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15 Nov 24. BAE Systems is establishing a new artillery development and production facility in Sheffield that will create 50 high-skilled jobs. This facility is being funded with investments of more than £25m.
The new 94,000 sq ft facility will house a state-of-the-art factory specialising in artillery expertise that will deliver the Company’s M777 lightweight towed howitzer manufacturing capability and support the UK government’s ambitions to sustain and revitalise vital UK artillery capabilities.
“Our aim is to deliver long-term artillery capabilities for the UK, which will safeguard, sustain and grow a critical, specialised British industrial capability as well as provide important opportunities for exports,” John Borton, managing director of BAE Systems’ Weapons Systems UK business.
“As we continue to grow our business to meet our customers’ evolving requirements, this significant investment will help us develop a highly-skilled and adaptable workforce as an important part of the national defence infrastructure.”
Work is already underway to prepare the site to be operational in 2025.
Clive Betts, Member of Parliament for Sheffield South East, said: “Sheffield is well known for its strong history of world-class engineering and advanced manufacturing and BAE Systems’ investment in a new artillery facility and highly skilled jobs will ensure the city continues to play a key role in delivering both economic prosperity and national security.”
BAE Systems’ Weapons Systems UK designs, develops, manufactures and supports artillery systems and naval guns, and provides engineering capabilities.
The Sheffield site is the latest investment that BAE Systems is making in its UK facilities. A £300m transformation of shipbuilding facilities is underway in Glasgow, more than £200 m is being spent on upgrading the UK munitions business to meet increased demand and £220m is being invested in a new factory in Rochester, Kent.
14 Nov 24. DoD Hyper-AMPD! Prize Challenge Awards $1m for Concepts Enabling Rapid Delivery of Hypersonic Prototypes. The Department of Defense today announced the conclusion of the Hypersonic Accelerated Manufactured Prototype Demonstration (Hyper-AMPD!) prize challenge with awards to Castelion Corporation (El Segundo, California) and Specter Aerospace (Cambridge, Massachusetts) for novel concepts for the rapid delivery of hypersonic prototypes.
Sponsored by the Joint Hypersonics Transition Office (JHTO) within the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Science and Technology, Hyper-AMPD! is pursuing ideas and options to lower the costs of hypersonic weapons, which offer warfighters many advantages over traditional systems. The two-phase project challenged industry to devise a solution for the timely delivery of a hypersonic system prototype, then propose a path to affordable manufacturing of the prototype at scale.
In Phase I, JHTO selected five awardees based on white papers demonstrating promising concepts for a prototype that can efficiently transition to integrate with existing DoD platforms. Awards from Phase I totaled $500,000. In Phase II, JHTO invited the five teams to complete feasibility studies on their low-cost concepts. Two winners were selected for final awards of $250,000 each.
“The Hyper-AMPD! Challenge succeeded in reaching across the nation to draw participation from industry’s best and brightest, with over 40 companies competing to deliver feasible, near-term concepts that address weapon system affordability,” said JHTO Director Mark Glenn.
“We received several innovative and novel approaches from industry, including multiple non-traditional defense contractors, which made selecting the winners a difficult job, especially for the second phase of the challenge,” said Glenn. “We want to thank everyone who participated in this challenge for sharing their ideas and concepts to support our warfighters.” (Source: U.S. DoD)
14 Nov 24. Greece in talks with Israel to develop 2bn euro ‘Iron Dome.’ Greece is in talks with Israel to develop a 2bn euro ($2.11bn) anti-aircraft and missile defence dome, part of a wider push to modernise its armed forces as it recovers from a protracted debt crisis, Greek officials said on Thursday. The defences would likely mimic Israel’s Iron Dome and other systems that intercept short- and long-range missiles launched during strikes from its neighbours amid the ongoing conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon. Greece is keen to invest in its defences to keep up with its NATO ally and historic rival Turkey, which is also developing its own air defences, despite some improvement in relations.
“The plan is to create a multi-layer anti-aircraft and anti-drone system,” one source with knowledge of the issue told Reuters after a closed door briefing with Greek Defence Minister Nikos Dendias.
“We are in discussions with Israel,” the source said. (Source: Google/Reuters)
14 Nov 24.Italy select NCM deep strike capability on FREMM warships. The ability to strike strategic and military targets with precision from extended stand-off ranges has become a key operational requirement. The French Navy fired MBDA’s Naval Cruise Missiles simultaneously from both the frigate Aquitaine (FREMM ASM) and a nuclear-powered attack submarine (Suffren-class), with the missiles striking the same target at the same time with pinpoint accuracy as part of training exercises on the 18th April 2024. Credit: MBDA.
Through OCCAR, Europe’s defence programme watchdog, Italy has agreed to pursue the Naval Cruise Missile (NCM) as a deep strike capability for the Navy’s FREMM frigates.
MBDA, a leading European missile manufacturer, developed the weapon as a long-range cruise missile solution for the French Navy’s FREMM frigates and Barracuda submarine.
The Russia-Ukraine war has increased the demand for missiles and missile defence on the continent, and this extends to naval arsenals at sea. GlobalData intelligence indicates that, within Europe’s missile sector, anti-air missile and anti-ship missiles are expected to be the leading segments with 51.2% and 22.3%, respectively.
The ability to strike strategic and military targets with precision from extended stand-off ranges has become a key operational requirement in a new age of strategic competition. Particularly as the US and China compete to the bridge the missile gap in a potential conflict in the Indo-Pacific theatre.
Italy’s two FREMM EVO ships – an evolution of its nine original frigates – are scheduled for delivery in June 2029 and June 2030 with these potential upgrades.
NCM is vertically launched from France’s FREMM frigates using the compact A70 SYLVER vertical launcher which is also capable of housing other MBDA missiles such as the ASTER family of air defence missiles. Credit: MBDA.
France’s NCM is vertically launched from France’s FREMM frigates using the A70 SYLVER vertical launcher which is also capable of housing other MBDA missiles such as the ASTER family of air defence missiles.
On 18 April 2024, French mariners simultaneously fired the deep strike missile from the multi-mission FREMM warship, the Acquitaine, and a nuclear-powered attack submarine, a Suffren-class boat, with the missiles striking the same target at the same time with pinpoint accuracy.
It demonstrates the fact that NCM is is the only European very long-range naval cruise missile launched from both submersed submarines and surface warships, day or night in any weather conditions.
Besides the need to fill a deep strike capability, the Italian Navy will also improve the anti-ship missile capability on its FREMM warships. At the end of October, MBDA test fired the Teseo Mk2/E evolved missile system alongside the Navy.
The trial validated the design of the new elements of the missile and confirmed the results of wind tunnel testing of the missile’s new aerodynamics, paving the way towards the qualification of the new airframe and the new propulsion system, expected next year. (Source: News Now/ naval-technology.com)
12 Nov 24. India’s BEL ships first Akash weapon system battery to Armenia. BEL has supplied ground support equipment, which includes surveillance radars, missile guidance radars, and more.
India-based public sector undertaking Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) has shipped the first Akash weapon system battery to Armenia, making it the second missile system to be exported.
This follows the export of the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile to the Philippines in 2022, marking India’s first defence export order.
During the same year, Armenia signed a deal with India to procure 15 Akash missile systems for approximately Rs600bn ($7.11bn).
Comprising a surface-to-air missile (SAM), the Akash weapon system is capable of engaging various aerial targets within a range of 25km.
Developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), the Akash system is designed to intercept and destroy threats such as fighter jets, cruise missiles, air-to-surface missiles, drones, and other aerial assets.
The manufacturing of the system is a collaborative effort between BEL and Bharat Dynamics (BDL).
BEL has supplied essential ground support equipment, which includes surveillance radars; missile guidance radars; and command, control, communications, computers, and intelligence (C4I) systems.
BEL said in a LinkedIn post: “This event reflects India’s growing capabilities in defence technology and manufacturing.”
Each Akash weapon system battery features a single Rajendra 3D passive electronically scanned array radar and four launchers, each capable of carrying three missiles.
The Akash missile was developed under the Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP) and features more than 96% indigenous components, as stated by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.
The export variant of the Akash missile system is different compared to the version currently in use by the Indian Armed Forces.
The missile was inducted into the Indian Air Force (IAF) in 2014 and subsequently into the Indian Army in 2015.
The Union Cabinet first approved the export of the Akash Missile System in December 2020 while the DRDO conducted the second flight test of the New Generation Akash Missile (Akash-NG) in 2021. (Source: airforce-technology.com)
12 Nov 24. Type for Switzerland’s New Artillery System Selected: PIRANHA-IV- Based Wheeled Howitzers. The national procurement agency armasuisse announced last week that KNDS Deutschland together with General Dynamics European Land Systems (GDELS) has been selected to provide the Swiss Army’s new artillery system, which will combine the 155 mm AGM from KNDS with the PIRANHA IV from GDELS. A corresponding procurement request will be submitted to parliament next year. The PIRANHA IV Heavy Mission Carrier is a 10×10 version of the proven PIRANHA family, already in use by the Swiss Army, that combines high payload and volume with low axle loads and excellent agility. The five axles, four of which are steered, ensure unparalleled mobility and recoil absorption particularly during shooting while scooting, high trench crossing capabilities and a turning circle of less than 18.5 meters. In the artillery variant, the vehicle accommodates the two-person crew and an optional third crew member with their equipment. The gun module itself is unmanned; loading and aiming of the weapon system are fully automated. The PIRANHA platform enables the system not only to be deployed independently on road, but also to quickly change firing positions even in rough terrain. Together with the AGM, rapid opening of fire without preparation, shooting on the move, direct aiming and 360° fire are possible.
“We are very proud to have contributed to such an innovative system within a short period of time and to support our domestic customer out of our Swiss production sites. AGM on PIRANHA IV is the newest member of the mission-proven PIRANHA family and will ensure a significant capability increase for the Swiss Army,” says Giuseppe Chillari, Managing Director of GDELS – Mowag. Dr. Thomas Kauffmann, GDELS Vice President for Global Sales, adds: “The unmatched performance of the AGM on the PIRANHA IV in terms of firepower, precision strike and maneuverability sets a new standard in the area of indirect fires. We are confident that this latest member of the PIRANHA family will also succeed internationally.” (Source: ASD Network)
11 Nov 24. EDGE Group’s ADSB enters partnerships for RABDAN FA-400 fast attack vessel. The agreement with SIATT entails integration of the MANSUP SSM launcher onto ADSB’s RABDAN FA-400 fast attack vessel.
EDGE Group entity Abu Dhabi Shipbuilding (ADSB) has forged three separate partnerships for its RABDAN FA-400 fast attack vessel.
The strategic agreement with Brazilian specialist SIATT formalises the integration of the MANSUP surface-to-surface missile (SSM) launcher onto ADSB’s RABDAN FA-400 fast attack vessel.
This agreement, in which EDGE holds a 50% stake, was signed by ADSB CEO David Massey and SIATT Commercial Director Paulo Salvador at EURONAVAL 2024 in Paris, which concluded on 8 November.
The RABDAN FA-400 is ADSB’s latest fast attack vessel, measuring 45m in length and designed to perform a range of territorial and coastal duties.
This integration will equip the vessel with a precise, long-range missile system that is tailored for modern naval combat.
The MANSUP-ER missile system is a surface-to-surface anti-ship missile system that also includes land attack capabilities.
It offers adaptive sea-skimming, unlimited overland flight, terminal manoeuvres, and the ability to launch simultaneous missiles to hit targets at the same time.
The RABDAN FA-400, now equipped with the MANSUP missile system, will be showcased at the Naval Defence Exhibition & Conference (NAVDEX), scheduled to take place at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre from 17 to 21 February 2025.
ADSB CEO David Massey said: “Our newly launched RABDAN FA-400, which is being constructed entirely in the UAE, stands as a powerful example of our commitment to high-performance, sovereign naval solutions and exemplifies the impactful synergy within EDGE companies.
“By integrating SIATT’s advanced MANSUP missile launcher, we are enhancing the vessel’s strike capability, delivering a sophisticated and resilient platform tailored to meet the evolving demands of modern defence.”
In addition, ADSB has collaborated with Dynateq International to integrate advanced main and side gun systems onto the newly launched RABDAN FA-400 Fast Attack vessel.
Furthermore, ADSB has signed a strategic partnership with OSI Maritime Systems to enhance naval operations across multiple warfare domains.
The partnership with OSI aims to integrate OSI Maritime’s Integrated Navigation Bridge System into the existing warship systems, thereby enhancing operational capabilities.
Earlier this month, EDGE Group formed a partnership agreement with the Brazilian Navy, paving the way for joint efforts in developing autonomous surface and aerial defence systems. (Source: naval-technology.com)
12 Nov 24. US to re-establish TNT production with new Kentucky-based factory. The new facility, which will be completed by November 2028, will see Trinitrotoluene produced in the US for the first time in decades.
According to the US National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), Trinitrotoluene (TNT) is a yellow, odourless solid that does not occur naturally in the environment, with the overwhelming majority of production being used for defence applications.
The most common type, known as 2,4,6-Trinitrotoluene, is made by combining toluene with a mixture of nitric acid and sulfuric acid, and is also known by other names such as symtrinitrotoluene. Production of 2,4,6-Trinitrotoluene in the US is conducted solely at military arsenal, the NCBI states.
Figures released by the NCBI indicates that the US produced between up to 10m pounds (4.5m kilograms) of 2,4,6-TNT in 2002.
The award will reestablish TNT production “swiftly and at scale” on US soil for the first time in decades, the US Army stated in an 8 November release.
“Reshoring TNT production gives us the ability to control and secure our supply chain for this vital component, especially in an era of increasing global challenges,” said Douglas Bush, Assistant Secretary of the Army for Acquisition, Logistics and Technology.
US expanding ammunition manufacturing capability
The announcement is not the first in recent months related to US military demands for high explosive materials for use in defence applications, with international companies seeking to provide their own expertise amid a rapid expansion of military ammunition production around the world.
In August this year UK-based Astor Defence revealed that it was to expand is operations into the US with the opening of a new manufacturing, production, and testing facility in Florida. The newly created Astor Defense USA would focus on the production of small, medium, and large calibre ammunition cans as well as spiral wound mortar containers.
The company would provide its own military grade TNT products, as well as ball powder propellant for small caliber ammunition, primers, brass cartridge cases, and projectiles, according to a press release.
In September, Army Technology reported that Astor Defence had secured a four-year deal to supply Norwegian-Finnish defence provider Nammo with TNT 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.
Supply chains stretched by global demands
In March 2024 a report by GlobalData examined the strain placed on global supply chains as an intensifying rearmament race, driven by geopolitical tensions and escalating defence budget, which highlighted increasing demands for an industrial base struggling to accommodate.
Speaking at the time, 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, earlier this year confirmed that it had donated 400,000 artillery shells to Ukraine and had earlier inked 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)
09 Nov 24. US launches Black Dagger Zombie missile to test defense sensor system. The US Army Space and Missile Defense Command used a low-cost target missile to test the Lower Tier Air and Missile Defense Sensor system, bringing the program closer to field deployment.
In a bid to bolster the country’s missile defense, the US Army Space and Missile Defense Command (SMDC) launched a Black Dagger Zombie missile target from Fort Wingate to White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico on November 2.
The Black Dagger Zombie missile target is designed to fly a ballistic path and test defense protection capabilities of the US Army. The mission played a crucial role in validating Lower Tier Air and Missile Defense Sensor (LTAMDS) radar performance, bringing the program closer to field deployment.
Justin Novak, target test director for the mission, stated that the system under test required a high-performance, threat-representative strategic missile target. He added that the launch confirmed the system’s ability to perform as designed against a strategic missile threat.
“The target launched within the required time-frame and presented a representative strategic missile threat environment to the system under test. Launching targets is a team effort, and we are fortunate to have a proficient and dedicated team that consistently delivers healthy targets to the systems under test,” Novak explained.
He also added that testing missile defense systems against strategic threats reinforces confidence in their effectiveness, helping to safeguard the US and its allies.
Maiden mission from Fixed Target Launcher
Olivia Miller, pad chief for the LTZ-2 mission, adjusted the launcher to its proper launch angle and elevation, making necessary modifications for changing winds. The mission was successful, with a nominal trajectory flown and the system under test successfully tracking, identifying, and intercepting the target.
“This was the first Black Dagger to be launched from Fort Wingate since 2022, so everyone worked exceptionally hard to ensure we had a successful return to flight,” Miller stated, adding that launching one of these targets requires seamless collaboration between many different entities.
This mission also marked the first launch from the Fixed Target Launcher, which was installed and certified through 2023.
“Every launch I participate in, I learn a little bit more about everyone’s roles before and during countdown. I’m continually blown away by the talent and experience we have in this program, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to learn from my teammates,” Miller stressed.
Low-cost target solutions for training
Stephanie Chrisley, mission assistant test director, acknowledged the dedicated team at Fort Wingate, which ensures that SMDC’s team has everything they need. She expressed appreciation for the collaboration between Fort Wingate and White Sands Missile Range teams, who worked together to make the mission possible. (Source: https://www.sofx.com/)
12 Nov 24. Polish Rifle Grenades for Ukrainian Drones Earlier this summer, Polish PGN-60 rifle grenades began to appear in the hands of various Ukrainian units. These 68mm fin-stabilised, High-Explosive Anti-Tank (HEAT) grenades were developed in the 1950s, to provide Polish infantry with a ranged anti-tank and anti-personnel weapon.
Introduced in the early 1960s they were used in conjunction with the specially adapted Karabinek-granatnik wzór 1960 (Carbine-grenade launcher M1960) which had a spigot onto which the grenade’s tail was slid. The grenade was launched by a blank UNM ‘Universal Propellant Cartridge’. The 7.62×39mm wz.1960 and later wz.1960/72 are long out of Polish service, but it seems that the Polish military decided to retain the rifle grenades in storage. The rifle grenade concept was superseded in Polish service by the issuing of the lightweight RPG-76 Komar anti-armour rocket propelled grenade. These have also appeared in Ukraine.
The stated penetrating power of the PGN-60 varies depending on the source; some say 160mm others suggest up to 200mm of RHA plate. The grenade itself is either Impact or Graze fuze initiated.
While we have seen use of improvised rifle grenades in Ukraine, it is unlikely the PGN-60s have been used for their original purpose, instead they appear to have been either harvested for their explosive content or used as warheads for FPV (First Person View) drones.
One example of the use of the rifle grenades by a drone team was shared by Joe McDonald, a British volunteer serving with the Ukrainian Marines in Kherson. Joe kindly shared some photos of a consignment of Polish rifle grenades his unit received in July. Included in the consignment were not only the PGN-60 HEAT grenades but also Polish KGN anti-personnel grenades. The first sighting of one of the KGN grenades came earlier, back in mid-April 2024. Sources suggest that the KGN grenades contain nearly 250 fragmentation pieces. One of Joe’s photograph shows 10 PGN-60s and five KGNs, along with their detached tail assemblies.
The yellow label markings are instructions on how to use the rifle grenade, they read [machine translated]:
- Unload the rifle
- Load magazine with propellant cartridges
- Put the rifle on safe
- Seat the grenade
- Chamber a propellant cartridge
- After each shot put the weapon on safe
Other markings include various factory, year and lot markings.
Joe noted that the KGN grenades have either been used as drone-dropped munitions or have been mounted on 7-inch first person view (FPV) drones in addition to a quantity of additional plastic explosive. Joe recently shared some video of five of the PGN-60 warheads electronically wired and ready for mounting on an FPV drone, these are some of the last of the grenades his unit received in July.
PGN-60 rifle grenades prepared for mounting on FPV drones – Joe McDonald
The PGN-60s aren’t the only interesting rifle grenades to turn up. In September a photograph of a 1990-dated French 58mm PAB F2 anti-tank rifle grenade was shared. France may have provided them for their explosive content or to accompany the 1,000 FAMAS F1 Valorise rifles which have been transferred to Ukraine. Only one image of this type of rifle grenade has surface so far but from the image it appears it’s tail assembly has been removed and is likely to be utilised as part of an FPV.
It is currently unclear just how many Polish and French rifle grenades have been transferred to Ukraine. The imagery sample featured in this article/video represents all of the imagery I have been able to find. If you have come across any additional sightings of the grenades I’d love to hear from you. (Source: UAS VISION/The Armourer’s Bench)
10 Nov 24. Israel moves forward on deploying Arrow-3 missile defence system in Germany in 2025. Israel’s Defence Ministry has begun coordinating joint preparations with the German Federal Ministry of Defence for the initial deployment of Israel’s Arrow-3 missile interception system on German soil in 2025, it said on Sunday.
The ministry said it has held meetings at Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) along with Israel defence firm Elbit Systems (ESLT.TA) and MBDA Deutschland GmbH.
The Arrow system, which includes the Arrow-2 and Arrow-3 interceptors, was developed in cooperation between Israel and the United States to counter long-range ballistic missile threats, with IAI as the prime contractor.
Israel, with U.S. approval, agreed last year to sell the Arrow-3 system to Germany in a $3.5bn deal, its biggest defence sale to date.
Germany and its neighbours in Europe are boosting defence spending following Russia’s war in Ukraine.
The U.S. is a partner in the Arrow project and Boeing (BA.N) is involved in its production.
Arrow is the upper layer of Israel’s missile defences, together with the Iron Dome, which takes out short-range threats such as mortars and rockets, and mid-range defender David’s Sling.
Arrow-2 intercepts ballistic missiles at long range, while the newer Arrow-3 specialises in knocking out missiles before they re-enter the Earth’s atmosphere.
Using cutting-edge technologies, the system proved effective against Iranian missile attacks in April and October.
After the Arrow systems helped to thwart Iran’s massive missile and drone attack in April, a number of countries are interested in purchasing the technology, according to IAI. (Source: Reuters)
08 Nov 24. Indian Army inducts Asmi sub-machine guns. The Indian Army has inducted 550 Asmi 9×19 mm sub-machine guns (SMGs) manufactured by Hyderabad-based Lokesh Machines, the service’s Additional Directorate General of Public Information (ADGPI) has said.
ADGPI said in a social media post on 5 November that the guns are being operated by the Indian Army’s Northern Command, which is responsible for the defence of the strategic region in northern India that adjoins Pakistan and China.
“The Asmi machine pistol is a robust, compact, and reliable weapon designed for close-quarter battles and specialised operations,” ADGPI said. “Its unique semi-bullpup design allows for single-handed operation both as a pistol and sub-machine gun.”
ADGPI said the weapon was developed jointly by the Indian Army and the state-run Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
Development of the Asmi SMG was announced by the DRDO in January 2021. The weapon was designed and developed for use by India’s military and paramilitary forces.
The Indian government’s Press Information Bureau (PIB) also reported in January 2021 that the production cost of each Asmi unit is under INR50,000 (USD593).
The PIB added that the Asmi is intended as a weapon for “heavy weapon detachments, commanders, tank and aircraft crews, drivers/dispatch riders, radio/radar operators, Closed Quarter Battle, [and] counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism operations”.
Named Asmi (‘Pride’), the weapon was referenced by the DRDO as a ‘machine pistol’. The PIB added that the weapon fires in-service 9 mm ammunition and features an upper receiver “made from aircraft-grade aluminium and a lower receiver [made] from carbon fibre”.
It also noted that a 3D printing process was used to make prototypes of various parts of the weapon, including trigger components. (Source: Janes)
11 Nov 24. SIG SAUER and Nibe Defence Announce JV in India. SIG SAUER, Inc. is excited to announce a joint venture with Nibe Defence and Aerospace Limited to advance small arms and ammunition manufacturing operations in India. This new partnership will support India’s ‘Make in India’ initiative, underscore both entities commitment to the region and bolster SIG SAUER’s role as the primary provider for India’s defence needs.
“SIG SAUER is meeting the increased international demand for our products by solidifying key partnerships across the globe,” began Ron Cohen, President, SIG SAUER. “This important new alliance in India serves to meet that demand in one of the most significant regions for growth in the coming decades. The joint venture with Nibe Defence gives SIG an expanded presence, greater customer engagement, and new collaboration opportunities to meet India’s growing needs.”
Officials from Nibe Defence joined representatives from SIG SAUER and the Chief of Defence Staff of the Indian Armed Forces for an official signing of a Memorandum of Understanding in Pune, India on November 6, 2024.
As part of the “Make in India” initiative by the Government of India to accelerate the domestic manufacturing industry, the collaboration between Nibe and SIG SAUER will strengthen India’s defence capabilities while reinforcing India’s commitment to self-reliant defence manufacturing.
The Government of India, Ministry of Defence first awarded SIG SAUER a contract for the SIG716 in 2019 for 72,400 rifles. The successful fielding and overwhelming soldier acceptance led to a follow-on award for an additional 73,000 rifles.
“SIG SAUER is excited to partner with Nibe Defence, a proven leader in India’s defence sector, as the primary provider for India’s defence needs,” concluded Cohen. (Source: ASD Network)
08 Nov 24. Naval Group, Thales, and KNDS partner for MPLS integration.
The MPLS introduces a new system concept that features interchangeable ammunition modules.
The system comprises a turret capable of moving on two axes. Credit: © Naval Group.
Naval Group has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Thales and KNDS to collaborate on integrating their solutions into the multipurpose and modular launching system (MPLS).
The MPLS moves away from the traditional ‘one launcher per type of weapon’ approach, introducing a new system concept that features interchangeable ammunition modules.
These modules can be reconfigured according to operational requirements.
It provides a range of effectors, including rockets, missiles, grenades, underwater weapons, decoys, and UAVs, to respond to various threats in a cost-effective manner.
With an increased ammunition carrying capacity of approximately 1,000kg, the MPLS allows a ship to be fitted with one or more turrets that can combine different weapon configurations.
The system comprises a turret capable of moving on two axes, both in circle and elevation, integrating firing computers and a fire control system that enables it to hit manoeuvring targets.
It can function in stand-alone mode or be connected to the combat system,
providing a fleet-wide approach that enhances logistical support and crew training.
Additionally, the MPLS introduces a partnership concept for product development and marketing, designed to be adaptable to different ammunition types based on the operational user’s needs.
Naval Group collaborates with its partners to integrate each ammunition module, with Thales contributing 70mm and 68mm rockets and lightweight multi-role missiles (LMM), while KNDS provides a range of innovative ammunition.
Additionally, work has commenced with MBDA on integrating Mistral and Akeron families of missiles into the MPLS.
This comes just after Naval Group, Navantia and Fincantieri, along with Naviris, signed the initial consortium agreement for the second phase of the Modular and Multirole Patrol Corvette project. (Source: naval-technology.com)
08 Nov 24. Study launched to integrate MdCN cruise missile on FREMM EVO frigates. The Organisation for Joint Armament Cooperation (OCCAR), on behalf of Italy, has signed an order for the launch of a feasibility study to integrate MBDA’s Missile de Croisière Naval (MdCN) – also known as the Naval Cruise Missile – on the Italian Navy’s two future FREMM EVO-class ships.
The signing will initiate a feasibility study into the integration of MdCN and the development of a ‘deep-strike’ capability for the Italian FREMMs, an OCCAR press release said. Luigi Durante, OCCAR Horizon programme manager, signed the order on behalf of Italy, with the agreement also being signed by Davide Traverso, representing Orizzonte Sistemi Navali (OSN) – a Fincantieri and Leonardo joint venture – with full support from MBDA to achieve the milestone, according to an OCCAR press release.
In attendance at the signing were Chief of the Italian Navy, Admiral Enrico Credendino; Vice Admiral Giuseppe Abbamonte, director of the Italian Naval Armaments Directorate and Italian Programme Committee representative; General Gaël Diaz de Tuesta from the French Direction Générale de L’armement (DGA); and Giovanni Soccodato, executive group director of Sales and Business Development at MBDA and managing director of MBDA Italia. According to MBDA’s press release, two FREMM EVOs, with the potential MdCN upgrade, are expected to be delivered by June 2029 and June 2030 respectively.
During Euronaval 2024 Fincantieri presented a model of the FREMM EVO. FREMM EVO is to feature an overall length of 144 m, a beam of 19.7 m, a draught of 5.1 m, and a full load displacement of about 6,500 tonnes, according to Fincantieri.
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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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