September 21, 2021 Leave a comment BAE Systems is showcasing its latest CV90 with the new D-series turret at Defence and Security Equipment International (DSEI) on September 14-17. BAE Systems’ CV90 with new D-series turret unveiled at DSEI This is the first time the upgraded digital turret has been unveiled and represents a leap forward in design and functionality. Recently selected by the Royal Netherlands Army as part of an extensive $500 million mid-life upgrade program for the CV9035NL, the new turret configuration is also included in the CV90 Mk-IV offer for the Czech Republic. Developed by BAE Systems Hägglunds in Örnsköldsvik, Sweden, the turret on display at DSEI is a 50-mm gun. The main weapon position is changed to provide even better vehicle balance and enable new ways to introduce a variety of weaponry for increased lethality. It also offers significant ergonomic improvements to benefit the vehicle’s crew. The enhanced turret design is built on years of combat-proven experience, continuous vehicle improvements, and data analysis from the CV90 User Club – the seven nations currently operating CV90 fleets. «We are extremely proud to display the new D-series turret at DSEI to demonstrate the latest technology on the combat-proven CV90 platform», said Tommy Gustafsson-Rask, managing director of BAE Systems Hägglunds. «The new turret configuration provides CV90 crews with improved protection and increased combat efficiency. It represents our continued commitment to delivering the most modern, advanced Infantry Fighting Vehicle that meets our customers’ requirements now and in the future». The CV90 is also equipped with Elbit Systems’ Iron Fist Active Protection System solution and an integrated, Rafael Advanced Defense Systems’ SPIKE-LR long-range anti-tank guided missile. Other significant improvements include the latest generation of sensors, Artificial Intelligence and Augmented Reality software to increase the CV90s multi-domain capabilities on the battlefield. BAE Systems’ DSEI exhibit also features the armored, articulated, all-terrain BvS10, operated today by Austria, France, the Netherlands, Sweden, and the United Kingdom. The platform builds on BAE System legacy Bv206 vehicles, of which more than 10,000 have been sold to over 40 countries. The BvS10 can traverse rock, mountain, snow, swamp, and operate in Arctic environments. Its amphibious capability allows it to seamlessly transition to swimming. The vehicle’s flexible and modular design accommodates changing mission requirements, including advanced battle management. Earlier this year, the Swedish Army ordered an additional 127 new BvS10s to add to its existing fleet for command and control as well as logistics vehicles. http://www.dmitryshulgin.com/2021/09/21/d-series-turret/

By Ashley John July 23, 2021By WASHINGTON – The Army announced today the award of five firm-fixed price contracts for the Optionally Manned Fighting Vehicle (OMFV) Phase II Concept Design Phase using full and open competitive procedures. The contracts were awarded to: Point Blank Enterprises, Inc. (Miami Lakes, Florida); Oshkosh Defense, LLC (Oshkosh, Wisconsin); BAE Systems Land and Armaments L.P. (Sterling Heights, Michigan); General Dynamics Land Systems, Inc. (Sterling Heights, Michigan); and American Rheinmetall Vehicles, LLC (Sterling Heights, Michigan). The total award value for all five contracts is approximately $299.4 million. The U.S. Army plans to publish a new solicitation for the next-generation vehicles that will change the battlefield. During this phase of the program, industry will develop digital designs while requirements mature; prototypes will be required in the following phase. "The Concept Design Phase reflects the Army’s effort to structure a program which incentivizes industry innovation and provides the analytical underpinnings for the development of an abbreviated capability development document," said Brig. Gen. Glenn Dean, program executive officer for Ground Combat Systems. The initial digital design will inform the first formal OMFV requirements document, known as the A-CDD, which will be published in the first quarter of fiscal year 2022. "This process allows the Army to make future decisions on the design without overly constricting vendor efforts to innovate," said Dean. The overarching five-phase strategy for the OMFV program remains unchanged – the Army is focused on encouraging innovation, maximizing competition throughout the entire program, and producing a transformational infantry fighting vehicle that will dominate maneuver in multi-domain operations. "The OMFV will bring a transformative change to the battlefield, providing new technology and new capabilities to our formations," said Maj. Gen. Ross Coffman, director of the Next Generation Combat Vehicles Cross Functional Team. "Once these designs are completed, our Soldiers will engage with the designs and will provide feedback and input to ensure we are providing the equipment they need to defend our great nation." Following the Concept Design Phase, the Army intends to have another full and open competition for the Detailed Design Phase (Phase III), with the intent to award up to three contracts in the second quarter of fiscal year 2023. The Detailed Design Phase awardees will transition into Phase IV of the program to build and test actual prototypes. The Army intends to down select to one vendor at Milestone C (for Low Rate Initial Production) near the end of fiscal year 2027. The Army’s OMFV is an optionally manned platform that maneuvers Soldiers to a point of positional advantage to engage in close combat and deliver decisive lethality during the execution of combined arms maneuver. It is designed to operate with or without a crew and Soldiers under armor based on the commander's decision, while also controlling maneuver robotics and semi-autonomous systems. https://www.army.mil/article/248768/army_announces_contract_awards_for_omfv_concept_design_phase

Defense News November 2021 Global Security army industry Posted On Wednesday, 03 November 2021 10:45 According to a Tweet published by the Israeli Ministry of Defense on November 2, 2021, following the Government-to-Government agreement signed last February, the German Federal Ministry of Defense and the Israel Ministry of Defense have completed the first series of successful live-fire tests of the TROPHY Active Protection System mounted on German Leopard 2A7 main battle tank. German Leopard 2 main battle tank fitted with Israeli-made Rafael Trophy APS Active Protection System. (Picture source Twitter Israeli MoD) The tests conducted together with the Israeli company RAFAEL defense and German company KMW (Krauss-Maffei Wegman) demonstrated Trophy’s integration to the tank and the capabilities of the active protection system - well above 90% threat interception success rate as well as providing accurate fire source location. On February 22, 2021, Germany has signed a contract with Israel to purchase the Trophy active protection system (APS) for its Leopard 2A7 Main Battle Tanks (MBTs). The installation and integration of the system into the tank are to be carried out by Kraus-Maffei Wegmann (KMW), the Leopard’s manufacturer. It is expected that in the future Germany will procure additional Trophy systems to equip most of its modern fleet of Leopard 2 MBTs with APS capabilities. The Leopard 2A7 is the latest generation of main battle tank in the family of Leopard 2 designed and manufactured by the German company KMW. . The main features of this new upgrade of the Leopard 2 tank include new armor, an energy system, crew compartment cooling system, and new weapon engagement system. The first tanks were delivered to the German army in December 2014. A total of 14 vehicles were produced for Tank Battalion 203, plus four more going to the Armored Corps Training Center and one vehicle at the Technical School for Land Systems and School for Technology of the Army. In October 2019, the first Leopard 2A7 main battle tanks were delivered to the German and Danish armed forces by KMW. In September 2021, the 393 tank battalion of the German army based in Bad Frankenhausen has officially received a batch of 36 Leopard 2A7V. The main armament of the Leopard 2A7 is similar to the Leopard 2A6 that includes one L/55 120mm Rh 120 smooth-bore gun, one MG3A1 7.62x51mm caliber coaxial machine gun, and a 7.62mm MG3 machine gun mounted on loader hatch located on the left side of the roof turret. The Israeli Trophy APS is now in service with three countries including Israel on the Merkava 4, the United States on the M1A2 SEPV V3 also called M1A2C, and the German Leopard 2A7A1. The Trophy APS consists of radar antennas, countermeasure, launcher and autoloader. When a projectile is detected, the internal computer calculates an approach vector before the projectile arrives. Once the incoming weapon is classified, the computers calculate the optimal time and angle to fire the counter-measures. The response comes from two rotating launchers installed on the sides of the vehicle which fire a very small number of MEFPs (Multiple Explosive Formed Penetrators) which form a very tight, precise matrix, aimed at a specific point on the anti-tank projectile's warhead. https://www.armyrecognition.com/defense_news_november_2021_global_security_army_industry/israeli_trophy_active_protection_system_is_successfully_tested_on_german_leopard_2a7_tank.html

By John A. Tirpak Oct. 7, 2021 The Air Force is developing semi-autonomous, low-cost aircraft to augment its crewed combat jets in a variety of missions. Robots will join the Combat Air Forces within the next decade, flying alongside manned airplanes, bearing extra munitions, assisting with surveillance and jamming, and even making kamikaze attacks to defend their wingmen. These Low-Cost Attractable Aircraft Systems (LCAAS), in development since 2015, seek to affordably increase the size and capability of the fleet without adding more pilots or the airborne life-support systems they require. Unlike manned systems, these aircraft are designed for short operational lives and will never go through depot-level maintenance or service-life extensions. The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) and USAF Life Cycle Management Center’s directorate for fighters and advanced aircraft lead the development effort, conducting experiments to test airframe designs and the systems’ computer brains, as well as the manned/unmanned teaming concepts. What constitutes “low cost” is in the eye of the beholder. Gen. Mark D. Kelly, head of Air Combat Command, said in August that he’s keenly interested in having an unmanned, stealthy, jamming aircraft for use as an adversary for training fifth-generation fighter pilots. Such an aircraft, provided it can demonstrate “a significant amount of endurance,” would be valuable if it could be had for a quarter the cost of a manned “Red Air” platform. “That, to me, is ‘low cost,’ ” he said. Kelly acknowledged “nothing is cheap” and said the term “attractable” helps set the parameters. He predicted such aircraft will become “a growth industry.” Brig. Gen. Dale R. White, program executive officer for fighters and advanced aircraft, defined low cost as being “in the single-digit millions” for the aircraft itself. The ultimate price tag, however, will be determined by “the missions we put on it.” As payloads and sensors are added, the fully loaded price “is going to grow to an expensive number,” White cautioned. We need to get the one ‘win’ and prove the concept; prove the capability and then have it accelerate from there. “We need to get the vehicles down into the single digit [millions of dollars] … but to be largely driven by the threat of the day,” White said. The more capable the systems, the less expendable they become in combat, he said. White drew a distinction between low-cost attractable and “swarming” unmanned aircraft, which will be “a much cheaper price point because you’re talking very small, but capable, vehicles.” A driving factor in developing low-cost attractable aircraft is the increasing sophistication of adversary air defenses, which have become harder to penetrate and more lethal the longer an aircraft lingers near them. Expendable aircraft offer a more affordable and lower-risk means to attack such defenses, compared to high-end piloted jets. Maj. Gen. Heather L. Pringle, head of AFRL, indicated there are still trade-offs to be made to help senior leaders understand how the costs of such aircraft change based on desired range, payload, and sophistication. “We’re still putting the different pieces and parts together,” she said. The aim is to develop common elements so the resulting vehicles “are easier to plug-and-play.” A common “chassis” could support mission-specific payloads and modules for defense suppression, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance, or as a missile carrier. She said engineers are borrowing biological terms, like “genus” and “subspecies” as they tailor requirements for specific roles. https://www.airforcemag.com/article/unmanned-flying-teammates/

Defense News October 2021 Global Security army industry Posted On Sunday, 31 October 2021 20:38 According to a press release published by U.S. Congressman Tim Ryan, $65 million has been secured to upgrade the M1A2 Abrams Main Battle Tank which is produced at the Lima Tank Plant, Lima, OH. The funding secured by Congressman Ryan will extend the service life of the main battle tank and also integrate an unmanned turret. A U.S. tank crew with 1st Battalion, 12th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, maneuvers through a low water crossing with their recently received M1A2 SEPV3 Abrams Main Battle Tank during gunnery live fire qualification, Fort Hood, Texas, Jan. 22, 2021. (Picture source U.S. DoD) Tim Ryan has been a longtime defender of the Joint Systems Manufacturing Center in Lima, most recently using his position on the powerful House Appropriations Committee to help secure $65 million to upgrade the M1 Abrams main battle tank. The plant is currently operated by General Dynamics Land Systems and employs at least 931 people in the surrounding community. General Dynamics plays an influential role in the economy across the state, spending $187.7 million with 778 different Ohio suppliers in 2020. The M1A2 Abrams is a third-generation tank that boasts several innovative features, including a multi-fuel turbine engine, composite armor, automated fire control system, as well as enhanced protection for its crew. The tank has been in service for over forty years. The funding secured by Congressman Ryan will extend the service life of the tank and also integrate an unmanned turret. Additionally, it will help to develop the physical architecture and mechanical requirements needed to add an Auto-loader and Automated Ammunition Handling System to the Abrams, evaluate current and emerging candidates for an Integrated Active Protection System, and develop new Abrams mobility and power architecture for conversion to a Hybrid Electric Drive propulsion and power generation system. The Defense spending bill has been passed by the House Appropriations Committee and must pass the full House of Representatives before moving to the Senate. The M1 Abrams Main Battle Tank (MBT) has been in service with the United States armed forces since 1980. Since then, it has gone through dozens of upgrades and has been the baseline variant of several vehicles. The M1A2 SEP V3 or M1A2C is the latest variant in the family of M1A2 Abrams main battle tanks. The first M1A2C MBTs were delivered in July 20, 2020 to the U.S. Army. This version rectifies many of the space, weight, and power issues identified during Operation IRAQI FREEDOM and will be the foundational variant for all future incremental upgrades. In addition to having improved survivability, the Abrams M1A2 SEPv3 can host any mature technology the Army deems operationally relevant. Improvements focus on increasing the electrical power margin, Vehicle Health Management Systems, integrated counter-improvised explosive device protection, a new auxiliary power unit enabling silent watch, embedded training, and an ammunition data link. It is the most reliable Abrams tank ever produced, minimizes the Army’s logistic footprint, and leads the Army in enterprise-level connectivity to maintenance and supply systems. The M1A2 SEP V4 or M1A2D is now in development, featuring the third generation (3GEN) FLIR the cornerstone technology that will provide tank crews the ability to identify enemy targets farther than ever before. The 3GEN FLIR will be an upgrade to both sights and will be common with other combat platforms. With the upgrade, the Abrams will integrate a color camera, eye-safe laser range finder, and a cross-platform laser pointer to facilitate multi-domain battle into the commander’s sight. In addition to a lethality upgrade, the M1A2 SEPv4 will include full-embedded training to maximize crew proficiency of the system. This program began early enough to onboard any technology the Army deems critical to the future battlefield to include artificial intelligence, autonomy, APS (Active Protection System), or advanced sensors. https://www.armyrecognition.com/defense_news_october_2021_global_security_army_industry/united_states_plans_to_integrate_unmanned_turret_on_m1a2_abrams_main_battle_tank.html

Defense News October 2021 Global Security army industry Posted On Friday, 29 October 2021 15:51 VBMO (Blindé de Maintien de l’Ordre, armored law enforcement vehicle) will equip the French Gendarme National (Picture source: Soframe) The French Ministry of the Interior has announced that the «Armoured Law Enforcement Vehicle» (VBMO) of Soframe has been selected as the result of the competition launched last spring for the replacement of the armored vehicles of the Gendarme National. This vehicle, qualified and approved, is directly derivative from the ARIVE family of vehicles, produced in nearly 1,800 units, boosting Soframe as the leading French manufacturer of armored vehicles between 2017 and 2019. Soframe's vehicle matches the requirements of the Gendarme National, a robust and powerful vehicle that offers safety and comfort for personnel deployed over time. Thanks to its high payload capacity and large useful volume, it can carry all the protection, communication, autonomy, and response equipment required by the Gendarme National. With this order of 90 vehicles, Soframe is glad that the Ministry of the Interior has recognized Soframe’s abilities in its choice, and beyond that, those of the ETIs, industrial companies of intermediate size, recognized and innovative, particularly dynamic and successful on the export market. VBMO will equip the French Gendarme National (Picture source: Soframe) https://www.armyrecognition.com/defense_news_october_2021_global_security_army_industry/french_ministry_of_interior_selects_soframe_to_renew_its_fleet_of_armored_vehicles_for_the_gendarmerie_nationale.html

Defense News May 2021 Global Security army industry Posted On Monday, 31 May 2021 11:31 China recently revealed a new type of 8x8 self-propelled air defense system combining a 35mm anti-aircraft gun and two surface-to-air missiles, Liu Xuanzun reports in Global Times. One may qualify this solution as a Chinese equivalent to the Russian Pantsir system. New type of 8x8 self-propelled air defense system fielded by the Chinese army (Picture source: screenshot from China Central Television) Independently developed by China South Industries Group Corporation, the self-propelled anti-aircraft gun is equipped with advanced radar and fire control systems, and can act as a stand-alone combat unit, China Central Television (CCTV) reported last week. Without introducing the weapon's designation, the CCTV report said that this air defense system can accompany mechanized troops to provide air defense cover, making it a great choice for a mid-size combined arms brigade in field air defense tasks as well as countering drones, according to CCTV. The weapon system uses a 35mm single-barrel gun with the same combat capability as its two-barreled predecessors because it uses a completely new rotary autoloader that significantly increases its fire rate, the report said. A set of two air defense missiles is mounted on the right side of the turret, next to the gun. The type has not been mentioned in CCTV report. https://www.armyrecognition.com/defense_news_may_2021_global_security_army_industry/chinese_army_reveals_new_self-propelled_gun_missile_air_defense_system.html

By Ashley John July 23, 2021 WASHINGTON – The Army announced today the award of five firm-fixed price contracts for the Optionally Manned Fighting Vehicle (OMFV) Phase II Concept Design Phase using full and open competitive procedures. The contracts were awarded to: Point Blank Enterprises, Inc. (Miami Lakes, Florida); Oshkosh Defense, LLC (Oshkosh, Wisconsin); BAE Systems Land and Armaments L.P. (Sterling Heights, Michigan); General Dynamics Land Systems, Inc. (Sterling Heights, Michigan); and American Rheinmetall Vehicles, LLC (Sterling Heights, Michigan). The total award value for all five contracts is approximately $299.4 million. The U.S. Army plans to publish a new solicitation for the next-generation vehicles that will change the battlefield During this phase of the program, industry will develop digital designs while requirements mature; prototypes will be required in the following phase. "The Concept Design Phase reflects the Army’s effort to structure a program which incentivizes industry innovation and provides the analytical underpinnings for the development of an abbreviated capability development document," said Brig. Gen. Glenn Dean, program executive officer for Ground Combat Systems. The initial digital design will inform the first formal OMFV requirements document, known as the A-CDD, which will be published in the first quarter of fiscal year 2022. "This process allows the Army to make future decisions on the design without overly constricting vendor efforts to innovate," said Dean. The overarching five-phase strategy for the OMFV program remains unchanged – the Army is focused on encouraging innovation, maximizing competition throughout the entire program, and producing a transformational infantry fighting vehicle that will dominate maneuver in multi-domain operations. "The OMFV will bring a transformative change to the battlefield, providing new technology and new capabilities to our formations," said Maj. Gen. Ross Coffman, director of the Next Generation Combat Vehicles Cross Functional Team. "Once these designs are completed, our Soldiers will engage with the designs and will provide feedback and input to ensure we are providing the equipment they need to defend our great nation." Following the Concept Design Phase, the Army intends to have another full and open competition for the Detailed Design Phase (Phase III), with the intent to award up to three contracts in the second quarter of fiscal year 2023. The Detailed Design Phase awardees will transition into Phase IV of the program to build and test actual prototypes. The Army intends to down select to one vendor at Milestone C (for Low Rate Initial Production) near the end of fiscal year 2027. The Army’s OMFV is an optionally manned platform that maneuvers Soldiers to a point of positional advantage to engage in close combat and deliver decisive lethality during the execution of combined arms maneuver. It is designed to operate with or without a crew and Soldiers under armor based on the commander's decision, while also controlling maneuver robotics and semi-autonomous systems. https://www.army.mil/article/248768/army_announces_contract_awards_for_omfv_concept_design_phase

Defense News May 2021 Global Security army industry Posted On Monday, 31 May 2021 15:12 According to Defence Technology, the Range Correction Kit (MDK) was developed by the Turkish company Roketsan in order to increase the striking efficiency of the T155 Storm Howitzers, one of the important fire support elements of the Turkish armed forces. The Storm howitzer will be adapted to be able to fire guided artillery rounds (Picture source: Roketsan) While improving the firepower and maneuverability of the Fortuna weapon systems, which play an active role in Iraq and Syria, on the other hand, Roketsan continues to work on technologies that will change the battlefield for the artillery needs of the Turkish Armed Forces. In this context, the Range Correction Kit (MDK), which can be used in howitzer and mortar systems, especially in 155 mm Storm Howitzers was developed. Thanks to the kit that can be integrated into ammunition, the systems will gain more precise strike capability. A development and mass production contract was signed between the Presidency of Defense Industries (SSB) and Roketsan for the design and production of a guidance kit with local resources. The kit, which is in the form of a fuze, is mounted on an inventory 155mm howitzer. The kit consists of a kind of mobile « Mickey Mouse ears » asymmetrically moving out of the shell fuse to adapt the trajectory of the shell to accurately reach the targeted point. The dispersion radius of the shells so becomes inferior to 50 meters. Hence a saving in the number of shells needed to destroy a target. The kit, which reduces the use of additional personnel and is resistant to electronic deception and jamming, has 4 different plug modes with impact, delay, timed and approach. The Storm howitzer will be adapted to be able to fire guided artillery rounds. https://www.armyrecognition.com/defense_news_may_2021_global_security_army_industry/roketsan_range_correction_kit_to_increase_striking_efficiency_of_turkish_artillery.html

Defense News May 2021 Global Security army industry Posted On Wednesday, 26 May 2021 10:16 In early May, the Australian Army started operational test and evaluation of the man-portable multi-role Saab Carl-Gustaf M4 system at the Army’s School of Infantry in Singleton, New South Wales. Defense Studies reports. The M4 is the intended replacement for the M3 variant currently in service with the Australian Defence Force, as it reaches its ten-year lifespan. Saab Carl-Gustaf M4 system is able to fire a wide range of 84mm caliber ammunition including anti-armor, anti-structure, multi-role, anti-personnel and support rounds. (Picture source: Army Recognition) The Carl-Gustaf M4 (CGM4) also called M3E1 in the U.S. Army, is the latest generation of multi-role anti-tank weapon systems in the family of Carl-Gustaf developed and manufactured by the Swedish company Saab. The key characteristic of the Carl-Gustaf M4 is to offer a multi-role weapon for modern infantry units. It is fully optimized for dismounted soldiers who need a light weight, and high-impact weapon. The Carl-Gustaf M4 was unveiled in October 2014 during AUSA, the Association of the US Army in Washington D.C. In July 2017, Saab delivered Carl-Gustaf M4 multi-role weapons to Slovakia, the first customer to deploy the Carl-Gustaf M4 System. In May 2018, Saab announced an order from the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) for deliveries of the Carl-Gustaf M4 the latest version of the Carl-Gustaf weapon system, to the Swedish Armed Forces. In September 2018, Saab received an order for deliveries of the new Carl-Gustaf M4 multi-role weapon system to the Australian Army. This was Saab sixth customer for the Carl-Gustaf M4 system. In November 2018, Saab received an order for deliveries of the new Carl-Gustaf M4 to the Slovenian Armed Forces. In May 2020, SAAB has announced a contract to deliver Carl-Gustaf M4 to the Latvian and Estonian Armed Forces. In May 2021, the Australian Defence Force started operational training with the M4. https://www.armyrecognition.com/defense_news_may_2021_global_security_army_industry/australian_army_starts_operational_testing_of_saab_carl-gustaf_m4.html In addition to all that I would like to add: Max range is 1,200 meters and the-M4 has shell guided by laser and it might get to the full range which will be pretty remarkable. Just to remind the readers, the big advantage of the Taliban’s fighter in Afghanistan was a better range of there rifles compare to the M-4. With the M4 this advantage goes away. Carl Gustaf guided shell