Europe

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...

The French ship builder DCNS presented today the [email protected] frigate design - a new 4,000 tonne frigate based on the French-Navy future Intermediate-Size Frigate (FTI) also developed by DCNS.

Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) is offering a modernized version of its 1970 era delta-winged Kfir Mach 2+ fighter aircraft. Equipped with advanced avionics and mission systems that, the IAI claims its old fighter jet could rank in the same class of contemporary ‘fourth generation’ fighter jets. According to sources at IAI, the company can deliver up to 50 Kfirs,...

KEW-A1 (General Dynamics / Rheinmetal) The 120mm KEW-A1 cartridge is a tungsten based Armor-Piercing, Fin-Stabilized Discarding Sabot-Tracer (APFSDS-T). This projectile provides a high performance alternative for depleted uranium based projectiles. The 19.6kg ammunition uses 8.4kg of propellant and a combustible case, packing the 4kg penetrator and aluminum sabbot, fired at a muzzle velocity of 1740 m/sec generating chamber pressre of...

Finland has selected Israel's Advanced Naval Attack Missile to replace its current MTO85M system, a derivative of Swedish RBS15 that will reach the end of its life cycle in the 2020s. The new missile will be installed on existing Hamina-class missile boats and the new Squadron 2020 vessels, the first will be launched in 2019. According to the Finnish MOD, the missile will also be usable from vehicular platforms on land and against land targets.

The German shipbuilder ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) has signed today a contract to build four patrol corvettes for the Israeli Navy. Israel will pay €315 million of the €430 million contract.

Rheinmetall and the German Bundeswehr have successfully tested a high-energy laser effector installed on a German warship operating on the high seas. For the test Rheinmetall mounted a 10-kilowatt high-energy laser (HEL) effector on a MLG 27 light naval gun mounted on the ship.

One of the largest fleets in NATO, the German Navy appears to have escaped most of the recent cuts imposed by the government’s austerity plan, since construction of the new vessels and upgrades for existing platforms seems to continue. However, the planned reduction of 60 percent in its defense budget could have negative effect in the future, if the government decides to press on with the cuts.

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...

The French Defence Procurement Agency (DGA) notified Nexter Systems of the Leclerc tank renovation contract. This order constitutes the third operation launched by the French Ministry of Defence under the SCORPION programme intended to modernise the French Army's contact forces.

The Polish Armament Inspectorate awarded Mesko a production contract worth over $150 million, for the delivery of 1,000 Spike anti tank guided missiles to equip the Polish Army's Rosomak infantry fighting vehicles.

Iveco introduced at Eurosatory 2016 an improved, higher performace new variant of its Light Multirole Vehicle (LMV) family of light tactical vehicles. The new vehicle designated LMV 2 is a major improvement over the original LMV, that has been modified and adapted through the years, adding more protection, capacity and electronics to meet user demand.

 

Above:  Oto Melara's 155mm self-propelled gun on display at Eurosatory 2012. Photo: Tamir Eshel, Defense-Update Oto Melara is launching a wheeled, turreted 155mm 39 Cal. self-propelled gun at Eurosatory 2012. The vehicle, a member of the Centauro family, is characterized by high tactical and strategic mobility and high survivability. The turret comprises the 155/39 mm caliber gun system, equipped with automatic...