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10 Sep 19. Lockheed Martin Warrior CSP on schedule. At DSEI today, Lockheed Martin confirmed that the Warrior Capability Sustainment Programme (CSP) is on schedule having completed 20 battlefield missions (BFM) so far.
The company added that it expects the Warrior CSP to have completed 40 BFMs by November this year.
Lockheed is developing the Warrior CSP programme using legacy bodies from BAE Systems to deliver enhanced reliability, survivability and lethality to the British Army.
One of the key improvements of the Warrior CSP is increased lethality with the introduction of a stabilised turret which can be fired on the move.
During trials the main cannon has been fired almost 3,000 times, with the supporting chain-gun having fired around 40,000 rounds during testing. So far the Warrior CSP has covered nearly 13,000km during testing. The company is expecting to carry out further live fire trials towards the end of this month.
The turret has been tested successfully for use on a range of targets including in moving-on-moving engagements.
The vehicle is fitted with a 360-degree camera array on the turret to give operators a full picture of the combat environment. Lockheed said this was designed to improve survivability, giving the troops housed in the Warrior a more rounded view of the environment they are deploying into.
Lockheed Martin stressed that the programme was on schedule despite reports to the contrary, saying it achieved its timeframe by using a ‘three on, three off’ approach where vehicles would be used for tests and then maintained while others tested different requirements. This approach has given the Warrior CSP programme a faster testing schedule.
The testing of the Warrior CSP is also possibly the first time the British Army has tested a high-calibre system of this kind since the Challenger II in 1990.
Lockheed Martin said it expects the FV520 and FV521 variants of the system to pass qualification and verification by around July 2021. The system is also expected to pass design acceptance in August 2021.
At a press briefing at DSEI Lockheed Martin said it is absolutely committed to the Warrior CSP programme and has no ‘plan B’. The company plans to send a final request for quotations to suppliers in Q4 this year. (Source: army-technology.com)
09 Sep 19. UK Army Modernizing Tanks, Infantry Vehicles. The British army is upgrading its equipment throughout its inventory, said the deputy chief of the general staff Sept. 9.
“We are pursuing new capabilities and modernizing trusted platforms,” said Lt. Gen. Chris Tickell.
Two high-profile efforts are upgrading the nation’s main battle tank and infantry fighting vehicle through its Challenger 2 life-extension program and Warrior capabilities sustainment program, he said during remarks at the Defence Security Equipment International’s “Day Zero” strategic conference.
“These will field capabilities with world-beating firepower, protection and mobility,” he said.
Additionally, as the army looks to the future, it is introducing new platforms including the armored fighting vehicles Boxer and Ajax.
These “will provide us with the speed and mobility to realize the strike concept,” he said. “The improved situational awareness of these capabilities will … [give us] the ability to maneuver and operate dispersed before quickly massing” for an attack.
The service is also working through a research and experimentation program to look for ways to employ artificial intelligence and autonomy, Tickell said. “This will inform our thinking about how the effects delivered currently by tanks and infantry will be delivered in the mid-2030s and beyond,” he said. “I’m very keen to bring as much of that technology into play early.”
Much attention of late has been focused on next-generation aircraft. But moving forward, the land domain — where populations live — will be the most critical of the conventional warfighting domains, he said.
“It is on land that if we are to win, we must be decisive,” Tickell said. “This ultimately can only be achieved through the deployment of a well-resourced, trained, equipped and effective army.”
The U.K. military intends to implement a transformative “people model” that will deliver a motivated, capable and resourceful force to compete and prevail on future battlefields, he added. Key to this initiative is equipping its soldiers with new capabilities.
The British army is pursuing all of these efforts as it faces increased threats in the so-called gray zone below the threshold of conventional armed conflict, he noted. Russian gray zone tactics in Ukraine and elsewhere have raised concerns among NATO nations.
“We are witnessing the return of great power competition, continued threat from violent extremism and from regional powers intent on fueling instability and conflict,” he said. “Many of these threats often manifest themselves in the shadows and the level below the threshold of armed conflict.”
Tickell noted that the West’s strength and technological advantage has prompted adversaries to use gray zone tactics.
While “our collective deterrence is effective and must be maintained, we must also work to address the damaging sub-threshold activity,” he said. “These threats are not going away.”
NATO is now contested in all warfighting domains, he noted. To address these challenges, the U.K. army has released an operating concept that is intended to “optimize its competitiveness, its utility and adaptability in the next decade and beyond,” Tickell said. “The concept seeks to fuse land, air and … information maneuver for advantage,” he explained. (Source: National Defense)
09 Sep 19. Otokar offers solutions with technology transfer and local manufacturing models. Otokar, a Koç Group company, will participate in the 20th edition of DSEI on 10-13 September 2019 in London, UK. Otokar, which offers solutions with transfer of technology and local manufacturing models for land system requirements of its customers, exhibits TULPAR armoured tracked vehicle and COBRA II wheeled armoured vehicle at DSEI 2019.
Otokar, serving more than 30 countries with combat-proven products, is participating at DSEI, the world leading defence industry and security event. At its stand, Otokar is exhibiting the TULPAR armoured tracked vehicle with Mızrak-30 turret system and also, wheeled armoured vehicle COBRA II is being displayed with Keskin turret system in the Land Zone Static Display Area. In addition to promoting its broad product range at the exhibition, Otokar will also provide information about its flexible business model which includes transfer of technology and local manufacturing models.
General Manager Serdar Görgüç emphasized that Otokar has the capabilities and the infrastructure to rapidly design and develop modular products in line with users’ current and future needs, “In the last 10 years, we have allocated 8.5 per cent of our revenues for our R&D activities. We continue to introduce innovative solutions in land systems by taking into account the current and future requirements of modern armies and security forces. Last May, we unveiled one of the best examples of this with our electric armoured vehicle Akrep IIe, which provides an excellent choice for reconnaissance and surveillance missions.
Our combat-proven vehicles are actively used in very different geographies, extreme climatic conditions and conflict zones. We analyse the different needs and expectations of our users for land systems, and develop solutions that meet these requirements in the fastest manner thanks to our excellent engineering and superior R&D capabilities. We are ready to meet the different requirements of armed forces, not only by supplying products but also through transfer of technology and local production models. At the exhibition, we plan to share our experience and capabilities in this field with our customers.”
Görgüç stated that Otokar, as a supplier of NATO and the United Nations, brings its know-how and experience in modular land systems to tracked vehicles with TULPAR, “TULPAR is designed to meet todays and future needs of modern armed forces. With its superior mobility and high level of protection, the vehicle can operate in a wide range of challenging terrains and climate conditions. TULPAR, which features a modular design, can be manufactured in a number of variants to meet user needs.”
TULPAR
TULPAR is designed as a multi-purpose vehicle with variants ranging from 28 tonnes to 45 tonnes to fully satisfy the future global requirements. Future-oriented perspective of modularity is to increase operational flexibility by using common components and a common chassis over wide range of vehicle variants. TULPAR comes in several variants that share common subsystems. The common platform can accommodate a medium tank; infantry fighting vehicle; armoured personnel carrier; reconnaissance vehicle; command and control vehicle; air defence; ambulance; repair and recovery vehicle; mortar vehicle and other vehicle variants. TULPAR is a multipurpose platform with high lethality, modularity and growth potential that can be tailored to meet current and future operational requirements.
COBRA II
COBRA II, manufactured by Otokar with the mission of designing and manufacturing globally competitive land systems products, stands out with its superior performance. COBRA II offers high level of protection and payload capacity and large internal volume. In addition to superior mobility, COBRA II also comes with the capacity to accommodate 10 personnel including the driver and commander, offering high protection against ballistic, mine and IED threats. Delivering high performance in the toughest terrain and climate conditions, COBRA II is optionally available with amphibious capability, adapting perfectly to different missions as needed. COBRA II, subjected to rigorous field tests in different parts of the world, travelled thousands of miles. More importantly, different variants of COBRA II are today operated in various combat operations throughout the Middle East and Africa proving the the vehicle’s adeptness to enhance combat capability of the user. Preferred especially for offering a wide range of weapons integration and mission equipment options, COBRA II is successfully used in border protection as well as internal security and peacekeeping missions. The modular structure of COBRA II also makes it possible to be used as a personnel carrier, weapons platform, ground surveillance radar, CBRN reconnaissance vehicle, command control vehicle and ambulance. COBRA II is already in service with Turkish Armed and Security forces and with various export customers.
09 Sep 19. General Dynamics Land Systems–UK showcases adaptable Foxhound vehicle at DSEI 2019. General Dynamics Land Systems–UK is showcasing its highly-adaptable Foxhound 4×4 vehicle at Defence and Security Equipment International (DSEI) 2019.
Since 2012, 400 Foxhound vehicles have been in-service with the British Army and have been deployed worldwide, including in Afghanistan and Iraq, offering exceptional mobility, ride and blast protection. Designed and built in the UK, Foxhound integrates highly survivable V-shaped hull technology and utilises a dismountable crew pod design for different roles, including the existing Foxhound Troop Carrier, a Weapons Mount Installation Kit (WMIK)-style Reconnaissance variant, a flat-bed Utility load carrier, and a Command and Control (C2) variant. The latest variant of the British Army Foxhound fleet enables the vehicle to undertake a Public Order role.
Carew Wilks, vice president and general manager of General Dynamics Land Systems–UK, said: “Foxhound is the protected mobility vehicle of choice for British Army light infantry and specialist troops on operations worldwide. Throughout its service, Foxhound has delivered high-levels of operationally-proven protection, reliability and adaptability, and most importantly extremely high-levels of availability. The British Army knows it can trust Foxhound and the latest Public Order variant shows its adaptability to meet a wide variety of requirements for today’s modern Army.”
General Dynamics Land Systems has a long pedigree and worldwide experience in delivering tracked and wheeled military vehicles, alongside specialist knowledge in complex, scalable Electronic Architectures. It delivers, amongst others, the AJAX family of vehicles, the Abrams main battle tank, LAV (Light Armoured Vehicle) and Stryker Family of Vehicles, and the Cougar Mine Resistant Ambush–Protected (MRAP).
09 Sep 19. General Dynamics Land Systems–UK showcases EAGLE at DSEI 2019. General Dynamics Land Systems–UK and General Dynamics European Land Systems will showcase its EAGLE 6×6, which is a contender for the UK’s Multi Role Vehicle–Protected (MRV-P) Group 2 programme, at Defence and Security Equipment International (DSEI) 2019.
EAGLE, fitted as a Troop Carrier variant at DSEI 2019, features a unique suspension and driveline, offering superior tactical mobility, reliability and the highest-protection in its class. The EAGLE has been developed from the EAGLE / DURO family of vehicles that are currently in-service with the British, German, Danish and Swiss Armies and proved on operations worldwide. It is available in a range of 4×4 and 6×6 configurations and can fulfil roles such as a Troop Carrier, Ambulance, Recovery, Command, Reconnaissance and Logistics. EAGLE provides logistic commonality across its range of variants to offer lower maintenance and lifecycle costs.
Carew Wilks, vice president and general manager of General Dynamics Land Systems–UK, said: “The EAGLE 6×6 is an outstanding tactical wheeled vehicle that is ideally suited to troop transport and the rapid, safe carriage of injured personnel. EAGLE is highly-survivable with the mobility performance characteristics the British Army needs on operations worldwide. We have a highly-skilled team at Merthyr Tydfil that stands ready to undertake the assembly, integration and test of these vehicles – helping sustain this unique capability for the nation. The British Army can be assured it is getting the right platform for its requirements.”
General Dynamics Land Systems and General Dynamics European Land Systems has a long pedigree and worldwide experience in delivering tracked and wheeled military vehicles, alongside specialist knowledge in complex, scalable Electronic Architectures. It delivers, amongst others, the AJAX family of vehicles, the Abrams main battle tank, LAV (Light Armoured Vehicle), Piranha and Stryker Family of Vehicles, and the Cougar Mine Resistant Ambush–Protected (MRAP).
10 Sep 19. Tyron Announces Single Piece Rubber Runflat.
- Single piece rubber runflat market now has competition
- Tyron introduces ATR-SP
- Fitting Tyron ATR-SP instead does not add cost
A new competitor in single piece rubber runflats is announced at the start of DSEI by Tyron Runflat Ltd on stand number N9-301. The Tyron ATR-SP provides customers with a choice of supplier for the single piece rubber runflat which up to now they have not had.
The Tyron ATR-SP uses the same fitting equipment currently in-service with defence forces in many countries, most notably NATO defence forces, which means that both vehicle OEMs and end users can now specify the Tyron solution without the expense of investing in new capital equipment.
“The marketplace has been seeking a competitor product for many years and though we feel that out multi-piece runflat offers superior logistic support and more than comparable performance, we are now introducing the Tyron ATR-SP as an option for those users who already have single piece rubber runflats in service,” said Richard Glazebrook, Chief Executive of Tyron Runflat Ltd.
The Tyron ATR-SP locks the tyre onto the wheel in the event of a blow out or an operator initiated deflation. It provides the vehicle wheel with a rubber base which can absorb the knocks that come from driving off-road and gives the vehicle crew a smoother ride and they therefore arrive at their objective in a better condition. In the event of deflation from enemy action the ATR-SP ensures that the vehicle can keep moving to an area of safety, sometimes many miles away.
During DSEI, being held at Excel, London from 10 to 13 September, Tyron is exhibiting its range of All Terrain Rubber (ATR) Runflats including its patented multi piece unit, the ATR-MP, which does not require an hydraulic press to squeeze the runflat in and out of the tyre which is needed for single piece runflats. The ATR-MP is field mountable and de-mountable without any special tools, this reduces logistic costs and the complexities of systems requiring specialist equipment. Also on display is the Carbon-ATR, which reduces the total runflat weight by up to 40% by replacing the steel spine with a carbon fibre one, making it the lightest rubber runflat in the world.
06 Sep 19. AJAX showcases its transition into service with the British Army at DSEI 2019. General Dynamics Land Systems–UK will demonstrate the capabilities of the AJAX Family of Vehicles at Defence and Security Equipment International (DSEI) 2019. The AJAX Programme, a £4.5bn programme to deliver 589 vehicles in six variants to the British Army, has begun the transition of vehicles into service ahead of the planned Initial Operating Capability (IOC) in 2020. The first six ARES vehicles were delivered to the British Army in February this year, and desktop training equipment and full-motion driver training simulators have been installed at the Armour Centre in Bovington and at Ministry of Defence Lyneham to support advanced training of British Army soldiers. In parallel, eight production and seven prototype vehicles continue to demonstrate the capabilities of the AJAX Family of Vehicles, through trials including live fire, cold-weather, Equipment Support-specific trials (such as ATLAS successfully recovering a 60-ton Challenger Main Battle Tank) and through ongoing reliability trials in which two ARES production vehicles have run more than 10,000 kilometres to date.
Carew Wilks, vice president and general manager of General Dynamics Land Systems–UK, said: “The transition of AJAX into service with the British Army is a significant milestone for the AJAX Programme. The provision of highly-intuitive training assets, alongside vehicle deliveries, will allow the British Army to get to grips with this world-leading capability and enable them to use this fully-digital Family of Vehicles effectively as part of Strike. Through its advanced open and secure Electronic Architecture, AJAX will remain at the forefront of technology and survivability, ensuring it will be the vehicle of choice for British Army soldiers on operations.”
03 Sep 19. Supacat launches latest HMT Extenda variant at DSEi. Supacat, the UK headquartered Special Forces vehicle developer, is showing the most advanced version of its world leading special forces vehicle, the HMT Extenda Mk2, for the first time at DSEi 2019. This latest variant offers a step change in capability and payload capacity with an enhanced suspension system enabling gross vehicle weight to increase to 12,000kg from 10,500kg, and increase crew seating to six from four.
The Extenda is a variant of Supacat’s successful HMT (High Mobility Transporter) platform, which is operated by Special Forces around the world. The Norwegian Armed Forces are the first customer for the upgraded HMT Extenda Mk2.
Supacat has undertaken a rigorous and extensive programme of trials to Verify and Validate the performance of the system. As well as reliability and durability trialling at the Supacat test facility, the vehicle has successfully completed a 12,500km tour of Australia in order to confirm reliability and performance over long distances.
“The innovations to the HMT platform on the latest Extenda deliver increased capability and superior payload and performance. Our user feedback indicates that the vehicle has exceeded expectations, allowing them to do things they’d previously thought not possible”, said Phil Applegarth, Head of Supacat.
The chassis is now STANAG compliant for recovery purposes and a 6.7 litre Cummins diesel engine comes as standard. The blast and ballistic protection option can now be integrated at the factory build stage.
In line with Supacat’s modular design philosophy the latest Extenda provides for a range of configuration options from the factory in addition to the flexibility to re-role the base platform throughout the lifetime of the vehicle with a variety of mission modules and protection levels to meet changing demands. HMT Extenda has the unique capability of being operated as a 4×4 or 6×6 wheel drive vehicle thanks to a removable 3rd axle.
DSEi, London 10-13 Sept 2019
Stand No: N9-350
03 Sep 19. New militarised Land Rover Defender breaks cover! Sources close to BATTLESPACE suggest that after many years of design changes and enhancements, the new militarised Land Rover Defender, code named 663 has been shown to the UK MoD at Goodwood last month. 663 is a monocoque design, believed to be based on a Discovery. JLR are apparently very pleased with the vehicle and have offered it to the MoD to replace the ageing Land Rover Wolf fleet, which, as we reported last week is suffering reliability problems. No doubt JLR will provide a number of carrots to the MoD to be its military launch Customer and persuade them to replace the Wolf’s with a new fleet of 663 vehicles, maybe by offering ton take the old fleet off the MoD’s books, refurbish it and sell abroad or as a Land Rover Classic vehicle in the UK. However JLR will have rivals to replace the ageing 6000+ Wolfs in the form of Mercedes Benz with G Wagen, Ford/Ricardo with the Ford f350 they are showing at DSEI and Toyota teamed with Jankel.
04 Sep 19. Jankel Tactical Systems announce the delivery of their largest ever single armored vehicle order. World-class specialists in the design and production of high-specification armored vehicles, US-based Jankel Tactical Systems (part of the global Jankel group of companies), has announced the successful delivery of their largest ever single order for armoured vehicles. The order for Chevrolet 3500 HD Suburban vehicles was called up off a 10-year Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA) that was awarded to Jankel in 2017. This announcement coincides with the DSEi 2019 exhibition, taking place at Excel London 10-13 September 2019.
Jankel Tactical Systems is already well-established in North America. This order has seen Jankel’s already strong Civilian Armored Vehicle (CAV) business grow by a tremendous 250% in 2019. Also, this delivery secured a 130% growth in Jankel’s overall CAV production. Whilst Jankel are unable to specify vehicle numbers nor the exact end-user to whom this order has been delivered, Jankel’s core clients include the US Department of Defense; US Department of State; the Canadian Department of National Defense; and Global Affairs Canada. In addition, Jankel has secured new customer opportunities with the US Customs and Border Patrol, US Marshalls, and the US Drug Enforcement Agency.
Prior to acceptance, Jankel had to complete rigorous First Article Testing (FAT). This involved the production and delivery of one complete vehicle built to the demanding customer specification. The vehicle was then put through a series of mobility tests followed by blast and ballistic destructive testing. This process confirmed Jankel’s ability to deliver full compliance against the specification prior to the commencement of series production.
Jankel’s rapid growth in North America has focused on ‘Hot Formed Armored’ discreet platforms and the delivery of niche armor requirements for platforms indigenous to the country within which they operate; including the Chevrolet 3500 HD Suburban, Toyota Land Cruiser 79 Series Double Cab (4×4 and 6×6) and Mercedes Sprinter 3500 XD. In addition to their wide range of vehicle protection capabilities, Jankel is targeting the provision of specialist seating and survivability systems. Jankel sales programs increased significantly in 2018/19 with the provision of BLASTech Seating solutions for Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) and new production vehicles for the US and allied nations.
Cody Baker, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) at Jankel Tactical Systems said: “delivering this order and achieving such growth is the result of a monumental effort from our entire team here at JTS as well as our ever-supportive supply chain. I’m very proud of all those involved”. He added: “The successful delivery of a major order such as this further underlines Jankel’s agility, reliability and understanding of our clients’ needs and priorities. We’re looking forward to continuing this growth trend as our North American and global client base increases”.
At DSEi Jankel is exhibiting at Stand N6-350.
06 Sep 19. General Dynamics Land Systems–UK establishes “unique UK national capability” for Armoured Fighting Vehicle design and production. General Dynamics Land Systems–UK is demonstrating its ability to deliver a “unique national capability” for UK Armoured Fighting Vehicle (AFV) design and production at Defence and Security Equipment International (DSEI) 2019.
The company has delivered to the British Army the Cougar-based Mastiff, Ridgeback and Wolfhound fleet to meet Urgent Operational Requirements, alongside 400 Foxhound vehicles, which meets its Protected Mobility requirements. Currently, General Dynamics Land Systems–UK is in-production for the best-in-class fully-digital AJAX Family of AFVs for the British Army, and has invested significantly in Centres of Excellence at Oakdale and Merthyr Tydfil in South Wales.
The facility at Oakdale is an engineering hub with more than 300 highly-skilled engineers across all disciplines, including software, electrical and mechanical, who have the skills and knowledge needed to design, deliver and ensure the Through-Life Capability of the AFVs of today and the future. In addition, Oakdale features a high-tech Systems Integration Laboratory and a range of test facilities to support the development and sustainment of AFVs. At Merthyr Tydfil there is a growing team of highly-trained production specialists, including graduates and apprentices, at a facility that has been designed at the outset to meet future requirements, including the ability to handle Main Battle Tanks.
Carew Wilks, vice president and general manager of General Dynamics Land Systems–UK, said: “General Dynamics Land Systems–UK has invested significantly in the UK, which is testament to our commitment to the British Army and the UK’s economic prosperity. We are developing the team and facilities needed to ensure the UK retains a world class and national AFV design and manufacturing capability. Merthyr Tydfil, for example, is the largest AFV production site of its scale in the UK. In addition, we are working closely with businesses, large and small, right across the UK as we develop the cutting-edge supply chain that will mean the British Army remains at the forefront of AFV capability for the decades ahead. We have an on-going dialogue with our customer about how we can sustain this national and unique AFV capability, available to the nation in times of crisis, for the years ahead.”
General Dynamics has been in the UK for more than 50 years and employs more than 1,500 highly-qualified people across multiple locations, including Oakdale, Merthyr Tydfil, Royal Leamington Spa and Hastings.
05 Sep 19. Growth inbound for Europe’s armoured vehicle market. Over the next ten years, European militaries are expected to invest more funds into the modernisation of their armoured vehicle fleets in order to meet the demands of a potential conflict with a near-peer adversary.
According to Defence Insight forecasting, this will grow the region’s share in the sector from $5.2bn in 2019 to $7.1bn in 2029, making it the second-largest armoured vehicles market in the world.
While the top four military spenders in the region (France, Germany, Italy and the UK) will together account for an estimated 56% of total global expenditure on armoured vehicles, the trend towards increased investment in these platforms is also apparent elsewhere, particularly among Central and Eastern European states.
Threatened by the prospect of conflict with Russia, these militaries are looking to replace ageing fleets of legacy Soviet-era vehicles with modern platforms that are compatible with NATO standards. These emerging tenders will create new opportunities to sustain the industry as programmes elsewhere wind down.
Among the sectors predicted to see the most rapid growth from this investment are tracked APCs/IFVs and MBTs, with the latter expected to rise from $0.6bn to $2bn by 2029. With the end of the Cold War and the prioritisation of counter-insurgency warfare, many nations delayed the replacement of their tracked platforms.
This has resulted in an urgent need for major upgrades to ensure that the ageing fleets of European militaries remain viable into the near future, until the development of next-generation platforms are procured.
Notwithstanding the revitalisation of the market for heavier tracked vehicles, wheeled armoured variants are still forecast to account for 41% of total spending. Comprising a broad spectrum of platforms – ranging from 4×4 patrol vehicles to heavy 8×8 IFVs – suppliers in this sector have adapted to meet changing European defence requirements.
As the MRAP market continues to decline following the drawdown in Iraq and Afghanistan, technology developed from these vehicles has been leveraged to offer a new generation of protected patrol vehicles and 8×8 IFVs. Quicker to deploy and simpler to support in the field, these platforms have proven to be an invaluable complement to their tracked counterparts.
The Defence Insight ‘Armoured Vehicles Market Report and Forecast 2019-2029’ suggests that growth in these segments will be most pronounced during the next six years, with European spending anticipated to reach a peak of $7.7bn in 2025.
This will be followed by a short-term dip to $6.3bn in 2026 before a recovery to $7.1bn in 2029. This slightly uneven trajectory reflects the fact that many of the ongoing modernisation efforts and major procurement efforts currently under way in the region are scheduled to either conclude or reach their culmination in the mid-2020s, precipitating a slowdown in growth and a momentary downturn in investment across all sectors of the market.
This trend is highlighted by the 8×8 APC/IFV sector, which has been saturated with a bewildering array of products offered by manufacturers across the world. With most of the platforms planned to have a service life of 40 years, there will be fewer and fewer opportunities to market new products as existing tenders are concluded.
Moreover, given the long development period intended for other major programmes – such as the Franco- German Main Ground Combat System, which is not scheduled for deployment until 2035 – the next wave of procurement is not expected to translate into more spending until after the next ten years.
Therefore, after the current wave of procurement reaches its peak in 2025, the market is likely to become more reliant upon tenders in states such as Bulgaria and the Czech Republic, which are still in the process of determining which platforms to acquire. (Source: Shephard)
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Millbrook, based in Bedfordshire, UK, makes a significant contribution to the quality and performance of military vehicles worldwide. Its specialist expertise is focussed in two distinct areas: test programmes to help armed services and their suppliers ensure that their vehicles and systems work as the specification requires; and design and build work to upgrade new or existing vehicles, evaluate vehicle capability and investigate in-service failures. Complementing these is driver and service training and a hospitality business that allows customers to use selected areas of Millbrook’s remarkable facilities for demonstrations and exhibitions.
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