Sponsored by Galvion
www.galvion.com
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29 Jul 23. Galvion releases upgraded MAX-8 Mission Adaptive Charging Station™. Galvion, a world leader in power and data management solutions, has announced the release of an upgraded version of their successful Mission Adaptive Charging Station™, known as the MAX-8. The MAX-8 is a portable charging solution that reduces operational battery burden, allowing teams to do more with less. MAX-8 is currently used and trusted by troops around the world, including segments of the U.S. Air Force, U.S. Army, U.S. Marine Corps, NATO Forces, first responder teams, and commercial users. The recent enhancements to the MAX-8 were developed following extensive user engagement and deliver a suite of capability upgrades to meet the constantly evolving power needs of tactical and commercial partners. Notably, the MAX-8 delivers an AC/DC power supply increase from 280W to 480W, power output increase from 400W to 1000W, battery charger output increase from 5.0 Amps to 8.0 Amps, and a relocated USB-B port that enables firmware upgrades in less than one minute. Certified to meet or exceed a range of standards, including the standards for the CE Mark, CISPR 11 Class A and FCC part 15 Class A,
Radiated and Conducted Emissions standard, MIL-STD-810H, HERO, HERP, HERF Compliance and MIL-STD-1275 with a NATO slave cable. Built to withstand the harsh conditions of expeditionary operations, the MAX-8 can draw power from multiple sources, including solar and vehicle, to charge different types of batteries simultaneously – with no setting changes needed. The intelligent plug-and-play power management system automatically evaluates the power source and adjusts charge rates to maximize power and minimize charge time. The smart battery charging function prioritizes and tops off the fullest battery first, allowing users to get back to their mission as fast as possible with a fully charged battery.
Kristen Lomastro, President of Active Systems at Galvion, said: “The upgrades to the MAX-8 are a direct result of feedback from Galvion customers operating in austere and challenging conditions around the world. They wanted more charging power and performance, without sacrificing the ease-of-use and ruggedness of the original design. We responded with a solution that charges batteries more quickly and efficiently than before.” She added: “Our priority at Galvion is to deliver operational efficiencies and effectiveness for our users. Faster charging means less burden while out in the field, allowing operators to concentrate on the mission, and that is what drives everything that we do here.”
27 Jul 23. Turkish companies jointly develop submersible kamikaze USV. Turkey’s Havelsan, Roketsan, Kraken Marine, and Asisguard have jointly designed and developed a submersible kamikaze unmanned surface vessel (S-KUSV) named Çaka, which they unveiled for the first time at the 16th International Defence Industry Fair (IDEF) held from 25 to 28 July in Istanbul.
Kraken Marine, specialised in designing high-speed tactical vessels, is responsible for the construction of the USV; Asisguard is providing the optical systems for navigation; and Havelsan is responsible for developing platform control, command-and-control (C2) integration software, and platform autonomy, Göker Oral, a subject-matter expert at Havelsan, told Janes. The Çaka S-KUSV is based on a trimaran hull with a streamline design and low profile. The 3.2 tonne vessel has an overall length of 8.5 m and a beam of 3.3 m. The vessel is equipped with an inboard diesel engine for surface manoeuvring. The vessel is also equipped with two water-jets powered by an electric motor. It can attain a maximum surface speed of 60 kt. When submerged, the vessel has an operating depth of around 10 m. (Source: Janes)
25 Jul 23. Serbia installs Kerber RCWS on new Miloš II MPACV.
Serbia’s new Miloš II 4×4 multi-purpose armoured combat vehicle (MPACV) armed with a 20/3 mm remote-controlled weapon station (RCWS) participated in a live-firing demonstration at the Nikinci testing range on 18 July, the Serbian Ministry of Defence (MoD) announced on its website the same day. The Kerber 20/3 mm RCWS and an M15 12.7 mm RCWS mounted on a standard Miloš vehicle hit targets at ranges of 500–1,200 m.
Kerber was first seen installed on the roof of a Miloš II on 27 June during a visit by Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Miloš Vučević to the Borbeni Složeni Sistemi (Complex Combat Systems) military vehicle plant in Pljakovo. It is based on the Crvena Zastava M55 20/3 mm automatic anti-aircraft gun developed in 1955 based on the single-barrel Hispano-Suiza 804 L/70 anti-aircraft cannon mounted on the HSS 630-3 towed gun carriage for which Yugoslavia purchased a manufacturing licence in 1951. (Source: Janes)
26 Jul 23. China developing long-range loitering munition. A Chinese unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) producer, Aerospace CH UAV Co Ltd, has announced that it is developing a new loitering munition based on the AR-series of air-to-ground missiles.
In an announcement on Weibo on 20 July, the company said the loitering munition is being developed for “super long-range” and will “deliver a number of new functions”.
Aerospace CH UAV Co Ltd is a subsidiary of the 11th Research Institute of China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC), which developed and produces the AR-series of lightweight missiles.
The AR-series of missiles are optimised for use by UAVs. The series has four known variants in the weight range of 20, 45, 80, and 100 kg, including the reported and existingAR-3 loitering missile. (Source: Janes)
27 Jul 23. North Korea’s Kim shows off banned missiles to Russian minister. Russia’s defence minister accompanied North Korean leader Kim Jong Un to a defence exhibition that featured the North’s banned ballistic missiles as the neighbours pledged to boost ties, North Korean state media reported on Thursday.
The Russian minister, Sergei Shoigu, and a Chinese delegation including a Politburo member arrived in North Korea this week for the 70th anniversary of the end of the Korean War celebrated in North Korea as “Victory Day”.
The missiles were banned under U.N. Security Council resolutions adopted with Russian and Chinese support but this week they provided a striking backdrop for a show of solidarity by three countries united by their rivalry with the U.S.
Shoigu is making the first visit by a Russian defence minister to North Korea since the fall of the Soviet Union.
For North Korea, the arrival of the Russian and Chinese delegations marks its first major opening up to the world since the coronavirus pandemic.
Shoigu gave Kim a letter from Russian President Vladimir Putin, North Korean media reported.
Kim thanked Putin for sending the military delegation led by Shoigu, saying the visit had deepened the “strategic and traditional” relations between North Korea and Russia.
“(Kim) expressed his views on the issues of mutual concern in the struggle to safeguard the sovereignty, development and interests of the two countries from the high-handed and arbitrary practices of the imperialists and to realize international justice and peace,” North Korean media said.
“He repeatedly expressed belief that the Russian army and people would achieve big successes in the struggle for building a powerful country,” it said.
KCNA did not refer to the war in Ukraine but North Korea’s defence minister, Kang Sun Nam, was reported as saying North Korea fully supported Russia’s “battle for justice” and to protect its sovereignty.
Kim led Shoigu on a tour of an exhibition of new weapons and military equipment, KCNA said.
State media photographs showed Kim and his guests at a display of some of the North’s ballistic missiles in multi-axle transporter launchers. Another image showed what analysts said appeared to be a new drone.
One analyst said Shoigu’s inspection of the North Korean missiles visit suggested Russian acceptance of North Korea’s nuclear programme.
“We’ve come a long way from when North Korea would avoid showing off its nuclear capabilities when senior foreign dignitaries from Russia and China were in town,” said Ankit Panda of the U.S.-based Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, calling the tour “remarkable”.
“The personal tour for Shoigu – and Shoigu’s willingness to be photographed with Kim in the course of this tour – is evidence that Moscow is complacent with North Korea’s ongoing nuclear modernization,” he said.
Kim also met Chinese Communist Party Politburo member Li Hongzhong for talks and was handed a letter from Chinese President Xi Jinping, North Korean media reported.
The visit by Li’s delegation showed Xi’s commitment to “attach great importance to the DPRK-China friendship,” Kim was quoted as saying by the North’s KCNA state news agency, referring to the North the initial of its official name, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea.
‘NO SECRET’
The Russian visit raises the prospect of more open support for North Korea, especially with Russia isolated by the West over is invasion of Ukraine, analysts said.
“While Russia has kept its official military cooperation with the North Korea limited, any veritable rupture in the so-called post-Cold War order may see Russia more willing to openly violate sanctions, especially given their relatively lax attitude to the shifts in North Korea’s nuclear status last year,” said Anthony Rinna, a specialist in Korea-Russia relations at the Sino-NK think tank.
Last year, North Korea codified a new, expansive nuclear law declaring its status as a nuclear-armed state “irreversible”.
This month, it threatened nuclear retaliation over a show of force by the United States, saying the deployment of strategic military assets near the Korean peninsula could meet criteria for its use of nuclear weapons.
White House national security spokesman John Kirby said Russia’s overtures to North Korea comes as the Kremlin struggles to procure arms.
“It’s been no secret … Mr Putin is reaching out to other countries for help and support in fighting his war in Ukraine. And that includes, we know, some outreach to the DPRK,” he said.
North Korea has backed the Kremlin over its war with Ukraine and has shipped weapons including infantry rockets and missiles in support of Russia’s war, the White House has said.
North Korea and Russia deny they have conducted arms transactions. (Source: Reuters)
25 Jul 23. Iran Boosts Maritime Defense with Abu Mahdi Long-Range Long-Range Cruise Missile. In a significant display of advancing defense capabilities, the Ministry of Defense ceremoniously handed over a considerable number of strategically important Martyr Abu Mahdi Al-Muhandis long-range cruise missiles to the navy and the Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC) navy. The momentous event took place in the presence of commanders of the armed forces, marking a new milestone in Iran’s commitment to strengthening its missile and defense prowess.
Speaking to reporters during the ceremony, Brigadier General Mohammadreza Ashtiani, Iran’s Defense Minister, shed light on the technical and tactical aspects of the Abu Mahdi long-range cruise missile. He underscored that the induction of this sophisticated weapon aligns with Iran’s defense doctrine and aims to enhance its maritime defense capabilities significantly.
According to him, the Abu Mahdi missile system is a strategic and unparalleled addition to Iran’s arsenal, boasting an impressive range of 1000 kilometers, a substantial upgrade from previous maritime defense capabilities. General Ashtiani emphasized that the missile’s pinpoint accuracy, formidable destructive power, and capability to navigate geographical obstacles at low altitudes set it apart from conventional systems.
Notably, the Abu Mahdi missile is equipped to confront electronic warfare and evade radar detection, utilizing artificial intelligence to chart its optimal flight path. With mass production of this cutting-edge system, Iran will gain the ability to target enemy mobile sea assets from its homeland’s grounds and vessels and concealed locations, enabling swift and decisive elimination of adversary ships, frigates, and destroyers.
The Minister of Defense attributed the successful development of this advanced missile to the collaborative efforts of diligent scientists, specialists from the Ministry of Defense and Defense Industry, and key military branches such as the General Staff of the Armed Forces, the Naval Forces and the IRGC Navy. The concerted efforts of these entities, along with contributions from Iran’s knowledge-based companies, have resulted in a formidable weapon that promises to bolster the nation’s defense prowess.
Brigadier General Mohammad Reza Ashtiani reaffirmed Iran’s commitment to innovation and localization in supporting its armed forces. These advancements, he emphasized, are aligned with Iran’s pursuit of peace, friendship, and regional stability, aiming to safeguard the security of the region.
The addition of the Abu Mahdi Al-Muhandis long-range cruise missiles to Iran’s naval forces heralds a new chapter in the nation’s maritime defense capabilities, solidifying its commitment to ensuring peace and security in the region. (Source: https://www.defense-aerospace.com/Iran Press)
25 Jul 23. Taiwan to Buy 4 NASAMS Systems from US to Defend Capital, Key Air Bases. Taiwan’s Air Force reportedly plans to purchase four sets of National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile Systems (NASAMS) systems from the U.S. to defend Greater Taipei, and air bases in Taichung City, Hualien County, and Taitung County.
A senior government source was cited by Liberty Times on Saturday (July 22) as saying the Air Force will purchase four sets of NASAMS systems and nearly 300 medium-range air-to-air missiles. This includes the AIM-120 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile (AMRAAM), as well as AIM-9X Sidewinder short-range missiles.
The four platforms are going to be deployed to four strategically important areas, including: Greater Taipei, Ching-Chuan-Kang Air Base in Taichung, Chiashan Air Base in H ualien, and Chihhang Air Base in Taitung.
According to the senior source, NASAMS is a very flexible system in terms of combat response. In addition to interoperability with the long-range defense system of Patriot III missiles, but based on design by the U.S. and actual combat results observed during the Russo-Ukrainian War, NASAMS launchers can fire short- and medium-range missiles such as the AIM-120 AMRAAM and AIM-9X Sidewinder.
A standard NASAMS system includes a command center, active AN/MPQ-64F1 Sentinel 3D radar, passive electro-optical and infrared sensors, and multiple missile canister launchers that can load AIM-120 missiles and AIM-9X missiles, according to Kongsberg Defense and Aerospace. Every NASAMS battery has three missile launchers which each can carry six missile launch canisters.
The source said the NASAMS system focuses on protecting air force bases, seaports, and densely populated areas. The U.S. military has been using the NASAMS system to ensure the security of Washington, D.C. since 2005.
The Air Force plans to purchase the NASAMS system, but the procurement items, quantity, total cost, and the budget allocation for each year are yet to be discussed and determined by Taiwan and the U.S. The source revealed the NASAMS system procurement project will be included in the 2024 annual budget, and will be managed through a multi-year procurement program. (Source: https://www.defense-aerospace.com/ Taiwan News)
26 Jul 23. Iran Displays Warmate Knock Off Loitering Munition. The Islamic Republic of Iran Army Ground Forces displayed an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) that looks like the WB Group’s Warmate loitering munition at a recent exhibition. Media coverage of senior officers visiting the exhibition showed the UAV with a small camera embedded in an interchangeable warhead mounted on its nose, like the Warmate, albeit with a more prominent antenna for controlling it from the ground than the Polish original. Iranian sources identified the weapon as the Zhubin, which was reported to be one of the weapons displayed at the exhibition.
The Zhubin was also reported to be one of the UAVs used by the Islamic Republic of Iran Navy during an exercise in July 2022. Photographs of that event showed what appeared to be a Warmate-type UAV being launched from submarines. The Polish-made Warmate, its launcher, datalink antenna, and control console are designed to be carried and deployed by a two-person team. The UAV has a take-off weight of 5.7 kg, which includes a high-explosive or a thermobaric warhead, and a radio-control range of 30 km. (Source: UAS VISION/Janes)
25 Jul 23. Hypersonic Missiles: Travelling At the Speed of Sound. Times 5. A new report has been published on the development of hypersonic missile technologies, their use in military operations, and possible implications for global stability. The Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) is playing a key role in the development of these concepts and technologies within the UK.
There is no widely accepted definition for the term ‘hypersonic missile’ according to this new report, but it is generally used to describe missiles that “travel within the Earth’s atmosphere for sustained periods at speeds greater than five times the speed of sound, whilst being able to make significant manoeuvres that change the missile’s direction.”
Report overview
— China and Russia have reportedly deployed hypersonic missiles that could deliver conventional or nuclear weapons
— The US is testing multiple hypersonic technologies
— The AUKUS agreement between the UK, US and Australia includes developing hypersonic and counter-hypersonic technologies
— Hypersonic missiles are expensive and technically demanding to develop (their uses and effectiveness are still being assessed)
— Speed, manoeuvrability and altitude may challenge existing missile defences
— Some analysts say they could increase risk of conflict; others say they will not alter the strategic balance between nuclear powers
— Arms control, export controls and other measures may help limit potential harm to peace and stability, but face challenges
The UK does not have a hypersonic missile capability, but the Ministry of Defence (MOD) has announced a hypersonics programme to develop “future hypersonic concepts and technologies”.
In 2022, it was announced that Australia, the US and the UK would collaborate on the development of hypersonic and counter-hypersonic capabilities via the AUKUS security partnership. (Source: https://www.defense-aerospace.comUK MoD)
25 Jul 23. Patriot air defence systems go operational in Slovakia boosting Nato. The deployment comprises several launchers, a fire control centre, a radar system, and a command and logistics element.
The Patriot air defence system is now fully operational in central Slovakia, with Dutch and German military personnel joining forces to protect critical systems and facilities from airborne threats.
The joint deployment, carried out under Nato’s leadership, is a robust defensive measure to deter potential risks and reinforce security in Eastern Europe. Slovakia received the Patriot missile defence systems in March.
Lieutenant Colonel Patrick Wekking expressed confidence as he announced the operational readiness of the Patriot air defence system in central Slovakia. “A lot of hard work was done this week to get everything here ready for operations. The first launch systems have now been set up and are ready to fire. We can now detect and respond 24/7 to any threat from the air.”
The deployment comprises several launchers, a fire control centre, a radar system, and a command and logistics element. Nestled between forested hills, the positions of the air defence units, located just two kilometres apart near the town of Zvolen, provide strategic advantages for protecting the country against airborne threats.
During the announcement, Lieutenant Colonel Wekking emphasized the importance of cooperation between the Dutch and German forces: “It’s very good to be doing this with our German counterparts. The cooperation shows that Nato can act as one and gives us additional power.”
The Patriot system’s capabilities enable it to neutralize various threats, including helicopters, manned and unmanned aircraft, ballistic missiles, and cruise missiles. Although the deployment is defensive, it aims to provide an effective deterrent against potential missile threats from outside Nato territory, particularly from Russia.
Various European countries have inducted the Patriot air defence systems following the invasion of Russian forces into Ukrainian territory. Some noticeable nations to have recently acquired or have entered Patriot systems into their inventory include Ukraine-bordering Poland, which recently had an approved sale of 48 Patriot Batteries from the US for $15bn (60bn zlotys) in a strategic move.
Last month, the Ukrainian President called for more Patriot air defences alongside the anticipated F-16 fighter jets to bolster Ukraine’s air defence. President Zelenskyy claimed that Patriot air defences are the backbone of the European “sky shield”.
Addressing concerns about escalating tensions, Lieutenant Colonel Wekking clarified that the deployment was not an act of aggression against Russia. “NATO and the Netherlands are not at war with Russia. We are only here to deter Russia and reinforce the defensive capabilities of our partners in Eastern Europe,” he said.
According to GlobalData’s market intelligence report, “The Global Missiles & Missile Defense Systems Market 2023-2033“, The Russia-Ukraine conflict has increased demand for missile defence systems, as several NATO countries are now focusing on improving their missile defence capabilities in the wake of the growing missile capabilities of Russia.
As the Patriot unit commences its operational duties, it serves as a symbol of assurance for the region, emphasising Nato’s readiness to protect its member countries and maintain peace and stability in Eastern Europe. (Source: army-technology.com)
24 Jul 23. Japan to induct new rifles from FY 2024. The Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) will induct Type 20 5.56×45 mm assault rifles, produced by Japanese manufacturer Howa Machinery, from fiscal year (FY) 2024. The service will also procure Belgian armaments manufacturer Fabrique Nationale (FN) Herstal’s Minimi Mk 3 light machine guns (LMGs) and German handgun firm Heckler & Koch’s (H&K’s) G28 E2 anti-personnel sniper guns in 2024. A spokesperson for the Japanese Ministry of Defense’s (MoD’s) Acquisition, Technology & Logistics Agency (ATLA) told Janes that the ministry allocated JPY3.3bn (USD23.3m) in the 2023 defence budget to acquire 8,577 Type 20 rifles as a successor to the Type 89 rifles. The new rifles will be used for close combat operations by JGSDF personnel and “are scheduled to be delivered in FY 2024 and 2025”, the spokesperson said. (Source: Janes)
24 Jul 23. Wildcat trials Martlet missile in counter-UAS role. The UK Royal Navy (RN) Wildcat Maritime Force has completed first air-to-air firings of the Thales Martlet multirole missile as part of the latest live trials of the weapon from the Wildcat HMA2 helicopter. Performed on the Ministry of Defence (MoD) Aberporth range in west Wales, the activity – known as Trial Triton’s Arrow III – culminated with a successful air-to-air firing against an unmanned aerial target. This milestone test has proved a new counter-unmanned aircraft system (C-UAS) capability, according to the RN.
The Martlet weapon system, based on the Thales Lightweight Multirole Missile (LMM), has been procured to satisfy the RN’s Future Anti Surface Guided Weapon (Light) – FASGW(L) – requirement. While FASGW(L) is primarily intended to provide Wildcat with a lightweight precision-strike weapon capable of delivering proportionate effects against fast inshore attack craft and other small vessels, the laser beam riding LMM can also be used against land and air targets. (Source: Janes)
20 Jul 23. UK steps up efforts to deliver integrated air and missile defence approach. The UK is stepping up efforts to deliver an integrated air and missile defence approach to protect itself “against attack from the skies, both overseas and at home”, according to the Defence Command Paper 2023 (DCP23) refresh published on 18 July. The DCP23 described these threats as “at its most acute for over 30 years – as evidenced in the war in Ukraine”.
The UK Royal Air Force will take the lead in this effort, promoting the use of airborne, ground-, sea-, and space-based sensors, and air and missile capabilities, including counter-unmanned aircraft systems (UASs), “to detect, protect and defend the UK”, according to the DCP23. (Source: Janes)
20 Jul 23. MBDA develops advanced ceramic radome for future high-speed missiles. MBDA Italia has concluded development of a new advanced ceramic manufacture process for radio frequency (RF) missile radomes claimed to offer improved strength and environmental performance compared with conventional cast silica structures.
Known internally as NIMAS, the patented material process is designed to form a high-strength, erosion-resistant structure suitable for both supersonic and hypersonic applications. Work to mature and prove the new advanced ceramic radome has been undertaken at MBDA’s Fusaro site near Naples, which is established as the key radome technology centre within the MBDA group.
Fitted to the front end of the missile, a radome must afford the mechanical strength to protect the sensitive RF antenna from airflow and environmental disturbances and cope with the aerodynamic and thermal loads encountered during flight. At the same time, it must be manufactured to have a high level of RF ‘transparency’ to allow electromagnetic waves to pass through. (Source: Janes)
21 Jul 23. USMC test ship-killing missile system. The US Marine Corps (USMC) fired a Navy Strike Missile (NSM) out of its newly developed ship-killer weapons systems for the first time since 2021, according to an 18 July service announcement. The Navy Marine Expeditionary Ship Interdiction System (NMESIS) is a Kongsberg-made NSM – which has a range of around 100 n mile – that can be launched off the back of a remotely operated Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV). This is the second NMESIS test fire that the USMC has announced in the past two years, with the previous test taking place in August 2021 at the US Navy’s ‘Large Scale Exercise’ in Hawaii. (Source: Janes)
11 Jul 23. PAC-3 interceptor communicates with the AN/SPY-1 radar for first time. Lockheed Martin’s Patriot Advanced Capability – 3 (PAC-3) Missile Segment Enhancement (MSE) interceptor successfully communicated with the AN/SPY-1 radar, a key component in the Aegis Weapon System, for the first time, the company confirmed on 10 July.
“This successful test is a major step forward to fully integrate PAC-3 MSE into the Aegis Weapon System,” Tom Copeman, vice-president, Naval Systems, Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control, said in a statement.
The Aegis Ashore testing with PAC-3 took place during September and November 2022.
Lockheed Martin needed to modify the PAC-3 MSE Radio Frequency Data Link to communicate with the SPY-1 radar for successful integration of the PAC-3 MSE with the Aegis Weapon System, the company noted.
Lockheed Martin had to convert PAC-3 MSE’s existing dual-band datalink to a tri-band datalink to communicate with the SPY-1, which operates on an S-band. The company funded the effort, which, Lockheed Martin said, “validates the initial integration of this capability”. (Source: Janes)
24 Jul 23. Talisman Sabre Hosts Military First with Japan. In an Australian-military first, the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) has conducted a live fire demonstration of a Type 12 Surface-to-Ship Missile (SSM) off the Australian east coast.
The live fire was part of Exercise Talisman Sabre 2023 and marked the first time the JGSDF has tested the capability in Australia.
The Type 12 SSM, which did not include explosive ordnance, was launched from a truck-mounted system at Beecroft Weapons Range and fired at an unmanned target in the East Australia Exercise Area off the coast of Jervis Bay.
Exercise Director Brigadier Damian Hill said Talisman Sabre was an excellent opportunity to train alongside our allies and regional partners.
“This is Japan’s largest-ever participation in Exercise Talisman Sabre, and further strengthens interoperability between our military forces. It is another example of how our valuable partnership continues to grow and deepen,” Brigadier Hill said.
“Australia and Japan work closely together to support a secure, resilient and prosperous Indo-Pacific region.
“We undertake military training exercises with Japan and other partners regularly, but Exercise Talisman Sabre is a good opportunity to conduct more complex training activities together, like this missile firing.
“I thank the Illawarra and South Coast communities for hosting the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force for the past weeks as they prepared for a safe and successful firing.”
JGSDF Chief of Staff General Morishita Yasunori said the live-fire activity helped build relationships.
“Exercise Talisman Sabre is important because it strengthens cooperation with Australia and the US, which will help maintain and strengthen a free and open Indo-Pacific,” General Yasunori said.
“I believe the SSM firing exercise, in conjunction with the Australian Navy, will enhance a high level of trust between Australia and Japan.”
Talisman Sabre 2023 opening ceremony was held yesterday on-board HMAS Canberra in Sydney will run until August 4 with more than 30,000 military personnel from 13 nations. (Source: https://www.defense-aerospace.com/ Australian Department of Defence)
24 Jul 23. US Army seeking tube-launched, anti-armour UAVs. On 7 July the US Army announced the May initiation of the Low Altitude Stalking and Strike Ordnance (LASSO) programme, intended to deliver a soldier-portable, tube-launched anti-tank unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) to infantry brigades.
“The army is preparing to engage near-peer threats in a conventional conflict, [and] it was becoming evident that our Infantry Brigade Combat Teams (IBCTs) are in need of an additional organic anti-tank capability,” Lieutenant Colonel Aaron Pearsall, the army’s product manager for soldier precision targeting devices, told Janes in a 21 July interview.
Although delivered to the IBCTs, Lt Col Pearsall said the army is “focused at giving that battalion commander the organic [LASSO] capability”, pushing the UAV’s use down to smaller units.
The army intends to field the UAVs in mid-to-late 2024, Lt Col Pearsall said. The first LASSOs are to be existing, off-the-shelf products. The army is assessing available options and will make further decisions following an as-yet-unscheduled industry day. (Source: Janes)
24 Jul 23. Rheinmetall to supply Ukrainian forces with ammunition for the Gepard anti-aircraft tank. Acting on behalf of Ukraine, the German Ministry of Defence has tasked Rheinmetall to supply 300,000 rounds of 35mm ammunition for the Gepard anti-aircraft tank, which is now deployed by the Ukrainian military. The order value is in the low three-digit m euro range, says the company.
Rheinmetall will be supplying 150,000 rounds each of Armour Piercing Discarding Sabot – Tracer (APDS-T) and High Explosive Incendiary – Tracer (HEI-T) ammunition. This will enable effective engagement of a multitude of targets. The first APDS-T rounds will be delivered in summer 2023. A shift in production from APDS-T to HEI-T is scheduled to take place in mid-2024.
According to social media reports, the first deliveries will take place in the near term, with 40,000 shells reaching the Ukrainian Armed Forces this year. It is noted that to address the acute shortage of ammunition at the front, Rheinmetall installed a new production line at its Unterluss plant in a few months.
At its plant in Unterlüß, Rheinmetall is currently creating additional medium-calibre ammunition production capacity, which is due to go into operation in summer 2023. In building this new production line, Rheinmetall is responding to sharply increased global demand.
For more information visit: www.rheinmetall.com (Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)
20 Jul 23. China deploys remotely operated vehicles for mine countermeasures. The People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) has been experimenting with remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) that can support mine countermeasure (MCM) operations.
The PLAN’s Northern Theater Command explored “new patterns of unmanned integrated minesweeping procedures” using two ROVs in a recent exercise conducted in the Yellow Sea (West Sea), state-owned newspaper Global Times reported in mid-July.
During the exercise, the ROVs were deployed alongside the PLAN’s Type 082II (Wozang)-class MCM vessel, Huimin , and two motorboats. The flotilla was tasked with clearing an area of sea mines in a simulated wartime scenario, Global Times said.
According to Global Times, the two ROVs were deployed to comb the area for underwater targets using their side-scan sonar systems. The data collected by the ROVs were relayed in real time to the Huimin .
“After building a database on the sea mines, the Huimin deployed its mine neutralisation vehicle and sent frogmen to remove the mines,” Global Times said. (Source: Janes)
21 Jul 23. New Dutch Anti-Submarine Warfare Frigates Equipped with Modern Guns. Defense is having four new Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) frigates built, two for the Netherlands and two for Belgium. These ships will be equipped with 76 mm Sovraponte guns. Today, the Ministry of Defense signed a contract with the Italian company Leonardo for their delivery.
The 76mm Sovraponte gun can fire course-corrected ammunition in addition to the usual ammunition. This is guided to the target by a radar, and allows the frigate to better defend itself against modern threats. The guns can engage land, surface and air targets.
Spare cannon
Leonardo also supplies a so-called exchange gun. This spare gun can be placed immediately during major maintenance as a replacement for the guns on the ship in question. This way the battle power of the ship remains unchanged.
The guns will be delivered from early 2027.
Supply ship
In addition, the contract includes an option for the delivery of 3 more Sovraponte guns. 2 of these are for Zr.Ms. Karel Doorman and Zr.Ms. John de Witt. This artillery is part of the replacement of the current Goalkeeper defense system. The third gun is for the new supply ship Zr.Ms. Den Helder, which will be commissioned in 2025. The cannon will be placed at a later time. The guns for the ASW frigates will be delivered from early 2027. (Unofficial translation by Defense-Aerospace.com) (Source: https://www.defense-aerospace.com/ Netherlands Ministry of Defence)
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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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