Sponsored by Galvion
www.galvion.com
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01 Apr 25. Galvion’s European Production Hub in Poland is declared Fully Operational. Galvion, a world leader in the design and manufacture of innovative head systems, power and data management solutions, and integrated soldier systems, has announced that their European Production Hub in Poland is now fully operational. The facility represents a major investment that has significantly strengthened Galvion’s regional support and service strategy. With both production and support capabilities fully operational, Galvion is now able to serve their widespread European and NATO customers from a geographically aligned centre of excellence. First announced in September 2023 and driven by Galvion’s ongoing successes in NATO and the wider European regions, the new facility is based in Gdansk. Production has been running for close to a month, with Galvion’s flagship Caiman® helmets as the inaugural systems coming off the production line in preparation for shipment to a key customer in Northern Europe. With this major milestone, the facility is officially declared as operational. Galvion plans to follow this announcement with a formal VIP opening ceremony in June. Following recent consecutive program awards from key European nations, including a NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) framework contract, Galvion is expecting to have close to 2 m helmets in service across NATO and other European countries by the end of 2026. Galvion’s new Gdansk facility houses helmet finishing and assembly capabilities, in addition to critical support, maintenance, refurbishment, upgrade and training operations. The Gdansk location was chosen following a comprehensive search and assessment period, and the functionality of the facility is expected to expand through 2026 and beyond, supporting Galvion’s full product and solutions portfolio. Galvion’s existing core facilities in Canada and the USA will continue to design, develop, manufacture and service domestic, regional, and key global programs, customers, production and support requirements.
Todd Stirtzinger, CEO at Galvion said: “We are committed to responsible regional operations in order to serve our global customer base in the most efficient way possible. Having the ability to both produce and support helmet systems in Europe is a big step for us and for our NATO customers, as we continue to receive orders through the NSPA framework contract and beyond.” Stirtzinger added: “Our investment project here has been built from the ground up, requiring support, coordination and collaboration across Galvion, not to mention a network of local and national partners in Poland. It is really gratifying for our entire team to see the first Caiman helmets coming off the production line. Special thanks go to our Polish team for their relentless dedication as well as to everyone else who has helped make this such a success.”
03 Apr 25. Brazil gunmaker Taurus sees US plant as key to minimizing tariff hit. Brazilian gunmaker Taurus Armas expects its production line in the United States to help it minimize the impact of tariffs imposed on Wednesday by U.S. President Donald Trump, its chief executive Salesio Nuhs told Reuters. Taurus is one of the world’s largest gun manufacturers and mainly produces handguns and small arms for both private consumers and security forces. Currently, 85% of the 7,000 weapons manufactured daily at its Brazilian factories are exported to the U.S. market, according to the executive. It has daily production capacity for another 3,000 weapons at its U.S. facilities.
“We are keeping a close eye on the consequences of the tariffs,” Nuhs said in an interview at the LAAD defense conference in Rio de Janeiro on Wednesday, ahead of Trump’s announcement of a 10% levy on Brazilian exports to the U.S. Taurus earlier this week also announced a memorandum of understanding aimed at acquiring Turkey’s Mertsav and eyes completing the deal in the second half of 2025, which would increase its product portfolio. (Source: Reuters)
03 Apr 25. German military to order exploding drones for first time, sources say.
* Summary
* Companies
* Armed drone procurement has been controversial in past
* Army upgrade more urgent now amid Ukraine war, US uncertainty
* Germany plans for long-term drone acquisition to enhance defense
The German military will be armed with loitering munitions, or exploding drones, for the first time, two defense ministry sources said on Thursday, as Berlin tries to catch up with a technology that has shown its destructive power in Ukraine.
Both Russia and Ukraine have fielded such single-use drones, which cruise towards their target before plummeting at velocity and detonating on impact. But the procurement of armed drones has been controversial in Germany, with some politicians associating them with targeted extrajudicial killings by U.S. forces in Afghanistan. (Source: Reuters)
03 Apr 25. UAE displays BMP-3 with new turret. The United Arab Emirates’ (UAE’s) Ministry of Defence (MoD) released a video on 3 April that showed a BMP-3 infantry fighting vehicle (IFV) fitted with the DVK-30 one-man turret developed by the Slovakian company ZTS Špeciál. This is not the first time that BMP-3s modified in this way have been seen in the UAE, as two were displayed in the background of a large parade of the National Service and Reserve Forces on 2 December 2024. The two vehicles were on the spectator side of the event, which included other types of equipment that were not previously known to be in service, rather than with main troop and vehicle formations. The MoD said the video showed Minister of Defence Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum visiting Reserve Forces Command. However, a sign in front of the base’s headquarters building said it was 5th Mechanised Infantry Brigade Command, making it more likely that the modified BMP-3 has entered service. Russian sources have reported that the UAE received around 700 BMP-3s in the 1990s but many have had their turrets transferred to the new Rabdan 8×8 wheeled IFVs. It now appears these are being brought back into service by fitting them with the DVK-30. (Source: Janes)
01 Apr 25. Roke has been awarded a major multi-year contract known as Science & Technology Oriented Research & development in Missile defence (STORM), partnering with the UK Missile Defence Centre (MDC) to deliver cutting-edge research for Missile Defence. As the delivery lead for this framework contract, Roke will lead a collaborative and sovereign industry effort focused on securing the UK and its allies by countering current and future threats, including ballistic missiles and hypersonic missiles. This £251m, 6-year contract, inclusive of a 3-year extension option, will see Roke develop its role as a trusted partner to deliver MDC’s Mission through the STORM framework.
Strategic, Scalable, and Sovereign
The contract will place Roke at the heart of the UK missile defence ecosystem at a pivotal moment, with Roke bringing together technical experts from across the UK’s defence industry. Over 95% of the value of this framework will be delivered by a UK workforce – which will be a critical enabler to developing, nurturing, and sustaining a UK sovereign capability and SQEP within missile defence research and development.
“We are delighted to be recognised as the right organisation to deliver STORM for the UK MDC,” said Paul MacGregor, Managing Director at Roke. “Missile defence is crucial to protecting the UK’s interests in an increasingly complex threat landscape. As adversaries develop and use more advanced capabilities, the ability to detect, identify, and defeat missile threats is essential to safeguarding the UK and its allies. At Roke, we are committed to delivering cutting-edge solutions that enhance resilience and ensure a decisive advantage in Defence.
A Proven Partner in Defence Science & Technology
“We are excited about working with Roke, whose expertise and innovative approach make them a valued partner in advancing the UK’s missile defence capabilities.” said Dr Anthony Wraight, Director of the UK Missile Defence Centre. “Their commitment to collaboration, technical excellence, and delivery of impactful solutions will be key to enhancing the nation’s defence against ballistic and hypersonic missiles and staying ahead of emerging threats through the research delivered by STORM.”
Roke’s appointment builds on a proven track record of supporting the UK MDC on the HYPERION project, demonstrating the strength of its expertise, collaborative approach, and ability to deliver. Roke’s ability to manage complex supply chains, drive innovation, and to act as a true partner to its customers proved key to securing this contract.
“Our role in leading the STORM framework builds upon the framework management capabilities demonstrated in our role as lead for SERAPIS Lot 1, and will leverage the decades of heritage we have in helping customers solve complex problems, particularly in sensing and decision making.” said Chris Squier, Defence Business Unit Director at Roke. “STORM is yet another case of a customer valuing the way we work; the skills we can bring to bear against their problems; and trusting us to operate as their long-term partner to deliver.”
Roke’s work under STORM will not only inform critical UK defence policies and decision making across Government, but will also play a key role in developing next-generation missile defence solutions.
03 Apr 25. Diehl Defence and Elbit Sign Teaming Agreement for Euro-GATR. In March Diehl Defence and Elbit Systems signed a teaming agreement confirming their cooperation in the field of GATR (Guided Advanced Tactical Rocket). Euro-GATR is a 70 mm guided rocket suitable for the Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) of the German Bundeswehr. Diehl Defence acts as the prime contractor for Euro-GATR in Germany. The cost-effective and operationally proven guided rocket Euro-GATR, successfully used by advanced armed forces worldwide, achieves high accuracy even at ranges up to 10 km. It is fast, versatile and safe, thanks to laser guidance with “Lock On After Launch” and “Lock On Before Launch” capabilities. It can engage buildings and lightly armored vehicles with its multipurpose warhead. Due to extensive operational experience, Euro-GATR is a mature, combat-proven solution that is commercially available and can be delivered to the LCH within a short time frame. Integration into the helicopter can be performed using a dedicated Smart Rocket Launcher (SRL) or already certified launchers with minor adaptions. Additional unique capabilities of the Euro-GATR can be introduced with simple modifications to the existing launcher. Diehl Defence, a reliable partner for the German Bundeswehr for many years, is a trusted supplier of guided missiles for the army, air force and navy. As prime contractor for Euro-GATR in Germany, Diehl Defence ensures both industrial value creation and know-how increase, as well as the long-term maintenance and logistics of Euro-GATR nationally. Based on the strong and longstanding partnership between Diehl Defence and Elbit Systems, also in the field of rocket artillery (EuroPULS), Euro-GATR offers a powerful, economical, and operationally proven armament for the LCH, significantly contributing to the operational readiness of the German Bundeswehr. (Source: ASD Network)
02 Apr 25. Greece eyes Israeli-made air defense system. Greece is actively exploring the acquisition of Israel’s BARAK air defense system to replace its aging Soviet-origin S-300s, potentially making it a key component of the country’s new multilayered air defense architecture, known as the “Achilles Shield,” sources told Kathimerini. The Israeli air defense systems are favored over the US-made Patriot system due to shorter delivery times and lower costs, as Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis explained in Parliament during the presentation of Greece’s €25bn ($26.99bn) 12-year defense strategy.
“Greece is one of the countries that already possesses American Patriot systems. If we want to purchase new Patriot systems, it would take four to five years to acquire such a system—quite simply because the production capacity isn’t there,” Mitsotakis said. “Israel is a country with which we have a strategic alliance and could potentially provide such capabilities more quickly,” he added.
Moreover, the BARAK system is manufactured by Israel Aerospace Industries, which already has a presence in Greece following its 2023 acquisition of the Greek defense company Intracom Defence. As a result, it is easier to meet a key condition set by Athens in ongoing negotiations: the meaningful participation of Greece’s domestic defense industry in the program. (Source: Google/https://www.ekathimerini.com/)
01 Apr 25. NUBURU, Inc. (NYSE American: BURU), a leader in high-power and high-brightness industrial blue laser technology, announced the signing of a Joint-Pursuit Agreement (JPA) with a defense-tech company, marking a significant milestone in its strategic expansion into the defense sector. This agreement follows the successful completion of an initial 20% acquisition interest in a defense and security hub, announced on March 12, 2025. This endeavor is expected to bolster NUBURU’s engagement with its current defense-tech client portfolio, which comprises approximately 60 clients across seven countries including the USA, Italy, and UAE. With a robust backlog of orders totaling $309m, and options for an additional $181m, NUBURU aims to capitalize on these opportunities to accelerate its growth trajectory in critical industries. As part of this JPA, NUBURU will integrate its assets—including expertise, experience, trade secrets, trademarks, and intellectual property related to laser technology—while the defense-tech company will contribute its deep-rooted knowledge in developing vehicles, equipment, and electronic systems suitable for heavy-duty applications within the defense industry. This synergistic collaboration aims to create advanced laser-tech-based products designed specifically for defense applications, ensuring that NUBURU retains ownership of all Developed Intellectual Property while granting the defense-tech company a perpetual, royalty-free license to utilize it. Potential applications for the new products developed under this partnership include Directed Energy Weapons (DEWs) for anti-drone measures and sophisticated Surveillance and Reconnaissance systems utilizing LIDAR technology.
“Our partnership with the undisclosed defense-tech company represents an exciting step forward in executing our comprehensive Transformation Plan,” said Alessandro Zamboni, Executive Chairman of NUBURU. “By leveraging our expertise in laser technology and the defense-tech company’s industry insights, we are positioned to streamline our offerings within this vital sector efficiently. This collaboration not only enhances our capabilities but also opens new avenues for growth, aligning perfectly with our vision to establish synergies across our acquisitions.”
Moreover, NUBURU plans to integrate cutting-edge advancements in artificial intelligence and robotic process automation into its operations together with innovative fintech platforms. The earlier announced partnership with COEPTIS’ NexGenAI Affiliates Network and the strategic investment in Supply@ME Capital Plc exemplify this strategy, further enhancing NUBURU’s ability to innovate within its marketing and B2B sales processes and optimizing its working capital needs by accessing to an innovative off-balance sheet solution, aimed at maintaining competitive inventory levels to support its businesses. As NUBURU progresses in its acquisition strategy, it reiterates its commitment to providing innovative solutions tailored to the evolving needs of key sectors, specifically defense and security.
About NUBURU
NUBURU, Inc. was founded in 2015 as a developer and manufacturer of industrial blue laser technology that is transforming the speed and quality of laser-based manufacturing. Under its new management team led by Executive Chairman Alessandro Zamboni, NUBURU is executing a comprehensive growth and diversification strategy, expanding into complementary domains such as defense-tech, security, and operational resilience solutions. Headquartered in Centennial, Colorado, NUBURU is leveraging strategic partnerships and acquisitions to accelerate growth in high-value sectors. For more information, visit www.nuburu.net. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)
03 Apr 25. Japan develops new missiles designed to repel an invasion. Japan’s Mitsubishi Heavy Industries has clinched a deal to develop new long-range, precision-guided missiles in a 32bn yen ($216m) contract for the Japan Self-Defense Force. The Ministry of Defense indicated in a news release April 1 that the contract is part of plans to boost standoff missile capabilities as the Asian nation faces multiple regional threats. The contract with MHI to develop new ground-to-ground and ground-to-ship precision-guided missiles will last until 2028. The ministry expects the new missiles to be completed in 2032. The missiles will be used to “prevent and eliminate invading troops,” the Ministry of Defense said. The ministry has not released any additional information about the missiles but included in the press release a few diagrams showing its expected capabilities. The long-range missiles could target vulnerable parts of ships and traverse Japan’s mountainous terrains to hit land-based targets with “particularly high accuracy.” Since 2022, Japan has been beefing up its capabilities as part of its “three white papers,” the National Security Strategy, the National Defense Strategy, and the Defense Buildup Plan. Japan has allocated approximately 939bn yen for standoff defense capabilities. The budget includes allocations for Type 12 surface-to-ship missiles (16.8 billion yen, or $112.6 million); submarine-launched guided missiles (3 billion yen, or $20.1 million); and high-velocity gliding missiles for island defense (29.3bn yen, or $160.2m). The Asian nation also plans to acquire joint strike missiles to be installed on its F-35As and joint air-to-surface stand-off missile for its upgraded F-15 aircraft. Last year, Japan signed a deal to purchase 400 additional Tomahawk missiles from the United States and declared plans to deploy a year earlier than planned some Tomahawks and Type 12 surface-to-ship truck-mounted missiles this year. Earlier this week, the country’s defense ministry also announced its latest missile co-production project with the U.S. to develop AIM-120 advanced medium-range air-to-air missiles during U.S. defense secretary Pete Hegseth’s visit to Japan. During the visit, Hegseth called Japan “an indispensable partner in deterring Communist Chinese military aggression.” (Source: Defense News)
01 Apr 25. UK rushes naval laser weapon, as major tank upgrade hits snag. The United Kingdom is accelerating work on the DragonFire laser weapon, with a goal of equipping four Royal Navy destroyers with the system starting in 2027, Minister for Defence Procurement Maria Eagle said in a written response to parliamentary questions. Meanwhile, plans to upgrade the U.K.’s Challenger main battle tank have been impacted by some delays in the supply chain, with additional resources being channeled into the program to resolve the issues, Eagle said in a response on April 1. The British government in its Spring Statement in March announced plans to spend at least 10% of the Ministry of Defence equipment budget on new technologies such as drones and AI-enabled capabilities, and create a ring-fenced budget of £400m ($516m) for a defense-innovation fund.
“We are bringing laser technology to the Navy around five years faster than previously planned, which will protect our Armed Forces, and let us learn by doing,” Eagle said. “As announced in the Spring Statement, additional funding for Defence will be directed toward advancing technology including guaranteeing the in service date for DragonFire.”
Turning DragonFire into an operational capability more quickly will allow the armed forces to make continual improvements in areas like integration, software and overall lethality, the minister said. That will help develop the system itself, as well as inform the choices the MoD makes on future directed-energy weapons, according to Eagle. DragonFire in January 2024 for the first time destroyed an aerial target with a high-powered test shot, in what the MoD called a major step forward in bringing the laser technology into service. The industry team developing the laser weapon is led by pan-European missile maker MBDA, with partners Leonardo UK and Qinetic. The U.K. government plans to increase defense spending to 2.5% of GDP in 2027. That would translate into £14.2 bn additional spending in the 2027-2028 fiscal year compared with 2024-2025, based on the latest data from the Office for Budget Responsibility, more than the £13.4bn announced in February, according to Eagle. The U.K. spent an estimated £64.6bn on defense in 2024, up from £61.9bn a year earlier. The ongoing plan to upgrade Britain’s main battle tank to the Challenger 3 version ran into some supply-chain hiccups, Eagle said. The upgraded tank’s initial operating capability is forecast for 2027, with all of the U.K.’s 138 Challenger 3 tanks planned to be in service by the end of 2030.
“Additional resources have been directed towards resolving these issues and the next phase of trials will start in quarter two 2025,” Eagle said. “Progress will be monitored carefully and any impact on the delivery of initial operating capability will be continually assessed.”
The upgrade is being led by Rheinmetall BAE Systems Land, with enhancements including a turret with a 120mm smooth-bore gun, new armor and an active protection system. The approved budget for the upgrade is £1.9 bn, which includes the contract with RBSL, and there have been no increases to the total budget due to technical challenges or inflation, Eagle said.
“We are confident that Challenger 3 will continue to match potential threats throughout its lifecycle, but we will continually review the performance of its specification to ensure that it remains world-leading,” Eagle said. (Source: News Now/ Defense News)
01 Mar 25. Drones changing the rules of modern conflict. The wider use of unmanned vehicles in the Ukrainian theatre has changed the rules of modern conflict, and all armed forces will probably use unmanned systems in future combat. This is according to Viktor Listopadov, Regional Director of Ukraine’s SpetsTechnoExport. Speaking virtually at a discussion on ‘Advanced Developments in Ukrainian Combat Unmanned Systems and New Opportunities for African Regional Security’ in Pretoria, he said drones have become an integral part of modern combat operations, performing a wide range of tasks and replacing or supplementing traditional means of warfare.
“Ukrainian military forces have demonstrated innovation in the use of unmanned technologies, leading to the emergence of new directions and approaches, as well as changes in tactics in modern combat operations,” he said.
Unmanned systems are being used for surveillance and reconnaissance, artillery fire correction, strike missions, electronic warfare and suppression of air defences, logistics and medical evacuation, and psychological warfare, amongst others.
New and unique applications that have emerged in Ukraine include long-range/deep strikes, exhausting enemy air defences, coordinating air attacks, logistics, and capturing enemy weapons (using a magnet-equipped drone). Drones have also been fitted with thermite, turning them into aerial flame-throwers.
“Ukraine has become a battlefield where drones are not only widely used but where new technologies and approaches to their use have emerged. These innovations have significantly impacted the effectiveness of combat operations by reducing costs, increasing accuracy, and enhancing the safety of military operations. The technologies that have emerged and developed in Ukraine could become a new standard in modern military affairs, adapting and improving for use in future conflicts,” Listopadov said.
In December 2024, the Ukrainian military carried out an operation exclusively using unmanned systems, resulting in further advancement of its front lines in what it says was a world first. The efficacy of unmanned vehicles can be seen in the Black Sea, where Ukrainian unmanned surface vessels have sunk more than 20 Russian naval vessels valued at an estimated $2 bn. The cost to Ukraine has been tens of ms of dollars for kamikaze boats.
Mike Tkachenko, Business Development Director at the Abris Design Group, said the battlefield has changed dramatically compared to previous conflicts. The use of surveillance drones has made warfare more transparent than ever. It is almost impossible to conceal fortifications, large groups of artillery, vehicles, or soldiers. This has led to a completely new dynamic in warfare. Modern equipment enables continuous real-time tracking of the tactical situation,” with drones providing either photo or video surveillance for intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, and reconnaissance (ISTAR).
However, drones providing these capabilities face a number of threats, including jamming and spoofing of GPS, radio control systems, and video data transmission; air defence systems; and counterattack against operators or command centres. “This is the most dangerous,” Tkachenko said. “It is very easy to replace the UAV but not the personnel.”
Tkachenko said that at the beginning of the Russo-Ukrainian war, the Ukrainian Army had to urgently adapt drone technologies and experiment with any available solutions. A major issue was using many different drone types, creating problems with coordination and integration. Compatible hardware and software is more important than outright drone performance, he said.
Based on the Ukrainian experience, Tkachenko said that for Africa, UAVs can be used effectively for ISR and border security; special and military operations support; and search and rescue, particularly following natural disasters. Ukraine has, for example, assisted the Mexican government’s special forces in fighting drug cartels. Another use case for UAVs is demining. Mine detection can be carried out using high-resolution cameras, which is especially effective in areas with minimal vegetation. Multispectral cameras can also be used to detect metallic objects that are heated by the sun during the day. At present, Tkachenko said technology allows for the detection and mapping of surface-laid anti-tank mines, artillery shells, rocket remnants, and surface-laid anti-personnel mines. In one de-mining operation in Ukraine, 228 mines were found in an area of 1 square kilometre. (Source: https://www.defenceweb.co.za/)
31 Mar 25. UK moves to war-spec Ajax AFVs with main gun thermal sleeve. The sleeve will surround the Ajax’s 40mm main gun barrel and help manage the platform’s signature, as well as improving accuracy. The British Army’s Ajax AFVs will be fitted with a thermal sleeve to mask its signature after firing. Credit: DE&S The British Army’s Ajax armoured fighting vehicles (AFV) will be fitted with new thermal sleeves to surround the platform’s 40mm main gun following a “rapid procurement contract” with General Dynamics UK, Nexter Systems, and CTA International. Acquired under a nine-month programme, the thermal sleeves, which have recently been delivered to General Dynamics UK, will improve firing accuracy and life span of the barrel of the CT40 40mm main gun, according to UK Ministry of Defence’s Defence Equipment & Support (DE&S). The Ajax thermal sleeve will also contribute to reduce the thermal signature of the Ajax during and after firing. With the proliferation of small drones, often fitted with thermal cameras, across the battlefields of the Ukraine-Russia war, it appears the UK has moved to ‘war-spec’ the Ajax AFV fleet as it is delivered to the British Army. The thermal sleeves have been developed by industry partners Nexter Systems and CTA International and have been modified by GDUK for use on Ajax. The sleeve works by being mounted on to the cannon’s weapon barrel support which allows the barrel to recoil freely inside whilst it remains static.
Colonel Jamie Hayward, British Army armoured cavalry programme director said: “The CTAI CT40 Thermal Sleeve is an off-the-shelf solution designed for the CT40 cannon’s static barrel bend, an integral part of the weapon system which is now being incorporated to further enhance the firing accuracy and improve the life span of the barrel.”
Ajax numbers delivered reaches 91 vehicles
According to a UK parliamentary written answer on 25 March, as of 19 March, 19 Ajax AFVs had been accepted by the Ministry of Defence so far in 2025, to a total of 91 platforms delivered so far. It is not known how many of the 91 Ajax AFVs delivered are operationally deployable, with the number withheld due to national security. Recently reported by Army Technology, the British Army intended to see more than 180 vehicles across the Ajax programme delivered by the end of the year, including command, medical, and engineer variants. The Ajax AFV and armoured variants will form a central role of the British Army’s future combat structure, under the so-called Brigade Combat Teams (BCT) structure. Situated in Armoured BCT formations, the Ajax would complement the current Challenger 2 and future Challenger 3 main battle tanks in providing the British Army’s lead heavy armour formations.
(Source: army-technology.com)
BATTLESPACE Comment: This announcement vindicates the months and years that BATTLESPACE has ben warning about accuracy issues with the CT40 canon even in the face of lawsuits from BAE Systems for irresponsible journalism. It is noted that thi incudes both French and UK versions, so the ammunition loading mechanism was not to blame for the problems firing on the move. The hot barrel issues, due to the propellant not being enclosed in a cartridge case, along with the obturation issues were identified at the start of the project covered up by the MoD and left out of the Through Life Report by Qinetiq. However, structural additions to the turret ring may be also be required to allow for firing on the move accurately.
Reader Comment: I find this quite strange against the requirement. Thermal sleeves are not design for thermal signature reduction but mitigation of solar warming causing barrel droop or wind cooling causing azimuth bending thus affecting single shot accuracy. The thermal signature from the gun firing and subsequent muzzle flash will illuminate the infra-red signature massively. Cannons are designed to do a burst firing so that signature will be very visible same as the exhaust of the vehicle. I wonder where all the signature and gun experts have gone.
31 Mar 25. Rheinmetall and Lockheed Martin Host International Summit Showcasing Long Range Precision Fires GMARS Launcher. Rheinmetall and Lockheed Martin, partners in the Global Mobile Artillery Rocket System (GMARS) program, hosted a summit for international customers in Europe. The event brought together military leaders, industry experts, and defense professionals from 14 nations to discuss the latest developments with the two-pod launcher system as well as long range precision fires. Rheinmetall and Lockheed Martin will also host a live firing event to demonstrate GMARS capability this summer. LTG (R) Ben Hodges, former Commander of US Army Europe, delivered the keynote address sharing insights on the challenges and opportunities on the modern battlefield. Customers attended factory tour and presentations on the GMARS launcher, its capabilities and the range of munitions available, including the precision-guided munitions from Lockheed Martin. Discussions on interoperability, a key focus of the summit, shared how GMARS can integrate with NATO systems, such as HIMARS and M270, to provide a comprehensive and flexible long range precision fires capability. The GMARS launcher, based on the Rheinmetall HX3 vehicle, offers a high degree of mobility, survivability and versatility, making it an ideal solution for military forces operating in a rapidly changing environment. The event also included a networking session, providing attendees with the opportunity to engage with industry experts, military leaders, and peers to discuss their specific requirements and challenges.
“We were pleased to showcase the capabilities of the GMARS launcher at the summit with our partner Lockheed Martin,” said Dr. Björn Bernhard, Head of Rheinmetall’s Vehicle Systems Division. “This event provided a unique opportunity for European customers to learn more about the system, its benefits, and how it can support their long range precision fire requirements.”
“Lockheed Martin is committed to delivering innovative solutions that meet the evolving needs of our customers,” said Paula Hartley, vice president and General Manager of Tactical Missiles at Lockheed Martin. “The GMARS program is a prime example of this commitment, and we were pleased to discuss its capabilities and benefits with customers at the summit.”
30 Mar 25. US-Japan to Co-Produce AMRAAM Air-to-Air Missiles Amid Rising Threats from China and North Korea. According to information published by the Japanese Press Agency Kyodo News on March 30, 2025, Japan and the United States have announced the early launch of a joint coproduction program for the AIM-120 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile (AMRAAM). The announcement was made during a meeting in Tokyo between U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Japanese Defense Minister Gen Nakatani. The move comes in response to growing regional security challenges and aims to further strengthen the long-standing military alliance between the two countries through deeper defense industrial cooperation. The agreement reflects the increasingly deepened U.S.-Japan defense cooperation amid a rapidly evolving regional security environment marked by China’s growing military assertiveness and North Korea’s continued development of nuclear weapons and ballistic missile systems. As both nations seek to strengthen their deterrence posture, the early launch of the AIM-120 AMRAAM air-to-air missile coproduction initiative represents a major leap forward in bilateral defense industrial integration and operational readiness. (Source: Google/armyrecognition.com)
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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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