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.
Textron Systems to Supply SCTV Armored Vehicles to Ukraine
Textron Systems announced today the first export sale of its SCTV (Survivable Combat Tactical Vehicle) to the Ukraine. In 2015 the US Government has agreed to deliver Ukraine 200 HMMWVs from US military surplus; Some of these vehicles will be converted by Ukroboronprom into SCTV, using Textron delivered kits.
South Korea set to restart F-16 Upgrade with OEM
South Korea's Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) said the planned switch from BAE Systems to Lockheed Martin is expected for next year, following the submission of the issue to the defense projects committee.
French MOD qualifies a heavier VBCI armoured fighting vehicle
A heavier, up armoured variant French VBCI armoured infantry combat vehicle has been qualified by the French Armament procurement agency (DGA), increasing the gross vehicle weight (GVW) by three tons to to 32 tons. The increase in the GVW enables the installation of appliqué side and belly armour, better protecting the vehicle against advanced threats such as mines, IEDs, and...
Airborne Tactical Laser (ATL)
The Airborne tactical Laser is a Special Operations Command (SOCOM) sponsored Advanced Concept Technology demonstration (ACTD) program, designed to demonstrate the use of high power tactical lasers from an airborne platform. Under the program, a chemical oxygen-iodine laser (COIL) will be installed on a modified C-130H transport aircraft, simulating a future AC-130 laser equipped gunship. The airborne tactical laser will...
Controp Optimizes Stabilized EO Systems for Mast Mounted Vehicular Applications
At Aero-India 2011 Controp is introducing two new stabilized EO systems, optimized for vehicular platforms. The new, remotely controlled, gyro-stabilized Modular Electro-Optical System (MEOS). The system employs an open architecture similar to Controp's CEDAR product line, yet MEOS also features a two-axis gyro-stabilized platform, enabling installation on vehicular platforms, as well as elevated mast mounting. The system employs day and night...
MTGR Robot Joins the Polish Army
Poland has selected the MTGR to equip its ground forces with 50 man portable reconnaissance robots as part of ‘Project Tarantula.’ The man-portable Mini-UGV was developed and produced by RoboTeam, an Israeli specialist in ground robotics.
NSA Commander Alexander: “Critics are Mischaracterizing US Intelligence Agencies Collection Activity”
Media reports detailing secret National Security Agency collection of data from companies such as Google and Yahoo from overseas data centers mischaracterize what NSA does, the agency’s director said in a speech to the Baltimore Council on Foreign Affairs. The reporting was based on documents stolen from NSA and periodically leaked to the media beginning this summer by former...
Bigger Wings, More Fuel, Carry the Avenger Longer and Farther
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA‑ASI), successfully performed the first flight of the Avenger Extended Range (Avenger ER) remotely piloted aircraft (RPA). With wingspan increased to 76 feet and 2,200 pounds of additional fuel, the ER extends the legacy Avenger’s endurance from 15 hours to 20 hours.
Israel to Get 20 F-35A Stealth Fighters for $2.75 Billion
Israel's defense minister Lt. General (Ret) Ehud Barak has given the go-ahead to a $2.75 billion purchase of 20 Lockheed Martin F-35I Lightning II fighter jets. The new fighter will be provided along with an integral support package, sustaining the aircraft through its service life. The decision has yet to pass the approval of the Israeli government. The purchase...
Brazil Embarks on an AEW&C Upgrade
The Brazilian Air Force is upgrading its E-99 Airborne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C) aircraft. Saab Defence and security company announced today it has received an order from the Brazilian company Embraer Defense and Security, for the upgrade of the Erieye AEW&C Mission System. The total order amounts to about US$60 million
X-37B Space Plane Scheduled for 2nd Flight Tomorrow
The launch of the second X37B Space Plane is scheduled for tomorrow. The unique capability of this plane appears to be its ability to return from orbit and land autonomously on a runway. But the Air Force has not disclosed the specific mission this plane is designed for. "The space plane is an extravagant system without a convincing mission" Dr. Laura Grego of the UCS comments.
German army to equip combat vehicles with smart IED Jammers
Airbus Defense & Space was awarded a contract worth several million euros to supply the german Army with 36 VPJ-R6 'smart' C-IED jammers for its armored vehicles. The new devices use ultra-fast 'SMART' Responsive Jamming Technology selectively jamming threats frequencies while maintaining the rest of the radio band open for friendly communications
AN/DAS-4: Sharper Eyes for the Reaper
The U.S. Air Force awarded Raytheon a $90 million first-lot production contract for the next-generation Multi-Spectral Targeting System. As the latest variant of the MTS family of sensors, AN/DAS-4 incorporates greater fire control and Target Location Accuracy technology for precise coordinates.
