February 2024 News Global Defence & Security Industry - Military |
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Effective December 28, 2023, this new contract aims to strengthen the vehicles of the Chilean police forces with the production and delivery of 5 Bastion vehicles. This contract strengthens cooperation and confirms the good commercial relations between the Chilean Carabineros and Arquus. Scheduled for delivery in 2024, the production of the Bastions has already begun at the Arquus Limoges New Vehicle Production Center of Excellence.
In late 2023, Nexter, a company of KNDS, achieved the qualification of its new generation 120mm APFSDS ammunition SHARD, the solution for all NATO 120mm tanks to defeat modern MBTs and future threats thanks to an increased firepower (+15% penetration). This unprecedented performance is the result of an innovative design that offers excellent accuracy and reduces barrel wear by 25% at the same time.
Germany faced allegations of a “flagrant abuse of intelligence” after it was revealed that British soldiers were aiding Ukrainian forces in deploying long-range Storm Shadow missiles, as reported by Joe Bars in The Telegraph and Alessandra Scotto di Santolo in the Daily Express, hereunder referred to.
The British Ministry of Defence (MoD) and the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) plan to conduct test-fired the nation's first high-power laser weapon mounted on the Wolfhound armored vehicle, marking a significant milestone in the realm of defense capabilities. Mounted on the robust Wolfhound 6x6 armored vehicle, this cutting-edge weapon system targeted aerial threats in a demonstration of precision and power.
In February 2024, the Hungarian Army began its modernization program by initiating the training of new crews for the Lynx KF41, a latest-generation infantry fighting vehicle developed by the German company Rheinmetall. After a testing campaign, the commissioning of the first Lynx vehicles into the Hungarian Army is announced for mid-2024.
In a video posted on Russian social networks, dated February 29, 2024, the crew of a Russian self-propelled mortar, the 2S41 Drok, can be seen reloading and firing at what appears to be Ukrainian positions, according to the VK post. If verified, this would be the first time the new 2S41 has been observed on the front in Ukraine.
The Trishakti Corps of the Indian Army has completed its annual Anti-Tank Guided Missile (ATGM) firing exercise, a key component of the Eastern Command's training program. The event took place at the Teesta Firing Range, located about 15 kilometers northeast of Siliguri, from February 20 to 28, 2024.
On February 22, 2024, Czech Defense Minister Jana Černochová announced that Prague is in talks to acquire 15 Leopard 2A4 tanks offered by Germany, in recognition of Czech military support to Ukraine, with an option to purchase an additional 15 units as well as three Bergepanzer BPz3 "Buffalo" AR vehicles directly from the German defense industry.
On February 28, 2024, during a visit to NPO Strela, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu was present for the unveiling of the new Vozrozhdenie bi-caliber multiple launch rocket system (MLRS). The system, which translates to "Renaissance," is based on the ISDM Zemledeliye 8x8 mine-laying system. It can launch two types of munitions: 140mm mines intended for anti-tank or anti-personnel purposes, and 220mm rockets from various Russian MLRS systems, namely the BM-27 Uragan, TOS-1 Buratino, TOS-1A Solntsepek, and TOS-2 Tosochka.
BAE Systems has entered into a 15-year framework agreement with the Danish Ministry of Defence Acquisition and Logistics Organisation (DALO) to offer repair and maintenance services for the Danish Army’s CV90 infantry fighting vehicles. The contract, valued at around $400 million (approximately DKK 3 billion), aims to enhance the vehicles' operability.
The Department of Economic Affairs of the Spanish Army's Logistic Support Command has awarded Rheinmetall Expal Munitions a contract to supply 104,000 mortar munitions of 60 mm, 81 mm, and 120 mm, valued at more than 58 million euros for the period 2024-2025.
Belgium has announced an investment of 200 million euros intended for the purchase of artillery munitions for Ukraine. This initiative, revealed by Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo during a press conference, is part of a broader effort, coordinated by the Czech Republic, aimed at supporting Ukraine in its struggle against Russian forces.
Germany’s Federal Agency for Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support (BAAINBw) has contracted with Rheinmetall to modernize additional parts of the Bundeswehr’s Modular Medical Facilities total system (MSE). For Rheinmetall, the aggregate value of the contract is in the mid-single-digit million-euro range.
East Camden, United States, February 21, 2024 – A significant development in national defense and economic growth was marked today as R2S, a joint venture between defense giants Raytheon from the United States and Israeli Company Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, commenced construction of a new $63 million manufacturing facility. Located in East Camden, Arkansas, this state-of-the-art facility is set to bolster the production of the Tamir missile for the Iron Dome Weapon System and its variant, the SkyHunter® missile, which will serve the U.S. Marine Corps and allies globally.
On February 26, 2024, Israel's Permanent Representative to the UN, Gilad Erdan, announced Israel's intention to provide the Ukrainian army with advanced early warning systems for missile strikes and drone attacks. In a recent address to the United Nations General Assembly, Erdan reiterated Israel's willingness to share its technological capabilities with Ukraine, underlining the imperative of solidarity in confronting shared threats.
According to information published by the Polish Online Defence Magazine "Defence24" on February 27, 2024, the Polish government has announced a major procurement initiative for the Polish armed forces. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defense, Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz, alongside Deputy Minister Paweł Bejda, is set to participate in a landmark ceremony for the signing of a framework agreement with AMZ-Kutno SA. This agreement marks the commencement of the delivery of the innovative light armored reconnaissance carriers (LOTR) Kleszcz, aiming to significantly upgrade Poland's military reconnaissance capabilities.
The Netherlands has reached a purchase agreement with the Czech Republic to supply Ukraine with advanced self-propelled artillery systems known as Dita. This contract stipulates that the Dutch Ministry of Defense will order nine Dita-wheeled self-propelled howitzers for the Ukrainian armed forces.
On February 25, 2024, the MaxDefense Philippines facebook page revealed photos of driver and operator training on the new VBTP-MSR Guarani 6x6 armored personnel carriers (APCs), marking a step towards integrating these units into the Philippine Army. These vehicles, not yet outfitted with weapon systems, are currently undergoing extensive field testing, indicating that the delivery of the first batch of five units is nearing completion.
The Netherlands has announced a contribution of over 100 million euros to a Czech-led initiative for the rapid acquisition of artillery ammunition for Ukraine. This announcement was made by Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte in Paris, where he was attending a meeting with leaders and heads of state from various countries, invited by President Emmanuel Macron to discuss support for Ukraine.
On February 7, 2024, the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV), representing the Swedish Armed Forces, procured an undisclosed quantity of French Parrot Anafi USA GOV drones for integration into the Home Guard. These drones are intended to enhance tactical approaches and methods at lower unit levels, such as platoons and groups, within the Home Guard's operations, encompassing tasks like protection, surveillance, defense, and surface monitoring.
The U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency on February 27 announced that the State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Germany of High-Frequency, Very-High Frequency, and Ultra-High Frequency Radios and related equipment for an estimated cost of $281 million.
Smith & Wesson is introducing the new M&P 15 Sport III. This latest addition to the M&P rifle line is designed to meet the needs of a wide range of users, from recreational shooters to professionals in search of a reliable and versatile weapon. With its array of features and enhancements, the M&P 15 Sport III aims to become a new favorite within the shooting community.
Raytheon, an RTX business, and Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace, with support from the Norwegian Ministry of Defense and Armed Forces, successfully completed a flight test of an updated AMRAAM-Extended Range missile variant from a National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System (NASAMS). The successful flight test showcases the increased capabilities of the upgraded AMRAAM-ER.
Indra, a leading global technology company, and Thales, a leading technology multinational in the defence, cybersecurity, digital security and aerospace markets, have signed an agreement to collaborate in the area of defence, intending to accelerate the development of cutting-edge European technologies and leverage synergies to compete in Spain and international markets.
According to a senior Ukrainian defense official quoted by John Feng in Newsweek, over half of the more than a million artillery shells sent to Russia from North Korea are defective. Vadym Skibitsky, the second-in-command at Ukraine's Main Intelligence Directorate (GUR), stated that the Kremlin sought assistance from its secretive Asian ally to supplement Russia's limited arms manufacturing capabilities, albeit with varying degrees of success.
