Sponsored by Galvion
www.galvion.com
————————————————————————
13 Sep 23. Hanwha Aerospace establishes strong presence in UK. Simon Humphrey, CBE, Vice President, Hanwha Aerospace – Land Systems Business Group, outlined during DSEI today the Hanwha Defence of South Korea, strategy to establish a strong presence in the UK defence market. Hanwha Aerospace has established an entity Hanwha Aerospace UK Ltd, with an HQ in central London along side Hanwha Phasor the space business. Simon said that Hanwha would work with UK universities to support Defence R&D as well as proving funding for key SME technology. Hanwha commissioned a study from KPMG to show what contribution the new entity will make to the UK. The study suggested that with the current 47% UK content through the Team Thunder entity the contribution would be £666 m (ex-VAT) rising further should more member join Team Thunder to make a 67% contribution. The UK will be a Centra of Excellence for those countries from the existing 9 and future customers, to develop their existing K9-A1 systems to K9-A2. This is expected to produce a £200m benefit to the UK economy. Simon stressed that Hanwha was establishing in the UK as a major defence contractor with the MFP Project being one of many the company was interest in pursuing, another one being offering Redback for any Warrior Soucy outlined the development of their rubber track system as a key contributor to the Hanwha bid. Soucy is working with Supacat to manufacture track components in the UK. Team Thunder will continue to attract new members with a key new member expected in November. Hanwha will sponsor the forthcoming MakeUK Defence Conference as well as joining ADS and RUSI.
13 Sep 23. MBDA and Mitsubishi Electric agree collaboration for Effects domain to support the design of GCAP core-platform. MBDA UK, MBDA Italia and Japan’s Mitsubishi Electric Corporation have announced at DSEI 2023 the signing of a collaboration agreement to work towards an Effects Domain to support the design of core-platform as part of the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP).
In this Effects domain, the three companies will work together to ensure the seamless integration of weapons for the GCAP platform.
Looking to the future, the collaboration will also include working on weapon effects management and related technologies.
The collaboration agreement is focused on aligning national approaches to Effector integration of the GCAP partners. It does not include the joint development of effectors.
MBDA, a world leader in complex weapon systems, has a long history of working collaboratively on major defence programmes. As part of the UK’s Team Tempest effort at the start of 2018, and expanding in 2019 as Italy joined the growing programme, the company brings decades of experience in developing and integrating weapon systems for various Combat Air platforms.
Mitsubishi Electric is a recognised global leader in its field. The company played a key role in Japan’s F-2 programme and has been involved in the development of Japan’s F-X next-generation fighter programme. Now that Japan, the UK and Italy have joined forces to create the Global Combat Air Programme, Mitsubishi Electric is also working with Leonardo and Elt Group on GCAP’s advanced electronics.
This experience and combined expertise will be fundamental in ensuring that the GCAP effects domain works in harmony with the platform’s other domains – mission systems, sensors, power – exploiting the information advantage they will provide and together maximising mission effectiveness. Giving GCAP customers a decisive advantage in the Combat Air.
13 Sep 23. RAFAEL has announced that Pearson Engineering will play a significant role in delivering the SAMSON 30mm Remote Weapon Station (RWS). Initially aimed at UK opportunities, the collaboration launched at DSEI 2023, will see critical knowledge and skills transferred to the Newcastle based team. This strategic development supports current thinking around Boxer’s role on the battlefield as the foundation of a dispersed medium force. The SAMSON 30mm RWS is an advanced remote-controlled weapon station which incorporates a suite of sophisticated combat capabilities, including SPIKE, the world’s leading anti-tank guided missile which is in use with 20 NATO members and throughout Europe. The set-up also includes partnership with EUROTROPHY to offer TROPHY as a proven active protection system for Boxer. The advanced, precise strike capabilities of SPIKE, together with the TROPHY active protection system allow BOXER to conduct operation in more challenging conditions, and to undertake new types of missions to meet the needs of the current operational environment.
12 Sep 23. Raytheon UK set to receive and integrate UK’s first laser weapon system in October.
Raytheon UK is set to receive its first high-energy laser weapon system to be tested and integrated in the United Kingdom, marking a significant advancement in the understanding of how such systems can be fielded. Raytheon UK is the British unit of RTX’s (NYSE: RTX) Raytheon business.
Designed to stop aerial threats such as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), this 15-kilowatt laser is the latest development in the UK Ministry of Defence’s Land Demonstrator programme. Raytheon UK was contracted in 2021 to develop and install the laser system on a UK Wolfhound armored vehicle.
“The arrival of this transformative technology is an important milestone in our collaboration with the MoD on using directed energy to address a variety of threats, from drones and UAVs to more complex missile systems,” said Julie Finlayson-Odell, managing director of weapons and sensors at Raytheon UK. “This system is a culmination of decades of investment, research and innovation and its arrival reflects our continued commitment to help fulfil a key strategic objective of the UK’s Integrated Review, which is to understand how directed energy weapons can safely and effectively operate alongside other elements of the UK’s armed forces.”
The high-energy laser weapon system has performed as designed in multiple field tests, including in difficult weather conditions with extreme heat, cold, rain, sleet and snow. During four days of live-fire exercises earlier this year in the United States, the system successfully acquired, tracked, targeted and destroyed dozens of drone targets in short-range attack, swarm attack and long-range threat scenarios.
Raytheon’s high-energy laser weapon system is compact, portable, can be installed on a variety of platforms, and it easily connects to other air defence systems. With deep, rechargeable magazine and minimal logistics, this laser weapon is an affordable and viable option to protect military and critical infrastructure, and rapidly defeat threats. The system offers a nearly infinite number of shots and precision accuracy with very low collateral damage, making it an affordable alternative to traditional munitions.
Raytheon UK is building on the success of U.S. investment, where a total of eight high-energy laser weapons have been delivered to the U.S. military. These systems have defeated more than 400 targets over 25,000 operational hours.
Raytheon has developed the enabling technologies, as well as complete and customizable systems, that enable military and civilian customers to defeat complex UAS threats in any environment. The company has developed integrated, high-performing sensors and cost-effective kinetic and non-kinetic effectors to defeat threats more efficiently. This provides the ability to select the right effectors against a range of threats.
The delivery of the first system to the UK comes as Raytheon UK officially opens its new, advanced laser integration centre in Livingston, Scotland. The centre, first announced in July 2022, focuses on the testing, fielding and maintenance of Raytheon’s defensive laser weapons and is a regional hub established to ensure that laser weapons can be quickly fielded, maintained and repaired.
12 Sep 23. MKU Boosts Defence Tech Amid Growing UK-India Collaboration. MKU, a global leader in defence and homeland security solutions, is set to make a significant impact at DSEI 2023, a premier event showcasing the latest advancements in defence and security technology. This comes at a time when the UK and India are rapidly enhancing their defence cooperation, forging a path toward strategic collaboration.
With a rich history of innovation and a reputation for pushing boundaries, MKU is unveiling a suite of cutting-edge products that redefine protection and empowerment. The company’s unwavering dedication to superior design and craftsmanship is evident in its range of ballistic helmets, including the groundbreaking KAVRO HCH-114 T. This ultra-lightweight helmet, weighing just 850 grams, offers unparalleled agility and protection for marines. The precision-engineered design seamlessly integrates enhanced protection with maximum comfort, setting new standards in the field.
Another highlight is the KAVRO ACH-1027 T, a pinnacle of ballistic innovation that ensures top-tier safety against high-energy threats, catering to the security needs of those on the front lines. MKU’s commitment to providing comprehensive solutions is evident in their body armour lineup, with the KAVRO Integrated Vest with a 30L Backpack standing out as a game-changer. This revolutionary solution combines protection and tactical functionality to meet the demands of modern missions.
MKU’s dedication to international collaboration is clear in its partnership with India on indigenous combat air programmes, as outlined in the UK-India 2030 Roadmap. The company’s optronics solutions, such as the NETRO NM-3200 Night Vision Monocular and the NETRO TW-4100 Thermal Weapon Sight, exemplify technological advancements that empower forces with heightened situational awareness and target acquisition capabilities.
Amidst the evolving challenges faced by defence and homeland security professionals worldwide, MKU’s products not only embrace technology but also shape the future. The company’s presence across 100 countries, rigorous testing processes, and adherence to the highest quality standards position MKU as a trusted provider of advanced solutions.
In a landscape where the UK and India are strategically aligning to enhance their defence and security ties, MKU’s participation at DSEI 2023 becomes all the more significant. As both nations work together on collaborative projects and initiatives, MKU’s innovative offerings pave the way for a safer and more empowered future for defence professionals across the globe.
About MKU:
MKU Ltd. is a global defence and homeland security company on a mission to empower heroes. They are one of the leading solution providers for advanced optronic and ballistic protection solutions for soldiers and platforms for military, paramilitary, homeland security, police and special forces. With a customer base in over 100 countries, MKU strives to empower heroes, who stand in the line of duty, through their smart solutions that deliver confidence. Their operations are based in India, Germany and the UAE. They have protected over 3 m soldiers and 3000+ platforms, across 230 forces, to date. Their Kavro protection solutions offer enhanced protection for soldiers and platforms, using smart technologies, design and features. These include combat helmets, body armour, ballistic shields as well as ballistic solutions for naval, air and land platforms and vehicles. Their Netro night vision and thermal devices provide excellent detection, identification & recognition capability to soldiers at night to enhance their night fighting capabilities.
12 Sep 23. Elbit Systems Unveils FAST: Find-And-Strike; A Unique Strike Capability Integrating Intelligence and Combining UAS and a Loitering Munition. After decades of leading the small tactical UAS a new concept adds find and strike capability into a single package
Haifa, Israel, September 12 2023 – Elbit Systems has unveiled its latest development in the world of unmanned aerial systems: The Find-and-Strike (FAST) Capsule, combining the Skylark III and SkyStriker Loitering Munition (LM).
The Skylark III is a leading Small-Tactical Intelligence UAS, equipped with the most advanced intelligence gathering sensors and with extensive endurance of up to 18 hours, it is designed to support ISTAR missions in GPS denied environment. The Skylark III is capable of integrating a range of payloads including high-resolution Electro-Optical gimbaled payload, SIGINT sensors, laser designators and more.
Elbit Systems’ SkyStriker LM is a fully autonomous loitering munition that can locate, acquire and engage operator designated targets with a flexible warhead of up to 10 Kg, enabling high-precision performance. SkyStriker can be launched from a variety of ground and aerial platforms, including from a dedicated canister mounted on Elbit Systems’ PULS™ (Precise and Universal Launching System) rocket artillery systems.
Equipped with an electrical engine, the SkyStriker enables covert operations of up to 2 hours and with a range of 100km. With unique algorithms, the system can precisely strike targets while maintaining a “man in the loop” even in GPS and communication denied environments.
Despite the differences of the two platforms, thanks to the “FAST Capsule” they can both be stored, carried, launched, operated and controlled by the same equipment and by the same crew.
The FAST Capsule is deployed and operated by a crew of two, launched via a pneumatic launcher and mounted on a vehicle or vessel. Both can be assigned to the same mission simultaneously managed by a shared Ground Control Station.
FAST is the ultimate application for mini tactical intelligence and offensive missions, synergizing each platform advantages to a single application, at the same time and place, saving the user on logistics, time and more importantly improving the crew expertise.
12 Sep 23. BAE Systems: UK Ministry of Defence raises frontline battlefield munitions order to £410m. BAE Systems has secured an additional £130m of new orders for the supply of munitions to the UK Ministry of Defence (MOD).
The award follows the decision by the MOD to exercise the option to increase the supply contract announced in July from £280m to £410m.
The full order with Defence Equipment and Support will be supplied via BAE Systems’ facilities in Washington, Tyne and Wear, and Glascoed, South Wales. The overall contract will create more than 200 new highly skilled jobs in the North of England and South Wales, boosting the Company’s 1,200-strong UK munitions workforce.
Glynn Plant, Managing Director of the Munitions business at BAE Systems, said: “This contract builds on our extensive relationship with the UK MOD as a strategic partner for munitions supply.
“Our teams are increasing production rates, investing in people and new facilities and maximising shift patterns to meet the enhanced demand whilst ensuring every shell meets our exceptionally high standards.”
Minister for Defence Procurement, James Cartlidge, said: “As the UK continues to back Ukraine’s resistance of Russia’s illegal invasion, it’s vital we ramp up our sovereign munitions production.
“This contract will further bolster ammunition stockpiles, whilst supporting our defence industry and backing hundreds of highly-skilled UK jobs.”
Building on the existing £2.4bn 15-year partnering agreement, the new orders will significantly increase the production of critical defence stocks of 155mm artillery shells, 30mm medium calibre rounds and 5.56mm ammunition. As well as bolstering the British Army’s heavy munitions stockpile, they will enhance the Army’s latest weapons systems and satisfy the increased demand for small arms ammunition.
The £410m contract will also support investment including:
- An additional 155mm machining line in Washington, Tyne & Wear
- A new explosive filling facility at Glascoed, South Wales
- Re-instatement of 30mm medium calibre manufacturing capability at Washington and Glascoed (Source: Google/BUSINESS WIRE)
11 Sep 23. Hanwha Aerospace is set to showcase its extensive range of defence technologies and to unveil K9A2 SPH with Composite Rubber Track at DSEI 2023. Hanwha Aerospace is set to showcase its extensive range of defence technologies at DSEI 2023 to be held from 12nd-15th September at ExCel, London.
Hanwha Aerospace will unveil its K9A2 Self-Propelled Howitzer (SPH) platform fitted with the Composite Rubber Track (CRT) developed by Soucy Defense, a key milestone for developing a British variant of K9A2 meeting the requirements of the UK Mobile Fires Platform (MFP) programme.
The K9A2 builds upon the key battle-winning components from the proven K9A1, which accounts for over 50 percent of the global SPH market with over 1,800 platforms already in service, to deliver enhanced levels of lethality and survivability. Central to these enhancements is a fully automated turret and the integration of composite rubber tracks.
“CRT is one of the key innovative technologies to be featured on the British K9A2, enabling greater all-weather terrain accessibility for shoot-and-scoot operations, alongside reduced noise, vibration, maintenance and fuel consumption to enhance operational mobility,” said Simon Humphrey CBE, Vice President of Hanwha Aerospace UK. “CRT is a game changer and makes huge strides in closing the gap between the oft heard Wheels vs. Track polarising debate.”
Hanwha Aerospace is leading Team Thunder UK, which is a unique international partnership involving a group of highly accomplished UK defence manufacturers, brought together to build and supply a cutting-edge mobile fires capability to the British Army in response to its MFP requirement. The team includes Lockheed Martin UK; Leonardo UK; Pearson Engineering; Horstman Defence Group; and Soucy Defense.
Hanwha Defense Australia also joined Team Thunder to maximise the synergies and opportunities with the AS9 Huntsman programme, alongside their recently announced success of the Redback Infantry Fighting Vehicle. Given the similarities between the two Five Eyes nations, Hanwha is working hard to leverage the work being done on LAND 8116 into the MFP programme.
Hanwha Aerospace intends to grow Team Thunder further with the inclusion of more UK SMEs and more technology companies to generate direct and further wealth for the UK, with at least 50 percent of the manufacture of the British K9A2 version to the UK industry.
“Team Thunder is committed to creating a highly skilled industrial base by generating hundreds of brand-new specialist jobs in the supply chain as well as local training programmes for graduates and apprentices,” said Sun Wi, Director of Hanwha Aerospace’s Global Operations Office.
“The purchase of K9A2 will lead to export work for Team Thunder in the UK, as K9 users such as Finland, Norway and Estonia will need to upgrade to A2 standard and beyond with significant opportunities for export and cost sharing across the user base,” Sun added.
Commitment to UK: As part of Hanwha Aerospace’s commitment to UK MOD and partnering with UK industry, it has established Hanwha Aerospace UK.
“The establishment of Hanwha Aerospace UK is now complete and the presence of Hanwha Aerospace’s top leadership from across South Korea, Europe, US and Australia at DSEI 2023 is the evidence of Hanwha’s strong desire to build new partnerships, evolve existing relationships, and broaden its delivery of the highest quality technology and capabilities at a time of high global demand,” said Simon, a retired Major General of the British Army, who serves as Vice President of Business Development and Strategy in UK.
Jaeil Son, President and CEO of Hanwha Aerospace, made clear his desire to build a strong partnership with the UK through a programme of Investment and Involvement with UK MOD and UK industry partners. This will include a range of ambitious initiatives to conduct collaborative R&D, support academia and contribute to the growth of key skills, particularly around STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) subjects.
“South Korea has a strong partnership with the UK at a national level, and as a leading aerospace and defence group in Korea, Hanwha Aerospace will make every effort to broaden partnerships with UK MOD and industry partners through investment and involvement in the UK defence ecosystem,” Son said.
Hanwha Aerospace’s commitment to Investment and Involvement within the UK Defence Sector alongside any success of Team Thunder UK initiative is expected to help broaden the realm of industrial cooperation between Hanwha Group and UK partners over a wide range of sectors, including aerospace, shipbuilding, communications and energy solutions, as Hanwha operates a wide variety of subsidiaries for those markets.
Hanwha is ranked as the seventh largest company in South Korea and a Fortune 500 company, operating the business areas of aerospace, defence, energy, materials, finance, retail, and services. Hanwha Aerospace will display a wide variety of defence capabilities at DSEI 2023.
Key products on display at DSEI 2023
- K9A2: The K9A2 is the latest variant in the K9 family. Despite many similarities, the turret has seen substantial modification compared to earlier K9 variants, both internally and externally. The most notable new feature of the K9A2 is its fully automatic ammunition handling system, while the K9A1 relies on a semi automatic loading system, in which the rounds are loaded automatically, but the charges are loaded manually. The K9A2 can attain a fire rate of at least 9 rds/min, which allows to reduce the crew number, from five to three. The British variant of K9A2 is to be equipped with the Composite Rubber Track, which will enable more rapid ‘in to’ and ‘out of’ action, coupled with higher levels of tactical mobility and automation.
- K239 Chunmoo: K239 Chunmoo Multiple Rocket Launcher System (MLRS) is a next generation rocket artillery system that can engage enemy targets in real time, avoiding any collateral damage for friendly forces. The MRLS is capable of engaging targets at ranges of up to 80 km or 300 km.
- TAiper: TAiper is an anti-tank guided missile with a range of 8 km. The ATGM can be integrated on various platforms such as main battle tanks, armoured combat vehicles and unmanned ground vehicles.
- Redback: The Redback Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV) is a next-generation Infantry Fighting Vehicle with superior battlefield mobility and armoured protection. The Redback has advanced manoeuvrability with its 1,000 HP powertrain system, in-arm hydro-pneumatic suspension unit, and Composite Rubber Track. The Redback has exceptional survivability which is achieved by combination of proven elements of its existing armoured vehicles with advanced sensors, active protection systems.
- Lithium-ion battery for Submarine: Hanwha Aerospace is responsible for the integration of the world best-class Lithium-ion battery to be installed on ROK Navy’s 3,000-ton submarines, as the battery increases the underwater operational hours of the submarine twice as much as those with lead-acid batteries. (Source: www.joint-forcescom)
11 Sep 23. Hanwha to Produce ‘HOMAR-K’ Rockets in Poland. Three defense units of the Hanwha Group (Hanwha Aerospace, Hanwha Ocean, and Hanwha Systems) participated in MSPO 2023, Europe’s premier defense exhibition held in Kielce, Poland, from Sept. 5 to 8 (local time), laying the groundwork for expansion in the European market.
On Sept. 5, during MSPO, Hanwha Aerospace signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Poland’s Military Institute of Armour and Automotive Technology (WITPIS) for cooperation related to the “Unmanned Ground Vehicle (UGV).” WITPIS is a research institute under Poland’s Ministry of Defense, responsible for the research and development of military vehicles.
Additionally, Hanwha Aerospace signed an MOU with PGZ, the state-owned defense company of Poland, to cooperate on the production of the Polish version of “HOMAR-K” rockets. Ahead of the second phase of the rocket export contract, Hanwha Aerospace has received government technology transfer approval and plans to establish a joint venture.
Poland’s 122 mm rocket will be co-developed for integration into the HOMAR system. With the addition of ‘HOMAR-K’ alongside its existing 290 km long-range missile and 80 km 239 mm guided missile, it will contribute to the localized combat power of the Polish military.
With a project valued at 3 trillion won, Cheirzhan Chetarsky, director of PGZ and overseeing the submarine introduction, said that after inspecting the model of Hanwha Ocean’s 3,000-ton KSS-III Batch-II submarine, they would engage in comprehensive cooperation regarding the submarine project.
During the exhibition, Ahn Sung-chul, CEO of Hanwha Systems, met with Chairman of Creotech Instruments Grzegorz Brona, a cutting-edge satellite system company in Poland, to discuss collaboration strategies for satellite businesses. By combining Hanwha Systems’ proven electro-optical and synthetic aperture radar technology with Creotech Instruments’ satellite platform expertise, they detailed strategies for entering the small satellite market in Poland and Europe.
Ahn also said, “We met with Piotr Wojciech, the chairman of Poland’s defense company WB Group, to discuss cooperation on the next-generation Command, Control, Communication, and Computer solution.” He mentioned their keen interest in aggressively entering the European tactical communication recovery market, which was disrupted by the Ukraine war.
(Source: Google)
12 Sep 23. Wales-based BCB International launched the anti-thermal ULCAT (Ultra-Lightweight Camouflage Tunnel) at DSEI 2023 in London. BCB International will be launching the anti-thermal ULCAT (Ultra-Lightweight Camouflage Tunnel) at DSEI 2023.
The vehicle tunnel is made from specialised lightweight natural 3D material that helps your assets blend into any environment while at the same time protecting them in the visual, infrared and thermal spectrums. Patterns, colours and sizes can be customised to the customer’s requirements.
BCB International camouflage products, including their new ULCAT system [© BCB International
ULCAT FEATURES
- Random 3D ‘Crinkle’ pattern blends in with the irregularities of nature.
- Non-snag and breathable material.
- Quiet.
- Lightweight.
- Fire Retardant (ISO 6941)
- Non-absorbent
- Good visibility out of the net.
- Operational Temperature range of material: -45°C to +70°C.
- Equipped with quick opening front and back doors for rapid vehicle insertion/evacuation.
- Two additional quick opening lateral doors for personnel entry.
- Uses UK MoD standard issue fibreglass
- Tent poles and ground spikes
- Can also be used as a standard camouflage screen without poles, spreaders etc.
- Set up time: Approx 20 minutes (crew of 3-4 people)
- Dimensions of camouflage tunnel (deployed) are 8m (l) x 4m (w) x 3.5m (h)
- Weight of camouflage Net: Approx. 32kg
- Total weight of complete camouflage tunnel system(including spreader poles, pegs, stakes etc.): Approx. 140kg
(Source: joint-forces.com)
07 Sep 23. Britain’s elite Royal Marine Commando Forces will be stealthier and deadlier thanks to a new assault rifle ~ the L403A1 Knight’s Armament KS-1.
~Britain’s elite Royal Marine Commando Forces will be stealthier and deadlier thanks to a new assault rifle.
The Knight’s Stoner 1 (KS-1) rifle (designated L403A1) headlines a host of new kit additions for the UK Commando Forces in ‘lead strike teams’ – those responsible for raiding and amphibious operations worldwide. More than a thousand of the new rifles have been bought from US producers Knight’s Armament Company and come with advanced optical and thermal sights as well as suppressor (silencer) systems to make Commandos harder to trace and more formidable in combat.
The Commando Force regularly deploys around the globe in all extremes of environment – arctic, desert and jungle – reacting to crises and conducting a range of complex operations, including counter piracy and terrorism, drugs busts and humanitarian aid and disaster relief. It means there is a need to put top-end kit in the hands of these specialist warriors to give them the upper hand on the battlefield.
A new rifle, night vision goggles, tactical communications systems, battlefield vehicles and ‘survivability systems’, including new helmets, communications and suppressors which make the force more difficult to detect, are to be rolled out as the Royal Navy makes an initial investment in new kit for its elite, very high readiness fighting force, with plans for a longer-term procurement programme from 2024.
Captain Nick Unwin RN, Commando Force Programme Director, said: “Delivery of quality equipment such as we see today is a genuine increase in capability and capacity for the UK’s Commando Force Strike Teams and offers significant tactical advantage to the user.
“The Commando Force Programme is delivering change across all areas of amphibious operations; this is just one small part of the wider change programme we are all embarked upon as we adjust to evolving threats and challenges.”
Alongside this new rifle and a new helmet made by Gentex, Commando Forces will take delivery of the new Fused Binocular Night Vision Device produced by L3Harris, giving them a significant advantage over their adversaries in night-time littoral operations, or as they move in darkness through confined spaces during boarding operations. Again, more than a thousand have been procured and the systems feature advanced low-light image intensification with a fused thermal input – which means the devices include both night vision and thermal sensor superimposed into a single image for the operator – that far outperforms older systems currently used by the UK’s Armed Forces. Commando Forces are also exploring how to use the night vision kit alongside digital communications systems, providing a live feed to the goggles to help commanders assess the battlefield and make decisions.
Meanwhile, advances are being made with upgrades to the Sharpshooter rifle. The Lewis Machine and Tool L129A2 rifle is an improvement on the well-established Sharpshooter with new Leupold scopes and HuxWrx suppressors, making it more accurate and quieter. It is also equipped with an Envision Technology ballistic calculator and a Pixels-on-Target thermal sight. Each Commando Strike Team will comprise two designated expert shooters equipped with these upgraded rifles.
(Source: joint-forces.com)
12 Sep 23. Rheinmetall Area Defence Weapon – an intelligent top-attack antitank weapon. Rheinmetall has presented a new intelligent antitank weapon. Designed to support combined arms operations, the Rheinmetall Area Defence Weapon, or ADW, is a sensor-effector system; a means of hardening tactical obstacles; and a networked weapon system for multi-domain operations. As an intelligent antitank weapon, the ADW employs various passive and active sensors to detect and classify targets. These sensors provide a 360° surveillance capability, enabling it to function independent in its area of operation. The ADW’s effector is a SMArt 155 sensor-fuse submunition that attacks targets from above where their armour protection is weakest. This way, it can successfully engage even heavily armoured vehicles within a radius of over 100 metres.
Weighing around 25 kilos, the ADW is 234 millimetres in diameter and features a launchhardened design. It can be emplaced by hand or
from logistic vehicles, via mine dispenser system or rocket artillery. Thanks to its networked communications, it can be activated,
deactivated or reactivated, and reprogrammed so that it acts as an obstacle solely for enemy forces.
The ADW combines an advanced intelligent European ITAR-free top-attack solution with a highly effective submunition.
08 Sep 23. NP Aerospace Receives Volvo Defense Contract for Vehicle Armour Development First International Volvo Armoured Truck Cab Showcase at DSEI London 12-15 September Booth H7-110. Global armour manufacturer, NP Aerospace, has been awarded a new development contract by Volvo Defense for the design, manufacture, and supply of composite armoured cabs for militarised versions of their Volvo FMX Series trucks.
As part of the contract which was won via competitive bid in October 2022, NP Aerospace has developed a unique solution for fully armoured truck cabs which meets specific NATO STANAG 4569 and AEP-55 requirements for blast, ballistic and artillery shell splinter protection. STANAG Level 2 (KE & FSP) as a minimum with standard armour, with an option to upgrade to STANAG Level 3 (KE & FSP) with applique armour packs.
Peter Hardisty, NP Aerospace Managing Director & Senior Vice President, comments: “The ability to offer STANAG Level 3 protection on a single front axle truck is a sector leading innovation. We believe this delivers modularity and flexibility which will benefit end customer requirements; whilst offering space to cater for CBRN1 ventilation systems, radio equipment, and WRM2 systems. We are pleased to be working with Volvo Defense as survivability partner. It is a significant step for both companies as we extend our capabilities into armoured truck cab programmes.”
Roger Brorsson, Volvo Defense Product Director, said: “We selected NP Aerospace due to their vehicle armour design and manufacturing capability gained across numerous complex vehicle programmes working with large defence organisations. We are excited to be able to showcase our first armoured truck cab prototype at DSEI – the result of hard work and dedication of both teams over the last ten months to meet an aggressive timescale.”
Truck cabs will be fully integrated by NP Aerospace in its armour manufacturing and engineering headquarters in Coventry, UK, before being delivered to Volvo Defense in Gothenburg, Sweden, for final integration. NP Aerospace will conduct ballistic testing of the solution later this calendar year, before commencing with prototype developments for Volvo Defense to trial during 2024.
NP Aerospace will be fully supporting Volvo Defense in their worldwide sales opportunities for the Armoured Volvo FMX truck family.
About NP Aerospace
NP Aerospace, headquartered in the UK and Canada, is a global leader in manufacturing composites, life saving personal protection and bomb disposal suits, vehicle armour and integration, through life support and spares. With a track record of integrating and supporting over 2,000 military vehicles, NP Aerospace also excels in body armour programs, having supplied ms of combat helmets and body armour plates to NATO allies. Established in 1926, NP Aerospace has served the defence industry for over 40 years, with a team of 250+ professionals across its global facilities. For more information, visit www.npaerospace.com.
12 Sept 23. Threat-adequate and highly mobile: Rheinmetall’s Oerlikon Skyranger 35 on show at DSEI 2023 Mobile, modular, and scalable, ground-based air defence systems are gaining new importance now that NATO as well as armed forces of partner countries are focusing once again on defending national and allied territory and airspace. At DSEI 2023, Rheinmetall is displaying its solutions for this area of application. On show is an air defence system mission module for the Boxer 8×8 wheeled armoured vehicle, topped with the Sykranger 35 turret. Also on show will be components of the Skynex air defence system, consisting of a 35mm Mk3 Revolver Gun loaded on a flatrack of a HX truck.
The Rheinmetall Oerlikon Skyranger family is a mobile ground based air defence (GBAD) system which can be deployed against air targets at short and very short range and against ground targets. The Skyranger is equipped with state-of-the-art search and tracking sensors which provide seamless 360° air and ground surveillance and accurate fire control data. Skyranger 35 can monitor airspace autonomously. The integrated 35 mm Oerlikon Revolver Gun provides ultimate firepower and precision. Combined with the Oerlikon Ahead Air Burst Technology an engagement against current and future air threats is highly effective. The Skyranger 35 can protect mobile units on the march or critical stationary infrastructure and facilities from aerial threats. No matter what the initial situation, an appropriate response is always readily available, assuring adherence to legal requirements and the avoidance of collateral damage.
Thanks to its longstanding experience in the field of ground-based air defence and adherence to a clear technical road map for a future laser weapon system, Rheinmetall is able to integrate mechanically and systemically a full range of advanced capabilities into a wheeled or tracked mobile platforms such as the Boxer multipurpose wheeled armoured vehicle (produced in cooperation with industrial partners) or the tracked Lynx KF41 armoured vehicle. Thanks to the highly flexible
Skymaster fire control system and state-of-the-art sensors, the effectors achieve maximum tactical impact. Featuring a rate of fire of 1,000 rounds per minute, the 35mm x 228 KDG 35/1000 revolver cannon is the world’s top-performing weapon in this calibre. It has a range of up to 4,000 metres and a very high commonality witht he Revolver Gun Mk3.
Programmable time-delay ammunition enhances the probability of hitting even the smallest aerial targets. The Skyranger family also encompasses the Skyranger 30, a hybrid solution designed to thwart the full range of future airborne threats. Here, the interplay of a 30mm automatic cannon, guided missiles, and in perspective a high-energy laser (the Skyranger 30 HEL variant) results in a mix of effectors unique in this combination.
The Skyranger family offers mobile defence against all current and future battlefield air threats. The Skyranger combines superior firepower, active and passive sensors and the dynamics needed to engage the most demanding targets performing loiter, pop-up or dive attacks. The use of best-inclass cannon systems means that the Skyranger can stand its ground against swarming attacks and its mobility means that it can be deployed alongside ground forces or for stationary vital-asset protection. The Skyranger can independently generate its own local air picture whilst its command and control architecture (Skymaster), IFF and data link mean that it can be seamlessly integrated into the battle order and command structure.
13 Sep 23. Elbit Systems’ Crossbow Next Generation Turreted Mortar System will be making its first appearance at the Company’s booth during the upcoming DSEI exhibition in London, England.
The automatic mortar system was developed by Elbit Systems’ Land under an Israel Defense Force contract and is MIL-STD-810G compliant.
The Crossbow system has a capability of shooting the first round in less than 30 seconds, has a maximum rate of ten rounds per minute with a sustained rate of fire of six rounds per minute, with a short sensor-to-shooter circle. It can fire a variety of munitions including the Iron Sting guided mortar munition providing effective range of up to 10 kilometers. No indexing loading is required for the Crossbow turret and it has the capability of 360 degree infinite pivot.
Designed for UT-120m turrets, it can be integrated onto 6X6, 8X8 wheeled platforms and tracked vehicles as well as stationary platforms. This makes Crossbow fully compatible with existing NATO ammunition requirements. The Crossbow is fitted with a computerized fire control system, a land navigation system and can be operated in a GPS denied environment.
Yehuda (Udi) Vered, General Manager of Elbit System Land: “The Crossbow is the latest and an important addition to our portfolio of automated turret systems. It is the only automated turret on the market and offers high-performance and precision firepower. We are proud to provide our customers with the most advanced platforms on the market.”
12 Sep 23. Mortar Weapon Station 120mm Ragnarok. At DSEI 2023, Rheinmetall showed the Group’s Ragnarok, a versatile 120 mm mortar system. Ragnarok can be integrated into wheeled and tracked combat vehicles. On show at DSEI 2023 is a towed version mounted on a trailer.
Ragnarok is the successful result and sequel of the in service MWS81, an 81 mm mortar system delivered to the Norwegian armed forces in 2017. The Ragnarok has been designed to maintain flexibility as a major feature of the system as this will make the Ragnarok adaptable to meet a wide spectrum of requirements from customers. It can either re-use existing in-service barrels or be delivered inclusive of a barrel of customer’s preference. The possibility for customers to continue to use in-service barrels and thus also continue the usage of in-stock ammunition will
dramatically reduce the need for customers to make any changes or adaptations in their current firing methods and principles. Ragnarok is characterized by its adaptability, compact size and effect on target.
Adaptability: Ragnarok can be equipped with a range of barrels, either as customer furnished equipment or supplied by Rheinmetall. As most customers already have ballistic computers in service the Ragnarok can be supplied with interface to in GFE solutions, alternatively Ragnarok can also be offered inclusive of ballistic computation. For further networking capabilities Ragnarok will interface with most BMS systems ion the market. This will provide customers with good possibilities of
conducting their mortar evolution with a minimum of changes in existing solutions and networks, should they desire.
Compact size: Ragnarok can be integrated onto most military vehicle platforms due to its small diameter, measuring only 1275mm it will leave ample space for the crew as well as ammunition storage. The force transferred to the vehicle platform is kept a very minimum and will eliminate need for support legs or similar solutions for most platforms.
Effect on target: A firm principle in designing Ragnarok has been to have a manually loaded mortar to enable maximum rate of fire and thus effect on target. Ehen integrated into a combat vehicle, loading is conducted from the integrated loaders platform, enabling the crew to perform the loading sequence with maintained ergonomics meeting peacetime requirements. With a maximum rate of fire of 18-20 rounds per minute the Ragnarok provides effect on target that dramatically outperforms automatic loading systems on the market. The high rate of fire enables the crew to conduct a complete 4 round mission from receiving the
fire mission until last round fired in less than one minute. The short time needed in firing position will generate protection by movement, in addition, a manually loaded system provides high performance and reliability also in harsh weather conditions such as snow, ice and sand due to a very minimum of moving mechanical parts. Booth H5-110.
07 Sep 23. UK scopes transition plan for directed energy weapons. The UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) is embarking on a three-year ‘Transition Phase’ programme designed to support the development and delivery of directed energy weapon (DEW) systems to the UK armed forces over the next five to 10 years.
In a briefing note promulgated on 1 September industry has been asked to help shape the UK DEW procurement strategy by providing early input to guide planning and policy. At this stage, the MoD is leaning towards a framework arrangement that would allow it to leverage expertise from a wide range of suppliers across all tiers of the supply chain.
Being led by the Directed Energy Weapons team within the MoD’s Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S) organisation, the new DEW road map is intended to result in the fielding of laser DEW (LDEW) and radio frequency DEW (RFDEW) systems for air-defence and counter-unmanned aircraft system (C-UAS) applications. The work will build on prior DEW maturation and learning, including lessons learned from three capability demonstrator projects expected to start user experimentation in 2024.
(Source: Janes)
————————————————————————
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.
————————————————————————