Sponsored by Echodyne
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18 Jan 24. Leading the forefront of silicon-based photonics innovation for nearly two decades, SIONYX is redefining the landscape of low-light imaging solutions. SIONYX is a key collaborator with both the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) and law enforcement and has played a
pivotal role in delivering cutting-edge night vision solutions to our Armed Forces – most notably for the Army’s Augmented Reality Goggle Program, IVAS.
SIONYX technology now takes a leap forward with the unveiling of NightScan, a rugged IP surveillance camera with groundbreaking performance. NightScan is designed for remote, covert, and 24/7
surveillance in the most challenging and harsh environments. SIONYX’s commitment to advancing camera technology underscores its dedication to empowering defense and security operations with this
state-of-the-art capability.
Harnessing the power of SIONYX’s proprietary XQE-1350/1351 CMOS sensor technology, NightScan introduces advanced features that facilitate networked video capture in remote environments, both day
and night. Tailored to meet the needs of top law enforcement and military agencies, this innovative camera is a compelling alternative to existing surveillance capabilities in tactical environments. It also
serves as a solution for monitoring critical infrastructure and commercial properties when the lights go out. Its versatile design ensures enhanced functionality, making it an invaluable asset for a range of security applications.
NightScan Key Features:
- Remote Operation:
○Remote-controlled and capable of recording.
○ Can connect via ethernet to IP networks with Power over Ethernet (PoE) or local battery
for sustained operation.
○ Fully integrated with military radios for wireless video feeds.
- Covert:
○ Designed with minimal aesthetic, the camera is compact and crafted for undetectability in
critical areas.
○ Features Motion Detect (video and I/O) for user alerts.
- Surveillance in Noon-Day Sundown to Moonless Starlight:
○ Provides low-light imaging without the need for near-infrared light illumination.
○ Includes integrated auto features that enable the camera to be used in a variety of lighting
conditions – even when the environment appears completely black to the human eye.
○ Available in full-color or monochromeversions, delivering 720p HD resolution.
- Rugged and Versatile:
○ Can be left unattended for extended time periods, reliably functioning in challenging
terrains and harsh conditions.
○ Features versatile mounting options for connection to various platforms, including ATVs,
UAVs, UGVs, etc.
○ IP67-rated with full environmental certifications (shock, vibration, EMI, thermal, etc.).
“The introduction of the NightScan camera redefines how operators strategically survey in the field and
operate in extreme low-light conditions,” said Martin Pralle, PhD, Vice President of Business
Development at SIONYX. “We take immense pride in supporting the U.S. DOD and law enforcement,
and are excited to play a pivotal role in advancing intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance
capabilities for our Armed Forces and beyond.”
The NightScan camera, set to be available for order in Spring 2024, will be showcased at SHOT Show in January 2024.
18 Jan 24. Typhoon integrates European Common Radar System Mark 2.
The Typhoon will receive the cutting-edge prototype ECRS Mk 2 radar system with multi-functional array from Leonardo.
The Defence Equipment & Support agency announced 17 January 2024, that the Typhoon fighter jet is set to be equipped with one of the world’s most advanced radar systems ahead of initial flight trials, as part of a £2.35bn ($2.98bn) investment aimed at upgrading the capabilities of the Typhoon.
The European Common Radar System (ECRS) Mark 2 is produced by Leonardo, and allows the Typhoon to concurrently detect, identify, and track multiple air and ground targets while also engaging in electronic warfare tasks.
The RAF announced it would integrate the ECRS Mk2 in July 2022, with the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) awarding the contract to Leonardo and BAE for £317m.
Group Captain Matt D’Aubyn, Assistant Head Control of the Air and Typhoon Programme Director, noted the significance of this integration, highlighting its role in maintaining Typhoon’s air control capabilities and technological superiority.
The advanced radar system, equipped with a multi-functional array (MFA), underwent ground-based testing by BAE Systems before being integrated into the Typhoon test aircraft.
Andy Holden, Radar Delivery Director at BAE Systems’ Air sector, commented on the integration, stating that equipping the Typhoon with the advanced radar will reinforce its role as a central figure in combat air defence into the future.
The upgrade programme should sustain approximately 1,300 engineering jobs in the UK over the next decade. The prototype radar will undergo further tests and ground runs before initial flight trials scheduled for later this year.
Lyndon Hoyle, the Head of the Typhoon Delivery Team, emphasised the importance of this development in enhancing the technological prowess of the UK Armed Forces.
With a view to the future adoption of the ECRS Mk2, engineers from Leonardo’s Nerviano, a Milan-based radar site, have joined the team in Edinburgh. This collaboration will enable acquisition system design capabilities to ensure that the Italian MoD has sovereign control over the new radar system at every stage of its operational life.
(Source: airforce-technology.com)
18 Jan 24. Germany demonstrates passive radar system using Starlink satellite radiation. Germany has built a passive radar demonstrator that tracks targets using radiation from Starlink satellites opportunistically.
Germany has been investigating a new passive radar system for target detection and imaging using the signal from the Starlink satellite network, with details of a functioning demonstrator appearing in the latest annual report from Germany’s Ministry of Defence on defence technology, published on 15 January 2024.
The opportunistic use of existing transmitters from the Starlink network opens the door for covert operation that is robust against jamming and better at detecting stealth targets, according to the report.
Even by modern standards, Starlink is a massive constellation, consisting of more than 3000 satellites. From an altitude of 550km, the low earth orbit satellites provide global, all weather coverage with a strong bandwidth signal to Starlink’s customers, and also users in Ukraine.
For the purposes of Fraunhofer Institute for High Frequency Physics and Radar Techniques (FHR), designers of the SABBIA 2.0 passive radar system demonstrator, this is an ideal set of circumstances. The large number of Starlink satellites means that objects can be illuminated from multiple directions, bringing to sight objects that might be obscured in practical situations where there is only one transmitter.
The system uses one high-gain reference antenna to track a selected Starlink satellite and copy its signal, and a second surveillance antenna pointed towards an observation area to receive echoes from its target.
By observing the behaviour of the Starlink satellite, the SABBIA 2.0 passive radar system can detect targets without emitting its own radar signal. It can also operate from a moving platform, such as a ship, as it does not emit a signal from its location, and its own movement can be compensated.
As well the energy-saving benefits that come from opportunistically using Starlink radiation to run a passive radar system, the system is difficult to detect by adversaries, and therefore cannot be easily disturbed by interference radiation.
A new prototype from FHR has begun combing the Starlink signal with radiation from geostationary television satellites to generate continuous radar imaging, allowing radar images that can be recorded for remote sensing. (Source: army-technology.com)
19 Jan 24. German Bridging Troops Deploy New Sonar Drone. Overwater Drone for Minden Pioneers. The German/British Pioneer Bridge Battalion 130 from Minden is known for its Amphibious M3 floating rapid bridge, with which it is the only unit in the army to be so equipped. Now the Minden pioneers have received additional new technology that allows them to prepare and then create water crossings even more quickly. With the Sonobot 5 overwater drone, pioneers can explore waters effectively and precisely.
With the Sonobot 5, the soldiers from Minden are receiving a drone for the first time, which is one of the fastest floating unmanned sonar systems in the world. It is used for survey and search operations in lakes, canals and many other conceivable scenarios. The pioneers use this technology to measure military-planned crossing points and check their suitability. With the drone, the pioneers are able to detect objects hidden under water such as scrap, mines, shoals or large obstacles in shipping channels and locate them precisely.
Precise, flexible, versatile and military robust
The Sonobot 5 is a system platform that was specifically designed to meet the needs of hydrographic surveying in inland waters. In classic water surveying, so-called bathymetry, the earth’s surface, including the natural and artificial objects that are firmly connected to it, is measured and described in detail. The Sonobot 5 can do that. And it can use the side-view sonar to display the bottom of the water clearly and with great precision. This provides the pioneers with a very light, remote-controlled and modular measuring system. Depending on the task, the pioneers adapt their Sonobot.
“The acquisition of the Sonobot 5 means one thing above all for us as Minden pioneers: we are now able to explore and measure water crossings digitally, quickly and under the protection of cover.
“On top of that, the exploration results can be made available to the responsible military leaders in real time,” explained Lieutenant Colonel Florian Loges, commander of the German/British Engineer Bridge Battalion 130.
So far, the soldiers have carried out the survey of a body of water using an inflatable boat and the water depth recording device (WaTAG). The WaTAG was attached to the dinghy body and recorded the river profile using an echo sounder. The recorded water profile was then printed out. Such an expression could be used to identify the depth of the water as well as shallows or obstacles in the water.
Based on these exploration results, the pioneers decided whether they should set up a crossing point at this point and what means they would have to use to do so. (Unofficial translation by Defense-Aerospace.com)
(Source: https://www.defense-aerospace.com/ Bundeswehr; issued Jan 17, 2024)
17 Jan 24. Aimpoint releases new products.
Aimpoint®, the originator and worldwide leader in red dot sighting technology, announces the release of the new Aimpoint® Acro S-2™ sight for SHOT Show 2024 and Industry Day at the Range™. Designed specifically for use on shotguns with a ventilated rib, the Acro S-2 greatly enhances hit percentage for small games, bird hunting and on the sporting clays course. The sight provides a compact, low-profile optic for shotgun hunters and sport shooters.
The integrated carbon fiber reinforced mounting system positions the Acro S-2™ on the lowest possible optical axis without adding unnecessary weight. The optic attaches directly to the ventilated rib and includes eight interchangeable adapter plates to accommodate most standard shotguns. The large 9 MOA red dot simplifies lead visualization, enhancing the automatic refinement of muzzle swing and positioning.
The Aimpoint® Acro S-2 is sleek with no protruding features, providing a clear field of view with both eyes open. The low optical axis of 15 mm allows for proper mounting of the gun to the cheek. For shooters who are cross-eye dominance, this new sight allows the shooter to use their strong side while shooting without an ocular or having to switch sides all together.
“Adding the Acro S-2™ sight to your shotgun provides invaluable feedback, as the red dot shows exactly where the bore is relative to the target. It makes a superb training tool for beginners, shortens the learning curve, and providing immediate success,” says Brian Lisankie, President of Aimpoint Inc.
Aimpoint® introduces the new Aimpoint 3X-P Magnifier. Designed to work in conjunction with Aimpoint red dot sights, the 3X-P™ is a 3x power magnifying module built to withstand the demands of professional end-users.
The Aimpoint® 3X-P features a variable dioptric setting (-2 to +2), allowing the magnifier to be adjusted to the individual user’s eye and an ergonomic design with protective rubber cover for a sure grip when used as a handheld device. Offered at an affordable price point, the 3X-P is the ideal solution to increase the distance of your aiming solution without sacrificing the advantage of extremely quick target acquisition.
Whether it is paired with an Aimpoint red dot sight or used as a handheld monocular, the 3X-P™ provides a crisp sight picture with a generous field of view. Utilizing the red dot in Aimpoint sights as the aiming reticle eliminates the need for re-zeroing when shifting between non-magnified and magnified aiming. The magnifier may be used with the quick-detach Aimpoint® TwistMount, or with the FlipMount™ which allows the magnifier to be quickly flipped in or out of the optical axis or removed from the firearm completely.
“This magnifier increases the capabilities for many users of Aimpoint sights,” said Erik Jeppsson, Director Marketing & Sales Worldwide for Aimpoint. “We now offer a magnifier that fits the needs of demanding professionals, while maintaining a budget-friendly price point.”
Aimpoint is introducing two new versions of the Acro P-2 in Cerakote® coatings, Sniper Grey and Flat Dark Earth. These new variations are available from authorized Aimpoint dealers and aimpoint.us for immediate purchase.
Ever since its introduction in 2021, response to the Aimpoint® Acro P-2 has been outstanding, with worldwide adoption by hunters, sport shooters, law enforcement and military customers. Listening to end users is part of Aimpoint’s doctrine and continues to fuel our product offerings. These two new optics are coated with extremely durable Cerakote® finishes – known worldwide for their corrosion and chemical resistance, UV and thermal stability, and durability under extreme conditions.
The Acro P-2™ represents the benchmark for which all pistol mounted optics are measured. Designed and tested to withstand the shock, vibration, extreme temperatures, and material stresses generated by firing over 20,000 rounds of .40 S&W ammunition, the Acro P-2 goes above and beyond the call of duty. Built to endure the physical demands of semi-automatic pistol slides, the Acro P-2 is a closed emitter red dot optic that includes a brighter, more efficient LED emitter coupled with a higher capacity CR2032 battery to provide over 5 years of constant-on use.
11 Jan 24. UK government seeks ‘hard kill’ counter-UAS solution for non-military use. The United Kingdom Home Office on 9 January published a Request for Information (RfI) seeking market information and potential for a possible procurement of a ‘kinetic effector’ solution (better known as a ‘hard kill’ solution) for use in countering hostile or malicious drones.
By way of background, the RfI, in part, states: “’Kinetic effector’ is often referred to as a ‘hard kill’ or ‘hard stop’ solution, but could also allow the physical capture and retrieval of a drone […] Various methods capture, entangle or physically disable a drone, preventing it from reaching the intended target or carrying out the intended mission. Because of how they operate, kinetic effectors may be classed as ‘firearms’ and, as such, the operational use of them is limited. For this RfI, ‘kinetic effectors’ includes ammunition for existing firearms or platforms, as well as bespoke systems such as ‘smart’ weapons sighting systems”.
The Counter Drones unit of the National Police Chiefs Council (NPCC Counter Drones) coordinates appropriate activity with national equipment and training that is interoperable using ‘mutual aid’ for all Home Office forces. Police Scotland, Police Service of Northern Ireland, Ministry of Defence Police, Civil Nuclear Constabulary, British Transport Police, and the National Crime Agency also accord with the principles set out in the national model that, in future, will be covered under the College of Policing’s Authorised Professional Practice (Counter Drones) (APP) for the deployment, training and use of counter drones equipment.
For access to the RfI document, email the authorities at the link below, requesting the RfI document related to kinetic effctors. A document will then be sent for completion and should be returned to the same e-mail address by 12pm local on 3 February 2024. For more information: (Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)
17 Jan 24. Cuashub.com said today that 24th MEU Conducts Urban Counter-Drone Training in Virginia. At Fort Barfoot, Virginia, recently, the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) employed a variety of counter-unmanned aerial systems (CUAS) during Realistic Urban Training (RUT). The urban counter-drone training is meant to address and overcome the evolving threats posed by small unmanned aerial systems (sUAS).
The decreasing cost of sUAS has facilitated their weaponization, leading to a proliferation of these systems in the battlespace. The constant innovation in sUAS technology significantly impacts tactical operations. Through RUT, Marines of the 24th MEU focus on enhancing their proficiency in detecting, tracking, identifying, and neutralizing sUAS threats.
The 24th MEU is equipped with the Light Marine Air Defense Integrated System (L-MADIS). The L-MADIS can inform the Marines on the ground of the presence of enemy UAS and protect them from unwanted aerial reconnaissance or ordnance.
“The need is great for C-UAS systems in the battlespace,” said 1st Lt. Daniel Butler, a low altitude air defense (LAAD) officer with 2nd LAAD detachment, 24th MEU. “We keep the Marines on the ground safe from small aerial threats, often before they even know they were there. The L-MADIS system is a great tool to counter enemy UAS capabilities. It is specifically tailored to counter commercial off-the-shelf drones that have been retrofitted to serve a military purpose.”
During RUT, the LAAD Marines from the 24th MEU collaborate with the MEU’s aviation and ground combat elements. Operating the L-MADIS, the Marines establish a counter-sUAS posture, employing the following procedures:
- Detect: On-board sensors scan the airspace for anomalies near protected troops, equipment, or locations. Operators are alerted through audio and visual cues upon contact.
- Track: The target is continuously tracked along its flight path, allowing operators to monitor the unidentified target and comprehend its intent.
- Identify: Utilizing optical sensors, operators examine the target to confirm whether it is an sUAS. If identified as such, the L-MADIS team notifies command and control elements to assess whether the sUAS threatens troops or equipment.
- Defeat: When within range, the L-MADIS jams the communications between the sUAS and its operator.
After RUT, the 24th MEU is one step closer to being certified as deployable and ready to support geographic combatant commanders as the Nation’s premier crisis response force. RUT provides the 24th MEU the opportunity to operate in unfamiliar environments, integrate units of the Marine Air Ground Task Force, and train toward being designated as special operations capable. (Reference)
https://cuashub.com/en/content/24th-meu-conducts-urban-counter-drone-training-in-virginia/?_hsmi=290320423&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-86gXNQGVaWlnpR481HwSsE0XWC3QuVHc6TEauMC5r2eyPtIsxV8ef5RRE8B01UdQkDb_sDakh0nDPQO84bL91ljnA1i-E7eQBGZpMutIx2wQ-juGE#utm_campaign=C-UAS%20Hub%20General&utm_medium=email&utm_content=290320423&utm_source=hs_email (Source: https://cuashub.com/)
17 Jan 24. Cuashub.com said today that Drone with 7.62 mm gun attached completes first tests. Turkish company Asisguard announced the successful initial test firing of the 7.62 mm gun ammunition version for SONGAR. The system was developed through collaboration with Sarsılmaz and Asisguard. The SONGAR drone, which originally integrated 5.56×45 mm caliber rifles, has now incorporated the SAR 15T, a Turkish-produced domestic infantry rifle with a 7.62×39 mm caliber. This marks the first instance of a weapon of this caliber being employed in the SONGAR drone, significantly extending its firing range from 100 meters to 400 meters with the SAR 15T. This enhancement aims to minimize the risk of the drone being targeted by adversaries. (Reference)
https://cuashub.com/en/content/drone-with-7-62-mm-gun-attached-completes-first-tests/?_hsmi=290320423&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9rQ0J1JR3dG5oILMDrDe-gEqnUXjqbCedtZOe1YxIUJQWRI4T2_NKDth6f8XJ5dHvR6XpNohmxH0v2HZYPf9_oPBqvyHFJXduX7oPTAMPz-LBp974#utm_campaign=C-UAS%20Hub%20General&utm_medium=email&utm_content=290320423&utm_source=hs_email (Source: https://cuashub.com/)
17 Jan 24. Cuashub.com said today that Kratos Receives $50m in Awards for C-UAS and Air Defense Tech. Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc., a technology company specializing in defense, national security, and global markets, has announced the reception of approximately $50m in recent awards for products and hardware. These awards include support for Counter Unmanned Aerial Systems (C-UAS), Air Defense, and Radar Systems. The total value encompasses contracts and programs granted to Kratos on a single award or sole source basis. Kratos is a leading industry player in systems, hardware, and microwave electronics, particularly for CUAS, unmanned aerial drones, missiles, radar, and air defense systems. The company prioritizes affordability as a key technology, with offerings designed for rapid, cost-effective manufacturing and production at scale. The work for these awards will take place at secure Kratos manufacturing facilities and customer locations. Due to security, competitive, and other considerations, no further information will be disclosed.
Eric DeMarco, President and CEO of Kratos, emphasized the company’s commitment to supporting the defense and security needs of the U.S. warfighter and allied forces, especially in current contested and high-intensity conflict areas worldwide. He highlighted Kratos’ competitive edge in rapidly developing, producing, and delivering relevant and affordable solutions at scale. DeMarco views this capability as a key differentiator for Kratos, benefiting the company, its customers, teammates, and partners in the contemporary global security and defense landscape.
https://d2gg3k04.na1.hubspotlinks.com/Ctc/W4+113/d2GG3k04/DVH3r2jCt8W1SZBKK8vYxfTW1qZjFf58nMMrN2SX22Y5nXHsW50kH_H6lZ3kSW6_gR6Q20RzrjW9kmgzf2Pcgd_W5hfDRB3JMVgqW1Q9KbG570hvxW1TDk1S6BHw6nN8Nh-lq_WzPdW6v-Prt3dfhNHW8K4t6H5WcfK_W7wtDb-8pVJMnW3jsFzf92Zxr2W39H-MV3QWvcVW7R-bLH7p8c_tW1LDnlp1XhrXMW4GDDl497CCVHW7sn-M04zkMT4W7Y0wJG2H21llW8txhxB8kYQnBW257J555kVxtgW8ZyHXn6NSXpMW4d7BlL5Ksv9-W5ZWj1D7QctDXN8gXXY5Tz9QlW8gMyMc2Qg3W9W7J_s906_7XW1W7FtWN-7gRBwyW87Htgc8M-qXxW6cn_dt3CnRnLW7NVY3B37NtkfW6xmWxp7jsx6lW6zt8l71WjKcMW1WYKjf4sQt55W2BttWR864tBZdX7yrv04 (Source: https://cuashub.com/)
12 Jan 24. Elistair and Rheinmetall Canada Partner on Unmanned ISR Solution for Military Users. Elistair, a supplier of long-endurance, tethered unmanned aircraft systems, announced that it has partnered with Rheinmetall Canada Inc. to provide military customers with an on-the-move ISR solution that combines Elistair’s fully automated KHRONOS tethered drone with the Mission Master family of unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs).
The new partnership follows closely on the heels of a successful demonstration of the KHRONOS and the Mission Master SP, an electric-powered UGV designed for resupply missions, overwatch, and payload carriage, before undisclosed European military officials at Rheinmetall Canada’s test track in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Québec.
“We are very excited to be collaborating with a major defense contractor like Rheinmetall Canada,” said Guilhem de Marliave, CEO of Elistair. “By combining their Mission Master family of UGVs with our push-button, long-endurance, automated KHRONOS drone, Rheinmetall Canada can provide customers with an advanced solution for unmanned reconnaissance and convoy escort.”
Elistair first unveiled KHRONOS last November. The tethered drone deploys from a transportable dronebox in under two minutes and can stay aloft, even when operating from a moving platform, for up to 24 hours at a stretch, providing continuous day/night coverage of an area 10 kilometers in radius.
The 30-kg (66-pound) KHRONOS can also fly in poor weather and in GPS/GNSS-Denied and RF-denied environments. “And thanks to its advanced automated features, it is easy to control, saving customers the heavy investment in training drone operators,” de Marliave said.
“The Mission Master family of UGVs can carry a variety of ISR payloads,” said Alain Tremblay, VP of Business Development and Innovation at Rheinmetall Canada. “But KHRONOS definitely has its advantages, and we see international interest given its innovative capacity to adapt to current and future complex theatres of operation.” First deliveries of the KHRONOS dronebox are set for March. (Source: UAS VISION)
15 Jan 24. Terma Unveils Revolutionary Drone Detection Radar Capability. Global leader in advanced radar and defense systems, Terma, is proud to introduce its revolutionary drone detection capability designed as an add-on to Terma’s existing radars.
Terma is excited to announce the release of its innovative drone detection capability for yet another radar series, marking a significant leap forward in drone detection technology with a system encompassing a suite of capabilities that redefine the industry with a precision detection that goes beyond conventional radar systems.
In October 2022, Terma launched a similar capability for naval surveillance radars of the SCANTER 6000 series. Now the time has come to augment land-based radars of the SCANTER 5000 series with superb drone detection capability.
Armed with artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning, the radar can comprehensively analyze incoming data in order to detect drones with exceptional accuracy, differentiating between drones and other flying objects e.g. flocks of birds and aircraft.
Offering an astounding detection range of 10 kilometers for 5 kg drones, the SCANTER 5000 series outperform most other products in the market and provides operators with an extended response time, enhancing situational awareness and response capabilities. Notably, the drone detection capability not only determines the direction of the drone or object but also classifies it, empowering operators with invaluable information for informed decision-making.
To consolidate confidence, the counter drone detection capability of the SCANTER 5000 operates seamlessly in a meticulous process divided into four crucial steps: Detect, Track, Classify, and Identify. This ensures the highest level of confidence in the results, leaving no room for uncertainty. Terma’s drone detection stands as a testament to innovation and reliability, delivering results, where many similar solutions have faltered and faced setbacks.
“We are thrilled to introduce our groundbreaking add-on, a true game-changer in drone detection technology. With its unparalleled precision, comprehensive data analysis, and impressive range, our counter drone capability sets a new standard for the industry. We are proud to offer this cutting-edge solution to our valued customers, enhancing security and safety across a range of applications.” says Jesper Tolstrup, Chief Specialist, Radar, Products & Programs at Terma.
Terma’s drone detection is tailored for a wide range of radar applications, including operators in ports, coastlines, offshore platforms, and critical infrastructure, proving particularly valuable for safeguarding wind farms and maritime oil platforms. Additionally, it can be deployed in civilian airports for drone detection and bird monitoring, enhancing safety and security.
Our drone detection capability for the SCANTER 5000 series radar is proof of our commitment and dedication to providing cutting-edge solutions that redefine the boundaries of what is possible in defense and security technology. (Source: https://www.defense-aerospace.com/)
15 Jan 24. In Resonance with General Pande’s Vision, MKU Pledges Tech-Fuelled Transformation for India’s Defence in 2024.
In the backdrop of a shifting geopolitical landscape and the emergence of unconventional challenges like proxy wars and grey zone warfare, the Indian Army has its sight set on rapid modernisation and self-sufficiency[PK1]. General Manoj Pande, Army Chief, indicated 2024 to be the year in which the technology will become the catalyst for rapid transformation[PK2]’. He emphasized, “This theme underscores our commitment to leverage technology as a catalyst for transformative change, as well as to utilize in-house expertise to innovate solutions to our operational and logistic requirements and give shape to these projects in collaboration with the domestic defence industry.”
General Pande’s statement clearly highlights that technology will play a pivotal role in enhancing the nation’s defence capabilities in the immediate and near future. Companies like MKU – leading defence technology company in India, stands at the forefront to propel such themes for the nation’s heroes. They have over four decades of experience in indigenous designing, developing and delivering the latest and most modern technologies for soldier and platform systems ranging from armouring solutions to night vision and thermal optronic technologies.
Over the past 40 years, MKU has grown to be an important contributor and supporter to 80% of India’s armed forces. They have consistently stood firm by providing the latest and advanced solutions for the most challenging requirements of the Indian Army, be it the emergency supply of over 10,000 mountaineering boots during the Kargil war, or to becoming the largest supplier of fibre glass helmets to the Indian Army in 1992 or delivering the largest contract for 158,000 advanced ballistic helmets in 2017. Their sentiments are aptly captured in their war cry “Sashakt Sainik Shaksham Bharat”
MKU’s Made-In-India Armouring and Optronic solutions are a testament to technological advancement of the army in light to General Pande’s statement. With MKU poised to introduce a myriad of innovative and customer-centric product lines and solutions, the upcoming year is expected to be ground-breaking one for the industry.
ABOUT MKU:
MKU Ltd. is a global defence and homeland security company on a mission to empower heroes. They are one of the leading solution providers for advanced optronics and ballistic protection solutions for soldiers and platforms for military, paramilitary, homeland security, police and special forces. With a customer base in over 100 countries, MKU strives to empower heroes, who stand in the line of duty, through their smart solutions that deliver confidence. Their operations are based in India and Germany. They have protected over 3 m soldiers and 3000+ platforms, across 230 forces, to date. Their Kavro protection solutions offer enhanced protection for soldiers and platforms, using smart technologies, design and features. These include combat helmets, body armour, ballistic shields as well as ballistic solutions for naval, air and land platforms and vehicles. Their Netro night vision and thermal devices provide excellent detection, identification & recognition capability to soldiers at night to enhance their night fighting capabilities.
15 Jan 24. UK surveillance specialist Chess Dynamics’ vehicle surveillance system, Hawkeye MMP, has demonstrated a world-leading electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) performance as part of the Norwegian Defence Materiel Agency’s (NDMA) Observation Targeting and Surveillance Systems (OTAS) project.
In meeting stringent requirements set by the NDMA, Hawkeye MMP has demonstrated its ability to meet the needs of the modern battlefield and survive, communicate and operate in the toughest electromagnetic conditions.
The unique requirements set out by the NDMA included standard EMC tests such as MIL-STD461 and specifically the precise Nuclear Electro Magnetic Pulse (NEMP). This was alongside more bespoke requirements to ensure compatibility with the vehicle’s existing high frequency, very high frequency and ultra-high frequency radio systems without any internal frequency interference.
Chess developed a multi-staged approach which included board-level testing, meeting UK-based EMC qualifications and complete vehicle system tests, as well as designing novel modular solutions to pass the NEMP testing at the first attempt. Steps were taken alongside the NDMA so that requirements were met while ensuring environmental and usability needs were not impacted.
Chris Henderson, Electronics Group Leader at Chess Dynamics said, “The demands of the battlefield today are increasingly complex and require adaptable, high-performance solutions. The NDMA required a technology of this kind that also met its own strict EMC requirements, and we are thrilled to have succeeded in this. This is a major achievement for Chess, and we believe this technology will be vital as resilience becomes increasingly important to surveillance capability.”
The customer said, “Chess Dynamics was able to provide a solution that passed the EMC tests, proving Hawkeye MMP’s ability to perform while remaining resilient on the battlefield. We look forward to our continued work with Chess as we look to continuously improve our surveillance capabilities.” For more information please visit www.chess-dynamics.com
12 Jan 24. US Navy reports successful tests of newest shipboard radar. U.S. Navy’s newest shipboard radar has spotted targets older radars cannot during two recent tests, according to the Program Executive Officer for Integrated Warfare Systems.
Rear Adm. Seiko Okano told Defense News in a December interview the Navy learned a lot from these major test events — the first-ever at-sea live fire test in September and an air raid test event in December — aboard the Flight III Arleigh Burke-class destroyer Jack H. Lucas.
The Raytheon-made AN/SPY-6 radar “performed as we expected, which is great,” she said, repeatedly calling its performance “fantastic.”
The new air and missile defense radar previously was used in a range of land-based tests and had some at-sea run time during Jack Lucas’ earlier sea trials. That work culminated in the event in September, where the destroyer tracked a target with the SPY-6 and then shot it down with a Standard Missile-2.
Mike Mills, Raytheon’s senior director of naval radar programs, said Jack Lucas will in the coming weeks sail to Hawaii, where it will continue testing its new radar ahead of a planned August declaration of initial operational capability.
Okano noted the radar had only seen about 30 days of at-sea testing at the time of the interview. The Navy and Raytheon will continue learning about what the radar is capable of detecting during the upcoming developmental testing period.
“Whenever you put a radar out to sea, it’s just putting her through its paces [and] tuning the radar. You’re tuning it for the environments: a whole bunch of clutter or atmospherics or whatever that is — you’re adjusting the sensitivity of the radar because you’ve got a really sensitive instrument” that may be picking up more than the sailors aboard need to see, she added.
Informing a family of systems
SPY-6 is a family of radars. The Flight III destroyers were designed around having the SPY-6(V)1 air and missile defense radar, which is the largest and most capable radar of the family.
SPY-6(V)2 is a smaller rotating enterprise air surveillance radar that will go aboard amphibious ships and the Nimitz-class aircraft carriers. The first (V)2 radar is already installed on San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock Richard M. McCool Jr., which used the radar at sea during its recent builder’s trials.
(V)3 is a fixed enterprise air surveillance radar that will go aboard frigates and Ford-class aircraft carriers. The first one is already installed aboard new carrier John F. Kennedy, which is still in construction. Raytheon will help activate the radar this spring, Mills said.
(V)4 is a smaller air and missile defense radar that’s being backfitted onto Flight IIA Arleigh Burke destroyers through an upgrade program called DDG Mod 2.0.
The first destroyer to go through this program, the Pinckney, received its Surface Electronic Warfare Improvement Program Block III system in a recent shipyard availability at the General Dynamics NASSCO yard in San Diego. Following more testing and a deployment, the ship will return to receive the SPY-6(V)4 in a second availability. Mills said that will likely happen in late 2026.
Eventually, the Flight IIA ships will receive both the radar and the electronic warfare package in the same two-year yard period, DDG Mod 2.0 program manager Capt. Tim Moore said in a presentation at the Surface Navy Association’s annual conference in January.
Mills said the lessons learned on Jack Lucas — including the Navy and Raytheon’s efforts to fine-tune the radar and tweak its software — will apply to the other variants. When Richard McCool and John F. Kennedy begin their at-sea testing, he said, the radars should require less adjustment.
Navy SPY-6 program manager Capt. Jesse Mink said in a separate presentation at the conference that “the idea is, we continue to learn every time a ship goes to sea, every test that occurs — maybe it’s not on the same ship class, maybe it’s not the same version, but that code will be reused so that we don’t have to test it again.”
On the production side, Okano said Raytheon’s heavily automated production facility is churning out radars, such that “we have them now stacked up in warehouses.”
Mills said the company has nearly finished the work awarded in the first low-rate initial production contract signed in 2017.
In 2022 and 2023, the Navy awarded Raytheon hardware production and sustainment contract options — essentially a full-rate production contract, but not formally called that until the radar reaches initial operational capability, Mills said. He said he expects the next in the coming months and then a final option in March 2025, ahead of an early 2026 full-rate production contract to allow for continuous production. (Source: Defense News)
12 Jan 24. Cuashub.com said today that Future of Warfare: Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems. Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems- Future of Warfare is a work by Apratim Sharma. Throughout the history of warfare, nations that have effectively and innovatively utilized technology have often emerged victorious. Military revolutions frequently stem from technological innovations, and the current global landscape is undergoing a profound and rapid transformation with the widespread deployment of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS). These UAS play a pivotal role in various conflicts, including conventional ones like Nagorno–Karabakh (Azerbaijan–Armenia), the ongoing Russia–Ukraine conflict, and the unconventional ‘Global War on Terror’ in Afghanistan. The collaborative and innovative use of UAS has become a defining factor in modern conflicts. As a result, it is crucial for contemporary military forces to possess effective counter-UAS capabilities, as these capabilities are expected to redefine the future of warfare.
This paper explores the prospective roles of UAS, scrutinizes their tactical, operational, and strategic impact, evaluates their vulnerabilities, and, having identified the necessity for counter-UAS (C-UAS) capabilities in future wars, proposes a C-UAS philosophy, methodology, kill chain, and a plausible approach tailored to the context of India.
Publication Date– 2022
Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems- Future of Warfare contains the following major sections:
- Historical Perspective: Unmanned Aerial Warfare
- Genesis: Unmanned Operations
- UAS Operations
- Lethal UAS Operations: The Kill Chain
- UAS Vulnerability
- UAS Countermeasures
- C-UAS Kill Chain
- C-UAS Kill Chain: Execution
- C-UAS Philosophy: Recommended Structure
- C-UAS Strategy
- C-UAS Developments: Review and Recommendations
- Way Forward: Enabling Forces
- Conclusion
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Author- Apratim Sharma
https://cuashub.com/en/content/future-of-warfare-counter-unmanned-aircraft-systems/?_hsmi=289760705&_hsenc=p2ANqtz–_PeMCV5HrXPOOXUP2IWUq77fmkuQQ1J59OVurZL48E4omnZbwenE-GfH8cuXZ5L6l4lDXHYDq-v696krL-u1CZe67vvW6xAbhqjJRjzGJF8ST5NQ#utm_campaign=C-UAS%20Hub%20General&utm_medium=email&utm_content=289760705&utm_source=hs_email (Source: https://cuashub.com/)
12 Jan 24. Cuashub.com said today that Drone vs. Bird Detection: Deep Learning Algorithms and Results.
Drone vs. Bird Detection: Deep Learning Algorithms and Results from a Grand Challenge is a research report by Angelo Coluccia, Alessio Fascita, Arne Schumann, Lars Sommer, Anastasios Dimou, Dimitrios Zarpalas, Miguel Méndez, Daivd de la Iglesia, Iago, González, Jean-Phillipe Mercier, Guillaume Gagné, Arka Mitra, and Shobha Rajashekar.
The imperative to automatically detect and identify small drones has become crucial for various public and private stakeholders. This study introduces three distinct original approaches that participated in a grand challenge addressing the “Drone vs. Bird” detection problem.
The objective is to identify one or more drones within video sequences featuring potential distractors like birds and other objects, along with background or foreground motion. The algorithms are designed to raise alarms and provide accurate position estimates exclusively when drones are present, avoiding false alarms on birds or confusion with the surrounding scene.
The study focuses on three original approaches utilizing different deep learning strategies, evaluating their performance on a real-world dataset from the 2020 edition of the Drone vs. Bird Detection Challenge, provided by a consortium of universities and research centers. Results indicate varying difficulty levels among test sequences, influenced by factors like drone size and shape visibility, with sequences recorded by a moving camera and distant drones posing the most significant challenges. The performance analysis highlights complementary strengths among the different approaches, considering correct detection rate, false alarm rate, and average precision.
Publication Date– April 2021
Drone vs. Bird Detection: Deep Learning Algorithms and Results from a Grand Challenge contains the following main sections:
- Introduction
- Drone vs. Bird Challenge 2020
- Related Work
- Gradient Team
- EagleDrone Team
- Alexis Team
- Performance Comparison
- Conclusions
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(Source: https://cuashub.com/)
BATTLESPACE Comment: The Editor followed this subject in our Feature ‘The Pelican Effect,’ which can be found in our Sept/Oct C-UAS Special Issue on www.battle-technology.com
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