Sponsored by TEK Military Seating Limited
http://www.tekmilitaryseating.co.uk/
————————————————————————-
10 Aug 23. When it Comes to Purchasing Military Vehicles. When it comes to purchasing military vehicles, military personnel must consider many factors such as operational capability, safety, durability, maintenance, cost-effectiveness, and sustainability. Each of these factors can influence the decision to purchase a particular type or model of military vehicle, depending on mission needs and objectives.
Operational capability refers to the vehicle’s ability to perform the required functions in different scenarios and terrains. For example, an armored vehicle must be able to withstand enemy attacks, transport troops and equipment, provide fire support, and navigate obstacles. An unmanned aerial vehicle must be able to fly long distances, gather intelligence, perform precise strikes, and avoid detection.
Safety is another crucial aspect when choosing a military vehicle, as it involves protecting occupants and vehicle systems from damage or failure. A military vehicle must have reliable and efficient armor, mine protection, fire control, communication and navigation systems. In addition, a military vehicle must be ergonomically designed and comfortable for occupants, reducing the risk of fatigue, stress or injury.
Durability is the vehicle’s ability to withstand wear and tear caused by continuous use and environmental conditions. A military vehicle must be made of strong, high-quality materials that can withstand impact, corrosion, temperature fluctuations, and humidity. A military vehicle should also have a long service life and a low obsolescence rate.
Maintenance is the set of activities necessary to maintain or restore the proper functioning of the vehicle. A military vehicle must be easy, quick and economical to maintain, which can be carried out in the field or on military bases. A military vehicle must also have spare parts available that are compatible with other models or systems.
A military vehicle must also have spare parts available that are compatible with other models or systems. This facilitates logistics and interoperability between allied or coalition forces.
Cost-benefit is the relationship between the amount invested in the acquisition and operation of the vehicle and the benefits obtained in terms of performance, efficiency and effectiveness. A military vehicle must be affordable and proportionate to available resources, without compromising on quality or functionality. A military vehicle must also have a low consumption of fuel, energy and ammunition, optimizing the use of resources and reducing the environmental impact.
Sustainability is the vehicle’s ability to adapt to technological, social, political and economic changes that may occur over time. A military vehicle must be flexible and versatile and can be upgraded, modified or customized according to new demands or requirements. A military vehicle must also be integrated and compatible with other military, civil or international systems or platforms, increasing cooperation and coordination between the different actors involved.
These are some of the top concerns for military personnel when evaluating the best options for military vehicle purchases. However, these factors may vary according to the type of mission, the geopolitical context and the strategic priorities of each military force and its country. (Source: Paulo Dominonni via LinkedIn)
10 Aug 23. Is there a market for medium tanks? Recent years have seen the development of a number of so-called medium tanks (MTs) in some countries, but these are usually offered to armies to supplement heavier main battle tanks (MBTs) whose size and weight limits their deployment, rather than as a direct replacement.
Of course, a smaller tank usually means a smaller main weapon. Still, an MT can be used for a variety of battlefield missions including support of dismounted infantry, with their 105mm guns firing high-explosive squash head (HESH), or high-explosive plastic (HEP) ammunition as it is also known.
HESH is of limited effectiveness against MBTs fitted with the latest armour systems but can be highly effective against other AFVs as well as being used as a ‘bunker buster’. What is this translating to in the international market? To meet potential export requirements, Türkiye’s FNSS developed the Kaplan MT, which drew on its experience in design, development and production of tracked AFVs. So no MBT heritage required!
The first customer for Kaplan is Indonesia which has now taken delivery of a first batch of 18.
The Kaplan MT is fitted with the John Cockerill C3105 turret which has been built in large numbers for export. The 105mm rifled gun is fed by an automatic loader which cuts turret crew to just two.
At the IDEF exhibition held in Istanbul late in July the Kaplan was shown fitted with Aselsan’s Pulat active protection system, which has already been fitted to 40 upgraded 120mm M60 MBTs, showing its scalability to smaller platforms.
Fellow Turkish manufacturer Otokar has rolled out a prototype variant of its Tulpar tracked vehicle fitted with the same C3105 turret. It says development of Tulpar is complete and production can start when orders are placed. (Source: Shephard)
10 Aug 23. FNSS bets big on uncrewed M113 and hybrid AFVs. Turkish AFV developer FNSS has been investing its own money in R&D on large UGVs as well as hybrid electric drives (HED), even in the absence of any firm operational requirements from potential customers. While some contractors have more modestly concentrated on small robotic vehicles, FNSS has foregrounded a larger tracked platform called the Shadow Rider. This has been continually developed, with the latest version having additional sensors and cameras for situational awareness. To reduce risk Shadow Rider is based on the widely deployed M113 series with the diesel power pack being retained. According to FNSS with a gross vehicle weight (GVW) of 13.5t it has a maximum road speed of around 50km/h and a range of 450km.
The autonomy kit uses an open electronic architecture to allow for integration of new sub-systems as they are developed. It also has an optional crewed capability with a payload of 4,500kg. (Source: Shephard)
10 Aug 23. Cockerill eyes Europe and Middle East markets for i-X recce vehicle. The John Cockerill Defense i-X 4×4 vehicle has carried out firing trials in Belgium and France, where it demonstrated that moving at a speed of 80km/h and firing its stabilised 25mm M242 cannon it can successfully engage a moving target at a range of just over 1.2km. The i-X has been developed as a private venture to meet potential customer requirements for an air-portable reconnaissance vehicle with a high level of mobility and lethality. The first example is powered by a V-8 diesel coupled to an automatic transmission which is claimed to give a maximum road speed of up to 200km/h and up to 160km/h on a desert track. Gross vehicle weight (GVW) is around 4t with acceleration from 0-100km/h said to be just six seconds; operating range is up to 600km which is dependent on terrain. It has all-wheel drive, independent suspension and a low centre of gravity compared to some other platforms. It is also provided with built-in jacks to lift the vehicle from soft sand.(Source: Shephard)
10 Aug 23. B1 Centauro Replacement (Spain). Following an upgrade programme launched in 2021 to keep its 84 B1 Centauros in service into the late 2020s, Spain is seeking a replacement vehicle. Named as part of ‘the prioritised list of military capabilities’ for Spanish defence, Shephard forecasts a future order of 84 vehicles for an estimated $1.6bn.
Programme Background
The Spanish Army put the B1 Centauro into service between 2000 and 2006. Manufactured by the Italian Iveco and Oto Melara consortium CIO, the B1 is an 8×8 cavalry and reconnaissance vehicle featuring a 105mm cannon. Facing an OSD of 2020, the Spanish Army initiated an upgrade programme in 2021 aimed at improving protection and firepower. In July 2023, the Spanish Army announced it intended to open a replacement programme for the current 84 B1s in service. At the time of the announcement, no figures, timescale, confirmation, or formal negotiations have been announced. The most likely platform is the CIO Centauro II. As the second evolution of this AFV family, the vehicle builds on previous Centauro 105mm and 120mm armoured vehicles, offering an 8×8 platform with improved armament and an increased power-to-weight ratio. (Source: Shephard)
09 Aug 23. Indonesia receives Bushmasters from Australia. The Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) hasreceived 15 Bushmaster Protected Mobility Vehicles (PMVs) from Australia for peacekeeping missions, the TNI Information Centre said in a social media post on 8 August.
In September 2021 Australia offered 15 Bushmasters to Indonesia as a donation to support the TNI’s peacekeeping capabilities. The Indonesian Ministry of Defense accepted Australia’s offer in mid-April.
An Australian Department of Defence (DoD) spokesperson told Janes at the time that the Bushmasters that will be donated to Indonesia are part of the Australian Defence Force’s (ADF’s) existing stock and have been refurbished and integrated with capabilities to support peacekeeping.
“This will also help increase interoperability between our forces,” the DoD spokesperson added.
In late June TNI troops took part in a Bushmaster operation and maintenance exercise conducted by the Australian Army’s 5th Battalion.
Under the exercise the TNI learnt about Bushmaster’s basic operations, 4×4 operations such as terrain and water crossings, and communications equipment, the Australian Army said. (Source: Janes)
08 Aug 23. Maintenance of Military Vehicles. Military vehicles are complex equipment, which have several components and systems, such as engine, transmission, suspension, brakes, tires, weapons, communication, navigation and others. These components and systems are exposed to extreme conditions of wear and tear, which can cause problems and failures in military vehicles.
Some of the most common issues affecting military vehicles are:
A- Corrosion: is the process of deterioration of metals caused by the action of chemical or electrochemical agents. Corrosion can affect the structure, strength and appearance of military vehicles. Some factors that favor corrosion are humidity, salt, oxygen, carbon dioxide and others.
B- Fatigue: is the weakening process of materials caused by the repeated application of loads or tensions. Fatigue can cause military vehicle components to crack, crack, or rupture. Some factors that favor fatigue are vibrations, impacts, thermal cycles and others.
C- Overload: is the process of applying loads or tensions greater than the capacity of the materials or components. Overloading can cause deformation, displacement or irreversible damage to military vehicles. Some factors that favor overload are overweight, high speed, sudden maneuvers and others.
D- Overheating: is the process of raising the temperature of components or systems above the tolerable limit. Overheating can cause loss of efficiency, accelerated wear or failure in military vehicles. Some factors that favor overheating are lack of cooling, excessive friction, incomplete combustion and others.
E- Leaks: are the process of loss or escape of fluids or gases from components or systems. Leaks can cause pressure reduction, contamination or fire in military vehicles. Some factors that favor leaks are cracks, defective gaskets, damaged valves and others.
F- Short circuits: are the process of interruption or deviation of the electric current of circuits or systems. Short circuits can cause loss of power, damage to components or fire in military vehicles. Some factors that favor short circuits are loose connections, bare wires, overvoltages and others.
G- Electrical and mechanical failures: are the process of interruption or malfunction of electrical or mechanical components or systems. Electrical and mechanical failures can cause loss of control, reduced performance or complete stoppage of military vehicles. Some factors that favor electrical and mechanical failures are manufacturing defects, improper use, lack of maintenance and others.
These issues can compromise operator safety, reduce vehicle efficiency, increase maintenance costs, and decrease the availability of the armed forces. Therefore, it is essential to carry out proper maintenance of military vehicles, which consists of preventing and correcting these problems. (Source: Paulo Dominonni)
08 Aug 23. Mildef to supply Tarantula vehicles to Malaysian Armed Forces. Malaysian firm Mildef International Technologies will supply 178 Tarantula 4×4 High Mobility Armoured Vehicles (HMAVs) to the Malaysian Armed Forces, a Mildef official told Janes on 7 August. The official added that delivery of the vehicles will start from 2024.
Mildef showcased its Tarantula HMAV at the DSA 2022 defence exhibition in Kuala Lumpur. Company officials told Janes at the exhibition that the Malaysian Armed Forces were looking to lease Tarantulas, with the contract scheduled to be awarded in 2023. The Mildef official has not confirmed whether the order for the 178 Tarantulas is for lease or purchase. According to Mildef, Tarantula is powered by a 330 hp 7.2 litre Caterpillar diesel engine. It has a maximum onroad speed of 110 km/h and can carry up to 10 personnel including the driver and commander. It is also integrated with a Reutech remotely operated 12.7 mm machine gun. (Source: Janes)
08 Aug 23. DRC operating Calidus MCAV-20, Paramount Mbombe armoured vehicles. The Democratic Republic of Congo’s (DRC’s) military is operating two new armoured vehicle types, acquired from the United Arab Emirates and South Africa. On 22 July, a number of MCAV-20 vehicles were seen on the streets of the DRC’s capital Kinshasa as authorities stepped up security ahead of the International Francophone Games starting that week. Around 4 500 additional police backed by state security agents were deployed ahead of the event.
The license plates of the Republican Guard’s MCAV-20s seen in the capital ran from 001.11.23 to 030.01.23, suggesting 30 were delivered earlier in 2023, Janes reported. It added that a memorandum of understanding was announced in October 2021, under which the UAE pledged to provide the DRC with 30 tactical armoured vehicles.
The MCAV-20 is one of several vehicles manufactured by Calidus, along with the LRV-20 lightweight 4×4 and Al Wahash 8×8. The latter was designed by South Africa’s ADG Mobility.
Few details are available on the MCAV-20 but based on information from the Calidus website, it may be powered by a 330 hp engine and protected against ballistic and landmine threats. A ‘smart hull design’ allows for the integration of turrets and weapon stations – the DRC’s vehicles have open turrets fitted with sniper/assault rifles. The vehicle weighs around 7-9 tons and has a top speed of about 110 km/h.
The MCAV-20, launched in February 2021, has also been acquired by Sudan, where it was seen earlier this year. Vehicles in service with the Sudanese Armed Forces were observed with twin anti-aircraft guns mounted in open turrets on the rear load bed. The UAE has supplied other armoured vehicles to the Sudanese Armed Forces and Rapid Support Forces, including Pathera T6, NIMR Ajban and Typhoon vehicles.
The DRC is believed to have taken delivery of 20 Mbombe 4 vehicles at the beginning of this year, following the delivery of an unknown number of new Maatla lightweight 4×4 armoured vehicles from Paramount in late 2022 (at the time of its launch, Paramount said the Maatla had orders for 50 vehicles from two customers). The Mbombe 4s are fitted with gun turrets on their roofs.
The Mbombe family (4×4 Mbombe 4, 6×6 Mbombe 6, and 8×8 Mbombe 8) features a flat mine-protected floor, giving a lower and better stability than V-shaped armoured hulls, which were pioneered by South Africa. All three models share 80% common components to reduce through life costs and make training and logistics easier. A six-cylinder diesel gives a top speed of more than 110km/h – the Mbombe 4 has a top speed of some 150km/h, making it one of the fastest armoured vehicles in the world.
Since its launch in 2019, the Mbombe 4 has been ordered by six nations, including the Democratic Republic of Congo, United Arab Emirates, Togo, and India – it is being built in large numbers for the Indian Army by Bharat Forge as the Kalyani M4. In August 2022 Paramount revealed that the Mbombe 4 would be built in Thailand as the D-Lion. The company also hopes to produce the Mbombe 4 in Saudi Arabia.
The Democratic Republic of Congo is also acquiring aircraft from Paramount, and is receiving six Mwari intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) aircraft. During the Africa Aerospace and Defence exhibition in September last year, Paramount said it had orders for nine from two air forces – Mozambique has acquired the other three. (Source: https://www.defenceweb.co.za/)
08 Aug 23. Rheinmetall details final phases for XM30 Bradley replacement. Rheinmetall detail Team Lynx’s XM30 contender to replace the Bradley Fighting Vehicle following a $700m award for up to 11 prototypes.
After winning one of the final two contracts for the US Army XM30 Mechanised Infantry Combat Vehicle programme, formerly known as the Optionally Manned Fighting Vehicle (OMFV), in June this year, Rheinmetall detailed their plans for the program’s Phase 3 Detailed Design and Phase 4 Protoype Build stages on 7 August.
Rheinmetall details final phases for XM30 Bradley replacement
Team Lynx – Allison Transmission, Anduril Industries, L3Harris Technologies, Raytheon Technologies, Rheinmetall and Textron Systems – will build between seven and 11 prototypes of the XM30 for Army evaluation in a contract worth in excess of $700m.
“Team Lynx brings together some of the finest defence technology companies in the world and will deliver a truly transformational, modern Infantry Combat Vehicle that ensures our Soldiers can fight, survive, and win on future battlefields, ”said Matthew Warnick, Managing Director for American Rheinmetall Vehicles.
The XM30 is intended to replace the Bradley Fighting Vehicles and is expected to introduce a range of new capabilities to the way US military formations engage in combat going forward.
Team Lynx’s XM30 design
“American Rheinmetall Vehicles has brought together remarkable companies, ideas, technologies, and approaches to deliver a truly next-generation, lethal, survivable, and enduring infantry fighting vehicle concept,” said retired U.S. Army Lieutenant General Bill Mayville, a member of the ARV Board of Directors.
While Rheinmetall are the prime contractor for Team Lynx’s offering for a Bradley replacement, Textron is the US based manufacturer for the Lynx’s XM30.
L3Harris provide vehicle mission systems and cybersecurity and communications that are Ground Combat Systems Common Infrastructure (GCIA) compliant. The modular system is intended to allow the platform to be adapted as modern threats emerge.
Allison’s eGen Force Transmission has hybrid electric propulsion with an electric motor and inverter. “This enables engine-off mobility to reduce enemy detection – both acoustic and thermal – ideally increasing soldier survivability,” said Dana Pittard, Vice President of Defence Programs for Allison Transmissions.
The exterior of the XM30 features active protection armour systems designed to actively prevent certain types of anti-tank from damaging the vehicle. The system works by reactively launching a small warhead at an incoming threat and detonating it at a safe distance from the platform.
The XM30 50mm turret, that features third generation forward-looking infrared, is unmanned, with the vehicle optimised for a two-soldier crew stationed in the hull. Rather than using a port or optical lens, the crew perceive the platform’s surroundings through Anduril’s Common Tactical Picture – a monitor screen and terminal with situational awareness and command and control capabilities.
Further armament for the XM30 is to be added by Raytheon, which will equip the vehicle with a Multi-Mission Launcher, an open-systems architecture multi-role missile launching system, and the Coyote uncrewed aircraft system, a small, expandable aerial drone launched from a sonobuoy canister with the capability of operating in an autonomous swarm. (Source: army-technology.com)
20 Jul 23. Slovak MoD confirms the acquisition of 160 Oshkosh 4×4 JLTVs, ~ Slovak Armed Forces will thus get the required capability after ten years. The Slovak Defence Ministry has officially accepted the US offer of one hundred sixty (160) Oshkosh 4×4 Joint Light Tactical Vehicles (JLTVs) worth nearly $190m in Foreign Military Financing (FMF). Following the SVK Government’s approval, the Letter of Offer and Acceptance (LOA) for the JLTVs was signed today by Defence Minister Martin Sklenár, in the presence of US Ambassador Gautam Rana and representatives of Oshkosh Defense as JLTV manufacturer.
As the Defence Minister reminded us, the Oshkosh JLTV is in service with the US military and several European forces, while some other European countries are now in the process of procuring it as well. “The JLTV has been proven in harsh environments by several armies. Importantly, our Armed Forces will get this capability de facto for free – the acquisition of the vehicles will be funded through the US Foreign Military Financing (FMF) programme. I can’t think of a better way of obtaining high quality and much required vehicles than this – without payment,” Minister Sklenár said.
The Slovak Armed Forces have repeatedly requested the procurement of multi-purpose combat tactical vehicles in the past ten years. The JLTV platform meets all the key requirements set forth for this type of vehicles by the Slovak military, namely on high mobility, ballistic and mine protection capabilities, firepower, modern and interoperable communication systems and, last but not least, the possibility of deliveries in a relatively short time.
As Chief of Defence Gen Daniel Zmeko noted, the SVK Army will field the JLTVs to its Special Operations Forces, Reconnaissance Troops, and Motorised Battalion. On the plus side, the vehicle will be supported throughout its life cycle by widely available and practice-proven vehicle logistics support, thanks to which it is enough to integrate the already existing logistics support system into the Slovak Armed Forces.
The Slovak Armed Forces will receive the JLTV Heavy Guns Carrier (HGC) variant in crew-served and remotely operated weapon configurations – one equipped with the Manned Top Gunner Turret and the other with the Common Remotely Operated Weapon Station (CROWS), along with a logistics support package in the form of spare parts, technical tools, manuals, training and vehicle servicing. Deliveries of the Oshkosh JLTVs to the Slovak military are due to take place throughout 2025.
“This acquisition, which is an opportunity to significantly drive forward the modernisation of the Armed Forces, is tangible proof of our strong partnership with the United States, both bilaterally and through the Alliance, and a recognition of our assistance to Ukraine,” Minister Sklenár said.
In addition to their primary use as weapons platforms, the JLTVs will be deployed for patrolling and monitoring specific areas and guarding military facilities, both in Slovakia and on operations abroad. As part of domestic crisis management, they can be employed in response to emergencies such as natural disasters, floods, wildfires, landslides or during search and rescue operations whilst closely cooperating with other SVK rescue services. Due to their high mobility and smaller dimensions, the vehicles can also be used for transporting materiel across difficult terrain and evacuating people in emergency situations. (Source: www.joint-forcescom)
04 Aug 23. Italy signs nearly $1bn deal to upgrade Ariete tanks. Italy has signed a contract worth €848.8m (U.S. $928.3m) with a local consortium to upgrade its aging tanks as the country watches the war playing out in nearby Ukraine. Italy signed the deal to upgrade 90 of its Ariete tanks with CIO, a joint venture between Italian firms Iveco and Oto Melara, with an option for another 35 upgraded platforms. The country has a fleet of 200 Ariete tanks, but only 50 are operational.
The deal, signed Aug. 2, has been in the works for months, but acquired new urgency as Italy seeks to beef up its tank capability.
Last month, Italy’s junior defense minister, Isabella Rauti, told Parliament that the country needs mor than 250 battle tanks to meet NATO requirements. The government intends to reach that target with the Ariete upgrades as well as the purchase of 133 new Leopard 2A8 combat tanks from German firm Krauss-Maffei Wegmann.
An Italian source familiar with the deal said Rome would require Italian industrial input on the Leopard tanks, meaning work share would include Italian firms.
As such, Italy was unlikely to finalize the Leopard deal this year, the source told Defense News, speaking on the condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to talk to the media on the record.
Meanwhile, the mooted sale of whole or part of Oto Melara, which is currently owned by Italian state-controlled firm Leonardo, is no longer under discussion, the source added.
Rumors have swirled in recent months that a French or German buyer would purchase Oto Melara.
Separately, Rome has signed a €925m contract with Leonardo and Italian shipyard Fincantieri for the purchase of three offshore patrol vessels, dubbed PPX, with options for three more.
The deal, signed with the two firms’ Orizzonte Sistemi Navali joint venture and announced July 31, envisages the production of 95-meter-long vessels displacing 2,300 tons and able to accommodate 97 crew members.
In a statement, the companies said the vessels would feature a so-called naval cockpit developed for the Italian Navy’s PPA vessels. Designed with help from naval aviators to resemble an aircraft’s cockpit, the bridge features just two navigators doing the work that eight navigators perform on Italy’s FREMM frigates.
The two contracts come as Italy releases its defense export figures for 2022, which totaled €5.23bn in licenses — a 5% rise from 2021. The top destination for exports was Turkey, with a total value of €598m, driven by deals to sell parts and logistics for Ankara’s fleet of Italian-designed T129 attack helicopters.
On Aug. 3, the Italian government tried to bring arms export approvals more directly under political control rather than under the purview of bureaucrats. Under a bill approved by the government cabinet that day, which now goes to Parliament for a vote, an inter-ministerial committee would manage and monitor arms sales, rather than by a single department at the Foreign Affairs Ministry. (Source: Defense News)
04 Aug 23. US Army greenlights armored vehicle for full-rate production. The U.S. Army this week approved the Armored Multi-Purpose Vehicle for full-rate production, a spokesperson for the service’s Program Executive Office Ground Combat Systems told Defense News. The full-rate production contract award to AMPV-maker BAE Systems is pending, the spokesperson said.
The Army delivered the first AMPVs to the 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division at Fort Stewart, Georgia, in March, marking the beginning of the end for the M113 armored personnel carriers used since the 1960s. BAE Systems said at the time that a full-rate production decision was expected by the end of that month.
Ensuring production quality is “critical,” the spokesperson said, adding, issues during low-rate initial production are resolved and vehicles are compliant with required specifications. “It is key to note that there were no impacts to AMPV fielding activities.”
In advance of the full-rate production decision, the Army awarded BAE a $245.6m contract in March and another $120m contract Aug. 3 to buy long-lead items to keep production moving.
The Army’s fiscal 2024 budget request released in March called for a lower number of AMPVs than planned a year ago, rather than the anticipated ramp-up. The Army had planned to buy 131 AMPVs in FY24 for $682.4m, according to its FY23 budget documents, but instead the service’s base budget request asked for 91 vehicles for $555m.
However, while the base budget indicated a cut, the plan to ramp up AMPV procurement will be possible through congressionally approved supplemental funding provided to the Army to cover some of the cost of sending about 400 M113s to Ukraine. The service plans to buy a total of 154 new AMPVs to replace those M113s using the supplemental funding.
AMPV product manager Lt. Col. Nate Costa said earlier this year the Army will buy 197 AMPVs total in FY24 when combining base budget and supplemental funding, which roughly doubles the number of the vehicles funded in the base budget.
Congress approved funding in FY23 to build 72 vehicles in its first year of production.
Both the House and Senate defense appropriations subcommittees proposed cutting the AMPV program in their FY24 spending bills by similar amounts: The House appropriators proposed a $163m cut to the program, and Senate appropriators proposed a $155m cut, citing production capacity concerns.
The AMPV program entered low-rate production in January 2019, but the program office indicated last year that delivery of the first vehicles would be delayed by two months, and the completion of the production qualification testing would be delayed by seven months due to tooling and assembly line challenges at BAE’s York, Pennsylvania, production facilities. Coronavirus pandemic complications further slowed the effort.
The Army in recent years, due to initial production struggles at York, had downgraded the plan to produce a brigade set annually. But the service has been able to restore the original fielding plans back to a brigade and a half each year — which equates to ramping up production from 12 vehicles a month to 16 over the next two years, Costa said in March. (Source: Defense News)
04 Aug 23. Hanwha lays out short-term plan for Australian Redback IFVs. Hanwha Defense Australia (HDA) has outlined a short-term plan to meet the Australian Army’s requirement for Redback infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs). In late July the Australian government selected HDA to deliver 129 Redbacks to the Australian Army under the Land 400 Phase 3 programme – worth AUD5–7bn (USD3.3–4.6bn).
Australian Minister for Defence Industry Pat Conroy said the government is accelerating this acquisition so that the first vehicle will be delivered in early 2027 – two years earlier than initially planned – and the final vehicle will be delivered by late 2028. An HDA spokesperson told Janes on 4 August, “In order to meet the accelerated schedule from the [Australian] government, HDA is proposing to build a small initial tranche in South Korea at our Changwon facility.” (Source: Janes)
04 Aug 23. Brazilian Army Shown CV90’s World Leading Capabilities. BAE Systems has demonstrated the capabilities of its CV90 platform to the Brazilian Army at a private event at the Centro de Avaliações do Exército (CAEx). Designed and produced by the Company’s Hägglunds business in Sweden, the CV90 family of vehicles provides high tactical and strategic mobility, air defence, anti-tank capability, high survivability and protection in any terrain or tactical environment. It is the world’s leading infantry fighting vehicle, evolving constantly to retain its leadership position thanks to inputs from the armed forces using the platform.
More than 1,300 CV90s are in service with eight countries. Both Slovakia (152) and the Czech Republic (246) recently placed orders for a combined 398 more vehicles.
Marco Caffe, Brazil Country Director, BAE Systems, said: “It has been great to demonstrate the proven capability of the CV90 to the Brazilian Army. We are grateful for the opportunity to showcase the vehicle’s technology and versatility to help the Army gather information about equipment being used by other countries around the world as part of its regular assessments of available technologies.
“Protection, partnership and prosperity are the foundation of the BAE Systems relationship with Brazil dating back more than 100 years. We provided the Army’s M113 combat vehicles, the Navy’s Amazonas class ships and aircraft of many types to the Air Force. The company partners with leading Brazilian companies, such as Embraer and EMGEPRON, to deliver for the Brazilian military as well as for export overseas. We look forward to continuing to work together to support the delivery of national security and economic prosperity for Brazil.” (Source: ASD Network)
————————————————————————-
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
————————————————————————-