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24 Nov 23. German MANTIS Weapon Systems Delivered to Slovakia.
MANTIS Weapon Systems Delivered to Slovakia.
The Bundeswehr no longer uses the Modular, Automatic and Network Capable Targeting and Interception System (MANTIS) weapon system. The last two units of the system were delivered to Slovakia and are improving the air defense capabilities there. The staff freed up by the donation will now be trained to work on the newly introduced IRIS-T SLM air-defense system.
The second and final free delivery of MANTIS to Slovakia took place in October. This is intended to permanently strengthen air defense on NATO’s eastern flank against the backdrop of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. The handover took place in Nitra, to the 11th Slovak Air Force Brigade.
With MANTIS, cities, field installations and critical infrastructure can be protected within a 360-degree radius up to an altitude of three kilometers. Rockets, artillery and mortar shells can be intercepted. The delivery from Germany also included five air surveillance radars and the training of over 40 Slovak soldiers to operate and maintain the systems.
The Bundeswehr will no longer use MANTIS. The personnel previously employed to man the system will now be freed up to operate the new IRIS-T SLM ground-based air defense system. This consists of a command post, a radar and several launchers for the guided missiles, and is designed for so-called short-range protection. It can be used to combat enemy aircraft, helicopters, cruise missiles or drones at distances of up to 40 kilometers.
The weapon system is already in use under combat conditions in Ukraine. He is certified to have excellent performance. The first of the IRIS-T SLM systems that have already been ordered
(Unofficial translation by Defense-Aerospace.com) (Source: https://www.defense-aerospace.com/ Bundeswehr; issued Nov 23, 2023)
24 Nov 23. France, Germany Looking to Develop Top-Attack Warheads. Top Attack Projectile: Algorithms Versus Tanks. The Defense Innovation Forum is the crucial meeting place for players in the field of defense innovation. It brings together engineers, industrial project managers and investors around flagship projects supported by the Ministry of the Armed Forces. Among them this year, the Top Attack Projectile.
Over the past few decades, the armor of battle tanks has seen significant improvements. This is due to the democratization of so-called “reactive” armor which provides an effective protection by releasing energy against a projectile at the moment of impact.
Despite this progress, vulnerabilities remain, “particularly on the upper part of the battle tank, at the turret level,” explains Dr Guillaume Strub, a leading researcher in guidance and leader of the TAP project at the Franco-German Saint-Louis Research Institute (ISL).
The Top Attack Projectile (TAP) is an anti-tank ammunition guidance system. Thanks to algorithms, it gives the ammunition an adaptable dynamic attack trajectory and exploits the vulnerabilities of modern armor
Accuracy of less than one meter
With his team,Strub has developed ultra-precise guidance algorithms. The goal ? Give the ammunition a vertical terminal trajectory in order to attack the tank from all angles through the turret roof.
“The first simulations and test campaigns show it is possible to hit targets with submetric precision, less than 40 centimeters from the planned point of impact,” explains Rémy Sautot, remote pilot and mechatronics manager of the ISL platform. Currently, this is made possible thanks to GNSS satellite location (geolocation and navigation by a satellite system). “The objective in the future is to do without it, by embedding a camera and tracking algorithms directly on the guided munition,” says Dr Emmanuel Roussel, lead researcher in automatic control at the ISL.
This will make it possible to move away from dependence on the satellite system and therefore to avoid jamming and other interferences which constitute the weapons of electronic warfare.
Adapt to all types of warheads
The other advantage of the Top Attack Projectile is its adaptability. This algorithm can be implemented on numerous weapons: drones, anti-tank missiles, guided projectiles, etc. The ISL is currently working with European companies and the French and German armies to adapt this technology to various engagement contexts.
The feedback obtained will feed into future work on the project. Several additional features are already under study, including target detection and tracking using infrared cameras or use in swarms. (Unofficial translation by Defense-Aerospace.com) (Source: https://www.defense-aerospace.com/(Source: French Ministry of the Armed Forces; issued Nov. 22, 2023)
24 Nov 23. MBDA and Korean Aerospace Industries (KAI) have signed an agreement to deepen co-operation. The agreement will see the companies explore new opportunities for the integration of new MBDA weapons onto KAI platforms and the export of both together via a joint marketing approach.
The agreement was signed on Monday 20th November by Chris Allam, Managing Director of MBDA UK, and Kang Goo-young, CEO of KAI, in London during a Korean State visit to the UK.
Eric Béranger, CEO of MBDA, said: “The combination of MBDA’s world leading weapon products and technologies with KAI’s proven record of new aircraft development and rapid delivery is an exciting prospect for the world defence market, reflecting the shared values and interests of both parties.”
Kang Goo-young declared: “Recently, there has been growing global demand for various armaments. We will work with MBDA to propose enhanced domestic fighter aircraft to our customers.”
MBDA is already committed to working together with KAI to complete successfully the integration of MBDA’s Meteor beyond visual range air-to-air missile on the KAI-led KF-21 Boromae fighter aircraft.
Examples of new areas of co-operation being explored under the new agreement include the integration of new MBDA weapons such as SPEAR, ASRAAM, and Brimstone onto KAI platforms such as KF-21 and FA-50, and the export of the above platforms and missiles.
23 Nov 23. Serbia buys Cypriot helicopter gunships to bolster air force. Serbia has acquired 11 Russian-made Mi35 helicopter gunships from Cyprus as it seeks to bolster its air force and maintain regional military supremacy, country’s President Aleksandar Vucic said on Thursday.
The Cypriot government and Serbia agreed in 2021 the purchase of ageing Mi35s that require an overhaul, for an unspecified price part of which Belgrade paid by exporting Serbian-made weapons.
“We have paid more than half to our Cypriot brothers with our weapons … mainly … artillery,” Vucic told reporters at a presentation at the Batajnica military air base near Belgrade.
He also announced a sale of 48 Serbian-made self propelled howitzers worth a total of 311m euros ($339m) to an unspecified country. “This procedure must still go through their parliament,” Vucic said.
Serbia, a candidate to join the European Union that has one of the largest armies in the Western Balkans, still relies on ex-Soviet military technology, but in recent years it started purchases of Western and Chinese weapon systems and aircraft.
In June, Vucic said Belgrade was negotiating the purchase of Rafale fighter jets from France’s Dassault (AM.PA). Serbia has already bought Airbus (AIRP.PA) helicopters and transport planes.
Serbia is militarily neutral, but it joined the NATO Partnership for Peace, a programme for countries which do not aspire to join the alliance.
Belgrade curtailed military co-operation with Moscow after Russia invaded Ukraine and has condemned the invasion. But unlike the EU and other Western countries, it has not imposed sanctions on Moscow.
Serbia’s military budget amounts to $1.43bn or 2% of gross domestic product (GDP). ($1 = 0.9168 euros) (Source: Google/Reuters)
24 Nov 23. Norway And Germany To Develop New 3SM Supersonic Strike Missile. The Norwegian government has announced it is starting the development of the next generation strike missile, in cooperation with Germany and Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace (KONGSBERG) as the lead industrial partner.
KONGSBERG has developed today’s Naval Strike Missile (NSM) and will take the lead role in developing the new naval strike missile, which will complement the NSM, the Ministry of Defence said in a statement. The new missile will be known as SuperSonic Strike Missile (3SM) Tyrfing and is scheduled to be ready in 2035.
“The development of Norwegian missiles is a success story. The Norwegian defence industry, with KONGSBERG at the forefront, has unique expertise and produces world-class missiles. The project will continue to extend this strategically important expertise, so we can continue to develop missiles that are attractive to other NATO countries and close allies.”
Bjørn Arild Gram, Norwegian Defence Minister
“The new strike missile project will ensure that Norway retains its position as a world leader in missile production, based on seamless cooperation between industry, governments and research establishments. The project will create new Norwegian jobs, while offering Norway and its allies improved defence capabilities,” said Eirik Lie, President of Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace.
Today’s NSM was developed in the early 2000s and delivered to the Norwegian Armed Forces from 2011 to 2015. Today, the missile has been selected by 13 countries. The development of the new missile is a collaborative project between Norway and Germany and is planned to be deployed on naval vessels in both countries.
The government is proposing to initiate and complete the initial design phase of the project, before returning to the Norwegian Parliament with a recommendation to continue the project. (Source: Google/https://www.navalnews.com/)
23 Nov 23. Australian Army begins inducting NASAMS. The Australian Army has started inducting its new short-range ground-based air-defence capability known as the National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System (NASAMS), a spokesperson for the Australian Department of Defence (DoD) told Janes on 23 November.
“[The] army began receiving NASAMS this year,” the spokesperson said.
In mid-November the Australian Army conducted a live-fire exercise with the NASAMS at Woomera Test Range in South Australia.
In that exercise the service fired five AIM-120 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAMs) from the NASAMS to target unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) flying at an altitude of 5,000 ft, about 15 km away.
“The live-fire activity at Woomera was an important activity for the army during the introduction of [the NASAMS] into service phase,” the spokesperson added. (Source: Janes)
23 Nov 23. Uzbekistan fielding Bayraktar TB2 UCAVs. Uzbekistan has been shown to be an operator of the Turkish-built Baykar Bayraktar TB2 unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV), with the country’s office of the president releasing an image of multiple air vehicles on 16 November. The press release posted to mark a visit by the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces Shavkat Mirziyoyev, to the Surxondaryo Region of the central Asian country included an image showing four TB2 UCAVs armed with four Roketsan air-to-surface missiles per aircraft.
“The flight of the Bayraktar TB2 reconnaissance drone was demonstrated to the head of our state,” the press release said.
The Bayraktar TB2 is a medium-altitude long-endurance (MALE) unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), which was developed to provide the Turkish Armed Forces with a tactical intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, and reconnaissance (ISTAR) capability. According to Janes All the World’s Aircraft : Unmanned, (Source: Janes)
23 Nov 23. Hanwha Aerospace contracts with BAE Systems to supply 155mm artillery propelling charges. Hanwha Aerospace has been awarded a contract to supply 155mm artillery bi-modular charge systems to BAE Systems. BAE Systems is a long term strategic supply partner to the UK Ministry of Defence. The contract is worth around $130M, providing critical components of the artillery operation.
“This contract with BAE Systems underscores Hanwha Aerospace’s commitment to strengthening Korea-UK defense ties,” said Jae-il Son, President and CEO of Hanwha Aerospace “Our 155mm Artillery Modular Charge System will effectively meet NATO’s ammunition needs, enhancing the operational efficiency of weapon systems by leveraging Hanwha’s robust production capabilities and BAE Systems’ expertise.”
Glynn Plant, Managing Director of Land UK at BAE Systems, said: “Our order for the supply of modular charge systems demonstrates the compatibility of the Hanwha Aerospace MCS system with our 155mm ammunition.”
The Modular Charge System (MCS) is an effective method of tailoring the propelling charge to the individual needs of weapons systems, which streamlines logistics and improves the handling of self-propelled artillery systems. The MCS burns very cleanly upon ignition leaving little or no residue, thereby eliminating the need for swabbing the barrel between fires, leading to the increase the system’s rate of fire.
Hanwha Aerospace’s Bi-Modular Charge System, HW70 and HW50, were developed using NATO standard 39/52 caliber 155mm guns and BAE Systems’ NATO standard ammunition, L15, to meet the Joint Ballistic Memorandum of Understanding (JBMoU), and have been verified for performance, safety, and compatibility. It also incorporates performance enhancements over its predecessor, including increased robustness of the Combustible Cartridge Case (CCC) to maximize operability with Automated Turrets, which are expected to be increasingly deployed in the future, and an improved ignition system for fast and uniform propellant ignition. (Source: PR Newswire)
22 Nov 23. NSPA Supports German MLRS Reutilisation Programme. The NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) support to the Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support, in the execution of the German Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) fleet long-term reutilisation programme.
NSPA accomplished on schedule and within budget the dismantling and recovery of 16 MLRS and an additional Launcher Loader Module (LLM), achieving an impressive 86% recovery rate for selected parts from a system marked as obsolete. Following this successful recovery, all non-usable parts were demilitarized, disposed of, and sold as marketable materials (ferrous and non-ferrous metals), significantly cutting down the project’s overall costs. Upon project completion, around 94% of the launchers’ weight was recovered as reusable parts or recycled.
The recovered parts will have a second life sustaining the German Medium Artillery Rocket System (MARS) II fleet until at least 2035. Furthermore, NSPA consolidated interest from third parties in other remaining parts, resulting in the transfer of other critical components to the United Kingdom, contributing to the upgrade of the nation’s existing fleet. Other assemblies were transferred to NSPA’s in-house repair and maintenance workshop, supplying the spare parts stock for foreseeable repairs.
The project illustrates the successful cooperation within the MLRS community and the potential value of D3 in offering critical components to Nations that may be facing the challenges in procurement of parts, market shortages, long turnaround times for supply, or significant price increases for new parts.
This activity is also a strong example of circular economy, ensuring the long-term provision of otherwise obsolete A0/A1 parts to the German and British fleets. The successful project approach reduced recovery and disposal costs through the consolidation with other MLRS Nations and promoted responsible and sustainable disposal operations. (Source: https://www.defense-aerospace.com/ NATO Support and Procurement Agency)
22 Nov 23. Carl-Gustaf sales over $500m in 2023 as Saab announces latest deal. Sales have been recorded for militaries in North America, Europe and Asia-Pacific as demand for the recoilless rifle continues.
Swedish defence prime Saab has revealed the latest order for its man-portable, multi-role Carl-Gustaf M4 weapon system in a deal valued at approximately Skr1.3bn ($123.6m), with deliveries planned between 2024 and 2025.
However, the destination of the Carl-Gustaf systems has been withheld due to “the nature of the industry and the circumstances concerning the customer”, Saab stated in a 22 November release, the second time in a week the company has not included customer details in deals announcements.
On 17 November, Saab stated that the company had received an order “from a government of a Western country” for “a number of defence systems and equipment”, with the order valued at approximately Skr4.3bn, and deliveries planned from 2025 to 2027.
The order included systems and equipment from Saab’s business areas Dynamics and Surveillance. Saab’s Dynamics business area comprises equipment such as the NLAW anti-tank weapon and the Carl-Gustaf system.
Sales of the Carl-Gustaf have been consistent through 2023, with the weapon system brought to the fore as militaries look at lessons learned from the ongoing Ukraine-Russia war in which a significant number of armoured vehicles have been destroyed by personnel-carried anti-tank munitions.
In March, the UK committed to the acquisition of 56 Carl-Gustaf rifles, along with ammunition and training, in a deal worth £4.6m ($5.7m), in part to replace the stock of NLAW anti-tank munitions donated to Ukraine in 2022. Other customers in 2023 include Lithuania (Carl-Gustaf ammunition, March), Nato (March), Sweden (May), Australia (July), the US (September), Japan (October) and India (November). (Source: army-technology.com)
22 Nov 23. Denmark to Invest $1.9bn in Missile Procurement and Personnel Recruitment. The Government Plans to Invest DKK 13bn In Military Capacities and Recruitment and Retention. In the first partial agreement under the defense agreement 2024-2033, the government plans to invest in air defense and a strengthening of recruitment and retention. The outline for the agreement contains a total of initiatives for DKK 13bn (approx. $1.9bn–Ed.).
In the first partial agreement under the defense settlement, the government plans to strengthen recruitment and retention efforts. Here, the government proposes, among other things, a number of concrete initiatives:
— Training of unskilled personnel from the constable and sergeant group who can be employed as paid military apprentices.
— A strengthened staffing system with more targeted strategic management of personnel resources.
— Mobility-promoting measures such as compensation for employee flexibility.
— Reduction of the time spent on administration, transport etc. for the Home Guard’s volunteers in favor of solving operational tasks.
“We are facing a historic strengthening of Danish defence. A completely crucial part of that work will be a strengthened recruitment, retention and training of the Armed Forces’ employees. Therefore, the government is planning a series of concrete initiatives to ensure that we have the right employees and in sufficient numbers for the defense of the future. It is absolutely crucial that we build up the resilience in the organization before we can gear up as desired with many new materiel acquisitions,” says Minister of Defence, Troels Lund Poulsen.
Expenses for the overall initiatives in the area of recruitment, retention and training are expected in connection with the first partial agreement to amount to approx. DKK 3.5bn (approx. $510m–Ed.). HR initiatives will also be negotiated in future sub-agreements.
The strengthening of the Defense requires that the Ministry of Defense’s group is equipped to carry out the tasks that come with the defense settlement. The sub-agreement therefore also envisages hiring more employees in the Ministry of Defence’s supporting agencies to, for example, drive recruitment efforts and material acquisitions.
In order to ensure continuity in the area of defence, plans are also being made to continue a number of grants and initiatives in the area of the Ministry of Defence.
Air defense for the Army and weapons for the Navy
In the first sub-agreement, investments in military capacities for approx. DKK 6.5bn (approx. $950m–Ed.), where very short-range air defenses for the Army’s brigade are among the central initiatives. Anti-aircraft systems for the brigade must ensure better protection of the units against air threats.
The government is also planning to invest in close-in air defense missiles and torpedoes for the Norwegian Navy. Close-in air defense missiles are the primary means of action against incoming missiles and enemy drones and are typically part of an integrated air defense system, while torpedoes are the most effective way to combat submarines.
“With the initiatives, we are now starting to use the funds that the government, together with the parties in the Folketing, have set aside to strengthen Danish defence. Air defense for the Navy and the Army must contribute to a higher degree of compliance with selected NATO force targets. This is an important first step in the defense settlement, which will prepare the Armed Forces for the future”, says Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen.
In total, the government proposes approx. 13bn kroner for implementation of the first partial agreement.
Facts:
— The government’s proposal for investments in air defense and ammunition is part of the first partial agreement of the defense agreement 2024-2033, which the government has entered into with a broad majority in the Danish Parliament.
— The first partial agreement also contains initiatives to strengthen recruitment, retention and training for the Armed Forces’ employees with a number of concrete proposals. (Unofficial translation by Defense-Aerospace.com) (Source: https://www.defense-aerospace.com/ Danish Ministry of Defence; issued Nov. 21, 2023)
18 Nov 23. NASAMS Air-Defense System Enters Service with Australian Army. Army’s First Live-Fire of Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System. The Australian Army has conducted its first live-fire of the National Advanced Surface to Air Missile System (NASAMS) at the Woomera test range in South Australia.
The firing by the 16th Regiment, Royal Australian Artillery, demonstrates the modernisation of Army’s land-based integrated air and missile defence capabilities towards a fully integrated and more capable Australian Defence Force (ADF).
Chief of Army Lieutenant General Simon Stuart said the event was another step forward in preparing Army to meet the challenges outlined in the Defence Strategic Review.
“The firing of this world class capability is a significant milestone for the modernisation of
Army supported by defence industry partners,” Lieutenant General Stuart said.
“NASAMS will enable Army to be interoperable with the wider ADF and coalition militaries to provide integrated air and missile defence. NASAMS is currently used by more than a dozen militaries, including the United States and Ukraine, and is a mature and proven surface-to-air missile system.”
The new capability comprises an integrated system between a Kongsberg launch platform, a Raytheon AIM-120 AMRAAM missile and the highly capable radar from CEA Technologies.
It will replace current legacy RBS-70 man-portable air-defence systems.
NASAMS is a highly capable, modern air and missile defence system that will provide protection to the ADF and its partners from current and emerging air threats including indirect weapons, uncrewed aerial vehicles, air-delivered weapons and aircraft.
Head of Army’s Land Systems Division, Capability Acquisition and Sustainment Group, Major General Andrew Bottrell, highlighted defence industry’s significant role in advancing Army’s capabilities.
“Land Systems Division’s collaboration with Raytheon Australia, Kongsberg and CEA Technologies is testament to the knowledge, skill and commitment of all teams to deliver his highly complex capability,” Major General Bottrell said.
NASAMS will be operated by 16th Regiment, Royal Australian Artillery, based in Woodside, South Australia. The project will also deliver 16th Regiment new facilities at Edinburgh Defence Precinct, with relocation scheduled for late 2025. (Source: https://www.defense-aerospace.com/ Australian Department of Defence)
20 Nov 23. First Swedish Corvette with CAMM Missiles to Enter Service in Late 2026. This week, the Defense Materiel Administration signed a contract with MBDA UK Ltd to equip the Visby-class corvettes with the Common Anti-air Modular Missiles (CAMM) anti-aircraft missiles. The corvettes will thus be equipped with the ship-based Sea Ceptor anti-aircraft missile system. This is one of the world’s premier ship-based short-range anti-aircraft missile systems. FMV and Saab Kockums will begin installation at the end of 2025 with planned delivery of the first vessel to the Swedish Armed Forces just over a year later.
With the anti-aircraft missiles, the Visby-class corvettes will have the capability to defend a considerably larger area and fight air targets at longer distances. It will thus provide an extended range for the ship’s air defense, compared to the ranges offered by the weapon systems that the ships have today. The last time the Swedish Navy had an anti-aircraft missile was in the 1970s, on board destroyers it then operated. After that, the air defense consisted of cannons combined with active and passive countermeasures, and with the Visby also a far-reaching stealth technique.
Ships readied for missiles from the beginning
The five Visby corvettes are part of the Third and Fourth naval battle flotillas and form the backbone of the navy’s surface combat capability. They were already designed to have anti-aircraft missiles on board, but political decisions were missing for a long time.
Commander Bernt Andersson is the head of the Third Naval Battle Flotilla, but has also previously been a ship commander on the Visby corvette HMS Karlstad: “I am very happy that the corvettes are finally being equipped with anti-aircraft missiles. This particular missile is proven and is already used today by Great Britain, which is a close partner to Sweden. In addition, it will be a springboard to the next generation of Luleå-class surface combat ships, which will be equipped with anti-aircraft missiles with an even longer range, and then be part of NATO’s air and missile defense.” (Unofficial translation by Defense-Aerospace.com) (Source: https://www.defense-aerospace.com/ Swedish Armed Forces; issued Nov. 17, 2023)
16 Nov 23. ThayerMahan, Saab Australia partner to fortify Asia-Pacific undersea security. ThayerMahan, a global leader in autonomous maritime and undersea surveillance engineering and operations, has partnered with Saab Australia to explore opportunities to strengthen Australia’s sovereign undersea warfare capabilities.
Saab Australia Managing Director, Andy Keough CSC, said the demand for undersea surveillance systems in Australia and the Asia-Pacific region had grown significantly in recent years.
The partnership is intended to strengthen Australia’s sovereign undersea warfare capabilities.
“The partnership brings together Saab’s sovereign system integration expertise and autonomous maritime capabilities with ThayerMahan’s world-leading autonomous underwater surveillance technology,” Keough said. “This is an exciting partnership that will accelerate the integration of proven robotic and autonomous systems with surveillance capabilities that enable persistent underwater surveillance to protect Australia’s seas, underwater assets and borders.”
ThayerMahan designs, manufactures and operates scalable long-dwell systems that autonomously detect, classify and report acoustic data in the world’s most strategically significant maritime areas.
Their real-time remote sensing technology, application of AI to underwater acoustics, and operational experience enable situational awareness for the defense and the sustainable protection of the ocean.
ThayerMahan’s maritime and undersea domain expertise includes experienced former US Navy submarine commanders, sonar operators, mine warfare specialists, and professional acoustics and software engineers with deep experience in operations, modelling environments, and developing solutions to meet customer requirements.
“Our partnership with Saab reflects our mutual interest in providing innovative, relevant, and cost-effective solutions to support maritime and undersea capabilities,” said ThayerMahan Chairman and CEO, Michael Connor. “We are pleased to be partnering with Saab to contribute to Australia’s maritime and undersea security capabilities.”
About ThayerMahan
ThayerMahan, Inc. is a maritime technology company dedicated to providing its government and commercial clients with turn-key autonomous marine solutions, including deployment, operations, data gathering, and analysis services, using state-of-the-art acoustic and electronic sensors integrated on a variety of host platforms tailored to specific mission criteria. The company is headquartered in Groton, CT with additional locations in Lexington and New Bedford, MA, Norfolk, Virginia Beach, and Arlington, VA. For more information, please visit www.thayermahan.com or contact directly at .
19 Nov 23. France test-fires long-range ballistic missile in bid to boost nuclear deterrence. France has successfully test-fired an M51.3 long-range ballistic missile, boosting the credibility of France’s nuclear deterrence capabilities, the defence ministry said on Sunday.
The missile, which did not carry a nuclear weapon, was fired from the French army’s Biscarosse missile testing site in southwest France and landed in the North Atlantic, “hundreds of kilometres from any coastline” the ministry said, without giving further detail.
“The flight has allowed to confirm a major improvement of the missile which will contribute to the lasting credibility of France’s oceanic deterrence in coming decades,” the ministry said in a statement on Sunday.
It added that maintaining operational credibility of France’s nuclear weapons is required given the international environment.
Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, President Vladimir Putin has repeatedly warned the West that he would be ready to use nuclear weapons to defend Russia.
The M51.3 missile is an upgraded version of the M51, a three-stage sea-land strategic ballistic missile designed to be launched from French Navy submarines. The M51 was first test-fired from a ground base in 2006 and from a submarine in 2010, the year it was commissioned.
The new M51.3 missile, which is expected to enter service around 2025, is developed by aerospace firm ArianeGroup, a joint venture between Airbus (AIR.PA) and French defence group Safran (SAF.PA).
Ballistic missiles are similar to rockets and follow elliptic trajectories after launch, often leaving the earth’s atmosphere to reach lower space, unlike cruise missiles, which typically follow straight trajectories at low altitude, powered by continuous thrust until they reach their target. (Source: Google/Reuters)
16 Nov 23. LM’s Precision Strike Missile Completes Shortest-Range Flight Test. Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) successfully completed a production qualification flight test with the U.S. Army in a demonstration at White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico.
One Precision Strike Missile (PrSM) was fired from a HIMARS launcher to hit a target set. The test is the shortest distance flown to date demonstrating the system’s continued accuracy from launch to impact. While not PrSM’s primary mission range, the short-range flight represents the most stressful, dynamic environment for the missile as it maneuvers at hypersonic speeds to align to the target. This test verifies structural integrity of the missile and trajectory control.
“This demonstration is the first of several production qualification tests moving PrSM closer to fielding and delivery of Early Operational Capability (EOC) missiles this year,” said Jay Price, vice president of Precision Fires at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control. “PrSM is a critical capability and the top long-range precision fires modernization priority for the U.S. Army.”
The test follows a third production contract to produce additional EOC missiles awarded in September 2023.
PrSM is the U.S. Army’s next generation long-range precision strike missile capable of neutralizing targets out to more than 400 kilometers. The new surface-to-surface weapon features an open systems architecture design for maximum affordability and flexibility, is modular for future growth and is HIMARS and M270 compatible. (Source: ASD Network)
16 Nov 23. PAC-3 Successfully Integrates with LTAMDS Radar. For the first time, Lockheed Martin’s Patriot Advanced Capability – 3 (PAC-3) successfully integrated with the Lower Tier Air and Missile Defense Sensor (LTAMDS) radar to defend against an Air Breathing Threat (ABT). The LTAMDS radar is a key component to advance the U.S. Army’s modernized air and missile defense strategy.
During the flight test at White Sands Missile Range, PAC-3 sent and received data from the LTAMDS radar to engage the ABT. This mission demonstrates PAC-3 can maintain its proven Hit-to-Kill intercept performance while integrating with the LTAMDS radar.
“Today’s test is another example of how Lockheed Martin is advancing modernized air and missile defense capabilities for 21st Century Security,” said Brenda Davidson, vice president of PAC-3 Programs at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control. “Integrating with LTAMDS is a crucial step towards fielding a modernized IAMD solution for the U.S. Army to keep our Soldiers ahead of evolving threats.”
To prepare for today’s flight test, Lockheed Martin worked in partnership with the U.S. Army to conduct a series of ground testing and captive carry tests. This builds upon previously demonstrated PAC-3 capability with the U.S. Army’s Integrated Battle Command System (IBCS).
PAC-3 uses Hit-to-Kill technology to defend against threats through direct body-to-body contact that delivers exponentially more kinetic energy on the target than can be achieved with blast-fragmentation mechanisms. PAC-3 is effective against current and evolving threats including aircraft, tactical ballistic missiles and cruise missiles. (Source: ASD Network)
15 Nov 23. Diehl Defence and RV Connex Announce Intention to Found Future Cooperation. On November 8, Diehl Defence, a leading system house for ground-based air defence, missiles and ammunition, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with RV Connex, a Thailand-based defence and security contractor, announcing both companies’ intention to cooperate in the expansion of their market presence.
Both companies want to explore the possibilities for founding a future Thai cooperation to strengthen the market position of each company and to provide better customer support, maintenance support and more local production in the region. The purpose of this establishment shall be the joint marketing of products of Diehl Defence and RV Connex as well as the coordination of joint projects and development of solutions through such a company.
Diehl Defence is a German family-owned company, which has been operating in defence industry for more than 100 years. In order to expand the business in Asia and to provide better customer support to its customers in East and South East Asia, Diehl Defence is presently searching for cooperation partners in the region to generate synergies and to extend the footprint of the company.
RV Connex Co., Ltd. is a Thai family-owned business in the defence and security sector with a significant track record and several years of experience in the field of software development, system integration, communications, cybersecurity and manufacturing of unmanned aircraft systems. RV Connex now looks forward to expanding its business outside of Thailand together with foreign partners and is presently searching for partners to enhance foreign business.
Diehl Defence already has a significant presence in Asia, namely in Thailand with the Thai Air Force operating IRIS-T air-to-air missiles from Diehl Defence since 2013. (Source: ASD Network)
14 Nov 23. US Army receives first DE M-SHORAD laser system prototypes. The US Army Rapid Capabilities and Critical Technologies Office (RCCTO) delivered four Directed Energy Maneuver-Short Range Air Defense (DE M-SHORAD) prototype systems mounted on Stryker 8×8 vehicles to the 4th Battalion, 60th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, at Fort Sill in Kentucky, on 7 September, Colonel Steven Gutierrez, RCCTO project manager for the system, said at the first day of SAE Media Group’s Future Armoured Vehicles Survivability (FAVS) 2023 conference, held in London from 13 to 15 November. He said the 50 kW laser requires no ammunition supplies, with “the cost per shot [costing] pennies on the dollar”.
He said two more prototypes were planned and the systems would be integrated into the US Army corps level command-and-control. Col Guterriez reported that the US Army tested DE M-SHORAD against 50 target sets during exercises between February and March, including rotary- and fixed-wing unmanned aircraft systems (UASs) and mortar rounds. The system is designed to counter Class 1–3 UASs and rockets, artillery, and mortars (RAM). (Source: Janes)
16 Nov 23. DoD Demonstrates Advanced Hypersonic Technologies. The Navy Strategic Systems Programs (SSP) the Missile Defense Agency (MDA), in coordination with Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane Division (NSWC Crane) and the Office of the Secretary of Defense’s Test Resource Management Center (TRMC), successfully conducted a test campaign on 15 November 2023.
This test was executed with Sandia National Laboratories from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Wallops Flight Facility. Data collected from this test will be used to inform the development of the Navy’s Conventional Prompt Strike (CPS) offensive hypersonic strike capability, MDA’s hypersonic defensive capability, and to mature other hypersonic technologies.
This test demonstrated advanced hypersonic technologies, capabilities, and prototype systems from partners across government, academia, and industry. During weapon system development, subscale tests such as this campaign fill a critical gap between ground testing and full system flight testing by allowing for experiments and prototypes to be flown in a realistic operating environment more frequently and affordably. The increased rate of testing and reduced costs of subscale flight testing supports the rapid maturation and transition of offensive and defensive hypersonic technologies.
This test is a component of the Multi-Service Advanced Capability Hypersonics Test Bed (MACH-TB) that accelerates U.S. hypersonic technology development and transition by providing an affordable, rapid hypersonic flight test capability for DoD programs, NASA, national labs, academia, and industry.
The MACH-TB program was initiated by the Navy CPS Program and NSWC Crane in 2022 to accelerate hypersonic technology development by increasing opportunities for testing of hypersonic technology. The program is being managed by OSD TRMC to ensure opportunities provided by MACH-TB can be leveraged across the entirety of DoD hypersonic efforts. (Source: https://www.defense-aerospace.com/USN)
21 Nov 23. Swiss MoD Clears 120mm Mortar for Production.
12cm mortar 16: Approval Granted for Series Production. Armasuisse, the Swiss Federal Armaments Office, has given prime contractor GDELS-Mowag its approval for series production of the 12cm (120mm) Mortar 16. A total of 48 mortar systems are to be manufactured in eastern Switzerland. The first mortar systems will be delivered from 2025 and handed over to the army.
Since mid-2023, the first series production system, the so-called series sample, of the 12cm Mörser 16 has been tested with regard to the technical, tactical and logistical specifications. After successfully completing the various verifications, armasuisse accepted the series sample and gave the general contractor GDELS-Mowag approval for series production.
A total of 48 mortar systems will be manufactured in Kreuzlingen and Tägerwilen: 32 systems that were approved with the Army Program 2016 and 16 systems from the Army Program 2022 (2nd tranche).
From prototype to series production
Based on the military requirements, and the technical specifications, armasuisse, together with the industrial partner GDELS-Mowag and the troops, developed the prototype of the 12cm Mortar 16 between 2017 and 2019. After successful proof of technical conformity and safety of the system, the project underwent troop testing in 2019 and continued until 2020.
The militia force checked the implementation of the military requirements and the suitability for use. The suitability for troops was proven and confirmed in these tests. Furthermore, potential for improvement was also identified during the troop tests, which were included if appropriate to the project goals and if they could be achieved within the budget. These improvements have been implemented in the series production model, the first system to enter series production, which the industry delivered to armasuisse on time on June 1, 2023.
The verification of the series model in late summer 2023 showed that the findings from the troop testing had been implemented appropriately. armasuisse carried out the necessary ballistics tests for the weapon system in Sweden in close cooperation with the Swedish Procurement Authority FMV. The results are positive and complete the shooting tests with the weapon system.
Procurement of two tranches
With the Army Message 2016, Parliament approved the 12 cm Mortar 16 project. The overall package originally included 32 mortar systems (carrier vehicle and mortar), 12 trucks, ammunition, logistics material, training infrastructure and the adaptation of 15 existing command vehicles.
The Piranha IV 8×8 wheeled infantry fighting vehicle from GDELS-Mowag (who is also the general contractor for the weapon system) will be used as the carrier vehicle and the Cobra mortar gun from RUAG AG will be used as the main weapon.
The commitment loan from the 2016 armaments program amounts to 404m francs. In addition, with the Army Message 2022, Parliament approved a commitment loan of 175m francs for a second tranche of 12 cm mortar 16. The first mortar systems will be delivered to the troops from 2025.
In addition to the carrier vehicle and the weapon system, the 12cm mortar project includes 16 various ancillary systems. The existing ammunition is being revised for further use with the new mortar. Shrapnel-protected trucks with specific interchangeable bodies will be procured for ammunition supplies and the weapon system will be integrated into the existing INTAFF fire management and fire control system. Training resources are also procured, with particular emphasis being placed on sustainability when using the system in training services.
Use in built-up terrain
The 64/91 mortar carriers were retired in 2009. Since then, the combat battalions no longer have indirect fire support with 120mm mortars. In particular, the ability for high-trajectory fires was lost. With the new 12cm mortar, the A9rmy will regain this capability and have a modern, powerful and accurate system that is particularly suitable for use in built-up terrain. (Source: https://www.defense-aerospace.com/ Swiss Defense Procurement Agency, Armasuisse; issued Nov 20, 2023)
(Unofficial translation by Defense-Aerospace.com)
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