Israel’s Eitan 8×8 APC to be Fielded by the End of 2021
Israel will soon begin serial production of Eitan 8x8 armored personnel carriers (APC) at the IDF Technical and Logistics Directorate Development and Maintenance Center, where Merkava and Namer heavy armored fighting vehicles are produced. Eitan is expected to become operational at the end of 2021, replacing the half-century-old M-113 APC.
Soft-Kill System Seconds a Hard-Kill in a Layered Defense Demonstration
BAE Systems unveiled its next-generation active protection system called raven today, at the US Army (AUSA) convention. Raven uses a unique, non-kinetic InfraRed (IR) countermeasure system to defeat guided missiles fired at the protected platform. Raven has already demonstrated its effectiveness against guided missiles in several tests.
The Netherlands Selects BAE Systems to Integrate APS into their CV9035NL AIFVs
The Royal Netherlands Army has been working closely with BAE Systems Hägglunds to study the implementation of the Iron Fist APS onto the CV9035NL since 2015. The new systems are expected to join the vehicle as part of its planned Mid-Life Upgrade, thus improving its survivability and situational awareness. The Dutch decision is closely followed by the Scandinavian countries, Switzerland, Denmark and Estonia that also operating this vehicle.
Australia Selects Korean, German Industries for Next Gen IFV/APC Evaluation
The Australian MOD has shortlisted two companies for the Land 400 Phase 3 Risk Mitigation Activity (RMA) of the next-generation tracked infantry fighting vehicle (IFV) and armored personnel carriers (APC), to replace the Australian M-113s. The two contenders are Hanwha Defense System AS21 Redback and Rheinmetall Lynx KF-41.
German Puma Equips with MUSS Soft-Kill APS
The HENSOLDT company has delivered the 300th active protection system (soft kill) equipping the German Puma infantry fighting vehicle. In total, the company is under contract to deliver 342 MUSS equipment sets by 2020 to PSM, the vehicle manufacturing JV.
IDF Protects Eitan APCs and D9 Bulldozers With Iron-Fists
Israel’s Ministry of Defense announced today the selection of Elbit Systems’ Iron-Fist Active Protection System (APS) for the protection of some of the IDF combat and combat support armored vehicles. The selection followed a competitive evaluation of several APS solutions.
Israel MOD Evaluates Future Concepts for Armored Warfare
Israel’s Ministry of Defense Defense Research and Development Directorate (DRDD) provided today a glimpse into the Carmel technology demonstration program, evaluating future combat vehicle technologies for the late 2020 and beyond. Rafael, Elbit Systems and IAI participated in the demonstration showcasing how each group addressed a technology approach to meet the challenge.
Russian Army to Receive New 8×8 Boomerang AFV Prototypes for Testing
The Russian Boomerang 8x8 combat vehicle was developed by the VPK company in two configurations, the 25 ton K17 Armored Fighting Vehicle (AFV) and a 22-ton amphibious Armored Personnel Carrier (APC) designated K16. Intended to replace heeled combat vehicles such as the BTR
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.
Hybrid Protection Combines Active, Passive Defense to Armored Vehicles
Rheinmetall has developed a hybrid Protection module that combines passive and active protection techniques to protect armored vehicles from anti-tank and ballistic threats, such as small caliber arms and fragments. Rheinmetall will unveil the new module at the IDEX 2019 exhibition in Abu Dhabi next week.
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...
Iron Fists APS for the Australian Boxers
The Australian Defence Force has asked Rheinmetall Defence to evaluate Israel's Iron Fist Active Protection System (APS) developed by Elbit Systems' IMI. Brigadier Greg McGlone, Australian Army Director General, Armored Fighting Vehicles, broke the news at the International Armoured vehicles 2019 conference (#IAVevent) in London today. According to Brig. McGlone the evaluation will include only the Iron...
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.
Robotized T-72s in Russia?
The Russian Ministry of Defense plans an evaluation of an innovative robotic tank formation concept that will enhance the operational capabilities of mechanized formations in urban areas. The ‘Storm’ concept will employ a robotized T-72B3 tank in at least five configurations, to create a semi-autonomous ‘robotic vanguard’, coordinated and controlled by human operators from few kilometers away.