25 Feb 21. AL JASOOR Launches Rabdan 6×6 Infantry Fighting Vehicle at IDEX 2021. AL JASOOR, the UAE’s armoured vehicle specialist and exclusive supplier of the Rabdan 8×8 Infantry Fighting Vehicle, announced the launch of Rabdan 6×6, a new generation, amphibious, multi-wheel armoured vehicle with superior tactical and technical characteristics. The launch of the vehicle took place on the sidelines of the ongoing International Defence Exhibition and Conference (IDEX 2021) that runs until 25 February at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC).
Featuring flexible firepower capability and modular structural design, Rabdan 6×6 is uniquely positioned to cater to current and future operational requirements of the defence and military units in the GCC region and beyond.
With the safety and survivability of soldiers remaining a top priority for AL JASOOR, the new generation platform boasts a flexible ballistic protection capability with a modular add-on armour system. It’s also equipped with an automatic fire suppression system to offer the highest levels of safety to the crew in challenging circumstances.
A key element of armoured vehicle design in today’s dynamic defence landscape, Rabdan’s adaptability makes it a crucial and reliable partner for a range of high to low intensity missions. The platform boasts maximum driving stability on extreme off-road conditions as well as exceptional amphibious capability at combat weight.
Rabdan’s maximum commonality and interchangeability amongst its variants reduces the logistic footprint for fleet owners. In addition, it features an open electronic architecture for the seamless integration of C4I and other futuristic systems.
Fahad Al Absi, CEO, AL JASOOR, said: We are delighted to launch our new Rabdan 6×6 Infantry Fighting Vehicle at IDEX 2021. Featuring high commonality with our signature 8×8 platform, the amphibious 6×6 drives down cost for our clients, meets modern warfare requirements, and optimizes value for all operational requirements.”
AL JASOOR works relentlessly to meet the nation’s diverse armoured vehicle requirements, with a strong vision of manufacturing land platforms that addresses the future needs of the UAE’s domestic and export markets. The company is committed to harnessing advanced technologies to develop innovative solutions.
Part of the Platforms & Systems cluster within EDGE, AL JASOOR is the exclusive supplier of the new Rabdan 8×8 infantry fighting vehicle that offers unique operational advantages on land and can reliably operate in water. Committed to harnessing advanced technologies and developing innovative solutions, the company ensures that those on the front lines are protected by a new generation of faster, more mobile and more versatile vehicles with advanced offensive and defensive capabilities. AL JASOOR prides itself on meeting the UAE’s armoured vehicle requirements to give its customers the competitive edge in the field.
EDGE is an advanced technology group established to develop agile, bold and disruptive solutions for defence and beyond. Enabling a secure future, it is dedicated to bringing innovative technologies and services to market with greater speed and efficiency.
Consolidating over 25 entities and employing more than 13,000 brilliant minds, EDGE offers expertise across five core clusters: Platforms & Systems, Missiles & Weapons, Cyber Defence, Electronic Warfare & Intelligence and Mission Support. Headquartered in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, EDGE is a catalyst for change – set to revolutionise the industry and change its fundamentals. (Source: Al Defaiya)
24 Feb 21. Wheels wins the Wheels Vs. Tracks argument? The Times reported today that dozens of tanks will be scrapped and the remainder upgraded to make them “battle proof for future conflicts” under proposals put forward by the army, sources have told The Times.
The army’s 758 Warrior infantry fighting vehicles could also be retired and replaced by 500 new armoured personnel carriers ahead of schedule.
The “redesign” of the army was discussed during a meeting with ministers at the Ministry of Defence on Monday. Plans are expected to be signed off within days and will be outlined in a “defence command” white paper, due to be published after a wider “integrated” review is published next month.
Sources said some “pretty painful” decisions needed to be made to plug a hole in the budget, despite Boris Johnson having given the military a further £16.5bn last year to pay for new kit.
It is understood that the army will spend £1.2bn on upgrading 150 Challenger 2 tanks to a new Challenger 3 specification, with new turrets and a Rheinmetall 120mm smoothbore gun used by other Nato forces.
A defence source said that the upgrades would turn “this relic from the Gulf war. . . into something that can fight the next war”. The army’s remaining 77 Challenger 2s will be scrapped to save hundreds of millions of pounds.
The Warrior, which came into service in 1988, will be retired early rather than upgraded as planned, sources said.
“Is it worth investing in legacy platforms that will go out of service anyway?” a source working on the integrated review of the armed forces said. “Why limp it on when you have the opportunity to invest in new capabilities?”
Ben Wallace, the defence secretary, wants to bring forward the 2023 deployment of the eight-wheel Mechanised Infantry Vehicle, known as the Boxer. The MoD has 523 on order at a cost of £1.5bn.
The Boxer is modular vehicle that can be adapted to be a command post, an ambulance, a troop carrier and an infantry fighting vehicle. The vehicles also fit the army’s push for a lighter, more mobile force: Boxers can be deployed to emergencies in a matter of days — compared with the weeks it can take for Warriors and Challengers to arrive by tank transporter — and then hold their own supported by air power, drones and artillery as they wait for the Challengers to arrive.
General Sir Richard Barrons, former chief of what is now Strategic Command, said: “The army recognises they are in the foothills of a profound transformation. This will be an evolution from their way of working to a manned, unmanned and autonomous mix. The army is not in good shape and has been told to get smaller, all of this could make sense so long as we see the rest of the plan. Without that, this is just financially driven stupidity.”
Brigadier Ben Barry, a senior fellow for land warfare at the International Institute for Strategic Studies, said: “If the Challenger tanks are not supported by an infantry fighting vehicle you will have a much less effective force.”
Brigadier John Clark, the army’s head of strategy, said that in history “emerging technology has enabled smaller forces to deliver the same, if not greater, effects on the battlefield”. He told The Times: “We are clear on the requirement for hard power and the warfighting division lies at the heart of that capability, but the way in which we fight is changing all the time and the army’s structures, equipment and way of operating must change accordingly.”
The integrated review of the UK’s defence and foreign policy has been billed as the most radical re-evaluation of Britain’s place in the world since the Cold War.
General Sir Mark Carleton-Smith, the chief of the general staff, failed last year to come up with drastic enough modernisation proposals and was sent away to think again. As one source put it: “The army has to look different at the end of this.”
Under the current plans, the size of the army will be reduced by nearly 10,000 personnel over a decade and as many as four battalions will be axed as the focus shifts to robots and automated machines.
Fighting between Armenia and Azerbaijan over Nagorno-Karabakh has shown the defence secretary the effectiveness of cheap, unmanned air assets against costly tanks — the Ministry of Defence has studied footage of Turkish-made TB2 drones, which cost as little as $1m, destroying Armenian armour.
However, no one knows what threats the West will face, and in a Nato context, retaining heavy armour is a vital part of being taken seriously.
While the army is about to spend £1.2bn on upgrading 150 of its ageing Challenger 2 tanks, 77 others are to be retired, saving millions.
The Warrior infantry fighting vehicle, meanwhile, is to be retired early to make way for the Boxer armoured personnel carrier.
This is not a like-for-like swap, however. The vehicles are missing the Warrior’s 30mm cannon and the Boxer may be adapted to ensure infantry are protected in battle.
BATTLESPACE Comment: It would be a brave politician to scarp WCSP and then explain why £500m was spent in the process. It was obvious from the brief last week given by LMUK that they had concerns over the security of WCSP. (See Feature: WCSP SAILS THROUGH 80% OF RELIABILITY GROWTH TRIALS (RGT))LMUK gave the response as here: We are aware of the Times Article today entitled “Dozens of tanks to be scrapped in “redesign” for army of the future. We have not been informed of any decisions relating to WCSP and are not able to comment on the content of the article. We are continuing to work closely with our customer following submission of our response to the WCSP Manufacture Invitation to Negotiate which we submitted to the UK MOD on 21stDecember 2020.
This Times piece may be placed as a bargaining tool to bring the WCSP price down to an affordable level to suit both parties? Watch this space!
22 Feb 21. Excavator manufacturer eyes Middle Eastern opportunities.
CSM Industry appears at IDEX alongside International Golden Group.
Slovakia-based combat engineering equipment manufacturer CSM Industry is exhibiting at IDEX with International Golden Group of the United Arab Emirates, as it seeks to support defence modernisation efforts in the Middle East.
CSM equipment on 6×6 and 8×8 chassis, in particular its UDS excavators (as ordered by the Czech and Slovak armed forces), is used to support army engineers in constructing defensive positions, trenches and observation posts. It can also be deployed in civilian crisis management and relief missions.
CSM chairman Tomáš Maroš said the company is ‘ready to face new challenges in modernising military equipment and meeting the demanding requirements of the Armed Forces, as evidenced by recent international agreements with leading defence giants such as Rheinmetall Germany, Iveco Defence Vehicles Italy, Plasan [in] Israel or BEML in India’. (Source: Shephard)
22 Feb 21. Kia showcases new defence vehicle technologies at IDEX 2021 defence exhibition.
- Kia displays Light Tactical Cargo Truck and Bare Chassis concepts at the IDEX defence exhibition in the UAE
- Unique design optimised for military use offering superior mobility, durability and functionality
- Modular platform can underpin mobile workshops, communication hubs and troop and cargo carrying capabilities
- Four-wheel drive, independent suspension and run-flat tyres ensures enhanced usability in harsh environments
Kia Corporation has showcased two light tactical defence vehicle concepts at the 2021 International Defence Exhibition & Conference (IDEX) in the UAE, the largest international defence exhibition in the Middle East and Africa.
Kia has been supplying its light tactical vehicles to the South Korean army since 2016, becoming the standard-bearer for vehicle quality in the country’s military operation system. The new four-seater Light Tactical Cargo Truck concept displayed at IDEX adopts a bold, commanding design and has been equipped with a cargo container for transporting troops alongside diverse armoury. Kia expects the added visual appeal and usability to stimulate further demand for its military vehicles.
Together with the Light Tactical Cargo Truck concept at IDEX, Kia is displaying the vehicle’s Bare Chassis. With the body removed, the bare chassis showcases the truck’s powertrain and basic frame, providing a glimpse of the platform’s scalability as a basis for a range of armoured vehicles. Kia is actively developing vehicles based on the Bare Chassis for clients’ eclectic taste around the world.
Ik-tae Kim, Vice President for Kia’s Special Vehicle Division said: “Our participation at IDEX 2021 is an opportunity to promote Kia’s latest developments in the design of future defence vehicles. Both concepts on display have been developed to be highly flexible and durable, with the capability to be used in some of the world’s harshest environments.”
Kia’s involvement at IDEX is its largest to-date, with the region being seen as a key strategic military vehicle market. Kia first participated at IDEX in 2015, with this year’s exhibition space shared with Kia’s affiliate, Hyundai Rotem Co.
Kia Light Tactical Cargo Truck
Kia has developed the Light Tactical Cargo Truck concept in close cooperation between the Defence Acquisition Program Administration. The vehicle’s modular chassis has enabled Kia to offer standard and long-wheel base variants alongside armoured and unarmoured versions for purposes including tactical commanding and reconnaissance, weapon instalment, target observation and multi-purpose for supporting troops.
Differentiated by its unique design, the four-person Light Tactical Cargo Truck has been optimised for use by military forces by offering superior mobility, outstanding durability and a high level of functionality. The unarmoured long wheelbase design features a superstructure that can be tailored to underpin different structures such as a cargo box, a mobile workshop and a communications centre. The vehicle can also carry 10 fully-armed soldiers and up to three tonnes of cargo in the vehicle’s rear compartment.
The Kia Light Tactical Cargo Truck is powered by a 225 bhp Euro 5 diesel engine, with power sent to all four wheels via state-of-the-art eight-speed automatic transmission. The truck also features an independent suspension system, air conditioning, a limited-slip differential, run-flat tyres and an electro-magnetic interference system.
19 Feb 21. AM General Showcasing Continuous Automotive Innovation with All-New HUMVEE NXT 360 at IDEX 2021. Leading light tactical vehicle manufacturer, AM General, will participate in the International Defence Exhibition & Conference (IDEX) show held at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre February 21-25, 2021, Stand 02-B10 in the U.S. Pavilion. This will mark the debut of the all-new HUMVEE NXT 360, the company’s newest light tactical vehicle that offers increasing levels of protection. Not only will visitors be the first to explore the vehicle, but they will also have the opportunity to learn about the company’s robust and diverse product offerings.
The All-New HUMVEE NXT 360 light tactical vehicle with MRAP-level protection.
“We are enthusiastic to participate at IDEX and impressed at the level of coordination and support that the organizers have provided so that we can have a safe and successful show during these challenging times,” said Nguyen Trinh, AM General Executive Vice President of International Defense. “We are also extremely excited to debut the NXT 360 to our international customers as this is the first opportunity for them to have a hands-on experience with this ground-breaking vehicle.”
The company will display the all-new HUMVEE NXT 360 ES – a rugged light tactical vehicle that is redefining survivability. Built with proprietary technology, this vehicle allows for 360-degree kinetic energy threat protection as well as blast threat protection. Currently offering two variants (Base and ES), the NXT 360 leverages the existing HUMVEE® platform and includes additional enhancements. The ES model will offer a 6.5L V8 turbocharged engine with 250 Hp and is equipped with a long travel suspension for increased agility no matter the terrain – all optimized for exceptional transportability via land, sea, and air.
AM General representatives will also be available to discuss the wide variety of mobility solutions the company offers, as well as provide in-depth information on its logistics services, award-winning global supply chain management, and field service support. (Source: PR Newswire)
23 Feb 21. South Korean UGV makes overseas debut. Multi-Purpose Unmanned Ground Vehicle has a top speed of 30km/h with a payload of up to 200kg, including an RWS that locks onto targets by using an acoustic sensor.
Hanwha Defense has displayed a prototype of its Multi-Purpose Unmanned Ground Vehicle (MPUGV) at the IDEX defence exhibition in Abu Dhabi on 21-25 February.
This marks the first trade show appearance for the 4×4 electric-drive MPUGV outside South Korea.
Development of MPUGV was completed in 2019 ‘as part of a state project aimed at developing unmanned robotics to support infantry troops in different combat situations’, Hanwha Defense noted in a 22 February statement.
The 1.5t MPUGV can be operated either remotely or autonomously to carry out various missions, such as surveillance, logistics transport, evacuation of casualties and combat engagement.
It has a top speed of 30km/h on paved roads with a payload of up to 200kg, including an RWS that locks onto targets by using an acoustic sensor. The UGV can function for up to 14h on a single charge but this increases to 72h if a range extender is used.
The MPUGV was the first military UGV to pass field tests and evaluations in South Korean, Hanwha Defense claimed, although the Defense Acquisition Program Administration preferred the Hyundai Rotem Multipurpose Unmanned Ground Vehicle in a November 2020 contract award.
Hanwha expects to launch an upgraded version of MPUGV in modular 6×6 configuration by Q3 this year. The new version will feature a higher payload capacity, faster top speed and longer operational range, it added. (Source: Shephard)
21 Feb 21. NIMR Exhibits at IDEX 2021. NIMR unveiled the second-generation of its AJBAN 4×4 and HAFEET 6×6 platforms at IDEX 2021. With these launches, the company continues to push the boundaries in terms of technical excellence, dynamic performance, and modular structural design.
Featuring advanced blast mitigation and ballistic protection, the new platforms provide high levels of protection in the harshest of environments. Designed and engineered to meet the most demanding duty-cycle requirements, the monocoque architecture offers a higher degree of body rigidity that contributes to greater agility and responsiveness.
The MK2 versions boast enhanced maintainability with a significantly reduced timeframe required to remove a vehicle’s powerpack – down from 10 hours to just 20 minutes. To ensure vehicles are equipped to endure any operating scenario, maximum payload capacity has doubled from 1.2 tonnes to 2.5 tonnes.
NIMR Progress
Recently, NIMR successfully conducted the first landmine blast tests (in line with international standards) in the UAE desert in collaboration with sister company LAHAB. The tests were done to demonstrate the effectiveness of the protection levels offered by the AJBAN MK2 armoured tactical vehicle. Owing to the superior monocoque design, the vehicle remained intact during both of these powerful blasts. The second-generation vehicles’ high levels of protection provide an added advantage rarely available in other leading armoured vehicles in this class.
In addition to the improvements in the performance and design, NIMR has incorporated the latest technologies and electronic architecture into its vehicles. Complete platform versatility enables NIMR to modify platforms – even mid production – to meet field data, combat experience, and evolving operational requirements of customers.
NIMR offers complete end-to-end solutions in its area of specialisation, including mission systems integration support. Designed to endure a diverse scope of mission requirements, the company’s vehicles are manufactured at its state-of-the-art facilities in compliance with international military standards.
NIMR is part of the Platforms and Systems cluster within EDGE, an advanced technology group that ranks among the top 25 military suppliers in the world. (Source: ESD Spotlight)
23 Feb 21. Arquus launches the Scarabee at IDEX 2021. Arquus presented its jewel, the Scarabee, for the very first time abroad at IDEX 2021. Arquus’ most advanced vehicle, it incorporates the most modern and innovative technologies developed by the company, including hybrid drive, energy management, suspension height adjustment, independent rear steering axle, among many others.
Built on the decades of experience designing light armored and reconnaissance vehicles, such as the AMD, the AML, the EBR or the VBL, the Scarabee has been precisely crafted to combine protection, stealth and high mobility. It has been specifically thought to answer the needs of the armies as well as the needs of the crews on the field. Light, compact, fast, stealthy and very well protected for its class, the Scarabee is a difficult vehicle to spot, to acquire, to lock and to hit.
Very first modern hybrid-drive armored vehicle, the Scarabee is a true revolution in the way reconnaissance missions are envisioned and conducted. Starting at IDEX 2021, the Scarabee is now available in three different versions and ready for action.
In Abu Dhabi, the Scarabee is presented in its PATSAS (Patrol SAS) version, specifically thought for the needs of Special Forces units, and equipped with a Hornet RCWS fitted with a 12.7mm machine gun. In its Reconnaissance version, the Scarabee brings superior firepower on the battlefield thanks to its 30mm cannon, effectively combining stealth and offensive capabilities. The third version is aimed at Security, Counter-Terrorist and urban operations units. It carries three operators and is natively fitted with Arquus’ Battlenet BMS for increased performance while in action.
These three versions are all built on a same base to allow for commonality, maintenance optimization and reduced cost of ownership.
Very first modern hybrid-drive military vehicle, the Scarabee has been designed to redefine the standards for reconnaissance and light armored vehicles. Comparable in size to a VB2L, the Scarabee is a compact and nimble vehicle, hard to detect and acquire. It is able to hide or take cover behind the smallest obstacles, allowing optimal discretion in front of the enemy lines. With its 8T GVWR and its compact size, it can be transported under slung by helicopter and is C130 compatible. It can therefore be quickly deployed wherever it may be needed.
The Scarabee can adjust its ground clearance at all times: a higher level is designed for off-roading and obstacle crossing, the lower one is for transport, air drop, and to further enhance stealth while in a firing or observation position. It is equipped with independent steering rear wheels, allowing very short U-turns (as tight as 11m) in compartmentalized environments such as woods or urban zones. Such features also allow for crab-like movements, with the rear axle parallel to the front while turning. That unique capability allows to surge from cover and back without having to manoeuver, or to keep facing the enemy when moving to his side.
The rear-wheel steering function is controlled by a CAN bus and associated with the electro/ hydraulic management of the vehicle’s ground clearance by a suspension that adjusts the vehicle measuring attitude and the management of the detachable anti-roll bars. A hydraulic cylinder, fitted with integrated sensors, controls the movements of the rear undercarriage. The design of this function is the property of Arquus.
With its 300hp V6 diesel engine, the Scarabee benefits from an exceptional power-to-weight ratio of 40hp per ton, allowing very high speeds in all conditions (up to 130km/h), as well as exceptional acceleration capabilities, thanks to its high travel innovative suspension system. The V6 engine, due to its construction and its location at the rear of the vehicle, allows very quiet operation in hybrid mode.
The Scarabee was presented publicly for the first time in its all-electric mode in October 2020 during the Arquus Days in Satory, France. Thanks to its 70kW hybrid engine, the Scarabee offers the stealthiest acoustic footprint on the market when in 100% electric mode. Its high-capacity (12kWh) li-ion batteries enable the Scarabee to travel the last kilometers to target silently and get as close as needed to the enemy without getting detected, both for reconnaissance and attack purposes.
They also allow for very long, silent watches with all systems on, including air conditioning. The Scarabee is thus able to approach, observe, analyze, and get back to safety before transmitting its reports to the commanding unit without starting the Diesel engine. These new capabilities completely redefine reconnaissance missions.
The Scarabee’s very efficient electric machine also means that the batteries can be recharged very quickly with the thermal engine running idle with very little noise. The high level of energy available also allows the use of very power-consuming systems, such as drones, laser designation systems, short range anti drone laser, radar, electronic warfare systems or countermeasures. This power production and storage capacity will also enable installing the equipment of tomorrow, thus guaranteeing a long life in service.
If needed, the parallel hybrid drive also allows the combination of power of both engines in “boost mode” to accelerate even faster to avoid an immediate threat, to get to the objective or to bypass an enemy position. The electric machine then offers a 100HP boost to the internal combustion engine making this 8-ton light armored vehicle one of the fastest in the market. The choice of a hybrid system also reduces the fuel consumption and reduces the need for logistics and maintenance. It offers redundancy, increasing survivability if one of the engines is hit.
The Scarabee comes with a very high-level ballistic protection for its class. The vehicle is built around a survivability cell designed for the protection of the crew against all threats. The Scarabee’s interior space is specifically designed to optimize communication and collaboration within the crew. Depending on the version, the Scarabee can accommodate 3 or 4 crew members, all able to communicate efficiently with each other, through voice or through the built-in intercoms.
The pilot is seated in a forward position to allow for exceptional, 200° visibility, enabling precise and accurate spotting of the surroundings, especially against IEDs. Visibility is even greater with a combat system such as the Hornet RCWS, which enables monitoring the environment with the highest accuracy both during the day and the night.
The Scarabee is also designed to accommodate the most advanced C4ISR systems, allowing perfect integration into any combat unit or battle team. Designed as a combat vehicle, the Scarabee can load a complete array of weapons. These systems range from small-caliber RCWS to 40mm grenade launchers and all generations of missiles, from the Milan ATGM to the Missile Moyenne Portée, its state-of-the-art successor. It is specifically optimized to carry a Hornet range RCWS.
The Hornet RCWS is equipped with superior ballistic protection and an automatic smoke grenade launcher mounted on an independent ring. With the addition of a gunfire locator, the Hornet can automatically turn and face the threat, while also engaging the smoke protection, when the Scarabee is illuminated by a laser rangefinder or a beam rider. As the weapon axis and the smoke grenade axis are independent, the gunner can keep the weapon focused on the tactical mission underway.
With the Scarabee, Arquus can offer a full package including the vehicle, Arquus’ Battlenet BMS and a Hornet RCWS, as a complete weapon system with unmatched capabilities.
The Scarabee offers unmatched versatility, making it the perfect tool for missions such as reconnaissance, tank guidance, hunter-killer, light cavalry, quick response force, anti-tank, fire support, urban combat, and Special Forces.
Light, compact but highly protected thanks to new materials and assembly techniques, Scarabee offers great firepower while keeping a prominent visual and acoustic stealth. Easy to steer thanks to its central driving position, its large field of vision, its variable ground clearance, and its independent rear axle, Scarabee will quickly and discreetly bring the firepower you need. This concept car, developed on own funds, allows ARQUUS to test the technology of tomorrow in real life.
The Scarabee is now ready for action.
22 Feb 21. Why a UAE company transformed a 4×4 Ajban into an autonomous vehicle. Nimr unveiled Feb. 21 that it is working with Adasi on a four-wheel drive armored vehicle that can be transformed into an unmanned vehicle. The move essentially allows users to safely drive near a battlefield, get out and then operate the system via remote control if conditions are too dangerous.
“Through this autonomy, we [want to] make sure that despite the high-risk zone no man is put in danger,” Abri Du Plessis, Nimr chief executive officer, told Defense News. “It was the quickest way for us to do a proof of concept; it is a workable vehicle. … So when the people move to a high risk area, they get out of the vehicle and remote control it. Hence it becomes like a robot vehicle.”
The two Emirati companies, both Edge subsidiaries, converted the AJBAN 440A armored 4-door manned vehicle into an unmanned system called the AJBAN armed robotic vehicle (ARV). The vehicle withstands small arms fire, artillery shell splinters and survives mine and improvised explosive device (IED) blasts, and has a payload capacity of 1,200kg.
Operated via a ground control station (GCS) with a communication range of 12km and endurance of up to eight hours, it can travel up to speeds of 50km/h to support Armed Forces with greater firepower while ultimately reducing risk to soldier lives.
Du Plessis said this autonomous Ajban isn’t an application to be used for pure autonomous missions like reconnaissance or, “it carries people and then it lets them disembark”.
Nimr had started market analysis and case studies. “We need to find the ideal kind of vehicle to take autonomous forward, whether a small 6×6, small 8×8, small tractor vehicle, or something bigger even,” he said. “It is very important for us to find the right suits for.”
Nimr is also using IDEX to showcase the second generation of its four-wheel drive Ajban and its six-wheel drive Hafeet platforms.
The MK2 versions boast require less time to remove a vehicle’s powerpack – down from 10 hours to 20 minutes. To ensure vehicles are properly equipped, maximum payload capacity has doubled from 1.2 tons to 2.5 tons.
Nimr has also increased the payload significantly and moved to new electrical systems that will allow for greater interoperability with other systems and protect against electromagnetic threats. (Source: Defense News)
22 Feb 21. Saudi, Emirati defense conglomerates cut deal for military vehicle production. In a first for the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, their respective defense industry conglomerates signed a deal to produce the four-wheel drive JAIS vehicle, developed by Emirate firm Nimr, in Saudi Arabia.
Negotiations between Edge Group subsidiary NIMR and Saudi Arabian Military Industries were ongoing for some time over the terms of a potential partnership — the teaming agreement that encapsulates the latest deal. The production plan was finalized during the International Defence Exhibition and Conference, taking place in Abu Dhabi, UAE, from Feb. 21-25.
Designed to lay the foundation for a long-term joint venture between the two entities, the agreement mandates NIMR license technology to Saudi Arabia so the kingdom’s industry can manufacture the JAIS vehicle and further develop its supply chain.
JAIS is a mine-resistant, ambush-protected vehicle that touts a so-called crew citadel protection system to safeguard against mines, improvised explosive devices and ballistic threats.
The JAIS was selected for production in Saudi Arabia after facing off against other vehicles in a competition run by SAMI and Saudi military experts.
Abri Du Plessis, the CEO of NIMR, told Defense News it is too early to estimate the deal’s value as well as the number of vehicles to be produced. “We can’t put a number on it, but we are very excited about the potential of what we can achieve together.”
The executive added that he wants to see this deal to lead to a joint venture between NIMR and SAMI, where the former transfers technology to the latter, who then locally manufactures the JAIS to further the kingdom’s economic initiative known as Vision 2030. “We believe this is the beginning of a long-lasting and prosperous partnership.”
The CEO and managing director of Edge, Faisal Al Bannai, said the agreement “represents the first military collaboration between Saudi Arabia and the UAE and is a major step in boosting the already robust relations between our respective nations.”
Added Walid Abukhaled, the CEO of SAMI: “We are pleased to witness the culmination of our shared efforts over the past year as we ink this agreement to transfer technology and knowledge to Saudi Arabia’s defense manufacturing sector, contributing to the Saudi Vision 2030 objective of localizing over 50 percent of the military equipment spending by 2030. SAMI has selected NIMR as its preferred local partner due to its strategic position as a key enabler of the Saudi Vision 2030. This achievement also supports PIF’s [Public Investment Fund’s] efforts through SAMI in localizing cutting-edge technology and knowledge, as well as building strategic economic partnerships.” (Source: Defense News)
18 Feb 21. Allison Transmission partners with American Rheinmetall Vehicles to produce the propulsion system for Lynx OMFV offering. Allison’s newest electric hybrid cross-drive transmission is selected by American Rheinmetall Vehicles for the U.S. Army’s Optionally Manned Fighting Vehicle (OMFV) competition.
Allison Transmission, a leading designer and manufacturer of vehicle propulsion solutions for tactical wheeled and tracked defence platforms and a leader in commercial-duty electrified propulsion systems is proud to announce a strategic partnership with American Rheinmetall Vehicles (ARV) to provide the Next-Generation Electrified Transmission (NGET) propulsion system for the Lynx vehicle that is in competition to be selected for the U.S. Army’s Optionally Manned Fighting Vehicle (OMFV) programme.
The OMFV programme is the priority ground modernisation programme for the U.S. Army that will replace nearly 3,800 Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicles. The programme begins with digital design phases that continue through early 2023, followed by development of prototype vehicles in 2024, and government testing beginning in early 2026.
Allison Transmission joins American Rheinmetall Vehicles’ Team Lynx, which thus far includes Raytheon Technologies and Textron Systems. “Our Lynx teammates are leaders across the defence industry known worldwide for innovative thinking, state-of-the-art manufacturing, and self-investing today to meet tomorrow’s requirements” said Dana Pittard, Vice President for Defense Programs at Allison Transmission. “The Lynx is not a 30-year-old platform being re-purposed. The Team Lynx OMFV solution is a bold design that will be produced in America by a formidable team.”
The NGET is the newest product in Allison’s extensive armoured vehicle portfolio, meeting requirements across a wide spectrum of applications including the heavy Infantry Fighting Vehicle and future Main Battle Tank markets.
“Some of the design features include an electric hybrid architecture that will offer the warfighter the benefits of reduced detection by the enemy and increase soldier survivability. It also provides exportable power provisions for on- and off-board systems. Additionally, the autonomy-enabled NGET will provide superior performance and have the ability to meet future increases in vehicle requirements while delivering the proven reliability of an Allison Transmission” said Ken Adgie, Director for U.S. Government Defense Business at Allison Transmission.
“The Lynx Infantry Fighting Vehicle was selected in Hungary. Australia chose the Lynx vehicle over offerings from other renowned competitors. The Lynx is now undergoing rigorous testing as part of risk mitigation activities and we are confident that it will succeed. For the U.S. OMFV programme, we are building upon that winning design with advanced technologies like the Allison electric hybrid transmission. These technologies make our OMFV offering a next-generation solution that provides soldiers a decisive overmatch on the battlefield now and for decades to come,” said Matt Warnick, American Rheinmetall Vehicles Managing Director.
About Allison Transmission
Allison Transmission (NYSE: ALSN) is the world’s largest manufacturer of fully automatic transmissions for medium- and heavy-duty commercial vehicles and medium- and heavy-tactical U.S. defense vehicles, as well as a supplier of commercial vehicle propulsion solutions, including electric hybrid and fully electric propulsion systems. Allison products are used in a wide variety of applications, including on-highway trucks (distribution, refuse, construction, fire and emergency), buses (school, transit and coach), motorhomes, off-highway vehicles and equipment (energy, mining and construction applications) and defense vehicles (wheeled and tracked). Founded in 1915, the company is headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana, USA. With a market presence in more than 80 countries, Allison has regional headquarters in the Netherlands, China and Brazil with manufacturing facilities in the U.S., Hungary and India. Allison also has approximately 1,500 independent distributor and dealer locations worldwide. For more information, visit allisontransmission.com.
About American Rheinmetall Vehicles
American Rheinmetall Vehicles, located in Sterling Heights, Michigan, is part of Rheinmetall’s Vehicle Systems Division and brings the group’s unbeatable global product portfolio to the U.S. market. ARV specializes in tracked and wheeled combat vehicle platforms, tactical wheeled vehicles, and associated subsystems. ARV is able to leverage advanced capabilities from across the Rheinmetall enterprise to enhance its next-generation vehicles with solutions such as 360° situational awareness technologies, AI-based target detection and recognition, imaging processing, and interoperability. Addressing the critical design needs of today’s customer, ARV delivers vehicles with supporting open system architectures that enable the rapid insertion of technology in the modern era of fast-paced innovation. ARV’s strengths in vehicle design and development, engineering and system integration make it a superb partner for U.S. customers in bringing combat vehicle platforms that are Next-Generation – Now.