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13 June 22. Europe’s Largest Defense Trade Show Begins Under War’s Shadow. The .52 caliber self-propelled howitzer careened around a corner on a dirt field next to Paris’ largest exhibition center and skid to a stop, throwing a plume of dust in the air.
Three French soldiers jumped out of the cab as the cannon rose into position. Overhead, a small remotely operated quadcopter kept watch. After the cannon fired a simulated round at an unspecified and unseen target, the soldiers lowered the barrel and drove off.
“That all took only two minutes,” proclaimed Gen, Damien Tundeau de Demaisac, the French army’s future capabilities division chief of staff.
The half-hour demonstration of the French army’s capabilities on June 12 set the tone for the upcoming five-day Eurosatory conference, which takes place in a northern suburb of the city June 13 to 18.
Some 1,725 exhibitors from 63 countries and 56,000 attendees are expected this week after the last conference scheduled for 2020 was canceled due to COVID-19, according to conference organizers. Almost three-fourths of exhibitors are from Europe, with 12 percent from the Americas. Asian vendors only represent three percent this year due to the pandemic, they added.
Notable, but not surprising, is the absence of Russian companies.
The pre-conference demonstration centered around the fictional country called “Mercury,” a large aggressive nation that attacked a much smaller NATO ally. If it weren’t for Ukraine not being a part of the alliance, Russia’s war against its smaller neighbor only 1,250 miles to the east of the conference would have been a perfect fit for the scenario.
A war taking place in Europe for the first time since the breakup of Yugoslavia two decades ago is sure to be a prominent topic at the conference this week as Russian President Vladimir Putin continues to hint at more invasions.
Charles Beaudouin, exhibition director, said in a statement that “Eurosatory 2022 is now taking place in the context of an inter-state conflict at the very gates of Europe, which is establishing a new world order with the observation that defense models need to be upgraded and that the limits of unbridled globalization are marked by very strong dependence on raw materials such as electronic components.”
The war has already sent Finland and Sweden in the direction of joining NATO and caused anxiety in Poland and the Baltic states. It all gives the defense trade show a new bent as the United States and its European allies pledge to send more of their weapon systems to Ukraine.
The Group of Seven leading economies, G7, has pledged nearly $20 billion in aid to Ukraine — much of it in arms — to help the nation defend itself against the Russian onslaught.
Germany began sending small arms but recently announced that it was supplying heavy weapons such as anti-aircraft guns, howitzers and fighting vehicles. All the systems so far come from German manufacturers, with the United States, France and Czech Republic all promising to send their own domestically produced weapon systems to the war-torn nation.
As sad as it is to say, the tragedy in Ukraine is a boon for arms manufacturers.
The half-hour demonstration held for the media showed many of the tactics and technologies being used in Ukraine. One is the use of small unmanned aerial vehicles, especially quadcopters. Tundeau de Demaisac said the French army alone is looking to procure 3,000 of them by 2025.
The nearly silent drones hovered overhead to provide reconnaissance and surveillance. A palm-sized nano-UAS called the Black Hornet surveilled the inside of a house where insurgents were supposedly hiding. A team of soldiers sent a small ground robot in afterwards to do the same.
Ukrainian forces are putting small drones to use for indirect fires targeting along with seeking out Russian forces. A list of companies at this week’s conference shows dozens of them selling drones, loitering munitions and the counter-UAS systems.
Like his U.S. counterparts, the French army is moving away from counterterrorism and looking at conflict with larger opponents, Tundeau de Demaisac said. And like his U.S. counterparts, the army is looking to link its sensors and shooters in a network, which will speed up the pace of war, he said.
The French army’s SCORPION modernization program looks to upgrade or replace just about every major fighting vehicle, tactical vehicle and helicopter, he said.
Meanwhile, at Paris’ Gare du Nord — the train station where many conference attendees will pass through on their way to the exhibition center — a French Red Cross kiosk is set up to greet Ukrainian refugees. A pair of women with their luggage was seen there recently, a French volunteer patiently explaining some paperwork as all three of them wore protective masks.
The scene was a stark reminder of the seriousness of the products being sold at the conference: how they can be used to both destroy and defend a way of life. (Source: Breaking Defense.com)
10 June 22. Diehl Defence Exhibits Equipment to Counter Current and Future Threats at Eurosatory 2022. Against the background of increased public awareness on providing armed forces with adequate equipment to counter current and future threats, Diehl Defence displays its products at Eurosatory in Paris (France) in June 2022, where the global defence industry gathers for one of its biggest expo events in the course of the year.
The Diehl Defence stand, covering 225 sqm in the Parc des Expositions Paris Nord Villepinte, features exhibits from across the company’s product line. IRIS-T SLM and IRIS-T SLS Ground Based Air Defence (GBAD) systems demonstrate the capabilities of Diehl Defence in the field of providing means against hostile airborne attacks, complemented by various guided missiles (IRIS-T, LaGS, FCAAM, GILA).
In addition, Diehl Defence displays a comprehensive solution for countering small, unmanned aerial vehicles in the vicinity, using the unique HPEM (High-Power Electro-Magnetics) technology.
The company’s stand also features ammunition products from Diehl Defence, ranging from 40mm infantry ammunition and naval ammunition (76mm and 127mm) to guided ammunition (VULCANO 155mm and 127 mm) for artillery and navy applications.
Also present on the Diehl Defence stand is EuroSpike, a joint venture of Diehl Defence with Rheinmetall and Rafael, and JUNGHANS Defence, a Diehl and Thales company. EuroSpike exhibits its spike missile family, while JUNGHANS Defence provides insights into its wide range of fuzes for a variety of weapons.
The comprehensive product range on display at the Diehl Defence stand offers every opportunity for visitors to enter discussions with company representatives, who are available on every trade day of the show, Monday, June 13 to Friday, June 17. (Source: ASD Network)
10 June 22. Israel’s defense industry unveils new weapons at Paris defense confab. Israeli company UVision will present its Hero loitering munition at the Eurosatory defense trade show in Paris. Israel’s Ministry of Defense International Defense Cooperation Directorate, or SIBAT, is expected to helm a strong showing of the country’s defense industry at the Eurosatory defense exhibition beginning on June 13 in Paris, inaugurating an Israeli pavilion featuring 56 local companies.
Amira Ilany, director for Europe and North America at SIBAT, said that “Europe is one of the most important markets that we have.” She said Israel is seeing interest in its “cutting-edge technologies” all over the world. Israel has three large defense companies: Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, Israel Aerospace Industries and Elbit Systems.
SIBAT officials are expected to help promote the country’s small and medium enterprises, in particular. The government views these smaller companies “as an important part of the ministry’s value system. We deem it of the highest importance to strengthen these innovative industries, and many of them will be participating in the upcoming Eurosatory exhibition,” said Ilany.
For the dozens of Israeli companies on the Eurosatory show floor the main theme is advanced technology. That includes the use of artificial intelligence, precision in either identifying threats or targeting systems, unmanned platforms and high-end applications for ground forces, autonomous systems, real-time data links, thermal sights and surveillance technologies.
These innovations, some of which are operational in Israel or already being demonstrated abroad, build on Israel’s recent multi-year defense plan, dubbed Momentum. The plan focuses on pushing technology to frontline units and knitting together formations using data and communications. Israel’s political leadership has recently highlighted a move into laser air defenses, and across the spectrum of Israel’s defense industry there is a drive to incorporate AI as well as doubling down on target recognition and situational awareness.
The result is that Israeli companies go to Europe with a cluster of recently developed technologies or increased capabilities for existing systems that they have unveiled recently, many pegged to Eurosatory.
For example, Rafael announced its new Spike NLOS 6th-generation precision missile on June 9. Rafael’s Spike family is used by 39 countries. In Europe it is sold under the name Eurospike, a joint venture between Rafael, Diehl Defence GmbH and Rheinmetall Electronics.
Rafael says its newest variant has improved standoff range (up to 50km), can be launched in a salvo of up to four missiles and can be fired from one platform, such as a helicopter, and handed off for guidance to operators on the ground. It incorporates image-matching abilities, according to the manufacturer
Alongside the new missile, Rafael said it is exhibiting a “new concept called the NLOS Mission Taskforce,” or NMT, a technology package enabling small units to engage faraway or hidden targets.
Rafael links the importance of these systems to the overall need for mobility on the battlefield as well as force protection with systems like its Spyder air-defense system and I-Dome, the mobile version of Iron Dome.
“The security situation in Europe has exposed the need for such defense technologies, ones that can cover vast areas and are easily deployed and relocated according to the needs of the assets in the given arena,” the company said in a statement.
A partnership of Israel’s Uvision and Rheinmetall also appears to be a nod to the Ukraine conflict because they will present an integration of the UVision loitering munitions systems into “next-generation manned and unmanned infantry fighting vehicles.”
These weapons will provide “frontline forces with a new independent ability to locate, track and accurately eliminate heavily-armored targets from long ranges, in challenging battlefield conditions,” UVision said in a statement.
IAI stressed the importance of threat detection for units on the move. The company said it will unveil the Othello-P product, “a passive, high-performance Gunfire Detection System (GDS) with integrated artificial intelligence processing.”
The system is designed to detect gunfire, RPGs and subsonic munitions, such as handguns. It can be installed on various types of vehicles as well as unmanned platforms. IAI stressed in a statement that the system came out of its Innovation Center, which is staffed with engineers who previously served in the Israel Defense Forces.”
The war in Ukraine is something of a backdrop for the Defense Ministry and many Israeli companies showcasing new technology. “We have learned from experience. With the crisis in Europe, all countries are assessing the situation over there for force building,” said Ilany.
“Other countries are assessing [their needs] for defense systems all over the world, everyone is watching quite carefully and I believe each nation will take the responsibility for finding how they can keep and protect their nation and I believe that this will lead to a substantial wave of increasing in investment in defense systems all over the world,” she said.
Among the other new technologies presented, there is a focus on unmanned systems or add-ons to existing unmanned capabilities. For example, Steadicopter is highlighting its new Golden Eagle, which the company says is “the first-ever unmanned helicopter with precise-hit capabilities.” It is based on the existing Black Eagle 50E platform and now uses artificial intelligence and Smart Shooter’s Smash Dragon system, which is essentially a rifle incorporated into a drone.
Robotican is unveiling Rooster, “a hybrid drone-robot for indoor and underground tunnel scanning missions.” It also makes a drone interceptor called Goshawk. Meanwhile, drone specialist Third Eye Systems has a new version of its Chimera payload for UAVs, which provides day and night sensors and vision-based object recognition.
As the Ukraine war surpasses 100 days the tectonic changes in defense posture in the United States, Europe and other countries have meant a new focus on Israel’s defense industry as off-the-shelf suppliers.
This includes reports about German interest in the Arrow 3 air defense system as well as persistent questions about whether Israeli systems like Spike could be supplied to Ukraine.
Israel’s Ministry of Defense, Foreign Ministry and defense companies have declined to comment on these reports, but Israel is keenly aware of monitoring end users and third countries acquiring Israeli systems.
“There is a deep process internally in the Ministry with relevant entities including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs representatives. We check every request … we take into consideration humanitarian challenges and government stability when we check licensing processes,” says Ilany. “We check and each customer should bring us the end-user certificate and it is something we conclude through the process and licensing.”
12 June 22. Elbit Systems to Showcase New Capabilities during Eurosatory 2022. From light-tank 105/120mm turret, through innovative tactical radar, to live broadcast demonstration of heterogeneous swarm capability
Elbit Systems’ display during Eurosatory 2022 (Hall 6, D567) will see a wide range of the company’s advanced solutions being demonstrated: multi-domain networked warfare capabilities, a range of solutions for armored fighting vehicles, precision guided munitions, radar system, swarm capability, and new Electro Optical payloads.
Elbit Systems’ executives and experts will be available (upon prior coordination) for briefings and interviews. New capabilities that will be highlighted:
Legion-X – live demo of swarm capability
The company will host customers for a one-off (registrant only, June 14, 13:00) full demonstration of an autonomous heterogeneous swarm. A real-time operational scenario executed by autonomous swarm will be broadcasted live to attendees from a trial area in Israel. The swarm that will include 7 drones, 2 UGVs, 5 sensor types, strike capability and AI-driven management application will execute open area and urban warfare missions.
DaiR: an innovative simultaneous multi-mission tactical radar.
A new X-band software defined radar system that makes target prioritizing redundant, herebyenabling a step change in the effectiveness and efficiency of border security and perimeter protection. The new radar incorporates hundreds of digital receivers, sophisticated algorithms and computing cores with Artificial Intelligence capabilities. It is capable of simultaneous detection and tracking of thousands of objects of various sizes and velocities, with no need for target prioritization. As warfare becomes increasingly multi-domain, the target prioritizing capability, that is central to legacy radars, becomes a liability. The DAiR radar system forgoes target prioritizing, aligning the radar capability with the imperatives of multi-domain warfare.
‘Sabrah’ light-tank & turrets
The ‘Sabrah” light tank solution will make its public debut at Eurosatory. An ASCOD AFV with the ‘Sabrah’ 105/120mm turret installed will be presented. The ‘Sabrah’ Light Tank turret is the latest generation of two-man/optionally unmanned turret featuring an automatic loader, advanced sights, the Iron Vision Head Mounted Display and the Iron Fist Active Protection System. In addition, two MT30 Manned 30mm turrets will be displayed, one integrated onboard the Redback Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV) as part of the Hanwha Defense presentation (Hall 6, B567), and a second onboard an ASCOD IFV in the booth of GDELS (Hall 5A, E851).
Synergetic Capability- Artillery & Loitering Munition
In a recent live-fire demonstration recently conducted for European delegations, Elbit Systems presented the capability of integrated operations of artillery forces and loitering munition unit. The operational scenarios that were demonstrated included a SkyStriker loitering munition system acquiring a static target, transmitting target information to a common Command & Control system, initiating precision strikes from both PULS rocket artillery and Cardom/Spear guided 120mm mortar systems, providing real-time Battle Damage Assessment, then moving on to acquire and strike a secondary fast moving target. This capability significantly expanding the operational envelop of artillery forces providing them with organic ISTAR and airborne strike capabilities to a range of up to 100km. The SkyStriker unit can operate either as an organic unit within an artillery battery or as a support unit, while the SkyStriker system can be launched either from a ground pneumatic launcher or from a canister integrated onboard the PULS rocket launcher.
COAPS-L: a new ISTAR payload for light platforms
The COAPS-L is a miniaturized variant of the Company’s Commander Open Architecture Panoramic Sight (COAPS) that provides light platforms such as light tactical vehicles, UGVs and surface vessels with AFV-level ISTAR capabilities. The new payload configuration will be showcased for the first time during this year’s Eurosatory as part of the Elbit Systems’ display and is integrated onboard an Unmanned Ground Vehicle (UGV) as part of the Roboteam presentation (Hall 5B, A-35B).
REST – a new Air-to-Surface Range Extension and Guidance Kit
REST is a Range Extension & Smart Tail kit for air-to-surface warheads. Already ordered for several warhead types, REST transforms almost any type of air-to-surface warhead into a high penetration standoff precision guided munition. The REST kit is a modular solution that includes a smart tail for navigation and guidance, and upper wings for range extension. The REST kit provides all weather pinpoint ‘fire and forget’ capability to ranges of up to 120km and is capable of a steep impact angle for enhanced penetration of hard targets.
10 June 22. Leonardo at Eurosatory 2022: new capabilities to protect armed forces in the field. From C4I (Command, Control, Communication, Computer and Intelligence) solutions for battlefield digitisation, to the cyber security dimension and land and air defence systems for protecting ground forces. In fact, one of the key highlights of the show will be a new anti-drone technology that can also be used as a short-range air defence radar.
Rome, 10/06/2022 – From the 13th to the 17th of June, the group will be returning to Eurosatory in Paris, the leading international trade show in the land and airland Defence and Security sector, where Leonardo’s stand (D301/Hall 6) will be showcasing the latest technologies developed in this field.
In terms of system integrators with multi-function and multi-domain capabilities, Leonardo will be presenting a comprehensive offering, ranging from sensors to acquire information and scenario awareness, to operations management using a series of highly effective and accurate effectors.
The sensors range includes the new AESA (Active Electronically Scanned Array) TMMR radar, which, when combined with the NERIO electro-optical camera is an effective solution for anti-drone scenarios requiring mobility and deployment. Furthermore, the solution can also be used for short-range air defence and the surveillance and protection of platforms, vehicles, borders, territories and critical infrastructure.
Leonardo will also be presenting the fixed and mobile versions of the Kronos radar, the benchmark for air surveillance and defence, with approximately 50 units currently in service worldwide.
A number of military communications systems from the SWave SDR (Software Defined Radio) family will also be on show. These include handheld radios – tens of thousands of which have been sold worldwide – and portable and vehicle-mounted radios. These technologies allow for interoperability of Terrestrial Forces, especially in combined multinational operations, thanks to the ability to use the same platform – reprogrammable via software – for a multitude of communication needs, even in very different scenarios.
Leonardo is also at the forefront when it comes to meeting the latest requirements for medium-armoured vehicles. In fact, in Paris, the company will be presenting its latest technologies on board the 8×8 Centauro II wheeled vehicle, together with an integrated range for upgrading tanks already in service, such as the M60. An example of this is the HITFACT MKII large-calibre turret installed on the Centauro II.
Eurosatory will also feature the military vehicle stabilisation and navigation systems by GEM, a company in which Leonardo recently acquired a 30% share; the Vulcano family of guided munitions, one of the most innovative technologies in the world; and the Type 163 laser designator, a high-energy system that has been field-tested with over 800 units and already supplied to 27 countries, including many NATO members.
Finally, Leonardo will be presenting an immersive reality solution that simulates highly realistic operational environments, which can also be used for training activities
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Founded in 1987, Exensor Technology is a world leading supplier of Networked Unattended Ground Sensor (UGS) Systems providing tailored sensor solutions to customers all over the world. From our Headquarters in Lund Sweden, our centre of expertise in Network Communications at Communications Research Lab in Kalmar Sweden and our Production site outside of Basingstoke UK, we design, develop and produce latest state of the art rugged UGS solutions at the highest quality to meet the most stringent demands of our customers. Our systems are in operation and used in a wide number of Military as well as Homeland Security applications worldwide. The modular nature of the system ensures any external sensor can be integrated, providing the user with a fully meshed “silent” network capable of self-healing. Exensor Technology will continue to lead the field in UGS technology, provide our customers with excellent customer service and a bespoke package able to meet every need. A CNIM Group Company
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