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25 Jan 24. Rafel briefed BATLESPACE Editor Julian Nettlefold, at the recent IAV Conference, in Londonn, that it is offering its 30mm turret assembled by Peason Engineering for UK Boxers. Pearson Engineering primed to manufacture SAMSON 30mm Remote Weapon Station from RAFAEL for UK programmes
In September RAFAEL announced that Pearson Engineering will play a significant role in delivering the SAMSON 30mm Remote Weapon Station (RWS) for Boxer.
The SAMSON 30mm RWS, as chosen by Lithuania, is an advanced remote-controlled weapon station which incorporates a suite of sophisticated combat capabilities, including SPIKE, the world’s leading anti-tank guided missile which is in use with 20 NATO members and throughout Europe. The set-up also includes partnership with EUROTROPHY to offer TROPHY as a proven active protection system for Boxer. The advanced, precise strike capabilities of SPIKE, together with the TROPHY active protection system allow BOXER to conduct operation in more challenging conditions, and to undertake new types of missions to meet the needs of the current operational environment.
26 Jan 24. Days after Germany grants funds, Boxer anti-aircraft system changes scope.
Germany is funding a Boxer-mounted prototype short-range anti-aircraft missile system, but manufacturers prioritise further targets.
Aconsortium of German manufacturers, Rheinmetall, Diehl Defence and Hensoldt, have won the contract to develop a Boxer-mounted anti-aircraft weapon system for Germany, based on the IRIS-T missile, they announced on 25 January 2024.
While the project title suggests the provision of a short- and very-short-range effector, language from the consortium indicates that medium-range targets are their priority during the design process.
The Germany Federal Ministry announced on 19 January that the government had approved €1.23bn ($1.33bn) to develop a prototype that would revive the Army’s anti-aircraft capability in the near range, in response to lessons learned from the war in Ukraine.
The Short- and Very Short-Range Air Defence System Consortium (LVS NNbS) was set up in 2021, and signed a contract with Germany’s Federal Office for Bundeswehr Equipment, Information and In-Service Support (BAAINBw) less than a week after the finds were approved.
The new contract for the Air Defence System, Short- and Very Short-Range (LVS NNbS) is worth €1.2bn and divides the funds between the three manufacturers according to Yorkshire, with Rheinmetall accounting for €607m, Diehl for €339m, and Hensoldt for €284m.
While the contract is for a short- and very-short-range anti-aircraft system, the new weapon will be optimised for medium-range air defence, according to a statement issued jointly by the members of LVS NNbS. The language in the statement refers to this goal as a ‘core objective’.
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Separately, the manufacturer consortium identifies ‘extending the intercept zone to include short-range threats’ as a ‘key objective’, listing it alongside a series of other items concerning networking, integration and interoperability, suggesting that despite the project title referring to short- and very-short range air defence, this area of the interception zone may not be a primary requirement of the system in operational use.
Germany has another system available for short- and very-short anti-aircraft fires, the Skyranger 30, which the Bundeswehr has also taken to mounting on the Boxer chassis. The Skyranger 30 turret has a 30mm machine cannon that is regarded as a highly efficient counter to the proliferation of UAVS and loitering munitions.
Members of the LVS NNbS highlight networking the prototype missiles system with the Skyranger 30 and MAN 8×8 mounted Iris-T SLM air-defence fire units as a key goal of the new contract, with connection to be procured later.
Other key goals also include integrating the medium-range IRIS T-SLM guided missile.
Individual members of consortium will contribute to development in specific area, with Rheinmetall offering experience with combat vehicles and communication, Diehl finding input through its specialisation in fabricating guided missiles, and Hensoldt introducing its experience with essential radar systems. (Source: army-technology.com)
25 Jan 24. Hungary arms its Lynx IFVs with Hero loitering munitions. Hungary will arm its Lynx infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs) with Hero loitering munitions, Janes learnt at Defence iQ’s International Armoured Vehicles (IAV) 2024 conference being held in London from 22 to 25 January. This is in addition to other ammunition for the vehicles and the 163 Lynx IFVs being produced in Hungary.
Hungary ordered Hero loitering munitions from Rheinmetall and UVision in July 2023, with deliveries scheduled to begin in 2024 and to be completed in 2025.
The German company produces and markets Hero in Europe under a strategic co-operation agreement with UVision Air Ltd. Rheinmetall and UVision signed a strategic partnership agreement on the Israeli company’s Hero loitering munition in October 2021.
The press release announcing the Hungarian loitering munition order at the time included an image of Hero-30, but neither Rheinmetall nor the Hungarian Defence Forces (HDF) revealed if that is the version Hungary ordered or how many would be delivered. (Source: Janes)
25 Jan 24. Indian Army approves advanced rocket development. The Indian Army has approved the development of advanced rockets for its Pinaka Multi-Barrel Rocket Launchers (MBRLs), a source at India’s state-owned rocket manufacturer Munitions India Limited (MIL) told Janes on 24 January.
The army has granted official permission to the Defence Research and Development Organisation’s (DRDO’s) subsidiary Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE) to develop two advanced rockets for the Pinaka MBRL with maximum strike ranges of 120 km and 300 km respectively, the source said.
Once developed, MIL will be responsible for the production of these advanced rockets under a transfer of technology (ToT) agreement with the DRDO. (Source: Janes)
24 Jan 24. Iranian Army Receives Giant Fleet of New Drones.
The Islamic Republic of Iran Army has received large numbers of strategic combat, reconnaissance, destruction and radar drones.
The delivery of the homegrown unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) took place during a ceremony on Tuesday in the presence of Chief Commander of the Army Major General Abdolrahim Mousavi and Defense Minister Brigadier General Mohammad Reza Ashtiani.
The drones were designed and manufactured by the Iranian Defense Ministry in cooperation with Iran’s Army amid Western sanctions.
They included strategic multi-purpose Abail-4 and Ababil-5 drones, which are capable of carrying out all kinds of reconnaissance, surveillance, electronic warfare, combat and signal data collection missions.
Among the delivered UAVs were Arash and Bavar that can perform destruction, along with long-range and precision-strike missions, as well as Karrar, a jet-powered drone with the ability to perform a variety of target, combat and aerial interception missions.
The upgraded drones were equipped with self-protection, anti-electronic warfare and indigenous navigation systems, as well as smart precision-strike weapons.
They have also special and up-to-date capabilities for use with other weapon and network-based operating systems.
Speaking at the ceremony, Mousavi said that the delivery of the drones “will definitely improve the combat power” of the four branches of the Army, namely the Ground Force, Navy, Air Force and Air Defense Force.
“Everything in the field of UAVs, ranging from design to use against threats, today relies on the domestic capability and knowledge of the country’s young scientists,” he added.
Mousavi noted that the Iranian Armed forces have in recent years witnessed “auspicious developments,” including the delivery of hundreds of drones to the Army.
Meanwhile, Ashtiani said that the new UAVs “will have a significant impact on the combat power of the Islamic Republic of Iran Army.” (Source: UAS VISION/Press TV)
24 Jan 24. Turkey inks deal to replace four foreign-made weapons with local types. The Turkish government has signed contracts to replace some foreign-made weapons with locally produced versions, the Defense Ministry announced.
The deals, finalized Jan. 20 with the defense contractor Roketsan and other domestic organizations, sets the stage for the mass production of the Akya torpedo, the Atmaca cruise missile and the Sapan air defense weapon, all made by Roketsan. These systems would help fortify the Turkish navy’s strike power.
Roketsan did not respond to Defense News’ request for contractual details.
“With its technological infrastructure, production capacity and engineering capabilities, Turkey has become a production base for critical technologies. The importance of these projects in the defense industry is better understood in the face of the threats and dangers posed by the sensitive developments in our region and the world,” Defense Minister Yazar Güler said at the signing ceremony in Ankara.
Other attendees included the chief of naval operations, Adm. Ercüment Tatlioglu; the head of the Defense Industry Agency, Haluk Görgün; and representatives of the companies involved.
Defense News has contacted the ministry for further information.
Hello Hawk, goodbye Harpoon
Atmaca (which translates to “Hawk” in English) is a long-range, anti-ship cruise missile developed by Roketsan. It is intended to gradually replace Turkey’s existing inventory of Boeing-made Harpoon missiles.
The navy began the program for a surface-to-surface cruise missile in 2009. As the prime contractor, Roketsan starting design studies in September 2012.
The first ship-launched test occurred in November 2019 using the corvette TCG Kinaliada. Following numerous tests in various scenarios, including GPS-free firing and operating in an electronic warfare-heavy environment, the missile was deemed ready for mass production. The final tests concluded in June 2021, and the missile achieved initial operational capability.
In an online meeting held in August 2023 by SAHA Istanbul, a defense expo business in Turkey, the chief executive of the local company STM said the firm signed an agreement with Roketsan to equip 11 naval platforms with Atmaca missiles.
Torpedo swap
The heavyweight torpedo Akya successfully underwent live-fire testing on the first Preveze-class submarine, TCG Preveze. The weapon’s integration into the submarine class is underway, with plans for subsequent deployment on Gür-class subs.
The Akya is expected to replace the Atlas Elektronik-made DM2A4 (SeaHake mod4) and Lockheed Martin-made MK 48 heavyweight torpedoes.
The Akya, which Roketsan designed to engage other submarines and surface targets, can operate autonomously, or a user can control the weapon via a fiber-optic cable. It features an active/passive sonar homing head, and uses wake-steering technology specifically tailored to engage surface targets.
Sapan enters the picture
The Sapan air defense missile is intended to replace the Evolved Seasparrow Missile, a surface-to-air weapon made by RTX, formerly known as Raytheon Technologies.
Derived from Roketsan’s Hisar RF surface-to-air missile, the Sapan entered service with the navy for the frigate TCG Istanbul. While Sapan is said to boast a range exceeding 35 kilometers (22 miles), the company has not disclosed specific specifications.
Roketsan is currently integrating the Siper air defense system with the Midlas vertical launching system on I-class frigates. This is expected to enhance the navy’s ability to engage aerial targets at ranges exceeding 100 kilometers. (Source: Defense News)
23 Jan 24. Germany to equip Eurofighters with Brimstone. Germany is to equip its Eurofighter combat aircraft with the MBDA Brimstone air-to-surface missile, the government revealed on 17 January.
Revealed in Bundeswehr budgetary documents disclosed by Der Spiegel, the Luftwaffe intends to acquire 274 of the low-yield missiles to equip its Eurofighter fleet, with a contract to be awarded in the second quarter (Q2) of 2024.
No further details of the planned procurement were disclosed, but with the Brimstone requiring the Phase 2 Enhancement (P2E) capability package, the missile will be compatible with all of the Luftwaffe’s 70 Tranche 2, 31 Tranche 3, and 38 Tranche 4 (Project Quadriga) jets.
Germany joins Spain and the UK in selecting the Brimstone for its Eurofighters, with the fourth partner country Italy yet to announce a decision on the missile. Export customer Qatar too selected the Brimstone for its Eurofighters, though none of the other four export countries of Austria, Kuwait, Oman, and Saudi Arabia have so far opted for the missile. (Source: Janes)
23 Jan 24. F-35 to get Meteor, SPEAR 3 ‘by end of decade.‘ The Lockheed Martin F-35B Lightning should receive additional UK-specific weapons “by the end of the decade”, the government said on 16 January.
Answering questions in the House of Commons, Minister of State at the Ministry of Defence (MoD) James Cartlidge said that, with the MBDA AIM-132 Advanced Short-Range Air-to-Air Missile (ASRAAM) and the RTX Paveway 4 precision-guided bomb already carried by the Lightning, the MBDA Meteor beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile (BVRAAM) and the Selected Precision Effects At Range (SPEAR) 3 air-to-surface munition will be available by 2030.
These outstanding weapons are due to be integrated under the Block 4 capability drop earmarked for the wider international F-35 programme. (Source: Janes)
24 Jan 24. Northrop Grumman B-21 enters low-rate initial production. The Northrop Grumman B-21 Raider has entered low-rate initial production (LRIP), according to a statement by the US Department of Defense’s Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment William LaPlante.
“Production of the B-21 ‘Raider’ stealth bomber is moving forward,” LaPlante said in a 22 January statement. “This past fall, based on the results of ground and flight tests and the team’s mature plans for manufacturing, I gave the go-ahead to begin producing B-21s at a low rate.”
The US Air Force (USAF) told Janes that the B-21 had entered production, but declined to provide additional details, including the number of aircraft purchased or when the contract was signed, citing operational security concerns. Northrop Grumman previously disclosed that six B-21s were undergoing production at its Plant 42 factory, but when the next example is set to fly is publicly unknown. (Source: Janes)
23 Jan 24. K9 User Group Meets in Helsinki.
- The 3rd ‘K9 User Club’ meeting takes place in Helsinki, Finland, from Jan. 23-25
- The user group is to share experience and know-how of operating the K9 Self-Propelled Howitzer operated by key NATO forces and other countries
- Hanwha Aerospace unveils a plan to establish a spare parts centre in Europe to enhance integrated logistics support for K9 customers in the region
Military representatives from six of the countries operating the prestigious 155mm/52-calibre K9 Self-Propelled Howitzer (SPH), developed by Hanwha Aerospace, have convened in Helsinki, Finland, for the annual K9 User Club meeting.
For this year’s meeting, the third of its kind since 2022, Finland, which has joined NATO, hosted the event, as the Finish Army is operating the K9 ‘Moukari’ artillery systems.
About 50 military delegates from six K9 user nations – South Korea, Finland, Norway, Estonia, Poland, Australia – have attended the meeting, while the United States has joined the meeting as an observer. The three-day meeting also includes delegates from global defence companies such as Millog from Finland; Kongsberg from Norway; HSW from Poland; Van Haltern from the Netherlands; and Soucy from Canada for discussions over industrial partnerships.
On the first day of the three-day gathering, the participating nations gave their own presentations on the status of operating the K9 systems and what they have learned. The presentations were largely focused on sharing experience, knowledge, and know-how of the operation, maintenance, and training of the K9 SPH.
The K9 artillery is in active service with seven countries including South Korea, Finland, Norway, Estonia, Poland, India, and Türkiye, while Australia and Egypt are ready to field the artillery guns in the coming years.
In a briefing, South Korea’s Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) shared the robust developmental roadmap for developing the next-generation K9A2 and K9A3 variants over the next decade. The K9A2 will integrate a fully automated turret, delivering enhanced levels of automation, lethality, survivability, and digitalization. The K9A3 is to feature extended range through the integration of a 58-calibre barrel, alongside the inclusion of further automation and AI to deliver crewed and uncrewed teaming solutions to maximize lethality and survivability outcomes.
Hanwha Aerospace have unveiled a plan to establish a K9 spare parts centre in Europe to provide K9 customer nations in the region with more effective and systematic integrated logistics support.
Vice President Cho Sang-hwan, Head of Hanwha Aerospace’s MRO Business Group, said: “Hanwha Aerospace prioritizes delivering proper solutions to K9 user nations to ensure stable operation and maintenance of the K9 SPH. In that regard, we are fully committed to offering the most effective logistics support to our customers.”
On the second day of the meeting, working group sessions will be held to discuss how to get the best out of their K9 systems with regards to maintenance, tactics, and training. The delegates are scheduled to tour the MRO site of Millog, the local supplier of K9 for the Finnish Defence Forces, and a K9 base in Hameenlinna to wrap the event up.
The K9 User Club was launched in April 2022 in Changwon with the aim of rotational hosts. The first meeting was hosted by South Korea, followed by the second event in Norway in 2023, and the third, in Finland for this year.
Nicknamed “Thunder,” the K9 is the world’s most popular SPH, with about 1,800 units in service now to account for over 50 percent of the global market share of artillery SPH platforms. The tracked howitzer can deliver consistent, accurate, rapid effects at ranges of more than 40 kilometres range with high rates and volumes of fire, as the artillery is optimized to be able to ‘shoot and scoot,’ firing multiple rounds and immediately moving to a different location to avoid counter-battery fire.
23 Jan 24. Türkiye and India to miss K9 User Club meeting in Finland.
The annual forum sees officials from member states operating the South Korean designed K9 155mm artillery system gather to discuss platform developments.
Türkiye and India have opted not to participate in the annual ‘K9 User Club’ forum, a grouping of countries that operate the K9 tracked self-propelled 155mm/52-calibre howitzer system, which is manufactured by South Korean defence prime Hanwha.
According to a Hanwha release, about 50 military delegates from six K9 user nations – Australia, Estonia, Finland, Norway, Poland and South Korea – attended the meeting, while the US has joined the meeting as observer.
The K9 artillery is in active service with seven countries including Estonia, Finland, India, Norway, Poland, South Korea, and Türkiye, while Australia and Egypt will field the artillery systems in the coming years.
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Although an operator, Türkiye has been embroiled in controversy with newly joined Nato ally Finland after Ankara objected to Helsinki’s application to join the Nato alliance in 2022, following Russia’s large-scale invasion of Ukraine that year. Türkiye maintains close ties with Russia and was a lead element in Russia’s now terminated agreement to allow Ukrainian grain exports, under the Black Sea Grain Initiative.
The three-day K9 User Club meeting, running from 23-25 January, also includes delegates from global defence companies such as Millog from Finland; Kongsberg from Norway; HSW from Poland; Van Haltern from the Netherlands; and Soucy from Canada for discussions over industrial partnerships. The meeting is taking place in Helsinki, Finland.
Hosting the event, Finland operates the K9 ‘Moukari’ artillery systems, which first entered service in 2018.
In a briefing, South Korea’s Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) shared a developmental roadmap for the next-generation K9A2 and K9A3 variants over the next decade. The K9A2 will integrate a fully automated turret, delivering enhanced levels of automation, lethality, survivability, and digitalisation, according to the manufacturer.
The K9A3 is to feature extended range through the integration of a 58-calibre barrel, alongside the inclusion of further automation and AI capabilities.
Meanwhile, Hanwha Aerospace unveiled a plan to establish a K9 spare parts center in Europe to provide K9 customer nations in the region with more effective logistics support.
The K9 155mm howitzer has seen significant success in the global market, with about 1,800 units in service accounting for over 50% of the global market share of artillery SPH platforms, according to Hanwha claims. The howitzer can deliver long-range fire at ranges of more than 40km.
The K9 User Club was launched in April 2022 in Changwon with the aim of rotational hosts. The first meeting was hosted by South Korea, followed by the second event in Norway in 2023, and the third, in Finland for this year.
It is thought that the K9 could be in the running for the UK’s Mobile Protected Firepower programme, intended to replace the in-service, but ageing, AS90 155mm platforms in the British Army.
However, recent stopgap acquisitions by the UK of the wheeled Archer 155mm artillery system from Sweden, and the formation of an industry team to pursue future UK sales, could indicate a shift away from complex tracked platforms in the British Army. (Source: army-technology.com)
22 Jan 24. Nato orders 220,000 rounds of 155mm artillery ammunition.
At a signing ceremony on 23 January Nato welcomed the procurement of 220,000 shells of 155mm artillery ammunition.
Nato concluded contracts for the purchase of 155mm artillery shells, ordering 220,000 shells for $1.2bn through Nato’s Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) on 23 January 2024, in a move that will refill the stock of Allied nations as the international treaty organisation continues to support Ukraine.
“Russia’s war in Ukraine has become a battle for ammunition,” said Nato Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, at the signing ceremony for the new investment in artillery ammunition, highlighting the significance of procurement chains in Nato’s strategic concept.
Artillery fires have been a significant element in the war in Ukraine, with both Russia and Ukraine looking for outside supply to maintain the high rate of ammunition consumption. Russia has sourced munitions from North Korean stockpiles in an arrangement observers expect to be in return for advanced rocket and missile technology, while Ukraine has received donations of ammunition on a regular basis from Nato partners and allies.
The demand for 155mm ammunition has illuminated the shortfalls in domestic production of a fundamental element of defence for many advanced nations, both among Nato and outside of the alliance. In November 2023, Estonia’s Minister of Defence, Hanno Pevkur, criticised the inaction of decision makers at a meeting of the Council of the European Union.
While the EU had enacted legislation to accelerate local ammunition manufacturing with the Act in Support of Ammunition Production (ASAP), Pevkur – who’s country had committed to putting 30% of its defence budget toward ammunition production – felt that the EU had not met the expectations it set out in Spring when designing the legislation.
At the signing ceremony in January 2024, Stoltenberg gave praise to Nato’s success in arranging the new consignment of ammunition. “This demonstrates that NATO’s tried and tested structures for joint procurement are delivering,” said the Secretary General.
Nato’s Defence Production Action Plan was agreed by Allied leaders in July 2023, and under its auspices the NSPA has already agrees contracts for nearly $10bn of ammunition. Individual NSPA contracts include the procurement of 1000 Patriot missiles for $5.5bn, and the purchase of 155mm artillery, anti-tank guided missiles and tank ammunition for $4bn. Later in 2024, Nato will sign a contract doe six E-7A Wedgetail aircraft as part of a contract the NSPA arranged in November 2023. (Source: army-technology.com)
22 Jan 24. Germany to develop new anti-aircraft guided missile Boxer vehicle. Germany’s army will revive its anti-aircraft capability with a new guided missile system to be mounted on a Boxer with $1.34bn of investment.
Germany has approved €1.23bn ($1.34bn) of funding from the Bundeswehr special fund for production of a new prototype for a guided missile near-range anti-aircraft system by 2028, to be mounted on the Boxer armoured vehicle, the German Federal Ministry of Defense (MoD) announced, 19 January 2024.
The last two pillars of German anti-aircraft capabilty included the Gepard (Cheetah) tank, armed with two 35mm machine cannons as an anti-aircraft turret weapon, intended for low-flying aircraft and helicopters, as well as ground forces, but this was taken out of service in 2010 with the dissolution of the German Army anti-aircraft force. The second pillar was the Roland anti-aircraft missile tank, taken out of service in 2005.
Experience from the war in Ukraine has spurred the rejuvenation of this capacity, and seen discarded Cheetah tanks re-serviced and delivered into operation with Ukraine’s military.
The new prototype anti-aircraft network will require a command post at its core, along with fire control vehicles, radar systems and the anti-aircraft missile vehicles themselves. In the release announcing the new programme it was stated that the IRIS-T SLSInfra will be used as the central munition of the system.
This missile is the ground-to-air variant of the IRIS-T air-to-air missile that entered service with the German Air Force in 2005, after Germany sought to replace the AIM-9 Sidewinder.
The ground-to-air variant has become a staple of air-defence systems in Central and Eastern Europe as part of the Iris-T surface-to-air medium-range launched (SML) air defence system that mounted on a MAN 8×8 truck.
The decision to build a new prototype anti-aircraft system on a Boxer’s is less a reflection on the performance capability of the MAN 8×8 truck than it is a decision motivated by Germany and Nato’s broad adoption of the Boxer family of vehicles, and the synergies from commonality, in terms of simplified logistics, according to GlobalData analysts.
This desired synergy among Boxer type vehicles, the development of an anti-aircraft missile system on a Boxer, and the push for rejuvenating German anti-aircraft capability all map onto an observation of the in-service German Boxer fleet.
There are Boxers built for anti-aircraft using guns; to deliver a Boxer for anti-aircraft capabilities sing missiles would mirror the mixture of effectors that were originally central to the German Army’s anti-aircraft capability, before 2010 and 2005. (Source: army-technology.com)
23 Jan 24. INVISIO unveils the X7 headset – redefining the usability of tactical in-ear headsets. Today INVISIO announces its new generation of tactical in-ear headsets – the new AI-enhanced X7. Offering a whole new level of comfort, ease of use and hearing protection as well as unparalleled natural situational awareness, the X7 promises to set a new industry benchmark for in-ear headsets in the most demanding environments.
The X7 has been developed using extensive feedback from in-field user experiences to create a range of new features, including an ergonomic design perfected to fit the ear, soft materials to ensure comfort for prolonged usage, and the introduction of headset sleeves to protect from wear and tear and provide a more secure and comfortable fit.
With a headset weight of just 47 grams, the X7 minimizes the wearer’s load, delivering a compact and lightweight design that ensures minimal interference with eyewear or headgear, without compromising hearing protection, and simultaneously facilitating superior situational awareness. Its careful design not only provides improved comfort and ease of use, but also addresses common headset issues such as excessive heat, sweating, discomfort and interference.
The X7 has an integrated Voice Pick-up Sensor (VPU) which picks up vibrations from the inner ear and transforms them into speech without the need for a specific in-ear contact point. Its hear-through microphones are positioned within the external contours of the outer ear, utilizing the outer ear capability of detecting the origin of sounds and providing full 360-degree situational awareness.
The newest addition to the INVISIO range offers a solution for all users regardless of ear size and shape thanks to a choice of three different headset sleeves with ergonomically-shaped INVISIO EarWings™ as well as a choice of different ear tips including either foam tips, tri-flanged tips or the INVISIO CustomFit™ – custom-molded ear tips providing the ultimate personalization.
Connected to an INVISIO control unit, the X7 uses AI-powered audio enhancements to provide unparalleled communication and speech quality excluding unwanted noise, with different hear-through modes and digital signaling processing supporting automatic adjustment of received audio volume.
It provides certified, market leading and level-dependent hearing protection without compromising situational awareness, and can be combined with the INVISIO T7 over-the-ear headset to provide dual hearing protection for extremely noisy environments.
Like other in-ear headsets, the X7 is headwear-agnostic and will work with almost all tactical helmets, providing unrivaled flexibility and mission versatility, as well as working with gas masks and other respiratory systems without impeding communications. The small, unobtrusive design minimizes visibility, giving a tactical advantage in civilian scenarios and missions where other headsets can appear bulky and conspicuous, adding to the variety of use cases in which it can be deployed.
Submersible to 2 meters for 2 hours and MIL-STD-810H compliant, it is the headset of choice for users operating in the most challenging of environments.
“The INVISIO X7 is a product of the latest technological advances combined with extensive feedback from use in the field to create a market-leading in-ear headset that sets a new standard for comfort, ease of use and flexibility for tactical users on the ground,” says Jonathan Wassberg, Product Manager Headsets at INVISIO.
The X7 takes the flexibility and ruggedness of previous in-ear headsets, along with innovative vibration technology and hear-through modes to offer clear communications that are vital in tactical environments along with hearing protection, flexibility and comfort.
The latest developments mean this X7 in-ear headset sets a new professional standard, providing an invaluable asset for modern warfighters and a tactical edge for the most challenging tasks in the toughest environments.
The INVISIO X7 offers:
- Ergonomic design, soft materials and a choice of headset sleeves with ergonomically shaped INVISIO EarWings™
- A choice of different ear tips including either foam tips, tri-flanged tips or the INVISIO CustomFit™- custom molds of the inner ear
- Integrated Voice Pick-up Sensor (VPU), which transforms vibrations from the inner ear into speech without the need for a specific in-ear contact point.
- Unparallelled 360-degree auditory situational awareness utilizing the contours of the outer ear for the most natural experience.
- Rugged – submersible to 2 meters for 2 hours and MIL-SPEC compliant.
- INVISIO Audio™: AI and digital signal processing to filter out noise and increase speech intelligibility.
- Market-leading hearing protection of 36 dB SNR / 32 dB NRR and option of double hearing protection with hear-through.
- Mission adaptive: Volume from received audio is automatically adjusted to surrounding sound level.
The X7 is announced on January 23rd in connection with SHOT Show 2024 in Las Vegas. Visit INVISIO at booth #62306 for a live demo or for more information, go to invisio.com, contact or your local INVISIO sales representative.
23 Jan 24. Thales Australia welcomes focus on long-range strike. Sydney-based Thales Australia has strongly welcomed the Australian government’s $37.4m contract with Lockheed Martin Australia to commence manufacturing of the Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS) from 2025 in Australia, says the company’s CEO Jeff Connolly.
Thales Australia runs the Government-Owned, Contractor-Operated explosives manufacture and filling facilities at Mulwala and Benalla, on the NSW-Victoria border and is the only company in Australia with the demonstrated ability to design, manufacture and certify military relevant solid rocket motors, rocket motor cases, and exhaust nozzles. In 2021 the company invested $6m in new state-of-the-art advanced manufacturing equipment at Mulwala to rapidly accelerate sovereign guided weapons manufacturing capability.
Two years ago it unveiled a relationship with Lockheed Martin to manufacture rocket motor propellant for the LRASM-LS missile booster; Lockheed Martin also now has a presence on-site at Mulwala to conduct joint GWEO work, says the company. In addition, Thales Australia has relationships with Mincham Aviation and with Southern Launch to use the latter’s Whaler’s Bay and Koonibba ranges as a test centre for its new generation of rocket motors.
The company’s long standing history delivering sovereign munitions capability to the ADF has allowed it to accelerate the development of a sovereign Guided Weapon and Explosive Ordnance (GWEO) Enterprise, says Thales Australia.
“From rocket motor development, propulsion and payload, we want to do our part to help Government and our industry partners realise the vision by 2025,” said Mr Connolly.
The company’s investment in new large-scale preparation and mixing equipment will enable a 500% increase in the size of rocket motors able to be manufactured at Mulwala, supporting production of advanced guided weapons and hypersonic weapons.
Thales Australia already supplies GWEO-style solutions to some of the world’s guided weapons manufacturers, in Australia and internationally, including rocket motors for Raytheon, Boeing and BAE Systems Australia, Kongsberg and Rafael, and vectored thrust nozzle systems for BAE Systems Australia’s Nulka decoy and the BAE Systems Australia/Raytheon vertical-launch Evolved Sea Sparrow Missile (ESSM).
The company says it is one of the few, if not the only, manufacturer of TNT-based explosive fillings to be certified by the US Army. As a result it is now manufacturing some natures of 155mm ammunition in Australia for the US Army. And the company has demonstrated Rapid Manufacture ability to produce BLU-126 and BLU-111 warheads to meet urgent operational requirements for BLU-12 Paveway II and BLU- 38 JDAM. The manufacturing capability was originally established to produce insensitive munition warheads for the Kongsberg Penguin anti-ship missile, which resulted in exports to 6 allied navies.
These facilities, R&D and process knowledge are now being applied to programs such as advanced warhead solutions and high-speed weapons warhead development. (Source: https://www.ex2.com.au/news/)
23 Jan 24. Raytheon completes technical review for prototype of US Navy’s HALO missile. US missile manufacturer Raytheon has successfully completed a technical review and a seamless prototype fit-check on an F/A-18 Super Hornet in phase one of the US Navy’s Hypersonic Air Launched Offensive Anti-Surface (HALO) missile program. The company, with its industry partner Lockheed Martin, was awarded the US$116m HALO Phase 1 contract in early 2023.
HALO is a carrier-based Mach 5+ missile that will allow the Navy to operate in and control contested battlespaces in anti-access/area denial environments and will support their long-range fires strategy. During this phase of the program, Raytheon’s Advanced Technology team will focus on maturing the technology required to reach a preliminary design review of a HALO all-up round. The next phase of the program will focus on demonstrating a propulsion system.
“This is a key step in fielding the Navy’s first anti-ship hypersonic missile,” said Colin Whelan, president of Advanced Technology at Raytheon. “It’s critical that our warfighters have proven technology that can address advanced threats in contested environments, and they need this technology now. We’re leveraging our expertise in hypersonics to deliver a straightforward and mature, digitally engineered system at the pace the Navy needs.”
Digital and physical design concepts and models of Raytheon’s HALO prototype were created in a matter of months using digital and model-based engineering techniques. This approach is accelerating the development of the HALO missile. A successful fit check on an F/A-18 was held in the northern autumn, ensuring that the prototype is compatible with the Navy’s Super Hornet aircraft and existing support equipment.
(Source: https://www.ex2.com.au/news/)
22 Jan 24. Accuracy International New Product Information 2024. Accuracy International (AI) is pleased to announce that it will be offering new products into the Civilian and Military/Police Markets for 2024. They will be shown at the Shot Show in Las Vegas, USA, January 2024 and the British Shooting Show, UK, February 2024.
Accuracy International, Ltd is widely regarded as the creator of the world’s finest sniper rifles being Accurate, Rugged and Reliable.
The AT-X platform, with a new generation short action and enhanced features, after continued research and development and exhaustive testing, will now be offered in Sporting and Professional configurations. The AT-XC answers the call for a modern action with durability, safety, ease of use and an increased feature set for the competitive shooter. The AT-XMIL/LE replaces the AT and AX308 models.
The AT-X builds on AI’s legacy of engineering and innovation that has made it a world leader in bolt action rifle technology. “The development of the AT-X sets new standards of performance for a bolt-action platform and delivers on AI’s reputation for accuracy, durability, and safety,” said Tom Irwin, Director. The heart of the AT-X is a new action design sharing major features with the AXSR and AX ELR rifles. The new action provides greater breech strength, improved gas handling, bedding stability, durability, reduced operating effort, and lower weight. Rigorous testing was central to the development of the new action to ensure performance and reliability in the most demanding environments. The new action will be the foundation for a family of AT-X rifles.
Testing to relevant NATO D/14 Standards
The AXSR long action multicalibre rifle has been in production for the USA market for a few years and will now be offered to the UK and Rest of the World markets as a user configurable, mission adaptable, all weather, day/night capable rifle system.
Along with the AX ELR .50BMG, all models have successfully and independently completed all relevant NATO / Military Weapon testing standards worldwide, for continued assurance of performance in professional markets.
The USA Market will have the same family of products in different configurations.
Headquartered in Portsmouth UK for over 40 years, Accuracy International has designed, tested, manufactured, and supported precision rifles and accessories for the most demanding military organizations, police forces and competitive shooters in the world utilizing proven world class manufacturing principals. Accuracy International rifle systems are in use in the UK, US and over 70 countries worldwide.
22 Jan 24. LGM-35A Sentinel missile cost climbs, schedule slips. The US Air Force’s (USAF’s) LGM-35A Sentinel intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) programme is to cost at least 37% more and enter service two years later than anticipated, the USAF said in a 19 January statement.
The Program Acquisition Unit Cost (PAUC) has increased from a projected USD118 m in 2020 to roughly USD162 m per missile in December 2023. Most of the overrun is due to cost increases in the command-and-control (C2) and missile silo infrastructure, the USAF said. The missile’s initial entry into service is now delayed until 2028 or later from 2026.
The LGM-35A programme entails extensive reconstruction of missile silos and C2 centres designed for the LGM-30G Minuteman III ICBM, which first entered service in 1962. According to the USAF statement, the Sentinel programme entails building over 400 launch facilities, including thousands of miles of fibre-optic cable, 7,500 miles of utility corridors, and a flurry of real estate easements with hundreds of landowners. (Source: Janes)
18 Jan 24. Leonardo upgrades BriteCloud EAD with ‘smart’ features. The UK-based electronic warfare (EW) business of Leonardo has upgraded the large aircraft variant of its BriteCloud expendable active decoy (EAD) to meet the latest NATO STANAG-4871 self-protection standard and offer compatibility with new ‘smart’ countermeasure dispenser systems.
Announcing the development on 18 January the company revealed that the latest BriteCloud 55-T variant will also be able to exchange data with the host aircraft’s onboard self-protection system to maximise performance of the expendable in contested airspace.
BriteCloud is a compact digital radio frequency memory (DRFM)-based expendable jammer designed to provide fast jet aircraft with effective ‘endgame’ protection against advanced RF-guided missile threats and/or tracking radars. After ejection, the BriteCloud decoy searches and locks onto the highest priority threat; the DRFM’s coherent response prevents the threat from detecting the deception as the decoy separates, generating large miss distances and breaking the target lock. (Source: Janes)
22 Jan 24. DuPont and Point Blank Enterprises Announce Exclusive Partnership for DuPont™ Kevlar® EXO™. DuPont (NYSE: DD) and Point Blank Enterprises (PBE), a global leader in protective solutions for military and law enforcement professionals today announced an exclusive agreement to offer body armor made with Kevlar® EXO™ aramid fiber for North America State and Local Law Enforcement departments.
Kevlar® EXO™ aramid fiber is the most significant aramid fiber innovation in over 50 years and an entirely new technology platform developed to serve endless applications where performance and protection is required in intense and demanding conditions. Kevlar® EXO™ offers body armor an unprecedented combination of lightweight, flexibility and protection from an aramid fiber.
DuPont™ Kevlar® has long been the advanced material behind high-performing body armor that helps protect those who serve. Now, with this new body armor crafted by Point Blank using Kevlar® EXO™, law enforcement officers can experience previously unavailable levels of ballistic protection without compromising on mobility and comfort. With unmatched pliability, Kevlar® EXO™ contours to curves and body lines, helping to provide a more body-inclusive solution while still offering maximum protection. Kevlar® EXO™ technology combined with Point Blank’s body armor design and manufacturing capabilities will answer the demand for lightweight protection without having to sacrifice comfort and mobility.
“We are proud to partner with Point Blank, a leader in law enforcement protection to improve the comfort and mobility for law enforcement personnel by using our combined capabilities to create the most comfortable body armor in the world.” said Steven LaGanke, global business leader, DuPont Life Protection. “This new body armor will meet NIJ standards while providing a flexible and lightweight solution that helps empower law enforcement personnel to operate at peak performance.”
Michael Foreman, Executive Vice President of Point Blank Enterprises said, “the new NIJ certification standard that was released in November 2023 has higher conditioning and protection level requirements that shall result in improved ballistic protection for law enforcement, now with Kevlar® EXO™ we have been able to create a suite of new offerings that meet and exceed these requirements with a solution more comfortable and flexible than any other option on the market. We cannot wait to start protecting law enforcement officers with this new innovation later this year.”
To learn more about the new body armor from Point Blank powered by Kevlar® EXO™, visit the Point Blank booth at SHOT show, booth #10360 or visit www.pointblankenterises.com.
About DuPont Water & Protection
DuPont Water and Protection is a global leader in creating water, shelter and safety solutions for a more sustainable world; enabling its customers to win through unique capabilities, global scale and iconic brands including Kevlar®, Nomex®, Tyvek®, Corian® Design, GreatStuff™, Styrofoam™, and FilmTec™.
About DuPont
DuPont (NYSE: DD) is a global innovation leader with technology-based materials and solutions that help transform industries and everyday life. Our employees apply diverse science and expertise to help customers advance their best ideas and deliver essential innovations in key markets including electronics, transportation, construction, water, healthcare and worker safety. More information about the company, its businesses and solutions can be found at www.dupont.com. Investors can access information included on the Investor Relations section of the website at investors.dupont.com.
About Point Blank Enterprises
Point Blank Enterprises, Inc. (“PBEI”) is a leading provider of high-performance protective solutions, including bullet, fragmentation, and stab resistant apparel and related accessories. Through its key brands, Point Blank Body Armor, Protective Products, PARACLETE®, The Protective Group (TPG), Advanced Technology Group (ATG), First Tactical, and Gould & Goodrich (G&G), the Company ranks as the largest global supplier of ballistic armor systems and systems integrator in the world. The Company’s ballistic solutions have been credited with saving countless lives for the most important customers in the world, including the U.S. Armed Forces, Department of Defense, Federal Government and law enforcement, corrections, and security personnel, both domestically and abroad. For more information on our Company, please visit our website at www.pointblankenterprises.com.
DuPont™, the DuPont Oval Logo, and all trademarks and service marks denoted with ™, SM or ® are owned by affiliates of DuPont de Nemours, Inc. unless otherwise noted. (Source: PR Newswire)
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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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