| |
| |
Russia Back Menu
'Thousands of troops' to participate in Russian Far East drills, Vostok 2010. Tens of thousands of troops, as well as dozens of warships and warplanes, will be involved in a large-scale military exercise in Russia's Far East, a top military commander said on Monday. Gen. Nikolai Makarov, chief of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces, said the strategic exercise, codenamed Vostok 2010, will take place on June 29 through July 8. According to media reports, at least 20,000 troops, up to 70 warplanes and 30 warships will participate. Last year's drills (Vostok 2009) involved 12,500 troops, 40 warplanes and 200 armored vehicles. Makarov stressed that the drills were not aimed against any one country. "This exercise...is not directed against any concrete country or military-political bloc. It has a purely defensive nature in ensuring the security and national interests of the state in the Far East," he said. The upcoming drills will involve units from the Far Eastern, Siberian and Volga-Urals military districts, as well as the Pacific Fleet. As part of the drills, the Armed Forces will practice the deployment of additional troops in Siberia and the Far East to reinforce the existing military contingent in the region in case of a military conflict.
28 June 2010 | | | |
| |
France Back Menu
First deliveries of the counter-mining system SOUVIM 2 for the French Army. Two units of this land vehicle SOUVIM 2 set will be delivered very shortly to the DGA, the French armament procurement agency and will undergo final qualification testing before delivery to the French Army. In line with the DGA's aim, the French Army will be ready to deploy this system on foreign theatres in 2010. The Souvim 2 is designed and manufactured by the French Company MBDA.
25 June 2010 | | | |
| |
Myanmar Back Menu
North Korean-made truck-mounted multiple launch rocket systems for the army of Myanmar. North Korean-made truck-mounted multiple launch rocket systems were recently delivered to missile operation commands in Mohnyin in Kachin State, Naungcho and Kengtung in Shan State, and Kyaukpadaung in Mandalay Division. At least 14 units of 240mm truck-mounted multiple launch rocket systems were delivered initially, followed by a further 30 similar launchers. These provide a major increase in firepower over the 107mm Type 63 and 122mm Type 90 multiple-launch rocket previously obtained from China.
24 June 2010 | | | |
| |
Ukraine Back Menu
Ukraine plans to have fully professional army by 2015. Ukraine must have a fully professional army by 2015, the Ukrainian Defense Ministry said on Thursday. "We are planning to complete by 2015 the full transition of the Ukrainian military forces from a mixed recruiting system to a new model based solely on contracted service," the ministry quoted head of the personnel policy department Maj. Gen. Serhiy Kropyvchenko as saying. Ukraine has long been making plans for a transition to a fully professional army, but low defense budgets (currently only 1% of GDP) have hampered the process. At present, over 52% of the military personnel in the country's 200,000-man Armed Forces are professional soldiers. Under former president Viktor Yushchenko Ukraine sought close relations with NATO. To this end, the country cooperated in a combined peacekeeping operation with its neighbor Poland in Kosovo. Ukrainian soldiers also serve under NATO command in Iraq, Afghanistan and in Operation Active Endeavour in the Mediterranean. However, Viktor Yanukovych, who became Ukrainian president in February, has made it clear he intends to drop his predecessor's plans to seek NATO membership and said his country would pursue non-bloc policy in the future.
24 June 2010 | | | |
| |
United Kingdom Back Menu
British Ministry of Defense awards GBP 45 M Contract for Over 140 Jackal 2a Vehicles The UK Ministry of Defence has awarded a £45m contract to the Supacat-Babcock industry alliance for over 140 further Jackal weapons-mounted 4x4 patrol vehicles to support operations in Afghanistan. The new order will bring the total number of Jackal vehicles in service with the UK Armed Forces to over 400, in 3 configurations; Jackal 1, Jackal 2 and this latest improved variant, Jackal 2a. Production of the Jackal 2a vehicle uplift commenced in February 2010, immediately following on from final delivery of a UOR contract placed with the Supacat-Babcock alliance in April 2009 for approximately 120 Jackal 2 and more than 70 new 6x6 'Coyote' Tactical Support Vehicle (Light) (TSV(L). The upgraded Jackal 2a is an enhanced version of the successful Jackal 2 with the design changes driven by direct operational feedback. The primary change is the introduction of a new cab design with integrated mine blast protection which simplifies production and improves the performance over that offered by the previous system fitted to Jackal 2.
23 June 2010 | | | |
| |
Iran Back Menu
Moscow Still Hasn't Delivered Air Defense Missiles to Iran. Iran has a deal to buy S-300 anti-aircraft missiles from Russia. But Moscow has not delivered them yet. The S-300 missile is a defensive weapon with a maximum range of about 200 kilometers. In 2007, Russia signed a deal with Iran to provide Tehran with the S-300 missile. After some conflicting statements, senior Russian officials - including Prime Minister Vladimir Putin, during a meeting with French President Nicolas Sarkozy - said Moscow has decided to freeze delivery of the S-300 missiles to Tehran.
23 June 2010 | | | |
| |
Kuwait Back Menu
Kuwait's MBT decision could revive tank production in Croatia and Serbia. Kuwait's decision whether to modernise its fleet of M-84 main battle tanks (MBTs) could spur the revival of production of the vehicles by Serbia and Croatia, Serbian media reported on 17 June. Senior defence ministry officials from Serbia and Croatia met to discuss possible modernisation strategies for the vehicles, which could be at the core of a significant defence collaboration between the two republics. "Tank production can be revived if there proves to be a need," said Stevan Nikcevic, general director of Jugoimport SDPR, which co-ordinates the domestic defence industry. "I cannot say anything about the details of the commercial contract with Kuwait. We have transported the M-84 AB1 tank there and thus the modernised version and demonstrated its capabilities. The Kuwaitis were pleased with what they saw."
21 June 2010 | | | |
| |
United Kingdom (BAE Systems) Back Menu
New tracked armoured vehicle personnel carrier, Armadillo based of CV90. BAE Systems Global Combat Systems has developed a new flexible, up-armoured version of the CV90 in an armoured personnel carrier (APC) variant called the Armadillo. Earlier 'standard' CV90s are currently deployed on operations in Afghanistan by Denmark, Norway and Sweden, and many of them have been upgraded to meet the threats being encountered there. The lessons learned from this process - and the fact that production of the CV9035 Mk III for the Royal Netherlands Army is due to come to an end in 2011 - has underpinned the decision to develop the Armadillo concept to a pre-series production standard. The company is now chasing additional sales to keep the production line running beyond the Dutch programme and has identified potential customers in Canada, Norway and Poland. Like many other infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs), the standard CV90 is optimised for operations alongside main battle tanks, but BAE Systems believes that there is still a requirement for a full APC with the same high level of protection and mobility, especially in many of the key support roles. As a result, the Armadillo is essentially a basic CV90 with its heavy two-man turret removed and plated over, leaving a substantial interior and rear deck space that can be optimised for a wide range of battlefield roles.
15 June 2010 | | | |
| |
Italy (Iveco Defense Vehicles) Back Menu
Iveco Defence Vehicles and BAE Systems Pursue Marine Corps Personnel Carrier. BAE Systems and Iveco Defence Vehicles have signed a licensing agreement to form the basis of a business arrangement for the pursuit of the U.S. Marine Corps Personnel Carrier (MPC) programme, with a vehicle based on the SUPERAV 8x8. In 2009, Iveco Defence Vehicles unveiled the SUPERAV 8x8 as the newest MPC candidate. The SUPERAV has capabilities based on previously fielded vehicles that include enhanced survivability, mobility performance, and amphibious capability with growth potential. The MPC is designed to fill the medium-armour ground vehicle gap and complements the capabilities of the Expeditionary Fighting Vehicle (EFV) and the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV). It will be a flexible and highly mobile asset for the Marines that will be well protected, sustainable, networked and include a strong swimming capability. Both BAE Systems and Iveco Defence Vehicles have extensive experience across a range of mine-protected and armoured vehicles, including several 8x8 models. This breadth of experience positions the team to jointly address the specific requirements of the MPC programme.
15 June 2010 | | | |
| |
Israel Back Menu
G-NIUS AVANTGUARD® unmanned ground combat vehicle delivered to Israeli Defence Forces Army. G-NIUS Unmanned Ground Systems Ltd., a jointly-owned company of Elbit Systems Ltd. (NASDAQ and TASE : ESLT) and Israel Aerospace Industries Ltd., now unveils that its AvantGuard® UGCV was delivered to the IDF (Israeli Defence Forces Army). Based on the technological strength and capabilities of G-NIUS’ Guardium™ UGV system, as well as building on the Tactical Amphibious Ground Support (TAGS) vehicle excellent maneuverability in harsh terrain environments, the AvantGuard® UGCV significantly expands the applications envelope to encompass Counter IED (CIED) and ground maneuvering combat missions.
07 June 2010 | | | |
| |
United Kingdom Back Menu
Royal Marines are first to use new Sharpshooter rifle in Afghanistan. The first new infantry combat rifle to be issued to troops for more than 20 years has arrived in Afghanistan and is being used by Royal Marines from 40 Commando. The Sharpshooter rifle fires a 7.62mm round and enhances accuracy of engagement during longer-range firefights. The Sharpshooter's considerable range takes it into the realm of sniper territory, but it requires far less training, being more similar to the standard service rifle than the highly-specialised weapons used by those in the sniper profession.
07 June 2010 | | | |
| |
United States (AM General) Back Menu
AM General Awarded Two Contracts for 153 Humvees for US Army. AM General, LLC, South Bend, Ind., was awarded on May 28 an $8,546,999 firm-fixed-price contract to add 53 Humvees to contract and another contract for 100 Humvees, value $18,049,690. Work is to be performed in Mishawaka, Ind., with an estimated completion date of Dec. 31, 2010. One bid was solicited with one bid received. TACOM Warren, CCTA-ATA-C, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (DAAE07-01-C-S001).
07 June 2010 | | | |
| |
United States ( Force Protection ) Back Menu
Force Protection Receives $46.1 Million Award for Additional Modernization of Cougar Fleet. Ladson, SC (June 7, 2010) -- Force Protection, Inc. (NASDAQ: FRPT), a leading designer, developer and manufacturer of survivability solutions and provider of total life cycle support for those products, today announced it has received a modification to contract M67854-07-D-5031 from the United States Marine Corps Systems Command for additional modernization of the U.S. military’s Cougar fleet. The approximate $46.1 million firm, fixed price contract modification provides for the purchase of 2,451 enhanced Automated Fire Extinguishing Systems (“AFES”), with deliveries scheduled to begin in July 2010 and be completed by February 2011.
07 June 2010 | | | |
| |
Iran Back Menu
Iranian Army forces are scheduled to stage a series of massive military drills for September 2010. Iranian Army Commander General Ahmad Reza Pourdastan announced that his forces are scheduled to stage a series of massive military drills in the country's southwestern provinces of Khuzestan and Ilam next September. General Pourdastan further pointed out that five divisions and seven sovereign units would showcase innovative military strategies and skills during the exercises. He also said that Iran's latest achievements in weapons production will be tested in the maneuvers, and added, "The wargames are also aimed at practicing new military skills in a combat theater with rough terrain." The Iranian commander noted that some of the weaponry planned for use and testing during the drills includes refurbished and upgraded tanks utilizing laser systems, helicopters and Unmanned Arial Vehicles (UAVs).
07 June 2010 | | | |
| |
Canada Back Menu
Thales Canada and DEW Team to Provide Bushmaster for the Tactical Armoured Patrol Vehicle (TAPV) Program in Canada. Thales Canada is pleased to announce the signing of an exclusive teaming agreement with DEW Engineering and Development ULC on the assembly of the Bushmaster for the Tactical Armoured Patrol Vehicle (TAPV) Program in Canada. This agreement forms a strategic alliance between two Canadian-based companies for the provision of the best solution for the TAPV program, a program that will supply the Canadian Army with up to 600 armoured patrol vehicles. With over 680 Bushmaster vehicles already in-service with the forces of Australia, the Netherlands and other NATO Allies, Thales has a fully developed, independently tested and combat proven vehicle that is ideal for the Canadian TAPV program.
04 June 2010 | | | |
| |
South Korea Back Menu
The South Korean new assault rifle K11 combination grenade launcher si now entering in service. The South Korean K11 combination 20 mm grenade launcher and 5.56 mm carbine is now entering service and is expected to be deployed in Afghanistan when South Korean troops re-enter theatre in 2011.
04 June 2010 | | | |
| |
United States (Navistar) Back Menu
Navistar Defense and Tatra Team for Canadian SMP Program. Navistar Defense, LLC and Tatra, a.s. today announced that they will team for the upcoming Canadian Department of National Defence Standard Military Pattern (SMP) vehicle program. As part of the Medium Support Vehicle System (MSVS) program, SMP will replace Canada’s Medium Logistics truck fleet. The Navistar-Tatra team also plans to utilize Navistar’s global parts and support network for vehicle support. The team is also focused on creating local sustainment of its vehicles and will meet all requirements under Canada’s Industrial and Regional Benefits policy.
03 June 2010 | | | |
| |
United States (Oshkosh Defense) Back Menu
Oshkosh Defense to Produce New M-ATV SOCOM Variant for the U.S. Special Operations Command (SOCOM). Oshkosh Defense, a division of Oshkosh Corporation announced this 03 June 2010 that the company received an undefinitized award valued at more than $67 million to incorporate configuration changes to more than 420 MRAP All-Terrain Vehicle M-ATV variants for the U.S. Special Operations Command (SOCOM). The SOCOM-specific vehicle configuration changes will be cut in on Oshkosh manufacturing lines in August 2010. M-ATV SOCOM variants with these configuration changes are scheduled to be delivered between September and November 2010. The SOCOM variant is the latest in the M-ATV family of vehicles and joins utility and ambulance variants recently developed by Oshkosh. Utility and ambulance M-ATVs were developed to help military operations provide resupply services and critical casualty care in unforgiving landscapes where tactical missions must operate.
03 June 2010 | | | |
| |
United Arab Emirates Back Menu
United Arab Emirates hold talks on modernizing BMP-3 infantry vehicles. Russia and the United Arab Emirates are holding negotiations on modernizing a large number of BMP-3 infantry fighting vehicles, a defense industry official said on Wednesday. Vyacheslav Dzirkaln, deputy head of the Federal Service for Military and Technical Cooperation, is heading the Russian delegation at a meeting of the Russia-UAE intergovernmental committee for military and technical cooperation. The talks in Abu Dhabi are to focus on the "full modernization of a large number of BMP-3s in an effort to seriously increase their combat capability," the Russian official said. "We have succeeded in this direction," Dzirkaln said. The infantry fighting vehicles had been earlier supplied to the UAE by Kurganmashzavod, a Russian machine building company based in Kurgan, western Siberia. The official said that the military officials in the United Arab Emirates have "a good attitude for cooperating with Russia." "Therefore I make the conclusion that our cooperation has a future." Dzirkaln also confirmed that Russia will finish delivering Pantsir-S1 short-range air defense systems to the United Arab Emirates by late 2010. "This year the delivery will be completed. Two more shipments of these vehicles will be delivered and the contract on the delivery will be fulfilled," he said. Russian media reports said Moscow had signed a $734-million contract with the United Arab Emirates in 2000 on purchasing 50 Pantsir-S1s. Pantsir-S1 is a short-to-medium range combined surface-to-air missile and antiaircraft artillery system manufactured by the Tula-based Instrument Making Design Bureau (KPB). It is designed to protect point and area targets and carries up to 12 two-stage solid-fuel surface-to-air missiles in sealed ready-to-launch containers. The system also has two dual 30 mm automatic cannons that can engage targets at a range of up to 4 km. The Russian official said it was too early to speak about the prospects of further delivery of Pantsir-S1s to the UAE. "Further development will consist of providing service maintenance and continuing training UAE specialists in the aspects of operation, repair and service maintenance," he said.
02 June 2010 | | | |
| |
Russia Back Menu
Algeria, Libya set to buy Russian Pantsir-S1 short-range air missile defense systems. Algeria and Libya are ready to buy Russian Pantsir-S1 short-range air defense systems, deputy head of the Russian Military-Technical Cooperation Service Vyacheslav Dzirkaln said on Wednesday. "The new system has shown high efficiency. Algeria and Libya have shown interest. Syria has already bought these systems in the past," Dzirkaln said, adding that other potential customers were likely to appear. Earlier in March the Russian press said Algeria was planning to buy 40 Pantsir-S1s for $500 million. Several Russian papers also reported that Russia had signed a $734-million contract with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in 2000 on purchasing 50 Pantsir-S1s. Dzirkaln confirmed the reports and said Russia would finish delivering the Pantsir-S1's to the UAE this year.
02 June 2010 | | | |
| |
Iraq Back Menu
Textron Marine & Land Systems to Deliver 80 Armored Vehicles to Iraqi Federal Police. Textron Marine & Land Systems, an operating unit of Textron Systems, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, today announced it has been engaged to build 80 armored military vehicles for the Iraqi Ministry of Interior for use by the Iraqi Federal Police, to be contracted through the U.S. Army Foreign Military Sales (FMS) process. The total value of the procurement is approximately $94 million. Of the 80 vehicles, 72 will be configured as Armored Personnel Carriers (APC), while the remaining eight will be in the standard U. S. Army M1117 Armored Security Vehicle (ASV) configuration employed as Command and Control vehicles. All of the vehicles to be delivered under this contract will be equipped with the Textron Marine & Land Systems 40/50 turret armed with an MK-19 40mm grenade launcher and .50 caliber machine gun. A total of 184 vehicles (122 ASV and 62 APC) built by Textron Marine & Land Systems have already been delivered to Iraq under previous procurements.
02 June 2010 | | | |
| |
Russia Back Menu
Russian combat warship to join NATO naval military drills Baltops 2010. An amphibious assault landing ship, the Kaliningrad, will take part in the BALTOPS-2010 naval exercises in the Baltic Sea on June 7-18, Russia's Baltic Fleet spokesman said on Tuesday. The BALTOPS exercise has been held annually since 1994 within the framework of the NATO Partnership for Peace Program. It is aimed to promote a mutual understanding of maritime interoperability between U.S. Navy, NATO, and non-NATO participants. "The [Kaliningrad] amphibious assault landing ship will carry out a range of training tasks, including joint maneuvering in a large ship formation, patrol missions and a simulated assault landing," the official said. The vessel is currently heading to the port of Gdansk in Poland, where several dozen warships from 14 NATO countries will team up for the upcoming exercises. The Russian warship visited the Belgian port of Zeebrugge in the North Sea on its way to Poland. The Kaliningrad entered service with the Baltic Fleet in December 1984, and has carried out training missions in the Baltic, North and Mediterranean seas, as well as more than 10 times in the Atlantic Ocean. Kaliningrad class ships are capable of carrying up to 500 tons of cargo, 13 tanks and more than 200 naval infantry. The warship represented Russia at the BALTOPS drills five times since 2003.
01 June 2010 | | | |
| |
Australia Back Menu
Australian Gouvernment has given approval for the upgrade of the Australian Light Armoured Vehicle ASLAV. The Minister for Defence, Senator John Faulkner, today announced that the Government has given second pass approval for the upgrade of the Australian Light Armoured Vehicle (ASLAV) under project LAND 112 Phase 4 – ASLAV Enhancement. The ASLAV has been deployed to the Middle East Area of Operations since 2004, and is now in use in Afghanistan. The ASLAV provides our forces in Afghanistan with mobility, firepower and protection, enabling our troops to conduct search and escort operations and provide support to close combat operation. The enhancements will provide increased protection against a wider range of threats - including Improvised Explosive Devices - by improving ballistic, fragmentation and blast protection. The project will also see improvements to the vehicle’s suspension, driveline and engine, ensuring the ASLAV remains a highly capable and versatile light armoured vehicle for the duration of its service with the ADF. The project plans to deliver 113 upgraded vehicles, commencing by April 2012. Defence is also investigating options for significantly expediting the schedule for the upgrade. There will be a range of opportunities for Australian Industry to be involved in the installation and support of the upgrade. These include pre-modification and refurbishment work, suspension and drivetrain upgrades, installation of upgrade kits, and the redesign and manufacturing of mine blast belly plates, to be carried out by General Dynamics Land Systems – Australia, located in Pooraka, South Australia.
01 June 2010 | | | |
| |
Israel Back Menu
Terror attack thwarted along Gaza security fence. Two armed terrorists infiltrated into Israel and exchanged fire with IDF soldiers. On Tuesday morning (June 1), two Palestinian terrorists were identified infiltrating into Israel from the southern Gaza Strip. The IDF soldiers on the scene exchanged fire with the gunmen, during which both were killed. No injuries or damage were caused to IDF soldiers. The GOC of the Southern Command, Maj. Gen. Yoav Galant, and the Commander of the Gaza Division, Brig. Gen. Eyal Eisenberg, arrived on the scene in order to understand the circumstances surrounding the infiltration. It should be noted that in the vicinity there are a number of communities containing thousands of Israelis, such as Kissufim, Ein HaShlosha, Nirim and Nir Oz. The IDF remains committed to protecting the citizens of Israel and will continue to act against terror. Israel holds Hamas solely responsible for terror originating from the Gaza Strip.
01 June 2010 | | | |
| |