TRAINING

Israel MoD to start field tests of Medium RCV in 2023

// Image credit: Israel Ministry of Defense

The Israeli Ministry of Defense (MoD) is preparing to conduct field tests of its new Medium Robotic Combat Vehicle (M-RCV) in 2023.


The M-RCV was designed by the Directorate of Defense Research and Development, Tank and APC Directorate, and other firms. It was developed as part of the autonomous battlefield concept and is the result of several years of investment by the partners.


The announcement comes as the robotic uncrewed vehicle was unveiled by Elbit Systems at Eurosatory in Paris.


M-RCV features a robotic platform type BLR-2 made by BL, a 30mm autonomous turret designed by the Tank and APC Directorate, Elbit’s Iron Fist active protection system, and mission management systems.


Featuring an open architecture, the vehicle is also equipped with a robotic autonomous kit, situation awareness systems, and a capsuled drone, along with a passive sensing kit designed by Elbit Systems and Foresight.

Communications

Raytheon demonstrates modernised troposcatter system for US Army


Raytheon Intelligence & Space has conducted a five-week successful troposcatter communications demonstration for the US Army.


The AN/TRC-244(V)1 troposcatter is a next-generation, transportable, beyond-line-of-sight, point-to-point communications system. It provides a high bandwidth and stable communication links for the soldiers.


Small and portable, the troposcatter can be installed easily and attains connectivity within 40 minutes. The automated wireless system enables self-alignment of the antenna and can be configured using a single antenna.


Also called tropospheric scatter, the system helps the armed forces when satellite communications are inaccessible. Troposcatter uses radio-scattering effects in the lowest part of the atmosphere. This evades the need for expensive line-of-sight relays.

EQUIPMENT

Germany’s Bundeswehr to buy more personal equipment and clothing


The Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support has signed an additional contract with Bundeswehr Clothing Management for additional personal equipment and clothing for soldiers.


The contract, valued at more than €2.3bn, is aimed at enhancing the operational and defence capabilities of the German armed forces. The procurement of personal equipment and combat clothing will run through to 2025.


During this period, as many as 313,000 sets of combat clothing, 351,000 MOBAST protective vest systems, 313,000 helmets, and 338,000 backpack systems with a 110-litre capacity will be supplied to the German soldiers.

Space

USSF’s SSC delivers last SBIRS GEO satellite to Cape Canaveral


The US Space Force’s (USSF) Space Systems Command (SSC) has delivered the sixth and last Space-Based Infrared System (SBIRS) Geosynchronous Earth Orbit satellite (GEO).


The SBIRS GEO-6 was delivered from the Lockheed Martin Space facility in Sunnyvale, California, to Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida.


It was transported aboard a C-5M Super Galaxy aircraft. An SBIRS team based at Los Angeles Air Force Base (AFB) in California and a flight crew from the US Air Force’s 60th Air Mobility Wing based at Travis AFB, California, supported the delivery.

Energy

US DoD selects BWXT to deliver advanced nuclear microreactor


The US Department of Defense’s (DoD) Strategic Capabilities Office has chosen BWX Technologies (BWXT) to build the first advanced nuclear microreactor as part of a £300m contract under Project Pele.


In March 2020, the DoD awarded contracts to three teams, BWXT, Westinghouse Government Services, and X-Energy, to develop mobile microreactors to power military bases. After a two-year design-maturation period, the DoD selected BWXT to build and demonstrate the prototype.


BWXT is the prime contract and integration lead. Other companies supporting the delivery and operation of the prototype include Northrop Grumman, Aerojet Rocketdyne, Rolls-Royce LibertyWorks, and Torch Technologies.


The mobile microreactors will supply clean and zero-carbon energy to the DoD. They can also be used to support disaster response and recovery efforts, decarbonisation activities, and supply power to remote areas.

PARTNERSHIP

Lockheed Martin and KAI to team up for future T-50 opportunities


Lockheed Martin has signed a teaming agreement with Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) to explore future T-50 advanced jet trainer opportunities.


The agreement will see the two companies cooperate to market the T-50 worldwide. The partners are expected to offer the training aircraft for various programmes internationally.


Developed by KAI and Lockheed Martin, the T-50 programme took its maiden flight in 2002, followed by its first production flight in 2005. The companies have produced 208 aircraft, with an additional 28 on order across several aerobatic and combat variants such as T-50A trainer aircraft, T-50B, TA-50, and FA-50.

ACQUISITION

Indian Air Force plans to acquire 114 multirole fighter aircraft


The Indian Air Force (IAF) is reportedly planning to procure 114 multirole fighter aircraft, with 96 aircraft to be produced within the country.


A report by Asian News International said that the remaining 18 of 114 aircraft would be purchased from foreign manufacturers selected under the new project.


The fighter jets are being acquired under the Government of India’s ‘Buy Global and Make in India’ initiative, which allows local companies to collaborate with international vendors. Foreign aircraft manufacturers such as Lockheed Martin, Irkut, Boeing, Saab, Dassault Aviation and MiG are expected to participate in the tender process.

CONTRACTS

TAG wins Israeli 4×4 light armoured vehicles AMITAY competition


The Armored Group (TAG) has been selected by the Israeli Defense Forces as the winner of the 4×4 light armoured vehicles AMITAY competition. The armoured vehicles will be procured to enhance the safety and combat readiness of the armed forces. Although TAG did not disclose details such as the number of vehicles to be delivered, the company said that it secured a' significant order'.

BISim to deliver DVS2 solution for UK military training


The UK Ministry of Defence’s Defence, Equipment and Support agency has awarded a contract to Bohemia Interactive Simulations (BISim) to provide the Defence Virtual Simulation 2 (DVS2) solution. Under the £7.2m contract, BISim will deliver its VBS4 and VBS Blue image generator tools as part of the DVS2 solution. A common virtual simulation software of the Ministry of Defence, DVS2 provides interoperable and accessible virtual simulations.

Norway terminates NH90 helicopter acquisition contract with NHI


The Norwegian Defence Material Agency (NDMA) has terminated its NH90 helicopters acquisition contract with NATO Helicopter Industries (NHI). The agency will now start the preparations of returning the helicopters and its associated equipment received to NHI. NDMA will further request NHI for a refund of approximately $522.5m (NOK5bn), which was paid to the company under the contract.

NHIndustries and NAHEMA sign contract to support French and German NH90


NHIndustries and NATO Helicopter Design and Development Production and Logistics Management Agency (NAHEMA) have signed an NH90 operational support contract. The agreement aims to improve the availability rates of NH90 NATO Frigate Helicopter and tactical transport helicopters. NHIndustries will be responsible to deliver a major part of the logistics and maintenance activity of the two nations. The contract covers up to 100 French NH90 helicopters and up to 131 German NH90 and allows additional nations to join any time.

ACQUISITION

Indian Air Force plans to acquire 114 multirole fighter aircraft


The Indian Air Force is reportedly planning to procure 114 multirole fighter aircraft, with 96 aircraft to be produced within the country.


A report by Asian News International said that the remaining 18 of 114 aircraft would be purchased from foreign manufacturers selected under the new project.


The fighter jets are being acquired under the Government of India’s ‘Buy Global and Make in India’ initiative, which allows local companies to collaborate with international vendors. Foreign aircraft manufacturers such as Lockheed Martin, Irkut, Boeing, Saab, Dassault Aviation and MiG are expected to participate in the tender process.

Projects

US Navy plans to use UAS for cargo transport

The US Navy is assessing the feasibility of using uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) for cargo transport between vessels or from ship to shore. The Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division has acquired a logistics UAS prototype to demonstrate the transfer of cargo over long ranges. The vehicle will be tested and upgraded for military sealift requirements.

Naval Group delivers first Suffren-class submarine to French Navy 

French shipbuilder Naval Group has delivered the first of six Suffren-class nuclear attack submarines for the French Navy. This delivery marks an important milestone in the Barracuda programme, which upgrades the submarine component of France's nuclear deterrent.

Iran unveils domestic ballistic missile launcher

Iran’s Islamic Revolution Guards Corps has reportedly unveiled a domestically built ballistic missile launching system. Tasnim news agency reported that the air force manufactured thdine automated system, which is used for launching long-range ballistic missiles.

Exercises

Australian Navy tests robots for counter-disaster operation

The Royal Australian Navy has tested robots in a simulated counter-disaster operation. As part of exercise Autonomous Warrior Genesis, the navy tested uncrewed land, air and sea vehicles in response to a simulated humanitarian relief scenario.

US and Japan complete exercise Keen Sword 21 

US Indo-Pacific Command units and the Japan Self-Defense Force have completed exercise Keen Sword 21, a joint-bilateral field training exercise in Japan. It involved maritime and air operations, amphibious landings, missile defence exercises, resupply, cyber and space operations.

Royal Air Force concludes Exercise Crimson Warrior 

The Royal Air Force has concluded Exercise Crimson Warrior, a three-week training operation involving fast jets, helicopters and unmanned air systems with involvement from the British Army, US Air Force and US Marines. Exercise Crimson Warrior has been adapted from Cobra Warrior with missiodinns being added to support the F-35B and helicopters that form part of the Carrier Strike Group Air Wing.

In brief

Fabri-Kal launches Recycleware Containers to expand sustainability

Food packaging solutions provider Fabri-Kal has expanded its sustainable product offerings with the launch of its new Recycleware Containers. Manufactured in the US, the products contain a minimum of 20-50% post-consumer recycled PET material and are recyclable.

Burger King and TerraCycle’s Loop to pilot new reusable packaging 

Fast-food chain Burger King has partnered with TerraCycle’s circular packaging service, Loop, to pilot new reusable packaging. The partnership is part of the brand’s Restaurant Brands for Good framework to help reduce packaging waste.

Stora Enso launches take-away bowls for food service packaging 

Pulp and paper manufacturer Stora Enso has partnered with wholesale company Tingstad to market its new food service take-away bowls, PureFiber. The packaging is designed to replace plastic on-the-go food packaging. It is free from plastic and PFAS.

H&M presents new Looop garment-to-garment recycling system

Swedish clothing-retail company H&M is introducing a garment-to-garment recycling system that helps transform old textiles into new ones. Known as Looop, the container-sized machine promotes circularity in fashion and keeps unwanted garments from turning into waste.

PARTNERSHIP

Lockheed Martin and KAI to team up for future T-50 opportunities


Lockheed Martin has signed a teaming agreement with Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) to explore future T-50 advanced jet trainer opportunities.


The agreement will see the two companies cooperate to market the T-50 worldwide. The partners are expected to offer the training aircraft for various programmes internationally.


Developed by KAI and Lockheed Martin, the T-50 programme took its maiden flight in 2002, followed by its first production flight in 2005. The companies have produced 208 aircraft, with an additional 28 on order across several aerobatic and combat variants such as T-50A trainer aircraft, T-50B, TA-50, and FA-50.