Sponsored by Galvion
www.galvion.com
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14 Jun 24. Galvion’s European Production Hub in Poland approaches completion. Galvion, a world leader in innovative head protection systems and power and data management solutions, has achieved a significant milestone in the establishment of their European Production Hub in Poland, as they advance towards completion. The facility represents a major investment aimed at strengthening Galvion’s regional support and service strategy, and this week achieved the key project milestone of permitting and inspection readiness, a critical step on the journey to officially opening and beginning operations within the coming months.
First announced in September 2023 and driven by Galvion’s ongoing successes in NATO and the wider European regions, the new facility is based in Gdansk. This announcement coincides with Eurosatory taking place 17-21 June 2023 where Galvion are exhibiting on booth 5A-G385.
Following recent consecutive program awards from key European nations, including a NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) framework contract, Galvion is expecting to have close to 1.5 m helmets in service across NATO and other European countries by 2025. Galvion’s new Gdansk facility will initially house helmet finishing and assembly capabilities, in addition to critical support, maintenance, refurbishment, upgrade and training operations. The Gdansk location was chosen following a comprehensive search and assessment period, and the functionality of the facility is expected to expand through 2026 and beyond in order to support Galvion’s full product and solutions portfolio. Galvion’s existing core facilities in Canada and the USA will continue to design, develop, manufacture and service domestic, regional, and key global programs, customers, production and support requirements.
Todd Stirtzinger, CEO at Galvion said: “Establishing a new facility in a country across the globe is a major undertaking and we are pleased with the progress that has been made since announcing this endeavour in September of last year. Permitting and inspection readiness represent a critical milestone, and we continue building our Polish team in order to bring the facility and offices to life. Being able to both produce and support helmet systems in Europe is a big step for us and for our NATO customers, as we continue to receive orders through the NSPA framework contract.”
He added: “Our emphasis on responsible regional operations helps to sharpen the focus of our manufacturing and support facilities around the world to enhance delivery, responsiveness, and supportability for all of our customers.”
13 Jun 24. Thales South Africa offering fire control and automation upgrades for conventional mortars. Thales South Africa has developed a digital fire control system for standard mortars, offering a cost-effective and lightweight solution to greatly improve accuracy.
The new modular Mortar Fire Control System (MFCS) was first displayed at the Africa Aerospace and Defence (AAD) 2022 exhibition outside Pretoria and has received interest from European customers, amongst others. More recently it was, together with the Thales Automated Mortar Fire Control System (AMFC), demonstrated to the military attache and advisory corps at an SVI Engineering event earlier this year, with the AMFC mounted on an SVI Max 3 4×6 armoured vehicle.
The Mortar Fire Control System can be integrated to any conventional mortar system ranging from 60 to 120 mm, effectively providing a digital upgrade for conventional mortars.
The MFCS has at its core the AS 4000 Integrated Mortar Fire Control System developed by Thales. Hardware includes a rugged tablet computer with GPS, data communications units, and MFCS software (tailored to either mortar fire controller or command post). The mortar laying and positioning system includes an optical heading and reference system to eliminate drift over time.
Automated Mortar Fire Control System
The Thales Automated Mortar Fire Control System (AMFCS – known as the Scorpion in South Africa) is a fully automated weapon system for light fire support, interchangeable between different calibres (60, 81, 82 mm mortars and 107 mm rockets). The AS 4000 is installed in the mortar vehicle cab and used to lay the mortar onto target – this is done through a full 360° electric traverse mechanism. A mortar man drops the mortar rounds down the pipe – an auto-loader was considered but rejected for the sake of mechanical simplicity, reliability and weight reduction as well as keeping the costs low.
One option for obtaining targeting data is to use the Thales Sophie binocular/thermal imager, which also includes a laser rangefinder mounted on a sighting system. This enables targets to be rapidly detected and engaged under almost all weather conditions.
A damping system mitigates recoil, allowing the AMFCS to be fitted to relatively small and light vehicles. A requirement was that the mortar be easily swapped from one vehicle to another; it can be easily unbolted and the platform transferred.
Thales said the AMFCS solution allows for rapid deployment and quick action, as the mortar can be laid onto target within 20 seconds – an improvement on reaction time of 95% compare to conventional mortars. This also facilitates ‘shoot and scoot’ operations.
As the system is automated, it offers a high first round hit probability and a low dispersion of bombs across the target area. The system can operate in GNSS denied environments, and detect GPS spoofing.
The AMFCS (Scorpion) is currently in operational use with the South African Special Forces, for whom it was designed and developed. In recent years Thales South Africa Systems has intensively marketed and demonstrated the AMFCS in different countries around the world.
Longstanding SANDF relationship
Thales has also provided various integrated artillery and light mortar fire control systems and ancillary equipment to the South African Army, including the AS 4000 Fire Control System for the South African Artillery Formation.
The company has also delivered Tactical Intelligence Systems to the South African Army Intelligence Regiment (including Sophie surveillance systems, Squire ground surveillance radars, and communications equipment as part of a battlefield surveillance and mobile intelligence processing system).
On the aerial side, Thales has seen the Digital Joint Reconnaissance Pod (DJRP) installed and integrated on the South African Air Force’s Gripen fighter aircraft to take high-resolution images of the battlefield.
For the SA Navy, Thales supplied the Combat Management System (CMS) and the Combat Team Training Simulator for the South African Navy’s Valour Class Meko A200 frigates. (Source: https://www.defenceweb.co.za/)
12 Jun 24. Senop AFCD TI and Carl Gustaf® M4 – Game changing combination now available. The Senop AFCD TI is fully qualified for Carl-Gustaf M4 and M3 weapon systems. Senop Advanced Fire Control Device Thermal Imager (AFCD TI) is one of the first intelligent sights on the market qualified for the Carl-Gustaf® M4 and M3 weapon systems and the only system which integrates all performance-critical features into one casing. The AFCD TI has an integrated day camera, thermal camera, laser range finder and ballistic calculation. “Carl-Gustaf is a real multi-tool on the battlefield and AFCD TI raises the capability of the system to the next level,” explains Aki Korhonen, CEO of Senop.
“The development of AFCD TI has been carried out in close cooperation with Saab professionals, and with the latest software updates, among other things, the AFCD TI is currently the best that can be found on the market in terms of intelligent sights. We are proud to be part of building a whole new concept for all Carl-Gustaf users around the world” highlights Antti Lommi, head of product management. AFCD TI offers several performance-enhancing functionalities in one and the same device. This is a significant difference compared to other solutions currently on the market, which utilize the traditional day sight and Clip-On night optics combination. The state-of-the-art optronics, ballistic calculation and communication with the most modern rounds enable an extremely good first round hit probability for both moving and stationary targets. Depending on the conditions, the operator can use a day camera, a thermal camera, or a combined fusion image to detect, identify and recognize targets in the battlefield. The AFCD TI is the lightest fire control system for Carl-Gustaf on the market with all the capabilities mentioned above. The device weighs only 1.7 kg and is designed and built to meet the highest usability requirements.
“Our goal is to keep the AFCD TI constantly updated to meet user requirements and the evolving conditions of the battlefield,” says Korhonen. “Programming of the new HE 448 round is also possible with AFCD TI. The ballistics of new ammunition can be easily updated to the AFCD TI as well”, Lommi continues.
12 Jun 24. Indonesia proposes to equip ‘Red White’ frigates with Turkish missiles. Indonesia’s defence ministry has proposed that its two future ‘Red White’ frigates be equipped with a selection of combat systems, including missiles, that are sourced from Turkey. Documents provided to Janes by a naval source during a visit to Surabaya confirm that this proposal will effectively revise an earlier plan that called for a more diverse list of weapon suppliers. Indonesia signed a contract for two ‘Red White’ frigates with state-owned shipbuilder PT PAL in April 2020. The frigates are being built to the Arrowhead 140 design provided by UK defence group Babcock under a licence agreement. Babcock’s Arrowhead 140 design is in turn based on the Royal Danish Navy’s three-ship Iver Huitfeldt class, which was commissioned between January and November 2011. (Source: Janes)
12 Jun 24. Indian Army issues tender to procure VSHORADS. The VSHORADS – pictured above from a DRDO test in March 2023 – is a tripod-launched missile system designed to strike moving aerial targets such as UAVs, helicopters, and fighter aircraft. (DRDO)
The Indian Army issued a request for information (RFI) to procure an unknown number of very short-range air-defence systems (VSHORADSs) on 11 June.
According to the RFI, the VSHORADS must comprise grip stock/tripod launchers, sight systems to intercept targets both in day and night, and missiles.
The VSHORADS should have the capability to engage the fighter and transport aircraft, helicopters, and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), the RFI said.
The Indian Army seeks to procure VSHORADS in two configurations – a manportable version and a vehicle-mounted version.
According to the Indian Army, the system is envisaged to be deployed across all terrain in the country such as high-altitude areas, plains/riverine, desert, coastal areas, and maritime.
The VSHORADS missiles must feature infrared (IR) or imaging IR (IIR) seeker systems with cooled or uncooled medium-wave camera modules.
India’s Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) approved the procurement of VSHORADS for the Indian Army in January 2023.
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has been developing VSHORADS for the Indian Army since 2020.
(Source: Janes)
13 Jun 24. A legend reborn: BAE Systems’ Tridon Mk2 makes its debut at Eurosatory. BAE Systems is launching its next-generation 40mm anti-aircraft system, Tridon Mk2, at Eurosatory 2024, showcasing its unique capability to protect against ever-evolving aerial threats.
“The Tridon Mk2 is the ideal solution for combat operations, where soldiers need a proven, high-precision and reliable anti-aircraft system to keep the skies clear and protect troops and infrastructure,” said Lena Gillström, president of BAE Systems Bofors. “The adaptability of the system, which can evolve as threats continue to change, is what makes it one of the most effective anti-aircraft systems on the market today.”
Based on the battle-proven Bofors 40mm gun and more than 90 years of experience, this cutting-edge/industry-leading self-propelled system provides security and protection for both military forces and civil infrastructure.
Each system has its own day-night acquisition sensors from a Saab 1X radar and Chess Dynamics Hawkeye EO/IR sensor and fire-control system, which makes it a cost-effective solution to protect large areas.’
On today’s battlefields, tens of thousands of drones are shot down every month, and this new threat has exposed a dangerous gap in current air defence capabilities for NATO allies.
The Tridon Mk2 offers a solution to help fill that gap. It is a mobile anti-aircraft system with high-precision, teamed with critical munitions capabilities, including the Bofors 3P programmable munition which forms the backbone of the system, designed for defeating a wide range of aerial and land-based threats. The system has an effective range of up to 12km, depending on the target, selected ammunition, sensor suite and surrounding terrain. It is a flexible option for any military, offering the ability to mix a large variety of ammunition in the same firing salvo.
The system’s modularity enables it to be mounted on various platforms and fully operated from within the cabin. This allows for both rapid deployment into action and for troops to regroup to avoid enemy countermeasures. It can also be off-loaded at strategic locations and remotely controlled from a safe distance.
Each system has its own day-night acquisition sensors from Saab and Chess and fire-control system, which makes it a cost-effective solution to protect large areas.
The Tridon Mk2 will be displayed on the BAE Systems stand at Eurosatory from 17 – 21 June 2024 (Hall 5A, stand B369). 12 Jun 24. GDELS restarts tank and artillery main gun barrel manufacturing.
It is likely that the restart to main gun barrel manufacture has been driven in part by the demand for artillery after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
General Dynamics European Land System – Santa Bárbara Sistemas (GDELS-SBS) has reactivated the manufacturing of large calibre gun barrels as a response to the increased demand for tanks and artillery, amid the ongoing war between Ukraine and Russia.
The move reflected “international defence and security requirements”, GDELS-SBS stated in an 11 June release, adding that the restart of gun barrel manufacture had already got underway at its Trubia site with 120mm, 105mm, and 155mm barrels for main battle tanks (MBTs) and artillery.
“Operational experience from ongoing military confrontation demonstrate the renewed relevance of artillery as well as main battle tanks,” said Juan A. Escriña, general director of GDELS-SBS.
Although not stated, the “ongoing military confrontation” is almost certainly in reference to the ongoing war between Ukraine and Russia, which has seen hundreds of thousands of casualties sustained by both sides in the more than two-year-old conflict.
The Ukraine-Russia war has reignited the demand for artillery systems and MBTs, capabilities that appear no less relevant on the contemporary battlefield as they did in the wars of the 20th Century.
GDELS stated that in recent years it has manufactured more than two hundred 120mm gun barrels for the Leopard 2E main battle tank of the Spanish Army, more than one hundred barrels for its SIAC 155/52 howitzer, both field and coastal artillery, as well as dozens of barrels for the 105 Light Gun, models L118 and L119.
GDELS-SBS is the only Spanish company to manufacture, maintain, and modernise artillery systems. General Dynamics European Land Systems is a Europe-based business unit of US defence prime General Dynamics.
Global artillery market dominated by Europe
Analysis by GlobalData forecasts that the global artillery system market, valued at $10.6bn in 2024, is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 4.5% over the next decade, reaching $16.5bn by 2034 and cumulatively valued $148.7bn over the forecast period.
The market consists of five categories: self-propelled artillery system, multiple rocket launch system (MRLS), towed artillery system, naval gun, and close-in weapon system. Of this, the market is expected to be dominated by self-propelled artillery system segment, which accounts for 56.1% of the market, followed by MLRS segment with 22.1% share.
Among geographic segments, Europe is projected to dominate the sector with a share of 46.2%, followed by Asia-Pacific and North America with shares of 38.2% and 7.0% respectively. (Source: army-technology.com)
11 Jun 24. Lockheed offers Polish industry a seat at its rocket launcher table. Lockheed Martin is offering Poland’s defense industry an opportunity to participate in the production of guided multiple-launch rocket systems, which neighboring Ukraine has used against Russian invaders.
The offer from the American defense firm comes as Poland considers buying up to 486 launchers and launcher-loader module kits with related gear for its M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems, or HIMARS, which Lockheed makes.
A Lockheed Martin spokesperson told Defense News during a briefing in Warsaw that the missiles could undergo production at Mesko, a subsidiary of PGZ, the nation’s state-run defense giant. The U.S. company is currently holding talks with Polish officials.
“Under the Homar-A program, we plan to locate production of GMLRS [guided multiple-launch rocket system] ammunition in Poland with the phased introduction of two GMLRS variants initially to meet the needs of the Polish Armed Forces. Initial production, likely to be from kit sets provided from the U.S., could begin in 2026,” the spokesperson said on the condition of anonymity to discuss the negotiations.
In September 2023, then-Defence Minister Mariusz Błaszczak signed a framework deal to buy up to 486 HIMARS units. The framework agreement came more than seven months after the U.S. State Department approved the Polish bid to acquire advanced rockets and rocket launchers worth about $10bn.
However, a new centrist government formed in Poland three months later, and since then an executive deal has not been signed.
Under a contract inked in February 2019, Poland bought 20 HIMARS launchers for about $414m.
In both the unitary and alternative warhead variants of the GMLRS, the weapon’s round carries a 200-pound unitary warhead and is enabled with a range exceeding 70 kilometers (44 miles), according to data from the U.S. manufacturer. (Source: Defense News)
11 Jun 24. EU Commission gives go-ahead for Extended MCM programme.
Supported the European Defence Fund, Naval Group Belgium will lead a consortium of 21 companies to deliver a sovereign European MCM system.
Aconsortium of 21 European companies led by Naval Group Belgium have been given the green light to pursue a sovereign European mine countermeasure (MCM) solution.
Building on results from the two-year-long Mine Risk Clearance for Europe (MIRICLE) programme, which launched in December 2021 and concluded at the end of 2023, the Extended MCM (E-MCM) project has been approved by the EU Commission in the frame of a 2023 call of the European Defence Fund.
E-MCM will begin in Q4 2024 and take place over the next three years.
What is E-MCM?
The renewed programme aims to design, prototype and demonstrate an MCM system-of-systems network.
Within this web of systems, a European naval force will deploy uncrewed and autonomous toolboxes, platforms and decision-support tools – all powered by artificial intelligence (AI).
Naval Group suggests that E-MCM aims at “closing development gaps” for capabilities within a new generation toolbox – or what Naval Group has dubbed “toolbox 2.0” – which delivers faster, safer and more resilient MCM operations.
In 2021, GlobalData defence analysis asserted that this area “is undergoing a major transition from traditional mine-hunting to an uncrewed and autonomous future.
“Uncrewed vehicles offer an optimum solution to this threat. They provide strategic and operational advantages to navies and security forces by reducing the maintenance and operating costs and human risk significantly, as well as by extending the reach of information, surveillance, and reconnaissance collection.”
European ambitions are fixed on autonomous MCM within a wider network of systems coordinating operations together. This unqiue concept for an MCM ecosystem is an ambitious project that fits the bill for future maritime MCM.
Belgian and Dutch MCMVs
MIRICLE, and now E-MCM, will be pursued in conjunction with the development of new vessels (MCMVs).
These are next-generation minehunters being offered by Belgium Naval & Robotics to enhance the MCM capabilities of both the Belgian Navy and the Royal Netherlands Navy. The new MCMVs will replace the Tripartite-class minehunters operated by both countries for the past 30 years. The second of 12 MCMVs was launched by Naval Group in late October 2023.
The MCMVs are suitable for a range of missions, including identification and destruction of naval mines, anti-piracy, anti-terrorism, maritime traffic interception as well as territorial waters surveillance.
(Source: naval-technology.com)
10 Jun 24. KNDS tests of the ASCALON® gun are going further. KNDS is actively working to demonstrate the maturity of ASCALON® 140mm gun and its ammunition. The last firing campaign in May 2024 has shown the excellent capacities of the 140 and 120mm barrels as well as the APFSDS rounds maturity. The ASCALON® program includes several hundreds of firings of 120 and 140mm barrels from May 2022 to December 2025. The next important step is firing tests from an MBT in 2025.
A scalable gun for more modularity
KNDS demonstration included shooting with a 140mm ASCALON® barrel followed by a quick change to a 120mm ASCALON® barrel before new firing of 120mm ammunition. This campaign shows the possibility offered by the ASCALON® concept to fit any barrel from 120 mm to 140 mm on a sole carriage in less than one hour.
ASCALON®, the new gun concept for the development of the MGCS main weapon
The innovative concept ASCALON® delivers performance levels that current technologies do not offer. It also proposes a significant growth potential. As the innovation leader of heavy caliber gun and ammunition, KNDS designed ASCALON® with an open architecture to serve as a basis for cooperative development of a combat gun platform within the framework of the Franco-German MGCS program, laying the foundations for the future standard of European tank gun and ammunition. (Source: Defense Arabia)
10 Jun 24. Saab finalises $1.2bn Carl Gustaf transfer to Polish Army.
Announced on 4 March 2024 and recently finalised, the Polish Army will procure Carl Gustaf M4 anti-armour systems from Saab worth $1.2bn.
Sweden’s foremost defence prime Saab has finalised details of a potential deal with the Polish Armed Forces – originally announced on 4 March 2024 – for Carl Gustaf M4 systems.
The Central European republic, already well on its way to becoming Europe’s most formidable military, has procured an undisclosed number of Carl Gustaf M4 man-portable, anti-armour weapon systems at a cost of Skr13bn ($1.2bn).
Always eager to learn lessons when it comes to outmatching Russia’s mechanised vehicles in Ukraine – 11,679 have been destroyed according to estimates from the open-source research group Oryx – the Polish Army have found M4 systems to be an ideal solution against such platforms.
Mainly, Carl Gustaf M4s are used to destroy armoured tanks with add-on armour protection, neutralise landing craft and bunkers, clear obstacles and engage enemies in buildings.
Worldwide, more than 40 countries are supplied with the weapon systems.
The M4 version is a lightweight, flexible design incorporating titanium-made components and improved carbon fibre wrapping. The recoilless rifle offers enhanced agility and tactical flexibility, allowing military forces to engage multiple tactical targets.
It has a length of less than 1,000 millimetres and weighs less than seven kilogrammes, making it easy to carry. A gunner and a loader typically operate the system. (Source: army-technology.com)
10 Jun 24. German Navy continue purchase of US RAM GMLS.
Germany and the US continue their enduring Rolling Airframe Missile partnership as their navies kit out their frigates with the close-in weapon system. The US Department of Defense (DoD) awarded another contract modification to its prime missile manufacturer, Raytheon, an RTX business, worth $33.8m on 7 June 2024. The supplier will provide requirements and spares for RIM-116 Rolling Airframe Missile (RAM) Mod 5 guided missile launcher system (GMLS) for shipborne air defence on surface combatants in the German Navy.
With slightly less than half of the work taking place in Ottobrunn in southern Germany, the remainder will be produced at various facilities across the US.
RAM is a supersonic, lightweight, quick-response, GMLS jointly developed by the two nations; the systems are currently deployed on 165 ships across 11 navies from Germany, South Korea, Egypt, Turkey to the US.
The modification builds on an enduring partnership concerning the system in which the DoD last awarded a $57.2m modification for the procurement of RAM material, assembly and tests of the Mod 5 variant for both navies in July last year.
F126 incorporates RAM system
While the DoD modification does not specify which vessels this latest round of support will benefit, it should be noted that the German Navy has recently laid the keel for the first of the future F126 frigates, which are due to include two RAM GMLS.
With a length of 166 metres and a displacement of around 10,000 tonnes, these vessels are set to become the largest combat ships within the German Armed Forces. With crews of up to 198 soldiers, the frigates are engineered to facilitate three-dimensional naval warfare, enabling them to engage targets across air, water, and underwater domains.
German missile defence market analysis
GlobalData intelligence indicates that missiles and missile defence systems is the second-largest sector for Germany by forecast value.
The cumulative market value is $14.bn, with a positive compound annual growth rate of 7.4%. The sector is valued at $1.9bn in 2023 and is forecast to fluctuate very slightly before reaching $2.8bn in 2028.
It is believed that the platform-based missile defence segment – which includes systems such as RAM – contributes to the highest value area in the German missile defence market, worth $8.7bn. (Source: naval-technology.com)
02 May 24. Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) has unveiled a new air-launched ‘deep stand-off’ variant of its Long-Range Artillery (LORA) precision strike tactical missile called the Air LORA, the company announced on 6 June 2024.
Already test-launched from an F-16 fighter, the Air LORA is a long-range air-to-ground missile (AGM) developed for strike missions against high-value and well-protected targets such as command centres, air force bases, infrastructure, and naval vessels in dense littoral environments, according to IAI.
“With a robust warhead of various types, Air LORA enables air forces to strike enemy targets from far distances outside the reach of [enemy air defences],” IAI stated in a press release. “It features high survivability with advanced immune INS/GNSS navigation and strong anti-jamming capabilities, allowing for 24/7 operation in extreme weather conditions and highly contested battlefields.”
IAI states that the Air LORA “can be simply integrated into airborne platforms as a stand-alone configuration or through the avionics system” and is easy to operate, “with simple fire-and-forget and autonomous operation”.
The Air LORA, according to IAI, “has a very high mission success rate mainly due to its supersonic speed and its combat-proven GNSS anti-jamming system”, as well as terminal trajectory shaping and a 90° attack angle.
Jacob Galifat, general manager of IAI’s MLM Division, was quoted by the company as stating, “We are very excited to introduce the Air LORA, which opens new frontiers and capabilities for our customers and improves the attack and defence capabilities for countries, with minimal risk to pilots and platforms. Air LORA offers air forces the ability to surprise the enemy [deep in its territory] with massive and GNSS anti-jam-protected accurate strike capabilities.” (Source: Google/https://euro-sd.com/)
02 My 24. Invisio claims ground-breaking level of hearing protection with X7 in-ear headset. The X7 in-ear headset launched in January 2024 by communication and hearing protection specialist Invisio has achieved a ground-breaking level of hearing protection, performing even better than initial results and providing higher safety levels for users than ever, the company announced on 2 May.
Latest tests show that the Invisio X7 offers a signal-to-noise ratio of 39 dB (the difference between the wanted signal and the unwanted noise): a level of protection that will have a significant impact on users’ ability to operate safely in high-noise environments.
The difference between, for example, 29 dB (the highest current level of certified hearing protection using an over-the-ear dismounted headset) and 39 dB of attenuation corresponds to withstanding three times louder noise levels, Invisio explained in a press release. It also implies that the operator can cope with eight times longer exposure to the same noise levels.
“When we launched the X7 we said it would set a new industry benchmark for in-ear headsets in the most demanding environments, and these certified attenuation figures show that we have achieved exactly that”, Carsten Aagesen, Invisio’s senior vice president of global sales and marketing, was quoted as saying in a company press release.
The high level of performance also affects the protection from impulse noise, such as when firing weapons, both in terms of the calibre used and the number of firings users can be exposed to without compromising safety. It also means that users can be mounted safely in vehicles for longer periods when exposed to high continuous noise levels.
“Invisio’s milestone achievement in hearing protection is fully certified by an independent test laboratory and notified body and is the result of extensive R&D efforts and vigorous testing of the Invisio X7 using six different sizes of foam tips and three different sizes of tri-flanged tips,” the company stated.
The X7 in-ear headset can also be combined with the Invisio T7 over-the ear headset to provide dual-layer hearing protection of 43 dB SNR when exposed to excessive noise environments. These two intelligent headsets work seamlessly together, allowing users to move dynamically without losing vital communications or situational awareness at any time.
The Invisio X7, the performance of which is enhanced using artificial intelligence (AI), was developed using extensive feedback from both military and public safety operators to create a range of new features, including an ergonomic design perfected to fit the shape of each ear and soft materials to ensure the highest level of comfort. The X7 headset has an integrated voice pick-up sensor (VPU) that picks up vibrations from the inner ear and transforms them into speech without the need for a specific in-ear contact point to transmit the speech.
The AI-powered audio enhancements provide unparalleled communication and speech quality, excluding unwanted noise with different hear-through modes and digital signal processing that automatically adjust the received audio volume to the surrounding noise levels, Invisio noted. (Source: Google/https://euro-sd.com/)
07 Jun 24. Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) and Chemring Nobel AS (CHN), a Norwegian-based specialty chemicals company, recently signed a long-term sourcing agreement for high-energy, explosive powder known as HMX to support warhead production at Northrop Grumman’s Missile Products manufacturing location at Rocket Center, West Virgina.
The agreement builds on the companies’ long-standing relationship and complements Northrop Grumman’s efforts to expand its munitions manufacturing in response to growing customer demand.
- Signed last month, the 15-year agreement effectively secures supply amid demand for the critical chemical used in the production of warheads for smart tactical missiles.
- This long-term sourcing agreement provides for a reliable long-term supply, guaranteed lead times and annual quantities, and predictable pricing, which is important due to the strict performance, safety and reliability requirements associated with HMX.
- The agreement with Chemring Nobel, Europe’s largest producer of HMX, is the latest example of Northrop Grumman’s commitment to supporting Norway, NATO and the security of the High North through the shared development of advanced technologies and industrial investments.
Experts:
Stephen O’Bryan, corporate vice president and global business development officer, Northrop Grumman: “Northrop Grumman is committed to supporting Norway and its NATO partners in ensuring the security of the High North. The company is forging enduring partnerships with Norwegian industry, having awarded more than $500M in contracts in the last ten years.”
Helge Husby, managing director, Chemring Nobel: “As a supplier to Northrop Grumman for many years, we are delighted to have signed this long-term agreement. Chemring Nobel values this relationship and acknowledges the trust that this 15 years agreement places in us. We look forward to further developing our relationship and to providing a reliable security of supply.”
07 Jun 24. US NAVAIR pursues future LRASM C-3 variant. The Navy will support the post-critical design review stage and the testing required to verify the LRASM C-3, which has been long in the making.
In its pursuit of the long-awaited Long Range Anti-Ship Missile (LRASM) C-3 variant, the US Naval Air Systems Command has definitised an additional $24m funds in a contract modification on 6 June 2024, to provide additional non-recurring engineering and material support toward the future weapon system.
LRASM is an autonomous, precision-guided, air-to-surface, stand-off missile deployed by B-1B bombers and the F/A-18E/F aircraft. It is developed by the US defence prime Lockheed Martin.
The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency and the Office of Naval Research initiated its development alonside the main contractor in 2008 in order to penetrate more sophisticated air defence systems of enemies from longer ranges.
Once launched, LRASM guides to an initial point using a GPS guidance system and employs onboard sensors to locate, identify, and provide terminal guidance to the target.
What is the C-3 variant?
To date, there are three LRASM variants which comprise the Navy’s Offensive Anti-Surface Warfare Increment 1 programme, designated: LRASM 1.0, LRASM 1.1, and LRASM C-3.
In fiscal year (FY) 2021, the Navy introduced the C-3 version, which has added land strike capabilities while removing components to reduce unit cost. C-3 will also have an extended range beyond the existing 1.0 variant, including advanced communications and survivability capabilities. (Source: naval-technology.com)
06 Jun 24. US test-fires two unarmed Minuteman III nuclear weapons. The U.S. military test-fired two unarmed Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missiles this week, with the Air Force noting they were not driven by “current world events.”
The tests, which involved the Air Force and Space Force, took place June 4 and June 6 from Vandenberg Space Force Base, California, Air Force Global Strike Command noted in its news releases. That command is tasked with handling one leg of the United States’ nuclear triad, which is also made up of submarine- and bomber-launched nuclear weapons.
Defense News has contacted the command to inquire whether the tests were deemed successful.
“The U.S. nuclear enterprise is the cornerstone of security for our allies and partners across the globe,” Col. Chris Cruise, the head of the 377th Test and Evaluation Group, said in the June 4 announcement. “Today’s test launch is just one example of how our nation’s ICBMs, and the professional Airmen who maintain and operate them, demonstrate the readiness and reliability of the weapon system. It showcases our commitment to deterrence as we stand on continuous alert, 24/7/365.”
The reentry vehicle of each missile traveled approximately 4,200 miles to the Ronald Reagan Ballistic Missile Defense Test Site on the Kwajalein Atoll, Republic of the Marshall Islands. Reentry vehicles are the top part of the ICBM that carry the nuclear warhead. They are designed to detach from the missile, arc in space and then reenter Earth’s atmosphere to hit their intended target.
The Minuteman III ICBM system first became operational in the 1970s and was expected to be in service for a decade. But now, about 50 years later, the weapons are still in use and will be until the 2030s, according to a November statement by Rep. Mike Rogers, R-Ala., who chairs the House Armed Service Committee.
The military had intentionally destroyed an unarmed ICBM earlier in the month during a test due to an anomaly, the Air Force said at the time.
“We must modernize our aging nuclear deterrent and replace the Minuteman III missile — as well as the rest of our nuclear enterprise — with modern systems,” Rogers said in response to the aborted test.
Indeed, the Air Force intends to field its next ICBM, dubbed Sentinel, though the program is behind schedule and its cost has grown beyond what was anticipated. After a delay, the nuclear missile’s first test flight is expected to take place in February 2026, according to the Air Force’s budget documents.
In a joint March news release, Sen. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts and Rep. John Garamendi of California noted inconsistencies in the Air Force’s timeline for replacing the Minuteman III.
“The Sentinel program would replace the Minuteman III program ICBM, which had been deemed viable until the mid-2030s by Air Force leaders with no potential extension of its service life. However, this timeline is inconsistent with the Air Force’s plans to continue to maintain the Minuteman III program for the next 15 to 20 years while the Sentinel program is rolled out in stages,” the two Democrats said. “Even assuming the Air Force is able to meet its intended timeline, the Air Force must rely on the Minuteman III until at least 2036.” (Source: Defense News)
07 Jun 24. US Army debates path to buy long-range precision munitions.
The U.S. Army has spent roughly five years assessing what a helicopter-fired, long-range precision munition would look like. But during that time other options have emerged that could achieve greater commonality with weapons that can be launched from a greater number of platforms, according to the service’s lead for force development.
“Frankly, I have a lot of questions in this space, as the G-8, that I’ve asked for,” Lt. Gen. Karl Gingrich told Defense News in a recent interview.
The Army has procured an interim system for its Long-Range Precision Munition program, or LRPM — Israeli company Rafael Advanced Defense Systems’ Spike non-line-of-site missile. The service is fielding it on a portion of its AH-64 Apache attack helicopters.
The service was expected to choose an industry team to provide a new LRPM in fiscal 2023 following a shoot-off that included the Spike weapon in the fall of 2022, but that decision was delayed.
The Spike “has inherent qualities to it: range, great; sensor, maybe not what we need in the long term,” Gingrich said.
“Is that the solution to proliferate across all Apaches? I’m not sold yet. I need to do some more work,” he added. “LRPM actually is looking an awful lot like a Launched Effects-Medium Range.” Launched effects are expected to deliver capabilities such as targeting, reconnaissance, surveillance, network extension and lethality in a complex environment.
Gingrich said he is considering commonality as a factor. There is a possibility, he noted, that LPRM “just gets pushed into Launched Effects-Medium Range and then now, potentially, we could have a common capability at that range in that form factor that could be air-delivered or ground-delivered from a platform.”
One attribute under consideration, according to Gingrich, is the missile’s speed. A loitering munition is slower. “Do you still need that direct attack that comes in at a higher rate of speed?” he asked. “I don’t know.”
Indeed, the Army still needs something that can achieve extended ranges when considering current battlefields, Gingrich said. “We still have Hellfire [missiles]. We still have [the Joint Air-to-Ground Missile] JAGM, but we’ve never been able to really get the range that we need out of JAGM, which is a great system,” he noted.
The Army is prioritizing the development and acquisition of launched effects that are capable of flying at different ranges and deploying from a variety of air and ground vehicles, particularly with the cancellation of the service’ crewed Future Attack Reconnaissance Aircraft, which made available funding to pursue those programs.
Gingrich is preparing for a session with the Army Requirements Oversight Council to solidify requirements for launched effects. That meeting is scheduled for June 28.
A year ago, the strategy for launched effects was murky. The Army was considering several size classes for launched effects and was prototyping the first version of a small capability. This version was meant to help the service decide how to procure and employ these systems on the battlefield.
There is a great deal of interest from industry. The service held an event in February for launched effects with a large turnout from businesses. The service also plans to experiment with a heavy focus on launched effects at its aviation experimentation event, known as Edge, this fall.
The medium-range launched effects prototype is the result of contributions from five companies that teamed up. The Army plans to wrap up evaluation of the prototypes in September and will then weigh a number of options, from rapid fielding to low-rate initial production to more prototyping.
The service also released a request for proposals in March for a short-range launched effect. A prototyping process for that effort will begin in early FY25.
A long-range version is considered more of a corps-level asset, and prototyping will begin to develop the capability at the tail end of FY25. (Source: C4ISR & Networks)
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