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14 Nov 18. Indian Army issues RFI for 60mm mortars and ammunition. The Indian Army (IA) has invited responses from local and foreign vendors by 24 December to its request for information (RFI) regarding the intended acquisition of 100, 60mm light-weight mortars and ammunition. Issued on 9 November by the IA’s Directorate of Infantry, the RFI requires the manportable mortars to be “as light as possible”, have a range of 2,000 m, and be capable of rapid fire. The mortars should be capable of being used in India’s varied terrain and climatic conditions, the RFI stated, adding that a related request for proposal will “tentatively” be issued in January 2019. Delivery of the mortars and related ammunition would need to be completed within 12 months of the contract being signed. (Source: IHS Jane’s)
14 Nov 18. MBDA demonstrates the extended operational capabilities of the MMP to more than 15 countries. Members of 15 foreign delegations, as well as representatives of the European Defence Agency (EDA) and of the NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) have been given the opportunity to witness the full range of capabilities of MBDA’s 5th generation MMP (Missile Moyenne Portée) ground combat missile during a live firing demonstration. This demonstration –organised on 12th October 2018, at the Canjuers base in the presence of the French Army and the Direction Générale de l’Armement (DGA)– took place in two phases: a dynamic phase, in which representatives from around the world watched three firings conducted by the French Army Technical Section (STAT), and a static phase, based on presentations and workshops making use of standard operational equipment for simulations, training and support.
The three firings –all of which struck their targets precisely– showcased the missile’s various operating modes by confronting it with different scenarios, against both fixed and mobile targets at ranges of 2.5 km to over 4 km, proving the accuracy of the MMP in all circumstances, even when fired at hidden targets beyond line of sight. The demonstration, which included firings with the seeker locking on to the target both before and after launch, and using both infrared and TV guidance, also highlighted the MMP’s ‘fire and forget’ and ‘operator in the loop’ capabilities.
Its ability to engage targets beyond direct line of sight by means of a network-centric enabled tablet computer, or via images relayed by micro-UAVs, was also demonstrated, illustrating how the MMP operates in symbiosis with coordination systems and field sensors. The delegations also discovered different configurations of the MMP: a standard firing post fixed on an Arquus SHERPA Special Forces light combat vehicle; with an Impact remote-controlled turret mounted on an Arquus SHERPA armoured vehicle; and with a T40 gun turret mounted on a Nexter VBCI infantry fighting vehicle.
This demonstration follows on from September’s hot weather campaign carried out by the French Army in Djibouti, which validated the MMP’s suitability for use in a desert environment and secured the green light for its deployment in support of the Operation Barkhane in the Sahel-Saharan Strip. In France, the MMP programme includes provision of 400 firing posts and 1,950 missiles across all branches of the French Armed Forces by 2025.
13 Nov 18. Expal ramps up new 155mm ammunition production. Spain’s Expal is ramping up production of its latest 155 ER02A1 155 mm high-explosive (HE) projectiles after receiving a contract from the Spanish Army in May. Those projectiles are to be delivered over a five-year period beginning in the first quarter of 2019, with a potential two-year extension. These are for use by the Spanish Army’s General Dynamics European Land Systems Santa Barbara Sistemas 155mm/52-calibre APU SBT towed howitzer, and the older US-supplied M109A5 155mm/39-calibre tracked self-propelled (SP) artillery systems. The 155mm HE projectile has a new and more streamlined shape, and can be supplied filled with conventional HE explosive or HE that is insensitive munition (IM)-compliant, with the first production batch being of the former. It can be fitted with a screw-on hollow base (HB) or a screw-on base bleed (BB) unit. The BB is fitted to obtain maximum range and this was selected by the Spanish Army. Compared with some legacy 155 mm artillery projectiles, the new 155 ER02A1 projectile has a thinner wall thickness for improved fragmentation effect and contains more HE explosive. It can be used in conjunction with the older conventional bag type charge, but Spain will use a modular charge system (MCS), with six being used with the 155mm/52-calibre ordnance to achieve maximum range. Spain’s contract with Expal includes the DM92ES MCS.
While the first 155 ER02A1 projectile is of the HE type, two other carrier rounds are being qualified and are expected to be ordered by the Spanish Army in the future. These can carry multi-spectral smoke canisters (the 155 SMK ER02A1) or illuminating projectiles (the 155 ILLUM ER02A1) in the visual or infrared type. (Source: IHS Jane’s)
13 Nov 18. China’s CASC quietly rolls out AR-1B precision missile. China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC) has completed the development of a new air-launched precision-guided munition (PGM) designed specifically for use by armed reconnaissance and combat unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), Jane’s has learnt from company sources.
The new 80 kg-class PGM, designated AR-1B, is essentially a larger and more capable variant of the company’s AR-1 anti-armour PGM. According to company specifications, the AR-1B features a maximum speed and range of Mach 1 and 10km and is typically launched at altitudes between 500 m and 5,000m (1,640ft and16,404ft) and can engage moving or stationary threats out to a range of 10km. The missile’s semi-active laser (SAL) seeker is positioned in the nose section at a slight angle, off centre, with a stated off-boresight capability of ±25° and an accuracy of 1.5m circular error probable (CEP) at maximum range. This arrangement provides a wider field-of-view for the SAL seeker – which offers lock-on before launch (LOBL) or lock-on after launch (LOAL) firing protocols – against targets immediately below or around the launch UAV platform, optimising its ability to provide close air support (CAS) fires.
“The key advantages that the AR-1B brings is its 43kg warhead, which can be of the armour-piercing shaped charge or blast fragmentation type to defeat armoured vehicle or static targets, and hostile troop concentrations respectively,” a CASC spokesperson told Jane’s.
In contrast, the baseline AR-1 employs INS as well as SAL guidance to engage armoured targets or buildings up to 8km away, although it has a less capable off-boresight capability of ±20°. The AR-1 is equipped with a 10kg blast fragmentation or penetration warhead travelling at a maximum speed of Mach 1.1. (Source: IHS Jane’s)
13 Nov 18. Pentagon to boost laser investments for missile defense.338
The U.S. Defense Department is planning to increase investments in directed-energy systems used for missile defense over the next several budget cycles, according to the department’s top technology adviser.
Michael Griffin, undersecretary of defense for research and engineering, said Tuesday he expects to have usable directed-energy weaponry in the hands of war fighters in “no more than a few years,” but acknowledged the size of a system usable for missile defense requires greater investment.
“You need another factor of three to four to have as space control weapon, a missile defense capability — space-based, boost-phase or midcourse capability — with a large directed-energy weapon. We need to be in the megawatt class to have that,” Griffin said at an event hosted by the Center for Strategic and International Studies.
“That’s not right around the corner but that’s not utterly out of reach either. So you’re going to see in upcoming budgets for missile defense a renewed emphasis on laser scaling across several technologies because we feel we have to do that.”
Directed-energy weaponry has been a dream for decades within the department, but Pentagon planners and industry experts have become increasingly confident the use of at least small systems in the near term is realistic.
Another potential use for lower-tier systems identified by Griffin is for disrupting swarming unmanned systems, something he called a potential “transformative concern.” Using high-powered microwaves to disrupt those swarms may make sense, he predicted.
More broadly, Griffin called for a “proliferation” of sensors in low-Earth orbit to combat hypersonic threats.
“We really need to be closer to the action,” he said about the need for those systems to be in low-Earth orbit. “We need to be proliferated and reliant, so that removing a few of those satellites by the adversary doesn’t alter our capability. We need to think about space as a domain which our adversaries seek to remove from our use, and respond accordingly.”
But he underscored a point he made over the summer — that trying to catch a hypersonic weapon with a space-based interceptor simply won’t work, given the speed of hypersonic capabilities and how close to Earth they fly.
Griffin declined to comment on the status of the long-awaited Missile Defense Review, now expected no earlier than December.
Over the course of the hourlong discussion, Griffin also made an argument for why missile defense decisions should stay at the secretary of defense staffing level, guided by the Missile Defense Agency and broader strategic thinking, rather than be delegated to the armed services.
As part of a broad reorganization of the Pentagon’s acquisition structure, which also resulted in the creation of Griffin’s office, the vast majority of large acquisition programs, previously controlled by the department’s legacy acquisition office, had day-to-day oversight pushed down to the service level.
However, Griffin made it clear he thinks that would not work for the development of missile defense capabilities, flatly saying: “I don’t think it’s going to happen, and if it did, I don’t think it is going to be good.”
“Asking the Navy to prioritize an SM-3 system over another carrier, that’s maybe not a fair question. Asking the Army to prioritize THAAD over another brigade combat team, maybe that’s not a fair question,” he said. “Those are questions of the architecture of what our national defense looks like that maybe rise to the secretary or OSD level, not the responsibility of a given service.
“Today those particular systems you mentioned, THAAD and SM-3, things like that, those are prioritized at the Department of Defense level. And maybe that will just continue.” (Source: Defense News)
13 Nov 18. Three Nato scientific technologies for IED detection tested in Italy. Three new Nato scientific technologies designed to detect and clear improvised explosive devices (IEDs) have been successfully tested in Florence, Italy. Developed in the framework of Nato’s Science for Peace and Security (SPS) Programme, the three technologies include a semi-autonomous robot for mines and IED detection, a lightweight mine detector, and a handheld detector for dirty bombs. The scientific projects were demonstrated and evaluated during a two-day workshop organised by the alliance in collaboration with the University of Florence.
University of Florence professor and Holographic and Impulse Subsurface Radar for Landmine and IED Detection project co-director Lorenzo Capineri said: “Participants diffused the results of their work, compared the developed methods and found possible synergies to increase the technological readiness level of the sensors, the electronics systems and the detection methods of these projects.”
Using new impulse radar and 3D data for real-time detection, the semi-autonomous robot can be deployed to prevent casualties during explosives detection.
was developed by a project coordinated by Italy, the US and Ukraine.
Developed by a project co-led by Norway and Ukraine, the easy-to-use and cost-effective handheld ultra-wideband (UWB) mine detector was manufactured through 3D printing.
The handheld device to detect dirty bombs can be primarily used to safeguard ports and enhance border security.
This project has been jointly developed by Australia, Croatia, Japan, Portugal and Slovenia.
Nato emerging security challenges deputy assistant secretary-general Robert Weaver said: “Without adequate regional and international cooperation, it would be impossible to address the variety of issues relating to threats from explosives today.”
The two-day workshop was attended by more than 50 scientists and experts from 16 Nato allies and partner nations. In October last year, the Nato SPS Programme collaborated with Algeria on a multi-year research project for the design and development of a detection system that would provide protection against threats posed by terrorists. (Source: army-technology.com)
13 Nov 18. BAE’s thrust vector controller technology achieves global milestone. BAE Systems Australia’s thrust vector controller technology has reached a global programme milestone by controlling the supersonic Evolved Sea Sparrow Missile (ESSM) as it took-off from a vessel’s vertical launch system. To date, approximately 3,000 systems have been designed and manufactured at the company’s advanced manufacturing facility at Edinburgh Parks, South Australia. Production of the first thrust vector controller system started in the late 1990s.
BAE Systems chief executive Gabby Costigan said: “This is a great example of a global programme that required world-leading technology and the solution was found here in Australia.
“The ESSM programme, together with the Nulka active missile decoy programme, have established BAE Systems as Australia’s capability provider of guided weapons and autonomous systems to our defence force and allied nations.”
Designed and manufactured by Raytheon Missile Systems, the ESSM is a medium-range, surface-to-air missile that can be launched from surface ships.
The missile can be used to destroy targets such as high-speed, highly manoeuvring anti-ship cruise missiles, low-velocity air threats (LVATs), high-diving threats and surface-based targets, in addition to engaging other attack aircraft, helicopters and ships.
BAE Systems Australia has committed to delivering more than 20% of each ESSM with contracts worth a total $400m to date.
The company is also responsible for production of the missile fuselage, guidance section internal structure, and telemetry transmitter.
Low-rate initial missile production is expected to begin next year, with full-rate production expected in 2021 at an estimated contract value of approximately $32m every year over the next decade. (Source: naval-technology.com)
12 Nov 18. Saab announces first Meteor firing from Gripen E. Saab announced the first launch of the MBDA Meteor beyond visual range air-to-air missile (BVRAAM) from its Gripen E fighter on 12 November.
During the test, which took place in October, two missiles were fired from prototype aircraft 39-8 flying out of Saab’s Linkoping production facility in southern Sweden, and marked a major milestone in the weapons integration phase of the ongoing flight trials programme.
Already operational on the MS20-standard of the Gripen C/D variant of the aircraft flown by the Swedish Air Force (SwAF), the 100 km+ Meteor has been integrated onto the Dassault Rafale and the Eurofighter Typhoon; it will also be fitted to the Lockheed Martin F-35B Lightning for the UK.
The Meteor has been described by industry and military officials as providing a step-change in air-to-air combat capabilities. Whereas similar-type missiles have a relatively short boost-phase after launch, after which they glide to the target while bleeding energy, the Meteorʼs ramjet means it is propelled up to the point of impact. This reduces the adversary aircraft’s chances of escaping the missile and gives the pilot more assurance of success when engaging enemy aircraft.
Europe is hoping and expecting that the missile will secure further export orders for the Gripen, Rafale, and Typhoon.
Although the US government has been developing its own BVRAAM capability in the form of the improved variants of the AIM-120 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile (AMRAAM) and the Joint Dual-Role Air Dominance Missile (JDRADM), this headstart for the Europeans is critical at a time when many air forces are undergoing fighter recapitalisation programmes, and has arguably contributed to numerous export successes for both the Rafale and Typhoon over recent years. (Source: IHS Jane’s)
12 Nov 18. Pindad’s Komodo 4×4 outfitted with 120mm mortar. The Indonesian Pindad Komodo 4×4 light armoured vehicle has been fitted with a 120mm smoothbore version of the Brazilian Ares Recoil Mortar System (RMS) for trials purposes. The four-door protected cab positioned in the middle of the Komodo is retained, and the 120mm RMS is mounted on a power-operated turntable on the flatbed. It can also be fitted with an 81mm mortar barrel, which could be used for training purposes as it has a shorter range and fires lower-cost ammunition than its 120mm counterpart.
The 120mm RMS has a fully automatic powered operating laying system with manual back up, and is integrated with a mortar fire control system (MFCS) that is embedded with an inertial navigation system (INS) and an onboard ballistic computer. This is meant to enable the system to come into action quicker, carry out a fire mission, and then redeploy.
If required, it can be integrated with a higher echelon command-and-control system and be linked to mortar fire controllers/forward observation officers (MFC/FOO) or a fire direction centre (FDC).
The 120mm mortar’s range depends on the projectile/charge combination, but firing an unassisted high-explosive (HE) mortar bomb it is typically 7,000m. The number of mortar bombs carried depends on the size of the platform, but could be up to 70. Its maximum rate of fire is up to 16 rds/min, and it is designed to come into action and fire its first round within about 60 seconds and then rapidly move to another firing position.
The 120 mm RMS weighs 1,200 kg and can also be installed on larger 6×6 or 8×8 armoured fighting vehicles (AFVs) and tracked AFVs, in which case it would be typically mounted in the rear of the platform and fired through open roof hatches. (Source: IHS Jane’s)
13 Nov 18. F-35 Countdown: Fifth gen missile to enhance lethality and export opportunities. BAE Systems Australia and partners Kongsberg Defence have developed key technology to support the integration and export possibilities of the Joint Strike Missile as part of the global F-35 project. Since the retirement of the F-111 in 2010, Australia has been without a credible long-range aerial strike platform. In response, Australia, in collaboration with Norway, signed on to help finance and develop an air launched variant of the Kongsberg Naval Strike Missile (NSM). Like F-35, the JSM is a fifth-generation platform providing the F-35 with a long-range anti-ship and land attack capability. The JSM is designed with a stand-off range to protect the launch platform from being detected and engaged by enemy air defence systems.
The JSM platform’s high survivability is accomplished by:
- Passive sensors;
- Low-observability signature;
- Sea skimming altitude;
- Terrain following flight;
- High agility with selectable end-game flight profiles; and
- Precise designated time-on-target information.
As part of BAE Systems Australia’s central role in supporting systems integration in the F-35 program, Kongsberg and BAE have partnered to support the future integration of the JSM into Australia’s F-35s.
This has been divided into two key areas of focus, with Kongsberg Defence Systems performing design, testing and risk reduction activities working towards fully integrating BAE’s passive radio frequency (PRF) sensor into the existing JSM missile systems.
To assist this activity, Kongsberg received several of BAE Systems’ qualification standard PRF sensors, and these have been used to ensure interface compliance with the extant missile systems and to ensure physical compatibility.
BAE Systems aerospace and integrated systems director Steve Drury said, “This is a great example of Australian advanced technology creating jobs, with the backing of government funding.”
The initial units were produced at BAE Systems Edinburgh Parks facility in South Australia. Kongsberg has since contracted BAE Systems to produce low rate initial production (LRIP) units.
These LRIP units have been delivered in two batches and will be used in Kongsberg’s ongoing qualification program supporting the JSM program.
BAE’s work on the JSM commenced in 2009 and was supported by the Commonwealth’s Priority Industry Capability Innovation Program (PICIP).
In 2015, in response to the ever-changing threat environment, BAE Systems further enhanced the PRF sensors capability. This additional functionality was included in time for the BAE Systems qualification program and has been included in all future sensors.
The BAE Systems qualification program ended in Q4 2017, coinciding with the commencement of the LRIP contract. The LRIP units have been provided to Kongsberg in Q2 and Q4 of 2018.
“This project has the potential to provide long-term sustainable exports for Australia,” Drury explained.
According to Kongsberg, a number of F-35 partner nations are showing strong interest in the JSM and mechanical fit checks has been performed on several types of fourth-generation aircraft like the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, F-16, Eurofighter in addition to all three versions of the F-35.
There has also been strong interest in introducing the JSM into maritime patrol aircraft (MPAs) like Boeing P-8A Poseidon for internal weapons bay carriage as well as on the wing stations. An acquisition of the F-35 along with the JSM, will strengthen any nation’s threshold, and serve wider coalition interests.
The JSM is designed for precision Anti-Surface-Warfare missions with emphasis on penetration of highly defended sea or land targets through a combination of stealth, onboard intelligence and endgame kinematics.
This is achieved by the synthesis of low signature, advanced engagement planning, precision navigation, an ultra-low wave adaptive sea-skimming flight profile, the use of high-resolution passive dual imaging infrared (IIR) seeker, salvo compression by near-simultaneous programmable Time on Target, and exceptional agility in the terminal phase.
The low-observable JSM can engage targets at sea or on land at ranges greater than 300 NM and with proven Autonomous Target Recognition (ATR), and Aim Point selection support precision attack against highly defended targets. The dual Imaging Infrared seeker gives the missile all weather capability and the IR seeker has been thoroughly tested against all known NATO IR decoys through more than 3000 hours of flight-testing.
The JSM system is under consideration by the ADF to fulfil the Project JP3023 naval strike weapon for the RAAF’s F-35A, due to enter service from 2018. The naval strike capability is expected to be fielded under the follow-on Block 4 capability upgrade, due to be incorporated into the RAAF’s fleet from around 2023. The Final design review has been accepted and the JSM is currently going through the integration program on F-35A. The test flights from F-35 will start in 2019. (Source: Defence Connect)
12 Nov 18. Airshow China 2018: Herakles announces Velociraptor APS development. Nanjing-based private company Herakles Defense Technology announced at Airshow China 2018 in Zhuhai, held from 6 to 11 November, that it is developing a new indigenous hard-kill active protection system (APS). The APS suite, called Velociraptor, is designed for use aboard land combat platforms such as armoured personnel carriers (APCs), infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs), and main battle tanks (MBTs), as well as strategically vital assets such as ballistic missile launchers and early warning radar vehicles. Jane’s understands from Herakles Defense that the Velociraptor APS is close to final design with field trials expected to commence in 2019, although company chairman Yong Wang admitted that it would be a challenge securing the necessary permits, vehicles, and guided munitions for live testing in the Chinese mainland.
“We might have to seek assistance from potential foreign customers to perform our trials,” Yong said, noting that there has been significant interest from Central Asia and the Middle East for effective but affordable vehicle countermeasure systems.
According to company specifications, the Velociraptor APS typically comprises one or more effector launchers – each carrying up to four ready-to-fire 76mm high-explosive fragmentation interceptors – supported by four 2D Ku-band active electronically scanned array (AESA) radars operating at the 15 to 18 GHz spectrum. Each radar module features a flat-faced transmit/receive antenna panel measuring 72×36 mm that can mounted on base of the launcher or affixed to the corners the turret in the case of armoured vehicles and MBTs. A central signal processing system and power supply unit completes the protective suite.
“We have adopted a fully modular architecture which enables our customers to fit individual components where they are most effective of simply where there is appropriate space without impacting on performance,” he explained. (Source: IHS Jane’s)
12 Nov 18. Aerojet Rocketdyne, Exquadrum and SNC selected for OpFires programme. The US Army is set to commence the joint Operational Fires (OpFires) programme together with the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA). In a bid to carry out the programme, three companies have been selected for the development and demonstration of a ground-launched system that would help enhance precision engagement of time-sensitive targets. Contract awardees Aerojet Rocketdyne, Exquadrum and Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC) are due to begin work on the OpFires programme.
DARPA OpFires programme manager US Army major Amber Walker said: “OpFires represents a critical capability development in support of the army’s investments in long-range precision fires.
“These awards are the first step in the process to deliver this capability in support of US overmatch.”
The OpFires programme has been designed with an aim to develop a ground-launched system, which would allow for hypersonic boost glide weapons to penetrate modern enemy air defences, in addition to easily and quickly engaging critical time-sensitive targets. As part of the project, DARPA and the army intend to develop advanced propulsion solutions that will offer a mobile, ground-launched tactical weapons delivery system to carry different payloads to a variety of ranges. Expected to be carried out for one year, the first phase of the effort is focused on the early development and demonstration of booster solutions that provide variable thrust propulsion across varied robust operational parameters in large tactical missiles. During the programme, a series of subsystem tests will be conducted in order to evaluate and assess the component design and system compatibility for future tactical operating environments.
Phase II of the OpFires programme will involve mature designs and demonstration performance with hot / static fire tests expected to be conducted in late 2020. Phase III has been designed to focus on the integration of different weapon systems and will conclude with the performance of integrated end-to-end flight tests slated for 2022. (Source: army-technology.com)
09 Nov 18. DARPA asks for counter-hypersonic weapons proposals. The US Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) is asking companies to submit ideas for counter-hypersonic weapons as part of its Glide Breaker programme. The Glide Breaker programme aims to rapidly develop a low-cost enabling technology critical for an advanced interceptor capable of defeating manoeuvring hypersonic vehicles in the upper atmosphere, according to a 6 November online broad agency announcement by DARPA. Key aspects of the Glide Breaker programme are classified, the notice says.
Proposals are due 21 December 2018 and DARPA plans to make a single award, though additional awards are possible pending funding availability. After a proposal has been selected, the winner will execute a series of systems and design reviews throughout 2019 and 2020, with the aim of completing a test in late 2020, DARPA says.
The Glide Breaker programme may request proposals for separate and additional technology development work through a separate announcement in the mid-fiscal year 2019, subject to DARPA’s discretion and funding availability, the notice says.
DARPA’s pursuit of counter weapons comes as the race to develop hypersonic vehicles between the USA, China and Russia continues to speed up. In August, China reportedly conducted the first flight of an unmanned hypersonic test vehicle, Starry Sky 2, reaching speeds of Mach 5.5 for more than six minutes, and topping off at M6. During the flight the vehicle climbed to an altitude of about 98,000ft and completed several manoeuvres.
For its part, the US Air Force is aiming for a 2020 initial operational capability for its Hypersonic Conventional Strike Weapon (HCSW), an air-breathing, ram-jet-powered cruise missile being developed by Lockheed Missiles and Space for $928m. The USAF also awarded a separate $780m contract to Lockheed Missiles and Fire Control in 2017 to develop the Air-launched Rapid Response Weapon (ARRW), a boost glide hypersonic system, which uses a rocket to accelerate its payload to high speeds, before the payload separates from the rocket and glides unpowered to its destination at up to M20. (Source: Flightglobal)
09 Nov 18. Indian Army receives K9 Vajra and M777 howitzer weapon systems. The Indian Army has received the formal delivery of the 155mm 52-calibre tracked self-propelled K9 Vajra artillery gun system and M777 ultra-light howitzer weapon systems for a total value of approximately Rs94bn ($1.31bn). The official induction of the weapon system into the Indian Army service was carried out during a ceremony conducted in Nashik, Maharashtra, India. Delivery included 145 units of the US M777 howitzers and 100 units of the South Korean-made K9 Vajra. In addition, a third gun system, the ‘composite gun tractor’, has been delivered to the army to be used for towing 130mm and 155mm weapon systems. In January 2017, BAE Systems received a $542m contract from the US Department of Defense to provide 145 M777 howitzers to the Indian Army. The acquisition of the M777 artillery guns has been carried out through a foreign military sales programme between the US and Indian governments.
The first regiment of the M777 howitzers is scheduled to be completed by October next year. In May 2017, India’s Ministry of Defence awarded Larsen & Toubro a Rs45bn ($701.2m) contract for the supply of 100 units of the self-propelled gun systems. While the first regiment of K9 Vajra is expected to be completed by July, the induction of the 100 units is due to be completed by November 2020. Deliveries of all the weapon systems will be carried out over the next two years. (Source: army-technology.com)
09 Nov 18. Airshow China 2018: China unveils FM-2000 SHORAD system. The China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation (CASIC) unveiled at the 6–11 November Airshow China 2018 defence exhibition in Zhuhai a new mobile short-range air-defence (SHORAD) system called the FM-2000.
The system is designed to provide protection for armoured units and critically important facilities against aerial attacks, including those involving high-precision weapons. “The system can engage fixed-wing aircraft, combat rotary-wing platforms, air-to-surface munitions, and cruise missiles,” a company source told Jane’s.
The FM-2000, which features counter-jamming capabilities, can engage several targets simultaneously, said the official without providing further details about the system’s performance. The surface-to-air missile (SAM) used by the system has also been designated the FM-2000.
According to CASIC, the FM-2000 has a maximum range of 15 km and can engage an aerial target at altitudes between 10m and 10km. (Source: IHS Jane’s)
09 Nov 18. Indo Defence 2018: Indonesia to receive VL MICA launchers on SIGMA 10514 frigates in 2019. Key Points:
- Indonesia’s Martadinata-class frigates will receive launchers for the VL MICA missile in 2019
- Delivery paves the way for an eventual procurement of effectors for the air defence system
The Indonesian Navy’s (Tentara Nasional Indonesia-Angkatan Laut: TNI-AL) pair of Martadinata (SIGMA 10514)-class guided-missile frigates will each receive a set of 12-cell launchers for the VL MICA air defence system in 2019, an industry source has confirmed with Jane’s at the Indo Defence 2018 exhibition in Jakarta.
A contract to deliver the launchers has been concluded, and installation of the weapon systems will be undertaken at state-owned shipbuilder PT PAL’s premises in Surabaya, in collaboration with Damen and MBDA, the source added. The SIGMA 10514 frigates, KRI Raden Eddy Martadinata (331), and KRI I Gusti Ngurah Rai (332), were commissioned in April 2017 and January 2018 respectively. Both ships were delivered to the TNI-AL in the ‘fitted for but not with’ (FFBNW) configuration for its major weapon systems including point-defence missiles, surface-to-surface missiles, and a close-in weapon system (CIWS).
However, both frigates have each been armed with one Leonardo (Oto Melara) 76/62 Super Rapid gun in the primary position.
The VL MICA is a vertically launched point, and close area air-defence system that provides protection against a wide range of airborne threats including hostile aircraft, and precision-guided munitions. The system does not require dedicated sensors nor consoles, and can be fully integrated into the SIGMA 10514’s existing combat infrastructure.
While a contract for the launchers has been concluded, Indonesia has yet to confirm acquisitions of the missiles, although the industry source Jane’s spoke to at Indo Defence 2018 posits that a deal for the missiles will follow through eventually. “A contract for the missiles will follow logically, and we hope it will happen soon,” he added. (Source: IHS Jane’s)
08 Nov 18. MBDA to develop the Next Generation of the MICA missile. The French Defence Procurement Agency DGA (Direction Générale de l’Armement) has awarded MBDA the contract for the MICA NG (Missile d’Interception et de Combat Aérien Nouvelle Génération) programme to develop the next generation of the MICA missile. With deliveries scheduled to begin in 2026, MICA NG will be available to arm the current and future versions of the Rafale combat aircraft.
MICA NG is intended as the replacement for the MICA missiles currently in operational service with the French armed forces and exported to 14 countries worldwide. The NG programme includes an extensive redesign of the current MICA family while keeping the same aerodynamics, mass and centre of gravity. This is done to minimise the amount of adaptation required to operate the new system with existing platforms and launchers. The unique concept that has ensured the ongoing success of MICA for two decades remains: the option of two different seekers (infrared and radio frequency) and two launch modes (rail and ejection) in a single missile casing.
The technological step changes introduced with this change of generation will provide the capability to counter future threats. This includes targets with reduced infrared and electromagnetic signatures, atypical targets (UAVs and small aircraft), as well as the threats normally countered by air-to-air missiles (combat aircraft and helicopters).
More specifically, the infrared seeker will use a matrix sensor providing greater sensitivity. Meanwhile the radio frequency seeker will use an AESA (Active Electronically Scanned Antenna), enabling smart detection strategies. The reduced volume of electronic components within MICA NG will allow it to carry a larger quantity of propellant, thereby significantly extending the range of the missile. Utilising a new double-pulse rocket motor will also provide additional energy to the missile at the end of its flight to improve manoeuvrability and the ability to intercept long-range targets. Lastly, the addition of internal sensors will allow the monitoring of the status of the weapon throughout its life (including during storage and transport), contributing to significantly reduced maintenance requirements and cost of ownership.
MBDA CEO Antoine Bouvier said at the programme launch: “We are proud of the work completed with the DGA to achieve maximum technical and financial optimisation. The fact that we have reached this stage is thanks to the vision that we were able to share with our French customer to address its operational challenges, as well as our own long-term commercial challenges. The upgrading of the MICA family will enable us to support the armed forces throughout the remaining operational life of the Rafale”.
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