is part of a global truck brand network, including Mack Trucks, Volvo Trucks and Renault Trucks, with manufacturing facilities in 19 countries, operations in 36 countries, and servicing customers worldwide through its global parts and service-logistics capabilities. The Volvo Group is also a leader in advanced vehicle safety technologies, diesel engine design and advanced powertrains such as battery electric and hydrogen fuel cell.
This effort was sponsored by the U.S. Government under Other Transaction Authority number W15QKN-17-9-1025 with the National Advanced Mobility Consortium. The U.S. Government is authorized to reproduce and distribute reprints for Government purposes notwithstanding any copyright notation herein. The views and conclusions contained herein are those of the authors and should not be interpreted as necessarily representing the official policies or endorsements, either expressed or implied, of the U.S. Government.
02 Feb 23. South Korean army showcases future fighting force. The Republic of Korea (RoK) Army has showcased a new combat unit known as the Army Tiger Demonstration Brigade (ATDB) in a training exercise with the United States. The exercise was held in Paju city, near the North Korean border. The US Army’s quick reaction unit known as Stryker Brigade Combat Team also participated in the drills. The ATDB is designed to integrate artificial intelligence (AI), unmanned systems, and intelligence-based concepts into the RoK Army combat brigades in the coming decade and beyond. South Korea’s Ministry of National Defense (MND) created the ATDB in 2022 within the RoK Army’s 25th Infantry Division in Yangju, Gyeonggi-do province, which is responsible for command-and-control operations.
“Since declaring the first ATDB in 2022, the RoK Army is planning to gradually reform the structure and power system of its brigades and turn all combat brigades into ATDBs by 2040,” an MND spokesperson told Janes. (Source: Janes)
01 Feb 23. US Navy partners with Four, IBM, Cubewise for CL1P programme. The programme will focus on enhancing end-to-end subsistence visibility to further improve fleet readiness. The US Navy has collaborated with strategic industry partners to launch a new programme, Class 1 Common Operating Picture (CL1P), to optimise fleet readiness.
The partners are Cubewise, International Business Machines (IBM) and Four. Official launch of the programme was marked by a ribbon-cutting ceremony aboard USNS Robert E Peary (T-AKE 5), a Lewis and Clark-class dry cargo ship. It was attended by various senior officials and representatives from the companies.
The new programme, spearheaded by US Fleet Forces Command fleet ordinance and supply director rear admiral Matt Ott, will focus on eliminating stovepipes of data and information flow, concurrently removing additive steps that sailors currently use.
It will eventually provide enhanced end-to-end subsistence visibility that will deliver improved mission vibrancy and naval readiness.
The CL1P has been developed to deliver a real-time or near real-time data to the naval fleets to support decision-making process across the ‘optimised fleet response plan’, which also includes ability to expand and maintain fleets.
Ott said: “The technology we plan to employ may start with food, but to me, it is commodity agnostic and marries the right elements that drive integration across our supply chain ecosystem.”
The chosen companies will be required to develop a proof-of-concept that will showcase collaborative planning, forecasting accuracy and business intelligence reporting capabilities to match supply with demand, while minimising overall supply chain risk.
The technological backbone of these supply-demand matching models will be IBM’s Planning Analytics with Watson, an artificial intelligence-infused, integrated planning solution.
CL1P will also boost operational endurance to directly support Class-I supply chain stakeholders, such as Naval Supply Systems Command, Defense Logistics Agency, numbered Fleets and the logistics task forces. (Source: naval-technology.com)
02 Feb 23. Kalyani M4 debuts at India’s Republic Day Parade. Paramount Group’s Mbombe 4, manufactured in India as the Kalyani M4, has debuted in the country’s Republic Day parade after being taken into Indian Army service. The Kalyani M4 took part in the 26 January parade in what Kalyani Strategic Systems Limited said was “a great embodiment of the Make in India vision. Together with our strategic partner, Paramount Group, we are committed to develop, manufacture and supply superior mobility platforms for the diverse needs of the Indian Armed Forces.”
Paramount said it was committed to developing, manufacturing and supplying world class solutions to the Indian Armed Forces and armed forces around the world.
The first Kalyani M4s were inducted into Indian Army service in April 2022, while the Army’s northern command took the vehicle into service in Jammu and Kashmir in October. They have also been used for United Nations peacekeeping missions, with an initial 16 vehicles handed over last year for these missions.
In February 2021 Bharat Forge Limited, part of the Kalyani Group, which partnered with Paramount to produce Mbombe 4/Kalyani M4 in India, received an initial contract from the Indian Ministry of Defence worth $24m. The M4 contract came after the vehicle successfully completed a series of extreme vehicle trials in in India along with its competitors in August 2020.
The M4 is built at Kalyani’s Pune plant. Paramount said the Kalyani M4 is a multi-role platform, designed to meet the specific requirements of armed forces for quick mobility in rough terrain and in areas affected by mine and IED threats. It offers ballistic and blast protection – from up to 50 kg TNT side blast or IED/roadside bombs. The vehicle has a kerb weight of 16 tons, payload of 2 300 kg, and top speed of 140 km/h. It is powered by a six cylinder Cummins turbocharged diesel engine that delivers 465 hp.
Indian publication The Print reported last year that the initial order from the Indian Army was for 27 Kalyani M4s, but the Army has placed multiple orders with the latest one to be integrated with the Israeli Spike anti-tank guided missile (ATGM) system. Business Standard reported an order for 45 Kalyani M4s, with another 23 for UN peacekeeping operations.
Since its launch in 2019, the Mbombe 4 has been ordered by five nations, including the United Arab Emirates, Togo, and India. In August 2022 Paramount revealed that it would be built in Thailand as the D-Lion. The company also hopes to produce the Mbombe 4 in Saudi Arabia.
(Source: https://www.defenceweb.co.za/)
02 Feb 23. Warriors off the road? Sources close to BATTLESPACE suggest that 50% of the Warrior APC fleet is now limited to operating on ‘Exercises Only’ due to cracks found in the hull. The source suggest that as long as four years ago these cracks were identified at the BATUS Range in Canada and the contractor sworn to secrecy. This put a huge question mark over why DE&S continued with the Lockheed-led WCSP Programme, given the state of the hulls? This could have saved millions and a new fleet procured. Given the Warrior role as giving fire support to infantry units, the current Boxer procurement does not envisage a Boxer Programme to equip the vehicle with a turret until 2027 at the earliest; thus, infantry units will lack crucial fire support.
01 Feb 23. Argentina negotiates large order of Brazilian Guarani armored vehicles. Argentina has officially declared its aim to buy 156 Guarani armored vehicles produced in Brazil, having signed a letter of intent on Dec. 23, according to an Argentine government release dated Jan. 23. The agreement, made in Buenos Aires between Argentine Defense Minister Jorge Taiana and Brazilian Brazil’s Foreign Affairs Minister Mauro Vieira, took place during an official visit to Argentina’s capital by Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. The recently elected president was attending a summit of South American heads of state.
The agreement kick-starts direct negotiations, which are expected to lead to the signing of a contract within the first half of 2023.
Other agreements were also signed during da Silva’s stay in the capital city, including one where the Brazilian government will provide financial guarantees and credits for the export of Brazilian-manufactured goods to Argentina, including military equipment. This is seen as key to the potential sale of Guarani vehicles; one of Argentina’s main difficulties when trying to import military hardware is its ability to obtain financial credit.
The six-wheel drive vehicles will fulfill a long-standing requirement to equip the combat component of a mechanized infantry brigade, which includes elements earmarked for eventual deployment abroad with the binational Southern Cross Force. Locally known as Fuerza Cruz del Sur, this Argentine-Chilean military formation was created in 2005 and is made available for peacekeeping deployments under the mandate of the United Nations.
The Guarani is based on a design by Italy’s Iveco Defence Vehicles and was modified to meet the requirements of the Brazilian Army. The armored vehicle weighs about 17 tons. In its basic troop carrier version, it can carry a crew of three plus eight soldiers.
The letter of intent provides details about Argentina’s planned purchase:
- 120 troop transport vehicles (the Guarani VCBR-TP variant), armed with the 12.7mm SARC REMAX 4 turret.
- 27 infantry combat vehicles (the Guarani VCBR-CI variant), armed with the 30mm SARC UT30BR2 turret.
- Nine command post vehicles (the Guarani VCBR-PC variant).
Both of those turrets are remote controlled, and were developed and produced in Brazil by the security and defense firm ARES, a subsidiary of Israeli company Elbit Systems.
Iveco do Brasil produces the Guarani vehicles in Sete Lagoas, in the state of Minas Geraes in the southeast of Brazil. The factory there was inaugurated in 2013 and has since delivered more than 600 Guarani, most for Brazil’s Army but also for the Philippines, Lebanon and Ghana.
The Sete Lagoas location could assemble the vehicles for Argentina, but it’s also possible Argentina will open its own assembly line “to expedite the production and delivery of the vehicles,” according to Humberto Marchioni, who runs Iveco Defense Vehicles for the Latin American region.
Interviewed by local media in Argentina, Marchioni said Iveco facilities at Cordoba in central Argentina “can accommodate a Guarani assembly line.” That is also where the company makes the Cursor 10ENT-C diesel engine used in the Guarani, as well as the chassis for the armored vehicle.
It’s unclear how much the potential order for 156 vehicles will cost. But Emilio Meneses, an independent analyst based in Santiago, estimates the value at no less than $180m. (Source: Defense News)
01 Feb 23. India clears acquisition of Futuristic Infantry Combat Vehicle. India’s Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, has approved the procurement of the Futuristic Infantry Combat Vehicle (FICV) for the Indian Army.
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) said in a statement that the procurement, approved through the provision of an ‘Acceptance of Necessity’ (AoN) status under the ‘Buy (Indian)’ category, includes the tracked version of the FICV for the Mechanised Infantry Regiment of the Indian Army.
The MoD added that the FICV should be amphibious and equip a manned turret with the future combat system (FCS), and fire-and-forget top-attack anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMs). The FICV must be inducted with an automatic cannon of at least 30 mm calibre, a co-axial machine gun, and a stabilised remote control weapon station (RCWS) with a 12.7mm machine gun. The FICV must be equipped with active protection and laser warning systems, and it must have a carrying capacity of 11 soldiers.
(Source: Janes)
01 Feb 23. German Army receives Ziesel unmanned ground vehicles for testing. The German Army has procured two prototype Ziesel light unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) for testing and evaluation, Janes has learnt.
The German Army received the two systems in December 2022, and will conduct the testing for an undetermined period, according to spokespeople for the German Army and the system’s manufacturer, Diehl Defence GmbH.
The Ziesel is a tracked UGV designed for close infantry support in roles including logistics and casualty evacuation (casevac).
Explaining the acquisition process to date, Alexander Wolf, head of Technology Management Unmanned Systems and Systroncis at Diehl Defence GmbH, said, “The German Army were looking at our UGV and autonomy research [in the mid 2010s]. We thought about the kind of terrain on which the German Army might be operating, and it’s often the forest. That required a platform somewhat smaller than the THeMIS and the Mission Master.”
The THeMIS and Mission Master medium UGVs are modular vehicles produced by Milrem Robotics and Rheinmetall, respectively. They have proven to be popular acquisitions among Western militaries. (Source: Janes)
01 Feb 23. Swedish Armed Forces Invest GBP15.5m in Engine Test Facility at GKN Aerospace.
- Investment of GBP15.5m (SEK 200m) in extensive renovation and new construction of engine test facility in Trollhattan
- Test facility can replicate supersonic flying conditions
- Ensures development and maintenance of the RM12 and RM16 fighter engines for the JAS 39 Gripen
To ensure development and maintenance of the RM12 and RM16 fighter engines for the JAS 39 Gripen, the Swedish Armed Forces are investing in an extensive renovation and new construction of the engine test facility at GKN Aerospace in Trollhättan.
GKN Aerospace currently develops and maintains the RM12 engine, while also building the same capability for the RM16. The engine test facility in Trollhättan is unique as it can replicate the same conditions that an engine is exposed to when flying at supersonic speeds.
The investment reinforces GKN Aerospace’s unique position and extensive experience in aero-engine support and means technical support and maintenance for all versions of the Gripen aero-engines will be available in Trollhättan, Sweden for the long-term. GKN Aerospace is also the OEM and type certificate holder of the JAS 39 Gripen C/D RM12 aero-engine and has been supporting the RM12 aero-engines since the first JAS 39 Gripen aircraft went into service in 1997. Since the 1930s, GKN Aerospace has manufactured, maintained and developed the fighter aircraft engines for the Swedish Air Force.
GKN Aerospace employs 2000 people in Trollhättan, Sweden, of which about 250 work in its military engines design and support business.
Stefan Oscarsson, VP Government and Space Programs said: “This investment secures our ability to support the Armed Forces for the long term. It enhances our offer for both current and future aircraft engine systems and we are extremely proud of our role in the Gripen platform.” (Source: ASD Network)
31 Jan 23. Sweden eyes next-gen, hybrid CV-90 infantry fighting vehicle.
The commander of the Swedish Army told Breaking Defense he’s looking forward to “kick-starting” development for the next, next BAE-made CV-90.
Sweden’s armed forces are hoping to adopt a next-generation, potentially hybrid version of the CV-90 infantry fighting vehicle (IFV) in “record time” given the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, according to the commander of the Swedish Army.
Addressing delegates at the International Armoured Vehicles (IAV) conference in Twickenham, UK last week, Maj. Gen. Karl Engelbrektson said the Swedish Army supported the development of an upgraded CV90 IFV between 2023 and 2027. Such a development program, he added, could be followed by procurement of an undisclosed number of next-gen CV90 variants through to 2034 “and beyond.”
The Swedish Army currently operates a total fleet of more than 500 BAE-made CV90s in a variety of configurations including Armoured Recovery, Forward Observation, Forward Command, Mortar and Anti-Aircraft variants. In November 2022, the Swedish Army also elected to procure a further pair of new variants in the form of the CV90 Forward Maintenance vehicle and Combat Engineer vehicles.
RELATED: Sweden sending Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine not ‘on the table,’ Swedish official says
The tracked IFV has a gross vehicle weight up to 37 tons and top speed of 70 kilometers per hour (about 43 miles per hour). CV90s are typically armed with a 30 or 35 mm weapon system, although Sweden uses a 40mm version. However, the vehicle is weapon-agnostic and is also with a 120mm option.
According to Engelbrektson, a next-gen CV90 will most likely comprise a step-change upgraded variant of the CV9035NL – one of the latest versions of the IFV designed for the Royal Netherlands Army by original equipment manufacturer BAE Systems Hagglunds.
Importantly, the next-gen CV90 would also feature a hybrid electric engine which MG Engelbrektson described as an important requirement for the Swedish Army to support more environmentally friendly peacetime training and combat operations.
“My job as Commander of the Swedish Army is to give clear directions, not least in these times when a sense of urgency and rapid effects is important,” he explained to Breaking Defense after the event.
“What I mentioned in my presentation at IAV regarding a next-generation CV90 featuring a hybrid electric engine stands – but in the clear context that I initially talked about was direction I have given the Swedish Army regarding the role and development for our CVs.
“It is important to emphasize that no agreements have been made between the industry and FMV [the Swedish Defence Administration], a governmental agency separated from the Swedish Armed Forces. And I look forward to quickly fielded ‘demonstrators’ designed that way so that we can kick-start the next-generation CV90 in record time,” he continued.
In October, BAE Systems Hägglunds delivered the first scheduled CV9035NL upgrade to the Royal Netherlands Army, part of a $543 m upgrade program that will retrofit a total of 122 platforms. CV9035NLs are expected to remain in service until at least 2039, according to BAE.
For that vehicle, improvements are focused on enhancing survivability, lethality, ergonomics and combat effectiveness. Specifically, upgrades include the new D-Series turret; fourth-generation digital backbone; more robust cyber security; Elbit Systems’ Iron Fist Active Protection System; a new Electro-Optic Aiming System; and the Spike LR anti-tank guided missile (AGTM).
“The main weapon position has been changed, resulting in even better vehicle balance, as well as creating new options for alternative solutions for both weaponry and crew, including significantly improved lethality and ergonomics,” a company statement explained.
As for a potential next-gen vehicle, once those are designed and prototyped, they would expect to be demonstrated at the CV90 Users Club, which features senior leadership representation from existing customers including Sweden, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, the Netherlands, Norway, Switzerland and most recently Ukraine. (On Jan. 19, Sweden announced it would be donating a total of 50 CV90 IFVs to the Ukrainian Armed Forces as they continue to conduct full-scale combat operations against Russian armed forces.)
According to Engelbrektson, the next-gen CV90 must also benefit from “early integration in the design phase” of multiple technologies and capabilities. These include digitalization of C4ISR mission suites; enhanced signature management as part of camouflage, concealment and deception; in addition to Beyond Line of Sight (BLOS) anti-tank guided munitions (ATGMs), enabled by vertical take-off/landing uncrewed aerial vehicles.
In December, BAE Systems Hägglunds and MBDA France successfully fired the Akeron MP anti-tank guided munition from the CV90 IFV for the first time. The test fire, which was conducted in northern Sweden, signaled the start of a multi-year integration of Akeron MP on board the IFV to potentially fulfil an FMV requirement for a next-generation anti-tank capability.
BAE Systems and Rafael Advanced Defence Systems are already in the final stages of completing the integration of the Spike ATGM on board CV90 with an end date projected by the middle of 2023.
Ahead of any potential procurement of a next-gen CV90, the Swedish Army is already looking at upgrading its existing fleet of CV90s with Engelbrektson highlighting demand signals for BLOS anti-tank guided munitions; signature management; training and simulation; and general capacity to renew, expand and enlarge the family of IFVs.
Sweden’s pursuit of a next-gen CV90 will also interest the wider international community of vehicle operators.
According to BAE Systems Hägglunds, there are approximately 1,300 CV90s currently in service across Europe. A company spokesperson told Breaking Defense, “The vehicle has a combat-proven track record and is designed to accommodate future growth to meet evolving missions. More recently, both Slovakia with 152 vehicles and the Czech Republic with 210 have selected CV90 to replace their legacy infantry fighting vehicle fleets.”
On 27 Jan, BAE Systems’ Swedish joint venture, HB Utveckling AB, received a $30 m contract modification from the FMV calling for an additional 20 CV90 Mjölner mortar systems for the Swedish Army – a delivery that will be conducted from Hägglunds.
The joint venture, which features BAE Systems’ Hägglunds and Bofors manufacturing capabilities, means the army will benefit from a total of 80 mobile mortar systems, scheduled to enter service by 2025 for the final delivery – the first Mjölners are already fielded with the army.
Those vehicles, which are known as Granatkastarpansarbandvagn 90 (Grenade Launcher Armoured Vehicle 90), will provide indirect firepower capabilities for the Swedish Army’s mechanized brigades. (Source: Defense News Early Bird/Breaking Defense)
31 Jan 23. First French FLOTLOG logistic support ship starts sea trials. The French Navy’s first new batiments ravitailleurs de forces (BRF) logistic support ship (LSS), Jacques Chevallier (A 725), has started sea trials.
Laid down in December 2021 and launched on 29 April 2022, Jacques Chevallier is the first of four new BRFs being built for the French Navy by a consortium comprising Chantiers de l’Atlantique and prime contractor Naval Group under a contract awarded in 2019.
Under the contract arrangement, Chantiers de l’Atlantique is building the aft sections of the four ships at its yard in Saint-Nazaire and is responsible for the overall production and outfitting of the ships, while Naval Group is responsible for the design, development, and integration of the combat system, which is centred around its Polaris combat management system. Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri has been subcontracted to build the forward sections of the ships in Italy. (Source: Janes)
31 Jan 23. Title: Protected Mobility Pipeline – Early Engagement – Early Engagement.
Contract Reference: TKR-20230124-CF2-21971285
Publication Date: January 24, 2023
Description: Protected Mobility Pipeline Industry Engagement Day
The primary aim of the day is to Notify industry that we intend to undertake some Early Market Engagement for the Protected Mobility Pipeline programme being developed within Army Headquarters.
Title: Protected Mobility Pipeline – Early Engagement
Awarding Authority: Ministry of Defence Army HQ
Andover England
SP11 8HJ
Contact: Email:
Description: Protected Mobility Pipeline Industry Engagement Day
The primary aim of the day is to Notify industry that we intend to undertake some Early Market Engagement for the Protected Mobility Pipeline programme being developed within Army Headquarters. The programme vision is to deliver a coherent, integrated, and competitive fleet of Protected Mobility (PM) platforms to meet the demands of the Land Environment.
Programme Capability Goals:
- A rationalised PM fleet that meets the appropriate protection and mobility levels, whilst enabling adaptation to a range of missions and threats at the speed of relevance.
- A PM Pipeline procured at pace, to deliver a coherent and integrated fleet.
- To achieve a capable and sustainable PM Supply Chain with the resilience to upkeep, update, upgrade.
This day will start with a presentation from the programme team outlining our progress and requirements. The objectives for the day:
– Understand industry appetite and possible opportunities to meet a variety of projects which sit within the programme.
– Understand constraints on industry which the programme will need to take into consideration.
At the end of the Industry day, RFIs (Requests for Information) may be issued to request input from those in industry that wish to respond.
The Authority reserve the right to then hold bi-lateral meetings based on those responses.
The engagement will be held on 22 February 2023 at the BattleLab Dorset Innovation Park, Dorchester DT2 8ZB. Pre-registration to attend the event is required.
Please provide an expression of interest in attending no later than 10 February 2023 by emailing . Attendance is limited to maximum 2 personnel from each organisation.
- CPV Codes: 35400000 – Military vehicles and associated parts
- NUTS Codes: UKJ33
- Main Site or Location of Works, Main Place of Delivery or Main Place of Performance: South East
- Reference Attributed by the Awarding Authority:
tender_349668/1171026
- Estimated Value of Requirement: Not Provided
- Start Date:
- End Date:
- Closing Date:
- Other Information:
Additional Text
For further information/documentation please visit:
https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/7b98f2de-b569-41fd-9a82-42f5ff0a4d84
Related Notices
- No related opportunities exist for this opportunity
30 Jan 23. NAMC Selects Oshkosh Defense to Produce Common Tactical Truck Prototypes. Oshkosh Defense, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Oshkosh Corporation (NYSE: OSK), announced today that the National Advanced Mobility Consortium (NAMC) has selected Oshkosh Defense to participate in the U.S. Army’s Common Tactical Truck (CTT) prototype Other Transaction Authority.
“As the U.S. Army’s premier provider of heavy, medium, and light tactical wheeled vehicle fleets, Oshkosh is uniquely qualified to inform the CTT requirements,” said Pat Williams, Chief Programs Officer for Oshkosh Defense. “We look forward to partnering with the U.S. Army to refine their CTT desired capabilities and ensure our Soldiers receive the capability they need and deserve.”
Oshkosh Defense designed six CTT variants, including a Load Handling System (LHS), Off-Road Tractor, Line Haul Tractor, Cargo, Wrecker, and Tanker. As part of the prototype award, Oshkosh Defense will build and deliver three variants to the U.S. Army for test and evaluation.
Oshkosh Defense will leverage the proven, battle-tested Family of Heavy Tactical Vehicles (FHTV) platform for the CTT prototypes, ultimately providing a modernized version of the already capable FHTV. The FHTV’s flexible architecture allows it to support a multitude of missions with the ability to scale up or down with minimal change to the vehicle.
For decades, Oshkosh Defense has partnered with the U.S. Military to develop, test, and evolve advanced military and commercial technologies and integrate them onto the FHTV. The Oshkosh Defense CTT variants offer these technologies to achieve the U.S. Army’s desired capabilities of active safety, fuel demand reduction, autonomy, mission flexibility, prognostics, commonality, and superior survivability.
Oshkosh Defense will also leverage the resources, expertise, and technologies of the entire Oshkosh Corporation family of companies and tailor them for stringent military applications.
“We’ve been the U.S. Army’s trusted provider of tactical wheeled vehicles for nearly 50 years. We understand the complexities of the battlefield and the demands that combat can impose on the vehicle fleet. No other manufacturer can say that,” Williams continued. “That knowledge, combined with our engineering prowess positions us to provide the most capable and cost-effective CTT.” (Source: ASD Network)
31 Jan 23. Miller Africa’s recovery vehicles aim at the military market.
South African company Miller Africa Towing Equipment has sold recovery vehicles to Botswana, Kenya and Namibia, amongst others, and some of these have been used on behalf of the United Nations.
Miller Africa was an exhibitor at the recent Africa Aerospace and Defence exhibition in Pretoria where it showed off examples of its extensive range of wheeled recovery vehicles for civil and military applications.
The largest recovery vehicle displayed at the exhibition is based on a MAN TGS 26.480 forward control (6×4) chassis with the recovery module supplied by Century of the USA.
According to Miller Africa’s Louwrens Riekert “we can offer various chassis/recovery modules and in addition to Century these include Boniface, Century, Chevron, Holmes, Jige and Vulcan.”
Export sales of the company’s wheeled recovery vehicles have been made to a number of countries in Africa and the Middle East with the former including Botswana, Kenya and Namibia.
The company is currently marketing Rotators with capacities of 35, 40, 60 or 76 tons and with two or three stage recovery booms. They are also available with multiple winch options ranging from one or four boom winches together with one or two drag winches as well as various outrigger packages.
For the integrated towing and recovery missions they can supply heavy, medium and light duty.
The heavy duty is the top of the range and can be supplied with boom capacities of 20 to 50 tons and a combination of different underlifts and body configurations.
The second vehicle shown is based on a HINO 500 (4×2) chassis fitted with Miller Africa’s slide back carrier. The company can offer these with deck capacities ranging from 4.5 tons up to 18 tons and with deck lengths from 5.2 to 9.1 meters.
These decks are constructed of steel or aluminium with an optional Apitong wood deck. As usual These slide back carriers can be customised to meet end users’ specific operational requirements with options including a variety of winch capacities, removal side rails and hydraulic wheel lifts or dock stabilisers. (Source: https://www.defenceweb.co.za/)
30 Jan 23. Navistar Defense, LLC (Navistar Defense) today announced an award from the National Advanced Mobility Consortium (NAMC) for the prototype phase of the Common Tactical Truck (CTT) program for the US Army’s PM Transportation Systems and PEO Combat Support / Combat Service Support (PEO CS/CSS).
“As an industry leader in Militarized Commercial Off-the-Shelf vehicles, Navistar Defense is strongly positioned to meet the CTT program’s mission goals of combining commerciality, commonality, and capability at the best value for the U.S. taxpayer,” said Ted Wright, chief executive office, Navistar Defense.
Navistar Defense’s heritage traces back to the proven design, manufacturing, and logistics support of commercial trucks. This enables the company to combine the best of commercial and military capabilities, offering highly capable, cost-effective, low-risk solutions with a strong commercial lineage.
“Navistar Defense is uniquely capable of balancing the Army’s force protection, survivability, and mission readiness requirements while leveraging the commercial industry’s rapidly advancing technological capabilities,” added Wright. “Our superior platforms are scalable to meet the vast majority of the Army’s Tactical Wheeled Vehicles vehicle applications and mission roles for their medium and heavy fleets.”
Navistar Defense will deliver Load Handling, Line Haul Tractor, and Off-Road Tractor prototype systems that will be assessed through a combination of government evaluations and Soldier Touchpoints (STPs) in order to achieve the US Army’s desired characteristics.
30 Jan 23. American Rheinmetall Vehicles and GM Defense Win Contract for the First Phase of the U.S. Army’s Common Tactical Truck Program. American Rheinmetall Vehicles (Sterling Heights, MI) and GM Defense LLC (Washington, DC) have won a contract for the first phase of the U.S. Army’s Common Tactical Truck (CTT) Program. The aim of the multi-phased program is to replace the Army’s family of heavy tactical trucks with production of up to 40,000 trucks valued at up to $14 bn. The two powerhouse defense companies formed a strategic collaboration in 2022 to compete in the program; bringing together two world-class engineering and manufacturing giants to deliver a modern, tactical truck that enhances Soldier capability through advanced technologies including advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) for safety, increased off-road mobility, cybersecurity, machine learning, artificial intelligence, improved survivability and fuel efficiency, among other emerging technologies.
The team offered the HX3 Common Tactical Truck (HX3-CTT). The HX3 is the latest generation of trucks in the highly successful, combat proven, HX family of trucks which are in service with a number of NATO and U.S. allied nations. The HX family of trucks derives from MAN Truck and Bus commercial truck offerings bringing a high degree of commerciality to the fleet, a priority for the Army in the CTT program. The HX3-CTT next-generation system has enhanced on and off road mobility, integrated survivability, and an open digital architecture supporting ADAS and enabled for autonomous vehicle operation. Combined with the open architecture, the commercial backbone of the HX3-CTT will support persistent modernization and allow for rapid increases in capability as technologies mature. With a global footprint of both current military user nations and commercial dealer networks, the HX3-CTT provides a basis for optimized lifecycle costs and service support to the Army across the globe.
“Both American Rheinmetall Vehicles and GM Defense look forward to providing competition to the Army’s CTT Program. We are committed partners to the Army, bringing tremendous operational capability coupled with advanced safety features, ensuring our Soldiers can achieve their mission safely and effectively. Together our team will deliver a transformational truck that leverages the commercial strenghths of our partners, Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles and General Motors, and the commonality of the HX3-CTT design,” said Matthew Warnick, Managing Director for American Rheinmetall Vehicles.
“Winning the CTT prototype phase demonstrates the undeniable value that the strategic collaboration between GM Defense and American Rheinmetall Vehicles brings to this important, next-generation Army program,” said Steve duMont, president of GM Defense. “We are excited to bring our advanced technologies and manufacturing prowess into this important collaboration and deliver a proven, modern solution to enhance warfighter capability. We look forward to continuing our work with American Rheinmetall Vehicles to execute the first prototype phase, while gaining the necessary insights to strengthen our position to win future phases of the program.”
HX3 Common Tactical Truck
Technology for the future: The HX3-CTT features an advanced, interchangeable protected cab design, ADAS, and drive by wire operation. The new open systems electrical architecture allows rapid integration of leader-follower, tele-operation, and fully autonomous capabilities that focus on protecting our most valuable combat asset – the Soldier.
Common platforms and parts to support a family of vehicles: The HX3-CTT is the new, next-gen variant of the globally successful HX family of military-off-the-shelf tactical trucks. It possesses an extremely high level of commonality and modularity across variants: cargo, load handling systems, tankers, and line haul tractors. With an HX family that can scale from 4×4 to 10×10, the HX can meet any military need.
Commerciality in its DNA: The HX3-CTT leverages best-in-class advances in commercial truck technology, safety, fuel efficiency, and emissions reduction. Ruggedized for the stresses of military service, the HX family provides an “off the shelf” capability. This commercial backbone reduces obsolescence risk/cost, expands parts availability and reduces sustainment demands.
Allied interoperability: The HX family of trucks have been sold to 20 customers globally including an active allied user group consisting of United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Germany, Austria, Norway, Sweden, and Denmark, creating common global supply chains, training opportunities, and integrated operations among key allies operating around the world.
About American Rheinmetall Vehicles
American Rheinmetall Vehicles delivers next-generation, advanced tactical wheeled vehicles and innovative tracked and wheeled combat vehicles in support of today’s highest combat vehicle modernization priorities. Rheinmetall’s collaborative global structure allows for the maturation and strengthening of the U.S. Industrial Base now and into the future. American Rheinmetall Vehicles is part of the American Rheinmetall family of U.S. companies including American Rheinmetall Munitions in Stafford, VA, American Rheinmetall Systems in Biddeford, ME and U.S. corporate parent American Rheinmetall Defense in Reston, VA. www.rheinmetall.com/arv
About GM Defense, LLC.
GM Defense delivers integrated vehicles, power and propulsion, and autonomy and connectivity solutions to global defense, security, and government markets. The exceptional reliability of GM Defense’s technologies results from decades of proven performance and bns of dollars spent in independent research and development by its parent, General Motors, a world leader in global design, engineering, and manufacturing capabilities. For more information, please visit www.gmdefensellc.com.
30 Jan 23. Field Aerospace Completes Turkish Air Force KC-135 Block 45 Aircraft Modification. Field Aerospace (Field) has completed the Turkish Air Force KC-135 Block 45 modification, under a contract through the KC-135 Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program office. The program finished one year ahead of schedule. Turkey is the second largest operator of the KC-135 Stratotanker next to the USAF. The Block 45 modification removes the legacy autopilot system, Flight Director System, engine analog gages, and radio altimeter and installs a Dual Autopilot and Flight Director System, new radio altimeter system, and new engine display. This effort included modifications to seven Turkish Air Force KC-135 Block 45 Aircraft. This contract period of performance was from January 29, 2021, to January 28, 2024. Work was completed in December of 2022.
30 Jan 23. NSWC Crane accelerates hybrid-electric vehicle development work. The fuel-saving vehicles will offer long silent watch duration, reduced thermal signature and audible detection range.
The US Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC), Crane Division has confirmed to leverage Indiana’s racing community’s expertise to expedite the development of new hybrid-electric vehicle.
The new military tactical hybrid-electric vehicle is being developed to meet the emerging requirements of the country’s expeditionary forces.
Led by NSWC, Crane Division, the effort to develop this off-road electric or hybrid technology started in fiscal year 2015 (FY15).
Throughout these eight years, NSWC Crane has been focusing to deliver a vehicle that that can be driven through rough terrain, while not being heavily dependent on fuel.
The latest decision to collaborate with Indianapolis racing community was a ‘logical’ and crucial step in the tactical hybrid-electric vehicle’s rapid development effort.
NSWC Crane claimed that Indiana has a long history of racing culture, automotive manufacturing and technology development that can directly support their mission.
NSWC Crane employee and Tactical Hybrid-Electric Vehicle project lead Braden Yake said: “We identified the science and technology requirements to put high-energy payloads in small, transportable vehicles.
“Back then, high energy payloads needed heavy vehicles to support them. Building this type of solution hadn’t been done before.”
According to Yake, the team internally produced several proof of concept designs to provide a more durable and lightweight platform, however, the designs were not finalised, which led them to work with an Indianapolis-based racing company.
Yake added: “The Indiana racing community was synonymous with military work because of the amount of engineering required for a rugged, high performance solution.
“In the next FY, the team is leveraging internal Naval Innovative Science and Engineering funding to mentor US Naval Academy midshipmen on an effort to convert their internal combustion engine formula SAE racecar to an electric powered variant.” (Source: naval-technology.com)
30 Jan 23. Italy to procure VBA amphibious vehicles for army at end of decade. Italy will procure Veicoli Blindati Anfibi (VBA) 8×8 amphibious armoured vehicles for the Italian Army at the end of the decade, Janes learnt at Defence IQ’s International Armoured Vehicles (IAV) 2023 conference, which was held in London from 23 to 26 January. Italy’s Directorate of Land Armaments signed a contract with Iveco Defence Vehicles (IDV) on 22 December 2022 for 36 VBA amphibious armoured vehicles for the Italian Navy’s San Marco naval infantry brigade. The VBA contract for the Italian Navy is part of an effort by Italy to replace the service’s amphibious vehicles with the aim of improving its sea projection capabilities. An Italian Army official told Janes on 25 January that his service would procure the VBA in 2028 as an amphibious enabler, with more variants than the Italian Navy’s combat vehicle version. The Italian Army’s AAV7s that the VBA will replace exist in reconnaissance, command and information, recovery, as well as infantry vehicle variants, according to Janes World Armies. (Source: Janes)
30 Jan 23. Brazil to procure new MBT, IFV, and SPH. Brazil is to procure a new main battle tank (MBT), infantry fighting vehicle (IFV), and self-propelled howitzer(SPH), Janes learnt at Defence iQ’s International Armoured Vehicles (IAV) 2023 conference held in London from 23 to 26 January. It is seeking 36 wheeled SPHs. At the same time, Brazil plans to upgrade 52 of its Leopard 1A1 tanks starting in 2023, with a request for proposals to be made in June.
Brazil is also procuring hundreds of wheeled vehicles from Iveco. In November 2022, the Brazilian Army selected the Centauro II 8×8 armoured vehicle armed with a 120mm gun from La Società Consortile Iveco – Oto Melara (CIO) as its Wheeled Medium Armoured Cavalry Vehicle (Viatura Blindada de Cavalaria Média Sobre Rodas). Janes (Source: Janes)
27 Jan 23. US Army selects four companies to build new tactical truck prototypes. Mack Defense, Navistar Defense, Oshkosh Defense and an American Rheinmetall and GM Defense team will build prototypes for a Common Tactical Truck after the U.S. Army awarded them deals worth a cumulative $24.3m.
Each team will build three prototypes of each CTT variant — an M915 Line Haul Tractor and M1088 Medium Tractor; a Palletized Load System; and Heavy Expanded Mobility Tactical Truck. Vendors will also provide digital designs to go with each variant and a design study for a wrecker, according to the Army.
The prototyping effort is meant to “really allow the Army to evaluate current commercial technology in a military-type application, modified off-the-shelf for military purposes,” Brig. Gen. Luke Peterson, the Army’s program executive officer in charge of combat support and combat service support, told Defense News last fall. “We are going to really learn what industry can offer us, and affordability is going to be the key driver here for the Army to make those informed decisions.”
In the Army’s award announcement Friday, Peterson said the “CTT effort brings an increased level of standardization to the Army’s Tactical Truck fleet.”
“This effort is reminiscent of the original Liberty Truck, a heavy-duty truck produced by the United States Army during World War I,” he continued. “It was the first official standardized motor vehicle adopted and produced by the U.S. military. “The CTT program can be viewed as the Liberty Truck of the 21st century, as it will similarly seek to streamline the Army’s supply, maintenance, and training requirements.”
The service in June 2022 released a request for proposals to build prototypes.
The Army will begin evaluating the initial prototypes at the start of 2024, according to Friday’s statement. The evaluation results will feed a capabilities development document that will be submitted to the Army Requirements Oversight Council. An AROC decision on whether to move forward is planned for fiscal 2026.
If the Army greenlights the requirements, the Army plans to again open the competition, allowing vendors to submit bids for the engineering and manufacturing development phase, the statement adds.
Initial production could total about 5,700 vehicles valued at around $5bn.
American Rheinmetall Vehicles and GM Defense partnered over the summer of 2022 to compete to build a prototype for the Army. They showcased a Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles HX tactical military truck at GM Defense’s booth at the Association of the U.S. Army’s annual exhibition in Washington last fall. The truck was hauling one of the Infantry Squad Vehicles that GM Defense is building for the Army.
Mack Defense’s chief executive, Dave Hartzell, told Defense News last year it was basing its prototype design and technology on its Granite family of vehicles — and militarizing it.
AM General, which did not receive a contract to build prototypes, announced its bid at the AUSA conference. The company teamed with Italian company Iveco Defence Vehicles, which is partnered with BAE Systems to supply the U.S. Marine Corps’ Amphibious Combat Vehicle.
“The team’s High Mobility Range Vehicle architecture for [the Common Tactical Truck] will be based on a newly launched highly modular range of trucks, specifically designed for military use,” according to AM General’s statement at the time. (Source: Defense News Early Bird/Defense News)
27 Jan 23. BAE Systems receives contract for 20 additional CV90 Mjölner mortar systems for Swedish Army. This new order for 20 additional CV90 mortar systems for the Swedish Army brings the total fleet to 80 vehicles, planned to be in service by 2025. BAE Systems has received a contract modification from the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) to build 20 additional CV90 mortar vehicles. The approximately $30m contract has been awarded to the BAE Systems Swedish joint venture HB Utveckling AB, which combines BAE Systems’ Hägglunds and Bofors manufacturing capabilities. Production will be performed at BAE Systems Hägglunds in Örnsköldsvik, Sweden.
“This new contract modification for additional mortar vehicles ensures that soldiers will benefit from this critical capability in the near future,” said Tommy Gustafsson-Rask, managing director of BAE Systems Hägglunds. “We look forward to continuing to support the Swedish Army’s efforts to modernize and increase its combat power.”
The original contract for 40 CV90 Mjölner systems was awarded in 2016, and deliveries of the systems started in 2019 and were completed on time in 2020. In February 2022, FMV awarded the first follow-on contract for 20 additional systems, as well as the upgrade of the 40 systems already in service, to bring them all to the same standard by integrating the Swedish Army’s new C4I LSS Mark system. Both FMV and BAE Systems have heralded this program as a benchmark for collaborative development.
Once the contract modification deliveries are completed in 2025, the Swedish Army will operate 80 CV90 mortar vehicles in its fleet. The vehicles, known as Granatkastarpansarbandvagn 90, provide critical indirect firepower capabilities in the mechanized brigades.
There are approximately 1,300 CV90s, in multiple variants, in service with Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, and the Netherlands. The vehicle has a combat-proven track record and is designed to accommodate future growth to meet evolving missions. More recently, both Slovakia and the Czech Republic have selected CV90 to replace their legacy infantry fighting vehicle fleets.
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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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