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04 Jul 24. Thales, Adani position for Indian 70 mm rocket requirements.
has entered an agreement with Indian firm Adani Defence and Aerospace to produce in India two of the French group’s 70 mm rocket systems: the FZ275 laser-guided rocket (LGR) and the FZ90 unguided Folding Fin Aircraft Rocket (FFAR).
Janes understands that the companies are looking to integrate the rockets onto India’s fleets of Advanced Light Helicopters (ALHs) and Light Combat Helicopters (LCHs). These helicopters, built by state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), have already been fitted with Thales’ compatible 70 mm FZ rocket launch system.
Should purchase contracts be secured, Adani will act as prime integrator in building the two 70 mm rocket systems in India, a Thales spokesperson told Janes on 3 July. Adani will receive technologies from Thales to undertake this role, facilitating the Indian company’s inclusion in Thales’ global supply chain, the spokesperson added.
The Thales-Adani memorandum of understanding (MOU), signed in June, is also intended to align with Thales’ other industrial agreements in India, including a partnership it announced with Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) in 2023 to also manufacture the FZ275 LGR in India.
“For several years now, Thales has been developing a strong supply chain in India with several strategic partners … that will benefit from this partnership with Adani,” the Thales spokesperson said.
A future deal for Thales to sell the rockets to India would also be aligned with previous contracts through which the French firm supplied the ALHs and LCHs with 70 mm rocket launchers. (Source: Janes)
03 Jul 24. Baltics ATACMS production underway after earlier US HIMARS deals. The ATACMS short-range tactical ballistic missile is able to strike targets at distances of up to 300km and is launched from either the HIMARS or M270 MLRS systems. The Baltic countries of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania, as well as Poland and Morocco, look set to benefit from a US Department of Defense (DoD) contract for Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) long-range missile capabilities, delivering on earlier agreements.
In a 2 July 2024, statement, the DoD revealed that Lockheed Martin had been awarded a $226.8m hybrid contract for ATACMS missile and launching assembly procurement, with work to be performed through to December 2028 under a Foreign Military Sales (FMS) arrangement.
None of Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, or Morocco currently operate either the M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) or M270 multiple launch rocket system (MLRS) vehicles, which are the two potential delivery vehicles for the ATACMS munition. Poland currently has five M142 HIMARS vehicles in its inventory, delivered in 2023, with a planned total fleet reaching up to 506 systems.
However, in October 2023, Latvia requested to purchase six HIMARS platforms and associated ATACMS missile payloads. The US approved the potential FMS of eight M142 HIMARS and ATACMS munitions in November 2022 to Lithuania for an estimated cost of $492m, while Estonia also agreed a deal in 2022 for HIMARS launchers.
In April 2023, Morocco requested to buy 18 M142 HIMARS launchers and 40 M57 ATACMS, among other equipment including 36 M31A2 unitary guided MLRS (GMLRS) rounds and 36 M30A2 GMLRS alternative warheads in a deal worth up to $524.3m.
Controversy: ATACMS provision to Ukraine
The range and accuracy of the ATACMS munition had made headlines in recent months after the US relented in its opposition for its provision to Ukraine, which has since been used by Ukrainian forces to conduct long range strikes into Russian territory.
Washington had previously been keen to avoid sending long-range strike munitions such as the ATACMS to Ukraine for fear of being seen to escalate Nato’s provision of equipment to Kyiv but relented after the UK and France sent Storm Shadow/SCALP cruise missiles.
According to manufacturer Lockheed Martin, the ATACMS is a “long-range, guided missile” packaged in a pod to enable firing from the MLRS family of launchers, such as the M142 HIMARS or M270 systems.
The pod is configured to appear to carry a standard MLRS payload from the M26 or M28 family of munitions in order to avoid enemy combatants gaining an understanding of individual platform capabilities.
The ballistic missile contains improved GPS guidance, and carries a WDU18, 500lb (230kg) blast fragmentation warhead, with a maximum range of 300km.(Source: army-technology.com)
01 Jul 24. SPARC Research of Warrenton, Virginia has entered into a multi-year tenant use agreement with BAE Systems to lease space at the Radford Army Ammunition Plant in Radford, Virginia. The area covered under the lease agreement was previously used for rocket motor testing. Future plans for the site include the installation of a Government Owned, Contractor Operated (GOCO) facility to test solid rocket and airbreathing propulsion systems.According to Dr. Patrick Hewitt, Founder and CEO of SPARC Research, “additional supersonic and hypersonic ground test facilities will ensure the U.S. military remains at the forefront of innovative technologies. We look forward to doing our part through this project.” According to SPARC Research’s President Matthew Cornwell, “this facility expansion is a natural progression of capabilities growing out of our strength in propulsion engineering.” A three-year facility project is planned with a goal of becoming operational in 2028. (Source: PR Newswire)
02 Jul 24. EDA kicks off new phase of minesweeping project. Building on two previous phases, the European Defence Agency will explore the feasibility of the Modular Lightweight Minesweeping concept. The European Defence Agency (EDA) has launched the third phase of its minesweeping project on 1 July 2024, in which these countries will address what mine countermeasure (MCM) operations will look like in the coming years.
For its part, the EDA has put forward its own ‘Modular Lightweight Minesweeper’ (MLM) concept building on two previous development phases between 2011-14 and in 2018-21. The main objective is to further raise the technology readiness level of relevant systems and to demonstrate the use of modular lightweight minesweeping in an operational setting.
This third phase, which has a budget of around €9.2m ($10m), brings together six member states: Belgium, Germany, France, Finland and Poland – all led by Norway.
Europe replaces ageing MCM fleets
Currently, Belgium, France and the Netherlands have several Tripartite-class minehunters, which have reached 40-years of service, spearheading their MCM operations.
In their wake, France will replace them with legacy A27 uncrewed underwater vehicles (UUVs) that have been in service since 2012. Although, due to their age, the service will procure six new support ships to increase their endurance by 100 miles, allowing them to venture beyond Brest harbour, Brittany.
Later, the French Navy will acquire an undetermined number of next-generation A18 systems to take over the legacy systems.
Meanwhile, Belgium and the Netherlands have entered into a cooperation agreement whereby their two navies will build 12 new auxiliary ships to replace their ageing fleets. Their new vessels will be equipped with launch and recovery systems for mine clearance drones; these are scheduled to be completed in 2032.
MCM will lean on uncrewed systems
Most concepts for new MCM capabilities are based on a flexible solution with autonomous and remotely operated sweeping systems, but the technology is not mature enough to be adopted by most nations.
GlobalData intelligence indicates that the global military uncrewed maritime vehicles market, valued at $1.7bn in 2024, is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 8.9% over the forecast period. It is expected to reach $4.1bn by 2034 and cumulatively value $29.3bn over the forecast period. The market consists of two categories: USVs and UUVs.
Among geographic segments, Europe is projected to dominate the sector with a share of 38.4%, followed by Asia-Pacific and North America with shares of 31.8% and 20.6%, respectively.
Lightweight minesweeping
The aim for future mine sweeping solutions is to develop and utilise smaller Uncrewed Surface Vehicles (USVs) with lightweight sweep sources. These sources can be operated with a single platform or by a formation of several USVs, depending on the operation. (Source: naval-technology.com)
02 Jul 24. As Estonia donates to Ukraine, Norway and Netherlands enhance air defences. Norway buys NASAMS, Netherlands to procure Patriots, and Estonia donates Mistrals to Ukraine, as attention turns to air defences.
Norway and the Netherlands have announced major procurements of advanced air defence systems, while Estonia is set to donate short-range air defence missile systems to Ukraine.
The Netherlands Ministry of Defence confirmed on July 1 the purchase of a full fourth Patriot fire unit to enhance the nation’s defence against long-distance threats. The new Patriot unit will be stationed at the Defence Ground-based Air Defence Command in Vredepeel, complementing existing air defence systems designed to counter both short and medium-range threats.
The Netherlands’ investment in air defence is part of a broader strategy to enhance the capabilities of its armed forces. The addition of a new battery will give Netherlands two identical batteries against air threats at short and medium distance.
The Netherlands has played a leading role in supplying a Patriot system to Ukraine, making the system available to assist in the defence against the full-scale invasion by Russia.
Estonia donates Mistral air defence systems to Ukraine
In a show of solidarity and support for Ukraine, Estonia has announced the donation of an undisclosed number of Mistral-type short-range air defence missile systems and missiles. Defence Minister Hanno Pevkur stated that this contribution is crucial for helping Ukraine defend against Russia’s continued aggression. Estonia’s aid package is designed to maximise benefit to Ukraine while ensuring the Estonian Defence Forces’ combat readiness is not compromised.
Estonia has previously provided a wide range of military aid to Ukraine, including Javelin anti-tank missile systems, howitzers, artillery ammunition, and various other military equipment and supplies.
Pevkur emphasised that Estonia’s contributions to Ukraine are driven by both solidarity and strategic interests, as a stable and secure Ukraine is vital for regional security. “Ukraine urgently needs air defence to fend off Russia’s continued brutal aggression, and it is in Estonia’s direct security interest to contribute to this effort along with our allies. We have put together an aid package in a way that maximises benefit to Ukraine without compromising the combat readiness of the Estonian Defence Forces, and we can replenish the necessary supplies as quickly as possible,” said Pevkur.
Norway strengthens air defence with NASAMS
On 28th June 2024, Norway’s Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace announced a contract with the Norwegian Defence Material Agency (NDMA) for the procurement of new NASAMS air defence systems. The contract, valued at approximately Nkr4.8bn ($450m), includes the delivery of multi-missile canister launchers and new Fire Distribution Centres, with expected deliveries starting in 2027.
The new NASAMS systems will replace equipment previously donated to Ukraine, enhancing Norway’s defence capabilities against aerial threats. Norwegian Defence Minister Bjørn Arild Gram highlighted the urgency of this upgrade, citing the current security situation and the need for rapid enhancement of air defence systems.
“Air defence is crucial for the defence of both Norway and Ukraine. We are now increasing volume and upgrading the existing NASAMS system with modern equipment capable of intercepting a variety of threats. The current security situation dictates that we must accelerate the development of air defence and the upgrade of NASAMS. This agreement ensures rapid delivery to the Armed Forces and contributes to increasing production capacity in the defence industry,” said Gram
The contract also includes a fixed-price option worth $230m, allowing for the acquisition of additional air defence systems if approved by the parliament.
Eirik Lie, President of Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace, stressed the strategic importance of the NASAMS upgrade for Norway’s national security.
“A state-of-the-art air defence system is strategically important for Norway’s defence capabilities and is vital for safeguarding our national security interests. This delivery will provide Norway with the latest generation of NASAMS, developed to meet current and future threats,” said Lie. (Source: army-technology.com)
02 Jul 24. Kratos Announces Successful First Flight of Erinyes Hypersonic Test Bed. Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc. has announced that its Space & Missile Defense Systems Business Unit, a part of Kratos’ Defense & Rocket Support Systems (DRSS) Division, supported the Missile Defense Agency (MDA) and the Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC), in the successful launch and flight of the Kratos Erinyes Hypersonic Test Bed, on June 12, 2024, from the NASA Wallops Flight Facility (WFF) in Virginia.
This successful first flight of the Erinyes vehicle demonstrates a new and novel platform capability for rapid hypersonic experimentation for the U.S. Department of Defense.
The exercise, designated Hypersonic Test Bed-1 (HTB-1), demonstrated hypersonic flight that enabled the collection of data for multiple experiments to be provided to test teams for design validation and evaluation of new technologies.
“Hypersonic experimenters now have a robust and affordable path across the TRL [Technology Readiness Level]. The ability to demonstrate experimental technologies on a real hypersonic flight testbed, without adding risk to programs of record, is game-changing,” stated Dave Carter, President of Kratos’ DRSS Division. “Following this success, we will turn to preparing for our next test, incorporating a new set of experiments. I couldn’t be prouder of our team.”
Eric DeMarco, President and CEO of Kratos, said,
“The 100% successful flight of the Kratos Erinyes hypersonic vehicle with our MDA and Navy partners is representative of the power of Kratos’ approach to be first to market with leading technology systems and products, which accelerates development and delivery schedules, while significantly reducing cost. Kratos’ Rocket and Hypersonic systems development programs are positioned to disrupt the market with affordable, relevant systems, and we expect Kratos’ hypersonic franchise, including Erinyes, Zeus, Oriole and other systems to be a key contributor to our expected future organic growth trajectory.
Kratos is laser focused on expanding the U.S. National Security Industrial Base, increasing competition, reducing cost and delivering significant value to all Kratos stakeholders, including the MDA, U.S. Navy and other Government customers. Kratos has served the U.S. hypersonic community for decades through novel system and vehicle flight testing.” (Source: UAS VISION)
01 Jul 24. Thales has opened a new assembly line to accommodate a five-fold increase in the production of 70-mm laser-guided rockets at its Herstal site in Belgium. The move is part of a wide-ranging research and development programme supported by the Walloon Region.
- The new capacity is a major step in a €20 m investment plan launched in 2023 and boosted by the support of the Belgian government and the European Union’s Act in Support of Ammunition Production (ASAP) plan.
- The inauguration was attended by the Belgian Minister of Defence, Ludivine Dedonder.
- By ramping up production, Thales is helping strengthen the ammunition capabilities of Europe’s armed forces
Thales Belgium, the European leader in 70-mm rocket systems, has inaugurated a new production line at its Herstal site, a few months after the Belgian Minister of Defence Ludivine Dedonder signed a letter of intent expressing her support for the ramp-up of Thales’s ordnance production activities. The higher production rates will make it possible to respond faster to the ammunition requirements of the armed forces. The rocket is the NATO-standard 70-mm (2.75 inch) calibre currently being used in Ukraine.
In the space of less than a year, Thales Belgium has laid the groundwork for increased production of 70-mm rockets to meet the needs of European armed forces. Thales Belgium is the only manufacturer of these munitions in Europe. To boost output, the Group has hired more than 50 new staff, strengthened the supply chain and moved towards vertical integration of a number of additional activities. Production capacity will increase from 1,000 guided rockets to 5,000 by 2025.
The rockets developed by Thales Belgium offer a high level of interoperability and resistance to jamming and can be deployed by many types of manned and unmanned land, air and naval platforms. They are also suitable for use by drone countermeasures systems and to support ground-to-ground strike capabilities.
“The expansion of the 70 mm rocket production line responds to rapidly growing international demand, as well as to the needs of Defense, due to a worrying global security situation. In the face of today’s geopolitical challenges, this initiative contributes to strengthening Belgium’s strategic autonomy and guaranteeing peace and security in Europe. Thales’ s choice of Belgium for this expansion reinforces the R&D cooperation agreement signed with the Ministry of Defense in November 2023. It also highlights the exceptional skills of Walloon workers in the field of precision technologies. This inauguration perfectly illustrates my commitment to Defense, industry, and our country’s economy in the service of our national and international security”, Statement by Ludivine Dedonder, Minister of Defense.
“The geopolitical context in which we live today forces us to review our priorities and adapt. I would like to underline the involvement of Thales Belgium, which is responding to the needs expressed by the European armed forces. With this new production line, Thales Belgium will increase its production capacity of 70mm rockets by a factor of 5 between now and 2025. When it comes to defense, Wallonia’s potential is unquestionable. We need to step up collaboration between the federal government and Wallonia to position Walloon industry as effectively as possible in defense markets, as well as in European and NATO programs”, Willy Borsus, Vice-President of Wallonia and Minister for the Economy, Research and Innovation.
“The inauguration of this new production line at the Thales site in Herstal demonstrates the Group’s commitment to constant innovation and investment in strategic production capacities for Europe. Supported by the Belgian government and the European Commission as part of its Act in Support of Ammunition Production (ASAP), Thales Belgium is making its expertise as European leader in 70mm rocket systems available to the European armed forces”, said Hervé Dammann, Executive Vice President, Land and Air Systems, Thales.
17 Jun 24. The third generation of the CZ BREN rifle platform, currently in the arsenal of the Czech Army and other armed forces, has just been released.
The third generation of the extremely popular CZ BREN rifle platform, which is currently in the arsenal of the Czech Army and other armed forces around the world, has just been released. The international armed forces that utilise the CZ BREN include the French anti-terrorist unit GIGN, the Mexican Federal Police, the Portuguese Air Force and the Hungarian Armed Forces.
The innovative, modular multi-calibre CZ BREN 3 model stands out for its high accuracy, extreme durability, impressive shooting comfort and absolute reliability. All versions of the third generation CZ BREN meet the demanding requirements of NATO AC/225 D/14 tests and users can fully rely on them for reliable operation in the most demanding conditions, such as high or low temperatures, salt water, sand, mud or dust.
“The CZ BREN 3 is the result of feedback we received from soldiers, police officers and Special Forces personnel from around the world, who are equipped with the previous CZ BREN series. Our top experts have innovatively transferred this wealth of experience into the new CZ BREN 3 generation, with an emphasis on improving key features that include sophisticated ergonomics and the resulting shooting comfort. All of this leads us to believe that our new flagship product in the select-fire rifle segment will be a great success with the military and security forces,” said Jan Zajic, CEO and Chairman of the Board of Directors at CZ.
The CZ BREN 3 comes in two standard calibres and several barrel lengths. The 5.56 × 45 NATO calibre version is available with a 7″, 11″, 14.5″ or 16.5″ barrel. The 300 AAC Blackout calibre version is available with a 7″ or 9″ barrel. All barrels are cold hammer forged, which ensures high accuracy, and their already impressive durability is radically increased even more by a chrome-lined bore. Extraction of combustion gas can be adjusted with a three-position gas port regulator, which optimises operation when using a suppressor or when faced with adverse conditions or gun fouling.
Fully ambidextrous, AR-style controls include a 45° firing mode selector (safe/single shot/full-auto), magazine release and bolt catch/release (on the left side of the receiver and inside the trigger guard). The non-reciprocating charging handle is on both sides of the firearm. One side has a fixed handle and the other side has a folding handle, with both handles being swappable.
CZ BREN 3 300 AAC (top) and 5.56x45mm versions [© CZ]
The CZ BREN 3 series is equipped with a folding, four-position telescopic stock made of a highly durable polymer. However, a PDW-style four-position telescopic stock is also available. One of the key features of the CZ BREN 3’s high modularity is the easily replaceable extended forend, which is made of highly durable aluminium alloy. The standard extended forend is equipped with an M-LOK interface for mounting a wide range of accessories, such as sights, flashlights, laser markers, and more. The user can also choose from a STANAG 4694 or Suppressor-Ready forend – the latter is sized for mounting a suppressor. A total of seven QD attachment points on all versions allows for increased options on how to attach rifle slings.
In short, the CZ BREN 3 is an advanced service rifle for the 21st century. No matter where you are or what situations you face, you can count on the accuracy, reliability, and advanced performance you need to successfully complete your mission. The fully automatic CZ BREN 3 series is only available for use by official armed forces.
Main features of the CZ BREN 3:
- User-friendly, fully ambidextrous AR-style controls
- Bolt catch/release located inside the trigger guard
- Trigger with 25 N pull, smooth 7mm travel and short 4mm reset
- Two ejectors
- Telescopic / Folding stock or PDW-style extendable stock
- Innovative fixed or folding non-reciprocal charging handle on both sides of the receiver
- Three-position gas port regulator
- Seven QD attachment points
- Modular M-LOK, STANAG 4694 Rail or Suppressor-Ready forend
Detail shots of CZ BREN 3 at Eurosatory 2024 [© Carl Schulze]
CZ BREN 3 technical specifications:
- Calibre: 5.56 × 45 NATO, 300 AAC Blackout
- Magazine capacity: 30
- Weight without magazine: 3 – 3.6 kg, depending on configuration
- Overall length with stock folded/unfolded and fully extended: – / 550-725 mm (7″ PDW 5.56 × 45 NATO), 569 / 763-833 mm (11″ 5.56 × 45 NATO), 656 / 850-920 mm (14.5″ 5.56 × 45 NATO), 709 / 903-973 mm (16.5″ 5.56 × 45 NATO), 565 / 760-830 mm (7″ 300 AAC Blackout), 520 / 715-785 mm (9″ 300 AAC Blackout)
- Height with folded mechanical sights without magazine: 190 mm
- Barrel length: 7″/185 mm (PDW), 11″/280 mm, 14.5″/367 mm and 16.5″/420 mm for 5.56 × 45 NATO calibre and 7″/180 mm and 9″/229 mm for 300 AAC Blackout calibre
- Twist rate / Number of grooves: 1: 7″/6 (5.56 × 45 NATO), 1 : 5″/4 (300 AAC Blackout)
- Sights (basic): Iron, Folding, Adjustable
- Muzzle thread: 1/2″ × 28 UNEF (5.56 × 45 NATO), 5/8″ × 24 UNEF (300 AAC Blackout)
- Upper Receiver: 7075 T6 Aluminium Alloy
- Trigger pull weight: 25 N
(Source: www.joint-forces.com)
28 Jun 24. AMD secures new European patent. Following the successful completion of its DASA-funded programme, ‘2D Graphene Based Coatings for Enhanced Adaptive Camouflage’, AMD announced the granting of European patent EP4301697B1. AMD identified multiple applications both in defence and the built environment for its dual-use technology. The initial development programme resulted in a state-of-the-art device that demonstrates a significant drop in apparent or observed temperature. The technology has significant potential in several military applications in the area of thermal signature management for both platforms and personnel.
AMD CEO John Lee said, “It is great news to have secured the second granted patent family for AMD – this reflects upon our approach of filing good solid, novel IP with very real-world applications, which are core to the AMD theme. We look forward to receiving approval in further jurisdictions outside the EU in due course and will continue to develop leading edge proprietary solutions for customers, whilst providing protection for valuable technologies.”
25 Jun 24. Netherlands Army Fielding Turreted Mortars. The Dutch Army is joining the armies which have adopted the turreted mortar. On 12 June 2024 the Netherlands Ministry of Defence announced it was awarding a contract to BAE Systems Hägglunds for the acquisition of 15 Mjölner mortar vehicles.
The Mjölner is already fielded by the Swedish Army and consists of a turret with two-120mm mortar barrels integrated on the the Swedish Army tracked armoured chassis. The weapon system is capable of firing at a rate of up to sixteen rounds per minute. Crewmen inside the turret load standard 120mm projectiles on to trays which are then automatically loaded down the barrels. A sophisticated fire control integrated with vehicle navigation and positioning permits firing in short order after coming to a halt. The mortars have a range weapon system featuring a mortar function mounted on a CV90 chassis. Each vehicle is operated by a crew of four, including a driver, with two crewmen staging rounds for firing. The turret is equipped with two 120-millimetre barrels capable of firing up to sixteen rounds per minute. The mortars are able to fire all ammunition types including guided projectiles.
The Mjölner and other armoured turreted mortars offer battlefield advantages in the delivery of indirect fire support to forward combat units. They not only provide full protection to the crew throughout the engagement process but further facilitate not only the rapid delivery of fires but also enhance the overall survivability of the weapon system. This is inherent in that the turreted mortar requires all most no preparation after coming to a halt to be ready to fire. This differs from legacy vehicle mortars firing from an open hatch. Thus, the turreted mortar can deliver rounds often in seconds as well as respond around 360 degrees. Equipped with advanced integrated fire control systems allows these mortar systems to deliver highly accurate rounds on target in only seconds. Equally important the turreted mortar vehicle can then immediately displace and relocate to a new firing position thereby preventing it being located and engaged by opposing counterfires.
Netherlands joins the Swedish Army in fielding the Mjölner but also a number of other militaries which have are utilizing turreted mortars. These include the Polish RAK120, Patria NEMO with the Finns, Slovakian, Saudi, and UAE militaries, and recently the Ukrainian Army in combat.
In addition, in May 2024 Elbit Systems received a contract from General Dynamics European Land Systems for its Crossbow Unmanned Turreted 120mm Soft Recoil Mortar for installation on Pandur 6×6 APC wheeled armored vehicle for a European customer. The US Army has also begun to consider the turreted mortar with BAE Systems demonstrating the NEMO on its AMPV.
(Source: Armada)
28 Jun 24. Exercise Bayou Warrior Tests B-52 Readiness with Live JASSMs. From June 10 to June 13, 2024, Barksdale Air Force Base in Louisiana hosted Exercise Bayou Warrior, a readiness drill where Airmen from the 2nd Bomb Wing loaded live AMG-158 Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missiles (JASSMs) onto B-52H Stratofortresses. This exercise tested the wing’s capability to conduct long-range airstrike missions with live munitions, a rare and significant opportunity given the high cost and complexity of these missiles.
The 2nd Bomb Wing, the largest in the U.S. Air Force Global Strike Command (AFGSC), executed the drill to enhance proficiency in generating, loading, and delivering conventional weapons. While the JASSMs, marked with a yellow line to indicate live munitions, were not launched during the exercise, the activity provided crucial training for personnel. This practical experience with live munitions is rare, as each JASSM costs over $1m.
Historically, the B-52 Stratofortress has deployed a variety of weapons and remains a potent symbol of U.S. military power. Exercise Bayou Warrior focused on contemporary capabilities, such as ensuring that ground and maintenance crews could efficiently manage and load the advanced weapons onto the strategic bomber.
2nd Bomb Wing leadership, including the Crisis Action Team, participated actively in the exercise, simulating a real combat deployment scenario. The inspector general’s office of the AFGSC evaluated the weapons loading and maintenance processes, ensuring that the wing met high readiness standards. Col. Michael D. Maginness, commander of the 2nd Bomb Wing, emphasized the uniqueness of this exercise, highlighting the practical benefits for aircrew in handling and flying with live JASSMs.
The simulated combat scenario, while classified, was designed to replicate a real-world situation, testing the wing’s readiness to respond to conventional taskings. Lt. Col. Amanda Goncalves, the 2nd Operations Support Squadron commander, explained that the exercise required generating and deploying a specified number of aircraft and weapons within a limited timeframe, closely mimicking actual combat conditions.
Master Sgt. Nickolas Shelton, production superintendent with the 2nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, likened the preparation to getting a team ready for a playoff game, emphasizing the meticulous management required to ensure the aircraft’s readiness. (Source: https://www.sofx.com/)
27 Jun 24. Germany approves funds to develop supersonic weapon, buy thousands of missiles. Germany’s parliament has authorized money for the purchase of thousands of missiles and the development of a supersonic naval cruise missile, according to a Defence Ministry news release.
Germany will join forces with Norway in developing the supersonic Tyrfing missile. A key parliamentary committee released the funds Wednesday for Berlin’s first foray into developing modern naval missiles. Currently, most of the country’s naval missile arsenal is French- or American-made.
Although Norway and its state-owned arms manufacturer Kongsberg will take a leading role, the German government expects to contribute about €650m (U.S. $695m) to the project between now and 2033.
A new missile for Norway and Germany will be known as 3SM Tyrfing and is scheduled to be ready in 2035. (Kongsberg)
The contract, which is to conclude by August, will see Diehl Defence and MBDA perform work on the German side.
At least initially, Germany’s half will be funded from Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s special fund for the military. That money was put together in the immediate aftermath of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
In later years, the money is to come out of the regular defense budget.
Kongsberg describes the Tyrfing as a “new super missile” that will succeed the Naval Strike Missile developed in the early 2000s. The 3SM — an abbreviation for Super Sonic Strike Missile — should be ready in 2035, the company said in a news release late last year.
In addition to Norway and Germany, Kongsberg hopes the missile will have export potential to other “European armed forces.”
Weapons purchase
The German budgetary committee also approved the purchase of up to 3,266 Brimstone 3 rockets for delivery by 2033 under a contract expected to be passed by the parliament next month.
Initially, the country will receive 274 missiles and the requisite equipment, purchased from MBDA Germany for about €376m. An additional 29 Brimstones will be used for operational testing and 75 further for training and telemetry.
The rockets are destined for the country’s Eurofighter fleet, which forms the fighting backbone of its Air Force. Berlin first announced its intention to procure the air-to-ground missile in 2017.
The British Royal Air Force has used the Brimstone family of missiles for nearly two decades, including in war zones in Afghanistan, Iraq and Syria. A contingent of German Eurofighters is also deployed in the Baltics, where they serve to strengthen NATO’s posture at its flank with Russia.
Aside from entirely new purchases, the parliamentary budget committee also approved the procurement of 506 Stinger man-portable air defense systems worth about €395m as a replacement for 500 of the ground-to-air, shoulder-launched missiles that were sent to Ukraine.
Germany has taken a leading role in supporting Kyiv’s armament, sending more military support than any other country except the United States. According to the Germany-based Kiel Institute for the World Economy, the government has sent €10.2bn in military aid to Ukraine as of the end of April 2024. (Source: Defense News Early Bird/Defense News)
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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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