September 2023 News Global Defence & Security Industry - Military

 
 
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The Republic of Serbia's Ministry of Defense, through its Military Technical Institute, is showcasing the Vrabac short-range drone at the Partner 2023 exhibition in Serbia. Designed for a variety of reconnaissance and surveillance operations, the Vrabac is capable of monitoring borders, coastlines, forest fires, and critical infrastructure. In addition to its standard features, the Vrabac now also comes in a version equipped to deploy hand grenades, adding a new dimension to its operational utility.

Currently, on display at the Partner 2023 exhibition in Serbia, the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Serbia recently announced the introduction of the Mistral 3+ man-portable air defense system (MANPADS). This short-range air defense missile system is designed to operate either independently or mounted on a Zastava NTV, a multi-purpose all-terrain vehicle that entered service with the Serbian army in 2016.

"Iron Titan" stands as the British Army's most extensive land exercise in over two decades, involving around 8,000 troops. This exercise integrates the training of the 3rd (United Kingdom) Division's support elements, taking place at various locations in England and Wales. It coincides with the British Army's adoption of new strategies for future warfare.

At the Partner 2023 exhibition in Serbia, Yugoimport showcases its latest innovation the Wing Assisted Guidance Kit for the MK bomb series. This autonomous system, which operates independently from the aircraft system, has been designed to significantly enhance the capabilities of standard unguided general-purpose bombs while minimizing the exposure of aircraft to the threats posed by enemy anti-aircraft defenses. With its own integrated guidance system, this kit has the ability to correct the trajectory of the bomb under a wide range of weather conditions, thereby enhancing precision and accuracy while reducing the circular probable error, regardless of the bomb's range.

German drone manufacturer Quantum-Systems GmbH from Munich wins the FALKE tender from the German Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support (BAAINBw)., The company, manufacturer of dual-use reconnaissance drones that use multi-sensor technology to collect data for government agencies and commercial users, on September 26 signed a framework agreement with the BAAINBw for the delivery of Vector reconnaissance drones. The delivery of 14 unmanned aerial systems will begin at the end of 2024.

Currently at the Partner 2023 expo, Serbia is showcasing a range of innovations. One such innovation is the Obad quadcopter, an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) developed by the Military Technical Institute of the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Serbia. This quadcopter is designed for quick deployment and high-mobility military applications. Uniquely, this version is armed with two 9M14 Malyutka anti-tank missiles that can be fired directly from the drone, a rather uncommon feature for a UAV.

National Armaments Directors from more than 40 countries, the European Union, and NATO gathered on September 27 in Brussels, Belgium, under the auspices of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group to further ongoing efforts aimed at collaboratively solving industrial base and sustainment challenges in support of Ukraine. Led by Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment William LaPlante, the session was the sixth meeting to date.

Serbia is currently showcasing the Milosh armored vehicle, equipped with the 3rd generation Nova anti-tank missile, at the Partner 2023 expo. The Milosh is a versatile four-wheel-drive combat platform designed to serve a wide range of roles within police and military operations. Featuring a self-supporting hull, modern transmission and propulsion systems, as well as an independent suspension system, the vehicle aims to offer high mobility across various terrains and weather conditions. It can operate at a maximum combat weight exceeding 14 tons.

At the Partner 2023 exhibition in Serbia, the Military Technical Institute introduces the PASARS (Protection and Anti-aircraft Self-propelled Artillery Rocket System) air defense system module which incorporates four anti-aircraft systems: the Bofors L/70 40mm Autocannon, the Mistral 3+ and Strela-2M surface-to-air-missiles, and the Malyutka 2T5 Anti-Tank Guided Missile (ATGM). This module could be mounted on a six-wheel drive general-purpose off-road military vehicle, either the FAP 2228 or the FAP 2026BS/AV, adding an element of adaptability to the system.

Currently being showcased at the Partner 2023 salon in Serbia, the Tamnava Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) marks a significant addition to Serbia's artillery capabilities. Built on a Kamaz 6560 8x8 military truck chassis, the system is designed for modularity, allowing for the use of different types of launch pods capable of firing either 122 mm or 262 mm rockets.

At the Partner 2023 exhibition, Yugoimport, a Serbian company, is showcasing various models of its Nora B-52, a 155 mm self-propelled howitzer family that has been fully developed and designed by Yugoimport in collaboration with the Military Technical Institute of Belgrade. Alongside the new Nora B-52 NG (Next Generation), they are also presenting the Nora B-52 M21, one of the latest iterations of the Nora B-52 self-propelled howitzer, which was introduced in 2021.

As tensions between Armenia and Azerbaijan continue to escalate, Türkiye has strengthened Azerbaijan's defense capabilities by providing it with two advanced anti-drone electronic warfare systems: the İlter J250 and İlter HP. Developed by Bogazici Defense, these systems are designed to neutralize a range of drone threats and have already been exported to more than 10 countries. After successful testing in Türkiye, the systems were delivered to Azerbaijan, marking a significant improvement in its anti-drone capabilities.

During the Partner 2023 expo, Serbia unveiled a new Unmanned Ground Vehicle (UGV). The Milosh V2 UGV is presented by the Military Technical Institute under the auspices of the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Serbia. This remotely controlled vehicle is primarily designed for the destruction and neutralization of infantry targets and light armored vehicles. It accomplishes this through its 12.7mm automatic machine gun, capable of engaging targets at distances up to 1,200m.

The Military Technical Institute, affiliated with the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Serbia, is presenting its latest air-to-ground guided missile, the Kosava 3, at the Partner 2023 Salon in Serbia. This advanced missile system is designed to destroy distant land targets, eliminating the need for targets to be directly visible at the time of launch. It should be noted that the Kosava 3 is compatible with the modernized version of the ORAO J22 aircraft.

According to Praise the Steph on September 26, 2023, the Slovakian Armed Forces received the first KTO Wydra (Vydra) 8x8 armored personnel carrier (APC) from the Finnish company Patria. This delivery results from a strategic partnership between Finland and Slovakia, and the Vydra, a Slovak variant of the Finnish Patria AMV XP 8x8 APC, is poised to play a pivotal role in Slovakia's ongoing military modernization efforts. This initial Vydra, configured for medical evacuation purposes, will be completed by the Slovak company Konstrukta Defence.

At the Partner 2023 expo, Serbia is unveiling the M17 "Oganj," a self-propelled, digitalized, multitube rocket launching system. Developed by the Military Technical Institute under the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Serbia, this system is a modernized version of the older SVLR Oganj 128mm M77. It is designed to provide artillery support at the brigade level.

According to DeutscheWelle, Ukraine has received a new batch of five SurveilSPIRE mobile reconnaissance systems from Germany. This addition complements the five SurveilSPIRE systems that Ukraine already had in service. This reconnaissance system operates entirely autonomously and is effective in combating drones.

As reported by Swissinfo echoed by European Pravda on September 26, the Swiss parliament has granted authorization to the military to sell 25 decommissioned Leopard 2A4 tanks, known as Pz 87 in the Swiss designation system, with the stipulation that these tanks be sold back to the German manufacturer and not transferred to Ukraine.

A new reconnaissance variant of the Humvee has been revealed at the Partner 2023 exhibition in Serbia, as part of the development of the Serbian defense industry's capabilities. The initiative is led by the Military Technical Institute (VTI), Serbia's premier military research institution, and introduces a reconnaissance-focused Humvee variant equipped with advanced features, such as an electro-optic multisensor reconnaissance platform and a retractable mast system. This new variant, which is designed to enhance the country's capabilities in this domain, is also armed with a 12.7mm machine gun.

During the 75th Armed Forces Day military parade on September 26, 2023, South Korea unveiled its domestically produced Long-Range Surface-to-Air Missile (L-SAM). This introduction occurred at the Seongnam Seoul Airport in Seoul, South Korea, underlining the nation's commitment to strengthening its defense capabilities. As of the information provided, the L-SAM had not yet entered mass production and was scheduled for completion in 2024. However, it had already garnered international interest, potentially positioning it as an export item in the future, much like the K2 Black Panther Main Battle Tank and the K9 Thunder 155mm self-propelled howitzer.

The Military Technical Institute of the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Serbia unveiled a new guidance kit at the Partner 2023 expo. This kit is designed to convert existing 120mm mortar rounds into autonomously guided weapons. The innovation aims to provide a more affordable solution for guided munitions while maintaining high accuracy and extended range.

The Military Technical Institute, affiliated with the Republic of Serbia Ministry of Defense, is showcasing a modified High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV or Humvee) at the Partner 2023 Salon. The vehicle is now equipped with a Russian-origin Fagot anti-tank missile system as its primary weapon.

In a groundbreaking move, Serbian defense company Yugoimport has announced its ambitious plans to develop the world's lightest Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS). This innovative system will be based on the Milosh, a versatile 4x4 armored vehicle, and will be equipped with 28 launcher tubes. These tubes are designed to fire the S-8 KOM unguided rockets, known for their capability to decimate ground targets.

At the Partner 2023 International Defense Exhibition, Serbian state defense company Yugoimport pulled the covers off its latest artillery marvel, the NORA-B52 NG (Next Generation). This state-of-the-art wheeled self-propelled howitzer is the newest member of the esteemed NORA-B52 family but comes with significant upgrades, setting new standards in the artillery domain.

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