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03 Sep 18. Jankel celebrates 15 years of success in Australia at Land Forces 2018. Jankel, a world-leader in the design and manufacture of high-specification defence, security and NGO vehicles and protection systems, is celebrating 15 years of success in Australia at the Land Forces 2018 event. Land Forces 2018 is taking place 4-6 September in Adelaide, where Jankel will be exhibiting their capabilities on stand number 4L11. Since entering the Australian market in 2003 with sales of Civilian Armoured Vehicles (CAVs) based on a Toyota chassis, Jankel has delivered a wide range of projects. Jankel has won contracts as a direct prime to the Australian MoD’s Capability Acquisition and Sustainment Group (CASG) and, formerly, the Defence Materiel Organisation (DMO). In addition, Jankel is a key supplier to a number of other prime contractors and key partners including Supacat and JCB. Jankel’s Australian defence and security projects have included the provision of bespoke armour systems and up-armouring solutions for: Perentie; JCB 535-95; REDFIN 1A and REDFIN 1B SOV programmes. Through their business activity in Australia, Jankel has also secured contracts in New Zealand, again, working directly to the MoD and as a supplier to their partners. Jankel has been active in supporting Australian Industry Content (AIC) compliant programmes including the establishment of locally manufactured product lines. For instance, in support Supacat’s REDFIN programme, Jankel partnered with Tectonica who manufactured Jankel’s range of BLASTech mitigation seats directly in Australia under a sub-contract. In total, Jankel’s Australian business has generated over AUD $35m across a 15-year period.
Looking ahead, Jankel is focused on the continued expansion of their Australian business footprint. Specifically, in addition to marketing their wide range of protection system capabilities, Jankel is targeting the provision of specialist seating and survivability systems for Land 400 phases 2 & 3 as well as a number of opportunities to deliver specialist tactical, counter-terror and civilian armoured vehicle fleets for specialist user groups.
Dan Crosby, Commercial Director at Jankel said: “Australia continues to be an important market for Jankel. We’ve enjoyed a significant amount of success to date which has further underlined the credibility of the products and services we are able to offer. Our protection systems, many manufactured locally in Australia, are in service across multiple platforms saving Australian lives today and into the future.” He added: “We’ve successfully developed and broadened our business model in recent years to become a company that delivers a wider range of fully engineered tactical and military vehicles with the benefits of highly capable and certified COTS chassis systems. In addition to our protection system business, we’re winning complete vehicle programme contracts in Europe – something we’re also keen to expand in Australia and across the wider Asia Pacific region”.
05 Sep 18. OTT Technologies expands M36 MRAP vehicle family. South African company OTT Technologies has expanded its range of mine-resistant ambush-protected (MRAP) 4×4 vehicles by introducing a latest-generation Puma M36 Mk 6C-2 with independent suspension, and a Puma M36 Mk 6C with a German Mercedes-Benz Zetros drive line.
These MRAPs are to be shown for the first time at the African Aerospace and Defence exhibition at Air Force Base Waterkloof, which opens on 19 September. The Puma M36 Mk 6C-2 has an all-welded steel armour hull, with the lower half in a traditional V shape for enhanced protection against mines and improvised explosive devices (IEDs). OTT Technologies said the Puma M36 Mk 6 hull was certified at the US Army Aberdeen Proving Ground for STANAG 4569 blast protection. The mine and IED protection is the same for all models, but the upper level – for example, the crew compartment ballistic protection – can be tailored to the end users’ requirements. External stowage boxes are designed to blow away in the event of an IED or mine explosion, and bullet/splinter-proof windows are provided for 360-degree situational awareness. External cameras can be also fitted to improve vision.
As well as the commander and driver, the vehicle can carry 10 dismounts and all seats are provided with a 4-point safety harness. For a higher level of cross-country mobility and improved ride for the occupants, the Puma M36 Mk 6C-2 is fitted with independent suspension consisting of progressively wound coil springs with double-acting telescopic hydraulic shock absorbers. Left- and right-hand drive versions are available, and tyres are 14.00×R20 with run-flat inserts and a central tyre inflation system fitted as standard. The powerpack is a Mercedes-Benz OM 926 LA 6-cylinder common rail diesel developing 322hp at 2,200 rpm, coupled to an Allison 3500P automatic transmission with six forward and one reverse gears and a two-speed transfer case. (Source: IHS Jane’s)
05 Sep 18. Bumerang IFV to finish preliminary trials in 2018. The K-17 Bumerang infantry fighting vehicle (IFV), which is being developed by Russia’s Military-Industrial Company (VPK), will finish its preliminary trials before year’s end, a source from VPK told Jane’s.
“We will finish the preliminary tests of the Bumerang platform this year and build a prototype of the vehicle for state trials. Once the state trials have been finished, the Russian military will start to receive the first vehicles,” the source said. The Bumerang IFV weighs 25 tonnes. The vehicle has three crew and it transports eight personnel. The platform is powered by a YaMZ-780 turbocharged diesel engine with a maximum power output of 750hp, producing a road speed of up to 100km/h, a swimming speed of up to 12km/h, and a range of 800km. (Source: IHS Jane’s)
06 Sep 18. Kaplan MT ready for mass production, says report. The Kaplan MT Modern Medium Weight Tank (MMWT) has passed the required qualification tests with the Indonesian Army (Tentara Nasional Indonesia-Angkatan Darat: TNI-AD) and is now ready for mass production, Nail Kurt, the general manager of Turkey’s FNSS Savunma Sistemleri (FNSS), was quoted by the Anadolu Agency (AA) as saying on 5 September.
The tank successfully underwent almost three months of trials designed to test its durability and lethality, Kurt told the media outlet, adding that FNSS, which is developing the Kaplan MT in collaboration with Indonesia’s PT Pindad, is now looking to move on to the production phase.
“A five-year budget is coming after 2019. The total need is between 200and 400 units, we are talking about very serious quantities,” said Kurt, adding that the company expects to sign an export contract by 2019, with Turkey and Indonesia expected to contribute equally to the manufacturing process.
He also said that a “small order” of 20–25 tanks “could be taken even in 2018”.
The announcement comes after PT Pindad said in July that it expects to start mass-producing the Kaplan MT in 2019. Ade Bagdja, PT Pindad’s director of technology and development, said at the time that he expects the company to produce at least 100 MMWT units for the TNI-AD.
As Jane’s previously reported, the MMWT programme is supported by an inter-government agreement between Indonesia and Turkey that was signed in November 2014. Work on the project started shortly after, with two prototypes and one hull for mine testing being produced by 2017. FNSS unveiled the first MMWT prototype at the IDEF exhibition in Turkey in May 2017. Intended to provide direct fire and tactical mobility to the Indonesian forces, the rear-engined Kaplan MT has been designed to meet the TNI-AD’s requirement for a medium-weight tank and is set to replace the service’s depleted fleets of French-made AMX-13 light tanks, which originally numbered more than 300. (Source: IHS Jane’s)
30 Aug 18. First BMP-3 spotted in Iraq. Iraq has received its first BMP-3 infantry fighting vehicles, it has been confirmed. Photographs published by the Tactical Cell Facebook site on 28 August showed at least one transporter carrying a BMP-3 painted in the camouflage already seen on Iraq’s new T-90 tanks. Russia’s Interfax-AVN news agency cited an informed source as confirming the delivery on the following day. The head of Russia’s Tractor Plants Concern, which controls the BMP-3 manufacturer Kurganmashzavod, said in September 2015 that Iraq had requested 500 BMP-3s. Tactical Cell reported that the deal was frozen until defence minister Khaled al-Obeidi was replaced in August 2016. (Source: IHS Jane’s)
29 Aug 18. Russia details latest variants of Armata-based armoured vehicles. The Russian Ministry of Defence (MoD) has previously announced the acquisition of 132 Armata-based systems, including T-14 main battle tanks (MBTs) and T-15 heavy infantry fighting vehicles (HIFVs), and the first nine vehicles could be supplied as early as this year. The MoD detailed a variety of recent armour development programmes at the Army 2018 defence show near Moscow, and for the first time published specifications of the newest vehicles, which it said could enter service in the early 2020s. A military source told Jane’s that the MoD may get some T-14 tanks this year and some T-15s next year. (Source: IHS Jane’s)
24 Aug 18. Australian LAND 400 Phase 3 tenders now open. The multibillion-dollar project to replace Army’s M113 Armoured Personnel Carriers has taken another step forward with the formal release of the request for tender for LAND 400 Phase 3 – Mounted Close Combat Capability. Defence is placing greater emphasis on a co-ordinated and programmatic approach to Army’s biggest project ever. A new Armoured Vehicle Division will been created to consolidate large programs like LAND 400, LAND 907 – Main Battle Tank Replacement and LAND 8160 – Enhanced Gap Crossing Capability into a programmatic ‘mega project’. When fully delivered, the LAND 400 program will allow Army to successfully sustain mounted close combat operations against emerging and future threats as part of a joint force.
Minister for Defence Industry Christopher Pyne encouraged Australian industry to get behind the project, saying, “I actively encourage Australian small and medium sized enterprises to take advantage of the significant opportunities arising from this project.”
Opportunities for industry to participate in the process are outlined in the tender documents and include industry briefing sessions scheduled for September this year. Assistance to industry is available through the Centre for Defence Industry Capability (CDIC) for Australian businesses entering or working in the defence industry. Minister Pyne indicated that during this tender process, Defence will work closely with industry to optimise Australian industry capability content.
“This project is another exciting opportunity for Australian industry to deliver leading-edge technology in support of the Army,” he said.
Minister for Defence Marise Payne said the project will see Army’s capability significantly enhanced with a fleet of up to 450 modern Infantry Fighting Vehicles and 17 Manoeuvre Support Vehicles.
“This will be the largest investment in Army’s capability ever undertaken and will provide our troops with a modern close combat capability,” Minister Payne said.
This announcement follows a fortnight of announcements made by government and industry regarding LAND 400 Phase 2, with the announcement of the joint venture between Varley and Rafael and the confirmation of the Spike LR2 Anti-Tank Guided Missile for Army’s future 211 Boxer combat reconnaissance vehicles as part of the $5.2bn project.
The LAND 400 program is broken down into four distinct phases:
- LAND 400 Phase 1 – Project Definition Study (completed);
- LAND 400 Phase 2 – Mounted Combat Reconnaissance Capability, primarily enabled by the combat reconnaissance vehicle (CRV) mission system (the ASLAV replacement);
- LAND 400 Phase 3 – Mounted Close Combat Capability, primarily enabled by the Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV) (the M113 APC replacement) and MSV mission systems; and
- LAND 400 Phase 4 – Integrated Training System.
Rheinmetall has been selected to deliver Australia’s new Combat Reconnaissance Vehicle, the Boxer 8×8 CRV, for LAND 400 Phase 2.
The full tender can now be downloaded from the AusTender website at www.tenders.gov.au. Submissions will close at 5:00pm AEST on Friday, 1 March 2019. (Source: Defence Connect)
23 Aug 18. Russian MoD orders Taifun 4×4 MRAP vehicles. The Russian Ministry of Defence (MoD) announced on 22 August that it had signed a contract for 59 Taifun 4×4 mine-resistant, ambush-protected (MRAP) vehicles at the Army 2018 defence show in Kubinka near Moscow. The vehicles, the variant of which was not disclosed, will be delivered up to the end of 2020. Russian company Remdiesel is continuing development of the K-53949 Taifun-K MRAP family, which is intended for land forces. Remdiesel told Jane’s at Army 2018, “The Taifun family now comprises two more vehicles: a self-propelled anti-tank guided missile (SPATGM) system and a medevac version. Like the Kornet-EM system, our new SPATGM version is armed with eight ready-to-launch Kornet-D anti-tank guided missiles mounted on two separate masts.” The SPATGM version has a laden weight of 16,000 kg and a maximum speed of 105 km/h. The medevac version using the K-53949 chassis is named Linza. “Linza can transport up to 10 wounded soldiers,” Remdiesel said. “The vehicle is almost ready for serial production.”
The company added that it is also expanding its K-4386 Taifun-VDV family, which is being developed for the airborne troops (VDV) under a contract with the Russian MoD.
“Remdiesel has developed the second generation of the K-4386 vehicle, which is intended for the VDV,” the company said. “The upgraded platform has an independent spring suspension and less expensive electronics.”
(Source: IHS Jane’s)
22 Aug 18. Tulpar light tank completes initial trials, awaits first contract. Otokar has completed initial firing and mobility trials of its latest Tulpar light tank, which has been developed to meet potential requirements of at least two export customers. This system mates the Otokar Tulpar tracked armoured fighting vehicle (AFV) with the Belgian CMI Defence Cockerill 3105 turret already in quantity production for Saudi Arabia (with more than 130 turrets delivered). The Cockerill 3105 turret is armed with a 105 mm high-pressure rifled gun fitted with a thermal sleeve and fume extractor. The 105 mm gun is fed by a bustle-mounted automatic loader that enables the turret to be crewed by just a commander and gunner. It also has a 7.62 mm co-axial machine gun (MG) and a bank of electrically operated smoke grenade launchers on either side. In addition to firing conventional rounds of 105 mm ammunition – including armour piercing fin stabilised discarding sabot (APFSDS), high-explosive anti-tank (HEAT), and high-explosive squash head (HESH) – it can also fire a Falarick gun-launched anti-tank guided missile (GATGM) developed in Ukraine. This is laser guided and fitted with a tandem HEAT warhead to neutralise targets fitted with explosive reactive armour (ERA), and has a maximum range of 5,000m. The weapon has a computerised fire-control system and stabilised sighting systems, including stabilised sights for commander and gunner consisting of day/thermal channels and a laser rangefinder. The Tulpar light tank has a crew of three – commander, gunner, and driver – but there is additional space in the rear for two dismounts and more 105mm ammunition. Tulpar was developed by Otokar as a private venture to meet the potential requirements of the export and home markets. It was first shown in 2013 in the infantry fighting vehicle (IFV) role and fitted with an Otokar Mizrak remote-controlled turret. The turret was armed with a stabilised 30mm dual-feed cannon with 210 rounds of ready-use ammunition and a 7.62mm co-axial machine gun (MG) with 500 rounds of ready-use ammunition. (Source: IHS Jane’s)
21 Aug 18. Rosoboronexport launches Sprut-SDM1 light amphibious tank. Rostec State Corporation subsidiary Rosoboronexport has launched the new Sprut-SDM1 light amphibious tank in the world arms market. Built by the Tractor Plants Concern, the Sprut-SDM1 vehicle is equipped with a powerful armament suite, corresponding to the main battle tank, and is fitted with a 125mm gun, a 7.62mm remote-controlled machine gun and a 7.62mm coaxial machine gun. Rosoboronexport director general Alexander Mikheev said: “The Sprut-SDM1 is the only light amphibious fighting vehicle in its class that possesses the firepower of the main battle tank.
“It is capable of disembarking from a ship and operating day or night in terrain impassable for other similar vehicles. Rosoboronexport expects increased attention to this vehicle from countries having difficult terrain, such as water obstacles, marshes and mountains.
“In particular, a number of South-East countries have already shown great interest in the Sprut-SDM1.”
“The Sprut-SDM1 is the only light amphibious fighting vehicle in its class that possesses the firepower of the main battle tank.”
In addition, the light amphibious tank features a guided missile weapon system that is specifically designed to engage armoured targets, including ERA-equipped ones, at ranges of up to 5km. Referred in Russia as a self-propelled anti-tank gun or tank destroyer, the Sprut-SDM1 vehicle has been developed to deliver fire support to infantry, engage armoured targets, destroy hostile strong points and fortifications, and carry out battlefield reconnaissance and security. The highly automated digital fire control system integrated on to the tank facilitates target detection, recognition and destruction both on the move and at the halt, and in poor visibility conditions, day or night, using different types of gunner’s and commander’s sights. Capable of being deployed in the highlands and hot tropical climate, the low-weight amphibious vehicle has the ability to fire its gun while being afloat. The combat vehicle has been specially designed for use by the Russian airborne forces. (Source: army-technology.com)
17 Aug 18. Central African military receives new equipment. The Central African Armed Forces (FACA) has received over 120 assorted vehicles donated by the United States and China. President Faustin-Archange Touadéra received more than 70 vehicles with a value of over USD15m from the Chinese company Poly Technologies on 8 August. The vehicles included Dongfeng EQ2050 4×4 tactical vehicles and Dongfeng CSK131 4×4 protected vehicles, which are Chinese versions of the US Humvee. Several Steyr 6×6 utility trucks, Iveco ambulances, firefighting trucks, and water carriers, as well as engineering vehicles such as bulldozers, tractors, and graders, were also delivered, according to Defence Minister Marie Noëlle Koyara. These new vehicles will be used to equip newly trained FACA units that are being deployed throughout the country to improve security, notably to Bouar, Dekoa, and Bambari. The US handed over 48 vehicles with an overall value of USD8.5m to Touadéra on 6 August. The presidency said the vehicles included 42 Toyota Hilux 4×4 pickups outfitted with communications equipment and six Renault K380 utility trucks, with nine tanker trucks of unspecified make to be delivered at a later date. (Source: IHS Jane’s)
17 Aug 18. Rheinmetall wins contract worth over €2bn: Australia orders 211 Boxer wheeled armoured vehicles. Australia has awarded Rheinmetall an order for 211 Boxer wheeled armoured vehicles worth a total of €2.1bn (AUD3.3bn). The contract was signed at Parliament House in Canberra today by the Prime Minister of Australia Malcolm Turnbull and the Managing Director of Rheinmetall Defence Australia Gary Stewart. Delivery of the advanced 8×8 Combat Reconnaissance Vehicles (CRV) will take place between 2019 and 2026. The selection of the Boxer CRV ensures Rheinmetall will play a key role in the comprehensive modernisation of the Australia’s armed forces. Mr Turnbull first announced his government’s intention to order the fleet of Boxer vehicles in March 2018.
Rheinmetall AG Chief Executive Armin Papperger said it was a great honour for the company to be chosen as a partner by the Australian Government at such an important time for the ADF. “This demonstrates, in no uncertain terms, the continued successful cooperation between Rheinmetall and the Government and Armed Forces of Australia,” Mr Papperger said. “As a company, we are extremely pleased to have secured one of the biggest orders in the recent history of Rheinmetall.”
The Boxer vehicle is already in service with, or being procured by, the armed forces of Germany, the Netherlands and Lithuania. The ADF will introduce several variants of the Boxer with the reconnaissance variant – accounting for 133 of the 211 vehicles – equipped with Rheinmetall’s cutting-edge Lance turret system and armed with a 30mm automatic cannon. The Boxer CRV was selected after rigorous trials conducted by the ADF. Under Australia’s LAND 400 Phase 2 selection process, the Boxer CRV was chosen in 2016 as one of two candidates for Risk Mitigation Activity trials where the 8×8 wheeled armoured vehicle performed convincingly in the categories of survivability, mobility, firepower, and command & control.
Rheinmetall is co-operating closely with Australian defence industry, having established a strong, highly effective team in the country. A significant share of the industrial value added during production of the Boxer will take place in country. More than 40 Australian companies will be included in the programme. Head of Rheinmetall’s Vehicle Systems Division Ben Hudson said the Boxer CRV is the most capable, survivable and adaptable field-armoured fighting vehicle available today.
“The Boxer CRV is highly protected against both asymmetric threats that have been faced by Australian soldiers in recent operations, while also being highly protected against conventional battlefield threats that our soldiers may face one day in a conventional war-fighting scenario,” Mr Hudson said.
“We look forward to building on our successful Land 121 program and extending the trustful partnership we have with the Australian Government and our Australian suppliers and partners into Land 400 to deliver an outstanding combat vehicle to the Australian Army.”
Mr Stewart said production of the Boxer vehicles would take place in a dedicated new facility in Queensland in partnership with the Queensland Government.
“This will allow us to establish as sovereign military vehicle industry in Australia that will underpin the enduring partnership with the Government to design, manufacture, deliver, support and modernise this world-leading capability,” Mr Stewart said.
17 Aug 18. Grant of M41C tanks to Uruguay advances. The donation by the Brazilian Army of 25 M41C (Caxias) battle tanks to Uruguay is awaiting clearance through the Brazilian Chamber of Deputies, before going to the Federal Senate for final approval. Started in 2011 and repeatedly stalled through Brazilian approval processes, the deal will see 15 of the 25 vehicles delivered to Cavalry and Armoured Infantry units of the Uruguayan Army, replacing older M24 Chaffee tanks currently in service. The remaining 10 vehicles will be utilised for spare parts and maintenance, with Brazil’s 3rd Military Region’s Regional Maintenance Park conducting maintenance and inspection before shipment to Uruguay. In 2013 Brazil stated it would fund the cost of approximately USD150,000 to transfer the vehicles to Uruguay, although this is likely to have increased in the intervening years. (Source: IHS Jane’s)
16 Aug 18. Brazil to receive remaining M109A5 in December. The arrival of the remaining 56 of 60 M109A5 155mm self-propelled artillery systems granted by the US Government to the Brazilian Army as excess defense articles (EDA) in a letter of offer and acceptance (LOA) in January 2018 is expected to take place in December, the service told Jane’s. This batch, which follows the initial four vehicles delivered in March, had been due to arrive in June or July. Under the terms of the transfer, Brazil has paid for packing, handling, and transportation of the vehicles and associated items. The M109A5s are currently at the US Army’s Anniston depot. (Source: IHS Jane’s)
07 Aug 18. Belarus re-arms airborne troops. Belarusian airborne troops are receiving new mortars and armoured personnel carriers (APCs), according to the country’s Ministry of Defence (MoD). In late July, Belarusian Deputy Minister of Defence for Armament and Chief of Armament Major General Sergei Simonenko handed over new 2B23 Nona-M1 semi-automatic breech-loading 120 mm towed mortars and upgraded BTR-70MB1 APCs to the 103rd Independent Guards Airborne Brigade ‘Vitebskaya’ in Vitebsk. An airborne battalion of the brigade received 32 BTR-70MB1s, while two batteries of the brigade’s mixed artillery battalion were equipped with 18 Nona-M1s. “The Belarusian armed forces receive around 100 brand-new and upgraded systems a year,” said Maj Gen Simonenko during the handover of the mortars and APCs. (Source: IHS Jane’s)
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About Lincad
Lincad is a leading expert in the design and manufacture of batteries, chargers and associated products for a range of applications across a number of different sectors. With a heritage spanning more than three decades in the defence and security sectors, Lincad has particular expertise in the development of reliable, ruggedised products with high environmental, thermal and electromagnetic performance. With a dedicated team of engineers and production staff, all product is designed and manufactured in-house at Lincad’s facility in Ash Vale, Surrey. Lincad is ISO 9001 and TickITplus accredited and works closely with its customers to satisfy their power management requirements.
Lincad is also a member of the Joint Supply Chain Accreditation Register (JOSCAR), the accreditation system for the aerospace, defence and security sectors, and is certified with Cyber Essentials, the government-backed, industry supported scheme to help organisations protect themselves against common cyber attacks. The majority of Lincad’s products contain high energy density lithium-ion technology, but the most suitable technology for each customer requirement is employed, based on Lincad’s extensive knowledge of available electrochemistries. Lincad offers full life cycle product support services that include repairs and upgrades from point of introduction into service, through to disposal at the end of a product’s life. From product inception, through to delivery and in-service product support, Lincad offers the high quality service that customers expect from a recognised British supplier.
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