Sponsored by Galvion
www.galvion.com
————————————————————————
29 Feb 24. Soldiers test Next Generation Squad Weapon in extreme cold weather. Soldiers in Alaska recently tested the Army’s new rifle and automatic rifle in -35 F conditions as the weapons approach official fielding to the 101st Airborne Division later this year.
Troops fired the XM7 rifle and XM250 automatic rifle, part of the Next Generation Squad Weapon program, at the Cold Regions Test Center at Fort Greeley, Alaska, according to an Army release.
That testing began in late January and ran through Feb. 9.
The XM7 rifle will replace the M4 carbine while the XM250 automatic rifle will replace the M249 Squad Automatic Weapon. Both are chambered in 6.8mm and slated for the close combat forces such as infantry, special operations, scouts, combat engineers, combat medics and forward observers.
The 6.8mm round intermediate caliber round is the first of its kind for U.S. forces and provides users a heavier round that can have lethal effects at greater distances and punch through barriers that stop the standard issue 5.56mm round, which is the caliber of the M4 and SAW.
Both weapons come with an advanced fire control, dubbed the XM157, that houses a ballistics computer to help shooters compensate for bullet drop and distance.
In 2022 the Army chose Sig Sauer to build the two weapons and produce the 6.8mm ammunition until the service upgrades the Lake City Army Ammunition Plant with a production line devoted exclusively to 6.8mm.
The same year the service chose Vortex Optics/Sheltered Wings to provide the XM157 fire control.
The 10-year weapons contract has a ceiling value of $4.5bn, XM157 fire control cost ceiling is set at $2.7bn, Army Times previously reported.
The M4 and SAW are expected to remain the primary small arms of non-close combat forces for the coming decades. Once fielded, the XM7 and XM250 will drop the “X” designator.
A platoon with the 101st Airborne Division conducted limited user tests of the rifle, carbine and optic in November. A not-yet-identified platoon with the 101st will officially field the weapon in September, Army Times previously reported.
Staff with the Army’s Cross Functional Team-Soldier Lethality, Program Executive Office-Soldier and the Joint Program Executive Office Armaments and Ammunitions worked with soldiers at the Alaska testing center to evaluate the weapon’s performance in extreme cold weather.
“Extreme cold can affect the weapon’s functionality, of course, but it also hinders a Soldier’s movement and mobility,” said Maj. Brandon Davis, a member of the SL CFT operations team. “So which sling does he prefer in these conditions? Can he or she effectively manipulate the widgets on the weapon wearing gloves? We’re getting after every aspect of how the NGSW impacts lethality and mobility under extreme conditions.”
The service has scheduled testing for the NGSW in extreme heat and humidity later this year, according to the release. (Source: Army Times)
01 Mar 24. India test-fires very short-range air-defence system. India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) test-fired two of its very short-range air-defence system (VSHORADS) missiles from a ground-based portable launcher, the Indian Ministry of Defence (MoD) said in a press release on 29 February.
The tests were conducted on 28 and 29 February from the Integrated Test Range (ITR) in Chandipur, Odisha, the MoD said.
“These tests were carried out against high-speed unmanned aerial targets under different interception scenarios. During all the test flights, the targets were intercepted and destroyed by the missiles, meeting the mission objectives,” the MoD added.
A DRDO official told Janes on 1 March that the tests were a part of the developmental process of the missiles.
28 Feb 24. Kraken Robotics Minehunting Systems Operational with the Royal Danish Navy.
- Kraken Robotics Minehunting Systems Operational with the Royal Danish Navy
Kraken Robotics Inc. (“Kraken” or the “Company”) (TSX-V: PNG, OTCQB: KRKNF) is pleased to announce the completion of all deliveries and the successful sea acceptance of all systems for its mine-hunting sonar equipment under the Royal Danish Navy Minehunting sonar upgrade program. This contract was signed in September 2020, following a competitive bidding process. Under the contract with the Danish Ministry of Defence Acquisition and Logistics Organization (DALO), Kraken has delivered four complete turnkey mine-hunting systems, with each system consisting of a KATFISH™ towed Synthetic Aperture Sonar, Tentacle® Winch and Autonomous Launch and Recovery System (ALARS), topside command and control equipment, and remote operation and monitoring capability for standoff mine-hunting operations.
Starting in 2022, the KATFISH mine-hunting systems were integrated onboard the Royal Danish Navy’s optionally uncrewed surface vessels (USVs), the MSF-class. Kraken worked closely with MCM Denmark operators and workshop technicians as well as skilled local Danish shipyard, JOBI, to install Kraken’s DNV design approved Autonomous Launch and Recovery System (ALARS) onto the MSF-class in parallel with the MSF-class planned mid-life refit. Kraken also integrated the KATFISH system with Saab’s Command and Control (C2) software, providing operators with a seamless experience for mission planning and mission monitoring. The inclusion of Kongsberg’s Maritime Broadband Radio (MBR) enables the complete system to operate remotely, streaming full resolution sonar imagery in real-time at ranges exceeding line of sight.
In 2023, Kraken also entered in a 7-year sustainment contract with DALO, with options for two further 7-year extensions, for a total possible 21 years of sustainment. The sustainment program includes regularly scheduled maintenance, repair, and overhaul as well as provision of training and spare parts, and the delivery of regular capability enhancements through software updates. Throughout 2024, Kraken will also be delivering additional spares, including spare towcables and two spare KATFISH towbodies.
Kraken has developed and delivered extensive training programs with the MCM Denmark team, including Onboard Operator, Onboard Maintainer, and Depot Maintainer training certification programs. As of 2024, the Royal Danish Navy will have completed their first full year of KATFISH operations, with an undisclosed large number of operational hours. Commander (Navy) K.P. Hansen, Commanding Officer of MCM Denmark said: “Our operators have been extremely pleased with the performance of the KATFISH system, including the ability for safe automated remote launch and recovery. The addition of this valuable high-resolution, high-speed seabed survey tool to our MCM toolbox has provided our operators with an invaluable capability in seabed warfare. Our mission to provide safety and security in Danish waters has been bolstered by this capability, and we look forward to many years of successful operations with the Kraken systems.”
The Head of the Maritime Division within DALO, Captain (RDN) Jakob Damgaard Rousøe noted in February 2024: “The process of integrating the Kraken KATFISH sonar into the Danish MCM forces is coming to an end and it is anticipated that the MCM capacity will reach Full Operational Capability (FOC) within the first half of 2024. An extremely extensive and close coordinated work has been put into the system integration from all stakeholders. This have resulted in many days and hours onboard the small MCM drones at the Naval base in Frederikshavn. I have followed the work closely and I am very pleased with the overall result. A very impressive sensor providing very detailed images that will increase the detection and classification probability of mine like echoes significantly. Well done to all”
(Source: ASD Network)
29 Feb 24. Happy Birthday ISTEC! The Editor was hoping to join staff, customers and friends of ISTEC to celebrate 35 years of business. Unfortunately I was laid up with a cold so I could not join the celebrations which are a tribute to Mick Coulson, Anne Quinlan and their team at ISTEC who have grown the company so successfully over the years. At BATTLESPACE we are delighted to have been part of that journey in supporting their endeavours at major exhibitions and during the year.
28 Feb 24. Lockheed Martin Takes Next Step in Homeland Missile Defense.
Interceptor Acquisition Process. In November 2023, Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) successfully completed a Missile Defense Agency (MDA) acquisition milestone for the nation’s modernized long range ballistic missile interceptor. The company completed the first Knowledge Point – known as KP1 – ahead of schedule, taking a major contractual step forward that allows its Next Generation Interceptor (NGI) program to continue development towards the Critical Design Review (CDR).
During KP1, the MDA evaluated Lockheed Martin’s development progress to date. This includes completing design review milestones and demonstrating significant maturation across critical technologies, manufacturing readiness, and utility of the company’s NGI Software Factory. This KP1 achievement follows the program’s All Up Round Preliminary Design Review, which Lockheed Martin executed on-schedule in September.
“I’m proud of the technical rigor our Lockheed Martin and industry team demonstrated. We proved at KP1 that we have reached a level of maturity unprecedented at this stage of a missile defense program,” said Sarah Reeves, vice president of NGI at Lockheed Martin. “With MDA’s approval, we have turned a corner into our detailed design phase and will keep testing our integrated NGI hardware and software in preparation for production and flight testing.”
The company remains on its accelerated path to the next engineering milestone, CDR. Current work includes building ground test vehicles and virtually flying the interceptor during system integration trials, enabled by our digital engineering tool suite.
NGI is designed to deter and defeat evolving rogue-nation long range ballistic missile threats to the U.S. homeland. The first Lockheed Martin NGI is forecast for delivery to the warfighter as early as Fiscal Year 2027.
28 Feb 24. British Army to declare IOC for AH-64E force. The British Army is to declare initial operating capability (IOC) for its Boeing AH-64E Apache Guardian attack helicopter force in the coming days, a senior official said on 28 February.
Speaking at the IQPC International Military Helicopter (IMH) 2024 conference in London, the official who was presenting under the Chatham House Rule said that with 38 of 50 remanufactured airframes now delivered back to the UK, IOC will be declared in March.
“We are now nearing [the] end of our AH-64E fielding, and we will bring this capability to operational readiness next month,” the official said.
News of the imminent declaration of IOC came four months after the British Army said in October 2023 that its first AH-64E unit was “ready for front-line” operations, after the Army Air Corps’ (AAC’s) 3 Regiment passed its validation tests in September 2023. (Source: Janes)
27 Feb 24. Malaysian Army self-propelled howitzer acquisition programme faces a blurry future.
The schedule, number of platforms and total estimated cost of the Malaysian Army’s 155mm self-propelled howitzer (SPH) acquisition programme has remained undefined despite the procurement effort having been announced back in the 2010s.
- MOST VIE
The future of the Malaysian Army 155mm SPH acquisition programme has remained blurry amid rumours of cancellation. Although the effort was announced in the 2010s, its schedule, number of platforms and total estimated cost have still to be defined.
The final selection of a system/platform has been expected to be made this year, with the new wheeled vehicles likely to be deployed in Eastern Malaysia.
Currently, the army does not operate 155mm SPH systems and has been equipped with ASTROS 2 self-propelled rocket launcher, as well as towed howitzers of 105mm and 155mm calibres. (Source: Shephard)
27 Feb 24. USN seeking to rapidly prototype new air-launched, stand-off missile.
The service wants to produce up to 500 rounds per year and field an early version in fiscal year 2027.
The US Navy is seeking industry’s assistance to rapidly prototype and field a new air-launched, stand-off weapon inexpensive enough to manufacture en masse and perform on par with the service’s current anti-ship cruise missile.
Dubbed the “Multi-mission Affordable Capacity Effector (MACE),” the service posted a public notice earlier this month that it should have “increased range at lower costs” and “integrated a high-maturity propulsion system with proven payloads.”
“The objective of this notice is to help the government determine if there are existing sources with the capability and experience to rapidly prototype, integrate, test and field a long-range, network-enabled weapon system capable of launch from a F/A-18E/F and F-35A/C,” according to the notice.
The exact ranges of most Pentagon weaponry are classified, but the notice states MACE should be “complimentary” to the Long Range Anti-Ship Missile, the Lockheed Martin-made missile fielded on the Navy’s F/A-18 and Air Force’s B-1B.
Possible successors to LRASM, an effort dubbed HALO, are in development by Lockheed Martin and Raytheon, but the Navy has previously stated it doesn’t expect that weapon to be fielded until the 2030s. By contrast, Naval Air Systems Command, the service agency responsible for buying aircraft and associated weaponry, wants to field an early version of MACE in fiscal year 2027, according to the solicitation.
Possible proposals from industry should aim for a cost no greater than $300,000 per all-up-round with a production capacity of at least 500 rounds per year, the notice states.
“MACE shall be compatible with carriage on F/A-18E/F, as the threshold platform. MACE should be designed for internal carriage of 4 AURs in F-35A/C to enable future integration. MACE shall be compatible with existing internal carriage racks and/or mounting points approved for use on F-35A/C,” according to the notice.
The War Zone, which reported on the Navy’s notice earlier this month, noted the service’s request bears similarity to a US Air Force initiative dubbed the “Extended Ranged Attack Munition.” The Air Force first published its own notice about ERAM in late January.
Spokespeople from the Navy and Air Force did not immediately respond to requests for comment from Breaking Defense. (Source: Defense News Early Bird/Breaking Defense.com)
27 Feb 24. Mobile air defence: Rheinmetall to supply the Bundeswehr with Skyranger 30 on Boxer platform – order worth almost €600m. The Bundeswehr has tasked Rheinmetall with another important air defence project. The Düsseldorf-based Group will soon be supplying the German armed forces with the Skyranger 30 mobile air defence system. Worth €595m (including value added tax), the contract encompasses delivery of a prototype and another 18 series production vehicles. In addition, an option exists for a further 30 systems. The prototype is to be delivered by the end of 2024. Just last month, the Bundeswehr entrusted Rheinmetall and its partner contractors with developing a system for short- and very short-range air defence known as the NNbS, in which the Skyranger 30 will constitute a key component.
27 Feb 24. RTX’s Raytheon completes first flight test for new AMRAAM-ER variant. Raytheon, an RTX (NYSE: RTX) business, and Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace, with support from the Norwegian Ministry of Defense (MoD) and Armed Forces, successfully completed a flight test of an updated AMRAAM®-Extended Range missile variant from a National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System (NASAMS). The successful flight test showcases the increased capabilities of the upgraded AMRAAM-ER.
This latest AMRAAM-ER variant is a first-of-its-kind configuration incorporating the guidance section of the AIM-120 C-8. It also incorporates a more robust 10-inch rocket motor from Nammo and a 10-inch Control Actuator System, from Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace, branded the Norwegian Propulsion Stack, for which the Norwegian MoD has been a collaborative partner.
“Integrating this new technology into the AMRAAM-ER ensures the advanced capabilities of the surface-launched munition for many years to come,” said Paul Ferraro, president of Air & Space Defense Systems at Raytheon. “Agile software upgrades will continue to advance AMRAAM to stay ahead of evolving threats.”
The testing included a test firing, during which the missile flew a preprogramed flight path to verify safe egress from the NASAMS launcher and missile performance.
The AMRAAM-ER is designed to be integrated with the NASAMS launcher for increased air defense protection, intercepting targets with increased range and altitude of a non-extended range AMRAAM.
NASAMS, a highly adaptable medium-range air defense solution, is jointly developed and produced by Raytheon and Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace. Drawing on decades of experience, industrial cooperation, and significant investment made by all three parties, this new cooperative arrangement will grow the capabilities of NASAMS to ensure it keeps pace with ever-evolving complex threats. (Source: Google/ PR Newswire)
26 Feb 24. EOS, Shielders Advanced Industries to build remote weapons system in UAE. EOS Defence Systems and Shielders Advanced Industries have signed a memorandum of understanding to establish a joint venture and manufacture EOS’ remote weapon system in the UAE.
Under the terms of the joint venture, the two companies have agreed to manufacture the R150 remote weapons system (RWS) locally in the United Arab Emirates.
In delivering the capability, Electro Optic Systems (EOS) is expected to deliver design and production technologies for the RWS, while Abu Dhabi-based Shielders Advanced Industries will provide manufacturing facilities, fabrication, and processing expertise.
The agreement was signed during the Ajban Defense Industry and Technology Exhibition in the United Arab Emirates on 21 February.
The joint venture is expected to strengthen EOS’ position in the region and meet the company’s strategic objective of increased international growth, Dr Andreas Schwer, chief executive officer of EOS, said.
“We are excited to embark on this strategic partnership with Shielders Advanced Industries, which represents a significant step forward in our commitment to enhancing the defence capabilities of the United Arab Emirates.
“This joint venture not only strengthens our presence in the region but also aligns with our vision of delivering innovative and advanced defence solutions on a global scale.
“We look forward to leveraging our combined expertise to create a lasting impact on the UAE’s defence industry and contribute to its economic growth.”
In January, EOS confirmed it will supply remote weapon systems under a new $25m contract in Europe.
The contract, in addition to an earlier agreement announced on 13 June, will include the remote weapon systems, spares, training, and related services to be delivered to a Western European government during 2024.
The RWS being supplied appear to be the R400 remote weapon station capable of fitting calibre weapons between a 7.62mm machine gun and a 30mm cannon. The system has a gimbal mounting and sensor united and has previously been tested to carry automatic grenade launchers or missile launchers such as Javelin munitions.
“In performing this contract, Electro Optic Systems will draw upon a support network and supply chain consisting of over 100 suppliers located across Australia, and others internationally,” said a company statement published on 27 December.
“The EOS RWS product portfolio is designed to provide the highest firepower for lowest weight, delivering superior accuracy and reliability compared to competitor systems.
“Over 2,500 units have been sold and are currently in use with several military services in Australia, North America, Europe, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia.
“The contract is subject to approval by the Australian government.”
Late last year, the company also advised investors that their CEO, Dr Andreas Schwer, had also been appointed to the role of managing director on 12 December. (Source: Defence Connect)
26 Feb 24. Avon Protection, a leader in innovative CBRN personal protective equipment, proudly introduces its new EXOSKIN-S1 CBRN protective suit, a pivotal addition to its range of CBRN protective wear. This launch marks a significant milestone in Avon Protection’s mission to deliver advanced protective capabilities for individuals operating in a CBRN threat environment worldwide.
Designed to meet the rigorous NATO AEP-38 standard, the EXOSKIN-S1 offers unmatched defence against vapour, liquid and particulate Chemical Warfare Agents (CWA), Toxic Industrial Chemical (TIC) and biological threats for up to 24 hours at a time, giving the wearer continuous protection for extended operational durations. It integrates seamlessly with Avon Protection’s range of EXOSKIN CBRN protective wear and respiratory systems while maximising the safety, comfort and agility of operators in the field.
The EXOSKIN-S1 suit completed its MIST testing to achieve the AEP-38 standard as part of Avon Protection’s integrated outer protection ensemble, which includes the EXOSKIN boots and gloves. Achieving the AEP-38 standard means, that for the first time, users can purchase a full-body CBRN protective system from a single supplier, along with Avon Protection’s market-leading range of CBRN respirators and accessories.
“Our goal is to take full responsibility for the entire protection system by controlling the design, integration and performance of all the components needed to keep personnel safe while operating in complex CBRN environments,” Justin Hine, Director of Strategy & Capability at Avon Protection, said. “In doing so, we are approaching the CBRN protection market in a novel way: users can acquire their life-protecting ensemble equipment from a single supplier who is accountable for the entire CBRN equipment ecosystem, all while benefiting from the superior safety and assurance of the Avon Protection brand they know and trust.”
Engineered with a cotton poly outer layer and activated carbon inner lining, the EXOSKIN-S1 features an integrated hood with a double elasticated aperture for a secure seal around the wearer’s respirator. Hook and loop adjustable tabs on the lower legs, and an inner leg gaiter with stirrup prevent ingress at the ankle, and a unique smart layer design with a thumb loop prevents ingress at the wrist. The suit also features two jacket zip designs with hook and loop fastening for improved integration with body armour.
With NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) contracts for its EXOSKIN boots and gloves, as well as the FM50 respirator and accessories, Avon Protection remains at the forefront of CBRN protective technology. Its extensive range of CBRN respiratory technologies, including Air Purifying Respirators (APRs), escape devices, Powered Air Purifying Respirators (PAPR), and Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA), delivers protection to over 4 m users worldwide.
23 Feb 24. Cuashub.com said today that FM 3-01.44- Short-Range Air Defense Operations. Short-Range Air Defense Operations is a field manual published by Headquarters, Department of the Army.
Field Manual 3-01.44 provides comprehensive guidance for short-range air defense (SHORAD) implementation. The manual outlines the planning, coordination, integration, synchronization, and execution of SHORAD, emphasizing that it does not intend to offer fixed solutions but provides general guidance. Commanders are granted flexibility to deploy SHORAD forces as they see fit, and the manual will be updated to incorporate emerging SHORAD systems as they are fielded in the future.
Designed for leaders across various levels, from corps commanders to air defense artillery (ADA) team chiefs, this publication serves as a valuable resource. It assists commanders in employing SHORAD forces and supports joint force commanders in planning and executing air and missile defense (AMD) operations across the battlefield. Additionally, the manual proves beneficial for tasks such as sensor deployment, collection management, target development, and force application.
Publication Date– July 2022
Short-Range Air Defense Operations contains the following major sections:
- Air and Missile Defense
- Short-Range Air Defense Fundamentals
- Threats to be Countered by Short-Range Air Defense
- Planning for Short-Range Air Defense Operations
- Preparing for Short-Range Air Defense Operations
- Executing Short-Range Air Defense Operations
https://cuashub.com/content/fm-3-01-44-short-range-air-defense-operations/?_hsmi=295326606&_hsenc=p2ANqtz–jHx4aB8yu9lqOd_h_A8ZF5Zve3Kvx_W4O0ByAZCcGesHJA5M-uF_6Yqttei5I-IQyyH54rsyZruNAZd7ca8j4dfmG3tHiEmYWF0beMhuKS55dVuM#utm_campaign=C-UAS%20Hub%20General&utm_medium=email&utm_content=295326606&utm_source=hs_email(Source: https://cuashub.com/)
————————————————————————-
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.
————————————————————————-