Iveco displayed a fully configured version of the 6x6 VBTP vehicle, developed for the Brazilian Army, to be produced in Brazil. The vehicle was displayed with a UT-30 unmanned weapon station mounting the 30mm automatic cannon, optronic systems and laser-warning sensors. the internal view shows the side mounted individual seating arrangement, with three crew positions at the front (driver, commander at left, gunner at right. Photo: Tamir Eshel, Defense-UpdatePhoto: Tamir Eshel, Defense-UpdatePhoto: Tamir Eshel, Defense-UpdateMany displays of unmanned systems show the increased attention given to UAS in Brazil. Three domestic UAV developers introduced new UAS designs here. At the outdoor display, Avibras is displaying the Falcao, a medium size tactical UAV carrying a single EO payload, designed for medium range operations. Avibras has invested along with EADS in the development of tactical drones, and the current development seems to align with its ambition to provide long range aerial raegeting to support its growing range of artillery rockets, also displayed at LAAD 2011. Photo: Tamir Eshel, Defense-UpdateAnother new UAV was displayed by Orbisat, showing the first Brazilian UAV featuring an airborne remote sensing radar. The sensor, embedded into the platform, operates in teh X- and P-band, suitable for operation in day, night and under adverse weather cloud and heavy rain conditions. Furthermore, the unique operating mode enable thisadar to penetrate forest canopy to accurately map sensly forrested terrain typical for Brazil's amazpon rain forest region. The UAV can ates on 10 hour long missions, and is positioned to be specially suited for mapping or monitoring of small areas. Photo: Tamir Eshel, Defense-UpdateSantos Lab has introduced a range of UAVs designed for a wide range of missions, from short range, short duration missions carrying miniature payloads, to medium size platforms carrying more advanced payloads. At LAAD 2011 Embraer Defense and Security and Santos Lab annouced plans for cooperation in the field of unmanned systems. Photo: Tamir Eshel, Defense-UpdateDeveloped by the Brazilian GauchoCenter of Military Technology (CTEX) under an Argentinian-Brazilian cooperation, Gaucho is designed as a light, air transportable strike vehicle (ALSV). This versatile vehicle was developed to support the needs of paratroops and special forces of both armies. It can perform command, logistics, casualty evacuation, communications and reconnaissance missions. It has an all-wheel drive system, an independent suspension of four wheels, providing high mobility on and off road. two cauchos can be stacked on each other , allowing the transportation of five vehicles on a single C-130 mission. The Gaucho can be air transportable or air-droppedvia parachute air launching or low-level parachute extraction drop. Photo: Tamir Eshel, Defense-Update
The Mectron company is developing the MAR-1 anti-radiation missile under a Brazilian Air Force program. The missile offers air forces tactical, anti-radiation air-to-surface attack option, engaging surface ships, anti-aircraft weapons and radars. MAR primary mission is to suppress a wide range of surface radars, from high power, fixed surveillance and early warning radars up to low-power, mobile systems supporting air-defense artillery. The missile has full ECCM capability and uses passive guidance on pre-programmed (typically long range) mode, self defense (reactive mode) or ópportunity used primarily for area suppression or attack of unexpected targets. The MAR-1 weighs 586 lbs (266 kg) and carries a warhead weighing 195 lb (90 kg). The missile has been test fired on the Brazilian A-1 (AM-X) fighter. In 2008 Brazil's government approved the export of 100 MAR-1 missiles to Pakistan, as part of a US$167 million contract.MAS-1 AMX. Photo: Tamir Eshel, Defense-UpdateDynamit Nobel has unveiled at LAAD 2011 a new concept in equipping surface vessels with innovative, powerful and effective self protection systems. The Maritime Remotely Operated Weapon Station is designed specifically for the maritime environment, carries two sealed launchers of RGW-90AS weapon, modified for to operate at very close range (14 - 500 meters). Unlike the 0.5mm machine gun that has mainly a deterrent effect, the devsatating anti-structure (AS) warhead of the RWG-90 will eliminate most targets that could pose a risk to the protected vessel even at very short range, after all other measures have failed. As such, MARCOWS could provide an excellent close-in defense system protecting the vessel against pyracy attacks, as wel as suicide fast boat attacks.Our Sponsor: IAI
Among the armored vehicles on display were the SandCat from Oshkosh, and the Gladiator, making its debut at LAAD 2011.
Gladiator is a bulletproof vehicle developed as a ‘shielded car’supporting Civil Disturbance Control (CDC) law enforcement teams. The vehicle, introduced at the show by the Brazilian company InbraFiltro, is the first production example of the vehicle. It is a 4×4 vehicle, based on a locally produced chasis made by Agrale Industry powered by a 185 hp MWM engine. It is designed to operate on any terrain, and travel at a speed of 105 km/h on road.
The Gladiator is armoed to Level IV ballistic protection level. It weighs about seven tons, and has a maximum capacity to take 7 occupants including the driver. The vehicle has a lower deflector shield providing protection against landmines. The external body maintains a flat surface, without screws or hinges, eliminating rioters climbing ón the vehicle. To enable the vehicle to safely ram into obstacles, the engine cooling system is placed under the hood. The front fender and closure of the rear fender form a blast mtigating element, as they are made of non-ballistic material, designed to break apart aiming to break landmine explosions and avoid tipping of the vehicle.
The company positions the basic version of the Gladiator to cost US$350,000.
Sandcat. Photo: Tamir Eshel, Defense-UpdateThe Gladiator. Photo: Tamir Eshel, Defense-UpdateGladiator. Photo: Tamir Eshel, Defense-UpdateThe new Stark IRV (IRV (Inteligência, Reconhecimento e Vigilância), a reconnaissance vehicle developed by IAI’s subsidiary Elta Systems. The Stark IRV is based on a Brazilian platform produced by TAC Motors, designed for intelligence collection and observation. This 4×4 tactical vehicle was designed for high mobility over rough terrain. Photo: Tamir Eshel, Defense-Update
Land Warfare Weekly Defense-Update
Netherlands to Acquire Leopard 2A8 Tanks and Spike LR 2 Anti-Tank Missiles
The Netherlands has announced plans to procure Spike LR 2 anti-tank missiles from Israeli defense company Rafael. The Spike LR...
The following are recent defense updates from the previous week. A concise version of this report is also available in the Defense-Brief podcast.
Main topics in this report
Russia-Ukraine War
Land Warfare News
Aerospace News
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Armored fighting vehicles face other challenges when operating in urban combat. They are exposed to snipers or anti-tank teams operating from elevated positions on rooftops or accessing underground shafts too close for the crew...
Operating drones low above ground and in complex terrain represents unique challenges, as most drone controls are limited to line of sight and uninterrupted satellite-based navigation. To endure in a GNSS-contested environment and operate indoors or underground, standard drones would not operate in such conditions. The drone platforms specially designed for subterranean or indoor environments require unique networking, sensing, navigation, and controls to enable such operations. Since these missions are complex and the drones are small, they are used in mission-specific roles such as autonomous mappers, FPV-operated lead elements, and armed effectors.
Rheinmetall has unveiled the Giga-PtX project, aimed at securing a resilient synthetic fuel supply for military applications. The project envisions a decentralized network of large-scale production plants utilizing hydrogen, CO₂, and renewable energy to produce synthetic fuels. This approach addresses the vulnerability of traditional fossil fuel supply chains in wartime, enhancing combat readiness and sustainability. Cooperating with PtX specialist Ineratec, Rheinmetall’s extensive experience in hydrogen technology underpins the development of efficient, cost-effective solutions for fuel production, crucial for modern military operations. The Giga-PtX project ensures a robust and scalable fuel supply, supporting the operational needs of armed forces.
