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10 Sep 21. UK MoD Spares Framework Agreement Awardees Announced.
The selection for the MoD Spares Framework Agreement worth £149m has been announced today. Sources close to BATTLESPACE suggest that the companies named below have been selected for the UK MoD Vehicle Support Capital Spares Multi-Supplier Framework Agreement Major Spares programme worth £149m a year – REFERENCE No. 700007835. The requirement is for the establishment of a Framework Agreement under which the Authority may procure Capital Spares in support of the DE&S Vehicle Support Team (VST) portfolio of wheeled and tracked platforms. Individual Call-Off contracts that may be placed under the Framework Agreement shall be subject to a competitive process between those Tenderers admitted to the Framework, noting that the Authority shall have no obligation to order or buy anything under this Framework Agreement. The anticipated date for the contract award decision is 30 June 2021. This is an indicative date and may change.
Companies Selected
AME AUTO Ltd,
Carwood Motor Units Ltd,
GDUK,
Hobson Industries Ltd,
LEONARDO MW Ltd,
NP AEROSPACE Ltd,
Rheinmetall
Companies Not Selected
Aviation Spares And Repairs Ltd
Babcock Land Defence Ltd,
EXSEL Design & Integration Ltd,
SUPACAT Ltd
TVS
10 Sep 21. A £3.5bn fiasco: Armoured vehicle that left 310 soldiers injured faces the axe after causing hearing loss and joint pains.
- Defence minister Jeremy Quin said he cannot promise the Ajax will ever be used
- 310 soldiers have been urged to seek medical attention after testing the vehicle
- The injuries were caused by the noise of its engine and vibrations
MoD’s losing battle
2011: MoD signs Ajax deal with General Dynamics
2014: Production agreed with 230 companies and 4,100 workers
2016: Design overhauled amid fears Ajax will be obsolete
2017: Testing crews report vehicles are noisy and dangerous
2018: General Dynamics reports £89.1million profit
2021: Trials are paused and hundreds of troops advised to seek medical help
The injuries were caused by the noise of its engine and vibrations.
Ajax also struggled to fire accurately on the move and to reverse over obstacles – although there has been progress in these areas according to defence officials.
Trials of the vehicle, which were paused earlier this year because of the injuries, have resumed with UK manufacturers General Dynamics providing test drivers. It has already cost the Ministry of Defence well over £3billion in down payments.
Mr Quin told the House of Commons: ‘I cannot promise 100 per cent we will find a resolution to these issues, but we are determined to work through with General Dynamics.
‘We will not accept an initial operating capability until we have a clear resolution to the issues on noise and vibration.
‘We need a vehicle that works and which is fit for purpose and that is what we’re determined to deliver.
‘I have previously described Ajax as a troubled programme. It is. But that does not mean that the problems are irresolvable.’
Conservative former defence minister Mark Francois said the Ajax programme showed that MoD procurement was ‘completely broken’.
He described the vehicle as a ‘steaming heap of institutional incompetence’.
Ajax is the biggest project for General Dynamics and the UK is its largest client.
The contract was signed in 2011 and the deal was weighted so the firm received more than half the value of the contract before the vehicles entered service.
To date 26 of a scheduled 589 have been delivered.
General Dynamics produced prototypes in 2016 but the Army sought changes, fearing Ajax could quickly become obsolete.
The agreement was revised to incorporate the latest equipment – a decision that sources described as one of ‘the most cardinal of sins in procurement’. (Source: Daily Mail)
10 Sep 21. Ministers look for someone to blame over Ajax tank that makes soldiers sick. Ministers believe they have been “deceived” on the extent of the problems with the army’s Ajax light tank and are searching for those to blame, according to defence sources.
They think they were not told the full extent of the troubles with the £5.5bn programme by the army or their officials out of concern that it would be scrapped in the integrated review.
A defence source said: “Ministers now know that they have been deceived on Ajax and they fully intend to identify those responsible.”
Jeremy Quin, the procurement minister, cast fresh doubt yesterday on the “troubled” programme. The tank is beset by noise and vibration problems that have caused sickness and injury.
He told MPs he hoped a long-term solution could be found for a programme he described as “incredibly important” for both the British Army and thousands of workers, including at General Dynamics, the contractor.
However, he acknowledged that he “cannot 100 per cent promise” a resolution and insisted that the government would “never accept” a vehicle that did not meet its testing requirements. Labour said Quin’s comments “put Ajax on an end-of-life watch”.
Quin told the Commons: “We’re committed to working with General Dynamics to achieve a resolution of these issues. I’ve said before I cannot 100 per cent promise to this House that we will find a resolution.”
Trials of the vehicle have resumed after being paused when some personnel complained of vibration injuries and hearing loss. MPs were told that 310 people needed urgent hearing assessments.
John Healey, the shadow defence secretary, said: “This is a programme that has cost £3.5bn to date, delivered just 14 vehicles and is set to be completed a decade late . . . Ajax is the biggest procurement failure since the Nimrod and this has happened entirely on this government’s watch. Ministers are failing British forces and they’re failing the British taxpayers.” (Source: The Times)
09 Sep 21. Ajax: Trials For Army’s Armoured Vehicle Programme Resume. More than 300 former and serving personnel involved in the Ajax programme have been contacted for an urgent hearing assessment.
Trials for the Ajax armoured vehicle programme have resumed, following a second pause due to noise concerns.
Tests of the Ajax were first paused “as a precautionary measure” between November 2020 and March 2021.
The programme was most recently halted in June but Defence Procurement Minister Jeremy Quin has now said testing, which is taking place at Millbrook Proving Ground in Bedford, can start again.
The Ministry of Defence (MOD) has contacted more than 300 personnel and veterans involved in the delivery of the vehicle type, instructing them to have their hearing assessed following noise exposure.
of problems facing the system developers at General Dynamics will emerge from the latest trials, Mr Quin told the House of Commons.
Results will not be available this month, he added.
Earlier this week, Mr Quin wrote in an update to Parliament that a small number of veterans potentially exposed to damaging noise were still being traced.
The minister reiterated a “firm” price agreement with General Dynamics of £5.5bn for the delivery of the seven Ajax variants, and said a report into the Ajax programme will now be published for transparency purposes.
No declaration of operational capability will be made until a long-term fix is identified, Mr Quin said.
The number of people impacted by the noise of the fully-digitised vehicle is yet to be revealed.
Opposing parties have criticised the timing of Mr Quin’s original written update, which was mostly repeated during his address to the Commons.
The progress report on the already delayed vehicle was released late on Monday night, as much of the UK defence community continued to deal with the crisis in Afghanistan.
“I have previously described Ajax as a troubled programme. It is. But that does not mean that the problems are irresolvable,” Mr Quin concluded.
Ajax forms part of UK ambitions for a future-proofed defence for the years to come – with several systems being introduced, cancelled or upgraded.
The Integrated Review and the more detailed Defence Command Paper both serve as service playbooks – outlining where a £16.5bn increase in defence spending over the next four years could be used. (Source: forces.net)
06 Sep 21. ‘Not possible’ to determine when Ajax will enter service. The Ministry of Defence have confirmed that “all testing and training on Ajax vehicles remains paused” adding “we will not accept a vehicle that is not fit for purpose”.
Additionally, the statement below states “it is not possible to determine a realistic timescale for the introduction of Ajax vehicles into operational service”.
The following statement is from Jeremy Quin, the Minister for Defence Procurement.
“I wish to provide a further update to Parliament on the Ajax equipment project being delivered as part of the Armoured Cavalry Programme.
- Health and Safety
Extensive work has been undertaken on the Health and Safety aspects of the Noise and Vibration concerns raised on Ajax. The Report is being undertaken independently of the Ajax Delivery Team by the MOD’s Director of Health and Safety.
While the Report has not yet been concluded it is apparent that vibration concerns were raised before Ajax Trials commenced at the Armoured Trials and Development Unit in November 2019. In December 2018, an Army Safety Notice introduced restrictions on use in relation to vibration and identified that, in the longer term, a design upgrade was needed to reduce vibration. I will publish the Health & Safety report once it is finalised, which will contain a full timeline in relation to Health and Safety issues. Key themes likely to emerge from the Report will include:
The importance of having a culture that gives safety equal status alongside cost and schedule. The overlapping of Demonstration and Manufacturing phases added complexity, technical risk and safety risk into the programme. The value of having strong risk governance for complex projects that promotes access to expert technical advice on safety issues. Independent certification and assurance of land environment capability should be adopted and modelled on best practice elsewhere in Defence.
Following the Report’s conclusion, we will consider what further investigations are required to see if poor decision making, failures in leadership or systemic organisational issues contributed to the current situation not simply in relation to Health and Safety but more broadly as necessary.
- Update on Personnel
Initially 121 personnel were identified as requiring urgent hearing assessments as a result of recent noise exposure on Ajax. Subsequently, the MOD broadened the scope of those who should be tested to all those who had been exposed to noise on Ajax. To date, a further 189 individuals have been identified that should be offered an assessment, giving a total number of 310 personnel. Of these 304 have been contacted successfully; the remaining 6 are UK service personnel who have recently left service and are in the process of being traced.
The health of our service personnel is our top priority. 248 personnel, including 113 from the original cohort of 121, have now been assessed. The Army continues to identify and monitor the hearing of all personnel exposed to noise on Ajax, with additional testing put in place where required. The Army is also in the process of identifying any health effects in those potentially exposed to vibration. Veterans who have been exposed to noise or vibration on this project will be supported throughout and will have access to the same assessments as those still serving. I will update the House on the number of personnel affected by noise and vibration in due course, including if any trends become apparent once the data has been analysed.
- Technical Issues
At present all dynamic testing and training on MOD’s Ajax vehicles remains paused. A Safety Assurance Panel for Ajax, comprising Duty Holders from MOD, General Dynamics, Millbrook and independent advisers, has been established to assure that independent testing can recommence safely at Millbrook Proving Ground. Subject to the Panel’s final endorsement and General Dynamics own safety approvals, Millbrook trials are expected to resume imminently, initially deploying General Dynamics crew in MOD owned vehicles, with real time monitoring of vibration and in-ear noise.
The independent trials at Millbrook are essential to provide the evidence to support fundamental root cause analysis and to enable the safe resumption of wider trials and training activity. The focus for the MOD and General Dynamics remains on identifying the root causes of the noise and vibration issues to develop long-term solutions to ensure Ajax meets the Army’s need.
I have made clear that no declaration of Initial Operating Capability will be made until solutions have been determined for the long-term resolution of the noise and vibration concerns. Work continues on both with General Dynamics heavily committed to delivering a safe resolution.
Over the summer, work has been conducted to examine design modifications to reduce the impact of vibration. A design modification to reduce the risk of noise through the communication system is in development and is currently being tested. These may represent part of the overall solution but considerable work needs to be undertaken before any such assurances can be given.
Until a suitable suite of design modifications has been identified, tested and demonstrated, it is not possible to determine a realistic timescale for the introduction of Ajax vehicles into operational service with the Army. We will not accept a vehicle that is not fit for purpose.
As is often the case with defence procurement process, there have been a number of Limitations of Use (“LOUs”) placed on Ajax vehicles during the early phase of use. LOUs restricting speed and the maximum height for reversing over steps have now been removed and work continues on removing other LOUs.
Ajax is an important capability for the Army and we are committed to working with General Dynamics for its delivery. We have a robust, firm price contract with General Dynamics under which they are required to provide the vehicles as set out in the contract for the agreed price of £5.5bn.
To assist in the delivery of Ajax we have identified the need for a full time, dedicated Senior Responsible Owner who will preferably be able to see the project through to completion, or indeed advise if the project is incapable of being delivered. A short-list of candidates is currently under consideration. The Infrastructure and Projects Authority are also providing MOD with expert support to establish a recovery plan for the programme.”
We recently reported that the Ministry of Defence have confirmed that “there may be a requirement for Warrior to be used in some reconnaissance roles” until the troubled Ajax armoured vehicle is brought into service. (Source: https://ukdefencejournal.org.uk/)
06 Sep 21. Replacing Ajax with Warrior – A short-term fix for a long-term problem. In the latest ongoing saga regarding the British Army’s plagued Ajax armoured vehicle draws yet more parliamentary scrutiny, it appears as though further delays will likely lead to the Warrior infantry fighting vehicle (IFV) to be used to cover these capability gaps.
As Warrior is both an ageing platform in its current guise (due to the Ministry of Defence (MoD) scrapping the Capability Sustainment Programme this year) and an infantry fighting vehicle, not a purposefully designed recognisance vehicle, this will in fact leave a significant capability gap for the British Army’s armoured reconnaissance regiments.
Initially chosen over the BAE CV90 in 2010 for the contract to replace the ageing CVR(T), Ajax was to be an unparalleled 4th generation ISTAR asset that could track its enemy’s digital and electronic footprints – in effect, a computer on wheels. Ajax’s development, however, has been fraught with issues. Stemming from a simultaneous design and manufacture process the project is now four years behind schedule, and is set to run over its £5.5 billion budget. In turn the delays leave current frontline units dangerously ill-protected in their 1970s CVR(T)s, or now as it appears, the replacement to Warrior – a vehicle designed to rapidly transport infantry into the heart of battle.
Since June, the Ajax programme has remained paused, as the trials conducted by the Royal Armoured Corps have been suspended for the second time since 2020 due to repeated reports of service personnel testing Ajax receiving vibration and hearing injuries. Health and safety mitigations have since been put in place; they include restricting the vehicles top speed to 20mph, reversing over a height no greater than 20cm and restricting crew’s time inside the vehicle to 90 minutes. Despite these mitigations, at least 112 service personnel have been adversely affected by crewing the vehicle. Since the second suspension in trials, the Minister for Defence Procurement, MP Jeremy Quin, has ordered an independent investigation into the injuries continuing to be caused by the mechanical faults of the vehicles. That investigation is set to conclude shortly; the preliminary prognosis not good, as Jeremy Quin announced to Parliament on Monday that Warrior may be required to plug the gap due to the ongoing delays.
‘Ajax’.
With Ajax now facing serious prolonged fiscal and technical issues, the MoD has to consider an off the shelf alternative that can fill the role of Ajax, should the project be scrapped. These options include the previously declined CV90, the already-cancelled Warrior CSP, and the Boxer Combat Reconnaissance Vehicle (CRV).
The CV90 is a tried and tested platform that is used by many other western militaries, including Norway, who use an existing recce variant. Not only does this platform benefit from multi-national development, but it has also proven itself capable of exercising regularly in the freezing temperatures of Scandinavia as well as seeing combat in the heat of Afghanistan.
Scrapped in this spring’s defence review for costings, the WCSP saw the revival and digitisation of the Warrior IFV. Although the project faced many delays and went over budget, most issues stemmed from the MoD, not the platform or supplier. With 759 Warriors already in operation by the MoD it is a relatively quick and painless transition. However, parts such as the hulls will require refabricating in the not too distant future, incurring additional cost to the upgrade due to their age.
As for the Boxer CRV, this platform is currently employed in the Australian Army. Though it has a smaller main armament (30mm cannon) it has 4th generation ISTAR capabilities and excellent survivability features. As Boxer is already a part of the redesigned Brigade Combat Teams, integrating the CRV variant would theoretically standardise the spare parts required. One of the only drawbacks is that the British Army is only receiving one Boxer vehicle per week for its existing order. If the Boxer CRV was chosen and produced domestically, the production capacity would have to be expanded, yet this would still be cheaper than establishing a manufacturing base for an entirely new platform.
Ultimately, once the ongoing Ajax investigation led by Jeremy Quin is concluded, then the MoD must make a decision and stick to it. Lurching from suspended trails, to medical reviews for injured soldiers, to plugging ageing and soon-to-be mothballed platforms to fill the continued delays, is to go from a failed procurement policy to a failed defence capability policy. The Warrior, in its current IFV role, is unsuitable for the role envisaged for Ajax. As a short-term fix, to cover the lack of capability in aging CVR(T) and delayed Ajax, is one thing. To not announce a fresh policy or direction regarding the platform for this specific capability is operational negligence, and will ultimately weaken the combat effectiveness of the British Army. (Source: https://ukdefencejournal.org.uk/)
10 Sep 21. Hanwha Defense to exhibit at DSEI 2021. *Advanced artillery and unmanned ground systems to be put on display.
*Latest K9 SPH to be offered for UK Mobile Fires Platforms programme
*Hanwha to team with local suppliers to build robust industrial partnership.
In a step towards building a robust industrial partnership in the UK, Hanwha Defense is scheduled to sign formal agreements with multiple local defence partners during DSEI 2021.
Alongside with high-class artillery and armored vehicle systems, Hanwha Defense will exhibit the Multi-Purpose Unmanned Ground Vehicle (M-UGV) at DSEI. It is the first time that Hanwha Defense has put its UGV platform on display in the European market.
The 4×4 M-UGV was developed in 2019 as part of a government project aimed at developing unmanned robotics to support infantry troops in various combat situations.
The 1.5-ton electric vehicle can move at a top speed of 30 km/h on paved roads and is operated either remotely or autonomously to carry out various missions such as surveillance, logistics transport, evacuation of casualties, and combat engagement.
The vehicle is armed with an indigenous remote-controlled weapon station (RCWS) that can lock on the targets automatically using acoustic sensors to determine the source of gunfire during the confusion of combat.
A newer 6×6 version dubbed the Intelligence UGV (I-UGV) is set to be unveiled later this year. The I-UGV is to feature a payload capacity of 500 kg and a cruising radius of 100 kilometers. The South Korean Army plans to trial the I-UGV in coming months in effort to help review the vehicle’s operational effectiveness.
“Joining DSEI 2021 is a great opportunity to showcase Hanwha Defense’s sophisticated defence solutions and evolving technologies to the world,” said Son Jae-il, CEO and President of Hanwha Defense. “With a remarkable success in the European market for the past years, in particular, we are fully committed to offering innovative and trusted defence solutions to customers in this region.” – Ends.
About Hanwha Defense
A defense business arm of Hanwha Group, Hanwha Defense is the leading wheeled and tracked combat vehicle and weapons systems developer in South Korea with a half century of accumulated experience, advanced capabilities and technology in multiple proven direct and indirect fire solutions.
Hanwha Defense has produced and delivered over 8,500 cutting-edge combat vehicles to South Korea and numerous countries, including Malaysia, Norway, Finland, Estonia, Poland, Turkey and India.
08 Sep 21. Czech defense group expands in Slovakia with wheeled vehicle program in mind. As Slovakia is pursuing plans to acquire at least 76 eight-wheel-drive armored vehicles, Prague-based defense holding Czechoslovak Group (CSG) hopes to build on its experience with Czech wheeled vehicle programs to expand to the neighboring market.
Slovak Defence Minister Jaroslav Naď told reporters Sept. 8 that the government had approved the ministry’s vehicle acquisition plans. Under the plan, at least 50 percent of the planned eight-wheel-drive vehicle deal is to be allocated to local businesses. As a result, foreign bidders for the contract will need to team up with companies that run manufacturing assets in Slovakia.
With the Slovak tender in mind, the Czech group has increased its presence in the neighboring country.
“This year, we launched a new brand in Slovakia, Tatra Defence Slovakia, which will mount chassis for military vehicles,” Jiri Chromec, a representative of Tatra Trucks, told Defense News. “Our Slovak facility will work on various vehicles, including six- and eight-wheel-drive ones.”
CSG’s offshoot Tatra Defence Vehicle produced the Pandur II eight-wheel-drive vehicle for the Czech military as part of its cooperation with General Dynamics European Land Combat Systems. Under its partnership with France’s Nexter Systems, Tatra will make chassis for the Titus six-wheel-drive armored vehicles that are to be delivered to the Czech land forces in the years 2022 to 2023.
The first batch of 76 eight-wheel-drive vehicles with accompanying gear and services is valued at about €332 million (US$394 million). In total, Bratislava could purchase up to 500 such vehicles, according to data from the Slovak ministry.
Local observers say that some of the foreign players that are expected to offer their eight-wheel-drive vehicles to Slovakia include GDELS, with the Pandur II, and Finland’s Patria, with its armored modular vehicle (AMV).
At the same time, Slovakia is also planning to purchase 152 new tracked vehicles for its land forces. (Source: Defense News Early Bird/Defense News)
10 Sep 21. Alcon launches new Toyota LC300 brake upgrade kit for use in armoured vehicles and for specialist use. Alcon Components Ltd, the highly acclaimed UK-based brake and clutch company, has announced the launch of a new brake upgrade kit for the recently launched Toyota Land Cruiser 300 (LC300). The announcement coincides with the DSEi exhibition taking place in London 14-17 September 2021.
Launched by Toyota in June 2021, the new 300 series Toyota Land Cruiser has already been taking the market by storm. The LC300 is expected to follow in the footsteps of its 78/79 and 200 series predecessors, becoming the vehicle of choice for armoured defence, security and NGO use, globally. All of the major vehicle armouring companies now have an LC300 armouring development programme in place to design and certify their protection systems. With this new kit, Alcon are able to offer a ready-made solution for the essential brake upgrade required to accompany the weight-adding armoured modifications, where the stock braking system will become challenged, affecting performance but more importantly, safety.
Alcon’s new LC300 kit is similar to the already well-proven LC200 kit but adapted to fit the new vehicle and engineered to match the new vehicle dynamics and the increased levels of technology and complexity present in the new Toyota base vehicle design. Fitting the brake upgrade kit will increase available brake torque, reduce brake fade and fluid vaporisation, extend brake service intervals and reduce through life costs.
As well as the LC300, Alcon brake kits are available for a wide range of armoured and specialist SUV’s, including, but not exclusively: Ford’s F550 and F150-based Raptor and Ranger platforms; Chevrolet’s Suburban and Suburban HD; GM’s GMT K2-based platforms Tahoe and Escalade; Toyota’s LC200, LC78-79 and Hilux; Mercedes’ Sprinter; and VW’s Amarok and Crafter. Alcon has over 25 years of experience in engineering brakes and clutches for specialist vehicles; from F1, World Rally and prestige performance cars to 30T-plus military armoured vehicles. This places them at the forefront of developing and delivering high performance braking solutions for sectors where only the absolute best can be accepted. Alcon’s off the shelf brake kits allow both OEM’s and vehicle modification companies to overcome the challenges posed by up-armouring vehicles for both defence, security and specialist purposes. The kits are compatible with stock OEM actuation, so are easy to fit but have been fully “ruggedised” to ensure extreme levels of robustness and performance balanced with the requirement to keep weight to a minimum.
Jonathan Edwards, Group Sales Director at Alcon said: “We’re very pleased to announce the launch of this new brake upgrade kit today that will be a welcome addition for the entire armoured vehicle market, that is currently working hard to develop and certify their new armoured Toyota LC300 designs”. He added: “We have worked extremely hard to develop off the shelf solutions to meet the requirements of OEMs and vehicle modification companies and this new LC300 kit adds to that story. The continuing strength of our world-wide sales confirms that Alcon brake kits meet the necessarily demanding requirements of the defence and security armoured vehicle sector as well as other specialist users”.
06 Sep 21. MSPO 2021: HSW unveils multipurpose tactical vehicle. Polska Grupa Zbrojeniowa (PGZ) subsidiary Huta Stalowa Wola (HSW) will unveil a 4×4 multipurpose armoured vehicle at the International Defence Industry Exhibition MSPO being held in Kielce, Poland, on 7–10 September. The new platform, built in co-operation with Czech company Tatra Export, is classified as a medium wheeled armoured vehicle for a wide range of applications. Thanks to its modular design, the platform could also be developed in 6×6 or 8–8 configurations. The new vehicle is suitable for reconnaissance, medical evacuation, and to establish command-and-control posts. HSW can also provide additional versions such as a special forces carrier, including for joint terminal attack controller missions, light tank destroyer, and chemical, biological, radiological, and reconnaissance vehicle. HSW announced the development of the multipurpose tactical vehicle on 8 September 2020 during last year’s MSPO. Some will be fitted for command and reconnaissance in Krab 155 mm self-propelled howitzer and 122 mm Langusta 122 mm multiple rocket launcher units. The vehicle is designed to provide NATO Standardization Agreement (STANAG) 4569 Level 2-4 ballistic protection and STANAG 4569 Level 2a/2b and 3a/3b blast protection. It accommodates a two-strong crew plus six additional troops. The main armament is a ZSMU A5 remote-controlled weapon station (RCWS) with a WKM-Bm 12.7 mm heavy machine gun and 7.62 mm UKM-2000C general-purpose machine gun. The ZSMU A5 will be delivered by another PGZ subsidiary: Zakłady Mechaniczne Tarnów (ZMT). (Source: Jane’s)
07 Sep 21. Ajax: Nearly 200 More Troops Contacted For Hearing Tests. An extra 189 serving personnel have required an urgent assessment due to noise exposure associated with the fighting vehicle. Almost 200 more personnel involved in the British Army’s delayed £5.5bn Ajax armoured fighting vehicle programme have been contacted for an urgent hearing assessment. Defence Procurement Minister Jeremy Quin wrote in an update to Parliament that 121 personnel had initially been identified as requiring hearing assessments due to noise exposure on Ajax.
“Subsequently, the MOD [Ministry of Defence] broadened the scope of those who should be tested to all those who had been exposed to noise on Ajax,” he added.
“To date, a further 189 individuals have been identified that should be offered an assessment, giving a total number of 310 personnel.”
Mr Quin said 304 of those had been contacted and the remaining six, who have recently left the service, are being traced.
family have been on hold at Millbrook Proving Ground since June due to noise concerns but Mr Quin said the trials are expected to resume “imminently”.
Tests of the programme were previously “paused as a precautionary measure” between November 2020 and March 2021.
Mr Quin said the British Army had been aware of the vibration issue as early as 2018.
He said a report from the MOD’s director of health and safety is expected to detail an “overlapping” of the demonstration and manufacturing phases within the programme.
Other themes could include the “equal status” of safety alongside cost and schedule, and the importance of “independent certification” in proving capability, he added.
Chris Evans MP, Labour’s shadow defence procurement minister, said: “The Ajax programme is in chaos.
“It is now clear the problems have been known about for years and nothing was done. With ministers admitting the delivery of Ajax is entirely in doubt, this is another nail in the coffin for the Government’s defence and foreign policy strategy, published just six months ago.”
Dr Jack Watling, research fellow for land warfare at the Royal United Services Institute, compared the management of vibration in an armoured vehicle to “conducting an orchestra”.
“It is clear that the systems engineering has resulted in the vibration peaking at cruising speeds, leading to crew feeling the prolonged effect, and that it is excessively concentrated on certain components like the idlers,” he wrote on Twitter.
The Ajax programme consists of seven vehicle models, with six variants having been due to enter service in 2020.
But Mr Quin said a long-term fix is needed for the noise and vibration problems before the vehicle’s initial operating capability can be declared.
He said it was not possible to give a “realistic timescale” for when the vehicle would be ready, as there is still “considerable work” to be done.
“Until a suitable suite of design modifications has been identified, tested and demonstrated, it is not possible to determine a realistic timescale for the introduction of Ajax vehicles into operational service with the Army,” Mr Quin said.
“We will not accept a vehicle that is not fit for purpose.”
He added: “Ajax is an important capability for the Army and we are committed to working with General Dynamics for its delivery.”
The manufacturers at General Dynamics will stick to the original £5.5bn contract terms, he continued. (Source: forces.net)
06 Sep 21. The Ministry of Defence have confirmed that “there may be a requirement for Warrior to be used in some reconnaissance roles” until the troubled Ajax armoured vehicle is brought into service. The Ministry of Defence previously stated that while they would no longer upgrade Warrior, the armoured fighting vehicle would remain in service until replaced by Boxer. A total of £430m had been spent on the Warrior upgrade programme. You can read more about Warrior upgrades here. The information on Warrior also covering for Ajax to light via a Parliamentary question.
Tobias Ellwood, Member of Parliament for Bournemouth East Commons, asked via a Parliamentary written question:
“To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether his Department is taking steps to develop the (a) Boxer and (b) Warrior into a reconnaissance vehicle to replace the Scimitar.”
Jeremy Quin, Minister of State for the Ministry of Defence, responded:
“As announced in the Defence Command Paper “Defence in a Competitive Age”, Warrior is being retired from service and Boxer will be the primary mechanised infantry platform for the army. AJAX will replace CVR(T) in reconnaissance roles. CVR(T) is expected to go out of service in 2023 and there may be a requirement for Warrior to be used in some reconnaissance roles until AJAX is brought into service.”
The Ministry of Defence recently ruled out purchasing an alternative to Ajax as it “remains committed” to the troubled armoured vehicle. Trials of the British Army’s new Ajax armoured vehicles were recently halted for a second time after concerns were again raised over noise.
The Ministry of Defence confirmed that following renewed concerns on the impacts of noise, “all Ajax trials have been suspended and will only resume when we are assured that mitigations are fully effective.”
Last month, Defence Minister Jeremy Quin visited the Millbrook Proving Ground where independent testing has been conducted on Ajax. He commented:
“This long-running troubled programme requires ongoing intense work by our industrial partners and ourselves to ensure its delivery. In achieving this, the safety of our personnel will always come first.”
Earlier in the year we reported that trials of Ajax armoured vehicles were halted at the end of last year to March this year due to excessive vibration and noise, leaving crews suffering from nausea, swollen joints and tinnitus.
General Dynamics UK said at the time that it is working with the Army on the issues.
“Recent trials have confirmed many of the required capabilities across the AJAX Family of Vehicles, including operations across the full range of speed and reverse step obstacle climb. A small number of remaining issues are being reviewed and closed out in partnership with the British Army and Ministry of Defence ahead of Initial Operating Capability.” (Source: News Now/https://ukdefencejournal.org.uk/)
06 Sep 21. Rafael to showcase its AI-enhanced NGCV-S at DSEI 2021. The recently unveiled SEA BREAKER maritime system also to be displayed for the first time at any global defense expo. From September 14- 17, 2021, Rafael Advanced Defense Systems will be participating in the DSEI Exhibition in London.
For over 70 years, Rafael Advanced Defense Systems has been a global pioneer in the field of defense research and development. Known for its wide array of groundbreaking, combat proven technologies, Rafael has transformed the approach to the modern battlefield. With dozens of multi-purpose, multi-platform solutions for air, land, sea, cyber or space applications, Rafael solutions are currently deployed by dozens of militaries and security forces around the world.
During DSEI, Rafael will showcase several of its world class ground, aerial, and naval solutions including:
Next Generation Combat Vehicle Suite (NGCV-S): NGCV-S transforms any combat vehicle into a connected, well protected, optionally manned, lethal defense system. An array of sensors and cameras provide full situational awareness, automatic target recognition allow for threat detection and identification, and a complete video management system allows crew members to remain fully protection inside a closed-hatch cabin. DSEI marks the first showcase of this suite with its enhanced artificial intelligence architecture.
SEA BREAKER: Unveiled in June 2021, Rafael’s SEA BREAKER is a 5th generation long-range autonomous precision guided missile system enabling significant attack performance against a variety of high-value maritime and land targets. By employing Rafael’s legacy of high-end precision guided munitions, SEA BREAKER serves as a pinpoint, surgical force multiplier both on land and at sea. DSEI is the first time the system is being displayed at a global defense exhibition or outside Israel.
DRONE DOME: an end-to-end, combat proven counter-Unmanned Aerial System (C-UAS) providing all-weather, 360-degree rapid defense against hostile drones. DRONE DOME detects even small targets at distances over 3.5 km, intercepts and neutralizes with soft and hard kill measures, while inflicting minimal damage to the surrounding environment yet maximum safety to friendly aircraft.
SPIKE Missile Family: This family of 5th generation, multi-purpose, EO-guided missile systems providing pinpoint accuracy on land, at sea, and in the air. It can upgrade helicopters into powerful force multipliers, enabling ultra-long standoff ranges and enhanced lethality in a lightweight package and extended mission endurance.
TROPHY APS: As the world’s only operational, combat-proven active protection system for armored fighting vehicles, TROPHY APS detects, classifies, and engages incoming threats and delivers unmatched survivability and maneuverability for all vehicle classes.
BNET SDR: an advanced, tactical Broadband IP Mobile Ad Hoc Network (MANET) Software Defined Radio (SDR) providing reliable high-speed, low-delay connectivity for broadband data, voice and video on-the-move for ground and airborne platforms, HQs, and dismounted soldiers. The modular, multi-band, multi-channel, net-centric system enables unprecedented data rates and user numbers, enabling all land, sea, and air units to participate in a single, seamless, scalable network.
FIRE WEAVER: a networked system connecting all battlefield elements in real time, instantly selecting the most relevant shooter for every acquired target. Simultaneously handling multiple targets using AI and data fusion, it enables warfighters to receive and share battlefield data via augmented reality icons on their weapon sights, creating a common situational awareness picture for all participants.
04 Sep 21. Polaris MRZR Alpha is the newest light tactical vehicle from Polaris Government and Defense, the largest ultralight tactical vehicle provider for the US military, and a division of global powersports leader Polaris Inc. The MRZR Alpha is Polaris’ 11th military vehicle produced in 12 years and it represents the insertion of cutting-edge offroad vehicle technology for ultimate tactical mobility – derived from research and development investments that keep Polaris in front of the highly competitive off-road vehicle market.
Developed for US Special Operations Command (USSOCOM), the MRZR Alpha supports requirements for a longer life-cycle while increasing performance and payload and maintaining internal air transportability. The MRZR Alpha is currently under General Services Administration (GSA) contract through the Light Tactical All-Terrain Vehicle (LTATV) programme, which has a value of up to $109m and was awarded on May 29, 2020.
“By following the demanding requirements and feedback from US Special Operations Forces, we’ve created the highest performing MRZR yet – and in the process, established an all-new breed of vehicle that is still internally transportable via V-22 in a more capable package to ensure mission success,” said Nick Francis, director, Polaris Defense. “The MRZR Alpha is powerful and flexible enough for expanded missions, provides more durability to meet an extended life-cycle and is agile in off-road environments to best support operators, yet compact and lightweight for tactical air transport.”
The MRZR’s light weight and off-road capabilities make it ideal for transport via helicopter and operation in terrain that would otherwise be traversed on foot. Since their introduction, MRZRs have been outfitted with counter unmanned aerial systems (C-UAS), direct-fire weapons, high-energy laser systems, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) systems, tactical aviation ground refuelling systems, expeditionary command and control systems, autonomy packages, litters for casualty evacuation and communication equipment. First introduced in 2012, Polaris has continued to enhance the MRZR platform to meet the mission demands of the US military, and over 40 allied forces worldwide – and the MRZR Alpha ups the ante once again.
Beyond infantry support, the MRZR Alpha’s enhanced system design and payload capacity expand its possible mission roles to include indirect fire weapons, explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) systems, network-on-the-move, logistics and missile launch. The MRZR Alpha retains a 1500 lb towing capacity common in the MRZR family, as well as blackout mode and a two-litter capacity. The MRZR Alpha comes in a two and four-seat option, like its predecessors, and now a mission kit provides ROPS for two additional rear-facing seats.
A new chassis provides a larger and more durable foundation for the latest MRZR, which is powered by a high-performance 8-speed automotive transmission and a powerful, yet quiet, 4-stroke, 118 hp turbo-diesel engine. This provides 200 ft-lbs of efficient torque that, when combined with a selectable locker for the 2WD/4WD drive system, delivers superior off-road manoeuvrability and handling in the most demanding environments, including deep sand. In the cab, there is increased exportable power, more cab space and a greater configurability.
The payload for the MRZR Alpha two and four-seat variants increases to 1400 and 2000 lbs, respectively, and the range at gross-vehicle weight (GVW) increases to 225 miles for expanded mission flexibility. It is heavy-fuel compatible – including DF1, DF2, JP8 and F24 – and can achieve a top speed of over 60 mph to support convoy operations. An expanded off-road profile is made possible with 12 inches of ground clearance at full GVW, high clearance dual A-arm front and rear suspension with payload leveling, and 32-inch, high mobility run-flat tires with bead-lock rims.
The MRZR Alpha can be internally transported by V-22, H-47 and larger aircraft by leveraging toolless ROPS and spare tire stowage. External transportation includes H-60 and larger rotary wing lift assets. Robust tie down and lifting provisions also allow for LVAD, JPADS and HSL certifications.
Like all Polaris military platforms, the new MRZR Alpha continues a legacy of light tactical military vehicles that are intuitive to operate, easy to maintain, and easy to globally support within an existing worldwide infrastructure of parts distribution and dealer service networks. With the MRZR Alpha, maintenance is simplified through an On-Board Diagnostics interface (OBD-II) for real-time feedback on the status of the vehicle subsystems and a pinpoint diagnostics manual. On board vehicle systems support future condition-based maintenance and guided diagnostics.
Polaris will support the MRZR Alpha worldwide as a global company with over 3,500 dealers and products sold to 120 countries. Polaris has been supplying traditional technical and parts manuals along with in-person training to the military for years – and leveraging corporate resources, Polaris can also offer new training opportunities to the military. Best-in-class online training videos, app-based technologies and computer aided modeling within electronic technical manuals are currently offered to Polaris’ dealers and can be easily adapted to train today’s military technician.
Dedicated Military Field Service Representatives (FSRs) have been teaching operator and maintainer training courses for more than 12 years to the US and its allies. Polaris also provides world-class parts distribution – an established inventory management system allows for proactive management of parts inventory, minimizes lead time for parts and reduces the logistics for supply chain planning and management.
Throughout the 1980s and 90s, the United States military’s rising demand for Polaris off-road vehicles led to Polaris being the first ATV OEM to produce militarized vehicles for US Special Operations Forces and the United States Army. To better serve its military customers, Polaris established Polaris Defense in 2005. Today, Polaris offers full programme management and logistics support to manage traditional programmes of record for domestic and international customers. Polaris designs, engineers and produces its MV850 ATV, MRZR and DAGOR military vehicles in the US. (Source: www.joint-forcescom)
07 Sep 21. PGZ-WZM consortium to overhaul Polish BWP-1 infantry fighting vehicles. The deliveries of overhauled BWP-1 infantry fighting vehicles will begin next year. A consortium of Polska Grupa Zbrojeniowa (PGZ) and Wojskowe Zakłady Motoryzacyjne (WZM) has secured a long-term contract to overhaul Poland’s BWP-1 infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs). Awarded by Polish Army’s 2nd Regional Logistics Base, the contract is valued at around $26.27m (PLN100m) gross. Work will include major repair works of 31 vehicles and maintenance overhauls of nine other BWP-1 IFVs under the guaranteed contract. The agreement also includes an option of two overhauls and three maintenance overhauls. The deal will be executed between 2022 and 2024, with the first deliveries scheduled next year. PGZ management board president Sebastian Chwałek said: “Infantry fighting vehicles are invariably the basis of the equipment of the land forces, which is why it is so important to ensure their proper efficiency throughout the entire lifecycle of this equipment.
“I am glad that, in parallel to the work on Borsuk, we can secure the renovation area and use the competences of the Poznań WZM, the more so that the signed contract allows for an increase in the number of BWP renovated in the coming years.”
PGZ is a state-owned defence enterprise in Poland. It focuses on manufacturing defence systems and solutions for Polish Armed Forces and allied formations. The group specialises in modern radiolocation and radar systems, wheeled armoured transporters, rifles and optoelectronics, barrel artillery, unmanned air systems and systems supporting battle filed management. WZM focuses on rehabilitating armoured, tracked and wheeled equipment. It has been active in the Polish defence market for more than 70 years. (Source: army-technology.com)
07 Sep 21. Svitzer Australia wins Defence Marine Support Services Package tender. Under the contract, the company will provide towage services for Australia’s naval fleet. The Australian Department of Defence has announced Svitzer Australia as the winner of the Defence Marine Support Services Package 3 tender. Under the long-term contract, the company will provide essential towage services to the Royal Australian Navy. The company will also provide navy towage assets management and the development of naval workforce training in major ports within Australia. The towage operations for the Royal Australian Navy are scheduled to commence from next month.
Svitzer Australia managing director Nicolaj Noes said: “We are honoured to be chosen as the trusted partner to provide essential towage services to the Royal Australian Navy as they undertake their vital duty to serve Australia at sea.
“With our network of ports around Australia, fleet capability and experienced crews, we are well placed to provide a safe, reliable and efficient service for the Navy’s operational and strategic needs.”
“Being part of the local community is central to Svitzer Australia’s role in the ports we operate in, and we look forward to servicing the Navy and investing in our local communities now and into the future.”
The company will focus on local engagement, using local supplier network and partnering with Australian defence to create more job opportunities.
Svitzer had earlier been supporting the Australian Defence industry as a towage subcontractor in several local ports.
The Australian firm claims that it has a network of more than 20 national ports and is the largest employer of Australian seafarers. (Source: naval-technology.com)
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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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