Focus and analysis weapons military technology of defence industry
aa
 
 
 

Traditionally, wars are fought over land, sea, and in the air. Future conflicts will no longer exist solely in those domains: the armed forces will encounter conflict in space, cyberspace and simultaneously across all five domains. How will the U.S. Army be ready for multi-domain operations? Test for multi-domain operations — using distributed live, virtual and constructive simulations. Deirdre Cascardo reports.

Russian Company RosElectronics, part of the Russian State Company Rostec Corporation, unveiled a groundbreaking compact transponder designed for drone identification. This new technology represents a significant advancement in drone warfare and surveillance, addressing the challenges of identifying friendly versus enemy drones in combat scenarios.

During the VUKUHLOME 2023, A South African army military exercise on November 22, 2023, the South African company SVI Engineering showcased for the first time its new MAX 3 wheeled armored vehicle in self-propelled mortar carrier at the South African Army Combat Training Centre in Lohatla, Northern Cape. This vehicle is fitted with the Thales Scorpion 81mm mortar system.

The German Air Force has been conducting tests on the Hensoldt Twinvis passive radar system, which has the remarkable capability to detect stealth aircraft, Laurent Lagneau comments in Opex360. In 2018, Hensoldt claimed that the Twinvis successfully detected two American F-35A stealth fighter-bombers at the ILA Berlin Air Show. However, Lockheed-Martin countered this achievement by explaining that the F-35As were equipped with Lüneberg lenses, making them intentionally detectable for safety reasons in civilian airspace. Nevertheless…

The U.S. Marine Corps recently conducted a test involving a robot dog equipped with a training version of the M72 infantry anti-armor rocket launcher, according to a report by Joseph Therithick in The War Zone. This test highlights the growing interest in arming four-legged unmanned ground systems, not only within the U.S. military but also among foreign forces, particularly in China and Russia.

According to pictures released on social networks, the Israeli army has learned from the experiences of the Ukrainian conflict. The turret roofs of Merkava 4 tanks are now equipped with a "Cope Cage" or "Protective Canopy." This type of armor is designed to offer protection against aerial attacks, such as drones and loitering munitions.

Raytheon has been awarded a contract by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) to develop an innovative air-breathing propulsion system known as the Gambit program. This program aims to harness the power of a rotating detonation engine (RDE), which promises to revolutionize missile propulsion technology. The implications of this breakthrough are far-reaching, with potential benefits for military operations across multiple branches of the armed forces.

The U.S. Army is now ready to receive the M10 Booker Fire Support Vehicle. This state-of-the-art combat machine is set to redefine battlefield dynamics with its advanced features, formidable armament, and versatile combat capabilities. This new combat vehicle was designed and developed by the American Company General Dynamics Land Systems (GDLS).

The Russian Kizlyar Electromechanical Plant has unveiled a cutting-edge automated gun control system designed to optimize ammunition detonation for maximum impact against adversaries. A significant feature of this innovative system is its capability to counteract the rising threat of drone attacks. By engineering the ammunition to calculate the ideal detonation point, the system ensures the explosion produces a vast cloud of shrapnel aimed directly at airborne targets, making it a formidable defense against drones.

On September 28, the European Defence Agency (EDA) hosted the final meeting of the PILUM project, which focuses on a disruptive concept for an electromagnetic railgun (EMRG) – a future complementary artillery system with the potential of significantly higher projectile velocities and long-range effect.

In a significant stride towards the modernization of tactical power generation, the 11th Air Defense Artillery Brigade of the U.S. Army played a pivotal role in facilitating the Secure Tactical Advance Mobile Power (STAMP) operational demonstration on August 31, 2023, as reported by Capt. Ego Ekenta from the brigade's Public Affairs division.

In the ever-evolving landscape of modern warfare, the use of drones has become increasingly prevalent, posing significant threats to armored vehicles on the battlefield. Responding to this emerging challenge, Russia has unveiled its latest countermeasure, the REB "Волнорез" (Volnorez - Breakwater) electronic warfare jammers. This state-of-the-art system was first showcased and mounted on a T-80BVM Main Battle Tank (MBT) during the Russian Army Expo 2023 defense exhibition, capturing the attention of defense analysts worldwide.

Recently, Hanwha Defense Australia (HDA) brought together representatives from the Australian and South Korean industries to pitch to the Australian Army via the Robotic and Autonomous Systems  Implementation and Coordination Office (RICO) the concept for Automated Protected Logistics to the Edge. The workshop was aimed at being platform agnostic, able to go on any Army platform both now and into the future.

According to a video published on Telegram on August 8, 2023, the Russian Kurgan Machine-Building Plant is working on the production and modernization of the 2S18 Pat-S 152-mm self-propelled howitzers based on the BMP-3 chassis, using the single prototype as a blueprint for a new 152mm amphibious self-propelled howitzer.

The TOS-1 is a fearsome rocket launcher known for its devastating firepower. Developed and manufactured by ROSTEC, the Russian state defense company, the TOS-1 has recently undergone testing with a new navigation system that promises to enhance its targeting accuracy and automate geodetic calculations. Russian forces use it extensively in Ukraine to strike large Ukrainian positions.

Rostec, a Russian conglomerate specializing in advanced technologies, recently made a significant announcement in the field of artillery. In collaboration with TsNIItochmash, a company within the Rostec group, they have developed a new electronics package to upgrade the Russian-made 2S9 Nona-S 120mm tracked self-propelled mortar carrier. 

In May 2023, the HYDIS² consortium, composed of 19 partners and more than 20 subcontractors across 14 European countries, submitted a proposal for a concept architecture and technology maturation study of an endo-atmospheric interceptor against new high-end emerging threats, in the framework of the European Defence Fund 2023 work programme. On the 12th of July 2023, following a positive evaluation, the European Commission proposed the project for funding.

According to a Telegram post from Военный Осведомитель (Military Informant) dated July 24, 2023, we were able to see a whole range of weapons in use within the Russian forces, particularly among the VDV snipers. This presents a good opportunity to learn more about some equipment such as the Steyr SSG 08, the BespokeGun Raptor, and the Cadex Defense CDX-33.

In the current geopolitical landscape, the focus on defending national and allied territory and airspace has regained prominence for NATO and the armed forces of partner countries. With the increasing use of drones and other airborne threats, mobile, modular, and scalable ground-based air defense systems have become crucial assets in ensuring the safety and protection of ground forces and critical infrastructure. To respond to these new threats, the German Company Rheinmetall has developed a new mobile counter-drone solution called Skyranger 30. 

Page 1 of 32