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08 Sep 23. First Austrian Battle Tank Handed Over for Modernization. Today Defense Minister Klaudia Tanner visited the Hesse barracks in Wels together with the Governor of Upper Austria, Thomas Stelzer. the reason for the visit was, in addition to the traditional day of Panzer Battalion 14, the handover of the first “Leopard” main battle tank to the European company Krauss Maffei-Wegmann and Nexter Defense Systems (KNDS) for modernization. The apprentices from the Army Logistics Center in Wels were the focus of the traditional day.
Special day for the army
Defense Minister Klaudia Tanner: “Today’s Garrison Day in Wels is a special day for the Federal Army: The first ‘Leopard’ tanks are being sent to Germany in order to bring them up to date. We are investing a total of 560m euros, to bring the ‘Leopard’ and ‘Ulan’ armored vehicles up to the latest and most modern state of the art.
“In doing so, we are taking a further, historic step and investing where it has been urgently needed for decades – in and for our troops. This is the only way we can “guarantee the necessary protection for our population. In addition, the Wels barracks will also undergo some construction work in the next few years in order to be able to meet the demands of the future.”
The minister also emphasized the special achievements of the apprentices and the associated need for well-trained staff to be able to operate new equipment appropriately. This year the 200th apprentice celebrated the completion of his apprenticeship at the Army Logistics Center in Wels.
After a conversation with Governor Thomas Stelzer, the minister said: “For our aviation forces in Upper Austria, I would also like to make it clear that Hörsching will continue to be the home for our future transport aircraft as well as for the successor to the Agusta Bell helicopters stationed there.
“Advanced jet trainers are also planned for Vogler Air Base, depending on the number procured at the end of the day.”
“Today is a good day for the Federal Army and for the protection of our homeland. Upper Austria stands by its Federal Army and its soldiers. There is a shared commitment to modern equipment and the best training, to the optimal equipment of our barracks and military bases.”
The “Protection and Aid” partnership for Upper Austria signed in the summer of 2021 between the state of Upper Austria and the Ministry of Defense also provides for corresponding investments by the Ministry of Defense in Upper Austria. As part of the 2032+ development plan, more than 200m euros will be invested in the infrastructure in Upper Austria, among other things to
“I would also like to thank you for the commitment as part of the partnership to station the successor fleets for the ‘Hercules’ aircraft and Agusta Bell helicopters at the Vogler Air Base in the Hörsching barracks. This will mean the 2nd squadron of the ‘Black Hawk’ helicopters and the Jet trainer stationed in Hörsching,” emphasized State Governor Stelzer.
240m euros
As part of the “Mission Forward”, the first main battle tank “Leopard” 2A4, the main weapon of the 14th Panzer Battalion, was symbolically handed over to the European company KNDS today to extend its use. The “2032+ construction plan” calls for 58 units of the “Leopard” 2A4 main battle tank in order to bring them electronically up to the current technical standard. A total of around 240 m euros will be invested here.
The military ceremony began on the occasion of the traditional day of the 14th Panzer Battalion, which is celebrating its 106th anniversary this year. In memory of the deceased of the traditional troop body of the former Infantry Regiment 14, the tank battalion laid down 14 wreaths.
Wels Army Logistics Center
The army logistics center in Wels offers apprenticeships in ten professions and is the largest apprentice trainer in the army. This year the 200th apprentice is celebrating his graduation. To commemorate the visit to Wels, a journeyman from the saddlery presented a handbag with a camouflage look to Defense Minister Klaudia Tanner as an example of the diversity of this profession.
The army logistics center in Wels is the system center for the “Leopard” 2A4 battle tank and for heavy armored recovery vehicles. The office has the most modern engine and transmission test bench and has been training apprentices in various professions since 1982. (Unofficial translation by Defense-Aerospace.com) (Source: https://www.defense-aerospace.com/ Austrian Ministry of Defense;)
13 Sep 23. The Next Generation Armoured Vehicles and Situational Awareness by FAMOUS Programme. The EU funded FAMOUS (European Future Highly Mobile Augmented Armoured Systems) programme has a unique and innovative approach to develop the next generation armoured vehicles and situational awareness system that enhance ground combat capabilities. The FAMOUS consortium led by Patria has started the research and development work of the next generation armoured vehicles and taken the first steps. The FAMOUS project thematises can be seen in the new video:
The animation video shows these future technologies utilization to enhance ground combat capabilities in the areas of arctic and mountain tactical and operational mobility, urban operations, power generation and energy storage as well as cybersecure C4I solutions, situational awareness, robotic and autonomous systems, weapon systems and modern lifecycle support solutions.
“The FAMOUS consortium’s unique approach to develop areas of the next generation technology can be utilized in a variety of armoured vehicles and systems. The programme is the answer to meet the needs of customers in the European Union by improving their ground combat capabilities in the changed security situation. The FAMOUS project supports the European Commission’s goal to enhance the competitiveness and innovation capacity of the EU’s defence industry,” says Mikko Karppinen, Senior Vice President, Mission Capability, Patria.
This project has received funding from the European Defence Industrial Development Programme (EDIDP) under Grant Agreement No EDIDP-GCC-2020-058- FAMOUS.x)
Patria is an international provider of defence, security and aviation life cycle support services, technology solutions and pilot training. Patria provides its aerospace and military customers with equipment availability, continuous performance development as well as selected intelligence, surveillance and management system products and services. Patria is owned by the State of Finland (50.1%) and Norwegian Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace AS (49.9%). Patria owns 50% of Nammo, and together these three companies form a leading Nordic defence partnership.
(Source: https://www.defense-aerospace.com/Patria)
17 Sep 23. Global armoured vehicle production to expand via India-based manufacturing hub. Paramount expands armoured vehicle partnership with Bharat Forge and Kalyani Strategic Systems for global production. Paramount, an aerospace and technology firm headquartered in the UAE, has announced an expanded development and manufacturing collaboration with Indian industrial conglomerate Bharat Forge Ltd and its subsidiary, Kalyani Strategic Systems. This partnership aims to produce a wider range of armoured vehicles in India to serve Paramount’s global customers.
The partnership between Paramount and Bharat Forge Ltd, along with Kalyani Strategic Systems, has already succeeded in developing and producing locally-made KM4 armoured vehicles for the Indian Army. This announcement, made during the Defence and Security Equipment International Conference (DSEI 2023) in London, signifies their intent to leverage the industrial capabilities and engineering expertise of Kalyani Strategic Systems to manufacture armoured vehicles for global customers.
Steve Griessel, Paramount Global CEO, highlighted the significance of this collaboration within the evolving armoured vehicle market, expressing excitement about expanding the partnership to develop and produce 4×4 and 6×6 Infantry Combat Vehicles for a global clientele.
Neelesh Tungar, President – Defence, Bharat Forge Ltd, emphasised their commitment to strengthening the partnership, positioning India as a key player in global defence manufacturing.DSEI 2023, the largest iteration of the show in its 24-year history, revolves around the theme of ‘Achieving an Integrated Force,’ showcasing integration across Air, Cyber, Electromagnetic Activities (CEMA), Land, Sea, and Space domains.
(Source: Google/https://www.manufacturingtodayindia.com/)
13 Sep 23. Babcock and TVS Supply Chain Solutions sign MOU at DSEI. Babcock has today signed an MOU (memorandum of understanding) with TVS Supply Chain Solutions Ltd to work together to deliver services and spares procurement for the British Army. Both parties will harness their complementary capabilities, experience and expertise in delivering Conventional Vehicle Systems Post-Design Services and Spares Procurement (CVSSP) to the British Army on a number of vehicle platforms including Land Rover, Weapons-Mounted Land Rover and Pinzgauer.
Babcock has a unique understanding of through life equipment support and manages over 30,000 vehicles for the British Army and over 300,000 pieces of equipment. As supply chain experts, TVS are responsible for the inventory management and procurement of circa 300,000 NSNs in support of the UK Ministry of Defence.
Louise Atkinson, Managing Director of Through Life Equipment Support at Babcock, said: “The signing of this MOU is great news for our customer, the British Army. Babcock will continue to provide an unrivalled equipment support service ensuring that their equipment is ready for action, whenever and wherever it is needed.”
Irene Ainscough, Defence Director at TVS Supply Chain Solutions Ltd, said: “TVS looks forward to continuing to support Babcock and the Authority, providing supply chain expertise to the CV fleet and building resilience through proactive obsolescence and supplier management.”
Pictured: Irene Ainscough, Defence Director at TVS, and Louise Atkinson, Managing Director of Through Life Equipment Support, Babcock.
15 Sep 23. FFG rolls out Ukrainian-spec Wisent 1 Mine Clearing Tank. Flensburger Fahrzeugbau Gesellschaft (FFG) used DSEI 2023 to display the Mine Clearing Tank (MCT) variant of its Wisent 1 armoured engineering vehicle (AEV), eight of which have been supplied to Ukraine.
The 42.6 tonne Wisent 1 MCT is based upon a former German Bergepanzer 2 armoured recovery vehicle (ARV), which has been adapted to perform the mine clearance role by fitting it with specialist equipment, modifying its suspension, and increasing its protection. 15 Sep 23.
15 Sep 23. BAE Systems details upcoming AMPV variants. BAE Systems revealed that it is planning to test counter-unmanned aircraft system (C-UAS) and turreted mortar variants of its Armored Multi-Purpose Vehicle (AMPV) tracked armoured fighting vehicle (AFV) during media briefings held at DSEI 2023 in London.
Announcing its international debut at the exhibition, Bill Sheehy, AMPV programme director at BAE Systems, said that the company has developed a new top plate for the vehicle referred to as the Ex-MEP (Mission Equipment Package) that is designed to enable the platform to easily accommodate most remotely operated weapon stations (ROWSs) and turrets. This will help BAE Systems to rapidly reconfigure the vehicle to meet differing customer requirements, including those of potential export customers.
BAE Systems has also designed the AMPV to have sufficient growth potential in terms of size, weight, and power to cope with the demands of new subsystems.
14 Sep 23. Innovation Will Help Shape Future of Military Logistics. Innovation in logistics is key to the nation’s ability to deter aggression as it meets new and growing threats, a leader from the Office of the Undersecretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment said on the anniversary of 9/11.
One way to avoid war is being so prepared to prevail on the logistics front that the enemy understands the folly of aggression, Army Brig. Gen. Stephanie Q. Howard, executive director of operational contract support for OUSD A&S, said at the Defense Logistics Agency’s 4th annual Industry Collider Day. The event connected industry and academia with research and development opportunities in areas like additive manufacturing, strategic materials, and green and sustainable technologies.
Spotlight: Science & Tech
“We want our enemy to know that the logistics will be there, that when our warfighter turns to the shelf, those supply parts are there. The uniforms they need are there. The bullets they need are there,” she said, adding that logistics also underpins the National Defense Strategy’s fourth priority of building a resilient joint force and ecosystem.
Processes that worked in the past are no longer fast enough, Howard said, and only through partnerships with small businesses and other partners can organizations like DLA and the Army Materiel Command be successful.
“When our military needs the next weapons system, aircraft, ship, delivery system, unmanned platform, predictive modeling or whatever it is, we cannot create another and have an arrow going up to the right showing that two years from now we can get that capability into the hands of the warfighter,” she said. “It will be two years too late.”
Wars Won or Lost on Logistics
An Army logistician of nearly 30 years, Howard said warfighters assume the fuel, food and supplies they need are sitting ready on a shelf. But providing military logistics is extremely challenging, she added, citing a quote from Gen. Dwight Eisenhower: You will not find it difficult to prove that battles, campaigns, and even wars have been won or lost primarily because of logistics.
Images of a Russian convoy at a standstill early in the invasion of Ukraine proved that the battle stops without foresight and planned distribution of supplies as simple as a spare tire. Some might argue that military logistics should mirror models by giants like Amazon and FedEx, she said, but the dynamics are different.
“Let’s imagine Cyber Monday, Black Friday, the holiday rush, all of that happening simultaneously without warning. It happens on some unexpected date like March 10. That’s what the military is often having to respond to,” Howard said.
The services have an enormous demand and a combination of old and new technology that calls for innovative concepts, she continued.
“Some of you in this room might be amazed to hear about some of those innovative concepts that are already further forward than you would have expected. Some of you I’m sure have been involved in developing some of those innovative concepts,” she said, encouraging participants to connect with DLA to discover how their capabilities fit warfighter needs.
More of Everything
Howard recalled Americans’ shock 22 years ago when terrorists attacked the nation and redirected the military’s focus away from peacekeeping operations. A new enemy quickly became clear, and commanders started asking for more trucks, ships, uniforms and supply parts.
“Something new was happening, and we needed to get our industrial base ramped up again,” she said.
Howard was then an ammunition officer at Army Materiel Command, and AMC Commander Gen. Paul Kern and other leaders questioned how fast new Patriot missiles could be produced. She and the rest of the team did an analysis that revealed two years would be the soonest.
“We did not have the innovation in place to speed that up,” she said. “No amount of money, no amount of additional workers, was going to change that.”
As the troops shifted into counterinsurgency operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, military logisticians began introducing more commercial off-the-shelf equipment and grew more agile because that’s what troops needed, she said.
Rather than carry supplies into the area of operations with them, warfighters pared down and depended more on commercial transportation to move supplies.
“And we could buy stuff in. We could pay DHL to get the equipment where it needed to be,” she said.
The National Defense Strategies of 2018 and 2022 challenge logisticians to prepare for new conflicts that could become force-to-force fights unlike those of the past. New technologies like additive manufacturing and artificial intelligence will be key but still have far to go, Howard said.
“We must get the technology we need more quickly into the hands of the warfighter,” she added. “We cannot be complacent. We cannot depend on the processes and the ways that we have always done stuff because it is not fast enough.”
More information on DLA’s research and development program is available at DLA’s Research and Development page. (Source: US DoD)
14 Sep 23. RBSL announced that welding is complete on the first UK manufactured mission module for the Boxer MIV Programme. It will now move into paint and assembly for the next stage of the manufacturing process.
Brian Fisher, MIV Production Manager said this milestone marks “significant progress” for the programme.
He added: “The first and second Mission Modules have progressed through the welding assembly stations and we are delighted to announce that welding on vehicle one is now complete.
“The MIV team have worked diligently and performed really well to get us to this position and our team of welders are continuing to gain knowledge and experience daily, whilst highlighting improvements within the manufacturing process.
“This is significant progress and we are moving closer each day to Boxer rolling off the production lines at Telford.”
The Boxer programme will deliver more than 600 vehicles to the British Army. Production has been subcontracted equally between RBSL and Stockport-based KNDS. Both companies are undertaking fabrication of the armoured vehicle structures together with assembly, integration and testing of the complete vehicles at their respective facilities. Work to fabricate key components of the programme officially started on March 27 at RBSL’s manufacturing facility in Telford.
Speaking at the time, Colin McClean, RBSL Managing Director said: “RBSL is proud to be regenerating this armoured vehicle capability and contributing to the Land Industrial Strategy, marking a new chapter in vehicle manufacture for the UK defence industry. Not only will the delivery of Boxer provide the British Army with a complete step-change in capability to meet their MIV requirement, it will also protect vital engineering and manufacturing skills as a sovereign capability to the UK and we are incredibly proud to be a part of this milestone, alongside our partners in KNDS.”
RBSL is playing a key part in delivering the Land Industrial Strategy through the Boxer programme, as well as through its Challenger and In-Service Support contracts. The multi-m pound investment in its Telford facility, and the creation of jobs within RBSL and the UK supply chain, contributes towards national industrial resilience, and the social value and ‘levelling up’ aspirations the UK Government has set out.
INDUSTRIALISATION
RBSL’s Industrialisation Programme is also now complete, with all MIV Production facilities installed and commissioned. The business has invested £40m in its 29-acre site, transforming it into a world-class manufacturing facility so that it can deliver next generation military vehicles and essential in-service support.
PROCUREMENT
All parts for Boxer have been sourced through RBSL’s robust supply chain and the business is in the process of finalising orders with its suppliers in line with the Boxer production schedule.
By working with a vibrant UK supply chain, the MIV programme is helping support economic growth and level-up regional economic opportunity. The programme aims to support and enhance the UK supply chain, including SMEs. It is also ensuring the UK has, in country, the skills and expertise to support the vehicles throughout their operational life.
RECRUITMENT
There has been a significant recruitment effort internally and across the UK supply chain within the Boxer MIV Programme, with a focus on apprenticeships.
Lily Blakemore, a Project Management Apprentice said: “Since joining RBSL I have been given the opportunity to work on the MIV Programme, something I am very grateful for. The work undertaken by all of us in the team is essential to MIV’s success and I feel very fortunate to be a part of the programme.”
FORWARD LOOK
RBSL is continuing to work alongside Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S) to continue to deliver the MIV Programme at pace. It will now begin progressing sub-assembly items into vehicle one, including the bulkhead, wheel hubs and drivers hatch, with the first power pack being assembled and tested thereafter. When the Drive Module and Mission Module are fully equipped they will then be integrated together ready for commissioning and testing at the end of the year.
14 Sep 23. BAE Systems and Larsen & Toubro Limited (L&T) have partnered to bring the world-leading all-terrain vehicle, the BvS10, to the Indian market. The two companies have signed a licensing and manufacturing agreement to offer the BvS10 for the Articulated All-Terrain Vehicle (AATV) for the Indian Armed Forces.
Under the agreement, L&T is the prime for the Indian market, with the support of BAE Systems Hägglunds, the Swedish manufacturer of the highly-successful BvS10 family of vehicles. BAE Systems and L&T have upgraded the BvS10 to meet the specific requirements of the Indian Armed Forces. This new variant will be known as the BvS10-Sindhu. The AATV programme aims to deliver vehicles from L&T’s Armoured Systems Complex, along with integrated logistic support (ILS).
“Our BvS10 all-terrain vehicle will demonstrate the critical capabilities the Indian Army needs when it participates in the trials later this month. Unsurpassed mobility, flexibility and the ability to work in extreme climatic conditions are at the core of the BvS10 design,” said Tommy Gustafsson-Rask, managing director of BAE Systems Hägglunds. “Our teaming with Larsen & Toubro gives us the opportunity to expand into the Indo-Pacific market.”
Larsen & Toubro sees this opportunity as an impetus for L&T’s Armoured Systems business to build on the aegis of a strong manufacturing and design base coupled with the experience of BAE Systems. “L&T and BAE Systems’ tie-up synergizes our strengths to provide a solution to meet the expectations of the Indian Army,” said Mr. Arun Ramchandani, Executive Vice President & Head L&T Defence. “The BvS10-Sindhu is the ideal vehicle for the extremely challenging terrain and climatic conditions in which it is proposed to be deployed.”
The BvS10 vehicle on display at DSEI in London this week features a Mobile Short Range Air Defense system (MSHORAD) configuration. This demonstrates the versatility of the vehicle, evolving into a modular fighting vehicle which can carry a broad array of payloads addressing almost any threat in the modern operating environment without impacting the under-armor volume.
The BvS10’s articulated mobility, provides optimal maneuverability across varying terrains including snow, ice, rock, sand, mud, swamps, and steep mountain environments. The vehicle’s amphibious features also allow it to swim in flooded areas or coastal waters. It can deliver personnel and supplies as well as mounted lethality to address any threat in the modern operating environment.
The modular design allows the BvS10 to be reconfigured for varying missions. It can be delivered in multiple variants that include transporting personnel, command and control, ambulance service, vehicle repair and recovery, logistics support, situational awareness, as well as vehicle mounted lethality and support weapons.
The vehicle is currently in service in Austria, France, the Netherlands, Sweden, Ukraine, and the United Kingdom. It is also on order for the German Army. BAE Systems’ Beowulf, the unarmored variant of the BvS10, won the U.S. Army’s competition for its Cold Weather All-Terrain Vehicle (CATV) program in August. The U.S. Army will receive 110 vehicles over a five-year period.
14 Sep 23. General Dynamics pitches updated ‘Foxhound’ for British Army needs. General Dynamics UK is discussing with the British Army a possible further order for an updated version of its Foxhound protected patrol vehicle, the company has said. An Mk 2 version of the ride, which could include a variant with a hybrid electric drive, is likely to be offered to the British Army for a requirement known as the land mobility pipeline.
The British acquired 400 Foxhounds in 2012 to equip infantry with a vehicle protected primarily against mine blasts in Afghanistan and Iraq.
Now the company is hoping to get the vehicle back in production with a refreshed version of the Foxhound meeting Army requirements under the land mobility pipeline – previously called the protected mobility pipeline.
“It’s relatively early days but we have described to them [the British Army] what we think the Mk2 would look like. It’s a fairly active conversation with them about the vehicle,” a company spokesman told Defense News. “We are still waiting to see precisely what the requirement is but we would like Foxhound to be a candidate.”
Answering questions in Parliament in June, procurement minister James Cartlidge said the land mobility program was currently in its concept phase.
“Subject to confirmation during the approvals process, it is anticipated that the program will seek to deliver four categories of platforms,” he said, with a general-support variant on the wish list alongside light, medium and heavy protected versions.
Ministry of Defence officials said last year that the program would be funded to the tune of £1 bn, or $1.2 bn, starting in 2025.
A key upgrade could be the fitting of a hybrid engine.
The General Dynamics spokesman said a hybrid-powered variant may not be the standard fit for Foxhound, but it could make up a portion of the fleet. The company received a deal by the MoD in 2020 to undertake demonstrator work with the Army on an electric-drive Foxhound as part of its then protected mobility program.
“We have done prototype demonstrators with hybrid drive so its pretty mature,” said the spokesman. (Source: Defense News)
14 Sep 21. Rheinmetall presenting high-mobility ANACONDA bridge-layer at FIREmobil show From 14 to 16 September. The Düsseldorf-based technology group Rheinmetall is presenting its new HX ANACONDA wheeled bridge-laying system at the FIREmobil show at Welzow in the German state of Brandenburg. The exhibition and performance show brings together users and deciders from the crisis response and disaster relief community. Rheinmetall is putting forward its bridge-laying system as a solution for civil and military cooperation in crisis situations and natural disasters. The bridge-layer consists of the Anaconda bridge-laying system from General Dynamics European Land Systems (GDELS) and an HX 8×8 carrier vehicle from Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles (RMMV). An optional protected 10×10 variant could potentially expand the portfolio, enabling high-risk operations in terrain with unexploded ordnance, for example. Developed in accordance with exacting military standards, the bridge-layer cancarry out rapid bridge-laying operations on its own. It erects temporary bridges quickly and efficiently over obstacles such as rivers, culverts or destroyed roads – even in inhospitable terrain. The HX ANACONDA replaces destroyed or weakened crossings either with its robust 22-metre bridge or an equally qualified 2×12 metre variant from GDELS. Its high load-carrying capacity means that it can handle even modern main battle tanks, meaning that is suitable for emergency response teams and heavy equipment of all types. Visitors will be able to view that system at close quarters and see for themselves its many advantages and operational possibilities. Moreover, other HX vehicles will be presented statically and dynamically, including a digger variant built in cooperation with CIM Industry. In the military domain, a militarized TG-mil 8×8 logistics truck will be on hand.
11 Sep 23. AM General Featured Mission Ready and Future Driven Technology at DSEI 2023. AM General, the leading global light tactical vehicle and mobility systems provider, displayed its next generation light tactical vehicle, HUMVEE Saber, at the Defence Security and Equipment International (DSEI) tradeshow held at the ExCel London Exhibition Centre Sept. 12 – 15, 2023, booth H8-309 in the U.S. Pavilion. Collaborating with top defense industry partners, AM General will highlight the vehicle’s adaptability as a platform that intuitively accommodates advanced weapons systems. Additionally, the company will mark the global premiere of its refreshed brand identity.
“We are excited to be a part of DSEI 2023 and look forward to discussing with our international customers how we best serve them in our mutual mission to support the Warfighter,” said John Chadbourne, AM General EVP – Chief Business Development Officer. “We couldn’t be prouder of our teammates who work hard to develop industry-leading improvements and technologies that are featured across our product portfolio, and in the HUMVEE Saber in particular.”
AM General is the leader in Light Tactical Vehicle (LTV) development and production. With HUMVEE vehicles, HUMVEE Saber, and JLTV A2, the company is ensuring that the end user is well equipped and supported on the battlefield.The HUMVEE Saber featured at DSEI underscores how AM General continues to innovate to adapt and win on the modern battlefield with offensive and defensive capabilities – all in a vehicle that is rugged, responsive, and reliable. Built off the HUMVEE vehicle platform, the HUMVEE Saber offers maximum commonality, simplified maintenance, and streamlined fleet sustainment. The concept integrates AeroVironment’s Switchblade® loitering munitions and a Hornet Air Guard Remote Controlled Weapo System (RCWS) with Counter-UAS concept by Hornet.
The company featured its new brand identity for the first time outside of the United States. AM General recently underwent a complete rebrand which included a new logo, new color palette, and new imagery with a focus on its broad product portfolio and how its products ultimately support those who serve. (Source: PR Newswire)
14 Sep 23. Paramount to grow armoured vehicle production in India; reveals Mbombe 6 exports. Paramount is forging ahead with armoured vehicle production for customers around the world, revealing multiple customers for its Mbombe 6, and plans to produce a wider range of armoured vehicles in India for Paramount’s global customers.
The company made these announcements at the London-based Defence and Security Equipment International (DSEI 2023) exhibition this week.
Paramount has a partnership with Indian company Bharat Forge Limited and its subsidiary Kalyani Strategic Systems, which has resulted in locally made Kalyani M4 vehicles being manufactured in India. The first Kalyani M4s were inducted into Indian Army service in April 2022. Now, this development and manufacturing partnership is being expanded to include the production of a wider range of armoured vehicles in India for Paramount’s global customers.
Paramount Global CEO Steve Griessel stated, “The global armoured vehicle market is undergoing a monumental shift and within such a dynamic environment, our partnership with Kalyani Strategic Systems has become ever more strategic. We are excited to broaden our partnership to include the development and production of 4×4 and 6×6 Infantry Combat Vehicles for customers around the world. We are very proud that our partnership is growing from strength to strength.”
Neelesh Tungar, President – Defence, at Bharat Forge Ltd, said, “We at Kalyani Strategic Systems have come a long way in developing and scaling-up our manufacturing of world class defence platforms and reliable specialist vehicle platforms with our deep technical and industrialization expertise. This continuing and growing partnership with Paramount substantiates the fact that the world considers India being ready to be ‘the manufacturing capital’ for the global defence industry. We are committed to take this successful partnership to further greater heights, supporting the ability of Paramount to serve its global customers.”
Multiple customers for Mbombe 6
Paramount also revealed at DSEI that its 6×6 Mbombe 6 infantry combat vehicle has been ordered by national defence forces in Latin America and in the Southern African Development Community (SADEC). More than 20 of its next-generation ICVs are presently in production, with deliveries underway, the company said.
Earlier, Paramount released new market research undertaken by Defence Insight on the armoured vehicle market, forecasting a ‘global renaissance’ in armoured vehicle spending. The heightened demand will see global expenditures of $25.6 bn on certain armoured vehicle programmes between 2022 and 2035.
Paramount said its Mbombe armoured vehicle family is optimally positioned to cater to these requirements, with portable production allowing for locating manufacturing activities within the customer country.
The Mbombe family (4×4 Mbombe 4, 6×6 Mbombe 6, and 8×8 Mbombe 8) features a flat mine-protected floor, giving a lower and better stability than V-shaped armoured hulls. All three models share 80% common components to reduce through life costs and make training and logistics easier. A six-cylinder diesel gives a top speed of more than 110km/h – the Mbombe 4 has a top speed of some 150km/h, making it one of the fastest armoured vehicles in the world.
Since its launch in 2019, the Mbombe 4 has been ordered by six nations, including the Democratic Republic of Congo, United Arab Emirates, Togo, and India. In August 2022 Paramount revealed that the Mbombe 4 would be built in Thailand as the D-Lion. The company also hopes to produce the Mbombe 4 in Saudi Arabia.
The Mbombe 8, meanwhile, has been further developed by Kazakhstan Paramount Engineering (KPE) as the Barys 8 and last year concluded a four-year series of trials conducted by the Ministry of Defence of Kazakhstan.
(Source: https://www.defenceweb.co.za/)
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TEK Military Seating Limited
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Contact: David Parkman
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