GMLRS, HIMARS to Get New Rocket Pods
Lockheed Martin is working on a new, modular pod for Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS) rockets, enabling loading of individual rocket tubes as they are expended, whereas the original GMLRS pods are discarded after use. The new pods will replace the depleting inventory of M26 rocket pods that were designed for salvo firing, and support the increased production...
Enhancing Combat Vehicles with Thermal Vision
Upgrading entire fleets of AFVs is costly and complex but is essential to prevent the weapon systems obsolesce. Most combat vehicles delivered since the 1960s already have optronic systems of some type. Many are still in service and undergo periodical modernization to maintain combat effectiveness. Optronic modernization developed by Israel’s Thermal Imaging System (TIS) provider Opgal includes upgrade kits for commander and gunner sights and new situational awareness systems for the driver and crew.
RAFAEL Introduces an Airmobile Spike NLOS for Special Ops
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...
Joint Fires Trainer to Improve British Fire Support
The British Army began operating a mobile Close Air Support (CAS) and Joint Fires simulator, a bespoke solution was built to satisfy the military requirement for mobile, on the job training for personnel of the 1st Artillery Brigade personnel. The Joint Fires Mobile Trainer (JFMT) is now in active service, training Joint Terminal Attack Controllers (JTAC) and Fire...
Germany to Field Trophy APS with Leopard II Tanks
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...
Light Patrol with a Class
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.
Boeing Commits to Reciprocal Procurement in Israel to Support $10B Mega Deal
Boeing has agreed to spend billions of dollars in Israel over the coming decade if it wins major defense contracts, Israel’s Economy Ministry said on Tuesday. The “reciprocal procurement” agreement calls for Boeing to collaborate with Israeli industries for at least 35 percent of the value of any transaction it signs with the Israeli government.
IAI’s Sky Capture Turns Obsolete Guns into Potent Air Defense
Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) will supply the “Sky Capture” command and control systems for land-based air defense worth $550 million under a contract recently signed with a customer in Asia. The customer is likely the Indian Army. Developed by IAI's Systems, Missile & Space Group, the system optimizes the performance of air defense artillery against a broad range of...
L3, Harris Merge to Become a $16 Billion Defense Tech Giant
Harris Corporation (NYSE:HRS) and L3 Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:LLL) have agreed to combine in an all-stock merger of equals to create a global defense technology leader, focused on developing differentiated and mission-critical solutions for customers around the world. The merger is expected to close in the mid-calendar year 2019,
New Orders Reflect Growing Interest in Rada’s Tactical Radars
Israel's tactical radar pioneer RADA Electronic Industries reported new orders worth US$5 million for two variants of its mobile radars, the Multirole Hemispheric Radar, employed in Counter Rocket Artillery and Mortar (C-RAM), Counter UAV (C-UAV) and Short Range Air Defense (SHORAD) applications.
IDF Evaluates Active Protection for Light Vehicles
The IDF is evaluating a new configuration of the Iron-Fist lightweight active protection systems (APS) for the protection of medium wheeled vehicles such as the 8x8 Eitan Armored Personnel Carrier and tactical trucks. The system is also considered for the protection of heavy bulldozers.
New Contract Brings F-35A Price Below US$90 Million
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.
Boeing, Saab to Build the US Air Force’s Future Trainer
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.
Israeli-British JV to Service Satellites in Orbit
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.
