Defense Business

RAFAEL has tested a new lightweight launcher for its Spike NLOS missile system, designed for integration on light offroad vehicles. For the launcher qualification testing the system was integrated into the Tomcar TE6 all-terrain, hybrid-electric powered vehicle, demonstrating unique operational capabilities for the system. RAFAEL developed this application to meet a specific customer requirement, making it the...

Germany plans to equip one tank company with Rafael Trophy Active Protection Systems (APS) to better protect a rapid reaction force it plans to deploy as part NATO's Very High Readiness Joint Task Force (VJTF). German officials confirmed the news at the International Armored Vehicles forum (#IAVevent) in London this week. The unit is...

Since its introduction in 1979 Mercedes Benz G-Wagen (or G Class as it is known by official designation) has become a popular vehicle, not only for adventurers and military forces alike. This article highlights some of the latest military variants unveiled recently, as the G Wagen reaches its 40th anniversary.

The U.S. Department of Defense and Lockheed Martin have finalized an $11.5 billion contract for the production and delivery of 141 F-35 aircraft at the lowest per aircraft price in program history. The 11th Low Rate Initial Production (LRIP 11) agreement funds 91 aircraft for the U.S. Services, 28 for F-35 International Partners and 22 for F-35 Foreign Military Sales customers. Deliveries will begin in 2019.

The U.S. Air Force plans to replace its pilot trainers, with an integrated system comprising modern trainer jet and flight simulators. The Air Force announced yesterday the awarded of a $9.2 billion contract to the Boeing Company, to develop and deliver 351 T-X aircraft, 46 simulators, and associated ground equipment to replace the Air Education and Training Command's 57-year-old fleet of T-38C Talons.

Utilizing innovative spacecraft design, the Space Drone will 'top up' satellites in orbit with propulsion power to extend their mission in space, just before they run out of fuel, thus extending their service far beyond their designated lifespan. U.K. based Effective Space company has signed up its launch customer to service two satellites in orbit by 2020 and has options to serve more satellites.

Australia selected the Israeli Spike LR2 multi-purpose guided missile to equip the new Boxer Combat Reconnaissance vehicles procured from Rheinmetall Defense under an A$2.1 billion Under project Land 400 Phase 2 contract. Australia is the second user to select the new LR2 version of the missile, following the Israel Defense Forces that placed an order for 2,000 in 2017.

The IRST will enable the Navy fighters to target adversaries beyond visual and radar range, and enhance survivability in radar denied environment, operate against existing and emerging air threats.

As a modernized version it will bring earlier models to the T2 standard. The Mi-26 is operated by a crew of five but the improvements introduced by the BREO-26 avionics suite enables most missions to reduce the to crew to 2-3 persons.

With the expected delivery of the first of Magen Class corvette next year the IMOD awards orders for the combat systems to be integrated with those vessels as they arrive in Israel. Elbit Systems announced today the receipt of an order worth US$85 for electronic warfare systems destined for those ships.

ELTA Systems (a subsidiary of Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) is developing a drone-based version of its RES-Q-CELL system. The development is done in cooperation with TLC Solutions of the USA. This search and rescue system detects the location of cellular devices of victims trapped under rubbles and in disaster areas.

UK Defense Secretary Gavin Williamson unveiled today a concept model of a brand new next-generation combat aircraft being developed exclusively in the UK. The Tempest, as the futuristic fighter plane is called, could be ready for operations with the Royal Air Force in less than two decades, as the first Typhoons begin to be phased out of service.

Germany and France are jointly launching the development of a new main battle tank and self-propelled gun, what seems to be the most strategic project in the European European land defense for the next 30 years, a program package that will shape the future of European armies’ main combat capabilities

Israel’s armor specialist Plasan showcases broadened product line at Eurosatory, introducing a blast-protected model of the SandCat along with several light armored vehicles. In the heavier weight classes, Plasan provides a peek into the advanced protection technologies being integrated into newly designed combat vehicles. In recent years Plasan expanded its activity to heavier armored combat platforms, including 6x6, 8x8 and tracked fighting vehicles at weight levels up to 45 tons. Such armored vehicles are required to withstand medium caliber cannon threat levels and maintain functionality.