July 2023 News Global Defence & Security Industry - Military |
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On 12 July 2023, the Ukrainian Armed Forces (UAF) have been observed deploying a column of Soviet-era tanks in a video released on the Happy Chip youtube account, including the T-80U and the very rare T-80UE-1, which had previously been seen abandoned by Russian forces in a tweet by Ukraine Weapons tracker on March 27, 2022. Apparently, the Ukrainians not only retrieved the tank but are now utilizing it within their ranks.
LULWORTH RANGE, UK – The UK Armed Forces showcased an impressive combination of mobility and firepower during Project VIRTUO's demonstration on July 13, 2023. British infantrymen equipped with the powerful Carl-Gustaf Mk4 anti-tank weapons took to the field on Stealth H-52 electric bikes, underscoring the adaptability and readiness of the UK's forces.
US. Defense Department employees made history in July by destroying the last chemical weapon in the U.S. military arsenal at Blue Grass Army Depot, Kentucky. The destruction ended decades of effort to eliminate chemical weapons, said Douglas Bush, assistant secretary of the Army for acquisition, logistics and technology, during a Pentagon news conference today: "The U.S.' destruction of declared chemical weapons stockpiles in a safe, secure and environmentally responsible manner was a difficult task, requiring many years to complete,". Jim Garamone, DOD News, reports.
According to an article published by The First News on July 23, 2023, Polish Defense Minister Mariusz Blaszczak announced plans to establish a sapper battalion in Augustow, northeastern Poland, later this year, with the objective of bolstering security on NATO's eastern flank and ensuring the stability of the Suwalki Gap, a strategically significant area near Belarus border. The battalion's equipment might include Baobab-K minelaying vehicles.
In 2019, 44 Belgian army's Pandur 6x6 armored vehicles were upgraded after more than 20 years of service. 31 of them currently remain in service. The Midlife Update (MLU) cost over €31 million. Now, the Pandurs are fitted with an FN Herstal deFNder RWCS, a precious addition for the vehicle's user: the ISTAR battalion.
On July 21, the U.S. Department of Defense announced that Cummins was awarded a $347,411,254 firm-fixed-price contract for the procurement of new commercial, remanufactured and remanufactured conversion V903 Cummins series 600 and 675 horsepower diesel engines for the Bradley fighting vehicle. The new contract will also support the Army’s M109 family of vehicles, M270 Multiple Launch Rocket System and AMPV Armored Multi-Purpose Vehicle, according to solicitation documents. Army Contracting Command, Detroit Arsenal, Michigan, is the contracting activity.
As announced by Bild on July 22, 2023, the German arms manufacturer Rheinmetall has committed to providing a massive supply of ammunition to the Ukrainian defense forces for their Gepard anti-aircraft systems. This decision comes in response to a severe ammunition shortage that is currently affecting Ukrainian soldiers and hindering their operational capabilities against aerial threats.
On July 14, 2023, Aselsan, a Turkish defense company, was selected by Fábricas y Maestranzas del Ejército (Famae) as a strategic partner to modernize the fleet of Leopard 2A4 tanks for the Chilean Army.
The German Army's Bundeswehr announced on July 19, 2023, its participation for the first time in the Talisman Sabre exercise in Australia, which began on July 22, 2023, and will continue until August 4, 2023, comprising several sub-exercises.
According to a tweet posted on July 14 by French Army's Headquarters, VBMR Griffons armored vehicles have been deployed for the first time on NATO's Eastern flank, in the framework of the enhanced Forward Presence (eFP) Battlegroup Estonia.
Istanbul, Türkiye, July 23, 2023 - Turkish company FNSS is set to showcase its "SHADOW RIDER" Heavy Class Unmanned Ground Vehicle (H-UGV) concept at the International Defense Industry Exhibition (IDEF) 2023. The event will take place from July 25th to 28th, 2023. The SHADOW RIDER concept is based on the M113 tracked Armored Personnel Carrier (APC).
The British army displayed its new cutting-edge AJAX armored tracked fighting vehicle at the Lulworth Range on July 13, 2023, as part of a larger demonstration of modern military equipment and capabilities. The demonstration, serving as a preview to the forthcoming Defence Command Paper refresh, was attended by notable figures including Minister for the Armed Forces James Heappey, Chief of the General Staff General Sir Patrick Sanders, and Chief of the Defence Staff Admiral Sir Tony Radakin.
Analysis: In a potential deployment in Ukraine, the French-made Leclerc Main Battle Tank (MBT) could offer numerous advantages. Built by the French company Nexter and named for General Philippe Leclerc de Hauteclocque, who led the French 2nd Armored Division in World War II, this tank was developed in the 1980s and entered active service in 1992. Its real combat conditions experience started in Yemen under the United Arab Emirates armed forces.
Berlin, Germany, July 21, 2023 - German Ministry of Defense announced on 20 July 2023, the delivery of the first batch of 10 Leopard 1A5 Main Battle Tanks (MBTs) to Ukraine, as part of its commitment to support the beleaguered nation, according to the German Ministry of Defense. The German Defense Minister, Boris Pistorius, had announced in June 2023 the planned delivery of 100 Leopard 1A5 tanks in total.
TAIPEI, Taiwan, July 21, 2023 - Taiwanese Defense Minister Chiu Kuo-cheng has confirmed that Taiwan intends to purchase the National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System 2 (NASAMS 2) from the United States. The minister made the announcement in a legislative session on July 18, 2023.
According to information published by the "Defense Romania" website, Romania is primed to initiate its 155 mm self-propelled howitzer armament program in the imminent future, focusing on industrial cooperation. In pursuit of this goal, Romania has been in talks with South Korean defense manufacturer, Hanwha, to produce some components of the K9 Thunder howitzers domestically.
On July 20, 2023, General Dynamics European Land Systems – Bridge Systems (GDELS) announced a substantial contract win from the Royal Netherlands Army for three Improved Ribbon Bridge (IRB) floating bridge systems. GDELS secured the deal after triumphing over two other European tenderers in a competitive bidding process.
FNSS announces its participation in the 16th edition of the International Defense Industry Fair, IDEF'23, to be held at the Istanbul TÜYAP Fair and Congress Centre from July 25th to 28th. This year marks IDEF's 30th anniversary, and it will host official delegations from nearly 25 countries. FNSS will welcome visitors at Hall 3, Stand 311-C.
According to a tweet by Jesus Roman on June 19, 2023, the Chinese PLAGF (People's Liberation Army Ground Force) conducted a combined live ammunition drill with 155mm PCL-181 self-propelled howitzers and 152mm PL-66/Type 66 towed howitzers. The PCL-181 is a 155 mm wheeled self-propelled howitzer developed by China to replace older towed artillery pieces like the 152mm Type 66 and 130mm Type 59-1 with a more mobile and versatile platform.
On July 19, 2023, the US Department of Defense (DoD) announced a $1.3 billion security assistance package to support Ukraine's battlefield requirements. The package comprises crucial air defense capabilities and munitions, including four NASAMS (National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System) missile systems.
Among the new items demonstrated by the Belgian Army for Belgium’s National Day (21 July), the different variants of 4x4 and 8x8 DAF CF military trucks, both with and without armored cab, drew the attention of connoisseurs.
On July 20, 2023, Rheinmetall AG announced that it has secured a major contract from Hungary for the Hero Loitering Munitions. The contract is valued at several hundred million euros, and delivery is scheduled to take place between 2024 and 2025.
Turkish company FNSS, through its official Twitter account, on July 18, 2023, highlighted the key moments of a large-scale firepower exercise that took place in Gemas, Malaysia, showcasing the impressive performance of the AV8 Gempita armored vehicles. These vehicles demonstrated remarkable agility and adaptability on various terrains. The exercise was held under the patronage of the King of Malaysia, Sultan Abdullah Shah.
Maj.Gen. Jean-Pol Baugnée was promoted commander of the Belgian army’s Land Component (Composante Terre) on June 7, 2023. He has gathered a wide experience as a commander of tank and infantry units, then at the General Headquarters’ DG MR (Materiel/Equipment). At the opportunity of the rehearsal organized at Peutie Barracks for the Belgian National Day military parade (21st July), he explained to Army Recognition what he plans to achieve. What follows is a quote of his own words.
Spectra Group, a specialist provider of secure voice, data and satellite communications systems has expanded the capability of its battle-proven SlingShot Tactical Operations Centre System (STOCS) to include the low UHF commercial band (410– 440Mhz) thereby increasing the flexibility and utility of this robust and reliable SlingShot system.
