TRAINING
// The UK is looking to increase its fleet of M270 MLRS platforms as part of a wide-ranging exploration of long-range fires capabilities. Credit: UK MoD/Crown copyright
The UK is looking to double its M270 Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) fleet and upgrade nine vehicles to the latest A2 standard in a bid to increase the quantity and quality of the British Army’s long-range fires capability.
The provision to Ukraine by NATO allies of high-end long-range fires, such as the M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System from the US and the UK’s supply of M270 MLRS, has proved a decisive factor in halting the Russian advance and helped to turn the tide in as Kyiv's counter-attack pushed east.
For the UK, a key lesson learned has been the effectiveness of long-range fires, with one effort intended to increase the country’s fleet of M270 MLRS vehicles from its current count of around 40 by between 50-100%, while also undertaking an extensive recapitalisation of the fleet in order to improve availability rates.
To this end, a range of sources are being sought to potentially acquire secondhand M270 platforms, including those acting as gate guards, in museums, or in service with foreign nations, Global Defence Technology understands.
Markets
Crewed-Uncrewed Teaming is driving global UAV surge
Crewed-Uncrewed Teaming will cause a global surge in armed forces induction of military uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAVs), with the market forecasted to reach $12bn in 2032 at a compound annual growth rate of 3.12% over the next ten years, according to analysis conducted by GlobalData.
To date, the increase in UAVs has come with the greater recognition of UAVs as a cost-effective platform alternative for military operations, utilised in search and rescue operations, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions, and for tactical air support, among other roles.
Advancements in battery technology and performance, such as range and autonomy, have expanded the interest in the use of UAVs in military operations.
SUSTAINMENT
BAE Systems to maintain US Army’s Bradley vehicles and MLRS carriers
BAE Systems has won a contract to maintain Bradley fighting vehicles and M993 Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) carriers.
Awarded by the US Army, the contract is worth $383m and involves the provision of technical and sustainment support services for the fleet.
The BAE Systems System Technical Support and Sustainment System Technical Support teams will continue to offer engineering and logistics services for five years.
Under the contract, the teams will support the M2 Bradley infantry fighting vehicle, M7 Bradley fire support team variants, and the M993 MLRS carrier, which is part of the M270 MLRS tracked heavy launch platform.
MARITIME
NATO forces destroy seven mines adrift in Black Sea
Drifting naval mines continue to represent a threat to maritime traffic operating in the southwest region of the Black Sea, according to the NATO Shipping Centre (NSC), which in September issued a warning to vessels transiting the area.
Issued on 12 September, the NSC stated that drifting naval mines had been “detected and deactivated” in the western Black Sea by “coastal nations authorities”.
An additional stray mine had also been detected and neutralised on 8 September in the southwestern Black Sea region.
“The threat of more drifting mines cannot be ruled out. Any sightings of mine-like objects should be reported to coastal authorities and shipping should remain well clear of the hazard,” the NSC warned at the time.
Nuclear
UK to award contract for nuclear sub dismantling in 2023
The UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) will hold a market engagement day at Babcock Marine’s Rosyth dockyard to determine industrial capabilities ahead of beginning the initial phase of the Submarine Dismantling Project.
In collaboration with the UK Defence Equipment Sales Authority, the event, to be held on 12 October this year, will focus on plans for the first submarine – the former HMS Swiftsure – to be recycled within the boundaries of the Rosyth dockyard.
The full programme is intended to scrap dozens of nuclear-powered submarines once in service with the Royal Navy.
The current timeline will see Babcock Marine award a recycling contract on behalf of the MoD in Q2 2023 for the HMS Swiftsure stage only.
Commissioned into service in 1972, HMS Swiftsure was the lead boat in the Swiftsure-class nuclear-powered submarines and operated until its decommissioning in 1992.
SPACE
Northrop Grumman secures STP-S29A launch service task order
The US Space Force (USSF) has awarded a $29.9m task order to Northrop Grumman Systems for the Space Test Programme (STP)-S29A launch service.
It has been awarded by USSF’s Small Launch and Targets Division’s Office at Kirtland Air Force Base (AFB) in New Mexico.
The Kirtland AFB-based office is also part of the Space Systems Command’s (SSC) Assured Access to Space (AATS) organisation.
According to the SSC, the complex STP-S29A mission focuses on delivering technology demonstrations to orbit, for the development of future space systems. The launch of the satellites is expected in September 2024.
Delivery
Embraer delivers SABER M60 2.0 radars to Brazilian Army
Aerospace firm Embraer has announced the delivery of the first two upgraded SABER M60 radars to strengthen the operational capabilities of the Brazilian Army.
The army will integrate the SABER M60 2.0 version with its anti-aircraft artillery units. The company also secured a new contract to supply four more radars of the same model.
As part of the Brazilian Army’s 2020-2023 Strategic Planning initiative, the low-altitude anti-aircraft artillery radar was manufactured in a partnership between the country and Embraer.
Already in service with the army, the SABER M60 was technologically modernised to version 2.0 in 2019.
UKRAINE DELIVERIES
Slovenia set to arm Ukrainian forces with up to 28 M-55S tanks
Slovenian Prime Minister Robert Golob and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz have agreed on a ring exchange to equip Ukrainian troops. The two leaders discussed the ongoing war in Ukraine and highlighted the need for solidarity to help the nation against Russian aggression. As part of the joint action, Slovenia will ship as many as 28 M-55S tanks to Ukraine.
Ukraine receives surface-to-air missile systems from US
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed the delivery of National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile Systems (NASAMS) from the US, according to media reports.
The development follows an announcement made by US President Joe Biden to commit $2.98bn in additional security aid. The assistance is intended to help Ukraine in the long term and includes six more NASAMS with munitions and more than 245,000 rounds of 155mm artillery ammunition, among others.
Germany, Norway, and Denmark to buy 16 ZUZANA-2 howitzers for Ukraine
Germany, Norway, and Denmark have decided to jointly purchase 16 ZUZANA-2 self-propelled wheeled howitzers from Slovakia to provide additional assistance to Ukraine. The procurement of the artillery systems will be funded equally by the three nations with an estimated value of approximately $90.15m (€92m). Production will be carried out in the Slovak Republic, with delivery to Ukraine expected to start from next year.
Ukraine receives Milrem’s THeMIS UGV in CASEVAC configuration
Estonia-based robotics and autonomous system manufacturer Milrem Robotics has delivered its Tracked Hybrid Modular Infantry System (THeMIS) uncrewed ground vehicle (UGV) to Ukraine. The newly delivered vehicle is fitted with stretchers, suitable for rapid casualty evacuation (CASEVAC), and will also be used for transporting supplies to Ukraine. Following the delivery, the company also provided on-site training to facilitate the quick deployment of the UGV.
NATO plans winter supplies for Ukrainian troops
NATO has called on its member nations to keep Ukrainian armed forces battle-ready through the hard winter by providing adequate uniforms, tents, and generators. During the cold season, temperatures reportedly fall to under -15° Celsius across Ukraine. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said the Alliance has formed structures to push for defence planning and production.
SPACE
Northrop Grumman secures STP-S29A launch service task order
The US Space Force (USSF) has awarded a $29.9m task order to Northrop Grumman Systems for the Space Test Programme (STP)-S29A launch service.
It has been awarded by USSF’s Small Launch and Targets Division’s Office at Kirtland Air Force Base (AFB) in New Mexico.
The Kirtland AFB-based office is also part of the Space Systems Command’s (SSC) Assured Access to Space organisation.
According to the SSC, the complex STP-S29A mission focuses on delivering technology demonstrations to orbit, for the development of future space systems. The launch of the satellites is expected in September 2024.
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.
DELIVERY
Embraer delivers SABER M60 2.0 radars to Brazilian Army
Aerospace company Embraer has announced the delivery of the first two upgraded SABER M60 radars to strengthen the operational capabilities of the Brazilian Army.
The service will integrate the SABER M60 2.0 version with its anti-aircraft artillery units. The company also secured a new contract to supply four more radars of the same model.
As part of the Brazilian Army’s 2020-2023 Strategic Planning initiative, the low-altitude anti-aircraft artillery radar was manufactured in a partnership between the country and Embraer.
Already in service with the army, the SABER M60 was technologically modernised to version 2.0 in 2019.
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