December 2022 News Global Defence & Security Industry - Military

 
 
 
 
 

In a further multilateral exchange of equipment, or “Ringtausch”, Rheinmetall has provided Slovenia with military swap body trucks at the behest of the German government. 40 newly build trucks, based on the UTF unprotected transport vehicles that Rheinmetall produces for the Bundeswehr, have now been handed over to the Slovenian military in Ljubljana. For Rheinmetall, the transaction represents sales volume in the lower two-digit million-euro range.

Building on the heritage of the FN SCAR family, FN America introduces the long-awaited FN SCAR 15P rifle-caliber pistol. The 5.56 NATO-chambered pistol is an extremely lightweight and compact design, weighing in at 5.65 pounds unloaded and just under 20 inches in length with its 7.5-inch cold hammer-forged barrel. Specifically developed with flexibility and mobility in mind, the SCAR 15P is an ideal choice for home and personal defense applications or for everyday range use.

Galvion, a specialized manufacturer of innovative head protection systems and power and data management solutions, has been awarded a framework contract by the NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) to supply its flagship Batlskin Caiman ballistic helmet system. This announcement places Galvion as a major supplier of higher-performance helmet systems, typically used by Special Operations Forces (SOF), to any NATO country wishing to purchase through NSPA.

Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmygal addressed the French government with a request for supplying Leclerc main battle tanks, on top of as many weapons and ammunition as possible. Novosti news agency writes that, apparently, Ukraine decided to switch to France after receiving a refusal from the Germans to supply Leopard 2 tanks, although this looks useless, as the French are unlikely to supply their tanks for the French army does not have enough to cede.

The Israeli Defense Forces and Elbit Systems announced that the "Iron Fist" Active Protection System has completed a series of successful interception tests in challenging scenarios. The next step consists of completing its development process for two IDF vehicles: the Eitan 8x8 APC (Armored Personnel Carrier) vehicle and the armored Caterpillar D9 bulldozer.

Rheinmetall has reached another milestone on the road to equipping the German military with a new combat helmet. On 6 December 2022, Christine Lambrecht, the German Minister of Defense, took official delivery of the first items of military clothing and personal equipment ordered by the Bundeswehr in response to the abruptly changed security situation in Europe. The equipment includes the new combat helmet being supplied by Rheinmetall.

The integrated Modular Unmanned Ground System (iMUGS) project Consortium showcased the usage of autonomous unmanned ground systems for various defence missions, including intelligence gathering, casualty evacuation and last mile re-supply at the project's penultimate demonstration in Versailles, France. Another demonstration was also conducted in Belgium. The event was led by Safran and Nexter and supported by other consortium members. All the partners met on the premises of Nexter Robotics, made available during the weeks of integration and validation preceding the demonstration.

According to information published by the French Ministry of Defense, France has already supplied Ukraine with a large quantity of military equipment, weapons, and artillery systems to Ukraine. France also has created a fund of €100 million for Ukraine, to buy directly weapons and other military equipment manufactured by the French defense industry.

The British Army is back in Japan. Combining the influence of soft power and the expertise of operational training. This December month, the British Army has been fostering closer ties with an important strategic partner in the East. The British Army has reaffirmed the UK’s ongoing commitment to the Asia-Pacific region and with the resumption of the biennial training exercise Vigilant Isles.

Leonardo DRS has received a contract from the U.S. Army to provide advanced infrared sensors for the next-generation sighting systems. These sensors will replace the current Horizontal Technology Integration (HTI), 2nd Generation Sensors for high-value platforms across the US Army fleet, including the Abrams Main Battle Tank, and the Optionally Manned Fighting Vehicle. The Firm-Fixed-Price and Cost Plus-Fixed-Fee contract is worth $39.5 million.

Japan Ground Self Defense Force soldier (left) assigned to, 32nd Infantry Regiment, and U.S. Army (right) assigned to the 7th Infantry Division, salute the Japanese and U.S. flags during the opening ceremony to Rising Thunder 2021 on Yakima Training Center, Dec. 1, 2021According to reports by the Japanese media, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida requested that the ministers of finance and defense raise defense spending by more than 50% over the next five years to a level of around 43 trillion Yen ($316 billion USD) or about 8.6 trillion Yen ($63.3 billion USD) per year, Jakub Wozniak reports in Overt Defense. The current five-year plan, which ends in April 2023, saw about 25.5 trillion Yen ($188 billion USD) spent on defense over the five-year period leading up to April 2023; the 2022 annual budget stands at 5.4 trillion Yen ($39.6 billion USD).

One of the newest capabilities of the Australian Defence Force has made its international debut at a training ground in Singapore. Two Boxer CRV (Combat Reconnaissance Vehicles) were among the equipment embarked with the Australian amphibious force (AAF) in HMAS Adelaide during Indo-Pacific Endeavour. Australian Army soldiers put the Boxers to work during several days of training at Singapore’s Murai Urban training facility.

The United States Department of Defense announced on December 9, 2022, new military assistance for Ukraine valued at up to $275 million to meet Ukraine's critical security and defense needs. This new military air package includes hundreds of thousands of 155mm artillery rounds and additional ammunition for HIMARS (High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems).

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