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03 Jan 24. NSPA Awards COMLOG a Contract for Patriot Missiles. The NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) has awarded COMLOG, a joint venture between Raytheon, an RTX business (NYSE: RTX), and MBDA, their first contract under the European Sky Shield Initiative, or ESSI. With a total value of up to $5.6bn, the NSPA contract supports a coalition of nations, including Germany, the Netherlands, Romania and Spain, with a combined quantity of up to 1,000 Patriot® GEM-T missiles, if all options are exercised. The contract includes qualification of updated components, addition of new suppliers, test equipment, and spares to support future sustainment. To support delivery, COMLOG will expand the production capacity of GEM-T missiles in Europe. GEM-T, the Patriot Advanced Capability 2 (PAC-2) missile interceptor enhanced for defeating tactical ballistic missiles, is a primary effector for the combat-proven Patriot air and missile defense system. The world’s battle-proven air and missile defense system, Patriot is relied upon by eight European nations, and Ukraine, for defense against cruise missiles, ballistic missiles, and enemy drones and aircraft. Through this contract, Patriot user nations will realize significant benefits. The bundled procurement, in the spirit of the ESSI, offers economies of scale and supports the expansion of production capacity for new Patriot GEM-T missiles to meet increasing demand. The new production capacity for Patriot GEM-T missiles in Europe enhances security of supply and will contribute to the replenishment of Patriot air defense missile inventories. Finally, the initiative strengthens cooperation among NATO allies in alignment with the ESSI.
Stacy A. Cummings, General Manager NSPA: “This contract demonstrates that NSPA, as a primary enabler of the Alliance, can successfully deliver effective and cost-efficient multinational solutions to nations, while reinforcing European industrial capacities. Through close Euro-Atlantic cooperation between allies and industry, NSPA has enabled the consolidation of requirements through the award of this complex contract. Customer nations have achieved economies of scale, reduced their logistics footprint, and are obtaining capable solutions and support under a proven turnkey legal framework.”
Thomas Gottschild, Managing Director MBDA Deutschland: “The contract strengthens industrial and military capabilities in Europe. The order volume will enable MBDA to set up a production facility for Patriot missiles in Germany, as well as major subcomponent production. The COMLOG facility is currently the only one of its kind for the Patriot missile outside the U.S. Overall, the contract supports European Patriot user states, creates workplaces in Germany, and strengthens the supply chain for ammunition.”
Thomas Laliberty, President, Raytheon Land & Air Defense Systems: “Raytheon and MBDA have partnered with NSPA, the United States Army and a broad network of suppliers across the region to offer our European partners a GEM-T program which increases NATO’s air defense missile inventory, strengthens NATO deterrence, and sustains the operational readiness of Patriot air defense systems across Europe. This bundled procurement strengthens cooperation among European Patriot allies.” (Source: ASD Network)
04 Jan 24. Lithuania Receives First Batch of Expal 120mm Mortars. New Purchase in Lithuanian Armed Forces Warehouses: 120mm Expal 120-MX2-SM Towed Mortars. In the final days of 2023, the Lithuanian Armed Forces received 120mm Expal120-MX2-SM towed mortars from Spain’s EXPAL Systems, S.A. The advanced superior quality equipment will enhance indirect fire capabilities in the Lithuanian Armed Forces. The Expal mortar system is reliable and meets NATO standards for weaponry. Mobile and versatile, the system enhances fire power and precision to increase infantry and artillery responsiveness to tactical requirements in ensuring indirect fire support. Lithuania’s new defence equipment has the effective range of up to 8 km. The Defence Materiel Agency under the Ministry of National Defence signed the contract with the Spanish company EXPAL Systems, S.A. in the autumn of 2022. The equipment will be fully The contract worth approx. EUR 9.8m covers mortar systems and spares. (Source: https://www.defense-aerospace.com/ Lithuania Ministry of Defence)
04 Jan 24. BAE Systems has signed an agreement with the U.S Army for M777 lightweight howitzer major structures, under an Undefinitized Contract Action (UCA), which is currently limited to $50m. This allows BAE Systems to start delivering on the program, while finalizing the details of the contract and its total value with the customer. BAE Systems will work with its supply chain in the UK and the US to produce the major M777 titanium structures, which form the basis of the gun, the barrels will be made in the USA.. The first major structures are due to be delivered in 2025. BAE Systems has seen an increase in interest from across Europe, Asia, and the Americas in the M777 gun system. This new contract creates the optimum conditions for a restart of M777 production in the UK, and presents an opportunity to new and existing users to join a new M777 production initiative and take advantage of the benefits from a hot production line and economies of scale. The U.S., as well as Canada and Australia, has donated M777s to Ukraine.
“This restart of production of the major structures for the U.S. Army’s M777s comes at a critical time, with howitzers deployed on operations in Ukraine. The U.S., as well as Canada and Australia, has donated M777s to Ukraine. We understand that they are performing well and we are very proud of our role in supporting our allies”, said John Borton, vice president and general manager of BAE Systems Weapons Systems UK, which manages the manufacture and assembly of the M777 lightweight howitzers. “The M777 will remain at the forefront of artillery technology well into the future through the use of technical insertions, long-range precision guided munition developments, and flexible mobility options.”
At half the weight of other 155mm towed howitzers, the M777 provides a rapid reaction capability and a proven pedigree that delivers decisive firepower when needed most in sustained combat conditions. With more than 1,250 M777s in service with five ground forces in the United States, Ukraine, the Americas, Australia and India, the M777 is the only battle-proven 155mm lightweight howitzer in the world. BAE Systems told BATTLESPACE that 8 countries have shown interest in the M777.
03 Jan 24. Poland Orders 155mm Ammunition Worth $2.75bn. On December 22, the PGZ-Amunicja Consortium and the Armament Agency concluded an executive agreement for the supply of nearly 300,000 pieces of 155 mm artillery ammunition implemented under the National Ammunition Reserve program. This is a historic contract both in terms of the size of the order and its value of nearly PLN 11bn (approx. $2.75bn–Ed). Ammunition deliveries will take place in 2024-2029. The signed document is a consequence of the framework agreement concluded on June 1, regarding the deliveries of up to one m pieces of ammunition of various types and calibers for the needs of the Polish Army by 2029. The conclusion of the framework agreement was the beginning of the change in the method of contracting ammunition supplies by the Armament Agency, which allowed the companies belonging to the PGZ-Amunicja Consortium to plan the long-term production cycle and plans to further increase production capacity. Thanks to this, the PGZ ammunition domain – the only entity with such diversified competences on the Polish market – will supply the army with ammunition in annual quantities exceeding the volume of all orders received from the army in the last ten years.
– The ammunition domain of the Polska Grupa Zbrojeniowa is the largest and proven domestic supplier of ammunition and munitions for the Polish Army. Thanks to recent investments in infrastructure, production lines and increased employment, we have been able to significantly increase our production capacity. This is our response to the needs of the ammunition market, reported both by the Polish army and foreign contractors. Since the outbreak of the war in Ukraine, the demand for ammunition, especially artillery, has suddenly increased. Thanks to our actions, we can meet this demand. This is largely due to all people involved in planning the development of companies and those directly involved in production. On the occasion of this historic agreement, they deserve special thanks for the titanic work that made this success possible – said Sebasian Chwałek, president of the management board of PGZ S.A.
A signed contract for the supply of nearly 300,000 pieces is not the first contract for 155 mm ammunition carried out by the companies of the PGZ Capital Group for the needs of the Polish army. In 2022, ammunition companies completed the implementation of the previous multi-year contract for the production of ammunition of this caliber, concluded by ZM Dezamet S.A. in 2019.
The PGZ-AMMUNICJA consortium, to which this order is being placed, was established on April 28, 2023, due to the expected invitations to negotiations by the Armament Agency for the supply of large-caliber ammunition. In such a short time since its establishment, it has confirmed its competences and is ready to absorb funds from the National Ammunition Reserve to increase production capacity. During this period, several conditions were met, the competences of the companies were confirmed, and the distribution of production in several places at the PGZ Group plants will meet the expectations regarding the diversification of production locations, necessary not only due to the need to increase production potential, but also for safety reasons. The consortium hopes that in the coming months further contracts will be concluded, not only for 155 caliber ammunition, but also for 120 mm mortar and tank ammunition. PGZ-Amunicja is the only entity in Poland that can fulfill such orders using its own production potential. Cooperation with foreign partners will, of course, be necessary – like in the field of modular cargo technology – in addition to support in deliveries, which will guarantee the expansion of production potential in Poland. The potential created within the state-owned company is a guarantee of supplies and systematic support for the Armed Forces, which is important for the country’s security. The PGZ-Amunicja consortium consists of five companies belonging to the ammunition domain of the PGZ Group: Mesko S.A., Zakłady Metalowe Dezamet S.A., Zakłady Chemiczne Nitro-Chem S.A., Gamrat sp. z o.o. and Bydgoskie Zakłady Elektromechanne Belma S.A. (Source: https://www.defense-aerospace.com/PGZ)
02 Jan 24. RoK accelerates low-altitude missile defence system development. South Korea’s Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) has accelerated the exploration and development of the low-altitude missile defence (LAMD) system – also known as the long-range artillery interception system – by a year, the agency said in a press release on 1 January. According to DAPA, the system’s exploration and development – originally scheduled for 2025 – has been accelerated to 2024 to counter North Korean long-range artillery. South Korea’s local military technology firm LIG Nex1 began developing the LAMD system in collaboration with the Agency for Defense Development (ADD) – a DAPA subsidiary – in early 2022. DAPA said that the LAMD exploration and development was initially planned for three years beginning in 2022. However, to complete the LAMD’s exploration and development in 2024 – one year earlier than planned – the system’s core technological development was finished in June 2023, DAPA added. (Source: Reuters)
30 Dec 23. The Thales Hard Kill Diamant system developed within APS PROMETEUS since 2019.
Will Thales’ Hard Kill Diamant system protect French armored vehicles from 2026?
Indeed, the four boards published on Twitter seem to indicate that work around the DIAMANT hard kill system, initially developed by Thales in the early 2010s, would have resumed in 2019. The objective presented would be to integrate this hard kill system into the APS Diamant, to protect the new Scorpion armored vehicles, EBRC Jaguar, VBMR Griffon and VBMRL Serval, but also VBCI and Leclerc tanks.
The development of the hard kill system, and its integration on a Griffon armored vehicle and a Jaguar, for demonstration purposes, must last until the end of 2025. More surprisingly, the next phase, which aims to integrate the system on the armored vehicles of the Army of the Scorpion bubble, is presented as having started at the end of 2023, and will be continued until 2030 (end of the diagram), and probably beyond. A photo of a VBMR Griffon equipped with the APS Prometeus illustrating another board, also seems to confirm that this schedule would be respected and credible.
The Diamant system is described in the other plates distributed. This was designed according to particularly ambitious Army specifications, requiring 360° protection of vehicles, including against plunging threats. The risk for the vehicles and personnel surrounding the armored vehicle which would implement the system must be reduced as much as possible, the stated objective being to achieve zero risk.
This board shows several visuals of a VBMR Griffon equipped with the Prometeus system
A Hard Kill active protection system designed for high intensity
In addition, the elements of the system must not prevent or hinder the proper functioning of the armored vehicle and its systems, and not have a negative effect on its discretion or mobility, which requires a compact, lightweight device with low spatial footprint, and reduced power consumption. Remember, however, that when the Diamond’s radar is activated, it will actually reduce the electromagnetic discretion of the armored vehicle. The objective here is certainly not to degrade it when the system is off or on standby. Finally, the system must guarantee a probability of detection and destruction of 90% against rockets and missiles with a single shaped charge, and of 75% against missiles armed with a tandem charge. The interception taking place close to the hull of the armored vehicle explains this difference. (Source: Paulo Dominonni/Fabrice Wolf)
29 Dec 23. Very-long-range anti-ship missile enters service with Iranian navy. The Islamic Republic of Iran Navy (IRIN) held a ceremony on 24 December to induct new equipment that included an anti-ship missile called the Talaiyeh, which is said to have a range of more than 1,000 km. Iranian media coverage showed a Talaiyeh on display next to a mobile launcher at the naval base in Konarak, the headquarters of the IRIN’s third region. It appeared to be the same type of missile as the one unveiled in August 2020, the Abu Mahdi, which is presumed to be the anti-ship variant of the long-range land-attack cruise missiles Iran has developed from the Soviet Kh-55s it is known to have obtained. The Abu Mahdi was officially inducted into service by both the IRIN and the Islamic Revolution Guard Corps Navy (IRGCN) in July 2023, when several were displayed during a ceremony. (Source: Janes)
29 Dec 23. Turkey flies Anka 3 UCAV. The Turkish Aerospace (TA) Anka 3 flying-wing unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) made its maiden flight on 28 December. The flight over Ankara lasted for 70 minutes, during which the UCAV reached a height of 8,000 ft and a speed of 150 kt. The existence of a low-observable, jet-powered UCAV was first made public in December 2022. The first taxi tests were performed in April 2023. According to TA, the maximum take-off weight of the Anka 3 is 6.5 tons. The UCAV has a service ceiling of 44,000 ft and an endurance of10 hours at 30,000 ft. The top speed is 425 kt, and its cruise speed is 250 kt. The prototype of the Anka 3 is powered by a low-bypass turbofan engine. The Anka 3 can carry 650 kg of munitions on each of the two internal weapon stations, or 650 kg on the inner and 100 kg on the outer underwing stations, for when stealth is not required. The UCAV will be able to carry a variety of smart or general-purpose bombs, guided ammunition, and missiles. (Source: Janes)
29 Dec 23. Ghana Armed Forces adds to its artillery inventory. Ghana takes Chinese rocket launcher into service. Picture: Ghana Armed Forces. The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF), in the form of its battle training camp, now has new multiple launch rocket systems and rockets as well as accessories and spares in addition to two vehicles. The vehicles – one for command and the other for reconnaissance – along with the artillery systems and 7 200 122 mm rockets, were supplied to the West African country by Poly Technologies of China and B&G, its African trading representative. Handover took place earlier in December at the GAF Bundase battle training camp in the Dangme West District of the Greater Accra region. Speaking at the handover, GAF Deputy Chief of Staff (DCOS) Administration at General Headquarters, Air Vice Marshal Michael Appiah-Agyekum, said: “The acquisition of strategic equipment, platforms and training of personnel in diverse fields are all part of ongoing efforts to effectively resource GAF operationally”. The new equipment comes at a time when terrorism and transnational organised crime are at all-time high in the sub-region, a GAF statement reads. The equipment will increase GAF operational capability and position it better to “handle any aggressor force”. (Source: https://www.defenceweb.co.za/)
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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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