March 2024 News Global Defence & Security Industry - Military |
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According to information reported by the Army Recognition editorial team on March 29, 2024, Sweden has expressed openness to potentially supplying its state-of-the-art Gripen fighter jets to Ukraine. This move could mark a pivotal shift in the balance of air power in the region. In light of this announcement, we delve into an in-depth analysis of the Gripen's advanced combat capabilities.
Russia has initiated new defensive measures to safeguard its troops against aerial drone threats on the Ukrainian battlefield, according to information from the Russian Ministry of Defense. These measures include the formation of special mobile anti-aircraft gun groups within several Russian combined arms armies, as well as within air force and air defense armies. Equipped with ZU-23-2 23mm automatic cannons mounted on truck chassis and pickup trucks outfitted with heavy machine guns, these units aim to offer cost-effective and efficient protection against drones. Military experts endorse the strategy for its affordability and effectiveness.
According to information published on March 28, 2024, via the Facebook account of the 1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, U.S. Soldiers 1st Battalion, 506th Infantry Regiment, of the 101st Airborne Division, also known as the 'Screaming Eagles,' are the first unit of the U.S. Army to receive the Next Generation Squad Weapon (NGSW), including the assault rifle XM7 and the light machine gun XM250 in 6.8mm caliber. This development marks a pivotal moment in the U.S. Army's ongoing modernization efforts, aimed at maintaining an edge over emerging and future threats. The first unit equipped ceremony and the unboxing event took place at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, on March 28, 2024, signifying a leap forward in small arms technology.
The development of the KF51 Panther by the German defense giant Rheinmetall marks a watershed moment in the evolution of Main Battle Tanks (MBTs). This cutting-edge main battle tank not only sets new standards in terms of firepower, protection, and mobility but also serves as a showcase for future combat technologies and innovative design philosophies.
On March 25, 2024, the Malaysian Ministry of Defense announced the launch of a Life Extension Program (LEP) for its 48 main battle tanks, the "Pendekar" PT-91M. This initiative, unveiled by Defense Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin, highlights Malaysia's commitment to maintaining and enhancing its military arsenal.
According to Russian media on March 29, 2024, an Antonov An-124 Ruslan heavy transport aircraft was reported to have been transported to the Aviastar aircraft repair facility at Ulyanovsk-Vostochny airport for restoration and modernization efforts aimed at returning it to airworthy condition. This initiative seems to align with the Russian Army's operational needs following several losses in its transport aircraft fleet.
According to Aviation Week in March 2024, Boeing announced the construction of a new final assembly plant in Australia, marking the aerospace giant's first such facility outside North America. This move signifies Boeing's commitment to continue the production of the MQ-28 Ghost Bat beyond the initial 13 aircraft already ordered by the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF).
A Czech Republic-led initiative has successfully secured contracts for the delivery of one million artillery shells to Ukraine, with deliveries scheduled to begin in April, as reported by Corriere della Sera on March 28, citing anonymous sources. The authenticity of this report remains unconfirmed as Prague has made no official announcement.
At the AUSA 2024 exhibition, BAE Systems presented a new variant of the Armored Multi-Purpose Vehicle (AMPV) equipped with the External Mission Equipment Package (ExMEP). The ExMEP, also known as the universal top plate, is a technology that provides a standardized integration point across all AMPV hull configurations, enabling compatibility with over 30 different turret systems. This prototype represents the third variant within the AMPV program over the past six months.
Sweden has opened up to the possibility of supplying its advanced Gripen fighter jets to Ukraine. Swedish Defense Minister Pal Jonson, in an interview with "The Kyiv Independent" on March 28, 2024, revealed that deliberations are ongoing regarding the transfer of these state-of-the-art fighter aircraft to Ukraine. This announcement comes in the wake of Sweden's recent induction into NATO on March 7, 2024, which has seemingly facilitated Sweden's consideration of this option.
On March 28, 2024, the German Ministry of Defense announced an updated military aid package, including the delivery of 20 Marder 1A3 Infantry Fighting Vehicles (IFVs) to the Ukrainian army. This latest contribution increases Ukraine's inventory of German-made Marder 1A3s to 50, reinforcing its armored forces to fight Russian troops.
The U.S. Army has confirmed a contract for equipping the M2 Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicles (IFVs) with the Active Protection System (APS) known as Iron Fist Light Decoupled (IF-LD). This cutting-edge technology, developed and produced by the Israeli defense company Elbit Systems, aims to provide enhanced protection against aerial threats. The announcement was made public through a report by "Breaking Defense" on March 26, 2024.
As reported by the Polish Ministry of State Assets on March 27, 2024, recent discussions between Poland and South Korea have focused on enhancing collaboration within the defense industry, with particular attention to addressing technology transfer challenges. One significant point of discussion has been the partnership between Hyundai Rotem and Polska Grupa Zbrojeniowa SA (PGZ SA) for the K2PL tank project, highlighting the growing cooperation between the two nations.
On March 18, 2024, at the National Training Center (NTC) in Fort Irwin, California, a demonstration highlighted a significant advancement in the use of autonomous technologies in modern military strategy, with the successful launch of Javelin anti-tank missiles from two unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) equipped with the Kongsberg-Javelin Common Remotely Operated Weapon Station (CROWS-J). This operation marked a first in terms of coordinating multiple UGVs for tactical deployment of the Javelin, showcasing the immense potential of autonomous technologies in conducting military operations.
Citing information released on X Social Network (Ex Twitter) on March 25, 2024, the Czech-based initiative "Gift for Putin" has made significant contributions to the Ukrainian Armed Forces amidst the ongoing conflict with Russia. Leveraging the power of social media for fundraising, the initiative has successfully delivered 1,000 RPG-75 anti-tank grenade launchers to the 41st mechanized brigade of the Ukrainian Armed Forces. This delivery, valued at approximately 1 million euros, was entirely funded by public donations, showcasing widespread public support for Ukraine's defense efforts.
The first production model of the U.S. Army's CH-47F Block II helicopter has reached a significant milestone by entering the final assembly phase at Boeing's Philadelphia factory. This phase signifies the completion of the production process before the helicopter is delivered to the U.S. Army, expected in early 2024.
On March 25, 2024, Poland's Ministry of National Defense, led by Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz, announced plans to establish a permanent Helicopter Aviation Base of the Land Forces in Świdnik, near Lublin. This decision follows several security breaches in Polish airspace, notably on March 24, 2024, when a Russian missile launched against Ukrainian targets entered Polish airspace near the village of Osierdów in the Lublin Voivodeship.
Bloomberg revealed that the United States is currently in talks with Türkiye to acquire additional explosives, to increase the production of artillery munitions in support of Ukraine, according to a Bloomberg report.
According to the X account @SavunmaSanayiST, the medium tank Kaplan MT, also known as Harimau, is on its way for trials in Brazil. Since its prototype was unveiled at the IDEF 2017 defense exhibition in Istanbul, Turkey, the Kaplan MT, designed by FNSS and PT Pindad, has only secured an order for 18 units, exclusively from the Indonesian Ministry of Defense for the army's cavalry units.
On March 26, 2024, the Royal Netherlands Air Force (RNLAF) initiated a collaboration with General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) to enhance the capabilities of its MQ-9A Remotely Piloted Aircraft fleet. This development follows the RNLAF's announcement last year to double its MQ-9A Reaper fleet from four to eight, underlining its commitment to enhance NATO missions across Europe.
BAE Systems is advancing artillery technology with its development of the XM1155-SC, a next-generation artillery projectile designed to significantly enhance the U.S. Army's long-range precision fire capabilities. This cutting-edge, cannon-launched, precision-guided munition is part of the Hypervelocity Projectile (HVP) family and aims to defeat both stationary and mobile targets in contested environments. The XM1155-SC artillery munition is being developed under the U.S. Army's Extended Range Artillery Projectile (ERAP) program, with the goal of extending the range of 155mm artillery rounds to more than double the range of current precision-guided munitions, aiming beyond 110 kilometers.
On March 26, 2024, French Minister of the Armed Forces, Sébastien Lecornu, highlighted the progress of Eurenco's initiative to relocate its powder production to Bergerac, marking an essential step in the resurgence of France's defense industry capabilities. Beginning this year, France plans to produce 100,000 155mm shells through recycling processes, allocating 80,000 for Ukraine and 20,000 for its own military forces.
At the recently concluded Doha International Maritime Defence Exhibition & Conference (DIMDEX 2024), the Islamic Republic of Iran took center stage, presenting a formidable display of its naval and aerial warfare capabilities. The spotlight was on three pivotal assets within the Iranian defense arsenal: the IRIS Jamaran (Moudge class frigate), the IRIS Separ (Sina class fast attack craft), and the Shahed 149 Gaza drone.
The Czech Republic has announced plans to significantly expand its Leopard tank fleet, according to information released on Daniel of Bohemia's X account on March 27, 2024. During the latest meeting of the Chamber of Deputies Czech Defence Commission, it was confirmed that the Czech Republic aims to purchase a total of 76 Leopard 2A8 tanks, including support versions. Additionally, the country is set to acquire another 28 Leopard 2A4 tanks and 2 Buffel Armored Recovery Vehicles (ARVs), with half of these being paid for and the other half received as a gift.
Citing information reported by the South Korean business magazine "Business Korea" on March 27, 2023, Latvia appears to be leaning towards enhancing its military capabilities with the addition of South Korea's advanced K21 Infantry Fighting Vehicles (IFVs). Manufactured by Hanwha Aerospace, the K21 is in the running to become the cornerstone of Latvia's armed forces' combat vehicles arsenal
