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05 Sept 24. Norwegian Armed Forces lock in new M107A1 anti-materiel rifles. Barrett Firearms Manufacturing will supply semi-automatic M107A1 anti-materiel rifles to the Norwegian Armed Forces, under a new contract with the NATO-allied Norwegian Defence Materiel Agency.
Barrett, owned by privately-owned global munitions company NIOA Group, recently announced the agreement to upgrade the Norwegian Armed Forces’ existing Barrett Model 82A1 rifles as a significant contract win.
The M107A1 rifle, chambered in .50 BMG (Browning Machine Gun), is a substantial upgrade from the Model 82A1, according to the company.
The new system offers reduced weight, improved performance, greater durability and modern features for the evolving demands of modern warfare. The M107A1 is also suppressor capable to reduce the rifle’s signature in various operational environments.
The M107A1 will significantly enhance the Norwegian Armed Forces’ capabilities to engage targets at extreme ranges, destroy valuable enemy assets, and secure tactical advantages on the battlefield, according to Barrett president Bryan James.
“We are honoured to continue our partnership with the Norwegian Armed Forces by providing the M107A1, a rifle that embodies our dedication to precision, reliability, and innovation. This move ensures that the Norwegian forces are equipped with the latest advancements in long-range firepower.
“Barrett is proud to partner with allied nations across the world. We all share the same dedication to excellence and continued improvement. Barrett has a long history in this field and we will continue to grow our relationships with our partners.”
In 2022, the Australian federal government announced that the M107A1 rifle, manufactured by Barrett Firearms Manufacturing, would be selected as the platform for the Anti-Material Sniper Capability in the next generation of small arms for the Australian Defence Force. (Source: Defence Connect)
05 Sept 24. Slovakia is Replacing its Soviet 2K12 Kub Systems With Israel’s BARAK MX Medium-Range Air Defense Systems. Slovakia is preparing to sign a 554m euro ($615m) intergovernmental agreement [G2G] with Israel to supply BARAK MX medium-range surface-to-air missile systems. The Bratislava government has opened a tender to replace the old Soviet 2K12 Kub mobile medium-range anti-aircraft systems with advanced and modern systems to strengthen the country’s air defense systems following Russia’s unjustified aggression against Ukraine in 2022. The winner of the competition, which included highly sophisticated and high-quality air defense systems such as IRIS-T, VL MICA, and NASAMS, was BARAK MX, jointly developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation of India (DRDO) and Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI).
The BARAK MX air defense system is a highly flexible and modular solution designed to counter various air threats, such as fighter jets, helicopters, unmanned aerial vehicles, cruise missiles, and tactical ballistic missiles (TBMs). The system consists of a command and control system, tracking radar, rockets, and three launchers, each equipped with eight missiles. IAI offers users three types of BARAK interceptors for launchers: MR (Medium Range) with a range of 35 km using a single pulse rocket engine, LR (Long Range) with a range of 70 km using a dual pulse rocket engine, and ER (Extended Range) with a range of 150 km using a dual pulse and booster rocket engine for enhanced TBM defense capability. All interceptors have active high-end RF seekers designed to engage low radar cross section (RCS) and highly maneuverable targets. The system can also be integrated with various sensors, radars, and command and control networks, enabling effective coordination and information sharing between different air defense systems.
As a participant in the European Sky Shield Initiative (ESSI), which envisages the construction of a land-based integrated European air defense system capable of intercepting ballistic missiles against a possible Russian threat, Slovakia’s preference for the Barak MX over the products of European manufacturers, which could provide better compatibility with its neighbors and allies, was mainly due to IAI’s low bid price compared to its competitors. According to Slovak Defence Minister Robert Kalinak, during the negotiations, Bratislava managed to reduce the cost of the Barak system from EUR 128 m per unit to EUR 92 m. Other influential reasons were IAI’s promised early delivery schedule and the compatibility of these systems with the 17 multi-purpose 3D radars already ordered by Slovakia from Elta Systems in 2021.
Defence Minister Robert Kalinak told state news agency TASR that the intergovernmental agreement will be signed in October, following negotiations between the parties on the final terms, and that the first system will arrive in the country as early as 2025. Kalina also said that in addition to the Barak MX, the purchase will include radars, missiles, and related equipment and that the Slovak arms industry will also be involved in the deal.
Slovakia’s acquisition is only part of Bratislava’s program to acquire modern air defense and missile defense systems at all levels by 2035. The Central European country, which donated the Soviet-designed S-300 air defense system it inherited after the dissolution of Czechoslovakia to Ukraine and currently has only the 2K12 Kub, 9K38 Igla, and two MANTIS donated by Germany to protect the country’s critical infrastructure, will continue to work on the procurement of new advanced air defense systems in the future. (Source: Google/https://www.overtdefense.com/)
04 Sept 24. EDGE Partners with Brazilian Navy for development of MANSUP. The deal is expected to be worth $164m and will deliver the Anti-Ship Missiles by the end of 2025. EDGE Group signed a strategic partnership on 4 September 2024 with the Brazilian Navy to complete the development of the Navy’s National Anti-Ship Missile (MANSUP) by the end of 2025, with the intentions of enhancing the defence capabilities of both Brazil and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
EDGE originally signed a letter of intent for the deal – worth approximately Dh0.6bn ($164m) – with the Brazilian Navy on 15 November 2023.
Under the terms of the contract, EDGE Group, in collaboration with SIATT, Brazil’s premier smart weapons specialist, will provide the necessary resources to ensure the MANSUP missile system is delivered on schedule for integration into the Brazilian Navy’s new Tamandaré class of stealth frigates. Additionally, the contract outlines the framework for EDGE Group to leverage MANSUP technology and technical data in the development of an extended-range version known as the MANSUP-ER.
Rodrigo Torres, chief financial officer of EDGE Group, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, “This program not only strengthens the defense sectors of Brazil and the UAE but also, in collaboration with SIATT, promises benefits beyond missile development.
“They will lead to the establishment of new factories and create numerous job opportunities, fostering growth across the entire industrial base and economy. We are excited to advance our collaboration with the Brazilian and UAE Navies as we expand our family of missile systems and drive transformation within the defence industry,” continued Torres
This partnership represents the latest milestone in an ongoing collaboration between EDGE Group, SIATT, and the Brazilian Navy. Following EDGE Group’s acquisition of a 50% stake in SIATT, the company announced a significant expansion of SIATT’s manufacturing facilities in São Paulo, Brazil. The partnership also includes two major contracts to deliver the MANSUP and MANSUP-ER missiles to the Brazilian Navy and also to the UAE Ministry of Defence. (Source: naval-technology.com)
04 Sept 24. German air defence turns corner with IRIS-T SLM commissioning.
Germany commissioned the IRIS-T SLM air defence system at a ceremony with Chancellor Scholz and Defence Minister Pistorius.
Germany’s Chancellor Scholz and Defence Minister Pistorius together presided over the commissioning ceremony of the IRIS-T Surface Launched Medium Range (SLM) air defence system on 4 September 2024 at Todenhorf, marking a milestone for the Bundeswehr’s capability versus airborne threats, including drones, helicopters, aircraft, and cruise missiles.
The IRIS-T SLM is equipped with advanced missile interception technology. The system’s infrared imaging capability allows it to track and target a wide range of threats with precision, even under challenging conditions. Its agility and mobility make it well-suited for rapid deployment in crisis situations, a feature that has been particularly valuable in Ukraine, where the system has been deployed to protect key infrastructure from air strikes.
In his speech at the event, Chancellor Scholz reiterated Germany’s commitment to European security, stating that the new air defence capabilities would help protect not just Germany but its allies as well.
“The importance of our work cannot be overstated. We are talking about nothing less than protecting peace in Europe, especially in light of the Russian threats that have become increasingly apparent. Russia’s mass deployment of missiles and troops near our borders has led us to build up our air defenses, and this includes the establishment of missile defense systems capable of countering threats from Kaliningrad and elsewhere. We cannot and will not allow the peace we have built to be endangered,” said Scholz.
Germany’s turning point
As security concerns continue to rise across Europe, Germany’s investment in such advanced systems signals a clear intent to strengthen its defensive posture.
While traditionally cautious about military spending, Germany’s “Zeitenwende” (turning point) initiative represents a marked departure from its previous policies, reflecting the urgent need for modernisation in the face of contemporary threats. The introduction of the IRIS-T SLM system is a clear demonstration of this shift in focus, as the Bundeswehr looks to the future with a renewed emphasis on technological superiority and rapid responsiveness.
Having been introduced in just over half a year, the speed with which the IRIS-T SLM system has been integrated after receiving approval from the Budget Committee of the German Bundestag is notable. “The collaboration between the Bundeswehr and industry has been a tremendous success. The Bundeswehr is now well-prepared, and the air defence system IRIS-T SLM is a key part of that. This system, which we are proud to deploy here, represents a significant leap forward in our ability to defend not just Germany but all of Europe,” said Pistorius.
Enhancing Nato’s air defence
The IRIS-T SLM system is a cutting-edge, agile solution designed to enhance Nato’s integrated air and missile defence architecture, specifically in providing short-range protection. The system’s primary function is to intercept and neutralise airborne threats at close range, adding another layer of protection within Nato’s broader air defence strategy.
While it is a key addition to Germany’s own military capabilities, the IRIS-T SLM will also play a vital role in the European Sky Shield Initiative (ESSI). ESSI is a multinational effort to support European air defences, launched in response to an increasing threat environment and Russia’s increasingly adversarial behaviour.
The system has already proven its effectiveness in Ukraine, where it has been deployed under live combat conditions, protecting civilian infrastructure from Russian air strikes. Germany has provided several units of the IRIS-T system to Ukraine as part of its military aid package, and the system’s success in defending against Russian missiles has been widely acknowledged.
Preparing for the future
Following the commissioning of the IRIS-T SLM system at Todendorf, the Bundeswehr announced plans to establish a dedicated IRIS-T SLM training centre for the system at the same location. The centre is expected to be operational by 2026 and will serve as a hub for multinational training efforts under the European Sky Shield Initiative. Once complete, the training facility will cater to the needs of other countries participating in ESSI, aiming to ensure partner nations can operate the IRIS-T system effectively. (Source: army-technology.com)
03 Sept 24. Heckler & Koch to Supply New Sniper Rifle to German Special Forces. The German Army has selected Heckler & Koch to supply G210 MR308A6 sniper rifles for its special forces. Up to 500 rifles are planned to be delivered in 2025, the German firearm manufacturer said. Unveiled at the EnforceTac trade fair earlier this year in February, the MR308A6 is a short-range, semi-automatic sniper rifle specifically developed for the tender.
Features
The 7.62 mm x 51 caliber, gas-operated weapon features improved handling by moving the reloading option to the side of the weapon.
It weighs 4.4 kilograms (9.7 pounds) unloaded and is a replacement of the Heckler & Koch G28 used by the German Special Forces.
“We at Heckler & Koch are proud to be a supplier to the Bundeswehr’s special forces. The spearhead of the Bundeswehr deserves the best weapons in the world, and that is what Heckler & Koch stands for,” company CEO Jens Bodo Koch said.
“Following the recent order for the HK437 .300BLK designated as G39 SD, the MR308A6 as G210 marks the next product innovation from our company.”
(Source: https://www.sofx.com/)
04 Sept 24. Elbit eyes Nordic market for its ‘Iron Fist’ vehicle-protection system. Israel’s Elbit Systems hopes that three Nordic states will buy the company’s Iron Fist active protection system for their military fleets after Sweden-based BAE Systems Hägglunds ordered it for installation on CV90 infantry fighting vehicles in various European countries.
“We started by signing a contract to supply our APS to the vehicles ordered by the Netherlands, and later, other countries,” Rami Sokolower, senior director for marketing and business development at Elbit Systems, told Defense News at the MSPO defense industry show here. “In the near future, we hope that further Iron Fist deals will be signed for the vehicles operated by Denmark, Sweden and Finland.”
“We have also received an order to supply Iron Fist to the United States for Bradley infantry fighting vehicles,” the executive said.
Sokolower said that, while presenting its system at the leading Polish industry event, the Israeli producer is also pitching its product to the Polish armed forces.
“We see great potential in Poland, and our APS is suitable for both wheeled and tracked vehicles, light or heavy,” the official said.
Elbit Systems says Iron Fist ensures high-level protection against anti-tank threats, increasing the survivability of military vehicles and offering 360-degree protection. (Source: Defense News)
03 Sept 24. Thales in Belgium and Polska Amunicja sign a MoU to collaborate on the production of 70mm rockets. Leveraging on their respective competencies, this agreement creates opportunities to build additional capabilities in Polska Amunicja, Grupa WB, PONAR Wadowice S.A. and Thales Belgium. As a result of this teaming, the companies will combine their technical skills and capacity to develop a competitive and efficient product that they will jointly commercialize. This MoU is an important step for Thales in Poland, being the starting point of the feasibility study for the transfer of production of certain components of the 70mm rocket system manufactured by Thales in Belgium. This project involves components for both unguided and guided 70 mm rockets. This new Memorandum of Understanding is in line with the efforts made by these industries to reinforce the European defense capabilities.
02 Sept 24. Nammo secures TNT supply amid surging artillery shell demand. Astor Defence will supply Nammo with TNT for the next four years, while also stating it has spare capacity to supply TNT into the international market in 2025. Astor Defence has secured a four-year deal to supply Norwegian-Finnish defence provider Nammo with TNT explosives for the production of 155mm artillery shells, a munition that has seen its demand leap in recent years following Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
In a late-August 2024 release, Astor Defence stated that it would provide Nammo Group with “thousands of tons” of TNT, coming weeks after the Norwegian government announced in July 2024 that it had entered into a multi-year agreement with Nammo on artillery, missile, and rocket munitions.
The agreement between Nammo and the Norwegian Defence Materiel Agency will see Nammo committing to maintain ammunition production capacity for at least 15 years for 155mm artillery shells, 120mm shells for main battle tanks, and solid rocket motors for missiles such as the AMRAAM.
Artillery shells can be used in several types of artillery, including the M109 that Norway has donated to Ukraine. The rocket motors are central components in, among other things, the AMRAAM missiles used in NASAMS air defence, with Norway donating both NASAMS and anti-aircraft missiles to Ukraine.
Meanwhile, Astor Defence stated it was also launching a product line to include ball powder propellent for small calibre ammunition, primers, brass cartridge cases, and projectiles, as Europe’s industrial bases ramps up as the continent’s militaries look to rearm and replenish stockpiles.
Astor commented that it already supplies “most of the major munition manufacturers in Europe and America with their military packaging requirements” from small calibre boxes such as M19A1, M2A1, and M2A2 up to pallets for 155mm shells, with the expansion “a natural synergy”.
The company also said it has “spare capacity” for TNT supply through 2025.
Supply chains stretched by global demands
In March, a report by GlobalData detailed the strain being placed on global supply chains as an intensifying rearmament race, driven by geopolitical tensions and escalating defence budget, is setting new demands for the industrial base.
Speaking in March 2024, James Marques, defence and security analyst at GlobalData, said “vital items” such as artillery shells, air defence missiles, and armoured vehicles were seeing “rates of attrition in the war in Ukraine at rates unheard of in recent times”.
The repercussions of this heightened demand are reverberating across supply chains, with Western nations striving to replenish depleted stocks while simultaneously supporting Ukrainian forces.
The UK, for instance, recently confirmed that it had donated 400,000 artillery shells to Ukraine and had earlier signed deals with companies such as BAE Systems to increase munitions production. Similarly, companies like Rheinmetall and KNDS in Europe are forging ahead with new production lines to meet the escalating demand. (Source: army-technology.com)
30 Aug 24. Europe’s HYDEF hypersonic interceptor achieves MDR. HYDEF the HYpersonic DEFence Interceptor has completed its Mission Definition Review. Europe’s Hypersonic Defence Interceptor (HYDEF) programme took another step forward on 27 August 2024, by achieving its Mission Definition Review (MDR), the second technical milestone toward developing an endo-atmospheric interceptor that can defend against hypersonic threats.
The Organisation for Joint Armament Co-operation (OCCAR) announced the completed MDR, concluding the Pre-Feasibility Phase of the HYDEF programme.
HYDEF, an initiative primarily driven by a €100m ($111m) investment from the European Defence Fund, aims to address hypersonic threats anticipated in the time frame after 2035. The primary goal of HYDEF is to create a highly agile interceptor system that can operate at various atmospheric levels, utilising advanced guidance and sensor technologies. Another €10m is contributed by member states Belgium, Germany, Norway, Poland and Spain.
The MDR focuses on the HYDEF mission and the concepts being developed to pursue the mission successfully. The review presented an evaluation of operational concepts, capabilities, and the expected performance of the proposed options. This included assessments of user and mission requirements, a threat analysis, identification of weapon and sensor systems, and a high-level system model.
The HYDEF Consortium, led by Spanish missile defence company SMS, unites 14 companies from seven European nations, all with extensive experience in air defense. The consortium includes SONACA (Belgium), LKE (Czech Republic), Diehl Defence (Germany), NAMMO (Norway), ILOT and ITWL (Poland), Beyond Gravity (Sweden) and several Spanish companies: SMS, EM&E, GMV, Instalaza, INTA, Navantia, and Sener.
Following the meeting in Rauoss, Norway, a full-scale test firing os a Ramjet was conducted at NAMMO’s test facility.
Hypersonic threat environment
Russia is pursuing two hypersonic weapons programmes, the Avangard and the 3M22 Tsirkon, according to a Congressional Research Service (CRS) report updated August 2024.
Avangard is a hypersonic glide vehicle launched from an intercontinental ballistic missile. The CRS cites reports that Avangard weapons are currently fly deployed on the SS-19 Stiletto ICBM, and that Russia has intention to launch the Avangard from the Sarmat ICBM. The CRS notes that the capability to launch from an ICBM effectively removes any limit for range from th Avangard hypersonic glider.
The Tsirkon is a hypersonic cruise missile with a maximum range of 625 miles, according to Russian news sources cited by the CSR, and can be fires from a range of platforms including submarines and vertical launch systems mounted on cruisers.
China has successfully tested the DF-17 medium range ballistic missile, specifically designed to launch hypersonic glide vehicles. China has also tested the DF-41 ICBM, identified in a US congressional commision report as able to carry a conventional or nuclear hypersonic glide vehicle.
As well as testing these two delivery systems, China has tested DF-ZF hypersonic glide vehicles at least nine times since 2014, demonstrating high manoeuvrability during flight and achieving ranges as far as 1,200 miles, noted the CSR.
Australian India, France, Germany, South Korea, North Korea and Japan are also developing hypersonic weapon technologies. Iran, Israel and Brazil are known to have conducted foundational research on hypersonic airflows, but are not thought to be developing their own hypersonic weapons capabilities currently. (Source: airforce-technology.com)
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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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