08 Dec 21. India test-fires air version of BrahMos missile from Sukhoi 30 MK-I jet. The test firing of the supersonic cruise missile took place off the Odisha coast in India. The Indian Ministry of Defence (MoD) has announced successful test-firing of an air-launched version BrahMos supersonic cruise missile. The missile was launched from the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) Su-30MKI supersonic fighter aircraft. It follows a flight test of the missile in July this year. The testing was carried out from Defence Research and Development Organisation’s (DRDO) integrated test range (ITR) in Chandipur, Odisha, India, on 8 December. It confirmed the missile’s structural integrity and functional performance. According to the MoD, the launch is a major milestone in the missile’s development for the country as it clears the system for the serial production of BrahMos missiles within India. Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has congratulated and praised the DRDO, BrahMos Aerospace, IAF and other industry partners that took part in the testing, production, and induction of the missile system. The BrahMos supersonic cruise missile is designed and developed under a joint venture (JV) between DRDO and Russia’s NPO Mashinostroeyenia (NPOM). It is named after two rivers, the Brahmaputra in India; and the Moskva in Russia. The missile is designed for launch against ships and land-based targets. The weapon can hit the targets with high precision and operate in adverse conditions during the day and at night, and the missile’s strike range has now increased to exceed 400km. The Indian defence industry is involved in the indigenous development of major airframe assemblies such as metallic and non-metallic airframe sections. (Source: airforce-technology.com)
08 Dec 21. India flight tested Vertical Launch Short Range Surface to Air Missile. The missile’s flight path and health parameters were monitored through tracking instruments in the second trial. India’s Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully flight-tested Vertical Launch Short Range Surface to Air Missile (VL-SRSAM) from Integrated Test Range, Chandipur, off the Odisha coast. The launch of the surface-to-air missile was carried out from a vertical launcher against an electronic target at a very low altitude. Through several tracking instruments deployed by ITR, Chandipur, the missile’s flight path and health parameters were monitored. The Ministry of Defence stated that all sub-systems worked as per expectation.
Monitored by DRDO and Indian Navy, the flight test of the missile was undertaken to validate integrated operation of all weapon system components that are needed for undertaking launches of the missile in the future from Indian naval ships.
These components comprise canisterised flight, a vehicle vertical launcher unit with controller, and a weapon control system.
This is the second trial, with the first undertaken on 22 February 2021.
The system is expected to boost the Indian Navy’s defence capability against aerial threats.
The DRDO facilities that worked on the development of the system are Hyderabad-based Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL) and Research Centre Imarat (RCI), and Pune-based Research & Development Establishment (Engineers).
In April, the Indian Ministry of Defence (MoD) announced the development of Advanced Chaff Technology to safeguard naval vessels from missile attacks. This technology was developed by DRDO’s laboratory, Defence Laboratory Jodhpur. A passive expendable electronic countermeasure technology, Chaff can help to protect vessels from radar and radio frequency (RF) missile seekers of an enemy. (Source: naval-technology.com)
07 Dec 21. World-class mine-hunting technology delivered to Royal Navy. A cutting-edge autonomous system able to detect modern sea mine threats and reduce risk to life has been delivered to the Royal Navy. The remotely-operated boat, controlled from either a ship or land, tows a highly-sensitive detection device to combat sea mines and keep ships and personnel away from danger. Made possible under the joint Maritime Mine Counter Measures (MMCM) programme between the UK and France, the system, produced by Thales UK, has commenced rigorous capability development trials with the Royal Navy.The technology will sit alongside other MMCM systems provided through an additional £184m investment, agreed last year, and supporting around 215 jobs in the UK. As well as Thales UK sites in Somerset and Plymouth, jobs will be sustained in the wider supply chain at L3 Harris in Portsmouth, Stonehaven in Aberdeen and Alba Ultrasound in Glasgow.
Defence Procurement Minister Jeremy Quin said: “This new technology is a huge leap forward for the Royal Navy’s autonomous capabilities in the detection of sea mines. These systems will keep our personnel out of harm’s way whilst they conduct vital operations to protect shipping lanes from these hidden threats. This is just one example of how we are putting innovation at the forefront of our future strategies.”
Commodore Steve Prest, Deputy Director Navy Acquisition, UK Royal Navy said: “It is exciting to see the first delivery to the Royal Navy from the MMCM project. The future of mine warfare is here: The Royal Navy’s Mine Hunting Capability programme is real; it’s happening; it’s delivering. We have a lot to learn about this transformational approach to mine warfare, but there is much, much more to come.
Sea mines constitute a growing threat and users of the system will be able to detect and neutralise mines from miles away, ensuring they can keep vital sea lanes open, with much-reduced risk to ships and the lives of sailors.
The demonstrator was officially handed over to the Royal Navy in Plymouth on 23 November by staff from Thales UK, OCCAR and Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S), the procurement arm of the UK Ministry of Defence.
Vice Admiral Chris Gardner, Director General Ships at DE&S, said:
“The delivery of the MMCM demonstrator systems to the UK and France is an important milestone for the programme. This is a powerful example of how the joint commitment of the two Nations to work together under the auspices of the 2010 Lancaster House agreement can deliver world-class equipment for our Armed Forces.”
Comprising an uncrewed surface vessel, towed sonar and a portable operation centre, the new mine-hunting capabilities are designed to eventually replace crewed Mine Counter-Measure Vessels, such as the Royal Navy’s Hunt and Sandown class ships, with autonomous systems. (Source: https://www.gov.uk/)
07 Dec 21. Thales to begin 155mm M795 artillery projectile production in early 2022. The 155mm M795 artillery projectile production is on schedule following Thales’ US qualification of its Australian-made TNT.
The projectiles will undergo assessment to ensure they meet the ADF and US military specifications. Credit: CPL Craig Barrett / © Commonwealth of Australia, Department of Defence.
Thales Australia is set to begin production of the 155mm M795 artillery projectiles in Benalla, Victoria in early next year.
Production work will include filling the steel projectile bodies with high explosive (HE) TNT, final assembly, and quality inspections.
The filled projectiles will undergo evaluation to ensure they meet the Australian Defence Force (ADF) and US military specifications.
Australian-made TNT is crucial in the development of Australia’s sovereign munitions capability.
The TNT contains toluene supplied by Australian SME Viva Energy. After undergoing two years of rigorous testing and evaluation, the TNT is then qualified for use by the US authorities.
Thales noted that the Australian TNT qualification followed earlier announcements this year regarding Thales Australia and the US Army’s Development Command Armaments Centre establishing a ‘sovereign manufacturing capability’ for 155mm M795 HE projectiles in the country.
Thales Australia sovereign Munitions business general manager Dion Habner said: “I am immensely proud of our highly skilled Australia team who have worked for over three years, working through the rigorous certification processes that have enabled the creation of a true sovereign-manufactured munitions capability in Australia.
“This is an essential step in increasing Australia’s industrial capability in advanced manufacturing and self-reliance, which is vital to delivering a capability advantage to the Australian Defence Force.”
Last month, Thales Australia revealed plans to invest in advanced manufacturing equipment to increase the country’s capability to produce guided weapons. (Source: army-technology.com)
06 Dec 21. India and Russia sign AK-203 rifle deal. India will produce more than 600,000 AK-203 assault rifles to replace the in-service INSAS rifles. India and Russia have agreed a deal for the joint production of AK-203 assault rifles at a facility in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh.
The agreement was signed during Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to India for a bilateral summit with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
A special-purpose joint venture (JV) called Indo-Russian Rifles Private Ltd (IRRPL) will be carrying out the assault rifle project.
According to The Economic Times, Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has signed contracts with his Russian counterpart General Sergey Shoigu to produce more than 600,000 AK-203 assault rifles through IRRPL.
The deal will value approximately $676m (Rs51bn).
The 7.62 X 39mm calibre rifles are expected to replace the in-service INSAS rifles that were introduced three decades ago.
Minister Singh said on Twitter: “Had a productive, fruitful and substantial bilateral discussions on defence cooperation with the Russian Defence Minister, General Sergey Shoigu in New Delhi today. India values its special and privileged strategic partnership with Russia.
“India deeply appreciates Russia’s strong support for India. We hope that our cooperation will bring peace, prosperity and stability to the entire region.
“Glad that a number of Agreements/Contracts/Protocols were signed pertaining to small arms and military cooperation.”
The two countries also renewed their military technology cooperation for 2031.
India is also procuring S-400 Triumph surface-to-air missile (SAM) systems from Russia. The delivery of the first set of S-400 units is expected by the end of this year.
In a separate development, Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) signed a contract with the Indian Army to refurbish its IGLA-1M missiles. The deal has an estimated value of $62.5m (Rs4.7bn). (Source: army-technology.com)
06 Dec 21. Russia hopes to supply India with more S-400 missile systems -Ifx. Russia hopes to deliver more S-400 missile systems to India within the current deal’s option, Interfax cited Russia’s state arms exporter as saying on Monday. Despite pressure from Washington, India signed a $5.5bn deal with Russia in 2018 for five of the surface-to-air missile systems, giving the Indian military the ability to shoot down aircraft and missiles at unprecedented ranges. (Source: Google/Reuters)
06 Dec 21. Russia deploys Bastion coastal defence system at new military facility in disputed Kuril Islands. The Russian military has deployed its K-300P Bastion-P mobile coastal defence missile system in the Kuril Islands, a chain in the northwest Pacific Ocean, the ownership of which is disputed by Japan and Russia. The Russian Ministry of Defence (MoD) said on 2 December that the Bastion-P deployment signals the start of deployments from a new Russian military base on Matua, an uninhabited volcanic island near the centre of the Kuril chain that is not claimed by Japan. In a statement, the MoD said that Bastion-P systems have been deployed “for the first time … on Matua” to provide round-the-clock “monitoring [of] the adjacent waters and straits”. It said the missile system and associated personnel, equipment, and materiel were delivered to the island by landing ships from the Primorsk Flotilla of the Pacific Fleet’s diverse forces.
The MoD statement did not specify the number of Bastion-P systems deployed to the island, but a video issued by the ministry showed several missile carriers moving ashore from Pacific Fleet amphibious landing vessels and driving along the coast of Matua.
The MoD also said that the Pacific Fleet has completed work on constructing facilities on Matua that will enable the “year-round” deployment and support of personnel and military equipment. It added that personnel have started duties from this base and will be “carrying out planned combat training activities”. (Source: Janes)
06 Dec 21. The U.S. Missile Defense Agency (MDA) has approved the Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) and Raytheon Missiles & Defense Next Generation Interceptor (NGI) team’s common software factory solution and its associated digital infrastructure following successful testing.
With this accredited digital ecosystem in place, the program is set to seamlessly integrate, make critical decisions and accelerate the NGI software design and development. The common software factory brings the Northrop Grumman and Raytheon team together with the MDA into a single, agile, secure and efficient development environment, providing the MDA with the ability to review and collaborate on code development and release.
“By leveraging our company’s digital transformation expertise, we successfully developed, tested, demonstrated and received customer approval for our NGI software factory in record time,” said Lisa Brown, vice president, NGI program, Northrop Grumman. “This technology enables transparent collaboration between our teams and the MDA during NGI software development, which greatly reduces risk to schedule.”
The NGI common software factory is equipped with a set of tools, process workflows, scripts and environments configured to produce software deployable artifacts with minimal human intervention.
“We are rapidly maturing our preliminary design in a model-based environment,” said Melissa Morrison-Ellis, Deputy Program Director of Next Generation Interceptor at Raytheon Missiles and Defense. “This digital ecosystem accelerates the software development timeline, ensuring that warfighters are equipped with defensive interceptors that protect the U.S. from the threat of a rogue missile strike.”
Northrop Grumman’s NGI team, with its strategic partner Raytheon Technologies, brings flight-proven missile defense experience including ground systems, battle management, command and control, interceptor boost vehicles and kill vehicles, as well as innovative technologies, agile processes and proven facilities. The team is leveraging unmatched past performance in interceptors to deliver a highly capable, affordable, low-risk solution that meets the customer’s schedule and ensures mission success.
03 Dec 21. US Armor crews fire new barricade-busting tank round. Soldiers with two tank crews from the 3rd Armored Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, recently tested the Army’s newest 120mm tactical round. The “Ivy Division” tank crews weathered 112 degrees Fahrenheit at Yuma Proving Ground, Arizona, with “full ready rack combat loads” of the XM-1147 Advanced Multi-Purpose round in the M1A2 Abrams tank.
The two tank crews shot 90 rounds at anti-tank guided missile teams, massed infantry fighting vehicles and bunker targets, while also running both real and simulated threats in the test, according to an Army statement. The XM-1147 is a “line-of-sight” tank round that is intended to replace the M830 High Explosive Anti-Tank Multipurpose with Tracer, the M830A1, the M1028 Canister rounds and the M908 Obstacle Reducing with Tracer round, according to a Defense Department testing and evaluation report.
The AMP puts all four previous round capabilities into one package.
The round is intended to breach with “greater standoff and fewer rounds,” the DoD testing and evaluation report reads. The AMP round has three defeat modes — point detonate, point detonate delay and airburst.
Live fire testing against armored targets is planned for mid-2022, according to the report.
Three XM-1147 AMP rounds fired will create a breach large enough to step through, even in a reinforced concrete wall. (Army)
Gunner Sgt. Spencer Vanderbilt, of Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 8th Infantry Regiment, said the round shouldn’t be taken lightly.
“Being able to see and then destroy anti-tank guided missile targets beyond 2,000 meters and then transition immediately to breaching walls or obstacles is an incredibly powerful feeling,” Vanderbilt said.
Vanderbilt was on Tank Crew 1, commanded by 2nd Lt. Jake Hall, along with loader Pvt. Dalton Diserio and driver Pvt. Justin Jones.
“We now know what it feels like to roll out in a fully combat loaded tank on operationally realistic combat missions and recognize how important the AMP round will be to U.S. Army ABCT fighting forces in the fights yet to be fought,” Hall said.
The XM-1147 brings a new airburst mode and the ability to breach reinforced concrete walls, according to the release.
Tank Crew 2 was commanded by Staff Sgt. Nicholas Smearman, with gunner Sgt. Juan Segura, loader Spc. Blake Phillips, and driver Pvt. Adam Allwine.
Master Sgt. Joel Ramirez, of the Fort Hood, Texas-based Operational Test Command said the performance data and soldier feedback from these tests will inform the procurement decisions for the AMP round.
In airburst mode, the XM-1147 AMP round sprays the ground below with lethal shrapnel — note dust thrown up from impacts. (Army)
“We do this by having the tank crews employ the tactical service round in a manner and in an environment that closely mimics combat conditions,” Ramirez said.
The two tank crews shot over eight complex modified tank gunnery combat scenarios during the four-day record test.
“Despite extreme desert heat, dust storms and rain squalls, the Crazy Horse crews really impressed me with their level of motivation and drive to test the AMP round,” said Kent Evans, the Maneuver Requirements Division Soldier and Capability representative from Fort Benning, Georgia. (Source: Defense News Early Bird/Army Times)
06 Dec 21. Advanced ‘detect and destroy’ air defence system launched. Sky Sabre, a state-of-the-art air defence system, replaces Rapier, propelling the British Army to the forefront of ground-based air defence missile technology. Unprecedented in speed, accuracy, performance and target acquisition, Sky Sabre will be able to hit a tennis ball-sized object travelling at the speed of sound.
16 Regiment Royal Artillery is now accepting into service the first tranche of Sky Sabre and further procurements will be configured to operate in all parts of the globe.
Defence Procurement Minister Jeremy Quin said: “Sky Sabre’s spearheading technology has significantly upgraded the protection of our forces from threats from the air. This cutting-edge of defence system is a clear demonstration of our warfighting capabilities to those who wish to do us harm.”
Sky Sabre has three key components expected to operate up to 15km apart in the battlespace:
- A Giraffe Agile Multi Beam 3D medium-range surveillance radar that rotates 360 degrees on an extending mast and can scan out to 120km for threats.
- A pioneering computer system linking up the radar and missiles sending them to their targets. It also provides ‘Link 16’, a tactical datalink allowing Sky Sabre to share its information with Royal Navy vessels, Royal Air Force systems and our allies providing full integration across UK Armed Forces and joint NATO operations.
- At 99kg each, the Common Anti-Air Modular Missiles (CAMM) are double the weight of Rapier and have three times the range. They can reach speeds of 2,300mph eliminating fighter aircraft, drones and even laser-guided smart bombs. Eight missiles are mounted on the launcher, which fire in a unique multi-directional manner that significantly reduces its signature making it less of a target for adversaries. The launcher also re-arms in less than half the time of Rapier.
Commanding Officer of 16 Regiment Royal Artillery, Lieutenant Colonel Chris Lane, said: “We will be able to compete with our peers and take on some of the toughest adversaries. It gives us a capability we have not had before; this new missile system with its new launcher and world-class radar will absolutely put us at the forefront of ground-based air defence.”
Operational since 1970s, Rapier has seen service in Kuwait, the South Atlantic, and most visibly when it deployed to numerous London parks to combat any security threats during the 2012 Olympics.
Senior Training Officer, Major Tim Oakes said: “Sky Sabre is so accurate and agile that it is capable of hitting a tennis ball sized object travelling at the speed of sound. In fact, it can control the flight of 24 missiles simultaneously whilst in flight, guiding them to intercept 24 separate targets. It is an amazing capability.”
Building on our ambitions outlined in the Defence Command Paper, Future Soldier and bolstered by an additional £24bn over the next four years, we are ensuring our Armed Forces are equipped with world-leading resources.
06 Dec 21. Royal Artillery’s new Sky Sabre missiles ‘can strike tennis ball travelling at speed of sound.’ Advanced ‘detect and destroy’ air-defence system needed to counter threat from modern Russian stealth fighters
“Sky Sabre” missiles that the MoD have brought into service to destroy Russian fighter jets can strike a tennis ball travelling at the speed of sound.
The advanced “detect and destroy” air-defence system will be “a real step up” and “the system of choice” according to defence experts. The new system, being delivered to the Royal Artillery now, replaces Rapier. Unprecedented in speed and accuracy, Sky Sabre will be able to hit a tennis ball-sized object travelling at the speed of sound. The new system is needed to counter the threat from modern Russian stealth fighters such as the Sukhoi Su-57 with a 3,500km range, codenamed Felon by Nato, a defence source told the Telegraph.
Jeremy Quin, the defence procurement minister, said: “Sky Sabre’s spearheading technology has significantly upgraded the protection of our forces from threats from the air.
“This cutting-edge defence system is a clear demonstration of our warfighting capabilities to those who wish to do us harm.”
The Sky Sabre system comprises a common anti-air modular missile (CAMM), with three times the range of Rapier, and the Giraffe radar, that rotates 360 degrees on an extending mast and can scan out to 75 miles for threats.
The CAMM missile can reach speeds of 2,300mph, eliminating fighter aircraft, drones and even laser-guided smart bombs out to 16 miles.
Eight missiles are mounted on the launcher, which is able to re-arm in less than half the time of Rapier.
Defence expert Nicholas Drummond said the combination of CAMM and Giraffe is “phenomenal” and would provide “a world-class system.”
CAMM is already in service with the Royal Navy, where it is known as Sea Ceptor, as the principal air-defence system for Britain’s frigates and destroyers.
The MoD hopes the commonality between the Army and Navy systems will reduce overall costs and training time.
Sky Sabre ‘among best systems in Nato’
Mr Drummond said Sky Sabre “is definitely one of the best systems in Nato and is used by France and Italy”.
“Air defence is a huge area and the Government is getting a grip of that,” he said.
The MoD would not confirm exact numbers “for security reasons” but is expected to have bought 24 systems, at a cost of around £250m.
One battery of around eight Sky Sabre systems will be deployed to the Falkland Islands, leaving only around 16 sets for all other Army and RAF deployments.
To support an armoured division as well as RAF bases the MoD would need to buy an additional 24 systems at least.
The Commanding Officer of 16 Regiment Royal Artillery, Lieutenant Colonel Chris Lane, said the new systems will mean British forces can “compete with our peers and take on some of the toughest adversaries”.
“It gives us a capability we have not had before; this new missile system with its new launcher and world-class radar will absolutely put us at the forefront of ground-based air defence.”
Sky Sabre can control 24 missiles simultaneously in flight, guiding them to intercept 24 separate targets.
It is likely the systems will form part of a wider ground-based air defence system to protect against ballistic and hypersonic missiles.
Defending against Russian and Chinese hypersonic missiles
Russia and China are investing “significant” sums of money in hypersonic missiles, Mr Drummond said.
The Russian Avangard hypersonic glide missile is capable of carrying nuclear and conventional payloads. It can travel at speeds around Mach 20.
Unlike ballistic missiles hypersonic vehicles are able to manoeuvre at low altitudes. The incredible speed and ability to fly around air-defence sites makes them particularly difficult to intercept.
Currently only the US military have systems thought capable of destroying hypersonic weapons by combining long-range radar systems with very powerful missiles.
An MoD spokesman said a long-term solution for air-defence systems will be delivered in the second half of this decade but there would be “no capability gap” in the interim. (Source: Daily Telegraph)
30 Nov 21. Saab has entered a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Nammo and Nordic Shelter to support the ongoing GLSDB (Ground-Launched Small Diameter Bomb) campaign. The new agreement was announced during a signing 23 November 2021 in Oslo, Norway. Nammo will contribute with its expertise in rocket motor development and production as part of the GLSDB propulsion sub-system. Nordic Shelter brings the knowledge and experience needed for the development and production of a modular GLSDB launcher, based on a purpose built 20-foot ISO-container.
“With Nammo and Nordic Shelter as part of the team, we have two great Norwegian companies who can benefit from future export prospects, while lending their expertise to make GLSDB an even more compelling solution. The range of the system, its 360˚ coverage and precision, with the ability to use a discrete launcher configuration makes GLSDB unique amongst artillery systems,” says Görgen Johansson, Head of Saab’s business area Dynamics.
GLSDB is a long range, precision artillery system developed by Saab and Boeing. The system is based on Boeing’s air-launched Small Diameter Bomb, which has been in production since 2006, with more than 30,000 units shipped. GLSDB enables Small Diameter Bomb to be ground-launched from a wide variety of launchers and configurations. (Source: Joint Forces)
03 Dec 21. StrikeShield APS serial production for Hungarian Lynx IFVs to begin in 2022. Serial production of Rheinmetall’s StrikeShield active protection system (APS) for Hungarian Lynx infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs) will begin in the first quarter of 2022, the German company has confirmed to Janes. Rheinmetall announced in May that Hungary had signed a EUR140m (USD158 m) contract for StrikeShield systems for 209 of the 218 Lynx IFVs ordered. Hungary will have a hybrid version of the system combining passive armour with the active protection elements of StrikeShield. Rheinmetall has not disclosed the exact configuration of StrikeShield for the Hungarian IFVs, but a company presentation showed a typical configuration for Lynx can consist of up to 15 radar sensors, 35 electro-optical sensors, and 33 effectors. Two modules are also located at the rear of the hull to protect against top attack munition. Initial work on the APS began in Germany in 1996 under the designation Advanced Modular Armor Protection – Active Defense System (AMAP-ADS). Rheinmetall conducted more than 1,149 live tests in 2009–19, including live firings of various anti-tank guided missiles and rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs). The latest version, ADS Gen 3, was renamed StrikeShield in 2020. Serial production began in September after the completion of development and all tests of the system. (Source: Janes)
03 Dec 21. Serbia to acquire more Pantsir anti-aircraft systems from Russia – defence min. Serbia aims to acquire more Pantsir anti-aircraft artillery systems from Russia, Serbian defence minister Aleksandar Vulin said.
“We received Kornets. We got tanks, we got armoured personnel carriers, we are buying more Pantsirs,” Vulin said on Thursday during a meeting with Russian defence minister Sergey Shoygu in Moscow, according to a press release issued by Russia’s defence ministry.
In February 2020, Russia delivered six Pantsir S1 systems to Serbia under a deal signed in 2019. In November, Serbian president Aleksandar Vucic said the government expects to receive Kornet anti-tank missile launchers from Russia by the end of 2021. Russia earlier delivered 30 T-72MS tanks and 30 BRDM-2MS armoured personnel carriers to Serbia. (Source: Google/https://seenews.com/)
03 Dec 21. USMC conducts OT&E of joint air-to-ground missile from AH-1Z Viper. It is in line with the USMC’s Commandant force modernisation vision. US Marine Operational Test & Evaluation Squadron 1 (VMX-1) has conducted an operational test and evaluation (OT&E) of the joint air-to-ground missile (JAGM). The missile was launched from a US Marine Corps’ (USMC) AH-1Z Viper Super Cobra attack helicopter at Eglin Air Force Base (AFB) in Florida. The OT&E event lasted from 3-7 November. The VMX-1 mission is aimed at conducting OT&E of US Marine Corps’ aviation platforms and systems. VMX-1 fired and tested the JAGM to assess its effectiveness in supporting Expeditionary Advanced Base Operations (EABO). The operations include conducting ‘sea denial operations’ within the littorals and supporting sea control activities.
Data from the test event was observed and analysed by workforce from Air Test and Evaluation Squadron Two One (HX-21), Army Program Executive Office (PEO) Missiles and Space, Air Force 780th Test Squadron, Naval Air Systems Command Direct and Time Sensitive Strike programme office, and other industry partners.
Data gathered by the team will be analysed to check the overall system effectiveness and develop the required tactics, techniques, and procedures for its deployment.
According to USMC, this event is expected to give rise to significant enhancements in the ‘lethality’ of attack helicopters by providing them with newer munitions fitted with two sensor technologies.
VMX-1 Commanding Officer colonel Byron Sullivan said: “Watching these professionals from across the services and industry come together to test the effectiveness and work on improvement for this weapon system is truly a phenomenal experience.
“The team is doing everything possible to ensure this capability will be the needed upgrade that enhances our ability to use precision strikes against fast-moving maritime targets.” (Source: naval-technology.com)