Sponsored by Echodyne
www.echodyne.com
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10 Sept 24. Exosens and Theon have signed a multi-year image intensifier tubes delivery agreement for 2025/2026 with an option for 2027 including volumes commitment, covering Theon needs and enabling Exosens to smooth out its operations in an increasing market demand.
Exosens, a high-tech company focused on providing mission and performance-critical amplification, detection and imaging devices, today announces the signature of a supply agreement with volumes and notice period commitments, covering two years until end of 2026, with an option for 2027, with Theon, a leading developer and manufacturer of customizable night vision and thermal imaging systems for defense and security applications.
This agreement gives the opportunity to Exosens to further optimize its manufacturing and supply chain operations while strengthening its capability to better respond to the increasing market demand.
Over the years, night vision has become central to modern warfare, as operations increasingly take place at night. This evolution has been reinforced by the geopolitical situation with recent conflict in Ukraine which now involve high intensity combat. Drawing on decades of expertise, Photonis, brand of Exosens, offers image intensifier tubes, the engine of night vision devices, which improve soldiers’ tactical situational awareness, agility and mobility, as well as their targeting and driving capabilities, even on the darkest of nights. Photonis 4G and 4G+ products have been selected by the armies of all major European countries and by NATO forces, who recognized the unique product performance in the battlefield.
“This agreement is the result of long-lasting relationship with Theon, one of our OEM customers. We’re very pleased to continue to manufacture and deliver high quality key products in a growing environment. Our investment in production capability enables us to meet the requirements of our End Users to remain the undisputed world leader and image intensifier tubes manufacturer. This agreement is providing us with the means to optimize our manufacturing operations and supply chain in the years to come and, at the same time, maintain the flexibility required to answer fast evolving demand.” commented Jérôme Cerisier, CEO of Exosens.
“Image Intensification Tubes are a critical component of Night Vision goggles, representing a significant portion of their cost. Theon has been taking measures to ensure its long-term ability to deliver to its existing customers, as well as to accommodate further expected growth in its revenues in 2025-2026 and thus, higher demand of tubes.” added Christian Hadjiminas, CEO of Theon.
ABOUT EXOSENS:
Exosens is a high-tech company, with more than 85 years of experience in the innovation, development, manufacturing and sale of high-end electro-optical technologies in the field of amplification, detection and imaging. Today, it offers its customers detection components and solutions such as travelling wave tubes, advanced cameras, neutron & gamma detectors, instrument detectors and light intensifier tubes. This allows Exosens to respond to complex issues in extremely demanding environments by offering tailor-made solutions to its customers. Thanks to its sustained investments, Exosens is internationally recognized as a major innovator in optoelectronics, with production and R&D carried out on 10 sites, in Europe and North America and with over 1,600 employees
Exosens is listed on compartment A of the regulated market of Euronext Paris (Ticker: EXENS – ISIN: FR001400Q9V2) and is a member of Euronext Tech Leaders segment. For more information: exosens.com
10 Sept 24. DYZNE to collaborate with ROMARM on Romanian defence.
September 10, 2024 Kylie Bielby Counter-UAS systems and policies
DZYNE Technologies (United States) and ROMARM SA (Romania) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on Romanian defence capabilities.
DZYNE develops a range of counter-uncrewed aerial systems technologies for defence and civil applications. The company will work alongside ROMARM and Romanian defence companies to research, design, and produce tailored solutions for border security, critical infrastructure protection, and other domestic security domains.
Highlander Partners, which owns DZYNE, has already made substantial investments in Romania. This MoU marks an extension of this cooperation into the defence sector. (Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)
10 Sept 24. MITRE Licenses CARPE Dronvm Technology to AeroParagon for Advanced Drone Detection and Response. MITRE and AeroParagon have established a licensing agreement to integrate MITRE’s CARPE Dronvm smartphone app into AeroParagon’s product suite. CARPE Dronvm, developed in collaboration with U.S. Air Forces Central (AFCENT), empowers military personnel and first responders to rapidly identify and report suspicious drone activity. AeroParagon is productizing the technology to enhance both Department of Defense operations and commercial critical infrastructure security.
CARPE Dronvm enables users to capture real-time drone imagery that is quickly processed using MITRE’s advanced computer-vision and AI algorithms. These algorithms confirm the presence of drones, pinpoint their location, and trigger alerts that are communicated to nearby users and relevant authorities. This innovative solution leverages the widespread use of smartphones and human observation to provide a cost-effective, rapid-response tool for monitoring and managing drone activity in vulnerable areas, soft targets, and crowded venues.
“MITRE’s value is in our ability to bridge advanced research with practical, real-world implementation to fill important gaps,” said Eliahu Niewood, vice president, Air and Space Forces, MITRE. “With AeroParagon commercializing CARPE Dronvm, we amplify its impact, evolving from innovative concept to a working prototype and now into tools for the broader security industry.”
“This licensing agreement marks a critical milestone in our mission to make cutting-edge drone detection technology more accessible,” said Markus Hogue, CEO of AeroParagon. “By integrating CARPE Dronvm into our counter-drone solutions, we’re broadening its reach and significantly enhancing safety and security in both government and commercial sectors.”About MITRE
MITRE’s mission-driven teams are dedicated to solving problems for a safer world. Through our public-private partnerships and federally funded R&D centers, we work across government and in partnership with industry to tackle challenges to the safety, stability, and well-being of our nation. Learn more at mitre.org.
About AeroParagon
AeroParagon is at the forefront of developing dual-use, low-cost counter-drone solutions and is pioneering layered drone defense systems. AeroParagon recently secured first place in the Army xTechSearch 8 competition and earned second place in the National Security Innovation Network (NSIN) Forge competition. Contact: (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)
12 Sep 24. Cuashub.com said today that NATO calls for civil and military unity in C-UAS efforts. At the Counter UAS Homeland Security Europe 2024 conference Sean Bittick, C-UAS and Capability Development Officer at NATO, discussed a key aspect of the alliance’s ongoing C-UAS efforts. According to Bittick, bridging the civil-military divide in countering the evolving threats posed by Class I UAS is a major focus for NATO currently.
This focus comes as the alliance recognises the increasing need for seamless collaboration between military operations and civil authorities in addressing the challenges posed by drones.
Bittick highlighted the complexities of the relationship between civilian and military sectors in managing drone threats, explaining that these two worlds, while interconnected, often lack effective communication channels.
“Coordination is key,” he emphasised, adding that countries must adopt “a non-parochial approach” to countering UAS threats. This means leveraging the strengths of both sides without letting bureaucratic or institutional boundaries hinder the effort.
One of the notable successes in this area has been seen in the United Kingdom. Bittick praised the UK for doing a “fantastic job” in merging defence and civilian drone efforts, using it as a model for how other NATO countries can address this issue. However, he was quick to acknowledge that even in the UK, challenges remain.
“Obviously nothing’s perfect and there’s still plenty of work to be done every day,” he said.
The evolving nature of drone threats, which have moved from non-state actors to state-sponsored use in conventional warfare, has further complicated the coordination required between civil and military stakeholders. Bittick explained that the rapid pace of technological change, along with the shifting nature of threats, has pushed NATO to rethink its strategies.
“The rapid pace of change is fundamentally reshaping the way that conventional wars will be fought,” Bittick said, highlighting the need for better integration across sectors.
Addressing the challenges
To address these challenges, NATO has embarked on a series of exercises and training programs aimed at improving interoperability between civil and military entities. For instance, the TRON 25 exercise will focus on building foundational UAS skills, combining military expertise with lessons learned from civilian use cases. This and other initiatives are designed to foster a greater understanding of how the two sectors can complement one another in countering drone threats.
Another significant obstacle Bittick pointed out is the need for legislative changes in many countries. While advocacy for these changes is ongoing, Bittick warned that such changes often come too slowly to be effective in rapidly evolving threat environments.
“By the time you do [get legislative change], it won’t be useful,” he noted, stressing the importance of working within existing frameworks while pushing for long-term improvements.
Ultimately, Bittick’s message was clear. The only way to effectively counter the growing UAS threat is through better communication, coordination and integration between civil and military authorities. This is not just about operational readiness but about fostering a new way of thinking about drone defence that is agile enough to adapt to future challenges.
(Source: https://cuashub.com/)
12 Sep 24. Cuashub.com said today that Austrian Armed Forces deploy AARTOS for airshow defence. At the Airpower24 airshow, the Austrian Armed Forces and AARONIA Austria deployed a collaborative effort, and the AARTOS system, to safeguard against illegal drone activity or hostile drone threats. Held in early September in Zeltweg, Austria, the event featured 206 aircraft from over 20 countries. AARONIA’s AARTOS DDS system, an advanced anti-drone solution that the Austrian military has used since 2018, played a key role in ensuring safety throughout the airshow. The event involved aerobatic teams such as the Flying Bulls and the Austrian Armed Forces’ Eurofighters.
The AARTOS system, a key part of the Austrian Armed Forces’ “Electronic Warfare for Drone Defense” (ELDRO) strategy, was enhanced this year with a fully automatic 28-meter mast system, equipped with a high-performance RF sensor. This allowed the system to monitor the entire frequency spectrum and provide 360° coverage of the airspace.
A key feature of AARTOS is its ability to detect and locate illegal drones and their operators in real time. With its precision, the system can track drone positions, flight paths and operator locations with an accuracy of five meters, allowing military police to swiftly locate unauthorised operators.
What made this year’s deployment of the AARTOS system particularly effective was its modular design, which allowed for seamless integration of radar, cameras and sensors. This improved the system’s ability to cover complex topographical conditions in real time and simplify operational management, a critical factor for a large-scale event like Airpower24.
The robust anti-drone defences not only intercepted several unauthorised drones the night before the event but also prevented any incidents during the show itself. AARONIA’s mobile solution has already proven its reliability at other high-profile events, such as Formula 1 and MotoGP, and has demonstrated its effectiveness in maintaining security and preventing unauthorised drone activity at large events.
https://cuashub.com/en/content/austrian-armed-forces-deploy-aartos-for-airshow-defence/?utm_campaign=C-UAS%20Hub%20General&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-8P5SnGAdMeAZdFg9WGeniRx-H2coeV99Sk_nTBQGRIzR_r58D2cEGpiEsgyoeHzWqsQoTSE3QL0jU5qOAYAHVKZ6-rkByxFwkorkjJ7s1HIimZNo0&_hsmi=324237747&utm_content=324237747&utm_source=hs_email (Source: https://cuashub.com/)
09 Sept 24. Chinese drill against UAV swarm yields limited success. PGZ-09 self-propelled anti-aircraft artillery units on parade in Beijing in 2015. (Photo by Simon Song/South China Morning Post via Getty Images)
A Chinese military exercise to determine the effectiveness of conventional anti-aircraft (AA) forces against an unmanned aircraft system (UAS) swarm has found that a combined gun and missile response was required to destroy even a small-sized swarm.
A UAS swarm, comprising at least 11–12 commercial-type unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), was launched at dawn during the exercise, according to imagery aired by state-owned broadcaster China Central Television (CCTV) on 26 and 27 August. A brigade of the People’s Liberation Army Ground Force’s (PLAGF’s) 77th Group Army initially engaged the swarm with two types of self-propelled anti-aircraft artillery (SPAAA) vehicles, according to CCTV.
Janes assessment of the video imagery found that six Type 95 (also known as the PGZ-95) SPAAA vehicles initially engaged the UAVs. Three PGZ-09 (Type 07) 35 mm SPAAAs also comprised the initial PLAGF response to the UAVs.
Although armed with weapon-laying radar and electro-optical (EO) sensors and an effective weapons range of 2–5 km, the SPAAAs could only destroy “40% of the swarm”, according to CCTV.
Weapons used
The PGZ-95 and the PGZ-09 are tracked platforms. The PGZ-95 is equipped with 25 mm Type 87 cannons with a fire-control system comprising an EO suite mounted on the forward part of the turret. The suite includes a television tracking camera with a range of 6,000 m, an infrared tracking camera with a range of 5,000 m, and a laser rangefinder (LRF) with a range of 500–5,500 m. This calculates weapon-laying data. (Source: Janes)
10 Sep 24. Russian Tanks Wear Rubber Against Kamikaze Drones.
In the latest of an array of solutions that have been used to shield tanks against drone attacks on Ukraine’s battlefield, Russia is repurposing rubber mats. The Russian Ministry of Defense’s TV channel, TVZvezda reported a new batch of T-90 tanks being transported by train from Uralvagonzavod, Russia’s main tank manufacturer.
It was noticeable that the vehicles were equipped with reinforced rubber mats covering the gap between the tank’s turret and hull as well as over the rear engine louvres. It is claimed this is the latest anti-drone measure installed by the manufacturer.Initial countermeasures were aimed at preventing the drones’ explosive payloads from breaching the hull by causing them to activate early at a distance from the tank.
First, they used cages to protect tank turrets where the armor was thinnest, eventually enlarging and extending these “cope cages” to cover and surround the whole tank. They may have reduced the initial effect of a drone strike but at the cost of limiting the tank crews’ observation and use of the main armament. There have also been many videos and images of burning Russian tanks equipped with protection cages on social media.
A Russian military spokesperson gave an explanation for this:
“During operations, these metal structures become deformed, break, and lose their protective properties.”
The next phase since early April was to replace or reinforce the defense provided by the cages with solid metal boxes to protect them from drone strikes – so called “turtle” or “barn” tanks. Once again, the level of improved protection came with negative impacts on the tank as a weapon.
At the same time as this improvised secondary armor was being used, attempts were being made to mount electronic warfare (EW) countermeasures equipment on Russian tanks, such as the Volnorez (Breakwater) and Arena-M counter-drone systems.
The Volnorez works by emitting radio frequency (RF) interference disrupting the control signals between the drone and its operator, forcing it to either land or hover in place until it is brought down, or its battery fails. The Arena-M is an active protective system that launches one of its 26 on-board interceptor projectiles if a threat traveling at between 240 and 2,400 kph (150-1,500 mph) approaches within 50 meters (160 feet) of the tank.
It is known that the latest Ukrainian drones incorporate artificial intelligence (AI) and other technologies that overcome the effects of jamming and increasingly allow the FPVs to operate independently of the operator if the link is interrupted.
The reliability of these systems is one issue, but more concerning, from the Russian tank crews’ perspectives, is the lack of availability and cost of the systems. Ukrainian military analyst Oleksandr Kovalenko not only questions the capability of the systems but says,
“if every tank, every personnel carrier, and every infantry fighting vehicle was guarded by [these] devices, the Russians would not have the time or resources to produce all of those it needs.”
The rubber mats seen on the new T-90s is an attempt to produce a cost effective, easily fitted and, from the tank crew’s perspective, and workable solution. It remains to be seen how effective the mats will be in their main aim, and their ability to withstand the wear and tear of day-to-day operations and use is even more questionable.
It seems more likely that they will give confidence and boost the morale of the tank crew rather than maximize their chances of surviving a determined FPV drone strike or multiple strikes. (Source: UAS VISION/Kyiv Post)
28 Aug 24. RTX’s SeaVue Multi-Role Radar Provides Critical Targeting Data at RIMPAC. Raytheon, an RTX (NYSE: RTX) business, successfully demonstrated the SeaVue Multi-role Radar’s superior long-range target detection at the U.S. Navy’s Exercise Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) – the world’s largest international maritime exercise.
Performing a Sink Exercise, or SINKEX, an MQ-9B SeaGuardian® Unmanned Aircraft System from General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. used SeaVue Multi-role Radar (SVMR) surveillance and imaging to survey multiple targets and send track data to F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet aircraft. The aircraft were able to use the data provided by the radar to successfully fire a Long-Range Anti-Ship Missile (LRASM) at a decommissioned amphibious assault ship, the USS Tarawa (LHA-1), showcasing SVMR’s net-enabled, long-range weapons employment capabilities.
“SVMR proved its ability to capture high fidelity targeting data needed for successful weapons engagement in a maritime environment,” said Bryan Rosselli, president of Advanced Products & Solutions at Raytheon. “The live-fire exercise enabled us to test and validate SVMR to ensure it can provide the situational awareness required in an operational environment – allowing faster decision making and more efficient kill chains.”
SVMR is a modern, software-defined radar that provides all-weather surveillance and superior multi-mission performance for crewed and uncrewed aircraft, including fixed, rotary-wing and aerostat platforms.
Leveraging over 60 years of surveillance radar innovation, SVMR provides extended range and small target detection from operational altitudes, enabling a more capable and efficient method for monitoring and protecting. It features a modular and scalable architecture that supports affordable upgrades and sustainment and has been developed and extensively flight tested for low and high-altitude surveillance modes. (Source: ASD Network)
10 Sep 24. Cuashub.com said today that MARSS demonstrates NiDAR capabilities in harsh conditions. MARSS, a global leader in AI-powered security solutions, recently completed a successful evaluation of its cutting-edge C-UAS system in the Middle East. The two-day trial in mid-August showcased the system’s ability to detect, track, classify and neutralise various drone threats, including fixed-wing, VTOL, micro and mini drones.
In extreme temperatures exceeding 50°C (122°F), MARSS’s integrated solution performed under complex conditions, with detection capabilities reaching over two kilometres.
The trial demonstrated the system’s effectiveness using a mix of cutting-edge technologies from partner vendors. MARSS integrated BlueHalo’s short and long-range RF detection, L3 Harris’s long-range EO/IR cameras, Echodyne’s 360-degree radar-web and Kirintec’s RF defeat systems into their NiDAR platform.
This combination provided rapid response capabilities through a unified interface, greatly reducing decision-making time and minimizing cognitive strain on operators. The system neutralised all targets using RF soft-kill technologies. The system exceeded expectations by proving effective against micro-drones and performing during both day and night operations.
Josh Harman, Vice President of Sales at MARSS, praised the team’s flawless execution under challenging conditions, highlighting the system’s reliability and integration process. Khalid Albadr, Business Development Manager for the Middle East, emphasised the importance of detecting micro-drones, critical for many clients’ security concerns.
The trial marks a key step in the competitive bid process, with the attendance of representatives from multiple agencies interested in infrastructure protection, defence and border security. MARSS continues to reinforce its role as a leader in delivering comprehensive security solutions in complex environments.
https://cuashub.com/en/content/marss-demonstrates-nidar-capabilities-in-harsh-conditions/?utm_campaign=C-UAS%20Hub%20General&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz–ICSvya8UEIBalpqL3SiNoi1CXER-QWPG9LZFAgmxckROrU15m8V6eERz72gu3hAU0Op5_-rT-6NJ27Hw2YXtlm1vVTUVSolzlMwYwFp2JiDIdVtI&_hsmi=323952212&utm_content=323952212&utm_source=hs_email (Source: https://cuashub.com/)
10 Sept 24. Today, Neuraspace and the Portuguese Air Force have announced their collaboration to enhance airspace safety and security as well as space sustainability. The partnership also marks the installation and use of Neuraspace’s first and fully operational optical telescope installed at Air Base No. 11, in Beja, Portugal. Neuraspace’s optical telescope is aso part of the “AI fights Space Debris” project under Portugal’s Recovery and Resilience Plan funded by the European Commission.
The joint effort between the Portuguese Air Force and Neuraspace focuses on enhancing Portugal’s space situational awareness and space surveillance and tracking capabilities as well as its specialisation in support of advancing space safety. Using Neuraspace’s telescope together with the company’s artificial intelligence capabilities, the partnership aims to optimise space data analysis. The data collected can be correlated with the data that Neuraspace gathers from different sources with multiple partners, thus reinforcing the information for operators who use the services of Neuraspace.
09 Sept 24. C47-TP grounding leaves SAAF with no maritime eyes in the sky. The SA Air Force (SAAF) is stranded when it comes to maritime patrols and the possibility of replacement airframes appearing is slim to non-existent.
This inference comes from the reply to a Parliamentary question asked by Democratic Alliance (DA) spokesman on defence and veterans Chris Hattingh. He wanted to know from Defence and Military Veterans Minister Angie Motshekga what steps are being taken to replace the C-47TP aircraft that are being withdrawn from service.
The former Chief Whip and DA Caucus Leader in the North West provincial legislature posed his question around the possibility of maritime guerrilla operations and piracy, particularly off Mozambique, as well as foreign fishing fleets poaching South African maritime resources against the background of a “throttled” SA Navy (SAN).
He was told Lieutenant General Wiseman Mbambo’s service had “generated requirements operational capability for the second time in the last 20 years to address the maritime capability with no success”.
The SA National Defence Force (SANDF) has Project Pelican – to address light air transport and maritime capability – approved by the Military Command Council (MCC) but it cannot progress as funding is not available.
The SAAF previously had a plan to replace the C-47TPs with proper maritime patrol aircraft under Project Saucepan. When that proved impossible, Projects Metsi and Kiepie were launched to replace the C-47TPs and C212s in the maritime surveillance/patrol and light transport roles respectively. Those projects appear to have been superseded by Project Pelican.
In May it was revealed that the venerable twin-engined C-47TP multi-role aircraft operated by 35 Squadron out of Cape Town’s AFB Ysterplaat will be withdrawn from service, but no official SAAF confirmation has since emerged, nor an exact date of withdrawal.
The withdrawal of the C-47 and its turboprop successor comes after 81 years in SAAF service. “No surprise,” insiders said at the time as none had flown in two years due to non-availability of spares and all eight grounded “due to challenges in finding a maintenance provider” as per an Armscor report to the Portfolio Committee on Defence and Military Veterans (PCDMV) a year ago.
As far back as 2016, the steadily worsening state of maritime patrol and surveillance in the SAAF was picked up by consortium which offered up to five Dornier 328TPs being leased to South Africa. That the offer went no further is obvious. (Source: https://www.defenceweb.co.za/)
09 Sept 24. MARSS Celebrates 8-Year Partnership with Echodyne. At the SOFEX exhibition, MARSS celebrated its long partnership with Echodyne – one of the world’s most trusted radar providers for CUAS, situational awareness and safer solutions. MARSS has worked with Echodyne for over eight years, being one of its original test partners for its first commercial products.
In the years since, the partnership has gone from innovation, to system integration, to trusted operations, with MARSS using Echodyne’s radar solutions across its portfolio of industry-leading products – including its NiDAR X Compact air and surface threat detection system, and NiDAR X-Scout rapidly deployable sensing and countermeasures platform, as well as its RADiRguard perimeter surveillance system.
Echodyne radars combine a uniquely small form factor, low weight, and extraordinary performance. Their ability to detect, track, and classify UAS with industry-leading angular accuracy – along with other air and surface threats – make Echodyne an ideal partner for MARSS’ customers looking for reliable protection in a discreet package.
Paired with MARSS’ AI-powered NiDAR platform – which fuses data from multiple sensors into a single interface – Echodyne’s patent-protected MESA® radars are put to maximum effect, giving users the best information, in the fastest possible time.
Furthermore, at the touch of a button within NiDAR, customers can adapt the radar’s configuration to suit mission requirements. As Rob Balloch, Chief Growth Officer with MARSS explained,
“The flexibility of Echodyne’s radars enables a mobile platform, such as MARSS’ NiDAR X Terra, to provide perimeter surveillance along a country border on one day, and on the next, be positioned at a sports stadium to protect against hostile drones.”
On partnering with Echodyne, Rob commented,
“Having worked as engineering partners for so many years, it’s fantastic to see Echodyne develop into one of the world’s leading radar providers.
“Collaborating with and supporting Echodyne in its formative years has enabled us to help maximise the company’s potential, while also giving us the opportunity to influence the products to meet the precise needs of our customers. I am incredibly proud to be using Echodyne radars to protect people and critical sites across the globe.” (Source: UAS VISION)
08 Sept 24. Teledyne FLIR Defense, part of Teledyne Technologies Incorporated (NYSE:TDY), has announced that it is delivering its Star SAFIRE® 380-HLD multi-spectral imaging systems to the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) as part of an agreement worth up to $20.8m. JMSDF will integrate the imaging systems into the SH-60L helicopter, a licensed Japan-based production version of the Sikorsky SH-60 aircraft. The SH-60L is designed for anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare missions, but also can be used for search and rescue operations and various other maritime missions.
The program calls for Teledyne FLIR Defense to deliver ten Star SAFIRE 380-HLD systems over the next three years. The company already has delivered two systems to JMSDF for test and evaluation purposes, plus one spare unit.
The Star SAFIRE 380-HLD is an ultra-long-range airborne surveillance system that delivers high-definition visual and thermal imagery to operators. It features superior image stabilization and, with its laser designator and rangefinder, provides highly accurate target location and laser spot positioning. Extremely durable, the SS 380-HLD can operate continuously in all weather conditions. It’s the world’s most widely deployed imaging system of its type for intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance and targeting missions.
“Growing threats in the region have moved Japan to improve its defense and security capabilities, especially those designed to safeguard its territorial waters and outlying territories,” said Robert Moss, senior director of business development, Asia Pacific, at Teledyne FLIR Defense. “Our unmatched thermal, optical, and radar-based surveillance solutions bring the most advanced technology to the Japan Self Defense Forces, enabling them to act swiftly and decisively when needed.”
Teledyne FLIR Defense provides airborne and maritime surveillance systems to more than a dozen countries in Asia Pacific and more than 70 globally. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)
05 Sept 24. Top Aces Integrates Cutting-Edge IRST on F-16 Advanced Aggressor Fighter.
- New Infrared Search and Track Capability Elevates Training for U.S. Air Force 5th Generation Pilots
Top Aces Corp. (Top Aces), the world’s only commercial operator of the F-16 aircraft for advanced adversary air (ADAIR) training, announces the integration of an infrared search and track (IRST) capability on its F-16 Advanced Aggressor Fighter (AAF) platform. This sophisticated IRST technology, used in military and aerospace applications to detect, track, and identify targets by measuring their infrared (IR) radiation, will significantly enhance the training experience for U.S. Air Force (USAF) 5th generation fighter pilots.
“We’re delighted to add this advanced IRST capability to our ADAIR training portfolio,” says Russ Quinn, President of Top Aces Corp., a USAF veteran and former Aggressor pilot. “Fitted with Top Aces’ open architecture ‘Advanced Aggressor Mission System’ (AAMS), our F-16 AAF will continue to rapidly integrate a range of high-tech sensors to meet evolving customer requirements.”
Top Aces’ F-16 AAF aircraft, already equipped with an active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, a helmet mounted cueing system, and Link-16 capabilities, have now been further upgraded with Northrop Grumman’s cutting-edge OpenPod™. Featuring Leonardo’s state-of-the-art SkyWard scanning IRST, a passive long-wave infrared sensor, the system offers a wide scan volume for early target detection and engagement beyond visual range. This latest addition allows the Top Aces pilot to select and slave one advanced sensor to another, optimizing their ability to challenge 5th Generation tactics across various phases of air-to-air combat training engagements. (Source: ASD Network)
06 Sept 24. HENSOLDT IRV-MR: Advanced Thermal Imaging. The enhanced operational capabilities of the HENSOLDT IRV-MR offer an uncooled thermal clip-on system engineered for superior performance in the most demanding environments. This cutting-edge device is designed with a highly compact and lightweight form factor, ensuring ease of use without compromising functionality. The IRV-MR features a straightforward operating concept with a central control panel for intuitive adjustments. It is equipped with a video output for external monitors and is ready for action in less than four seconds. The battery magazine system allows quick and secure battery changes, even in low-light or no-light scenarios, ensuring you remain operationally ready.* Visit HENSOLDT UK on stand SP-16.
05 Sept 24. Mobile Air Surveillance Radar Set for Swedish Armored Vehicles. Saab is set supply its Giraffe 1X radar for a Swedish Sisu GTP armored vehicle, providing quality air defense target data, drone detection, and sense and warn capabilities. Saab has received an order to provide its Giraffe 1X surface radar for the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) for one of Sweden’s Ground Based Air Defence (GBAD) solutions.
The order includes Saab’s Giraffe 1X radar, associated command and control systems and integration to a Swedish GBAD solution. The radar will be installed on a Sisu GTP armored vehicle.
Giraffe 1X provides commanders with quality air defense target data, drone detection for counter-unmanned aerial systems (UAS), and sense and warn capability simultaneously for rockets, artillery and mortars. Giraffe 1X also offers continuous software upgrades in order to meet emerging threats.
The contract period runs through 2024-2027, and the order value is approximately SEK 700 m.
Carl-Johan Bergholm, head of Saab’s business area Surveillance, commented, “I am proud that Sweden chooses to integrate our versatile surface radar Giraffe 1X as a part of its ground based air defence. Our solution will contribute to strengthening Sweden’s ground based air defence capability and to protecting the forces with advanced capability to detect and identify threats while on the battlefield.”
(Source: https://www.defenseadvancement.com/)
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Echodyne is a U.S. designer and manufacturer of advanced commercial radar solutions for defense and national security applications. The company’s proprietary metamaterials electronically scanned array (MESA®) architecture, a rare breakthrough in advanced radar engineering, leverages a physics-design approach to adapt conventional materials and deliver unexpected and beneficial behavior. The result is a solid-state, low-SWaP unit coupled with advanced software capabilities that delivers superior radar performance and unparalleled data integrity, radically improving system performance and enhancing safety for people and machines. With leading positions in counter-UAS, force protection, base security, and portable ISR, Defense Agencies and Suppliers rely on Echodyne radar for extraordinary accuracy and consistent, reliable operation. For more information, please visit: Echodyne.com.
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