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17 Feb 13. Bids go in for Kuwait Desert Warrior Upgrade. The Requirement for the Kuwait Desert Warrior was issued in September and due for delivery on March 3rd. The original list of potential bidders who received the tender were Lockheed Martin, ADS/Moog, AAR Brown, GDLS, Raytheon and BAE Systems. BATTLESPACE understands that the list has now been shortened to a Raytheon Prime and optics with BAE Systems, chassis and drivetrain, Technical Datapack and GDLS turret and a Lockheed Martin UK (LMUK) Team with Moog and ADS for the turret optics. The turret optics and electronics need to be upgraded to enable the TOW System to be upgraded to incorporate the new RF system which will replace the wire guide system. This requires the optics to be upgrade to account for the extra range. BAE Systems is believed to be working with Thales and DRS for a similar optics solution, ADS is the incumbent. The turret is more complicated – Delco, now part of GD own the Datapack but the technology has migrated to Moog. The original Delco turret will be retained with other offerings from such companies as the UK’s ADVS being rejected it is believed. LMUK claim that they have enough experience on the UK Warrior WCSP to allow it to alter the current vehicle systems although BATTLESPACE understands that a number of key systems such as the wiring loom were changed from the original British Army design to allow for the increased temperatures the vehicle operates in. The source said that 30% of the Desert Warrior chassis is unique to the Kuwait design. The tracks will be supplied by William Cook. BATTLESPACE understands that Babcock is no longer part of the BAE Team. The Bushmaster 25 canon is being kept as is the armour system which has the Chobham upgrade. One source said that price is key to success to in this contract, one reason the original Raytheon bid in 201 failed. The current Requirement requires a 5 year Support package with an option of another ten.
22 Feb 13. Ministry of Defence confirms DVD2013 will take place on 19-20 June. DVD, the most important MOD stakeholder event in the defence diary for those involved in land equipment and support, will return to Millbrook Proving Ground for the 10th year in 2013. Organised by Millbrook on behalf of the MOD’s Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S) department and Army HQ, the two day event plays a crucial role as a catalyst for co-operation between UK industry and the military. Stakeholders, heads of capability, senior defence staff from front line commands and key military and industry personnel are invited to share ideas about issues affecting current and future equipment, support and sustainment.
As Major General Carew Wilks, Director Land Equipment at DE&S explains, “I am delighted to announce DVD2013 and to welcome the Army into this first jointly-organised event. With the Army’s new responsibilities for equipment, this is an exciting time for Defence and I look forward to industry joining us in this opportunity for innovation, discussion and engagement especially in achieving value in support.”
There will be a full programme of networking, exhibitions and vehicle and equipment demonstrations, including showcasing vehicles on Millbrook’s off-road facilities.
“As efficiency savings continue, sustainment becomes an important part of maintaining the quality and capability of land equipment and support,” explains Julian Bryan, head of military strategies at Millbrook. Industry has an important role to play in bringing about greater efficiencies to the army, and DVD is the perfect platform to encourage conversations between the military and industry on such topics.”
DVD facilitates and validates understanding of the military market and the challenges i