Sponsored by Exensor
www.exensor.com
————————————————————————-
06 Sep 23. Rheinmetall at DSEI 2023 in London: Move – Sense – Strike. Under the motto Move – Sense – Strike, Rheinmetall will be presenting a wide array of its extensive range of products, systems and activities for the digitalised battlefields of tomorrow. At this year’s edition, Rheinmetall will be showcasing, among other things:
Boxer MIV: Rheinmetall and the joint venture Rheinmetall BAE Systems Land (RBSL) will be informing visitors about their share in the British Army’s Mechanised Infantry Vehicle Programme. Also on display at the Rheinmetall stand: the Combat Reconnaissance Vehicle (CRV) variant of Boxer, together with a Skyranger Air Defence System Mission Module. On the British Army’s stand, there will also be a Boxer configured as a command vehicle (C2) – a version developed in the United Kingdom.
Challenger 3 upgrade programme: In spring, the test firings of the L55A1 120mm smoothbore gun in the performance-enhanced
Challenger 3 Main Battle Tank were successfully completed. Rheinmetall and RBSL look forward to discussing this and other current aspects of the programme in London.
Caracal airmobile vehicle platform: Together with Mercedes-Benz and ACS Armoured Car Systems GmbH, Rheinmetall now offers the Caracal, a versatile, high-mobility family of 4×4 vehicles designed for light units such as airmobile formations and special operations forces. The German and Dutch armed forces have selected the new airmobile vehicle family, one of the biggest procurement projects of its kind.
Lynx KF41: Rheinmetall’s next-generation infantry fighting vehicle will be on show in London, armed with an MK30-2/ABM automatic cannon and a Main Sensor Slaved Armament (MSSA) weapon station. Rheinmetall transferred the first of 209 Lynx infantry fighting vehicles to the Hungarian armed forces in October 2022. Less than a year later, in August 2023, the US Army contracted with American Rheinmetall as part of the “Team Lynx” contractor team for phases 3 and 4 of the Optionally Manned Fighting Vehicle (OMFV), a major procurement project also referred to as the XM30 Mechanized Infantry Combat Vehicle programme.
Area defence weapon: Rheinmetall is currently developing a new top-attack area defence weapon for an enhanced battlefield obstacle capability. The concept is debuting at this year’s DSEI. Ragnarok Mortar Weapon Station 120mm: Ragnarok is a versatile 120 mm mortar system. It can be integrated into wheeled and tracked combat vehicles. On show at DSEI 2023 is a towed version mounted onto a trailer.
Unmanned systems and robotics: For the first time ever, Rheinmetall will be presenting its LUNA NG, a cutting-edge multi-purpose Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) in the UK. LUNA NG is optimised for long-range tactical target acquisition of objects in real time and battle damage assessments. Furthermore, Rheinmetall will display the LUNA NG as Rheinmetall Combat Drone, a future target engagement system, as well as the capability for vertical take-off and landing (VTOL). LUNA NG will support the Armed Forces of Ukraine by the end of this year and is foreseen as the upcoming tactical UAS for the Federal Armed Forces in Germany.
Rheinmetall will also be showing how various integrated unmanned air-supported reconnaissance systems can reinforce the sensor suites of vehicle platforms, resulting in improved situational awareness. A Mission Master SP robotic vehicle will be on hand at DSEI, configured as a carrier platform for cable-less charging technology for unmanned systems, jointly developed with Quaze Technologies. The larger Mission Master XT will also be in London in a version designed for counter-drone operations. The Group’s line-up also includes mission pods for deploying small UAVs from combat vehicles for reconnaissance and target engagement missions. Also on show is Rheinmetall`s Joint Fire Surveillance Reconnaissance (JFSR) System VINGTAQS II. The VINGTAQS II will be displayed on a Boxer Mission Module.
Loitering munitions: On-call air-supported precision munitions bring together the characteristics of drones and guided missiles. They enhance the reconnaissance capabilities of even small units over the target zone, as well as for precision stand-off engagement of emerging targets. Rheinmetall and its co-operation partner UVision, have teamed up to market UVision’s Hero family of loitering munitions in Europe. At DSEI the two companies will be displaying various Hero LM systems.
HX vehicle family: Rheinmetall’s heavy-duty HX vehicles combine outstanding mobility, versatility and – available as an option – excellent force protection features. This enables a flexible operational spectrum. At DSEI 2023, visitors will be able to inspect an HX 8×8 with an automated load handling system. For air defence, a 35mm Revolver Gun Mk3 automatic cannon is mounted on the vehicle’s flatrack.
Air defence: Highly mobile, modular, scalable, ground-based air defence systems are gaining new importance as NATO armed forces shift their attention back to national and alliance defence. In addition to the 35mm Revolver Gun Mk3, Rheinmetall is showcasing a mission module for an 8×8 Boxer air defence vehicle with a Skyranger 35 turret.
Force protection: Rheinmetall’s comprehensive expertise in force protection technology ranges from individual passive ballistic solutions to state-of-the-art active standoff protection systems. At DSEI 2023 Rheinmetall will be presenting its all-encompassing force protection concept, including the StrikeShield module, a hybrid system for vehicles that combines active and passive protection technology.
Digitalised battlefield: As one of the world’s foremost system integrators, Rheinmetall has the expertise necessary for networking a whole panoply of different entities on the digitalised battlefields of the future. At DSEI 2023, Rheinmetall will reveal ways of lifting the “fog of war” through the interplay of sensors, effectors and advanced human-machine interfaces. Moreover, Rheinmetall will be displaying the latest configuration of its Gladius 2.0 soldier system, highlighting how it can be networked with manned and unmanned vehicles and subsystems.
Vehicle Sensors: Rheinmetall’s comprehensive portfolio of sensor products is optimised for all types of military vehicles, including new build and mid-life updates. Exhibits at DSEI include Trailblazer, Rheinmetall’s driver vision-aid specifically designed for hatches down driving in degraded and low light environments, delivering excellent and safe manoeuvre performance.
Also on display is Overview, a new product for highly localised situation awareness, facilitating intuitive vehicle operation and detection of close-in threats and safety concerns. The Acoustic Platform for Vehicles is also on display, which is an established, highly accurate acoustic shot detect capability designed for ease of integration.
Finally, at DSEI 2023 Rheinmetall will be presenting its comprehensive expertise in practically every capability category. Among other things, these include weapon and ammunition systems for threat-commensurate and scalable use of force as well as innovative, networkable sensor solutions. We look forward to welcoming you to DSEI 2023 at stand H5-110 in the South Gallery of ExCeL London. In addition, Rheinmetall Expal Munitions, a new Group business unit, will be informing visitors about its wide-ranging ammunition expertise at stand H1-152.
07 Sep 23. Lithuania at DSEI 2023. On September 12–15, governments, armed forces, industry leaders, and the entire defence and security supply chain will connect in ExCel, London, to discuss and display the future of military technologies.
The war in Ukraine shows that the development of Europe’s military capabilities must speed up. “Innovation is the only path leading this industry to success,” says Laurynas Šatas, CEO of Aktyvus Photonics. Together with colleagues from Lithuanian defence and security, the expert will provide the Lithuanian approach to defending Europe – the significance of cooperation and high-tech innovations.
Gained trust in the UK
Laima Juknevičiūtė, Executive Director at Brolis Semiconductors, a Lithuanian company that designs and manufactures next-generation laser and electro-optical systems for defense, says the war in Ukraine was one of the main factors in moving the company’s activity pool from the development of unique laser components to military-oriented laser and optical solutions. The company established an office in the UK in 2015 due to the country’s historically strong defence industry and expertise.
“It’s critical to learn from the best, and the UK has a sustainable defence ecosystem, field professionals, and leading market companies. Also, at that time, the UK market began to show great interest in the new niche spectral ranges of electro-optical devices to which Brolis Semiconductors paid great attention. We tested devices in the DSTL laboratory and put them into use in the UK military and law enforcement structures. Later, we gained trust to create a completely new laser pointer for end users,” she comments.
Today, Brolis exports about 30-50% of its production. The export to the UK accounts for approximately 20% of the total company revenue.
Relies on novel war practices
According to Laurynas Šatas, CEO of Aktyvus Photonics, a company developing highly resistant laser technology and closely cooperating with its most advanced users in the NATO countries, the defence sector is crucial due to its basis – the successful implementation of innovations can save lives, but there’s no room for mistakes. Before the war in Ukraine, the industry supported slower but safer progress – security procedures, standards, and certification gained the most attention. “Nowadays, we need to focus on speeding up innovations and following existing conditions to create a new culture of collaboration and shared responsibility,” Šatas points out.
Tomas Milašauskas, CEO of RSI Europe, a company developing high-tech radio and electronic systems with a flagship product – a remote explosives initiation system RISE-1, designed to enhance the performance of military engineers and other military units, says that having in mind the current war in Europe, the Lithuanian strengths are highly qualified engineering talents, and access to product information from Ukraine due to close geographical and cultural ties in the current situation.
“At our national stand in DSEI, you will see tech solutions created by incorporating great knowledge from an ongoing, technologically advanced Ukrainian war. Widely used electronic warfare equipment today, sensors allowing enemy monitoring in real-time, drone applications on a previously unimaginable scale, and other technologies that haven’t been evaluated in creating most of the systems used in the military – these solutions and more will be showcased by Lithuanian experts,” says Milašauskas.
Experienced in developing universal technologies
According to Šatas, the defence industry in Lithuania is very young, providing both challenges and opportunities. The war in Ukraine has brought more attention to the sector and created the conditions for its faster development. Lithuanian defence ecosystem can take advantage of the country’s favourable environment for startups, its focus on technology and innovation, and the community spirit and cooperation.
“Defence-related Lithuanian start-ups can leverage on the expertise, knowledge, and processes developed by more established corporations. However, these small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) can provide a significant contribution as they are more flexible, apply an “agile” approach, and can solve business and technical problems with ease,” he claims.
Šatas adds that Lithuania has long-term experience developing innovative and disruptive solutions starting from fundamental research. The ability to quickly implement discoveries, innovations, or technological improvements allows Lithuanian defence companies to form a competitive advantage by offering crucial components to the global market.
“As an example, I would mention the well-developed laser sector, where, together with the academia, almost 50 commercial companies continue to invest in R&D activities and product development,” he says, adding that the same Lithuanian laser sector could be an excellent example of cooperation – commercial institutions not only cooperate with each other but also work closely with academic institutions. Collaboration between specialists from different fields is an enormous help for SMEs.
“With our unique technical achievements, we have a great opportunity to prove to the world that Lithuania can create breakthrough defence and security technologies,” emphasizes Šatas.
The need to accelerate cooperation
According to Tomas Žalandauskas, CEO of the Baltic Institute of Advanced Technology (BPTI), the R&D institute participating in joint projects with EU and NATO companies, the political homework has been done, and the primary goal now is to establish an integrated defence industry for the EU and NATO, focusing on next-generation advanced defence systems.
“The Lithuanians show motivation to cooperate with the EU and NATO and already have many successful partnerships. The present situation in Europe indicates the need to build these collaborations faster because complex defence systems cannot go live within a year or two. It takes time, patience, and consistent effort to create significant things,’ says Žalandauskas.
Romualda Stragienė, Director of Innovation Agency Lithuania, the organization working under Lithuania’s Ministry of the Economy and Innovation, says close partnerships between the private and public sectors are vital for future military innovations. The demand for next-generation defence solutions has increased, emphasizing the importance of fostering collaboration between companies and European/NATO governments to strengthen the defence systems of Europe and the Alliance in general.
‘Closer collaborations in many forms are required globally. Alliances between the private and public sectors, military, and SMEs should extend beyond local borders and form regional partnerships. Such cooperation would serve Europe’s defence interests both geopolitically and technologically’, highlights Stragienė, adding, ‘Some countries already lean on R&D-based SMEs to help develop innovations for both military and civilian use. However, this process is too slow.’
The complete list of Lithuanian companies attending the 2023 DSEI include:
- ADOS PRO – broad spectrum of optoelectronic products
- Aktyvus Photonics – cutting-edge laser target designators
- BPTI – R&D services for new technology development
- Blackswan space – software for real-world missions
- BROLIS – state-of-the-art electro-optical and laser systems
- Cellular expert – wave propagation software for the ArcGIS platform
- Granta Solutions – autonomous UAVs for ISR missions
- NT Service – C-UAV products and solutions
- OSTARA LAB – hybrid drives, autonomy for vehicles, and off-road trailers
- RSI Europe – high-tech remote explosives initiation system
- The Meat Makers – long-lasting and high-protein meat snacks
- THRUST – UAVs for infrastructure diagnostics and remote sensing
07 Sep 23. The British Forces Broadcasting Service: Morale-building media wherever the military go. From September 12-15, BFBS invites attendees of DSEI to learn more about the pioneering military charity and media organisation.
The BFBS Media Innovation team will demonstrate the latest solutions for delivering live and on demand TV, radio and digital newspapers and magazines to UK forces wherever they are based – including live and on demand broadcasting at sea and on demand on submarines – and explain how the same technology can be used by UK partners.
This includes the multimedia and communications platform, MiPlayer Edge, developed to work with OneWeb’s Low Earth Orbit satellites to bring BFBS’ services to more remote locations with no internet.
The team from the award-winning communications agency, BFBS Creative, will illustrate how they provide effective campaigns for the UK military, Defence partners, businesses, and government departments, using data-led audience insight. Their expertise also focuses on themes of inclusion to help clients reach more diverse audiences.
The morale-boosting entertainment and offered by BFBS will also be represented on the stand, including its global BFBS Radio channels, the BFBS TV service for personnel based overseas, and Cinelink, the ‘portable’ cinema in a box.
Ben Chapman, BFBS’ CEO says: “We are excited to be exhibiting at DSEI again and showcasing the breadth of the expertise and services that BFBS provides.
“From supporting the MOD and businesses with their creative content campaigns, to offering innovative technology to the British military and UK partners, and delivering multiplatform entertainment to our forces, we are proud to provide such a range of vital services and products worldwide.”
BFBS’ radio, social media and Forces News teams will be reporting from DSEI each day, capturing stories about the latest products and services from the world of Defence – go to Forces News YouTube, forces.net and listen at bfbs.com/radio .
Come and meet the BFBS team on stand H5-620 in the Naval Zone.
07 Sep 23. Strategic Command Strengthens UK-Japan Partnership.
General Jim Hockenhull visited Tokyo to discuss shared threats and opportunities for collaboration. General Jim Hockenhull , Commander Strategic Command, with General Yoshihide Yoshida, Chief of Staff for Japan Joint Staff.
Working collaboratively with like-minded nations across the globe is vital as we tackle increasingly complex and borderless threats. The partnership between Japan and the United Kingdom is an important example of this.
As part of this relationship, General Jim Hockenhull visited Tokyo to meet officials from across the Japan Self-Defense Forces. Discussions spanned the regional threats, and opportunities for even further collaboration. From larger, more frequent and complex joint exercises, to enhancing our cyber capabilities through a UK-Japan Cyber Partnership, the UK and Japan are committed to continue working ever more closely together.
In May 2023, the Prime Ministers of Japan and the UK signed the Hiroshima Accord – a landmark new global strategic partnership – which included new agreements on defence, trade, science and technology collaboration, and joint working on tackling global issues like climate change.
Strategic Command has an important role to play in this partnership, being responsible for many of the most specialist and high-tech capabilities in Defence. People are central to this, and General Hockenhull spoke with his counterparts about enhanced ways to share knowledge and expertise between the UK and Japan militaries, and shared training and education opportunities.
Find out more about The Hiroshima Accord: An enhanced UK-Japan global strategic partnership – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk): https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-hiroshima-accord
(Source: https://www.gov.uk/)
05 Sep 23. UK strengthens defence export ties with Poland. The UK and Poland have strengthened their defence ties today as Defence Minister James Cartlidge visited MSPO in Kielce, Poland.
- Defence Minister James Cartlidge attends Poland’s largest defence trade show.
- UK deepening defence ties with key Nato Ally, building on furthering of cooperation with Poland through export contracts and deployments.
- Celebrating positive step in Poland’s NAREW ground-based air defence programme.
The UK and Poland have strengthened their defence ties today as Defence Minister James Cartlidge visited MSPO in Kielce, Poland.
The largest defence trade fair in Poland, attracting delegations from across the world, MSPO brings together nations to collaborate on, discuss and view some of the world’s leading defence equipment, capabilities and ambitions.
During the visit, Cartlidge met with the Head of Poland’s National Security Bureau, Jacek Siewiera, and Deputy Defence Minister Michał Wiśniewski, and engaged a number of the UK’s key Defence companies displaying at the event – including MBDA, Babcock and BAE Systems. Cartlidge discussed how the UK defence industry can further support the Polish Armed Forces through future defence exports and deployments.
The UK and Poland are historic defence partners and NATO Allies and will continue to work closely together on key strategic defence programmes, including Poland’s air defence programme, supporting the economies of both nations.
Minister for Defence Procurement, James Cartlidge, said: “Poland is one of our closest Allies and a key strategic partner as we work together to bolster European security in the wake of Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine. Through crucial defence export programmes, we continue to support Poland’s defence modernisation plans, as they strengthen their defence capabilities.”
Earlier this year, the UK and Poland announced the first stage of a programme to deliver the Common Anti-Air Modular Missile (CAMM) to Poland in a £1.9bn contract – the largest ever defence export contract between the two nations.
In a contract supporting hundreds of jobs across the UK and Poland delivering on the Prime Minister’s priority to grow the economy, UK firm MBDA completed the landmark deal with the Polish government in April 2023, agreeing to provide Poland with cutting-edge, ground-based-air-defence capabilities that will protect the country for generations to come.
Today, at MSPO, the Polish government signed an agreement with Polish defence company PGZ, paving the way for Poland to develop another enhanced ground-based air defence system called NAREW, again in co-operation with MBDA.
The UK welcomes the news that the executive agreement on NAREW has been signed between the Polish Ministry of National Defence and PGZ. This is a critical milestone in this important air defence programme which the UK MOD continues to support.
This visit also builds on the UK-Polish Defence Treaty and the UK–Poland Defence and Security Strategic Partnership 2030 announced in July this year, which will be of long-term benefit to the defence, jobs and skills of both nations, strengthening bi-lateral relations.
The UK and Poland are close Allies, with hundreds of British troops deployed to the country at any one time. That includes the recent deployments of Challenger 2 tanks and Sky Sabre air defence systems to Poland. (Source: https://www.gov.uk/)
04 Sep 23. MakeUK Defence are working with UK Defence & Security Exports in supporting the delegation from Uzbekistan, with the director of UzTechTrade coming over to DSEI. For those who don’t know, UzTechTrade is the government owned trading body that is responsible for procuring defence equipment.
They have expressed an interest in the following capabilities:
- NATO Firearms:
- snipers;
- automatic weapons;
- pistols;
- ammunition
- Military engineering equipment;
- Armoured vehicles;
- Anti-Drone technologies and equipment’s;
- Unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV).
If you are interested in meeting with the Uzbekistan delegation and have capabilities in this area, please email with a brief paragraph. This is available to companies exhibiting at DSEI only.
01 Sep 23. HMS Prince of Wales heads to USA to shape future of naval aviation.
- Britain’s biggest warship sails from Portsmouth to the USA for 3 months of trials pushing boundaries of latest aircraft and technology in naval aviation
- The ship will make history with both combat and re-supply drones on deck for the first time
- And trials with F-35B Lightning stealth fighters will expand UK carrier striking power
Britain’s biggest warship today sailed for her autumn deployment – her longest yet, pushing the limits of aircraft carrier operations with drones, fifth-generation stealth fighters, tilt-rotors and helicopters.
HMS Prince of Wales departs Portsmouth for the Eastern Seaboard of the USA to revolutionise the way the Royal Navy operates Carrier Strike Groups.
By the time she returns home shortly before Christmas, the ship will have:
- operated advanced drone technologies, demonstrating the delivery of vital supplies without the need to use helicopters;
- landed and launched F-35 Lightning stealth fighters in more ways, more quickly and in the harshest of sea conditions to increase the strike carrier’s firepower;
- and increased the range and conditions in which the US Marine Corps’ impressive MV-22 Osprey tilt rotor aircraft can operate.
Once in the Channel the ship’s company will conduct trials with UK-firm W Autonomous Systems to assess the feasibility of drones delivering supplies to Royal Navy vessels at sea – initially flying in up to 100kg of stores.
Both the Royal Navy and its supporting flotilla from the Royal Fleet Auxiliary are experimenting with drone technology – saving launching large, expensive naval helicopters to perform the missions.
“We are all excited for the longest deployment of HMS Prince of Wales,” said her Commanding Officer Captain Richard Hewitt.
“Being the first to operate with this level of drones will be a huge achievement and keep us on the front foot as we prepare for the next major Carrier Strike Group deployment in 2025.”
Once in the USA, the ship will embark F-35B stealth fighters for the final phase of pushing the boundaries of the UK’s fifth-generation jets’ operating limits from the carrier.
The F-35 has undergone extensive trials and assessment both in the US and UK operating from the flight decks of both Queen Elizabeth-class carriers and has deployed operationally.
But five years after the Lightning jets made their debut on a Royal Navy aircraft carrier, there’s still more to learn about the state-of-the-art fighter – and more to be exploited.
Pushing the boundaries will see more advanced take-off and landing techniques tested, allowing the F-35s to return to the carrier faster and heavier (i.e with more fuel and weapons aboard) which cuts the time between sorties, allowing the ship to launch more strike missions, faster.
HMS Prince of Wales will also be looking to launch and land the Lightning jets in the heaviest sea states, proving that they can operate the jets in the harshest environments.
“My team are really excited to tackle the final phase of testing which will expand the F-35’s awesome capabilities even more – and to be the first to land and launch new types of drones on our deck. The deck team are ready and raring to go,” said Commander Martin Russell, in charge of HMS Prince of Wales’ air group and flight deck operations.
Once the work with the F-35s is complete, focus will shift again to the next-generation of Short Take-Off and Landing drones currently under development.
The Mojave drone can carry a 1,500lb payload of missiles, rockets or bombs and has been specifically designed to land and take-off from short runways, or flight decks.
Trials are lined up to see whether the Mojave can land on the 901ft-long deck of the Prince of Wales.
The carrier’s stint Stateside will conclude by expanding the US Marine Corps’ unique tilt-rotor MV-22 Ospreys operating limits.
The Ospreys are used to transport troops and kit into battle. Expanding the ship’s operating limits for all of these aircraft over the deployment will allow even greater capacity for joint operations in the future, culminating in HMS Prince of Wales’ global deployment in 2025. (Source: https://www.gov.uk/)
————————————————————————-
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 Home land 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
————————————————————————-