15 Jun 16. Indian summer. In support of India’s defence modernisation, Nammo has opened an office in New Delhi, which marks its participation in the ‘Make in India’ initiative.
Nammo is a developer and manufacturer of shoulder-fired systems and high-performance ammunition products.
“The expertise and quality of products manufactured by India’s industry correspond to some of our product lines,” said Kjell Kringsjå, senior VP of business development. “We have great opportunities for co-operation with them.” (Source: IHS Jane’s)
13 Jun 16. Eurosatory 2016: CZ Bren 2 assault rifle makes international debut. Small arms manufacturer Ceská zbrojovka showcased its latest Bren 2 assault rifle outside of the Czech Republic for the first time at Eurosatory 2016 in Paris. Deliveries of the Bren 2 – which is also known by its internal company designation of CZ 806 – to launch customer Army of the Czech Republic (ACR) are expected to start in September 2016 pending the results from field trials. The Bren 2 is an evolution of the Bren (CZ 805), which was introduced into ACR service in 2010 and is currently chambered for the NATO 5.56x45mm and Russian 7.62x39mm calibres, although IHS Jane’s understands from company officials that compatibility with other ammunition types is being developed. The new weapon is available in two variants. The A1 assault rifle model weighs 3.05 kg and has a 279 mm barrel, measuring a total of 798mm with its foldable telescopic butt fully extended. In contrast, the 2.95 kg A2 carbine is equipped with a 203 mm barrel and measures 725mm at full stretch. For close quarters combat the butt-stock can be folded sideways, with the assault rifle and carbine shortened to 570mm and 497mm respectively.
The Bren 2 also features an enlarged fire selector with single and automatic fire modes – eliminating the two-round burst mode of the earlier model – with a rate of fire of approximately 850 rounds per minute. Barrel life is rated at 20,000 rounds before replacement.
Four MIL-STD-1913 rails enable a range of accessories to be mounted, with foldable iron sights mounted on the monolithic upper rail while the three and nine o’clock rails can be removed if necessary. A new three-pronged suppressor is also included, which has been designed to reduce muzzle flash and noise.
Drawing upon the ACR’s experience with the earlier model, the fully ambidextrous Bren 2 incorporates a number of mechanical improvements, which includes a catch for the bolt carrier – enabling it to remain in the open position after the last cartridge from the magazine has been expended – as well a non-reciprocating charging handle. (Source: IHS Jane’s)
13 Jun 16. Indian Excludes Foreign Vendors From Its Air-Defense Upgrade. India’s Ministry of Defence (MoD) has asked the Indian Air Force (IAF) to modernize its aging Russian Pechora air defense systems by using only domestic defense companies in accordance with the “Make in India” policy. Last month, IAF issued a $272m tender to digitize 16 Pechora systems, and the request for proposals was sent to domestic companies Tata Power SED, Larsen & Toubro, Reliance Defence and Engineering Limited, Offset India Solutions, Mahindra Defence Systems, state-owned Bharat Electronics Limited, and Bharat Dynamics Limited.
Currently Indian defense companies do not have the capability to digitize Pechora systems on their own and so they forge technical partnerships with overseas defense companies, according to a senior IAF official who spoke on condition of anonymity.
“The original equipment manufacturer of Pechora systems is Russia’s Almaz-Antey, and all Russian defense companies only prefer to work with only state-owned defense companies,” he said.
The Pechora upgrade program includes the refurbishment of its missile-guidance radar and the integration of its radar with an Integrated Area Command and Control System (IACCS). The upgrade will provide a fresh lease of life for ten years, the IAF official added.
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