Sponsored by Galvion
www.galvion.com
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18 Jun 24. MBDA expands its Deep Precision Strike capabilities with the Land Cruise Missile system. MBDA unveils the Land Cruise Missile (LCM) system, a new ground-launched Deep Precision Strike capability, to meet the needs of the new strategic environment on the battlefield.
LCM builds on all of MBDA’s expertise in the field of Deep Precision Strike, and is based on the combat proven Naval Cruise Missile (NCM) in-service on French Navy frigates and attack submarines.
The LCM system constitutes a unique European sovereign solution for a deep strike ground-launched cruise missile system, designed, produced and assembled in Europe. Customers operating NCM missiles and LCM system will belong to an exclusive club of countries possessing very long-range Deep Precision Strike capability from below and from the surface of the sea as well as from the ground.
Eric Béranger, CEO of MBDA, said: “The Land Cruise Missile system complements MBDA’s comprehensive portfolio of decisive European sovereign solutions. Building on the track-record of the Naval Cruise Missile, MBDA demonstrates its ability to cover the full spectrum of operational requirements for our customers while generating synergies across our deep strike portfolio to ensure battle-readiness.”
The LCM system will offer the same unique capabilities as the NCM, including: metric precision at very long range; high survivability when penetrating through enemy integrated air defence systems thanks to reduced radar cross section & terrain-following capability; and high lethality against targets. It will also allow highly accurate synchronized time-on-target (STOT) capability as already demonstrated by the simultaneous NCM strike from a frigate and a submersed submarine, performed by the French Navy with the support of DGA in April 2024. The LCM brings the capability to inflect aggressive behaviours from peer adversaries by imposing a permanent and immediate threat against enemy high value assets.
With the LCM concept of operation, MBDA will offer a comprehensive integrated system including the mission planning suite and ground launchers mounted on dedicated land platforms offering flexibility, survivability and reactivity to ground forces in high intensity contexts.
MBDA will showcase its Land Cruise Missile system (LCM) for the first time during the Eurosatory 2024 exhibition (17-21 June, in Paris).
18 Jun 24. Lynred, a leading global provider of high-quality infrared sensors for the aerospace, defense and commercial markets, today announces the launch of ATI640, its plug-and-play, longwave infrared (LWIR) thermal imaging module with VGA resolution, for new market players seeking easier access to infrared (IR) technologies. With ATI640’s high image quality, reliability, user-friendly interface and seamless assembly, system developers can now integrate IR optronics without making a major investment or needing specialty knowledge in optical design, sensor calibration or image correction, which previously hindered wider adoption of IR technologies.
By stripping out the complexity in thermal imaging, Lynred’s ATI640 frees up the development time of system integrators, giving them more scope to focus on innovation and product quality, and thus increase their competitiveness with faster access to market.
“ATI640’s plug-and-play solution makes infrared technology more accessible to new entrants in thermal imaging. In choosing this easy-to-use module, system integrators can speed-up their development of longwave infrared (LWIR) cameras and systems,” said Nadia Souhami, product unit director at Lynred. “ATI640 is the latest in a long line of thermal imaging innovations Lynred has brought to the market. We are excited about launching this module at Eurosatory and showing the power of its embedded image processing algorithms, while limiting the power consumption to just 1W. Our solution can bring smart thermal imaging with competitive advantages to any market application, drones in particular, which is a fast-growing market.”
Key product features
ATI640 is based on Lynred’s best-in-class, 640×480, 12µm pixel pitch sensor. It is designed with a SWaP-C (small Size, low Weight, low Power consumption, low Cost) core to optimize integration into optronic systems. The module is calibrated to work in shutterless mode to provide an uninterrupted video experience. Thanks to its shutterless operation and pairing with advanced image processing algorithms, ATI640 offers an excellent image quality with no trade-off on SWaP-C requirements. Its frame rate (60Hz) captures fast moving targets and produces smooth video footage. It is available with or without a lens.
About Lynred
Lynred, alongside its subsidiaries, Lynred USA and Lynred Asia-Pacific, is a global leader in designing and manufacturing high quality infrared technologies for aerospace, defense and commercial markets. It has a vast portfolio of infrared detectors that covers the entire electromagnetic spectrum from near to very far infrared. The Group’s products are at the center of multiple military programs and applications and are key components in many top brands in commercial thermal imaging equipment sold across Europe, Asia and North America. Lynred is the leading European manufacturer for IR detectors deployed in space.
www.lynred.com
18 Jun 24. C-UAS hub said that Leonardo Secures Lead Role in European Counter UAS. In a recent news release, Leonardo announced that the company is the second-largest European participant in the 2023 European Defence Fund (EDF) work program. The European Commission recently announced the selection of 13 projects that involve Leonardo: 11 focused on capacity development and two on research. There are 54 total projects, with participation from 581 companies and entities across 26 European countries, plus Norway.
In line with the Commission’s direction, Leonardo’s successful approach emphasized the strong involvement of SMEs and a strategic focus on inclusiveness in structuring consortia and teams. Leonardo will lead two major space and air defense initiatives: Emissary (European Military Integrated Space Situational Awareness and Recognition Capability) and E-CUAS (European Counter UAS). These projects feature a strong innovative component in the technologies to be developed and are among those receiving the highest European funding.
Also noteworthy is Leonardo’s involvement in several flagship programs for the European Commission, contributing to the continent’s strategic autonomy. These include EPC2 (European Patrol Corvette 2), focused on developing a new European corvette prototype; ESOCA (European eco-System for Outsized Cargo Airlift), aimed at building strategic air transport capacity; NG-MIMA (Next Generation Military Integrated Modular Avionics), dedicated to designing and demonstrating key technologies for future combat aircraft; and MARTE (Main ARmoured Tank of Europe), which focuses on the study and design of future land platforms.
The overall EDF budget in 2023 exceeded 1 billion euros, with funding allocated as 265 million euros for 28 research projects and 766 million euros for 26 development projects. Italy ranked first in the number of winning projects, securing 35, including eight coordinated initiatives. Leonardo led the two most significant projects, EMISSARY and E-CUAS, substantially contributing to Italy’s success.
More About E-CUAS
E-CUAS aims to design and validate a comprehensive anti-drone solution for three scenarios: fixed, mobile, and deployable, using a technological demonstrator. The system will feature a flexible, modular, and scalable architecture to adapt to various situations, integrating new sensors and effectors. Leonardo will coordinate the project and, along with the Italian team, manage the integration of sensors and the validation of the solution through simulation activities and physical demonstrations of the mobile C-UAS prototype. The consortium includes 15 industrial partners, 9 SMEs, and two research institutions. Leonardo Secures Lead Role in European Counter UAS – cuashub.com. (Source: C-UAS Hub)
18 Jun 24. C-UAS hub said that National Airspace Situation and Threat Evaluation System Planned.
Cambridge Pixel recently announced it will provide an unnamed nation with a new national airspace situation and threat evaluation system. Utilizing a customized version of the ASD-100 Air Situation Display software, the system integrates and visualizes data from multiple radar sites, enabling the management of individual sites, regions, and nationwide tracks.
The team from Cambridge Pixel visited multiple military radar installations, interfacing with various radar models to access track feeds. These feeds were fused to create a single recognized air picture. A vital component of the solution is the SPx Track Manager software. It corrects, filters, and converts tracks from different sources into a standard format, distributing them to local operations and remote command centers.
The comprehensive solution includes radar interfacing, tracking, distribution, fusion, display, threat assessment, and recording capabilities. The Threat Evaluation and Weapon Assignment (TEWA) component features a distributed database of weapons and critical assets. The threat processor uses real-time algorithms to assign threat scores to target reports, enabling operators to view air-to-air or ground-to-air intercept calculations for informed decision-making.
The system includes dual redundancy features and continuous performance monitoring via SPx Monitor software to ensure high resilience. Cambridge Pixel’s engineering team provided expert consultation and tailored the software to meet unique requirements. Operator training and a technology transfer agreement were also part of the project, allowing the end-user to maintain and support the system long-term.
National Airspace Situation and Threat Evaluation System Planned – cuashub.com
(Source: C-UAS Hub)
18 Jun 24. Natter – the versatile family of modular Remote Controlled Weapon Stations from Rheinmetall. Rheinmetall will be exhibiting various versions of its new family of Remote Controlled Weapon Stations (RCWS) at the Eurosatory 2024. The Natter 7.62 for light and medium machine guns in calibres 5.56mm x 45 or 7.62mm x 51 and the Natter 12.7 for weapons up to heavy .50 machine guns are installed on various combat vehicles. First presented in Paris in 2022, various versions of the “Natter” are now in production.
The Natter weapon station sets new standards in terms of protection, effectiveness and versatility. Thanks to its powerful sensor technology, modularity and self-stabilisation, it offers effective reconnaissance and various operational options. Different versions of the Natter make it possible to equip wheeled and tracked vehicles with a spectrum ranging from light machine guns to 40mm automatic grenade launchers. The Natter is also ITAR-free.
In all versions of the Natter weapon station, the gun mount and gun cradle are largely made of carbon fibre, which significantly reduces weight and vibration. The design also reduces the signature.
The combination of an intuitive operating concept and intelligent assistance systems provides significant relief for the operator in combat situations. The modern integrated FlexEye vision system offers day and night vision, (IR) sensor technology and a laser rangefinder. This allows multiple targets to be displayed simultaneously, regardless of the weather. Modern image processing algorithms compensate for movements of the tube axis and thus allow coaxial mounting on a 2-axis stabilised platform. All relevant data for fire control is processed in real
time, giving the system a high level of precision relevant to the mission. A powerful tracker enables manual target tracking as well as automatic target tracking. The Natter supports single fire and various continuous fire modes, including bursts of fire (Burst Fire/BF), defined firing sequences (Continuous Fire/CF between one shot every 300 milliseconds and 12 shots per trigger pull) and fully automatic firing (automatic firing/AF). In grid fire mode, defined target areas can also be covered with a defined pattern, which is suitable for defence against small targets, for example.
The use of standard interfaces (e.g. NATO Generic Vehicle Architecture NGVA) simplifies system integration in a wide range of vehicle classes. Additional operating consoles can also be integrated. The Natter also fulfils the safety requirements of IEC 61508. (Source: Defense Arabia)
18 Jun 24. Delays push Army’s hypersonic missile to fiscal 2025.
GAO notes unsolved problems with launcher and launch sequencing.
Problems with the launcher and launch sequence of the new Long Range Hypersonic Weapon System will keep the U.S. Army from fielding its first LRHW battery until fiscal 2025, a government watchdog said Monday.
The service aims to fix the problems and test the missile and launcher together no later than the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2024, according to the Government Accountability Office (GAO) report.
Even a successful launch might not be the end of the Army’s worries. Service officials told the GAO that problems with missile performance in flight testing could further delay the program. They expect to have the eight missiles required for a battery ready within 11 months after a fielding decision is made, according to the GAO.
The Army originally said it would field the first battery in fiscal year 2023, but admitted in September 2023 that it would miss that deadline. The LRHW has failed several tests since 2021, some of which were attributed to problems with the missile itself. In 2023, two tests were canceled after problems were found in the launcher and launch sequence, the GAO said.
The LHRW is a ground-launched hypersonic missile, meaning that it can travel at least five times the speed of sound while being maneuverable enough to evade air defenses. The LHRW is designed to travel more than 3,800 miles per hour to strike targets up to 1,725 miles away.
U.S. officials have described an “arms race” against China for hypersonics development, a field that Russia also invests in. In 2023, Ukraine shot down six Kinzhal hypersonic missiles, although experts noted that they were not the maneuverable type of missile typically referred to under the umbrella term of “hypersonics.” In February, Russia attacked Ukraine with the Zircon hypersonic missile for the first time.
Still, the weapons face problems with navigation due to their high speeds, which may also make them easier to target. The weapons are also costly, limiting the number that can be produced even as Pentagon officials emphasize the importance of munitions stockpiles. A Congressional Budget Office calculated that a missile similar to the LRHW would cost as much as $41m per shot. (Source: Defense News Early Bird/Defense One)
18 Jun 24. Leonardo seeks global firms to build, tweak its new attack helicopter. Italy’s Leonardo is seeking industrial partners around the world to get on board its new AW249 attack helicopter as it flies two prototypes, readies two more and brings the platform to the Eurosatory trade show in Paris.
Bigger and faster than the aging Italian army AW129 Mangusta it is set to replace, and the only new attack helicopter now being developed in the West, the AW249 will be able to control unmanned aerial vehicles using large screens and helmet displays inspired by the F-35 combat jet.
“Because of the open architecture and our plan to keep it in service for at least 30 years, we are open to industrial collaboration to allow countries to become partners in the development of specific configurations, customizing equipment systems and localizing production for larger numbers,” a company spokesman told Defense News before Eurosatory.
Potential customers getting their industries involved could hail from Eastern Europe, the Middle East and Latin America, said the spokesman.
The plan recalls how Leonardo, then known as Finmeccanica, licensed the use of the baseline design of the AW129 to Turkey, which beefed up the helicopter and later sold its renamed T-129 to Nigeria and the Philippines.
But the spokesman said Leonardo’s approach was very different this time.
“We are not telling governments to take a baseline and develop their own, we are inviting customers to join us from an industrial perspective,” he said.
Weighing in at 8.3 tonnes, the new AW249 is nearly double the 4.35 tonne maximum take-off weight of its predecessor while its top speed of 155 knots (178 miles per hour) outstrips the 126 knots of the AW129.
“What we have kept is the agility, the maneuverability, while adding capabilities,” said the spokesman.
Armaments include guided and unguided 70mm rockets, air-to-air infrared guided missiles and air-to-ground radio frequency or fiberoptic guided missiles, while the AW249 pilot will be able to task UAVs, control their payload and view images they send.
Discussions on allowing the heliopter to control loitering munitions are underway with the Italian Army, which will be the launch customer for the AW249 with first deliveries in 2027.
Getting in step with fifth-generation technology, the helicopter will feature a 20-inch display for the pilot and co-pilot, with the choice of putting up video and data on the screen or on the helmet display.
Leonardo officials said pilots will be able to put a map up in their visor, but out of vision so it enters the pilot’s visor display when the pilot turns their head.
Swapping data between screen and helmet also applies to sensor fusion data, which is built using sensors including infra-red imaging, radar, LiDAR, or Light Detection and Ranging radar, a low light camera and satellite terrain images.
The platform is nearing readiness after Italian defense and Air Force officials became seriously interested in the coaxial rotor technology used on Lockheed Martin’s Defiant-X. That enthusiasm has now waned since the Defiant-X lost out in the US Army’s Future Long Range Assault Aircraft program (FLRAA) program in 2022, and then saw its next hope for adoption, the U.S. Future Attack Reconnaissance Aircraft program, cancelled.
That, according to Leonardo officials, vindicates the firm’s decision to stick with conventional designs like the AW249, while adding new capabilities.
“The U.S. decision reinforces our road map,” said the spokesman.
“Whatever industry decides to develop to meet national requirements that involves different architecture, the cancellation of FARA is moving it far to the right,” he said.
(Source: Defense News)
18 Jun 24. Artis forms Sentinel vehicle protection venture with UAE’s Bin Hilal. Virginia-based defense contractor Artis, with an active protection system it says is capable of defending vehicles from attacks from above, is forming a joint venture with the United Arab Emirates’ company Bin Hilal Enterprises to offer its system overseas.
Artis and BHE signed a memorandum of understanding the Eurosatory international defense conference in Paris on June 18.
Artis told Defense News in January that it had been demonstrating its Sentinel All-Threat Defeat System, formerly known as Improved Iron Curtain, at a West Virginia range. The system had international interest, particularly in the Middle East, it said.
“The JV will offer original equipment, manufacturing and engineering services, and will extend to lifecycle support, spare parts, field services, warranty support and training,” an Artis statement said, and “will meld the extensive active protection experience of Artis with the business and cultural acumen of BHE.”
The companies will immediately work to provide Sentinel to local and regional allies, the statement notes.
“This MOU represents a critical component of our international growth strategy and directly supports our commitment to the United Arab Emirates,” Artis CEO Keith Brendley said in the statement.
“Sentinel is a third-generation APS, and is the most advanced system in the world. It is the only active protection system that can protect against all threats, including providing top-attack protection from a swarm of drones,” he said. “Sentinel also mitigates sabot rounds and fuzed threats.”
Artis said previously it has demonstrated the Sentinel can protect vehicles and infrastructure from nearly all direct-fire threats, including tank-fired rounds, anti-tank guided missiles, rocket-propelled grenades and loitering munitions – otherwise known as exploding drones, which target vehicle and infantry alike, often with deadly effect.
Iron Curtain
The Virginia-based business has spent 20 years refining and expanding a capability versatile enough to handle nearly all threats to combat vehicles, including top-attack threats, long before the war in Ukraine and the use of loitering munitions highlighted the need for such robust protection.
The U.S. Army, years ago, evaluated the company’s Iron Curtain active protection system for combat vehicles but never adopted the technology.
The Army launched an effort in 2016 to rapidly field interim solutions to protect Abrams tanks, Stryker combat vehicles and the Bradley infantry fighting vehicles. The service pursued options through a demonstration phase.
The service had selected Iron Curtain as an interim protection system in 2017 for the Stryker but decided against fielding the system after the testing and demonstration phase in 2018. Service leaders said at the time that while Iron Curtain worked in concept, it would take too much time and money to mature the system.
Artis developed its first design for top-attack protection through a Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency around 2008, Brendley told Defense News. The company has since continued work on the design through investors. But Sentinel’s capability gained significant traction through a contract with the Army’s Rapid Capabilities and Critical Technologies Office, awarded shortly after the service rejected Iron Curtain for the Stryker, he explained. Artis concluded its work with the office in June 2023.
Artis has yet to acquire a first customer, but according to Brendley, “the APS market is like any other market. If you take a look at emerging markets, automobiles or smartphones, what have you, the markets are always there, but they didn’t materialize until the right product came along and we think we have the right product. I think the market is going to respond to that.”
(Source: Defense News)
18 Jun 24. General Dynamics European Land Systems and ESCRIBANO Mechanical and Engineering sign Memorandum of Understanding. General Dynamics European Land Systems (GDELS) and ESCRIBANO Mechanical and Engineering (ESCRIBANO) have signed an agreement for the joint development of opportunities in the defense sector. The announcement was made in Paris at the occasion of Eurosatory on the ESCRIBANO booth in front of an ASCOD IFV with a GUARDIAN 30 remote weapon system, symbolizing the collaborative spirit and ambition of the two companies. The event was attended by the Secretary of State of Spanish Ministry of Defence, Mª Amparo Valcarce, and the Director General of Armaments and Material of the Spanish Ministry of Defence, Admiral Aniceto Rosique.
GDELS and ESCRIBANO intend to explore and promote multiple areas of collaboration in view of the innovative product portfolio of both partners: GDELS’ family of tracked and wheeled armored vehicles such as ASCOD, PANDUR and PIRANHA, as well as ESCRIBANO´S advanced remote weapon stations, GUARDIAN 30 and, GUARDIAN 2.0.
“The leading positions, complementary capabilities, and expertise of GDELS and ESCRIBANO qualify both companies to explore a closer cooperation on future defense projects. This will also contribute to strengthened European defense capabilities and to securing European supply chains”, said Antonio Bueno, President of GDELS. “We are delighted to support one of the leading Spanish defense companies to expand its business to a European and international level.”, added Dr. Thomas Kauffmann, GDELS Vice President responsible for the global sales and service activities of the group.
“Our combined industrial competence is an excellent foundation to further explore and realize the most technologically advanced defense systems on the market. We are convinced that this MOU will allow us to continue advancing in the development of new solutions at the technological forefront, and strengthened our cooperation,” said Javier ESCRIBANO, CEO of ESCRIBANO.
General Dynamics European Land Systems designs, manufactures and maintains a wide range of products from wheeled (PIRANHA, PANDUR, EAGLE and DURO) and tracked (ASCOD) armored vehicles, amphibious bridges, ferry systems, and artillery systems. The PIRANHA constitutes the most successful and widely-used wheeled armored vehicle in the Western world with more than 12,000 vehicles in operation in more than 20 user countries. More than 1000 tracked medium main battle tanks of the ASCOD family are currently in service in four user nations in a wide variety of variants: infantry fighting vehicle (IFV), personnel carrier (APC), command post, reconnaissance, direct fire 105/120 mm, mortar, artillery, air defense, engineers, bridge deployment, recovery, logistics, and ambulance.
ESCRIBANO has among its main principal business lines the design, development, and manufacture of gyro-stabilized remote-control platforms, in particular the GUARDIAN land family. The GUARDIAN 30 has a 30mm cannon (adaptable to 40mm) MK 44 Bushmaster II (standard version) and integrates a 7.62mm caliber coaxial machine gun as secondary armament. This station can also be integrated with various types of missiles, such as the Spike LR2 or the Javelin, and other sensors, APS (active protection system) and Missile Warning Systems. The GUARDIAN 30 is a station in service in various countries in Europe and the Middle East, where more than 800 units have already been sold since its launch in 2020. With more than 4,000 units in operation worldwide, ESCRIBANO is also known for its light stations 12.7mm. One of these is the GUARDIAN 2.0, adaptable to other calibers or the MK19 grenade launcher (M 230 LF of 30mm or 14.5mm).
18 Jun 24. Kongsberg unveils NOMADS air defense system. Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace has launched its new NOMADS (Networked and Mobile Air Defense System) at Eurosatory 2024.
The system integrates advanced sensors, effectors, and command and control (C2) units to provide rapid and flexible air defense against various aerial threats.
The NOMADS system is designed for mobility and can be quickly deployed to protect critical assets and forces on the move. It features a modular architecture that supports seamless integration with existing defense networks, ensuring interoperability with allied forces.
The system’s C2 unit allows for real-time threat assessment and engagement coordination, enhancing situational awareness and response effectiveness.
NOMADS leverages Kongsberg’s expertise in advanced defense technology, incorporating state-of-the-art sensors and effectors to detect and neutralize threats such as drones, helicopters, and low-flying aircraft. The system is engineered to operate in diverse environments, providing robust protection for military and civilian infrastructure.
Kongsberg’s new air defense solution addresses the growing need for flexible and scalable air defense systems capable of countering evolving threats in modern combat scenarios. (Source: Google)
18 Jun 24. ESCRIBANO Mechanical & Engineering, a leading Spanish company in defence and security innovation and technology, and Thales, a European technology leader in defence, cybersecurity, digital security and aerospace, today signed an agreement at Eurosatory to accelerate the joint commercialisation of a solution based on ESCRIBANO’s remotely operated weapon stations and Thales’ launchers and missiles, in order to offer a cutting-edge European solution on the international market..
With this agreement, the two companies are joining their capabilities to take advantage of the international business opportunities that are emerging in both the naval and terrestrial sectors, and to offer a cutting-edge product to respond to current threats such as drones and swarms. To this end, the SENTINEL Rocket has been developed, a new system that combines the latest technology in ESCRIBANO remote stations, characterised by gyrostabilized systems on two axes and equipped with an electro-optical system, with the Thales rocket launcher, which has a high propulsion speed, a range of up to 3 km and the ability to launch over 8000 balls creating a steel cloud.
ESCRIBANO’s Business Development Director, Jocxan Bojorquez, said: “The current context has highlighted the need to focus on innovation and promote new developments to address new threats. Without doubt, the combination of the technological and industrial capabilities of both companies has resulted in a product at the forefront of technology”.
Thales Belgium’s Rocket System Domain Director, Thomas Colinet, added: “Today, we are delighted to settle our partnership with ESCRIBANO to integrate our 70mm rocket systems on their equipment, supporting European effort to strengthen European industries”.
This partnership agreement is in line with the European Union’s Defence and Security Policy, which promotes the strengthening of the European defence industrial base. In an environment of increasing threats, there is a growing need to rationalise investments and gain capabilities through cooperation between European companies.
About ESCRIBANO
ESCRIBANO is a world reference company in the Defence and Security sector, with consolidated industrial capabilities and an advanced technological base.
It offers comprehensive engineering solutions, high-precision mechanical manufacturing and production of complex optronic integration systems, as well as electronics, stabilisation, control systems and software solutions for command and control systems. Products include stabilised platforms for land, naval and airborne applications; thermal cameras and sensors for border surveillance; and ammunition guidance kits.
17 Jun 24. Pearson Engineering adds to mine plough range with mission payload for robotic combat vehicles. Pearson Engineering has released its latest development to provide combat engineering capability to uncrewed vehicles, including Robotic Combat Vehicles (RCVs). Following the release of the RCV-Pioneer Urban Obstacle Clearance Mission Payload at DSEI 2023, which was proven during trials in the United States, the new RCV-Pioneer Minefield Breaching variant will be released at Eurosatory 2024.
The development is part of a planned roll out of engineering capability optimised for a conflict environment that is increasingly characterised by robotics, automation and autonomy. Of a number of Research & Development projects, the minefield breaching mission payload has been prioritised to respond to an increase in demand, driven by the proliferation of anti-tank mines in Ukraine and the threat posed to soldiers. Trial plans with several NATO nations are already in development for Autumn 2024.
Based on expertise developed over Pearson Engineering’s four decades of providing mine ploughs to international end-users, the new Minefield Breaching Mission Payload shares design features that have been integrated with a wide range of vehicle types and are battle proven.
Leveraging technical detail from Pearson Engineering’s VECTOR in-service track width mine plough, which maximises ploughing capability on lightweight vehicles with lower tractive capability than traditional Armoured Engineer Vehicles, the RCV-Pioneer Minefield Breaching Mission Payload features two track-width plough blades at the front of the vehicle and a centre-section at the rear to provide full width clearance.
The plough sections are arranged around a free-standing and intelligent mission payload frame which enables rapid docking with the chosen uncrewed vehicle. Adjustable jacks lower the frame onto the vehicle before locks secure the payload and vehicle together. In keeping with Pearson Engineering’s scalable approach, the mission payloads can be interchanged by using the system’s same features to unlock the frame from the vehicle and to lift it to allow the vehicle to drive to another payload where the process can be repeated by the same Commander using the same controls.
Pearson Engineering has designed a customisable Operator Control Unit (OCU) with a real-time digital twin visualisation to shorten training and mission times. The OCU is used to teleoperate the RCV-Pioneer Modular Mission Payloads and is compatible with multiple payloads. The OCU includes an embedded video screen to enable Beyond Line of Sight (BLOS) control. The system is designed to meet current Military Standards for performance and safety.
“We recognise the growing place for uncrewed vehicles on the battlefield and their need to both move to places of their Commanders’ choosing, and to provide mobility and counter-mobility support to others. Following the success of our first mission pack which was designed to provide urban obstacle clearance capability, and which has now been trialled on multiple occasions in the United States during manoeuvre support experimentation exercises, we are pleased to launch our new minefield breaching pack at Eurosatory in keeping with end-user demand.” – Richard Beatson, Business Development Director at Pearson Engineering
17 Jun 24. MBDA unveils AI-based Ground Warden tool for finding hidden targets. The missile manufacturer MBDA has unveiled an artificial intelligence-based capability to allow military forces to see hidden targets in challenging combat environments.
The multinational firm presented its Ground Warden beyond line-of-sight technology here during the Eurosatory defense and security conference.
In one scenario presented by MBDA, a firing post is located above a village, concealed within hilly terrain. As an enemy target is detected from the shooter’s point of view, that data is relayed to a control system.
When the first missile is launched, it processes images in real time during its flight trajectory and before hitting the identified threat. That data is then fed to the new man-portable module, dubbed Ground Warden, and used to inform any subsequent missiles of concealed threats.
The Ground Warden is based on MBDA’s combat-proven Akeron anti-tank guided missile system and is the company’s answer to a “growing need for reactivity” in increasingly fast-paced combat.
A second simulation presented to reporters stemmed from an unmanned aerial vehicle’s perspective around an area heavily populated by trees, which company representatives said make it difficult for missiles to reach their targets.
This scenario was meant to show the Ground Warden can work alongside drones. In this context, the UAV can provide an overview and recording of the operational environment that it then relays to the AI module and command system. The Ground Warden can further provide insights to the gunner of where the target — in this case a tank — can be intercepted and when to fire.
MBDA makes a similarly named platform, the Sky Warden, which is a counter-drone system designed to control a large range of sensors and effectors. (Source: Defense News)
17 Jun 24. HENSOLDT presents further developed fully autonomous self-protection system MUSS 2.0. Improved performance guarantees better platform and occupant protection
At EUROSATORY 2024, sensor solution provider HENSOLDT is presenting MUSS 2.0 (Multifunctional Self-Protection System), a further development in the field of vehicle-independent self-protection. The system represents the next generation of the existing MUSS, which has already been integrated into the PUMA infantry fighting vehicle more than 350 times. With MUSS 2.0, HENSOLDT now offers the latest generation of active protection systems (APS) for medium-weight armoured vehicles, self-propelled guns, artillery vehicles, infantry fighting vehicles and main battle tanks.
Compared to the previous version, MUSS 2.0 is characterised by less weight and a smaller silhouette while at the same time increasing its capabilities. The system consists of four passive sensor heads, each with a missile and laser warning sensor, a central unit, an advanced laser-based infrared jammer and a countermeasure unit for ejecting pyrotechnic decoys. The sensor network enables the system to detect threats such as wire- and laser-guided missiles (anti-tank guided missiles, or ATGMs for short) as well as tracer bullets, anti-tank missiles, muzzle flashes and fire from explosive projectiles (KE).
MUSS 2.0 is also capable of accurately detecting and classifying low-power lasers, such as those used in beam-riders and second-generation laser rangefinders. ATGMs in particular can be interfered with by the IR jammer and thus repelled. The data obtained by the system can be fed into the battle management system to better combat the threat. MUSS 2.0 can detect several threats at the same time, prioritise them according to their danger and combat them semi- or fully autonomously. The ability to customise the threat database ensures a continuous increase in combat effectiveness in order to be able to counter future threats. User-specific mission configurations and extensive data logging enable customisation to the respective battlefield.
“MUSS 2.0 offers improved and expanded sensor technology, significantly improved software and modern countermeasures,” says Jan Erbe, Head of Ground-based Systems at HENSOLDT. “In addition to soft-kill countermeasures against ATGM threats, the multi-level system also offers the option of integrating hard-kill effectors. MUSS 2.0 thus makes a critical contribution to protecting the armoured platform and its occupants.”
17 Jun 24. Thales is Quadrupling its Ammunition Production Capacity at its La Ferte Saint Aubin Site.
- To meet the needs of the French Army
- After an initial order in 2022 for 3,000 rounds of 120mm illuminating ammunition, followed by an order for 15,000 rounds of 120mm explosive and exercise ammunition in 2023, France’s Joint Munitions Command (Service Interarmees des Munitions / SiMu) has renewed its confidence in Thales with a new order for tens of thousands of 120mm rifled ammunition.
- To fulfill the new order, Thales will significantly ramp up production at its La Ferte Saint Aubin site near Orleans, which manufactured 20,000 120 mm mortar rounds in 2023 and will be producing more than 80,000 a year by 2026.
- These ammunition will be used by artillery units equipped with towed rifled 120mm mortars and, in the future, by the MEPAC system (Embedded Mortar for Close Support). They will also be used by the towed mortar support sections of the infantry, created under the LPM 24-30 framework.
Thales has received a new order from the French Army and will ramp up production capacity to meet the capability requirements of the armed forces.
Less than two years after awarding Thales a contract for 120 mm munitions, with a firm order for 3,000 illuminating mortar rounds, France’s Joint Munitions Command has signed a new contract with Thales to supply for tens of thousands of 120 mm rounds, completing the order for 15,000 rounds signed in 2023. High-explosive (HE) rounds make up two-thirds of the total order, with practice rounds accounting for the remaining third. The ordnance will be used by towed 120 mm rifled towed mortar systems, and in due course by the MEPAC variant of the Griffon multi-role armoured vehicle integrated with the ATLAS automated artillery fire control system.
Thales will provide the armed forces with technical assistance, support for integration of the mortar systems on board the vehicles, and maintenance services for the mortar systems and munitions.
The La Ferté Saint Aubin site near Orleans will increase its production rates, from an overall annual output of 20,000 rounds in 2023, to more than 80,000 rounds a year by 2026.
The munitions will be delivered between 2024 and 2029, with a first shipment scheduled for the last quarter of 2024.
In addition to the La Ferté Saint Aubin site, a number of Thales partner SMEs in the defence industrial and technological base, and in particular the companies manufacturing machined projectile bodies and mechanical components, will be involved in fulfilling the new order.
The rifled mortars manufactured by Thales are three times more accurate than smooth-bore mortars and the only mortars to match the performance of 155 mm artillery systems.
“We deeply value the continuing confidence of the French land forces. This order for 120 mm ordnance is an integral part of the broader policy to build capacity and we are fully mobilised to meet this requirement in terms of both production rates and product performance,” said Hervé Dammann, Executive Vice-President, Land and Air Systems, Thales. (Source: ASD Network)
14 Jun 24. Diehl Defence showcases new remote carrier for FCAS.
Referred to as FEANIX – future effector, adaptable, networked, intelligent, expendable – Diehl’s light remote carrier model was displayed in Germany.
In Berlin w/c 9 June 2024, the German weapons manufacturer Diehl Defence showcased its new Light Remote Carrier (LRC).
FEANIX – a future effector, adaptable, networked, intelligent, expendable – is an uncrewed LRC that operates in the skies as part of a hybrid unit of aerial asets alongside a crewed ‘mother’ platform.
It has a weight of less than 300 kilogrammes and a length of less than 4 metres.
Due to its modularity, the LRC is individually equippable with different payloads, from sensors to lethal and non-lethal effectors, depending on the operational scenario and mission.
With a low signature, FEANIX is difficult to detect by enemy air defence and it makes a valuable contribution to the networked battle management. Besides the mentioned modularity, it is also characterised by its networking, swarming, robustness and stand-off capability.
Remote Carriers are a core element of the FCAS programme directed by France, Germany and Spain, but are also used beyond the FCAS role, which is why Diehl Defence aims for an operational availability well before the FCAS realisation period of 2040+.
Through technological developments with autonomy, manned-unmanned teaming (MUM-T) is beginning to evolve the way militaries conduct aerial warfare.
The concept denotes the homogenous employment of heterogenous aerial assets, namely traditional crewed platforms (i.e. fighter jets and attack helicopters) and uncrewed platforms, within individual combat units
There are other partnerships and programmes besides FCAS that are pursuing this new conception, including the Global Combat Air Programme – among Italy, Japan and the UK – as well as the US Air Force’s Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) programme.
Within NGAD, the US invested $490m in fiscal year 2024, aiming for the service to maintain effective deterrence and control the skies. By accelerating the development of these ‘Collaborative Combat Aircraft’, the Air Force will be able to augment current and future platforms with lower-cost complementary systems that increase lethality and exchange ratios in highly contested environments.
FCAS nations will pursue a similar system, a role that Diehl’s FEANIX may be able to fulfil.
LRCs such as FEANIX operate highly automated and independent of the carrier system. They provide an increased capability for all dimensions, such as land, air, sea and cyber in so-called multi-domain operations.
These systems will be required in a high quantity and in different variants in the battlefield of the future in order to meet the broad capability requirements. The combat power on the battlefield is increased due to the high number of LRCs (combat mass). Thus, the risk to crews in their expensive platforms is significantly reduced. (Source: Google/airforce-technology.com)
17 Jun 24. Aerojet Rocketdyne Delivers 1,000th THAAD Solid Rocket Boost Motor and LDACS Ahead of Schedule. Aerojet Rocketdyne, an L3Harris Technologies (NYSE:LHX) company, recently completed its 1,000th delivery of both the solid rocket boost motor and Liquid Divert and Attitude Control System (LDACS) for the Missile Defense Agency’s (MDA) Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system. The ahead-of-schedule delivery to Lockheed Martin demonstrates Aerojet Rocketdyne’s long-standing ability to provide trusted propulsion and precision systems for one of the nation’s primary defensive weapons against short, medium and intermediate-range missiles.
“The Aerojet Rocketdyne-powered THAAD serves a critical need for the military, safeguarding our nation, allies and infrastructure from would-be missile attacks from those who wish to do us harm,” said Ross Niebergall, President, Aerojet Rocketdyne, L3Harris. “Our focus remains on continued performance excellence to provide reliable propulsion our customers can count on.”
The THAAD weapon system is a land-based component of MDA’s Missile Defense System. Since production began, the combat-proven system has had a 100% success rate in missile defense tests — 16 intercepts in 16 tests. THAAD is the only U.S. system designed to intercept targets outside and inside the atmosphere.
Aerojet Rocketdyne’s Advanced Manufacturing Facility in Huntsville, Alabama, and its site in Camden, Arkansas, produce THAAD’s solid rocket boost motor. LDACS, the highly responsive thruster system, which keeps THAAD on target during the last stages of an intercept, is produced at the company’s facility in Los Angeles, California. (Source: ASD Network)
13 Jun 24. Exail selected by the European Commission to contribute to E=MCM project. Exail, a world leader in robotics technologies, announces its selection to participate in the European Extended Mine Counter Measures (E=MCM) project. The objective of this consortium project, led by Naval Group Belgium, is to establish a future European sovereign capacity in mine warfare.
In response to the maritime mine threat and within the framework of the European Defense Fund, the European Commission is supporting European navies in enhancing their Mine Counter Measures capabilities. The primary aim of the E=MCM project is to integrate new functionalities into the next-generation toolbox (toolbox 2.0). These advancements are intended to effectively address the multifaceted threats posed by drifting, tethered, buried as well as the most modern mines.
Thanks to these new developments, the Toolbox 2.0 will go beyond the current new generation stand-off MCM Toolbox that Exail is developing and will be delivering as part of the replacement of the current MCM capabilities for the Belgian and Dutch navies. Leveraging scalable unmanned autonomous systems and intelligent platforms developed by Exail’s teams in both France and Belgium, the new functionalities and improvements will be smoothly integrated into Exail’s MCM ToolBox offer, enhancing operational efficiency and optimizing MCM operations.
“We are thrilled to have been selected as a key contributor to the E=MCM project. Exail brings extensive technological expertise to the forefront of the E=MCM project”, expressed Alain Fidani, Partnership and innovation funding Director. “Collaborating closely with Naval Group and other consortium partners, Exail will play a pivotal role in developing state-of-the-art technologies to counter maritime current and new mine threats effectively and deliver impactful solutions that strengthen Europe’s defense.” (Source: Google/https://www.edrmagazine.eu/exail-selected-by-the-european-commission-to-contribute-to-emcm-project)
14 Jun 24. Poland obtains flight motion missile simulator under Wisła programme.
An offset programme was launched in August 2023 in conjunction with the IAMD project between local industry and two leading US missile manufacturers, Lockheed Martin and RTX.
PGZ – Poland’s state-owned defence group – has obtained a hardware-in-the-loop (HWIL) laboratory following a previous offset agreement made with US prime Lockheed Martin under the Wisła missile programme.
Poland’s new research structure, equipped with a five-axis flight motion simulator, is the first of its kind in Central and Eastern Europe and one of the few on the continent.
It will be used to model and simulate missile systems, with a particular focus on their performance, providing an opportunity to test the guidance process. It will also eliminate the costs of expensive field tests and speed up delivery of the missile systems.
Specficially, HWIL will prove the integrity of very short, short and medium range missiles, According tot PGZ’s HWIL project manager, Roger Burek-Bors. The device will allow Poland to simulate rotating missiles, which are stabilised during flight by rotation.
Based at a facility in Zielonka, a town outside Warsaw, the new laboratory will support the second phase of Poland’s Wisła programme. This is the country’s PAC-3 integrated air and missile defence (IAMD) project, named after the ‘Vistula’, the longest river in Poland, by which the agreement with the US was launched in 2018.
Eight projects are currently underway as part of this second phase of Wisła. This includes the establishment of the HWIL in Poland. Other areas include expanding capacity for launch tube production and providing training, equipment and software for solid rocket motor production.
It is also worth noting that Europe is in the process of cultivating a PAC-3 supply chain. In Bavaria, in southern Germany, a missile manufacturing hub has been re-established by MBDA Germany, where it produces solid rocket fuel propellents for Patriot missiles.
(Source: army-technology.com)
12 Jun 24. VITEC Powers Up for EUROSATORY 2024 with Rugged ISTAR Encoders and Tactical Video Management Solutions on Display. VITEC, a leader in the Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance (ISTAR) technology community, will showcase its latest enhanced streaming technologies at EUROSATORY 2024, Paris Nord Villepinte Exhibition Centre, 17-21 June. In Hall 5A on Stand K341, VITEC will spotlight its advanced and versatile ruggedized TOUGH encoder family dedicated to harsh situational awareness video acquisition, as well as the new MGW Diamond-H, a 4K & Dual-Channel SD/HD HDMI Encoder. EZ TV ISR – VITEC’s video content management solution designed for rapid deployment in the field – will also be demonstrated. As a solution provider, VITEC will present a session as part of Eurosatory’s conference programme, highlighting how video workflow challenges can be resolved.
On show at Eurosatory for the first time, the MGW Diamond-H offers cutting-edge capabilities that stream Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) video feeds over RF or satellite links providing real-time situational awareness and enhancing tactical decision-making. MGW Diamond-H’s screen sharing capabilities enable seamless collaboration and coordination among team members, able to share mission-critical information in real time. With stream protection technologies like ZixiTM, SRT, RIST, and Pro-MPEG, it ensures secure and reliable transmission of critical data, maintaining operational integrity. Additionally, Power over Ethernet (PoE) functionality simplifies deployment by delivering both power and data over a single Ethernet cable, reducing the need for additional power sources and making it ideal for rapid, flexible installations in dynamic field environments.
“VITEC is committed to delivering reliable, high-performance ISTAR video streaming solutions for the most demanding military applications,” says Mark Rushton, Defence and Security Specialist at VITEC. “Our encoders are built to endure harsh environments while providing exceptional video quality at low bitrates, a critical requirement for today’s bandwidth-constrained missions.”
On Wednesday 19th June at 11.30am at the Exhibitor’s Corner (Hall 6), VITEC’s Mark Rushton will present a session titled Workflow Challenges in Real-time Video, where he will discuss the technology available to overcome challenges observed in real-time video distribution in the Defence and Security Sector. The presentation will help attendees to understand the constraints of real-time video, transmission and receiving, over multiple network options and how to overcome them.
Also showcased on the VITEC stand will be the MGW Pico+ TOUGH, a compact and power- efficient video encoder designed for unmanned and manned land, sea, or air vehicles. The MGW Pico+ TOUGH features an ultra-small airborne and marine certified enclosure and is made to work in all environmental conditions. It overcomes network bandwidth constraints to ensure best video quality at low bitrate and now provides overlay capabilities for timestamping and camera identification. In addition, this encoder can adjust its bitrate ‘on the fly’ to dynamically optimize the video quality to the available bandwidth. The miniature device weighs less than 400g and is the smallest, most power-efficient HEVC and H.264 HD/SD video encoder on the market.
(Source: Defense Arabia)
14 Jun 24. Biomonitoring: New partnership between Rheinmetall and QUS ensures tactical information superiority.
Rheinmetall has set new standards with its innovative and powerful Gladius 2.0 soldier system. With its open, modular, scalable architecture, the system is unrivalled worldwide for a user-centric soldier system solution. An up-to-date situational awareness with a consistent, stable communication infrastructure enables operational sensor-to-shooter networks. Gladius 2.0 guarantees a decisive advantage on the digital battlefield under even the most challenging of conditions.
Rheinmetall continues to improve its systems and has now entered a partnership with QUS in vital data tracking to jointly develop a solution in this area. Live tracking of vital data allows training units to be adjusted during training to ensure optimal fitness development. During operations, current information on the physical condition of individual soldiers or the entire unit is available, which is important for further tactical decisions. This is particularly crucial for soldiers in current complex operational scenarios under difficult conditions.
Modern Equipment Supports Mission Fulfillment
QUS, with its established system, already meets many requirements relevant for successful integration into soldier systems. Therefore, it can be easily integrated and significantly expands the capabilities of soldier systems.
“We are very pleased about the new partnership with Rheinmetall. Together, we will develop a system that seamlessly integrates into Rheinmetall’s battlefield management system, creating additional value in this area. Knowing and assessing the vital data of soldiers at any time is very important for performance,” says Hannes Steiner, QUS CEO & Founder.
Timo Haas, Chief Digital Officer (CDO) of Rheinmetall AG and Managing Director of Rheinmetall Electronics GmbH: “Biomonitoring, as we know it from competitive sports, will also play an important role for soldiers in the future to optimize operational readiness. For us as a system provider, QUS’s solution offers an additional component in our modular soldier system. And with a view to digitization, AI-supported data can make an important contribution to tactical decisions at higher command levels.”
The joint solution of QUS and Rheinmetall within the partnership will combine everything related to body data and fully exploit its potential. The ability to combine already proven sensors (heart rate, respiratory rate) with other external sensors (such as temperature, etc.) enables a new basis for tactical decisions based on the knowledge of the current condition of the soldiers.
The fusion of this data with tactical information represents a new dimension of information superiority regarding one’s own troops and will not only improve the performance of soldiers but also the command process.
Credo of the New Partnership: Protecting Those Who Protect Us
Hannes Steiner: “The joint solution with Rheinmetall combines the best of both worlds and primarily protects those who protect us. The vital data tracking using textile sensors integrated into the equipment offers an important additional benefit and supports the way to becoming the infantryman of the future.”
At EUROSATORY, Rheinmetall and QUS are looking forward to welcoming interested guests to their stand E115/F115 on the outdoor area of the Paris exhibition center from June 17 to 21, 2024.
14 Jun 24. South Korea’s leading aerospace and defense corporation, Hanwha Aerospace will participate in Eurosatory 2024, the world’s largest defense exhibition to be held in Paris, France, from 17th-21st June.
At the Paris Nord Villepinte Exhibition Centre, the company will present a variety of advanced defense solutions, focusing on precision-guided weapons and artillery systems.
A full-size K239 Chunmoo Multiple Rocket Launcher System (MRLS) will be on display for the first time in Europe. This comes as several countries in the region show interest in acquiring advanced long-range precision-guided systems amid growing security challenges.
The Chunmoo MRLS is an advanced rocket artillery system capable of firing various types of rockets and missiles, offering tactical flexibility and adaptability to different operational requirements.
The Chunmoo MRLS can fire two different caliber rockets simultaneously with real-time precision strike capability. It can fire several kinds of munitions, including 239mm and 280 mm rockets with a range of 80km and 160km, additionally, it can launch a 290mm ballistic missile with a maximum range of 290km.
The Chunmoo MRLS is already in use by several international users. Poland has signed contracts to acquire 288 units of HOMAR-K, a Polish version of the K239 MRLS.
With growing interests in the K-MRLS, Hanwha Aerospace is considering the inauguration of ‘Chunmoo User Club’ in the near future. This initiative aims to respond to the growing user base of the long-range artillery system, particularly in Europe. The envisaged Chunmoo user community will be modeled after the K9 User Club, where representatives from user nations meet to share their experiences and best practices for operating and maintaining the artillery system.
“Our goal is to become the most trusted partner of NATO countries, providing customized defense solutions and services through strong partnerships with the governments and industries concerned,” said Mr. Jaeil Son, President and CEO of Hanwha Aerospace. “We are fully committed to localization efforts related to job creation, technology transfer, and local manufacturing and maintenance of equipment, which will contribute to national security and the economic growth.”
At Eurosatory, Hanwha Aerospace will also showcase the growth potential of the K9 Self-Propelled Howitzer, the world’s most popular tracked howitzer, currently in service with nine nations, including five NATO countries: Poland, Finland, Norway, Estonia, and Türkiye. Other products on display will include the TAipers tactical guided missile, which can be integrated into both manned and unmanned vehicles; the 155mm artillery Modular Charge System; the Arion-SMET multi-purpose unmanned ground vehicle; and the Redback Infantry Fighting Vehicle.
For those attending Eurosatory, Hanwha Aerospace’s booth can be found in Hall 6, stand B279.
13 Jun 24. Russian Strategic Missile Market. An aging force with modest new development.
Development
Russia’s current strategic missile development includes ICBM, SLBM and ALCM.
The Yars ICBM (SS-29) is currently in production, a MIRV version of the earlier single-warhead Topol- M (SS-27). The solid fuel ICBM Yars became the standard solid-fuel ICBM in production after 2020 and is expected to be followed by the Osina-RV derivative later in the decade. A new heavy ICBM was being developed for deployment from 2023 under the Sarmat program. A rail-mobile system code-named Barguzin is in development.
The Russian navy has been attempting to develop a new SLBM for over a decade, and recently placed the Bulava (SS-N-30) in production after a lengthy and troubled development. Older Delfin (Delta IV) submarines currently armed with the D- 9RM (SS-N-18 Stingray) are expected to eventually be re-armed with an improved version, the Layner.
The Russian air force has deployed the new Raduga Kh-101 and Kh-102 air-launched cruise missile which are armed respectively with conventional or nuclear warheads. A new hypersonic missile is in development, though it is unclear whether it is intended for the strategic nuclear strike role.
Join our Teal Global colleagues at Eurosatory 2024. If you would like to schedule a meeting to discuss industry strategy and forecasts, contact
Ed Hobbs at .
Teal Group Assessment
Russia has a broad range of strategic missile programs to make up for the “lost decade” from 1992 to 2004 when there was a procurement holiday due to lack of funding.
The Russian strategic missile force is becoming increasingly aged, especially the Topol ICBM missiles which probably had a shelf life of only 10 years when manufactured back in the 1980s. The Topol-M and Yars programs are aimed at replacing this force, while at the same time, the new Sarmat heavy ICBM program has been initiated to eventually re-place the liquid-fuel 15A18/SS-18 force. In general, Russian defense programs have suffered a drop in funding over the past several years due to the declining defense budget, and there have been commensurate slow-downs in most of the programs.
The Russian navy’s SLBM force has suffered from a serious decline. The most modern SLBM, the R-39 (SS-N-20) has been retired due to age-induced deterioration of its solid fuel engines and loss of its manufacturing base in Ukraine. Now, a two-phase effort is underway to manufacture the new Bulava missile for the new Borey class of SSBN, and to modernize the R-29R (SS-N-18) on the Delfin class with the Layner. The Layner will probably be a re-build program rather than new construction, and so is not included in Teal Group’s forecast.
The air force’s strategic bomber force had its weapons programs ended in 1992 by the Yeltsin government’s decision to end cruise missile production. This restriction may not have made much difference anyway in view of the lack of funding. The Kh-101/Kh-102 program has been revived and plans were underway to begin production in 2013. The conventional Kh-101 was used extensively in Ukraine and production resources are apparently being used to replace this inventory instead of the nuclear Kh-102 with production in 2022 of about 290 missiles.
A new hypersonic ALCM is apparently in development, though details are too scant to determine whether it is a strategic nuclear-armed missile, or an air-to-surface missile for conventional missions. As a result, Teal Group does not include it in the forecast.
The Russian defense industry is organized in a fundamentally different fashion than in the West with the design bureaus existing separate from the production plants. Teal Group forecasts here are organized in the traditional fashion by the design bureaus. Although Bulava is a joint MIT/Makeyev project, it is assigned to MIT which is the lead organization.
13 Jun 24. Eurosatory 2024: MBDA presents sovereign capabilities for the battlefield. MBDA, the European leader in complex weapons systems, will present at Eurosatory 2024 a comprehensive portfolio of sovereign defence solutions to meet the needs of armed forces’ in a changing strategic environment. Offering its customers solutions adapted to new battlefield challenges in a high-intensity environment, MBDA is showcasing unique new beyond line-of-sight (BLOS) and long-range strike capabilities.
MBDA is evolving Akeron into a family that includes dedicated BLOS capabilities, augmented by a new solution: Ground Warden. Ground Warden is the answer to ground operatives’ growing need for reactivity and assistance in an increasingly dynamic environment. Based on the Akeron MP weapon systems, Ground Warden accelerates the use of trusted AI to support decision-making and co-ordination between systems in BLOS engagements, while maintaining a human-in-the-loop.
In order to meet new long-range strike requirements, MBDA has capitalised on its expertise to offer European armed forces and their allies’ sovereign solutions in tactical and strategic areas. MBDA will be presenting a portfolio of complementary systems, including the Land Cruise Missile (LCM) that completes MBDA’s range of precision deep-strike products.
The changing strategic environment also emphasises the need for air defence against the entire spectrum of threats. Here, MBDA offers a full portfolio of solutions. The latest-generations of the Mistral, MICA and CAMM missile families provide multi-layered defence against all kind of threats, including co-ordinated and saturation attacks.
MBDA has also developed the Aster missile family, through co-operation between France, Italy and the UK. Its latest generation, the combat-proven Aster B1, has an international reputation for excellent performance against the most complex threats. Integrated into the SAMP/T system currently in service with armed forces, this family continues to evolve with the Aster B1 NT that is under development.
In its preparation for the future, MBDA will also be presenting Aquila, a concept for intercepting future hypersonic and ballistic threats. MBDA is capitalising on its co-operative DNA to bring together 14 European nations within the HYDIS2 consortium that is designing this future game-changing protective capability for Europe.
MBDA continues to put itself in battle order, offering a range of complex weapons systems to protect the sovereignty of Europe’s nations and their allies, while playing a major role in strengthening the decisive capabilities for the armed forces.
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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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