Sponsored by Arnold Defense www.arnolddefense.com
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05 Jun 20. US Navy conducts first AARGM-ER captive carry flight on Super Hornet. The US Navy (USN) has conducted the first captive carry flight test of a Northrop Grumman AGM-88G Advanced Anti-Radiation Guided Missile – Extended Range (AARGM-ER) missile on a Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet combat aircraft, the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) announced on 2 June. The US Navy conducted the first captive carry flight test of an AARGM-ER missile on an F/A-18E Super Hornet at NAS Patuxent River, Maryland, on 1 June.
The test, which took place at Naval Air Station (NAS) Patuxent River in Maryland on 1 June, saw a single-seat F/A-18E testbed perform a series of aerial manoeuvres while carrying the AARGM-ER so as to evaluate integration and structural characteristics of the destruction/suppression of enemy air-defences (DEAD/SEAD) air-to-surface missile.
“Test points were completed across a range of flight conditions to demonstrate carriage compatibility of AARGM-ER with the F/A-18 Super Hornet,” NAVAIR said.
As noted by Captain Mitch Commerford from the Direct and Time Sensitive Strike program office (PMA-242), this first flight represented “a significant step” in the current engineering and manufacturing development (EMD) phase of the missile system. “Data collected from this testing will inform the planned build-up and overall expansion of flight testing with AARGM-ER,” he said.
According to NAVAIR, testing will continue over the next few years in preparation for initial operational capability in fiscal year 2023.
The ARRGM-ER builds on the baseline AGM-88E AARGM, utilising the same sensors, warhead, and a modified version of its common control section attached to a new rocket motor and airframe. (Source: Jane’s)
05 Jun 20. GAO: USAF to acquire ARRW operational prototypes for 2021 flight testing. The US Air Force (USAF) is expected to acquire an initial batch of operational prototype Lockheed Martin AGM-183A Air-Launched Rapid Response Weapon (ARRW) hypersonic air-to-surface glide weapons in Fiscal Year 2020 (FY 2020). The acquisition is intended to support planned initial flight testing of the weapon system from a B-52H Stratofortress strategic bomber in October 2021.
According to the US Government Accountability Office (GAO) Defense Acquisitions Annual Assessment report published in early June, the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center’s (AFLCMC’s) Armament Directorate plans “to deliver eight hypersonic missiles: four to conduct flight tests and four spares. Specifically, ARRW plans to develop an operational prototype with solid-fuel booster, ordnance package, and specialised equipment to enable it to be carried on the B-52H”. According to AFLCMC Armament Directorate officials, the ARRW programme “will build knowledge through the flight and operational testing of prototype units, as well as potentially provide an operational capability from the deployment of any remaining spare test units.”
The US Air Force in collaboration with Lockheed Martin, conducted the first captive carriage flight test of the AGM-183A Air-Launched Rapid Response Weapon (ARRW) air-to-surface hypersonic weapon on a B-52 Stratofortress strategic bomber out of Edwards Air Force Base, California on 12 June 2019.
A rapid prototyping middle-tier acquisition (MTA) programme initiated in March 2018, the USAF AGM-183A ARRW development leverages work from the separate USAF/Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) Tactical Boost Glide (TBG) programme. Ongoing work on the TBG serves as a risk reduction enabler for the AGM-183A ARRW. Launched in 2014, the TBG programme is intended to develop and demonstrate technologies to enable future air-launched, tactical-range hypersonic boost glide systems. (Source: Jane’s)
03 Jun 20. EDA readies GOSSRA soldier modernisation pitch to NATO. The European Defence Agency (EDA) is to hand over proposals for its Generic Open Soldier System Reference Architecture (GOSSRA) to NATO in May, as the alliance considers adopting it as a standardisation recommendation (STAREC).
The EUR1.5m (USD1.62m) multinational GOSSRA project, which was launched in 2018 by the European Union under the Preparatory Action on Defence Research (PADR) scheme, featured a consortium led by Rheinmetall Electronics (Germany) that also included GMV (Spain), iTTi (Poland), Tekever-ASDS (Portugal), Larimart (Italy), Leonardo (Italy), SAAB (Sweden), Indra (Spain), and TNO (the Netherlands).
A consortium of companies from across Europe conducted a final demonstration of the GOSSRA concept ahead of its acceptance by NATO as a standard agreement.
The project was initiated to develop a common reference architecture covering software, electronics, voice and data communication, sensors, effectors, human interface devices, and C4i in support of soldier modernisation programmes.
The reference architecture represents “best practice, future trends and developments” and proposes standard interfaces to enhance interoperability across the various EU and NATO soldier programmes.
Project officials told Jane’s that GOSSRA formally concluded at the end of April. Findings are to be delivered to the NATO Land Capability Group on Dismounted Soldier Systems in May.
The GOSSRA study culminated in a final demonstration conducted near Madrid on 20 February, comprising a live exercise that showcased the interoperability of soldier systems from EU countries such as Germany, Spain, and the Netherlands.
Designed around a ‘loaned radio concept’, the demonstration featured Leonardo S-wave handheld secure wideband soldier radios and included a force protection scenario in which an enemy sniper and suspicious vehicle were observed by coalition forces. (Source: Jane’s)
02 Jun 20. LORA Ballistic Missile Firing Trial Completed Successfully. Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) has completed a dual operational firing trial with LORA (Long-Range Artillery Weapon System), a precise ballistic strike missile. The trial was designed and performed under COVID-19 restrictions as part of IAI’s work plan, which includes demonstrating the capabilities of the advanced system to customers.
Held in the open sea, the trial included the launch of two long-range LORA missiles to a pre-defined hit point at sea.
The complex trial included two scenarios to test and demonstrate LORA’s advanced capabilities. The first scenario involved a short-range launch to 90 km and the second to a long range of 400km.
In its ground version, the weapon system was deployed on a ship in the open sea to comply with the safety requirements of trials of this type. The missile was launched from an operational system that comprises a command trailer and a ground launcher.
Under both scenarios, the missile was launched to its trajectory, navigated its course to the target, and hit it with utmost precision. Both the weapon system and the missile successfully met all of the trial’s objectives. Given the COVID-19 restrictions, the trial was executed with a portable trial field and a capsule team, which managed the trial remotely.
Developed by IAI’s MALAM division, LORA is a sea-to-ground and ground-to-ground system which comprises a long-range ballistic missile, a unique launcher, a command and control system, and a ground/marine support system. The LORA system provides ballistic assault capabilities for multiple ranges with a precision level of 10 meters CEP.
Boaz Levy, IAI’s EVP and General Manager of the Systems, Missiles and Space Group, said: “The complex trial, performed under COVID-19 limitations, demonstrated the advanced capabilities of both IAI and LORA, our strategic missile system. The trial was executed according to a fully functional design, which tested the system’s maneuvering, strike, and precision, as well as technological developments and enhancements introduced by our engineers.
“Performing a trial with this level of complexity during these days is a testament to IAI’s unwavering commitment to our clients across the globe. The impressive results of the trial prove the system’s maturity and state-of-the-art capabilities.” Levy added, “I would like to thank Israel’s Navy, Air force, and Israeli Ministry of Defense for the collaboration and assistance in this trial.”
LORA was developed at IAI’s Systems, Missiles & Space Group. The Group boasts a long record in air-defense systems, such as the Arrow 2 and 3, the Barak 8, loitering missiles, and countless missile and satellite systems, such as observation satellites, nano-satellites, communication satellites (including Dror, the national communication satellite). The Group has also co-built the Beresheet spacecraft which traveled to the moon on its first mission.
IAI is a national and global technological hub for air defense, radars, satellites, unmanned vehicles, civilian aviation, and cyber.
Israel Aerospace Industries: IAI Ltd. is Israel’s largest aerospace and defense company and a globally recognized technology and innovation leader specializing in developing and manufacturing advanced, state-of-the-art systems for air, space, sea, land, cyber and homeland security. Since 1953, the company has provided advanced technology solutions to government and commercial customers worldwide including: satellites, missiles, weapon systems and munitions, unmanned and robotic systems, radars, C4ISR and more.
IAI also designs and manufactures business jets and aerostructures, performs overhaul and maintenance on commercial aircraft and converts passenger aircraft to refueling and cargo configurations. (Source: defense-aerospace.com/Israel Aerospace Industries)
02 Jun 20. US Army buys $3.4bn worth of Hydra-70 rockets. The US Army is buying $3.42bn worth of General Dynamics Hydra-70 rockets. The number of rockets in the deal was not disclosed, but all of the munitions are estimated to be delivered by September 2026, according to an online US Department of Defense notice posted on 29 May.
The Hydra-70 is an unguided 70mm (2.75in) rocket. When the BAE Systems Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS) II upgrade kit is added it becomes a precision weapon, however.
The US military has experimented using APKWS upgraded rockets in new roles recently.
In December 2019, an US Air Force F-16 shot down a subscale drone with the guided rocket. The proof-of-concept demonstration aimed to show that the fighter’s targeting pod, combined with the precision rocket, could shoot down a cruise missile, a lower-cost alternative than using an air-to-air missile like the sophisticated AIM-120.
BAE Systems also recently test fired APKWS-guided rockets from a ground-based vehicle for the time, the company says on 1 June.
In September 2019, BAE Systems won a $2.68bn contract from the US Navy (USN) for an undisclosed number of APKWS II upgrade kits. Those rocket upgrade kits were intended for the USN, but were also ordered on behalf of the US Army, USAF, as well as several foreign military sales customers.
The APKWS is qualified to be launched from 13 aircraft, including the US Army’s Boeing AH-64D/E Apache attack helicopter, Sikorsky UH-60L/M Black Hawk utility helicopter and Boeing AH-6M Little Bird light helicopter gunship.
To precisely hit targets, the APKWS uses a distributed aperture semi-active laser seeker, a self-contained guidance and control system that is installed between the warhead and rocket motor of a Hydra-70. APKWS rockets have a maximum range of 2.7nm (5 km) and hit targets 80% of the time within 2m (6.6ft), claims BAE Systems.
The company pitches APKWS as cheap and effective.
“Declining budgets and concern over collateral damage has increased the need for precision-guided weapons for a more low-cost and effective response against soft and lightly armoured targets,” BAE Systems says. (Source: News Now/Flight Global)
02 Jun 20. DoD launches F-35A DEAD/SEAD retrofit. The US Department of Defense (DoD) has launched an effort to begin retrofitting a complete destruction/suppression of enemy air defences (DEAD/SEAD) capability onto the Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter (JSF), according to a contract notification posted on 1 June. The USAF has begun the process of giving the F-35A a full-on destruction/suppression of enemy air defences capability for itself and international operators of the type.
The DoD has awarded the manufacturer USD36.78m to support non-recurring engineering efforts to develop and certify a retrofit solution to support the structural requirements for full-up DEAD/SEAD capabilities for Lot 14 and Lot 15 F-35A aircraft.
The award, which covers USAF and international F-35A operators, will run through to August 2022.
DEAD/SEAD is one of the core missions of the F-35, alongside defensive counter-air (DCA); close air support (CAS); air interdiction (AI); strike, co-ordination, and reconnaissance (SCAR); and non-traditional intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (NTISR).
The USAF declared initial operational capability (IOC) for the F-35A in August 2016, at which time the service said that the aircraft was able to conduct “limited” DEAD/SEAD missions. Although it did not define exactly what it meant by limited capability, it likely involved performing the role using the baseline weapons package released at that time, which included GBU-31/32 1,000 lb/2,000 lb Joint Direct Attack Munitions (JDAMs). Since then, the Block 3F software package has included the GBU-39 Small Diameter Bomb (SDB) and AGM-154A/C Joint Stand-Off Weapon (JSOW) glide bomb, which can also be used in the role.
For the full-up DEAD/SEAD role (also known as anti-access/area denial [A2/AD]), the F-35A is slated to receive the Stand-in Attack Weapon (SiAW). This still developmental weapon will leverage heavily the Northrop Grumman AGM-88E Advanced Anti-Radiation Guided Missile (AARGM). (Source: Jane’s)
01 June 20. Belarus targets increased self-sufficiency in missile technology. The government of Belarus is pushing increased self-reliance in missile technology, the State Authority for Military Industries (SAMI) announced on 27 May. The news followed on from a visit by president Aleksandr Lukashenko to the OKB TSP facility in Machulishchi near Minsk on 22 May, during which a number of missile systems and their role in the Belarusian defence industry were discussed.
The country has been working on assembling the Polonez-M missile system developed with China, Lukashenko was told, to which the president responded, “We need our own missile. If we have to rely on other countries to produce a certain weapon, we should not produce such a weapon. No one will simply give away such a weapon to us. We were lucky to strike a deal with the Chinese; we really appreciate their help. However, we should not depend on anyone anymore,” Belarus news agency BelTA reported.
The modernised 9K33 (SA-8 ‘Gecko’) variant of the Osa ground-to-air missile system developed by Belarus features a new transport-erector-launcher (TEL) vehicle, based on a MAZ-6317 truck chassis that is designated 9A33-2B.
Other work undertaken by the Belarus defence industry highlighted during Lukashenko’s visit included the extension of the range of the Polonez-M multiple launch rocket artillery system from 200 to 300 km, development of the Buk-MB3 surface-to-air missile system and its 9M318 missile, and the Belarus-developed truck-mounted variant of the 9K33 Osa (NATO reporting name SA-8 ‘Gecko’).
A prototype of an extended range Polonez-M missile system, which has a 300 km range, is expected to be ready in September. Testing is potentially taking place in China, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, or Saudi Arabia, BelTA reported. (Source: Jane’s)
01 June 20. BAE Systems adapts rocket to provide soldiers with their own air support. BAE Systems has successfully tested a tactical ground-based version of its Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS) laser-guided rocket. Designed to allow ground combat units to engage distant targets without air support, the rockets were fired from a FLETCHER 2.75-inch/70 mm Weapon System concept built by Arnold Defense.
One of the biggest guns available to infantry and other ground-based combat forces is the ability to call in an airstrike to take out distant hostile targets. In this way, even a small squad can deliver the punch of a much larger unit. However, sometimes air support isn’t possible, so BAE Systems is adapting one of its weapon systems to fill the gap.
The APKWS rocket has been in service with the US armed forces since 2012. An upgraded version of the Hydra 70 unguided rocket, the 32 lb (15 kg), 73.8 in (1.87 m) long missile was originally designed to be fired from a wide variety of fixed and rotary-wing aircraft. It has a maximum speed of 2,425 ft/s (739 m/s) and an effective range of up to 5 km (3.11 mi). Target guidance is by means of a distributed aperture semi-active laser seeker.
The present development work aims at mating the APKWS to the FLETCHER, which is a purpose-built laser-guided rocket launcher for ground vehicles that could be used by mounted and dismounted units like tactical lightweight vehicles, remote weapon stations, non-standard tactical vehicles, and stationary or marine platforms to attack soft or lightly armored targets at a distance.
According to BAE, the proof-of-concept testing at the US Army Yuma Proving Ground in collaboration with the US Navy fired several successful rounds to demonstrate the APKWS rocket’s ability to produce standoff precision strike capabilities for ground forces that are normally provided by helicopters and combat jets. (Source: News Now/https://newatlas.com/)
01 June 20. BAE Systems Succeeds in First Tactical Configuration Ground-Launched Test of APKWS® Laser-Guided Rockets. BAE Systems successfully completed test shots of its APKWS® laser-guided rockets from a tactical configuration ground-based weapon system for the first time. The proof-of-concept testing demonstrated the flexibility of APKWS rockets to deliver standoff precision strike capabilities for ground forces, providing warfighters with a unique solution for engaging targets with greater range than small arms fire and without the need for air support.
BAE Systems tested the APKWS rockets at the U.S. Army’s Yuma Proving Ground, in collaboration with the U.S. Navy and Arnold Defense, a premier manufacturer of rocket launchers. The team used Arnold’s FLETCHER 2.75-inch/70mm Weapon System concept – a purpose-built laser-guided rocket launcher for ground vehicles – to fire several successful shots. The ground-launch capability builds on hundreds of successful shots in combat from rotary- and fixed-wing aircraft.
“Our customers see the value in low-cost, precision-strike capabilities that reduce the risk of collateral damage, and they want the flexibility to deliver them from the platform of their choice,” said Greg Procopio, director of Precision Guidance and Sensing Solutions at BAE Systems. “Demand is growing for ground-to-ground precision munitions that provide a safe standoff distance for small ground units. We’re working closely with our customer and partners to deliver that capability.”
Ground-launched APKWS rockets could provide mounted and dismounted units with a unique way to engage soft and lightly armored targets from a variety of platforms. The low size, weight, and power requirements of ground-launched APKWS rockets make them ideal for tactical lightweight vehicles, remote weapon stations, non-standard tactical vehicles, and stationary platforms, providing warfighters with precision munitions that improve their safety and mission effectiveness.
“We designed FLETCHER specifically as a ground launcher for precision-guided 70mm rockets,” said Jim Hager, president and CEO at Arnold Defense. “FLETCHER-launched APKWS rockets enable our military customers to engage targets from more than just airborne platforms. We envision FLETCHER being used on everything from trucks and tracked vehicles to marine platforms in the future.”
APKWS laser-guided rockets are the only U.S. government program of record for precision-guided 70-milimeter rockets. All four U.S. armed forces use APKWS rockets, and it is available to U.S. allies via Foreign Military Sales. FMS activities support more than a dozen partner nations and interest from other nations.
BAE Systems’ long range precision fires solutions use advanced technologies to consistently and effectively hit a variety of targets in complex environments from long distances, resulting in successful land, air and sea missions. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)
01 June 20. Roketsan’s anti-tank missiles join the TAF inventory. Roketsan’s anti-tank missile solutions, which have been developed in line with the requirements of the Turkish Armed Forces (TAF), have reached the serial production phase and deliveries have begun. The product family consists of the Long-Range Anti-Tank Missile System (UMTAS), the Laser-Guided Long-Range Anti-Tank Missile System (L-UMTAS) and the Medium-Range Anti-Tank Weapon System (OMTAS), which together are able to meet all of the various needs arising in the modern battlefield. UMTAS and L-UMTAS are effective against targets at ranges of up to 8,000 m and OMTAS is effective up to 4,000 m.
The first batch of L-UMTAS missiles was delivered to TAF in 2016, and was used successfully during the EFES and the Atis Serbest (Fire at Will) military exercises in 2018.
Equipped with an imaging infrared seeker, the product and production line qualification phase of UMTAS, was completed in 2017. Following the first deliveries to be realized in parallel with the serial production, the missile is expected to enter the inventory in 2019.
The qualification phase of OMTAS was completed in 2016 for the product and production line, and the missile is now ready for serial production.
Work is continuing for the integration of UMTAS, L-UMTAS and OMTAS onto armored land vehicles and land platforms, and for the integration of UMTAS and L-UMTAS onto rotary-wing air platforms and naval platforms.
Roketsan, states that the development of UMTAS and OMTAS allowed them to develop a product family that will serve their users for many years. “What really counts in anti-tank missiles is not only the ability to neutralize improving armor technologies, but also to respond to any improving threat. In addition to their antitank capabilities, which is their main mission, UMTAS and OMTAS have been designed to be effective against all ground or surface threats”. (Source: Aerospace Daily & Defense Report)
01 Jun 20. BAE Systems succeeds in first tactical configuration ground-launched test of APKWS® laser-guided rockets. BAE Systems successfully completed test shots of its APKWS® laser-guided rockets from a tactical configuration ground-based weapon system for the first time. The proof-of-concept testing demonstrated the flexibility of APKWS rockets to deliver standoff precision strike capabilities for ground forces, providing warfighters with a unique solution for engaging targets with greater range than small arms fire and without the need for air support.
BAE Systems tested the APKWS rockets at the U.S. Army’s Yuma Proving Ground, in collaboration with the U.S. Navy and Arnold Defense, a premier manufacturer of rocket launchers. The team used Arnold’s FLETCHER 2.75-inch/70mm Weapon System concept – a purpose-built laser-guided rocket launcher for ground vehicles – to fire several successful shots. The ground-launch capability builds on hundreds of successful shots in combat from rotary- and fixed-wing aircraft.
“Our customers see the value in low-cost, precision-strike capabilities that reduce the risk of collateral damage, and they want the flexibility to deliver them from the platform of their choice,” said Greg Procopio, director of Precision Guidance and Sensing Solutions at BAE Systems. “Demand is growing for ground-to-ground precision munitions that provide a safe standoff distance for small ground units. We’re working closely with our customer and partners to deliver that capability.”
Ground-launched APKWS rockets could provide mounted and dismounted units with a unique way to engage soft and lightly armored targets from a variety of platforms. The low size, weight, and power requirements of ground-launched APKWS rockets make them ideal for tactical lightweight vehicles, remote weapon stations, non-standard tactical vehicles, and stationary platforms, providing warfighters with precision munitions that improve their safety and mission effectiveness.
“We designed FLETCHER specifically as a ground launcher for precision-guided 70mm rockets,” said Jim Hager, president and CEO at Arnold Defense. “FLETCHER-launched APKWS rockets enable our military customers to engage targets from more than just airborne platforms. We envision FLETCHER being used on everything from trucks and tracked vehicles to marine platforms in the future.”
APKWS laser-guided rockets are the only U.S. government program of record for precision-guided 70-milimeter rockets. All four U.S. armed forces use APKWS rockets, and it is available to U.S. allies via Foreign Military Sales. FMS activities support more than a dozen partner nations and interest from other nations.
BAE Systems’ long range precision fires solutions use advanced technologies to consistently and effectively hit a variety of targets in complex environments from long distances, resulting in successful land, air and sea missions.
29 May 20. Serbia test-fires indigenous RLN-IC/170 short-range SAM. The Military Technical Institute in Belgrade (Vojnotehnički Institut, VTI), part of the Serbian Ministry of Defence (MoD), on 22 May test-fired the indigenously-developed infrared (IR)-homing RLN-IC/170 short-range surface-to-air missile (SAM).
The test-firing, part of a three-phase programme to upgrade the Serbian Army’s (Kopnena vojska Srbije [KoV’s]) PASARS 6×6 self-propelled hybrid armoured artillery and air defence system, was conducted at the Pasuljanske Livade training ground, near Ćuprija in central-east Serbia. A modified PASARS FM-1 mobile weapon system was used for the test, with the RLN-IC/170 launched at a 120 mm illumination mortar round.
According to the Serbian MoD, the objective of the test firing was to verify the missile’s lock-on-to-target in the pre-launch and launch sequences, to confirm the missile’s aerodynamic configuration and real-time autonomous guidance characteristics, and to establish the functionality of RLN-IC/170’s newly-installed subsystems.
Nenad Miloradović, Acting Assistant Minister for Materiel Resources in the Serbian MoD, said that the RLN-IC/170 is an improved version of the earlier RLN-IC missile – a local development of the R-13M short-range IR homing air-to-air missile used with the Serbian Air Force MiG-21 combat aircraft. The RLN-IC/170 features a new solid-fuel rocket motor, believed to have been developed by the Krušik Holding Corporation, an updated IR homing warhead, digital control electronics, and a re-configured larger calibre warhead. ”These new components, including the rocket engine, are developed by VTI and its subcontractors,” said Miloradović. (Source: Jane’s)
28 May 20. Japanese ground forces get new small arms. The Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) has unveiled its new service-issue assault rifle and automatic pistol during a recorded event held at the Ministry of Defense (MoD) in Tokyo on 18 May.
Howa5.56 assault rifle
The new 5.56mm Howa5.56 assault rifle has been designated Type 20, denoting its entry into service in the year 2020, and is being manufactured by the Kiyosu-based Howa Machinery. The company also manufactures the in-service 7.62mm Type 64 and and 5.56mm Type 89 assault rifles, which were respectively introduced in 1964 and 1989.
The Howa5.56 was selected in December 2019 over the German-made Heckler & Koch HK416 and Belgian FN Herstal SCAR-L assault rifles.
The JGSDF has also selected the Heckler & Koch SFP9 9mm automatic pistol over two other candidates: the Italian Beretta APX and the Austrian Glock 17 pistols.
The service had earlier requested around $9m for fiscal year 2020 to purchase 3,283 new rifles. It also requested around $279,000 for 323 new pistols.
The JGSDF said the Howa5.56 is more robust and has been specifically designed to operate more reliably in austere environments. The rifle also features an adjustable stock and cheek rest for improved ergonomics, as well as accessory rails to accommodate additional equipment such as rifle scopes and fore-grips. In contrast, the Type 89 has a fixed buttstock and iron sights.
SFP-9 automatic pistol
The new SFP-9 automatic pistol also offers an adjustable grip, a feature absent on the in-service Minebea P9 9mm pistol introduced in fiscal year (FY) 1982.
The JGSDF plans to introduce the Type 20 rifle in FY 2021 and will initially distribute the weapon to the Ground Component Command (GCC), including the newly formed Amphibious Rapid Deployment Brigades (ARDB) and the Rapid Deployment Regiments.
The new personal weapons come as the JGSDF steps up its island defence operations amid China’s growing assertiveness near the disputed Senkaku/Diaoyu Islands in the East China Sea. It recently deployed anti-air and anti-ship missile batteries as well as around 340 troops to Miyakojima Island in the southern Okinawa Prefecture. (Source: AMR)
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Arnold Defense has manufactured more than 1.25 million 2.75-inch rocket launchers since 1961 for the U.S. Army, U.S. Navy, U.S. Air Force and many NATO customers. They are the world’s largest supplier of rocket launchers for military aircraft, vessels and vehicles. Core products include the 7-round M260 and 19-round M261 commonly used by helicopters; the thermal coated 7-round LAU-68 variants and LAU-61 Digital Rocket Launcher used by the U.S. Navy and Marines; and the 7-round LAU-131 and SUU-25 flare dispenser used by the U.S. Air Force and worldwide.
Today’s rocket launchers now include the ultra-light LWL-12 that weighs just over 60 pounds (27 kg.) empty and the new Fletcher (4) round launcher. Arnold Defense designs and manufactures various rocket launchers that can be customized for any capacity or form factor for platforms in the air, on the ground or even at sea.
Arnold Defense maintains the highest standards of production quality by using extensive testing, calibration and inspection processes.
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