Sponsored by Arnold Defense www.arnolddefense.com
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24 June 21. Rheinmetall Spectac – an innovative stun grenade for military and law enforcement special operators. Rheinmetall presents Spectac, its innovative new non-lethal effector. This rectangular stun grenade is specially designed for use by military and law enforcement special operators. The most striking feature of the easy-to-use Spectac is its smartphone-like design, with the locking ring and rocker arm ignitor built into a rectangular housing the size of a mobile phone. Its novel design offers a number of advantages. Weighing approximately 350 grams, 110 mm long, 63 mm wide and 20 mm thick, this highly ergonomic one-bang stun grenade slips easily into the tactical kit of the special operator, making it very convenient to carry. In addition, its compact design means that it can be discretely taken along on undercover and bodyguard operations. Moreover, its rectangular shape offers other tactical benefits. Unlike traditional round grenades, the Spectac does not roll away in an uncontrolled way after landing, but instead comes quickly to a halt which makes it ideal for the use on stairways. Its maximum movement radius comes to just 35 cm at most. As a result, the desired effect reliably takes place in the intended target zone.
Waterproof at depths of up to 20 metres, the Spectac produces a blinding flash and deafening bang. It is currently available in versions with acoustic pressure levels of 170 and 180 decibels and two delay times, 0.5 and 1.5 seconds. In order to make it even safer to handle, Rheinmetall engineers opted for a tried-and-tested bottom top venting (BTV) design. This way, in the event of an inadvertent detonation, the explosive effect blows out of the top and the bottom of the grenade, reliably protecting the user’s throwing hand. The Spectac does not produce dangerous fragments. Each Spectac grenade is X-rayed prior to shipment, thus assuring maximum functional reliability and safety. The X-ray images are stored for ten years. Neither the percussion cap nor the ignition delay mechanism contain lead compounds. In addition, the grenades are compliant with REACH, the European Chemicals Directive. Successfully qualified at the end of 2020, the Spectac is available effective immediately. This innovative product confirms Rheinmetall’s role as a leading supplier of pyrotechnic effectors for law enforcement and military applications.
24 June 21. MBDA’s CAMM-ER successfully completes major milestone. MBDA has successfully completed a firing of the CAMM-ER air defence missile against a manoeuvring target, confirming the excellent capability of the CAMM family system. The trial took place at an Italian firing range. CAMM-ER is the extended range member of the new-generation CAMM air defence family of systems. All members of the CAMM family share the same cutting-edge active radar seeker and soft-launch system, with CAMM-ER featuring a larger rocket motor designed by AVIO to provide extended range out beyond 40km. CAMM-ER was designed to replace the Aspide munition in the Medium Advanced Air Defence System (MAADS) of the Italian Air Force and the GRIFO air defence system of the Italian Army. CAMM-ER is the missile that will be used in the Albatros NG system, which provides an optimized naval based air defence (NBAD) solution to enhance the defence capabilities of naval fleets.
24 June 21. Rafael’s Trophy Active Protection System selected for integration on the UK’s Challenger 3 Main Battle Tank. Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Ltd. announces that its Trophy Active Protection System (APS) for armored vehicles has been selected for the next phase of detailed assessment and integration by the UK Ministry of Defence for the Army’s Challenger 3 MBT.
The selection is a result of a study conducted by the UK MOD as part of an upgrade program led by prime contractor Rheinmetall BAE Systems Land (RBSL), which will entail detailed integration and system trials of this lighter Trophy variant (Trophy MV), to fit the particular requirements of this vehicle.
Developed by Rafael in response to successful anti-armor attacks, Trophy APS provides mature, combat-proven protection against rocket and missile threats and simultaneously locates the origin of the hostile fire for immediate response. Trophy is the only fully-integrated, combat-proven APS in the world and has been installed on Israel Defense Forces’ Merkava tanks since 2010, and has also been installed on the Namer APCs. Trophy has also been supplied to four US Army Abrams MBT brigades, and will soon be supplied to Germany for its Leopard MBT’s.
Trophy has made numerous combat interceptions with no injuries to crews or dismounted troops or damage to platforms since its first operational interception in 2011. Trophy has accrued over 1,000,000 operating hours, including 5,400 successful field tests, and is now under contract for serial production of over 1,800 systems.
David Farmer, Team Leader for the Challenger 3 delivery team at Defence, Equipment & Support, the procurement arm of the UK MOD, said: “I am delighted to welcome Rafael to our cohort of industry delivery partners who are working together to bring Challenger 3 to life. This is a significant programme for Defence, and the British Army and represents a huge shift in the modernisation of our land forces. The pioneering new technology that we are planning to use will allow us to deliver an immense warfighting capability.”
Brig. Gen (Ret.) Michael Lurie, head of Rafael’s land maneuverability systems directorate: “Trophy APS has saved the lives of numerous soldiers and has been instrumental in protecting assets on the battlefield and enabling tank crews to maneuver safely under anti-tank fire and perform their missions safely and fully. This system has changed the rules of the game in the armored warfare arena, and the UK’s decision to choose Trophy for the protection of its crews, ushers in a new era for its armored forces as well. We are thankful to our UK partners for joining other nations and tier-1 armored corps who have put their trust in Rafael’s Trophy APS.”
22 Jun 21. Live-fire testing with US Army robotic combat vehicles begins. The US Army has begun live-fire testing with its fleet of robotic combat vehicle-light (RCV-L) prototypes, including launching a Javelin from the platform, and will begin similar shakedown testing with its medium (RCV-M) prototypes imminently.
Major General Ross Coffman, the director of the Next-Generation Combat Vehicle Cross-Functional Team, spoke with Janes on 15 June to provide an update on RCV shakedown testing ahead of a soldier experiment in mid-2022.
Earlier this year the service received its fourth and final RCV-L from QinetiQ North America and Pratt Miller (now acquired by Oshkosh Defense). These tracked, diesel-electric hybrid platforms weigh less than 10 tonnes, can carry a maximum payload of 7,000 lb, travel up to 40 mph, and are outfitted with Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace’s Common Remotely Operated Weapon Stations – Javelin (CROWS-J).
The RCV-Ls have now received government-development autonomy software, a new radio, and can be paired up with modified Bradleys that are called Mission Enabler Technologies –Demonstrators (MET-Ds) for manned-unmanned teaming work. The service has now begun shakedown testing at Camp Grayling, Michigan. This includes using the MET-D controlling the RCV-Ls and remotely firing its machine gun, grenade launcher, and even launching a Javelin.
“We’re trying to determine what the optimal distance between the controller and the robot is,” Maj Gen Coffman said. “We’re putting a lot of miles on them … trying to see if anything’s going to break [to] allow our industry partners to go back and fix it and make it better.”
(Source: Jane’s)
22 June 21. UK Royal Navy receives last autonomous minehunting boat. The British Royal Navy has taken delivery of the third and final autonomous minehunting boat called RNMB Hebe. The boat has been delivered to HM Naval Base Clyde to join its sister vessels RNMB Harrier and RNMB Hazard.
These three vessels will be operated as part of the Royal Navy’s crewless minehunting programme, Project Wilton.
Project Wilton is a Maritime Autonomous Systems (MAS) team that aims to develop and deliver the navy’s unmanned minehunting and survey programmes.
Hebe is four metres longer than her sisters and can work in isolation on operations. However, it is also integrated with existing equipment.
Together, the three vessels of Hebe, Harrier and Hazard, are major components in the future of minehunting operations for the navy.
The boats can work in manual, remote or autonomous configurations.
The project Wilton team are currently conducting ‘comprehensive trials’ and a ‘capability development programme’ to ensure the vessels are ready to deliver route survey operations.
Project Wilton officer-in-charge lieutenant commander Ross Balfour said: “RNMB Hebe is the final piece in the jigsaw of Project Wilton’s maritime capability.
“The vessel is a 15m Vahana boat, four-metres longer than the other Project Wilton vessels. AEUK have made significant upgrades resulting in Hebe having an organic command, control and communications capability which allows the autonomous control of her sister vessel Harrier.
“She also has the ability to operate towed sidescan sonar to map the seabed.”
From Hebe, mine countermeasures (MCM) experts can coordinate and control the boats. They also have an option of controlling the vessels from a land-based, remote-control centre.
The entire system is capable of being transported to wherever required in order to conduct survey and minehunting operations. (Source: naval-technology.com)
22 June 21. Israel Seeks US Dough To Help Build Airborne Laser After Tests.
“The ability to intercept and destroy airborne threats in the air is groundbreaking and offers a strategic change in the air defense capabilities of the State of Israel.” the head of research and development in the Israeli Defense Ministry, Brig. Gen. Yaniv Rotem, told BD. Eager to capitalize on its successful tests of airborne lasers to shoot down drones, Israel has reached out to the US seeking funding.
Results of last week’s successful small scale test already have been shared with “relevant” organizations in the US, Israeli sources say. The Israeli Defense Ministry and Elbit Systems performed the first successful test of an airborne laser that intercepted and downed several types of drones over the Mediterranean. The high-powered laser was carried by a Cessna light aircraft.The laser successfully intercepted and destroyed all of the drones launched during the test.
“The ability to intercept and destroy airborne threats in the air is groundbreaking and offers a strategic change in the air defense capabilities of the State of Israel. This game-changing series was conducted in a testing field in the center of Israel, in close cooperation with the Israeli Air Force,” the head of research and development in the Israeli Defense Ministry, Brig. Gen. Yaniv Rotem, told BD.
The long-term aim of the Israeli Defense Ministry is to develop and deploy a very powerful laser on a 737 or 767 aircraft. Rotem revealed that Israel hopes to field a 100 KW solid state laser on the converted passenger aircraft.
The high-ranking source said that the laser was effective up to 1 km: “This is a first step. We aim at installing high power lasers on Boeing aircraft and achieving longer intercept ranges.”
BD asked Rotem if the airborne laser will be added the Israeli operational multi-tiered air defense system that includes Iron Dome, David’s Sling and the Arrow: “The airborne, High-Power Laser System will complement Israel’s multi-tier missile defense array. This system will increase the effectiveness of air defense against existing and future threats in the region.”
The general manager of Elbit Systems ISTAR, Oren Sabag, said the series of tests was successful thanks to a range of unique technological assets and “offers a significant change in Israel’s defense capabilities.”
After the recent “Guardian of the Walls” operation in Gaza, Israel asked for U.S special funding to restore the inventory of the Tamir interceptors used by the Iron Dome systems. Several senior defense lawmakers in the US indicated they would view such funding favorably. In the long run, the laser may be a cheaper option.
“The cost of Iron Dome interceptors is high. A laser gun on an aircraft will reduce the number of interceptors that are needed in a war,” a defense source told BD. (Source: Breaking Defense.com)
21 Jun 21. Bangladesh Army inducts new 300 mm MRLs. The Bangladesh Army has inducted into service an undisclosed number of Tiger T-300 multiple rocket launchers (MRLs). The systems, which are based on a 6×6 Kamaz truck chassis, were formally handed over to the army in a ceremony held on 20 June at the Corps of Military Police Centre & School (CMPC&S) in Savar Cantonment near Dhaka, according to a statement released the same day by Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the media wing of the Bangladeshi military. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who attended the event via video conference, said that the induction of the Tiger system has added “a new dimension to the capabilities of the Bangladesh Army”. Hasina went on to say that the modernisation of the service will continue under the ‘Forces Goal 2030′ initiative, which outlines a range of major acquisitions to modernise the Bangladesh military. Each launch vehicle in the T-300 system carries four launch tubes, each of which is capable of firing Roketsan TR-300-series projectiles, including the 4.75m-long TR-300E unguided rocket, which has a stated range of between 40km and 100km. The system can also fire the TRG-300 Tiger missile, which comes in two variants – Block I and Block II (Enhanced Warhead Dynamic Effectiveness) – with the first one having a range of between 30 km and 120 km and the second one of between 20 km and 90 km. According to Roketsan, guidance for both TRG-300 variants is provided by GPS and aided by an inertial navigation system. Both missiles feature aerodynamic control with an electromechanical actuation system. (Source: Jane’s)
22 June 21. Safer and more effective explosive door breaching technology brought to market by UK company. A new breaching grenade technology developed by the UK Government has been licensed to Energetics Technology Limited (ETL) in a deal that will improve Explosive Method of Entry (EMOE) operations and improve safety for operatives.
UK-based ETL, a specialist in energetic materials and blast products, has taken a licence for a 40mm stand-off breaching grenade technology developed by the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl). The deal was brokered by Ploughshare Innovations in its role as the MOD’s Technology Transfer Office.
The Stand-off Breaching Grenade is designed for use in scenarios where there is a need to breach locked doors to gain access to a building or room. It is particularly advantageous for operations in built-up urban environments and use within buildings and other confined spaces where current door breaching rounds cannot be deployed safely.
The design, developed over several years of research by Dstl, can deform a variety of door materials – including multi-lock steel doors – to enable access by the breaching team. The improved directional control of the explosive blast lowers the risk to the breaching team and reduces their stand-off distance. Fragmentation effects behind the door are also minimised which reduces collateral damage.
Because the blast can be highly targeted, a reduced amount of explosive can be used. This reduction in Net Explosive Quantity (NEQ) makes the grenades less hazardous to use, handle, store and transport than conventional alternatives.
Defence Minister Jeremy Quin said: “The development of this technology is a great example of how Defence collaborates with industry and academia to promote innovation. The UK’s commitment to Defence Innovation is steadfast, signified by the MOD’s £6.6bn commitment to Research and Development over the next four years.
“Supported by our investment into research, science and technology, this cutting-edge design delivers vital improvements for users across a range of environments.”
Nick Joad, Director MOD Defence Science & Technology (DST), said: “The Defence S&T Strategy and the Defence and Security Industrial Strategy both place significant emphasis on the positive partnerships between industry, academia and government.
These linkages enable us to make the most of the increased spending in research and development through the latest Spending Review. They also contribute to wider Government objectives by encouraging local investment and employment, increasing local prosperity across all the regions and nations of the UK.
The licensing of this technology is a great example of research driving into capability, which will directly benefit our armed forces, as well as the contribution it provides to the local community in Derbyshire.”
Dr Peter Jemmett, Managing Director at ETL, part of the international Etienne Lacroix Group, said: “This advanced technology is a game-changer for tactical operations, giving breaching teams improved logistical capabilities and increasing operational effectiveness while reducing risk.
“We are grateful to Ploughshare Innovations for their assistance that has allowed us access to this Dstl innovation. It will strengthen our portfolio further and will enable us to deliver capability to a wide range of defence and homeland security users.”
Hetti Barkworth-Nanton, CEO of Ploughshare Innovations, said: “We are delighted to be playing our part in bringing this technology to market. It is a prime example of our commitment to working with innovative companies to bring the results of Government research to market for the benefit of UK businesses and to deliver capability to our defence and security services.”
The technology licensed to ETL is one of more than 125 licensed to companies since Ploughshare Innovations was founded to enable businesses to gain access to defence and security technologies developed by leading government laboratories.
21 June 21. Explosive Return to Live-fire Training. Sappers from the 2nd Combat Engineer Regiment (2CER) made an explosive return to combined live-fire training during Exercise Diamond Walk.
Officer Commanding 7th Combat Engineer Squadron (7CE Sqn) Major Ian MacDougall said his sappers were able to get valuable training by assisting soldiers from the 6th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment (6RAR), during the recent exercise at Shoalwater Bay Training Area.
“This support included live-fire explosive breaching of obstacles with improvised Bangalores and in-service explosives at section level by day and night,” Major MacDougall said.
“Each of the obstacles that supported the breach training were constructed by the combat engineers to create a realistic training scenario for a combat-team assault onto an objective.”
During the execution of an offensive operation serial, 7 CE Sqn sappers detonated charges on obstacles, allowing Abrams tanks from the 2nd/14th Light Horse Regiment (Queensland Mounted Infantry) and M113AS4s from 6RAR to pour through and seize the objective.
In another defensive operation serial, 7 CE Sqn added their small arms to a crescendo of fire emanating from Abrams tanks, M777 howitzers, 84-millimetre Carl Gustav weapons, automatic grenade launchers and Javelin anti-armour missiles.
“During the culminating full-mission profile, 7 CE Sqn overcame mechanical obstacles, created lanes for infantry and tanks and supported the combat team clearance team,” Major MacDougall said.
Many units from the 7th Combat Brigade have had a busy two years, but few have been as busy as 2CER.
The specialist capabilities of 2CER were used extensively during Operation Bushfire Assist and Operation NSW Flood Assist, and 2CER has also supported Operation COVID-19 Assist.
“We still have a long way to go in refining our combat engineering skills,” Major MacDougall said.
“Combined-arms exercises such as Diamond Walk are invaluable and offer us the best opportunity to integrate and provide the world-class effects we promise to deliver.”
Sapper Hayden Sampson has been with 2CER for three years and said Diamond Walk was by far the largest exercise he has been involved in.
“It was great to get back on the tools and back into explosive breaching, especially working with infantry and showing them our capability and vice versa,” Sapper Sampson said.
“Some of our Bangalores created an eight-metre lane without us even having to leave our M113AS4 after we had initiated our explosives, allowing the tanks to roll-on through.
“Obviously, speed is key and they can just punch through without hesitation.”
Diamond Walk was also the first time 7 CE Sqn was able to deploy as a complete mechanised combat engineer squadron since receiving an allocation of M113AS4 vehicles in early 2019. (Source: ASD Network)
22 June 21. Aerojet completes OpFires’ initial second stage booster test firing. In 2018, Aerojet Rocketdyne was selected to design propulsion system for DARPA’s Operational Fires (OpFires) programme.
Aerojet Rocketdyne has completed full-scale static test firing of a second stage propulsion system under US Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency’s (DARPA) Operational Fires (OpFires) programme.
The test was carried out last month at the US Army’s Redstone Test Center (RTC), Redstone Arsenal, Huntsville, Alabama, US.
It helped achieve the main objective of showcasing the technology that allows on-demand thrust termination.
DARPA programme manager lieutenant colonel Joshua Stults said: “The completion of the initial second stage booster test firing is an important step towards the goal of an advanced system able to precisely deliver a variety of conventional payloads to targets over a wide range of distances.”
Aerojet is developing propulsion technologies to support the OpFires programme as part of a contract awarded in December 2018.
The OpFires programme is aimed at developing and demonstrating new technologies for ground-launched medium-range hypersonic weapons.
The project includes three phases of effort. Phase 1 focused on the design and development of an advanced solid rocket motor.
Under this phase, Aerojet Rocketdyne, Exquadrum, and Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC) completed a total of more than 30 motor trials.
Phase 2 involved developing and testing at least two representative booster test articles. The test firing was performed as part of this phase.
Phase 3a covers integrated system preliminary design review and comprehensive design and test plan while Phase 3b will include full-scale missile fabrication, assembly, and flight testing from a launch vehicle.
In January last year, Lockheed won a contract from DARPA for the OpFires programme. Lockheed selected three subcontractors for the OpFires Phase Three Weapon System Integration programme in October. (Source: army-technology.com)
21 June 21. UVision to Provide its HERO-120 Organic Precision Fires-Mounted (OPF-M) Aerial Loitering Munition Systems to the US Marine Corps. The HERO-120 OPF-M systems will be integrated into the Marines’ armoured vehicles, under a multi-year program. Air Ltd. – a global leader in aerial loitering munitions systems of all sizes for a variety of missions, and the design and production company of the Hero-120 system, has been awarded through its Business Development partner, Mistral Inc. to supply the Hero-120 for the US Marine Corps Organic Precision Fire Mounted (OPF-M) System. The system will be integrated with LAV-M, JLTV, and LRUSV. Hero-120 OPF-M has been selected after the completion of several successful demonstrations, tests and evaluation processes, proving the remarkable performance capabilities of the system. The Hero-120 OPF-M will provide the Marines Corps with ISR, highly accurate and precision indirect fire strike capabilities. In addition, will supply its Multi-Canister Launcher tailored to the specific requirements of the USMC and integrate onto the LAV, JLTV and the LRUSV.
The Hero-120 is a mid-range, anti-armor weapon system which meets the complex requirements of the modern battlefield. Hero-120 is a high precision smart loitering munition system with a unique aerodynamic structure that carries out pinpoint strikes against anti-armor, anti-material and anti-personnel targets including tanks, vehicles, concrete fortifications, and other soft targets in populated urban areas. The Hero-120’s high precision capability ensures minimal collateral damage. Its wide range of multi-purpose warheads enable the operational user to effectively engage all targets.
“We are proud to be selected by the Marines to provide advanced solutions for the US frontline forces” says Major General (Ret.) Avi Mizrachi, CEO of UVision. “The contract is a testament of our customers’ strong belief in our systems and their impressive technical performance. Our subsidiary, UVision USA, is in a process of establishing our US based production facility to support the USMC OPF-M program. “
21 June 21. US Army’s first mid-range missile battery coming in FY23 with 3 to follow. The U.S. Army is planning to field its first mobile medium-range missile battery no later than September 2023 with three more batteries to follow, according to FY22 budget justification documents.
Defense News was first to report that the Army was pursuing a Mid-Range Capability (MRC) to fill the gap in the service’s fires portfolio between the Precision Strike Missile’s (PrSM) initial capability of roughly 499 kilometers and ranges it expects to achieve with ground-launched hypersonic missiles.
Having a deep portfolio of range capabilities in the Pacific provides a mix of options because there are so many different locations from which to fire missiles, Brig. Gen. John Rafferty told Defense News in an interview last year. Rafferty is in charge of Long-Range Precision Fires (LRPF) modernization. Mixing and matching ranges from a wide variety of locations “creates an incredible dilemma for the enemy,” he said.
The Army could start the project in between budget requests with roughly $88m added through congressional appropriations in FY21 and by asking for $286.46m in FY22, a critical year for the capability’s development. The service has already awarded Lockheed Martin with a contract to develop and build a ground-launch system for the U.S. Navy’s Standard Missile-6 missile and Tomahawk missiles as the MRC solution.
According to the documents, the Army plans to use FY22 funding to deploy the prototype battery, which includes integration work and purchasing hardware and other materials to fabricate the system and perform component-level and system-level qualification.
The effort is being led by the Army’s Rapid Capabilities and Critical Technologies Office (RCCTO) but once the first battery is fielded, the program will transfer to the Army’s Program Executive Office for Missiles & Space.
Next year, the Army will assemble both the MRC launcher payload deployment system and the first Battery Operations Center (BOC) for the first battery, according to the budget documents.
A battery will consist of four launchers and one BOC, the documents lay out, but the number and distribution of missiles included in the battery is classified.
The Army plans to spend $46.5m on the launcher system, $100.2m on ground support equipment and $139.74m on missiles in FY22.
A system integration and checkout is scheduled for the third quarter of FY22 followed by initial fielding and training to the first unit beginning in the first quarter of FY23 and wrapping up in the second quarter of FY24.
The Army will seek a release to deploy the system in the third quarter of FY23, according to the schedule in the documents and will conduct an SM-6 test and a Tomahawk test also in the third quarter of FY23.
And while the Army develops the MRC capability rapidly, it is also beginning funding in FY22 to extend the range of PrSM out to 1,000 kilometers as part of its layered approach. (Source: Defense News)
21 June 21. NIOA signs with multiple partners for sovereign guided weapons push. The Australian Missile Corporation (AMC), a subsidiary of Queensland firm NIOA, has signed multiple partners to the venture. The AMC was formed in May to facilitate collaboration between industry partners, academia, State Governments and Defence in response to the Australian Government’s call to establish a sovereign guided weapons enterprise.
Since it was established, AMC has signed partnership agreements with a range of companies with expertise in specific areas: Quickstep and Black Sky Aerospace were the first, followed by Milspec Manufacturing, Thomas Global Systems, DMG MORI, Thornton Tomasetti, Arican Advisory & Capital, Aldom Transport Engineering, Applied Fasteners and Tooling, Allweld Manufacturing, Benchon and Israel Aerospace Industries.
More recently, John hart, Helios Power Solutions, Colagis, Cygence, Rojone, Amiga Engineering, CyberCX, Go Proto, Edison Projects and Archer Materials have also signed either partnering agreements or Letters of Intent confirming their interest in cooperating with the new company.
Australian Missile Corporation aims to help fulfil the Australian government’s long-term vision of developing sovereign Australian defence industry capabilities.
The Sovereign Guided Missile Enterprise was announced in March. Under this plan, Defence will use a Smart Buyer process to select an experienced strategic industry partner to build a sovereign capability to manufacture a suite of precision weapons that will meet Australia’s growing needs and provide export opportunities as a second source of supply.
The new Enterprise will support missile and guided weapons manufacturing for use across the Australian Defence Force. Defence estimates this new enterprise could be worth some $40bn over the next 20 years, creating and sustaining up to 2,000 jobs.
AMC says the expertise of leading Australian companies such as Quickstep and Black Sky Aerospace and its other partners will be critical to support the Australian Government realise its vision for a sovereign guided weapons enterprise equipped and ready to support the Australian Defence Force. (Source: http://rumourcontrol.com.au/)
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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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