August 2023 News Global Defence & Security Industry - Military

 
 
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On August 3, the Israel Ministry of Defense announced that it expresses its gratitude to the American government for approving the historic sale of the David Sling’s air defense system, jointly developed by Israel and the U.S., to a third country. After receiving approval from the U.S. administration, the Israeli Ministry of Defense, the Finnish Ministry of Defence, and Rafael Advanced Systems will participate in a ceremony to sign a procurement agreement worth approximately 316 million Euros.

The amphibious assault ship USS America was abuzz with activity as Marines of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit prepared to make an amphibious assault from the Coral Sea in Queensland, Australia. USS America is the lead ship of the expeditionary strike group that includes the amphibious transport dock ships USS Green Bay and USS New Orleans. All are participating in Exercise Talisman Sabre 23. David Vergun, U.S. DoD, reports.

The Storm Shadow cruise missile is the latest highly touted weapon used by Ukraine. The missile has proven effective, striking important targets deep inside Russian-controlled territory. However, Russian adaptations over the past year have limited the impact of the Storm Shadow, according to several military experts. There have been several weapons that the press has hailed as "game changers," but in reality, there is no such type of weapon. Let's analyze two of these weapons.

According to a report from topwar.ru, during the recent Russia-Africa meeting in Saint-Petersburg, the Russian Almaz-Antey Concern showcased a wide array of advanced military products, primarily focusing on anti-aircraft missile systems and radar stations. Participants at the event had the opportunity to familiarize themselves with the models of short-range anti-aircraft missile systems from the Tor-M2 family, which are manufactured by the Izhevsk Electromechanical Plant Kupol. The exhibition featured various modifications of this combat vehicle, including the Tor-M2E, Tor-M2K, and Tor-M2KM air defense systems.

On July 31, 2023, the US Army awarded a contract valued at $700 million to L3Harris Technologies and its Team Lynx partners, led by American Rheinmetall Vehicles (ARV). The contract's purpose is to design and prototype the XM30 Mechanized Infantry Combat Vehicle, which will replace the aging M2A3 Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicle. This award is part of the Army's top six development and modernization priorities, with the final contract expected to be granted in 2027.

Ukraine's determination to strengthen its defenses has led to a significant upgrade in its air defense capabilities with the delivery of the Franco-Italian SAMP/T air defense system. Amidst the ongoing conflict and increasing threats from Russia, the SAMP/T system, also called MAMBA, has emerged as a crucial asset in safeguarding Ukraine's airspace. This system is designed to counter a wide range of airborne threats, including missiles and drones, making it a formidable shield against aggression. Let's delve into the features and capabilities of this advanced air defense system that has enhanced Kyiv's security stance.

Defense Studies reports that Malaysian defense company Mildef International Technologies has won a contract to supply Light Forward Repair Vehicles to the Malaysian Army. The vehicles have been developed in-house by Mildef at its R&D center in Sepang, Malaysia, based on the Toyota Hilux platform.

The U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency on August 1 announced that the State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Finland of an M270A2 Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) upgrade and related equipment for an estimated cost of $395 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale.

As reported by David Vergun, U.S. DoD, about 18 months ago, U.S. Navy Command Expeditionary Strike Group 7, which consists of amphibious assault ships with aircraft and landing craft, merged with U.S. Marine Corps units from the III Marine Expeditionary Brigade, thereby creating Task Force 76/3. "The goal was better interoperability, particularly if the sailors and Marines worked as a team every day instead of just coming together for an exercise and then going our separate ways," said U.S. Navy Rear Adm. Christopher Stone, commander of Task Force 76/3. He added that it's a first and is still being evaluated.

Istanbul, Türkiye, August 1, 2023 - On Day 4 of IDEF 2023, Army Recognition's editorial team continued to bring to light the cutting-edge defense and security products showcased by both international and national companies at this year's International Defense Exhibition. This prestigious event took place from July 25 to July 28 in Istanbul, Türkiye.

According to an article by Breaking Defense on July 31, 2023, there have been discussions within the US Marine Corps about the possibility of establishing a production facility for the Iron Dome's Tamir interceptor and its Americanized version, SkyHunter, within the United States. The Marine Corps Program Executive Officer Land Systems Ground-Based Air Defense program manager, Don Kelley, visited Camden, Arkansas, on July 19, 2023, to hold talks with representatives from Raytheon and Israel's Rafael Advanced Defense Systems (R2S), who are working together on this project.

On July 27, 2023, the French Directorate General of Armaments (DGA) announced the reception of the final lot of 10 VT4 tactical vehicles at Standard 2, successfully completing the procurement program. The VT4 tactical vehicle, developed by ACMAT (a subsidiary of Arquus, formerly Renault Trucks Defense), was designed to replace the aging Peugeot P4 vehicles used by the French Army.

During the International Defense Industry Fair (IDEF'23), held from July 25 to 28, 2023, Pakistan showcased its cutting-edge military equipment. The event was highlighted by the exclusive participation of the state-owned Pakistani company, Global Industrial & Defense Solutions (GIDS), showcasing the country's advancements in the defense sector.

Promec, a Turkish company working in the defense industry under the brand Triosys, has developed a product called Promavzer. Promavzer is a light, serial, mobile, and remote-controlled weapon system specially designed for security forces operating in high-risk areas. The system enables soldiers to transform their standard rifles into mobile remote-controlled weapons.

On July 31, 2023, Lockheed Martin made an announcement about their latest achievement in the development of a 500 kW-class laser weapon, which currently stands as the world's most powerful laser weapon, surpassing their previous 300 kW-class laser. This advancement is a significant milestone within the framework of the High Energy Laser Scaling Initiative (HELSI).

Twenty-three NATO Allies have officially become Limited Partners of the NATO Innovation Fund (NIF), which is preparing to make its initial investments later this year. The Participating Allies have also welcomed Sweden's interest to join the NIF. Sweden's participation – announced on August 1 by its Government – will take effect upon its accession to the North Atlantic Treaty. Its contribution will add to the current EUR 1 billion venture capital fund, boosting the investible capital of the NATO Innovation Fund and bolstering innovative capacity across the Alliance.

Within the framework of the FSAF-PAAMS Programme, the SAMP/T NG system for Italian customers integrates the new GM HP radar produced by Leonardo. This new C-band radar is a high-performance multifunctional sensor, designed to contrast any type of air and missile threat simultaneously guaranteeing high tactical mobility and quick strategic deployment.

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