Defense Technology

Addressing the concern of restrictions of operating MQ-9 Reaper drones over Europe, due to the fact that this drone has not been certified to fly over civilian airspace, General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA ASI), the drone’s manufacturer is developing a variant of the Predator B Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) to be certified for flight according to the NATO...

Israel's Ministry of Defense and Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) conducted today the first full system flight and intercept test of the Barak 8 missile system developed jointly by Israel and India. This was the second time that the Barak-8 missile scores a direct hit, a testament of the system's capability to deal with highly maneuverable targets

successfully completed the first flight test of a counter-electronics missile carrying a high power microwave payload designed to zap enemy electronic system. CHAMP is a nonlethal weapon designed to neutralize electronic targets. It is considered a cost effective alternative to current kinetic (explosive) weapons, that cannot penetrate hidden, underground targets.

Rheinmetall and MBDA launched today a mobile air defense system designed to defeat aerial targets at close- and very close-range, including small and very unmanned aerial systems (UAS, LSS). As an element of the future integrated air defence, the new modular system is positioned to become a possible successor to the lightweight air defence system leFlaSys/Stinger currently in use with the Bundeswehr.

By year's end Taiwan plans to complete modernizing about half of the fleet of its locally built 'Indigenous Defense Fighter' (IDF). The upgrade will enable the Taiwan Air Force to maintain the aircraft in service through 2030.

The US Army will field a comprehensive "enterprise level" maintenance information system for its ground combat vehicle fleet. The system will integrate existing test and diagnostic equipment to develop fleet wide logistic and situational awareness, implementing modern Condition Based Maintenance service that will enhance the operation and effectiveness of the tactical and combat vehicles of the current force. DRS is developing...

Embraer Defense & Security redelivered the first modernized A-1M (AMX) fighter jet to the Brazilian Air Force (FAB). The modernization of the A-1 (built during the 1980s under a Brazilian-Italian cooperation) include structural refurbishment extending the fighter's operational life through 2025. The modernization was performed at Embraer's industrial plant in Gavião Peixoto, in São Paulo. The A-1M program provides...

Under its upgrading program the wheeled recce Armored Car, operated by the French Armor Corps, will receive an information console (TIS) and new RP4G combat net radio. Improvements to the automotive system include softer transmission controls. Other installations include add-on armor, KBCM defensive aids system including Gallix and LIRE IR active decoy, and provisions for thermal sight for the gunner...

Israel has delivered 16 retired U.S.-supplied Cobra helicopter gunships to Jordan to help the Hashemite kingdom deal with the threat of Islamic State (ISIS) which currently control large areas along its borders with Syria and Iraq. The transfer provided at no cost was kept in secret since last year but was recently leaked by an unnamed U.S. official and published by Reuters.

IRKUT Corporation of Russia will complete deliveries of Su-30MKI aircraft kits to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) this year. By that time, IRKUT Corporation will have successfully delivered 222 aircraft kits for assembly at (HAL) Nashik plant

Raytheon Missile systems will provide precision guided mortar bombs to the US Marine Corps, under a contract worth $98 million awarded this week by the Pentagon. The contract with the U.S. Marine Corps has a maximum 60-month effective period, with five 12-month ordering periods.

Armored vehicles at DSEi 07: The British MOD has set a higher priority for the modernization and upgrading 449 of its 786 Warrior Infantry Fighting Vehicle, and is currently planning to begin fielding the upgraded vehicles by 2010 - 2011 timeframe, about two years ahead of the original schedule. The upgrade will sustain the vehicle's operability until 2035. Major upgrading of...

New capabilities introduced to the new batch of Block IV Tomahawk Land Attack Cruise Missiles (TLAM) are transforming the weapon of the 1980s into a smarter, more versatile 21st century weapon. The U.S. Navy is planning to rapidly deploy the modernized, retargetable Block IV land attack missile on board ships as a dual-mission 'Maritime Strike Tomahawk'.

Boeing and the Saab Group have conducted a feasibility test launching a Small Diameter Bomb (SDB I) GPS guided aerial bomb from coupled to an M-26 rocket launched from an MLRS rocket launcher. The Ground Launched Small Diameter Bomb (GLSDB) allows the artillery system to reach targets from significantly longer distances, and engage hard-to-reach targets, while maintaining the Small Diameter Bomb’s flight maneuverability and accuracy.