Russian Air Force Implements Battle-Forged Lessons
Lessons learned through ongoing military operations in Syria are shaping operational concepts, tactics, and technologies employed by the Russian military, and specifically by the Air Force and Naval Aviation.
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.
US Army Contracts Dynetics to Build a Mobile, High Energy Laser Weapon
Dynetics, along with its partners, Lockheed Martin, Rolls Royce and MZA Associates have been awarded a $130 million contract to build and test a 100-kilowatt class laser weapon system under the High Energy Laser Tactical Vehicle Demonstrator (HEL TVD) program managed by the U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command/Army Forces Strategic Command's (USASMDC/ARSTRAT). Team Dynetics has beaten five...
Soft Launch Delivers a Hard Fist
Following first deployments at sea on Type 23 frigates, MBDA’s Sea Ceptor matures to become highly effective and efficient all-weather air defense weapon system. A key capability of the system is the use of a soft launch mechanism that maximizes missile performance and kinematics, and imposes minimal loads on the launchers and structure.
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.
Rheinmetall Tests a Weapon Station for Laser Weapons
Rheinmetall has tested a new laser weapon station that can carry laser weapons up to 100 kW power level and be integrated on combat vehicles. In recent tests, the system successfully engaged drones and mortar rounds at operationally relevant ranges. Equally suitable for ground, air and naval operations, the assemblies are modular and scalable in design, to meet different applications.
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...
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.
To Become Combat Teammates, Robots Must Earn Soldier’s Trust First
With autonomous vehicles rapidly maturing and expected to become part of our daily life in five to ten years, it is only logical that military robotics will follow. But, according to Meir Shabtai, General Manager of Robotic Systems Division at Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), the military robots are already here now.
Lighter Trophy APS for Medium Armored Vehicles
Rafael completed recently a successful test series of a Trophy Active Protection System (APS) redesigned to shed some 40 percent of the weight of the original system designed for heavy armored vehicles and main battle tanks. Through more than 300 test firings Trophy succeeded to neutralize more than 280 of the shots that included various types of anti-tank rockets (RPG) and guided missiles (ATGM).
Spike ER2 Missile Doubles the Range of Attack Helicopters
Israel's RAFAEL Advanced Defense Systems Ltd. is expanding its Spike guided missile family with the introduction of Spike ER2, an extended-range tactical missile the company positions to equip attack helicopters, combat vehicles, and mall boats.
Preparing the Missile Corps, Israel Increases Precision Guided Rocket Arsenal
Israel's defense ministry has placed a major order for a number of IMI Systems precision-guided rockets and rocket systems to equip the Israel Defense Forces' (IDF) artillery corps.
New Russian Gunship Implements Syrian Combat Lessons
Russian Helicopters presented a new version of the Mi-28N attack helicopter that improves combat survivability and firepower and implements manned-unmanned teaming capability for the first time. The "Night Hunter" was used extensively in the Syrian theater, used both by the Russian and Syrian forces. Some of the improvements address lessons learned from these operations. "We are constantly improving military helicopters...
