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18 Dec 24. French Navy completes first F21 heavyweight torpedo live firing. A French Navy nuclear-powered attack submarine (SSN) has completed a first live firing of the F21 heavyweight torpedo. Announced by the Marine Nationale on 17 December, the test saw a single F21 warshot break the back of the decommissioned D’Estienne d’Orves-class aviso Premier-Maître L’Her. Developed by Naval Group under the Artémis programme, the F21 has replaced the F17 Mod 2 heavyweight torpedo in French Navy service. As well as equipping Le Triomphant-class nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines, Rubis-class SSNs, and new Suffren-class SSNs, the weapon will also arm the future SNLE 3G deterrent submarines. Naval Group began F21 deliveries to the French Navy in late 2019, with its current production contract with the Direction Générale de l’Armement (DGA) covering just under 100 torpedoes. While the weapon has been the subject of over 100 in-water firings, it had not previously been the subject of a live end-to-end test. The warshot firing was conducted in the Atlantic on 14 December and, according to the French Navy, was performed in what it described as “close to operational conditions”. The identity of the SSN involved was not released. (Source: Janes)
17 Dec 24. DOD Reissues Nuclear Weapons Systems Surety Program Standards. The Department of Defense (DoD) released today, the reissuance of DoD Instruction 3150.02, “DoD Nuclear Weapons Systems Surety Program.” The reissuance is an important update to the Department’s four nuclear surety standards, to elevate and integrate nuclear weapon system risk management processes for surety and cybersecurity, and ensure U.S. nuclear weapons are safe, secure, and under positive control.
“The current DoD nuclear surety standards have not substantively changed since they were developed in 1960. Our community took ownership and updated our surety standards to protect our enterprise,” said Ms. Deborah Rosenblum, performing the duties of deputy undersecretary of defense for acquisition and sustainment.
Nuclear surety provides clearer insight and awareness of operational risks across a systems’ lifecycle and the stakeholder community. As we modernize our legacy Cold War-era nuclear weapon systems, we are increasingly relying on digital technologies. The update ensures DoD’s nuclear surety standards are modernized to account for digital threats and ensures the continued success and applicability of the standards to meet both current and future threats to the nuclear enterprise.
The technological shift poses significant benefits to the predictability and reliability of information processing and decision-making processes; however, the shift also presents the significant risk(s) of potentially introducing cyber-related and other technology-based vulnerabilities.
Nuclear surety is a shared responsibility between the DoD and Department of Energy, National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA). Overlaps in responsibility exist between DoD and NNSA, thus requiring considerable coordination between the two regarding surety issues.
“It is our shared responsibility as members of the nuclear surety community to ensure our standards have evolved to address growing digital threats. I thank our partners with NNSA for helping ensure our nuclear weapons are safe, secure, and reliable,” Ms. Rosenblum said.
The Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Nuclear, Chemical, and Biological Defense Programs (OASD(NCB)) leads DoD efforts to ensure a safe, secure, and effective U.S. nuclear deterrent. As the world returns to Great Power competition and the recognition that threats against the United States, its allies, and its interests are both proliferating and becoming more difficult to challenge, OASD(NCB) is at the forefront of U.S. efforts to sustain and modernize the nuclear deterrent. From the operational, to the administrative, to the speed of response and production, OASD(NCB) is reshaping the way DoD meets and responds to weapons of mass destruction threats. (Source: U.S. DoD)
17 Dec 24. Lockheed Martin, Thales test GMLRS warheads in Australia. Lockheed Martin Australia (LMA) and Thales Australia have tested Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS) warheads at the Thales-operated Mulwala munitions facility in New South Wales.
LMA said on 13 December that the test detonations featured four locally designed warheads. It added, “The warhead tests saw the use of a range of new materials and manufacturing techniques and the comparative testing of multiple designs, which will serve as the foundation for future developments.”
LMA added that the tests were part of an internal research and development project aiming to provide options for guided weapons production capability from 2025.
Thales Australia’s key account manager for Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance (GWEO) Duncan Watt said, “This successful demonstration of a GMLRS-relevant high-explosive warhead underscores the accelerated progress achieved through our collaborative teaming agreement with Lockheed Martin.”
Under this LMA-Thales Australia teaming agreement – signed in September 2024 – the two companies agreed to develop solid-fuel rocket motors (SRMs) and warheads for the GMLRS.
The agreement is aligned with the Australian Department of Defence’s (DoD’s) GWEO Enterprise, a programme that prioritises long-range strike capability and domestic weapons manufacturing. Both companies are classified by the DoD as GWEO strategic partners.
In January 2024 LMA was awarded a AUD37.4 m (USD25.1 m) contract by the DoD to manufacture GMLRS missiles at the Defence Establishment Orchard Hills in western Sydney. Initial GMLRS missiles are expected to be rolled out and test-fired from 2025. (Source: Janes)
18 Dec 24. V Corps boosts combat readiness with HIMARS in Europe. The move consolidates two rocket artillery systems, amplifying the Corps’ capabilities within the European theatre. The US Army’s V Corps has enhanced its combat readiness in Europe by deploying the 3rd Battalion, 321st Field Artillery Regiment (3-321 FAR) to Grafenwoehr, Germany on a rotational basis. The unit, equipped with the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS), joined the 41st Field Artillery Brigade, which operates the M270A2 Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) and is permanently stationed in Grafenwoehr. This move consolidates two rocket artillery systems, amplifying the V Corps’ capabilities within the European theatre. The 3-321 FAR’s HIMARS units offer a more mobile and flexible option compared to the heavier MLRS, with the added advantage of being transportable by C-130 aircraft. The integration of HIMARS into V Corps’ operations increases mobility as well as demonstrates the Corps’ capacity to swiftly augment its firepower with rotational forces. This deployment also serves to strengthen ties with NATO allies through joint training exercises and live-fire operations. The 3-321 FAR is set to engage in numerous manoeuvres across Europe, including Thunderbolt Convergence in March, where their rapid deployment capabilities will be demonstrated in concert with the Belgian military. The 41st Field Artillery Brigade commander Frank Maxwell said: “The HIMARS’ mobility allows us to reposition quickly in response to dynamic combat situations. It’s a game-changer for us.
“While our M270 systems are highly effective, the HIMARS allows us to extend our reach and increase our operational tempo.”
The European HIMARS initiative, a US-led effort within NATO, benefits from exercises such as Thunderbolt Convergence.
The initiative aims to boost alliance-wide proficiency and cooperation in rocket artillery operations, focusing on HIMARS systems.
The 3-321 FAR plays a role in this initiative as the lead element of Task Force Voit in Estonia.
It also reinforces the combat credibility of V Corps and affirms the US Army’s resolve in ensuring security and deterrence throughout the region.
3-321 FAR operations officer major David Nixon said: “We have a platoon that is forward-deployed to Estonia called Task Force Voit, assisting and training the Estonian military as they receive the HIMARS later this summer.
“Our battalion here in Germany is also training in partnership with Lithuania, who is the next Baltic nation to receive HIMARS. We are training to help prepare them to receive their launchers in 2027.”
In June 2024, the US Department of Defense announced that Lockheed Martin will manufacture more HIMARS under a $2bn contract modification. (Source: army-technology.com)
17 Dec 24. Estonian company Frankenburg Technologies is planning to open a new office in London initially employing upwards of 50 people, in a boost for the UK defence sector. Specialising in the manufacture of low-cost air defence missiles, the rapidly growing company already collaborates closely with the UK defence industry, sourcing a significant portion of its subsystems locally. The Prime Minister will meet the founder of the business, Taavi Madiberk, as part of a business breakfast in Tallinn tomorrow morning [17 December 2024]. Delivering on his Plan for Change to boost jobs across the UK and put money back in the pockets of hardworking people, the Prime Minister will meet business leaders from major Estonian players and market disruptors, including Bolt, Nortal, Starship Technologies, Cachet, Skeleton Tech, Frankenburg Technologies, Salv, LHV Group, Pipedrive and Veriff. Frankenburg Technologies, which already has a footprint in Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Ukraine, will invest €50 m into the UK for research and development into low-cost rocket motors. It comes after the Business Secretary last week held a roundtable as part of this Government’s ‘pro-growth, pro-business’ approach to realise the economic potential of the defence sector and change perceptions of it among investors – which is essential to kickstarting economic growth and provide greater investment across the UK. (Source: https://www.gov.uk/)
17 Dec 24. Hanwha Aerospace today announced it has shipped a fresh batch of four K9 Self-Propelled Howitzers and eight K10 Ammunition Resupply Vehicles to Norway, a key commitment to supporting the Norwegian defence capability.
The shipment is a part of a 2022 contract to supply more K9 VIDAR(Versatile Indirect Artillery) and K10 systems following the successful implementation of the first contract for 24 K9s and six K10s signed in 2017.
The artillery systems are expected to arrive in Norway in about two months for the delivery to the Norwegian Armed Forces after undergoing inspections.
“This shipment of K9 and K10 systems is a key milestone for strengthening cooperation between Hanwha and Norway, as we’re fully committed to producing and delivering the products meeting the Norwegian requirements on time.” said Kim Dong-hyun, head of the Land Systems Business Group at Hanwha Aerospace. He added “Hanwha will devote its efforts to complete this contract and further-contribute to enhancing Norway’s defence posture.”
Norway is a key pillar of the K9 User Club, a strategic venue for the countries operating the K9 systems to share their knowledge, experience and know-how on the operation, maintenance and training of the K9 system.
Since 2001, the K9 has been ordered by nine countries – Turkey, India, Poland, Norway, Finland, Estonia, Australia, Egypt and Romania – with about 1,800 K9 vehicles being in service around the globe.
The 155mm/52-calibre K9 Thunder is the world’s most proven tracked self-propelled system that can deliver consistent, accurate, rapid effects at above 40km range with high rates and volumes of fire. The 47-ton K9 is optimized for ‘Shoot and Scoot’ capability to fire multiple rounds and immediately move to a different location in order to avoid counter-fire.
The K10 is the world’s first automatic ammunition resupply vehicle based on the chassis of K9 howitzer, sharing most of the components and characteristics for logistics support.
The vehicle can support the K9 by carrying and resupplying 104 shells of 155mm artillery ammunition and 504 units of charges under contested conditions. The fully automated ammunition resupply system ensures efficiency in logistics support and tactical movements in any severe battlefield condition.
16 Dec 24. Hanwha Aerospace to supply artillery propellant charges for Swedish Army’s Archer howitzers. The Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) has signed an agreement with South Korean defence solutions provider Hanwha Aerospace. The contract ensures the delivery of propellant charges for Sweden’s Archer artillery system, addressing an immediate need for the Swedish Armed Forces. Propellant charges are a critical component of artillery ammunition, containing the explosive material required to launch shells from the Archer system. Since the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022, such charges have been in short supply on the global market for artillery ammunition.
“While we are working on long-term solutions for secure supply chains with our neighbouring countries, Hanwha’s propellant charges will meet the immediate needs of the Swedish Armed Forces,” said Olle Oswald, Strategic Buyer at FMV. (Source: Google/https://defence-industry.eu/)
13 Dec 24. The Solution Space Review (SSR) meetings, between the consortium coordinator (MBDA) the Participating States (DE, FR, IT and NL) and OCCAR, took place to conclude this first programme milestone. Since the contracts’ signatures on the 15th of May 2024, the ramp-up phase was dedicated to settle the initial set of threat scenarios, concepts and interception strategies, while collecting the Participating States’ customer needs, missions and establishing a Concept of Operations. Under the coordination of MBDA, the reference aeronautical institutions (TNO, ONERA and CIRA) have initiated the definition of threats set with associated performance levels. By way of four dedicated workshops, MBDA has captured the Participating States’ Weapon System constraints, interfaces and roadmaps, including external early warning and tracking sensors layers.
In parallel, the Industrial Consortium has identified and assessed different possible concepts and variants of hypersonic threats interceptors, named Solution Space, structured around two interception strategies: in-dive or in-glide. For each concept, a high-level weapon system functional and physical architecture was defined with specific highlights on aerodynamics, propulsion, airframe design, target acquisition and tracking, engagement planning, trajectory optimisation and terminal phase segment.
Based on the evaluation criteria converged between HYDIS Participating States, such as the effector performance against the threat set, the weapon system resilience, the launching platform integrability or the affordability and weapon system in service date, the Industry coordinator managed to prioritise the different possible interceptor’s concepts architectures.
The validation of this important milestone now enables the HYDIS programme to enter into the next phase of the funnel approach, where deeper technological maturations of the Solution Space will be performed that will enable progressively to discard the least promising architectures.
¤ The European Hypersonic Defence Interceptor System (HYDIS) is a project co-funded by the European Union, under the European Defence Fund, and by four Participating States (PSs) which are France, Germany, Italy and the Netherlands. OCCAR has been entrusted by the European Commission (EC) for the indirect management of the action by the signature of a Contribution Agreement. OCCAR, as Contracting Authority, has concluded a contract with the HYDIS consortium to implement the programme, on behalf of EU and the Member States. Co-funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Commission. Neither the European Union nor the European Commission can be held responsible for them. (Source: joint-forces.com)
13 Dec 24. US Army, Navy conduct key hypersonic missile test. The Army and Navy on Thursday completed a successful all-up round test of the Common Hypersonic Glide Body, potentially paving the way for the services to begin fielding the long-awaited system.
The glide body was developed jointly between the two services. The Army plans to integrate its version of the system, the Long Range Hypersonic Weapon, into a mobile ground platform. The Navy will integrate its version, dubbed Conventional Prompt Strike, into a ship-launched capability.
“This test builds on several flight tests in which the Common Hypersonic Glide Body achieved hypersonic speed at target distances and demonstrates that we can put this capability in the hands of the warfighter,” Army Secretary Christine Wormuth said in a Pentagon statement.
The launch took place at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. The Defense Department did not offer further details about the event, which represents the glide body’s second successful all-up round test this year.
Hypersonic systems can fly and maneuver at five times the speed of sound — and the Pentagon has been trying to field them for decades. The Army had planned to make a LRHW fielding decision by the end of fiscal 2023, but delayed that milestone after several aborted tests last year. The service now plans to make a fielding decision next year.
Doug Bush, the Army’s acquisition executive, told reporters this earlier this year that the all-up round test is critical to making sure the system is “safe and effective” and ready to field.
The Navy, meanwhile, plans to start fielding Conventional Prompt Strike on its Zumwalt-class destroyer in FY25 and its Virginia-class submarine in FY29.
Leidos is the prime contractor for the Common Hypersonic Glide Body, and Lockheed Martin is the prime contractor for both LRHW and the Navy’s Conventional Prompt Strike program. (Source: Defense News)
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About Galvion:
Galvion designs, develops, and delivers mission critical head, face, and torso protective solutions as well as intelligent power and data management systems for the world’s most demanding military and tactical teams. Founded in 2002 as Revision Military, a foundational belief in calculated investment and capability expansion led to a strategic refocus, resulting in the divestiture of the protective eyewear business, along with the Revision name, in 2019. Rebranded as Galvion, the company’s products and technology continue to evolve beyond purely passive protection, focusing instead on active systems that enhance performance and survivability, with an eye to the ever-changing demands of the modern battlefield. Through advanced design, keen end-user insight and intelligent integration, Galvion engineers uniquely customized solutions that go beyond what was once thought possible.
Privately owned with ISO 9001:2015 certified facilities in Vermont, Massachusetts and New Hampshire in the US, Montreal in Canada and Bristol in the UK, Galvion’s team of 400+ employees work proactively to solve the problems left unsolved by others.
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