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- Deep Dive – Oreshnik IRBM Nov 23, 2024Multiple sources reported today on Russia’s use of a new medium-range ballistic missile, the Oreshnik, based on the existing RS-26 Rubezh. The Oreshnik, described as experimental and hypersonic, was used in a strike on Dnipro, Ukraine. Controversy exists regarding Russia’s notification of the launch to the U.S., with differing statements from Russian and U.S. officials. The RS-26, originally an ICBM, has a history shrouded in secrecy, with development starting before the INF treaty’s collapse and its later purported cancellation. The missile’s capabilities, including its payload and range, remain partially unclear. This three-part podcast covers this alarming and unexpected development in detail. This episode utilizes AI-generated audio based on Defense-Update research and analysis of the recent Russian missile attack using six Oreshnik Intermediate Range Ballistic Missiles (IRBM) using 36 warheads on Dnipro, Ukraine. Using a conventionally armed IRBM is likely a Russian response to recent US and its allies (France and UK) recent decisions. It delivered a clear message all over Europe.
- Diehl’s Sky Sphere set to Defeat UAS, OWA Drones Head-On Nov 9, 2024Diehl Defence has teamed up with Skysec to develop a drone interceptor. Diehl works with Skysec’s subsidiary, Skysec Defence, to modify the original civilian-oriented net-arresting interceptor into a hard-kill system suitable for military missions. Armasuisse, the Swiss Federal Office of Armaments, backs the program. Sky Sphere has undergone initial test flights without a live warhead. According to company sources, the system could be matured within 18-24 months. Earlier this month, Diehl displayed an innovative C-UAS system called ‘Sky Sphere.’ Using a kinetic effector designed specifically for this mission, this system complements other air defense capabilities by engaging small, slow, and low-flying targets such as unmanned aerial vehicles, one-way attack drones, and multi-rotors. The weapon relies on target data from a radar or EO system that detects, classifies, and tracks the flying object as hostile. Launched from a container/launcher, the interceptor accelerates toward the target through the midcourse flight, flying at a 200 km/h speed using the high RPM electrical engine. Reaching the target vicinity, it activates its active RF seeker to maneuver the end game. Onboard battery power supports 4-5 minutes of flight at this speed, enabling successful engagements beyond five kilometers, close in, and maneuver toward the target to engage it head-on. The high-explosive fragmenting warhead is optimized to defeat soft targets such as OWA UAVs within a 10-meter sphere. The seeker is at the front, followed by the rotor, engine, power source, and electronic circuitry. The warhead is situated at the rear end of the airframe, optimizing the lethal effect of a relatively small charge on the target. The original (non-kinetic) interceptor developed by Skysec utilized a net and parachute to neutralize a small drone flying over a restricted area, such as an airfield, with minimal collateral risk. At a length of 700 mm and diameter of 300 mm, it weighs 1.8 ...
- Defense Update Weekly News Summary Oct 13, 2024Welcome to the latest episode of Defense-Update News Summary! In this episode, we dive into this week’s developments in defense technology, military acquisitions, and strategic partnerships worldwide. Some of this week’s highlights include: Elbit Systems Address US Army Artillery Modernization with Sigma 155×52 Wheeled Howitzer Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle Program Launches as Part of Rafale F5 Standard Steadicopter Unveils Golden Eagle HS ATGM Launching Aerial Platform Air Defense & C-UAS Innovations at the AUSA 2024 Exhibition View last week’s News Summary For more in-depth analysis and defense updates, visit our website: https://defense-update.com
- Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle Program Launches as Part of Rafale F5 Standard Oct 13, 2024The French Ministry of Armed Forces has officially launched the Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle (UCAV) program as part of the Rafale F5 standard development. This event marks the beginning of a new era in aerial combat capabilities for the French Air and Space Force and Navy. The UCAV program aims to develop a combat drone that will operate alongside the Rafale fighter jet, enhancing its capabilities and expanding its operational range. This UAV will complement the Rafale and be suited to collaborative combat. It will incorporate stealth technologies, autonomous control (with man-in-the-loop), internal payload capacity, and more. It will be highly versatile and designed to evolve in line with future threats. As part of the Rafale F5 program, the UCAV will fully integrate into the fighter jet’s systems, allowing seamless coordination and data sharing. This integration will enable the Rafale to extend its sensor reach, engage targets at greater distances, and perform high-risk missions without putting pilots in harm’s way. The program is set to leverage advanced technologies in artificial intelligence, secure communications, and autonomous systems to ensure the UCAV’s effectiveness in complex operational environments. The UCAV will benefit from the achievements of the nEUROn program, Europe’s first stealth UCAV demonstrator. Initiated in 2003, the nEUROn program brought together the aeronautics resources of six European countries, with project management by Dassault Aviation. nEUROn completed its maiden flight in December 2012. More than 170 test flights have been conducted to date. The nEUROn program has lived up to all its promises regarding performance levels, lead times, and budget. Saab and KAI Partner to Offer GlobalEye AEW&C System to South Korea Saab and Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on offering the GlobalEye Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) system to the Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF). This partnership ...
- Steadicopter Unveils Golden Eagle HS ATGM Launching Aerial Platform Oct 13, 2024Steadicopter is modifying its Golden Eagle Rotary Unmanned Aerial Systems (RUAS) to operate as an anti-tank and anti-material aerial system. The company is introducing the Golden Eagle Heavy Strike (HS) at AUSA 2024, armed with a Spike SR and Spike LR2 anti-tank Guided Missiles (ATGM). This new application is developed in collaboration with Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, the developer of the Spike missile. Integrated with those missiles, the Golden Eagle HS integrates the Golden Eagle HS, which has a total takeoff weight of 50 kilograms. Encapsulated into its launcher container, Rafael’s Spike SR weighs 10 kg and can engage targets up to 2.5 kilometers away. It has a Fire and Forget guidance and uses a tandem warhead penetrating heavy armor. Spike LR2 weighs 13 kg, can extend engagement range to 5,500 meters, and has a multi-effect warhead, suitable for anti-armor, concrete penetration capability. The missile uses a fiber-optic link for two-way communications, enabling the operator to correct and retarget the missile in flight. According to the manufacturer, the missile can extend its range to 10,000 meters using an RF link. Steadicopter unveiled another RUAV, the Golden Eagle LS, unveiled last year. It is equipped with the SmashDragon, a seven-kilogram remotely operated weapon station from Smartshooter. Compared with multirotor drones, Golden Eagle offers more efficient flight and hovering capability, with up to one hour of hovering and 1.20 hours of flight endurance. It can operate under high wind conditions and take off or land at a wind speed of 25 knots. Its datalink range is 150 km. The HS model’s performance may differ from the LS, due to the higher weight. Like the Golden Eagle LS, the HS includes advanced sensor suites with high-definition day/night EO/IR payloads and target trackers. RAFAEL’s SightX AI technology can enhance this payload with target acquisition, tracking, and classification ...
- Air Defense & C-UAS Innovations at the AUSA 2024 Exhibition Oct 13, 2024Army Air Defense Undergoes Significant Modernization to Counter Drone Threats The U.S. Army’s air defense branch has experienced its most substantial modernization and growth in over four decades, primarily driven by the need to counter the rapidly evolving threat of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS). Col. Glenn Henke, commandant of the Army Air Defense Artillery School, highlighted the publication of the Army’s first techniques manual for counter-UAS operations, which is now on a 12-to 14-month revision cycle to keep pace with technological advancements. The proliferation of drones at a commercial scale has become a significant concern for military planners. Adversary nations are increasingly investing in these cost-effective systems, which can be used to harass, confuse, and complicate U.S. military operations. The ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East have provided valuable insights into drone warfare, with Col. Nicholas Ryan, director of the Army capability manager for unmanned aircraft systems, describing these conflicts as “the best innovation lab we could ask for.” As the Army adapts to this new reality, it focuses on integrating new capabilities into its formations rather than acquiring new equipment. This approach requires constant updates to doctrine, processes, and procedures to match the rapid pace of technological change. Retired Lt. Gen. Anthony Crutchfield, now vice president of Army systems at Boeing, emphasized the need for ongoing discussions and adaptations, stating, “The problem that we solve today will not be the problem to face tomorrow.” The impact of these evolving threats extends beyond technology, fundamentally altering battlefield dynamics at every level. Col. Ryan noted that even platoon leaders now can affect and control three-dimensional battle space, highlighting the expanding responsibilities across all echelons of command in the air-ground littoral. This shift in battlefield geometry underscores the comprehensive nature of the changes facing the Army’s air defense capabilities as it evolves to meet ...
- Elbit Systems Address US Army Artillery Modernization with Sigma 155×52 Wheeled Howitzer Oct 13, 2024Elbit Systems of America showcases the Sigma Next Generation Howitzer at AUSA 2024, where competing systems from Sweden, South Korea, France, and Germany are likely to be presented, some in models, others in full size. Before the event, the company sheds light on the new Self-propelled, automated artillery system that will soon enter operational service with the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and is proposed for the US Artillery of the Future. Mounted on the Oshkosh MAP 10×10 platform, the system allows simple operative mobility without tank carriers while maintaining good tactical all-terrain mobility. The highly automated system is operated and controlled remotely by three crew members seated in a protected cab. With a 155mm 52 Cal barrel, the gun is coupled to an automatic loading system, feeding continuous fire at eight rounds per minute on high-volume fire missions. Fully automatic loading and gun laying enable the crew to engage in two missions simultaneously with a single gun unit. Onboard fire data calculations enable quick fire dispersion and a short response time of less than 60 seconds from travel to fire. The system can use a ‘Digital Area Fires’ method that reduces traditional artillery engagement and supply bottlenecks, providing fully automated mission assignments, target data, and ammunition supply. AM General Showcases Advanced Tactical Vehicles at AUSA 2024 AM General is introducing its new JLTV A2 general-purpose 4-passenger vehicle at the AUSA 2024 exhibition. According to the company, it is an upgraded version of the first-generation model. This vehicle boasts improvements in powertrain, noise reduction, and corrosion protection. The vehicle has a 2024MY L5P Duramax engine, the same model powering commercial heavy-duty trucks. A new transmission gear coding improves shifting and optimizes fuel efficiency without compromising performance. A single 24V Lithium-Ion battery replaces the two 12V batteries in A1 models, saving weight and space. The ...
- Defense-Update Weekly News Summary Oct 6, 2024Welcome to the latest episode of Defense-Update News Summary! In this episode, we dive into this week’s developments in defense technology, military acquisitions, and strategic partnerships worldwide. Some of this week’s highlights include: Elbit Systems secures a $400M contract for aerial bomb manufacturing Leidos Unveils the “Black Arrow,” a Small Cruise Missile in development U.S. Army Awards Two Contracts for Enhanced S-MET Increment II UGV Prototypes Major naval developments from BAE Systems and Naval Group View last week’s episode. (Sept. 26, 2024) For more in-depth analysis and defense updates, visit our website: https://defense-update.com
- Israel Revamps Aerial Bomb Production Oct 3, 2024Elbit Systems has signed a 1.5-billion-shekel (approximately $400 million) contract with Israel’s Ministry of Defense to establish an aerial bomb manufacturing bombs for the Israeli Air Force. In the past, the government-owned IMI operated this factory before Elbit Systems acquired it. This strategic move aims to reduce Israel’s dependence on bomb supplies from abroad. Elbit System’s product portfolio comprises a wide range of aerial bombs and deep penetrator bodies with precision-guided aerial weapons. Until recently, Israel’s defense companies focused more effort on the advanced, precision guidance kits rather than the explosive and bunker buster bombs used as warheads, considered by many as ‘commodities.’ The shortage of bombs and other munitions emphasized the need for Israel to maintain local supplies of ammunition. The company currently operates several production lines for manufacturing artillery and tank rounds, mortar bombs, and small-caliber ammunition. Expanding those lines is part of Israel’s broader strategy to strengthen domestic production capabilities and expand manufacturing lines within Israeli industries, as outlined by the Ministry of Defense. Anduril and FlackTek Partner to Transform Rocket Motor Production Anduril Industries announced a strategic partnership with FlackTek to enhance rocket motor production capabilities for defense and commercial applications. FlackTek is known for its high-velocity bladeless mixing and processing solutions to develop and manufacture the world’s most advanced mixing machine — the Mega FlackTek, also known as “The GOAT” — in Boulder, CO. Anduril Rocket Motor Systems is building and scaling a smarter, more agile production pipeline for Solid Rocket Motors (SRMs). This larger and more advanced dual asymmetric centrifugal machine will power a more than ten-fold increase in Anduril’s production throughput, which amounts to a more than 24x increase in production throughput compared to conventional planetary mixers of a similar size. For most tactical rocket propellants, the new mixer will match the throughput of a traditional 500-gallon ...
- Naval Group to Deliver Barracuda Submarines to the Netherlands Oct 3, 2024Naval Group to Deliver Barracuda Submarines to the Netherlands Naval Group contracted to provide four Barracuda expeditionary submarines to replace the Royal Netherlands Navy’s currently operational Walrus-class submarines. The agreement follows a thorough evaluation and bidding process conducted by the Materiel and IT Command (COMMIT) on behalf of the Netherlands Ministry of Defense. The new submarines, designated the Orka-class, will significantly enhance the Royal Netherlands Navy’s strategic capabilities. Commander Jan Willem Hartman of COMMIT stated that the new submarines – Orka, Zwaardvis, Barracuda, and Tijgerhaai submarines – would give the Netherlands Submarine Service “a head start in underwater warfare.” A key aspect of this agreement is the focus on production autonomy and industrial cooperation. Naval Group has committed to a 20-year industrial cooperation plan, formalized through an Industrial Cooperation Agreement (ICA) signed with the Ministry of Economic Affairs on September 10, 2024. This plan involves collaboration with numerous Dutch companies and knowledge institutes, ensuring the Netherlands develops and retains expertise over the submarine life cycle. The industrial organization aligns with the Netherlands MOD’s requirement for autonomy during the submarines’ lifetime, providing opportunities for the Dutch maritime cluster to expand its business and expertise in submarine operations, maintenance, and upgrades. BAE Systems Launches HMS Agamemnon The sixth Astute class nuclear-powered attack submarine rolled out of the Devonshire Dock Hall and entered the water for the first time on Thursday this week. The new submarine weighs 7,400 tonnes and is 97 meters long. The new submarine is the sixth of the seven Astute vessels contracted for the Royal Navy. The Astute Class boats are the largest and most advanced attack submarines ever built for the Royal Navy. Nuclear propulsion means they are unrestricted by needing fuel, oxygen, or water reservoirs for life support. They do not need to be refueled on a mission. They manufacture oxygen and ...
