08 June 22. AKERON, the new unique family of fifth-generation combat weapons. MBDA presents AKERON, a unique family of fifth-generation tactical combat missiles, a quantum leap from the third and fourth generation weapons currently available on the market. This family includes the MMP and MHT missiles, now renamed AKERON MP and AKERON LP respectively.
With AKERON, MBDA is now offering a family of missiles that can adapt to the needs of collaborative tactical combat.
Today’s combat units operate in a variety of complex environments. These can be urban areas, open countryside, deserts or mountains, during the day or at night; and can also feature a combination and/or variety of forces, both allied and adversary. To respond to the wide range of threats they face, operators must be equipped with a versatile and precise capability enabling them to destroy fixed or mobile land targets – including the latest-generation tanks and light combat vehicles – but also neutralize dismounted adversaries or adversaries in hardened or defensive fighting positions. All whilst minimizing the risk of collateral damage. Operators also need to be protected during engagements with simplicity of implementation, the capacity to “fire and forget” or engage a target while remaining hidden from sight.
Designed for these operational realities, the AKERON family of missiles incorporates the latest technologies in terms of high-resolution multi-band imagers, multi-effect warheads (anti-tank, anti-infrastructure, anti-personnel), data links, and multi-mode guidance algorithms based on AI techniques. All ensuring robust and precise guidance at any distance, in all conditions. Each has their own specifications in order to be perfectly adapted to the missions of the combat units and platforms using them.
Operators thus have the broadest spectrum of tactical options to deal with their targets, thanks to the many possible modes of engagement. These include ‘fire and forget’, human-in-the-loop, locking the target before firing (LOBL), or locking on after firing (LOAL), which facilitates firing beyond line of sight (BLOS).
The missiles of the AKERON family meet current and future operational needs for dismounted combat as well as from land, air (helicopter, UAV) and even naval platforms. They are also ideal for integration into the digital environment of the battlefield, and suited for collaborative combat
09 June 22. RAFAEL Unveils the SPIKE NLOS 6th Generation Missile.
New salvo controls, system handover, target acquisition, and extended ranges are some of the enhanced capabilities in this latest model of the world-renowned SPIKE precision missile family.
Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Ltd. unveils the SPIKE NLOS 6th generation precision missile this month at Eurosatory 2022 in Paris, France.
Rafael’s SPIKE missile family of multi-purpose, electrooptical guided missiles provides pinpoint precision at extended ranges with the NLOS variant successfully engaging non-line of sight targets. SPIKE NLOS, launched from air, land, or naval platforms, provides critical real-time tactical intelligence and damage assessments allowing it to adjust targets and abort missions midflight, and operate in both offensive and defense scenarios.
The SPIKE NLOS 6th generation, building on the exceptional operational success of the entire SPIKE missile family, includes several new, enhanced capabilities to account for modern battlefield needs and trends. Specifically, these advanced technologies more quickly close the sensor-to-shooter loop and more efficiently neutralize swarm attacks from standoff ranges, improving overall battlefield survivability as a result.
Next week, Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Ltd. will exhibit several of its integrated multi-layered air and missile defense, land warfare, and digital battlefield systems and solutions at the Eurosatory 2022 exposition in Paris, France.
Throughout the event, RAFAEL will present one of its newest technological concepts, the NLOS Mission Taskforce (NMT). The NMT is a comprehensive, end-to-end operational solution providing small, mobile combat units of 4X4 or armored vehicles with organic detection, attack, and fire control capabilities. By combining some of RAFAEL’s most advanced detection, tracking, and command and control systems, NMT enables force independence with very high mobility and lethality for wider control of the battlefield. Notably, NMT’s operational concept takes advantage of small unit mobility, highly capable weapons systems, and long-range capabilities to establish dominance across domains and both maritime and land borders.
Mobility is a central concept embedded within other RAFAEL systems on display during Eurosatory, including the I-DOME and SPYDER All-in-One. RAFAEL’s mobile air defense systems can provide protection for ground troops and mobile military assets, both significantly important elements of today’s battlefield. The I-DOME & SPYDER All-in-One systems offer constant defense keeping pace with maneuvering troops; current events have exemplified the significance of such capabilities.
09 June 22. UVision & Rheinmetall present integrated capabilities of the combat-proven Hero Loitering Munitions into manned and unmanned vehicles at Eurosatory.
The integrated solution provides frontline forces with a new independent ability to locate, track and accurately eliminate heavily-armored targets from long distances.
Eurosatory, Paris, June 13-17, Hall 6 Stand F768
UVision Air Ltd. – a global leader in Loitering Munition systems of all sizes for a variety of missions – is to present an integration of its high-precision Hero Loitering Munitions into Rheinmetall next generation manned and unmanned infantry fighting vehicles, at Eurosatory 2022 (Rheinmetall stand# F240-241).
The integrated solution provides frontline forces with a new independent ability to locate, track and accurately eliminate heavily-armored targets from long ranges, in challenging battlefield conditions, including GPS-denied environments and communication jamming, without the need for external support. The joint solution provides forces with a combination of advanced ISR and long-range heavy firepower that until now could only be achieved by complicated cooperation between several units and echelons.
“Our combat-proven loitering munitions respond to growing demand for high-precision weapon systems to suit the realities of the modern warfare. The HERO systems with their unique characteristics are becoming a core required capability of leading armies worldwide.” says Major General (Ret.) Avi Mizrachi, CEO of UVision. “Only seven months ago, UVision Air Ltd. and Rheinmetall signed a strategic partnering agreement for loitering munitions. I am proud to say that this collaboration has already yielded business success. We are confident that the integration that we are presenting for the first time at the exhibition will yield more deals soon.”
An important tactical advantage of the field-proven HERO systems to military forces lies in their high precision strike capabilities. The unique design of the Hero HERO Loitering Munition makes it possible to conduct precision attacks in urban areas or remote locations while avoiding collateral damage. With this integrated solution, autonomous unmanned and manned ground vehicles extend the breadth of the military forces’ potential and operational effectivity, by providing high-precision strike capabilities.
The integrated solution displayed at Rheinmetall’s is yet another step forward in the cooperation between Rheinmetall and UVision. The strategic partnership leverages both companies’ capabilities to provide the European market with precise, combat-proven weapon systems. The Hero family of loitering munitions will be available to European customers to satisfy contemporary and emerging operational requirements.
The combat-proven HERO systems will be displayed at multiple stands: Rheinmetall (F241-240 outdoor), SOFEMA (B-55 outdoor), Mistral (A638).
UVision will feature the following HERO systems at Eurosatory 2022:
Hero-120 Loitering Munition System – a mid-range, anti-tank loitering munition system which meets the complex requirements of the modern battlefield. A high-precision smart loitering munition system with a unique aerodynamic structure, the Hero-120 carries out pinpoint strikes against anti-armor, anti-material and anti-personnel targets, including tanks, vehicles, and other soft targets in populated urban areas. Its high-precision capability ensures minimal collateral damage, while its wide range of multi-purpose warheads enables the operational user to effectively engage all targets.
Hero-30 Loitering Munition System – incorporates a high level of precision attack and abort capabilities. This simple-to-operate system enables infantry and special forces to initiate operations, as well as to respond to any enemy target or threat that arises, and eliminate it with extreme accuracy. The Hero-30’s advanced capabilities include striking targets with high tracking precision and lock-on, a last-second mission-abort, and re-engagement for a second attack attempt or change of target. Its versatile installment configurations (man packed, vehicle mounted or stationary) make it ideally suited to a diverse range of operational scenarios.
Hero-400 Loitering Munition System – a long-range, high-precision loitering munition system with a low acoustic, visual and thermal signature that can locate, track and strike static and moving targets with high accuracy, and minimal collateral damage. With a combination of precision-strike capabilities, extended endurance of up to two hours, and a multi-purpose warhead ? including concrete piercing, high explosive, fragmentation and others – the Hero-400 enables handling of different types of targets with exceptional accuracy, and long-range and versatile missions. Due to its exceptional maneuverability, the Hero-400 provides an advanced mid-air abort capability that enables automatic re-entry into loitering mode, re-engagement, or return to the recovery area using a parachute.
HERO Training and Simulation System – realistic virtual training for the HERO series of loitering munitions. With three configurations – classroom, portable and embedded in the operational control unit – UVision presents a comprehensive solution for HERO operators, enabling a higher level of training flexibility. The classroom configuration provides a robust simulation solution with a rich and versatile scenario generator for multiple trainees. The portable and embedded field simulator configurations give HERO operators continuous hands-on training, at various levels, during deployments, maintaining the highest level of operational proficiency and readiness – anytime, anywhere.
09 June 22. Nir-Or and Axon-Vision will present the EdgeRCWS – an AI system for Next-Generation Remotely Controlled Weapon Stations.
Nir-Or and Axon-Vision are now implementing AI capabilities into the advanced video system that were recently supplied to the IDF’s Namer and Eitan (8X8) AFVs.
Nir-Or and Axon-Vision are pleased to announce that they will be presenting the EdgeRCWS, an AI system for Next-Generation Remotely Controlled Weapon Stations (NG RCWS), at the Eurosatory exhibition.
Nir-Or, a subsidiary of IMCO Industries Ltd. (Tel Aviv Stock Exchange TASE: IMCO), designs, develops, manufactures, and integrates innovative electronic systems and products for a vast range of military applications that maximize force lethality and survivability at land, air, and sea. Axon-Vision is a leading AI developer for the defense sector, focusing on enabling survivability, situational awareness, lethality and autonomy for land, air, and sea platforms, leading the future of autonomous missions for the future armies.
At Eurosatory, the two companies will present the EdgeRCWS, an AI system for RCWS that is uniquely designed to fit the next-generation combat vehicle’s needs. The jointly developed system integrates real-time AI analytics and offers the commander maximum efficiency, lethality, and precision. Small and lightweight, the EdgeRCWS is an add-on solution that can be easily integrated into different turrets and weapon stations, and can include smart fire sequences to extend and automate fire support missions.
The EdgeRCWS will be presented in combination with Nir-Or’s smart video system, which incorporates AI capabilities, automatic target recognition (ATR), auto-tracking of multiple targets and smart scanning, and enhances the force’s situational awareness.
Nir-Or is supplying its advanced video system for the IDF’s Namer and Eitan (8X8) Armored fighting vehicles (AFVs), and towards Eurosatory, the company announced that it is now moving to the next step, which involves implementing AI capabilities into these systems, together with Axon-Vision.
Nir-Or’s CEO, BG. (Ret.) Roy Riftin: “We are honored to participate at the Eurosatory exhibition and present the EdgeRCWS, an advanced AI system for Next-Generation Remotely Controlled Weapon Stations, that we have developed together with Axon-Vision. Ideal for the future battlefield, Nir-Or’s solutions maximize the force’s effectiveness, lethality, and survivability while enhancing its situational awareness and decision-making processes.”
Nir-Or will be presenting its solutions in Eurosatory on Valhalla stand, HALL 6 Booth K197, and on Escribano stand, Hall 6 Booth J-427
02 Jun 22. Israel Weapon Industries highlights the patented GAL Versatile Protective Suit (VPS) at Eurosatory, with improved design reducing trauma sustained by forces in the maintenance of public order, by up to 90%.
Adaptable to all scenarios, the lightweight, wearable protection system provides protection from trauma injuries. The latest generation of the suit has undergone several modifications, enabling it to withstand even more significant trauma, while maintaining its position as the most lightweight protective suit available in the market.
The GAL VPS absorbs massive kinetic trauma, reducing and diverting the force of a blow to the body. Flexible and easy to wear, this comprehensive, three-level operational solution includes a vest and arm and leg protectors, all anti-trauma. Weighing just 5.0 kg at W3 and 5.9kg at W5, its unique design is suitable for users from small to large size. The system is also covered with an anti-abrasion material as standard, or with flame retardant material according to the customer’s needs.
Together with the ultralight bullet-proof and anti-stab vest and ultralight ballistic helmet, the GAL VPS is the most up-to-date, versatile protective suit available today. Moreover, following a stringent testing process and crash tests, the system has achieved German standard VPAM KDIW 2004 Cubic/ Wurfel.
“By changing the geometry of the GAL VPS, we have increased the level of protection it offers, decreasing the intensity of impact by 90%” says Ronen Hamudot, Executive VP of Marketing and Sales at SK Group. “We recently collaborated with the special operations team of West Virginia DCR during their training, and we are happy to announce a purchase order by the prison tactical teams in the US. Further orders were received recently from other organizations around the world, following the system’s excellent performance.”
03 Jun 22. General Robotics is introducing at Eurosatory (Hall 5A D468) the Smart-AI PITBULL, the latest version of the PITBULL Remote Control Weapons Station (RCWS), with enhanced AI-driven capabilities, enabling armored vehicles and unmanned platforms to gain substantial improvement in situational awareness, response rate, and firepower.
The baseline PITBULL is a lightweight RCWS designed to mount 7.62 mm or 12.7 mm machine guns, 40 mm Automatic Grenade Launcher (AGL) electro-optical sensors, and other payloads. Unlike other conventional remotely operated RCWS, the PITBULL with the new Smart-AI maintains constant, full awareness of its surrounding, regardless of the platform’s situation.
The Advantages of Smart AI
Using the Smart-AI technology, PITBULL continuously and autonomously detects, tracks and calculates the predicted position of threats, and friendly forces using its Target Prediction Algorithm (TPA). “These advanced functions complement the human operator, enabling the human to be always in control and decide when to press the trigger,” Shahar Gal, General Robotics’ CEO, said. Processing the users’ ‘Point & Shoot™’ command and trigger pull in real-time, the system determines the right time to fire the gun upon the operator’s command, in the condition to score a perfect shot. “This function is optional, and can be activated or disabled, as some users want to maintain full control of the weapon at all times,” Gal said.
PITBULL’s self-awareness functions optimize it for robotic systems applications, implemented on the IAI’s Jaguar Unmanned Ground Vehicle (UGV), operated by the Israel Defense Forces on the ‘smart and lethal border.’ The PITBULL RCWS can also be configured for counter-drone system (C-UAS) missions, equipped with soft and hard-kill measures.
New Versions for DOGO and CHAMELEON
Other new systems from General Robotics on display include the latest DOGO MKIII and smaller sibling, CHAMELEON. The latest version of the DOGO has improved cameras, target tracking, faster Point & Shoot™ capability, and is designed to accommodate additional weapons; DOGO has become a famous weaponized robot, operational by numerous special forces and SWAT units in high-risk situations. General Robotics backs the DOGO with the ‘Anti-Terror Warranty™,’ providing repair or replacement for DOGO units lost in combat. The new CHAMELEON adds unique features for special operations, including MESH-based multi-robot operation and the ability to climb on vertical metallic surfaces.
Engaged in the development and manufacturing of Light & Smart RCWS systems, General Robotics’ systems are designed to meet the operational needs of Armies, Navies, Air-Force, and Special Operation forces. We deliver high-end systems with simple operating interfaces to increase the survivability of all operational units. Our motto is “Extreme Capabilities, Simple Operation™.”