September 2023 News Global Defence & Security Industry - Military |
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London, UK, September 23, 2023 - The British Army has begun receiving the advanced M270A2 Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS) launchers, marking a significant upgrade to its land fleet capabilities. The acquisition is part of a broader initiative to bolster the nation's defense infrastructure.
Fort Campbell, KY, United States - In a significant advancement for the U.S. military's infantry capabilities, soldiers of the 2nd Battalion, 502nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team (IBCT) have received the first Next Generation Squad Weapons (NGSW) that includes the NGSW-R (Generation Squad Weapon- Rifle) and the NGSW-AR (Generation Squad Weapon- Automatic Rifle). This groundbreaking information was confirmed by the "Soldier Lethality Cross-Functional Team" via their official Twitter account on September 21, 2023.
Ukrainian defense company Ukrarmor has recently revealed details of their ambitious project: the BMP-V, an amphibious tracked infantry fighting vehicle (IFV) aimed at modernizing Ukraine's armored vehicle capabilities. This new venture comes from a company that has already gained recognition for its production of armored vehicles like the Bohdana 2.0, Kamrat-M, and Novator, as well as mortar systems and ammunition. Ukrarmor is also known for its expertise in the modernization of military equipment, including the BMP-1.
During a press conference, on 21 September 2023, Pentagon spokesperson Brigadier General Pat Ryder shed light on the ongoing U.S. support for Ukraine. This support is notably manifested through the imminent delivery of Abrams M1A1 tanks and training programs for Ukrainian pilots on F-16s. As a reminder, the United States had promised to deliver 31 M1A1 Abrams to Ukraine.
Meet the Kamrat-M, an armored personnel carrier aiming to redefine the standards of mobility, adaptability, and protection on the battlefield. Designed and manufactured by Ukrainian Armor, this combat vehicle serves as a universal platform that can be tailored to a wide range of military operations. This vehicle is specially designed for export and special forces.
Slovenia will increase its defense budget, the country's Minister of Defense Marjan Sarec said at the biennial four-day SOBRA international fair focusing on the areas of defense, security, protection and rescue that opened on Thursday, September 21.
Avidrone Aerospace, a Canadian company, has recently unveiled a new fleet of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) designed to offer advanced capabilities in automated long-range flight and heavy lifting. These UAVs are equipped with features such as heavy lift capabilities, autonomous flight systems, proprietary autopilot technology, and advanced VTOL (Vertical Take-Off and Landing) capabilities. Avidrone aims to provide innovative solutions for industrial and defense-related missions, including automated cargo transport and critical supply deliveries to remote and time-sensitive locations.
Detroit Arsenal, Michigan, United States – On September 20, 2023, the U.S. Army announced the awarding of contracts to four prominent companies for the design and construction of Robotic Combat Vehicle (RCV) prototypes. This initiative is the first phase of a comprehensive Program of Record competition. The companies selected for this prestigious project are McQ, Inc., Textron Systems Corporation, General Dynamics Land Systems, and Oshkosh Defense, LLC, with a combined contract value of around $24.72 million.
Belgium has announced the purchase of 761 Akeron MP anti-tank missiles (formerly known as Medium-Range Missile or MMP) from MBDA France to equip its 60 future EBRC Jaguar reconnaissance vehicles and replace the currently used Spike missiles. This decision underscores Belgium's commitment to the Franco-Belgian defense partnership, which has been evident through several major orders from the French defense industry in recent years.
On September 21, 2023, President Joe Biden announced the U.S. will send an additional security assistance package for Ukraine valued at up to $325 million as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy concluded his second visit to Washington since Russia launched its unprovoked invasion, Joseph Clark, U.S. DoD, reports.
The Patria 6x6 APC has a new variant, armed with the Patria Nemo 120 mm mortar system, a system designed to meet the requirements of contemporary military operations, with a focus on mobility, protection, and precision. This mortar system, capable of being mounted on various ground and sea platforms for responsive fire support, consists of a turret, a remote-controlled 120 mm mortar, a loading device, a fire control system, and ammunition storage.
A development by Aeroscan has given rise to a long-range loitering munition referred to as the "Italmas," often colloquially known as Product 54. Alexander Rogatkin's report, featured on the Rossiya 1 TV channel, delved into the significance of this weaponry.
In an era where air defense has become increasingly crucial due to geopolitical tensions and technological advancements in aerial warfare, particularly in the conflict in Ukraine, Viettel, a Vietnamese telecommunications company, has introduced its 3D S-Band medium-range air-defense surveillance radar. This system is designed to be highly mobile and offers a comprehensive range of features.
A new all-terrain vehicle is making its debut, and it's called the Taha 3400, a two-part vehicle with amphibious capabilities. The front part features a cabin, while the rear part serves as a simple trailer capable of carrying equipment.
Rosoboronexport has announced that the Kord sniper rifle, designed by the state-owned Dyagterev Plant specifically for the new .338 Lapua Magnum caliber, is now poised to make its debut in the global arms market. This impressive firearm was showcased at the esteemed international forum known as "Army-2023."
As reported by Murray Brewster on CBC News, the Canadian Army plans to retire dozens of old M113 Tracked Light Armoured Vehicles (TLAVs) troop carriers this year. Despite an offer from Armatec Survivability, a private company, to refurbish these vehicles for use in Ukraine, the Canadian Department of National Defence (DND) intends to dispose of them.
In the context of modern warfare, there has been a noticeable shift away from traditional large-scale confrontations towards more asymmetric conflicts. In such scenarios, the battlefield can be dispersed and unpredictable, spanning diverse environments like urban areas, dense forests, and rugged terrains. Traditional heavy armor and large infantry formations may encounter challenges in adapting to these settings. Unveiled by MBDA at DSEI 2023, the Hydra 400 drone, now armed with Brimstone anti-tank missiles, emerges as a new component in this evolving landscape.
The U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency on September 20 announced that the State Department had made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Kuwait of Repair and Recertification of Patriot Advanced Capability-3 Missiles and support for an estimated cost of $150 million.
Warsaw, Poland, September 21, 2023 - The Polish Ministry of Defense announced today that the first batch of soldiers from the Polish army have conducted their first live-fire exercises with the newly acquired K9 howitzer, a testament to the nation's rapidly advancing military capabilities.
Elbit Systems UK's Joint Fires Synthetic Trainer (JFST) has officially achieved Initial Operating Capability (IOC). JFST offers immersive training using cutting-edge simulations to provide real-time instruction for personnel from the British Army, Royal Navy, and Royal Air Force who are involved in Joint Fires, encompassing both surface-to-surface and air-to-surface fires.
MBDA and Supacat have developed a new generation of a mobile anti-tank missile system mounted on an HMT600 vehicle. The Brimstone offers new antitank capabilities to engage adversaries with precision, at a range from 10 to 12 km. Typically, Brimstone is an air-to-surface missile system, but when mounted on an HMT600 chassis, it takes on a whole new dimension, allowing it to serve an anti-tank role.
A steadfast focus on equipping the warfighter and establishing U.S. Army spectrum dominance underscored this summer’s agenda of extensive testing for the Multi-Function Electronic Warfare – Air Large, or MFEW-AL, capability. It began in June with testing at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst and continued throughout the summer with developmental testing and Soldier Touch Points at Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake, California and Fort Drum, New York. J. Michelle Young reports.
At the DSEI 2023 defense exhibition in London, the British Army unveiled the latest variant of the Ajax armored vehicle fitted with the 40mm turret. This vehicle is set to replace the CVRT tracked armored reconnaissance vehicles, which have been in service with the British forces since 1970.
Indian company Larsen & Toubro Ltd, in collaboration with the Indian Government, has successfully delivered upgraded Cadillac Gage V-150 Commando and V-300 light armored vehicles to the Philippine Navy (Marines) and Philippine Air Force on September 19, 2023, MaxDefense Philippines reports.
According to David Boey on September 12, 2023, Singapore got the US approval to buy 1,885 Colt 5.56mm caliber fully automatic rifles for $3,189,420. This follows the confirmation by Singapore’s Ministry of Defence in May 2023 that the country has selected the Colt Infantry Automatic Rifle (IAR), based on the Colt M4A1 carbine, as its next standard-issue automatic weapon in its army, replacing the aging Ultimax 100 Mk.2 light machine gun in the Squad Automatic Weapon role.
