July 2023 News Global Defence & Security Industry - Military

 
 
 
 
 

According to a report from Slovenia's Press Agency "STA", Slovenia is making significant headway in negotiations to purchase two IRIS-T German air defense systems. Citing information published by the "Defense News" website on July 13, 2023, Slovenian Defense Minister Marjan Šarec has disclosed that the nation's government is engaged in negotiations to acquire the German-manufactured IRIS-T medium-range air defense system in the forthcoming period.

On July 10, 2023, during a fierce skirmish in the Zaporizhzhia Oblast, southern Ukraine, an M2A2 Bradley infantry fighting vehicle, belonging to the Ukrainian Army's 47th Mechanized Brigade, reportedly disabled two Russian T-72 tanks. The incident highlights the effectiveness of this American-made military vehicle, equipped with powerful anti-armor weapons, showcasing Ukraine's determination in the face of the Russian invasion.

In a bid to bolster its aid to Ukraine during the ongoing conflict with Russia, South Korea announced on July 16, 2023, its intention to provide increased support in demining equipment. The decision came after South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol's recent visit to Kyiv, where he pledged to enhance military and humanitarian assistance to Ukraine. Kim Tae-hyo, Yoon's deputy national security adviser, confirmed the significant demand for demining equipment in Ukraine, prompting the decision to extend further aid in this crucial area.

According to Defense24, on July 17, 2023, in a move to bolster its military capabilities, Poland is set to acquire a fleet of upgraded Rosomak-L armored personnel carriers (APCs). A contract is expected to be signed by the Polish government before the end of 2023, ensuring the delivery of 250 to 400 units of the improved Rosomak APCs to the country's armed forces.

The Raytheon-Lockheed Martin Javelin JV, based in Tucson, Arizona, has been awarded a contract modification worth $13,488,810 (P00168) for the Javelin Missile System. The work will be conducted in Tucson, Arizona, with an estimated completion date of July 29, 2024. At the time of the contract award, $13,488,810 in Army funds for missile procurement in Fiscal Year 2022 were allocated. The Army Contracting Command, located at Redstone Arsenal, Alabama, is the contracting activity.

According to a tweet posted by OSINTtechnical on June 15, 2023, the German-supplied Biber armored vehicle launched bridge (AVLB), also known as the Beaver, has been observed in use by the Ukrainian military. Germany has delivered ten armored bridge-laying vehicles so far, with an additional 16 in preparation. They have also provided five bridges specifically designed for the Biber.

On July 11, 2023, the Netherlands announced the lifting of certain restrictions on the export of defense industry equipment to Turkey, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Saudi Arabia. This decision was made public through a joint statement issued by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Defense, and the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate.

According to an article released by Mehr News on July 18, 2023, Syria has recently witnessed the arrival of a second series of American M142 HIMARS missile systems. It is likely that these systems were transferred by the United States to their local ally, the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), who maintain control over the northeast and eastern regions where the US currently has a minimum of 900 troops stationed.

According to an article published by TASS on July 13, 2023, Rostec, a state corporation in Russia, has introduced the Prometheus software and hardware system. This system is designed to transform different types of military vehicles into remotely controlled robotic units. Bekhan Ozdoev, the industrial director of Rostec's weapons, ammunition, and special chemicals cluster, provided detailed information about the capabilities of the Prometheus complex in an interview with TASS.

According to an article published by ABC News on July 19, 2023, the Japanese Self Defense Force (JSDF) will conduct a live fire demonstration of its Type 12 Surface-to-Ship missile (SSM) at the Beecroft Weapons Range in Jervis Bay, south of Sydney, Australia. This marks the first time Japan tests this capability in Australia and reflects the deepening partnership between the two countries.

The Royal Air Force (RAF) is operating Indra’s long-range transportable Lanza 3D radar (LTR-25)as an integral part of the surveillance of the United Kingdom’s airspace. As part of the RAF’s Global Enablement Team, it is an asset that is prepared to be rapidly deployed anywhere in the world.

The British company Avon Protection has been awarded a three-year contract, with two optional one-year extensions, by the NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) for CBRN protective boots and gloves. The framework contract will allow NATO nations and partners to place orders for Avon Protection’s Exoskin-B1 boots and Exoskin-G1 gloves.

On 18 July 2023, OCCAR-EA Director Joachim Sucker and eurosam Managing Director Eva Bruxmeier signed the Amendment of the FSAF-PAAMS Sustainment & Enhancement (S&E) contract for the procurement of new generation ground-based air defence systems SAMP/T NG for the Italian Air Force. This procurement adds to the SAMP/T NG production ordered in January 2023 for the Italian Army and the French Air and Space Force.

On July 13th, France's Parliament gave approval to President Emmanuel Macron's plan to increase military spending by 413.3 billion Euros spread over a 7-year period of time. This significant boost in funding, which forms part of France's 2024-2026 budget, was initially announced by the President in January. The decision to increase military expenditure by over one-third can arguably be attributed to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

According to Rostec, on July 18, 2023, Russia continues to improve its military hardware production, as evidenced by a recent delivery of T-90M "Proryv" main battle tanks and upgraded T-72B3M tanks to the Russian Armed Forces. These vehicles, manufactured by Uralvagonzavod and procured as part of the national defense initiative, provide a significant upgrade to the combat capabilities of the troops on the ground. Despite Russia having experienced significant losses of vehicles, this delivery demonstrates its ability to replace the lost equipment.

According to a joint statement published on July 18, 2023, the Defense Ministers of Belgium, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands have pledged their ongoing commitment to Ukraine amidst ongoing conflict with Russia. As part of a new initiative, these Benelux countries will refurbish M113 Armored Personnel Carriers (APCs) from industrial stocks for delivery to Ukraine.

The need to replenish stores of ammunition caused by the war in Ukraine is resulting in major artillery ammunition contracts for Rheinmetall. The German army (Bundeswehr) has just issued a large-volume order for service and practice artillery ammunition worth around €1.3 billion, including value-added tax. Two contracts to this effect have now been signed at the Federal Office for Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support (BAAINBw) in Koblenz.

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