Regional News

IMDEX ASIA 2023 provides an invaluable platform for showcasing the latest advancements in maritime defense technologies crucial for ensuring the safety and security of naval forces in an increasingly complex surface and underwater environment. This review highlights some of the ongoing innovations in the naval sector, from AI applications improving ship safety to underwater inspection solutions.

Can rapid fielding of modern and mature 8x8 IFVs reduce the risk and enhance the combat agility of NATO’s Eastern front? The combat experience gathered in the Ukraine War reflects the need for agile land combat systems that effectively integrate maneuverability and firepower and rely on logistical support from domestic or neighboring allied countries. How can NATO get them quickly? Marrying proven systems and platforms delivered by trusted sources from active production lines is paramount in reducing risks and accelerating delivery and fielding.

Israel Integrates "Iron Fist" Active Protection Systems (APS) in the 'Eitan' Armored Personnel Carrier and 'Panda' Armored D9 Bulldozer. A final test series completed the integration process, demonstrating successful interception tests in various challenging scenarios. The video documenting the tests depicts a new version of the APS, employing a smaller radar panel and protected launchers.

IAI has been awarded a multi-million-dollar contract by the Irregular Warfare Technical Support Directorate (IWTSD) of the US Department of Defense (DoD) to rapidly develop and deliver “ROC-X,” a version of the POINT BLANK hybrid-missile system, designed to increase the organic precision strike lethality of small tactical teams. The Point Blank weapon has already been tested in Israel, and IAI plans to deliver the first ROC-X prototypes and training to DoD for Operational Testing and Evaluation in FY-23.

The drone attack on the Russian Navy's main Black Sea port of Sevastopol on 28 October represents a new phase in the modern drone war. According to Russian MOD, the attack involved nine unmanned aerial vehicles and seven unmanned strike boats. The Russians admit damage to one of their vessels and to one of the port barriers.

The Finnish Ministry of Defense has informed the Israeli Ministry of Defense of its decision to procure the David's Sling Weapon System (DSWS), an advanced air‐defense system. This is the first export sale of the David's Sling Weapon System to a foreign military.

After less than three years of development, Smartshooter has reached the final milestone of the Individual Weapon Overmatch Optic (IWOO) program, successfully passing the system’s Technology Readiness Review (TRR). As part of this phase, two prototype systems were taken through a series of live-fire tests by IWTSD to ensure the system met the contract performance requirements. The systems performed well and fired day and night, using clip-on night vision devices.

Last week (16 March 2023), SIG SAUER announced the acquisition of Israeli robotics expert General Robotics, a world-leading manufacturer of lightweight, remote weapon stations and tactical robotics. According to Dan Cohen, SIG Sauer Inc. CEO, combining General Robotics' remote weapons station with SIG SAUER’s lightweight squad weapons and high-pressure hybrid ammunition could revolutionize small arms for military forces worldwide.

A unit of the Russian Guard Tank Army based in the Western Region received the first batch of T-90M tanks in March 2020. The tanks are the latest, most advanced upgraded versions of the T-90 family. The Russian Army expects to receive about 400 tanks, some will be refurbished and the others new built.

A typical deployment of IR jammer can be seen on the Russian T-90, which mounts the Shtora-1 Defensive Aids System (DAS) shown on picture, with Kontakt5 ERA modules (left). The system protects the tank against guided missiles, using both the semi-active command to line of sight (SACLOS) guidance, by an IR source that mimics the flare on the back...

Israel Shipyards today at the Euronaval 2022 exhibition a new variant of its SAAR class corvette line - the SAAR S-80. The new vessel joins the S-72 that serves in the Israel Navy as a Light Patrol Corvette, and the RESHEF Class an advanced multi-role vessel. The S-80 can be adjusted to accommodate Corvette or an OPV version, depending on the operational requirements. Israel Shipyards intends to make the new S80 its flagship vessel for the next decade, serving the needs of the Israeli and foreign navies.

The Vietnam Defense Exhibition, held at a Hanoi airbase, attracted 174 exhibitors from 30 countries. Vietnam is considering adopting a "Make in Vietnam" policy similar to India's to strengthen the capabilities of its local defense industry and support significant defense procurement programs. The exhibition provided local companies with an opportunity to showcase their capabilities and find potential foreign partners.

The Slovenian Armed Forces (SAF) has completed a successful firing of Rafael's SPIKE LR missiles in a demonstration in Slovenia, December 2020. During the demonstration, the Slovenian Army also fired SPIKE missiles using the new dismounted digital SPIKE launcher ICLU. Both launchers includes a provision for the use of the more advanced SPIKE LR2.

Defense-Update impressions from the main foreign exhibits at Vietnam Defence 2022.