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02 Oct 14. Estonia to buy Dutch CV90s. The Netherlands is to sell 44 BAE Systems CV9035NL infantry fighting vehicles (IFV) to Estonia, Dutch defence minister Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert announced on 1 October during a visit to the Baltic country. A deal covering maintenance and information exchange was signed during the visit, while a final contract for the sale is expected in December, according to the Dutch Ministry of Defence (MoD). No contract value for the sale of the Netherland’s CV90s was disclosed, citing commercial confidentiality. No modification is envisioned as part of the sale, although a ministry spokesperson said the vehicles will be delivered “after comprehensive maintenance”. The Estonian Defence Ministry told IHS Jane’s the acquisition is “aimed to strengthen Estonia’s armoured manoeuvring capability at the 1st Infantry Brigade Scouts Battalion and contributes to our independent defence capabilities”. The vehicles also will provide “training opportunities with similar allied forces, as with the US 8th Cavalry Regiment’s heavy equipment troops arriving this month”. Estonia’s National Defence Development Plan 2013-2022 explicitly mentioned developing the country’s armed forces, with the MoD telling IHS Jane’s that “further acquisitions of mechanised infantry equipment will be considered in the process of preparing the next Defence Development Plan”. IHS Jane’s understands that the country is currently holding discussions on whether it should acquire a main battle tank (MBT) capability. It’s not the first sale of Dutch surplus army materiel to the Estonian armed forces. In 2010 the country bought 80 Patria Pasi XA-188 6×6 armoured personnel carriers, including ambulance and command variants, from the Netherlands. Some Dutch CV90’s are expected to be employed by Estonia next February, participating in army manoeuvers to allow the Estonian Army “to get acquainted with the vehicle” and in a military parade commemorating Estonian Independence Day (24 February). The projected sale of 44 of the Dutch armed forces’ inventory of 193 CV9035NL IFVs is considered controversial domestically in the Netherlands as it means another round of laying-off of armoured vehicles, eroding the Netherland’s ability to conduct mechanised warfare. In 2010 the army was forced to sell all of its Krauss-Maffei Wegmann Leopard 2A6 MBTs. With current state of affairs vis-à-vis NATO’s relations with Russia in mind, the re-introduction of a small number of Leopard 2’s, in co-operation with the German armed forces, is now being considered. According to the Dutch MoD the planned acquisition of an extra 20 Thales Australia Bushmaster protected mobility vehicles should partly compensate for the sale of the CV90’s. (Source: IHS Jane’s)
02 Oct 14. Mack Defense will present two vehicles of its Defense Range at AUSA in Washington DC, the Sherpa Scout, a multirole reconnaissance armored 4X4, and the Armored Wheeled Loader L 180, as well as a new technology for anti-blast seating. The Mack Defense Sherpa Light and the Volvo Construction Equipment (VCE) Armored Wheeled Loader L 180 will be showcased at AUSA in booth 2925. The SHERPA LIGHT SCOUT which will be showcased in Washington is available in unarmored and armored variants. It is well suited for tactical missions such as scouting, patrol, convoy escort and command liaison. It is able to transport up to 4 or 5 soldiers and a roof-mounted weapon system.
07 Oct 14. General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems has reached a critical milestone and is moving to low rate initial production (LRIP) on the Ground Mobility Vehicle 1.1 program after receiving notice that a Milestone C Decision has been reached by U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM). Under the LRIP option, General Dynamics will produce and deliver 72 vehicles to USS