Elbit Systems has received a contract valued at $120 million to supply Hermes 900 Maritime Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) and training capabilities to the Royal Thai Navy. The contract will be performed over three years.
Under the contract, the Israeli company will provide the Royal Thai Navy with the UAS systems comprising aerial vehicles configured for maritime surveillance, with maritime radar, Electro-Optic (EO) payload, satellite communication, droppable inflated life rafts, and other capabilities. The Hermes 900 Maritime UAS is intended to enable the Royal Thai Navy to perform both blue water and littoral missions, dominate vast swathes of sea and long coastlines, communicate with operational vessels, and carry out civilian missions such as maritime Search and Rescue (SaR) and identification of suspicious activities and potential hazards at sea.
The Hermes 900 Maritime Patrol can operate in adverse weather conditions both day and night and can carry up to 4 life-rafts. Using its radar, it detects survivor situations. Then, its Electro-Optic/Infra-Red (EO/IR) payload will provide visual identification, and a calculation of the drop-point, to dispatch life rafts from a low-altitude of 600ft to a pin-pointed location at a safe distance from the survivors. The introduction of the unique lifesaving capability, along with survivor detection and identification capabilities and precision dispatch of live rafts enables it to perform long-range maritime SaR missions.
Hermes 900 Maritime Patrol can carry up to four, six-person life-rafts that are integrated on its wings.
On Maritime Patrol Hermes 900 can carry up to four, six-person life-rafts that are integrated on its wings. The drone can deliver the payload from a low-altitude of 600ft to a pin-pointed location at a safe distance from the survivors. A gradual inflation process of the life-rafts is initiated after dispatch and is completed upon landing.
UAS of the Hermes family has been selected to date by more than 20 customers including Israel, the UK, Switzerland, Canada, the United Nations, the European Union, Brazil, Chile, and Mexico. “This is yet another vote of confidence in the Hermes family of UAS. We are experiencing a growing global demand for our unmanned solutions that are capable of effective integration with operational activities of manned forces across domains of operation, addressing a wide range of evolving threats.” Yoram Shmuely, General Manager of Elbit Systems Aerospace, said.
IDF Acquires thousands PDA devices with Asio's C3I Orion applications to enhance planning, communications and battle management for dismounted team leaders.
Israel Defense Forces have received thousands of ORION Systems from Asio Technologies, providing smartphone-based hand-held interactive information devices for junior officers and team leaders. The ‘Olar’ and ‘Amud’ systems, as the IDF calls them, is designed as rugged and secured mobile device based on the Android platform. The system enables mission planning, navigation, positioning, and enhanced situational awareness using a three dimensional GIS database and Augmented Reality (AR) capabilities.
The system provides a scalable, multilayered, networked situational awareness solution with an intuitive and interactive interface. It operates online and offline, serving the individual soldier or commander up to the battalion level, allowing them to get real-time updates from each other, exchange regarding locations of friendly forces, handoff hostile locations, and additional mission-critical information.
Performing functions similar to the US Army Android Tactical Assault Kit (ATAK), the Orion system communicates and interfaces with other ASIO Technologies tactical solutions, such as the LYNX tactical hand-held day/night situation awareness system and RIGEL tactical smartwatch, to provide a fully integrated tactical combat suit for ground forces.
Using the Android platform, ORION enables mission planning, navigation, positioning, and enhanced situational awareness using the GIS database and Augmented Reality (AR) capabilities. Photo: Asio Technologies
Executive teams from Pearson-Engineering and Rafael Advanced Defense Systems have met at the recent DVD2022 event to advance the acquisition sealed today. Photo: Pearson Engineering
Israel’s defense company Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Ltd. has completed the acquisition of the British defense specialist company Pearson Engineering Ltd. The acquisition was executed under a stock purchase agreement (SPA), transferring 100% of the ownership. The acquisition includes Pearson’s metalworks subsidiary company Responsive Engineering Ltd.
According to M.G (ret.) Yoav Har-Even, RAFAEL’S President and CEO, this acquisition is part of RAFAEL’s continued strategic investments to transfer cutting-edge, state-of-the-art technologies, products, and systems into the United Kingdom, addressing UK national security and economic interests. “Until recently, most of RAFAEL’s operations in the UK were in partnership with UK prime contractors, with the majority of workshare manufactured in Israel,” Har-Even said. “By acquiring Pearson and Responsive Engineering we will be able to enhance and expand manufacturing capabilities in the UK, thus strengthening our UK supply chain to better support our customers, especially the UK MOD and British armed forces. This will lead to a significant increase in the number of jobs in Newcastle and will build strong links with academic institutions throughout the UK and specifically in North East England.” Har-Even said.
“RAFAEL’s ambition for Pearson and Responsive brings valuable growth and stability for our employees, our trusted supply partners in the region, and the wider community in the North East. It will undoubtedly create more jobs and generate exciting career opportunities within both companies”, Craig Priday, Pearson Engineering Managing Director added.
[wlm_ismember]According to Dr. Ran Gozali, EVP, GM Land and Naval Division for RAFAEL, The UK MOD Challenger 3 program already reflects a point of synergy for the team. Pearson and Responsive are manufacturing the tank’s turret structures and, supported by RAFAEL, Pearson will be able to locally manufacture and integrate the TROPHY active protection system, providing the highest level of protection to the crew.” Both companies have been working with prime contractor RBSL on the £800m program to upgrade 148 Challenger Main Battle Tanks (MBT) into the Mk3 standard by 2027. In March 2022 RBSL awarded a circa £25 million supplier contract to Pearson Engineering to fabricate the turret structures for the British Army’s Challenger 3 Main Battle Tank. Rafael’s TROPHY system will be integrated into the turret of this tank.
The synergy between the companies can grow further with Pearson’s extensive battlefield mobility support capabilities, especially with NATO armies addressing assault battlefield shaping, gap crossing, obstacle, and minefield breaching capabilities as part of expanding NATO’s land forces warfighting capabilities implementing lessons learned from the war in Ukraine.[/wlm_ismember]
RAFAEL is a world-renowned, Israeli-based defense contractor specializing in cutting-edge, innovative defense systems. Spanning many areas of defense, Rafael’s land systems activities include the development and production of ballistic and active protection systems, development, design, production, and integration of turrets for armored vehicles, counter IEDs, missiles, and more. Rafael is Israel’s third largest defense company, with 8,000+ employees and over 30 subsidiaries worldwide, serving the defense, security, and aerospace markets. As a global organization, Rafael has bolstered its presence in its main markets including the US, India, South Korea, and most European NATO member countries. The acquisition will expand its presence in the UK, where RAFAEL already has significant projects underway. Pearson Engineering will be joining the RAFAEL UK group. The move received approval from the UK Ministry of Defence and the Israeli Ministry of Defense.
New ballistic, cruise and loitering missiles were shown by the Houthis in the recent military parade in Sanaa, Yemen. We reviewed the new cruise missiles, ballistic missiles, and naval attack weapons in three recent posts. Parallel to the development of ballistic missiles, Iran is pursuing various types of aerial weapons based on unmanned aerial systems technologies.
Shahed 131 and 136 are two models that have recently captured media attention. Still, these simple and rudimentary delta-winged ‘flying bombs’ are only one type of a wide family of loitering weapons that Iran has used to hit targets far beyond its borders, dating back to the attack on Saudi oil fields in 2019.
Among many types of loitering missiles and attack drones displayed was the local version of the Iranian Shahed 136 – the Wa’id, new models of Samad and Qhasef, loitering missiles, Rased weaponized mini-drones, VTOL variant of Mersad-2, and the Masir hexacopter weaponized drone that was also demonstrated in formation flight.
Wa’id, the Houthi version of Iran’s Shahed 136 drone missile.
As a simple weapon that requires minimal know-how and components for assembly, Shahed 136 is rapidly becoming a popular export item. Among the first customers are The Houthis in Yemen, designated Wa’id, Russia (where it is called Geran-1). Tajikistan is also planning to assemble Iranian strike drones.
These missiles employ simple but effective techniques to perform such long-range missions. Using a Rocket Assisted Take Off (RATO) and powered by an internal combustion engine (ICE) and flown by an autopilot using a commercial global satellite navigation system (GNSS) and inertial measurement systems, these drones fly a preprogrammed path to hit a target as far as 1000 km (some sources indicate up to 2,500 km, but these ranges haven’t been verified). Unlike the Israeli Harop, Shahid 136 doesn’t have a payload for target identification and terminal homing, as it relies only on GNSS for the target data and does not require an active control channel to control the drone. This makes this weapon relatively immune to electronic attack, yet it is vulnerable to GPS spoofing. Such countermeasures may divert the missile from its intended target but wouldn’t prevent it from hitting other targets in an urban area.
Samad-1 guided missile drone. Note the RATO launch tube below each drone.Qasef-2 loitering weapons equipped with camera and remote control.
Apart from the Wa’id, the Houthis displayed other propeller-driven missiles, including models having integrated electro-optical guidance. Among these is the Qasef 2, an electrically powered drone having a cruciform tail and overhead wing, using a built-in camera and two-way radio control for observation, targeting, and attack. A slightly larger version of the attack UAV is Samad, which comes in a V-tail configuration. Samad also uses RATO and ICE propulsion and, with a larger platform and larger wingspan provides much longer endurance, range, and payload weight. It comes with a GNSS-only guided variant or GNSS plus EO version providing higher precision and the possibility to pursue moving targets on land and at sea.
Samad-2 loitering weapon uses ICE for long endurance and a camera for reconnaissance and terminal targeting.
Target acquisition can be provided to the loitering weapon’s controllers using the Mersad-2 vertical takeoff and landing drones. These drones are based on reverse engineering the American Scan Eagle drones the Iranians captured several years ago. The fuselage bears some lineage to the Scan Eagle, but the wings are not swept as the American design. The drone uses an ICE as the main propulsion. Adding four electrical motors on the tail booms provide VTOL capability and enables the drone to deploy from unprepared sites.
Mersad-2 VTOL recce droneQasef-2K loitering missile is the Houthi version of the Iranian Ababil-2. These weapons carry a warhead weighing about 50 kg and have a range of 150-200 km; used in attacks against Saudi Arabia. These attack drones were also transferred to Hezbollah (named Mirsad-1) in Lebanon and Hamas in Gaza.The Rased is an electrically powered miniature rail-launched remotely controlled drone that has a built-in chin-mounted camera. These pictures show they can carry a small bomb, which is dropped by remote control.Masir is a six-rotor drone equipped with a payload carrying assembly that can carry multiple bombs. Various payloads are seen on this parade display.
The Houthis have also displayed the Al-Masir Hexarotor multirotor drone. This aerial vehicle is geared to carry different payloads, including various mortar bombs and grenades that can be selectively dropped upon command by the operator. During the parade in Sanaa, five Al- Masir drones performed formation flights over the crowd, with the drones carrying what looked like bombs or dummy bombs. Three of those drones flew in a close formation, demonstrating what could be an automated formation control (swarm?).
a formation flight of five Masir drones, the upper photo shows a close formation of three drones, and the lower shows a dynamic formation change in flight.
The Houthi Yemeni Hatem missile is believed to be a derivative of the Iranian Kheibar Shekan missile
New ballistic, cruise and loitering missiles were shown by the Houthis in the recent military parade in Sanaa, Yemen. Among the new missiles were several types of precision-guided ballistic missiles, capable of attack at ranges from 300 to 1,400 km, carrying warheads weighing up to half a ton. All missiles are believed to be Iranian designed, they were likely delivered to Yemen as pre-assembled or knocked down kits.
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These new ballistic missiles were displayed by the Houthis in the military parade in Sanaa, Yemen. Among the new ballistic missiles were Hatem, Falaq, and Karar. All are believed to be variants of Iranian missiles.
Like the Iranian Kheibar Shekan missile, the new Hatem uses solid propulsion and has four large aerodynamic fins for trajectory correction, turning this large missile into a precision strike weapon.
Hatem – A new missile blending several design features from Russian and Iranian missiles; this missile bears many similarities to the Iranian Kheibar Shekan, which was introduced by Iran in 2022. Like the Iranian missile, Hatem uses solid propulsion and has four large aerodynamic fins for trajectory correction, turning this large missile into a precision strike weapon. At an initial gross weight of 4500 kg, Kheibar Shekan carried half a ton of payload to 1,450 km. The warhead is carried in a maneuverable reentry vehicle that separates from the missile’s body upon reentry, thus avoiding conventional missile defense systems. The missile is 10.5 meters long, and its diameter is 800 mm.
long-range ballistic missile using liquid propulsion likely based on Iran’s Qiam-1 missile.
FALAQ – long-range ballistic missile using liquid propulsion likely based on Iran’s Qiam-1 missile. Falaq seems to be a Burkan 2H derivative of the operationally proven Burkhan-H, which is also based on the Iranian Qiam-1 missile. Burkhan H has been used by the Houthis in recent years on attacks against Saudi Arabia. Qiam-1 missiles were also used by Iran in their attack on the Ain Assad airbase in Iraq, following the killing of Kassem Suleimani by the US forces in 2019. Qiam 1 has a range of 800 km. According to missile expert Tal Inbar, one of the distinctive changes in Falaq. Unlike the Irani Qiam-1, Falaq has small rectangular fins at the base and what looks like two retro-rockets designed to separate the reentry vehicle carrying the warhead from the missile’s body.
Unlike the Irani Qiam-1, Falaq has small rectangular fins at the base and what looks like two retro-rockets designed to separate the reentry vehicle carrying the warhead from the missile’s body.
According to CSIS MissileThreat report, Qiam-1 is distinguished from other Scud variants by its lack of tail fins, instead using a thrust vector control system to stabilize the missile. The missile also uses a separable warhead and ground-based radio guidance system, improving its accuracy over prior Scud-based designs. In addition to improving accuracy, the reentry vehicle’s configuration could reduce the radar signature, potentially increasing its survivability against missile defenses.
separable warhead and ground-based radio guidance system, improving its accuracy over prior Scud-based designs. In addition to improving accuracy, the reentry vehicle’s configuration could reduce the radar signature, potentially increasing its survivability against missile defenses.
Karar is likely a derivative of the Iranian Zolfaghar missile. It uses a solid rocket to reach up to 700 km range, carrying a warhead weighing 400 – 650, according to the missile’s configuration. The Houthis claim a slightly shorter range (500 km), which corresponds with a heavier warhead. The Iranian missile is described as a precision strike weapon, delivering a warhead weighing half a ton within 10-30 meters from the designated location.
A similar weapon is designed for anti-ship missions, probably derived from the Iranian Zolfaghar Basir. This variant delivers a warhead weight of 550 kg to attack ships at sea at ranges of up to 400 km range. Terminal homing is based on radar or infrared seeker.[/wlm_ismember]
Quds-3 cruise missile on display at the Houthi parade in Sanaa, Yemen.
New ballistic, cruise and loitering missiles were shown by the Houthis in the recent military parade in Sanaa, Yemen. Among the new missiles on display was the Quds-3 cruise missile, believed to be a new, longer-range variant of the Iranian Soumar cruise missile.
Quds 3 – a new cruise missile. Like its two predecessors (Quds 1 and 2), Quds-3 is powered by a small turbojet engine, yet it is larger and capable of flying over a longer range. Quds cruise missiles are programmed to fly at a low level and have demonstrated effective radar avoidance capability. They are designed to perform precision attacks on a pre-programmed location based on the target coordinates. The missile achieves an initial velocity using a solid propellant booster which is separated once the missile achieves its cruising velocity.
According to the Iranwatch.org missile report, Quds-1 has a range of 800 km. The second-generation Quds-2, which corresponds with the Iranian Soumar (also known as Hoveyzeh) missiles, has a range of 1,350 km. The range of Quds 3 was not mentioned by the Houthis but is believed to be longer than Quds 2, as the missile diameter is larger, thus capable of carrying a larger fuel tank and warhead. These missiles are based on an Iranian derived from Soviet-era air-launched Kh55 cruise missiles acquired from Ukraine in the late 1990s. The range of Quds-1 is assumed to be 700 km, with Quds-3 achieving three times that range.
Quds-2 cruise missile, likely the Iranian Soumar, has a range of 1,350 km.Quds-1 was the first cruise missile deployed by the Houthis. It has a range of 800 km.
Aasif - long range anti-ship ballistic missile introduced by the Houthis in Yemen.
Last week (21 September 2022), the Houthis of Yemen demonstrated an unprecedented military might in the largest military parade commemorating the 9th anniversary of their takeover of Sanaa, Yemen’s capital. This parade culminates in a series of parades performed on a smaller scale in other cities, the most recently held on 1 September 2022 in the Red Sea port city of Hodeida.
Over 10,000 troops took part in each of these parades; the parade in Sanaa was even bigger, with an estimated number of 15,000 troops, hundreds of military vehicles, and spoils of war from the recent battles with Saudi and UAE participating. The Iranian-backed Houthi regime used these parades to deliver a clear message to the region and the world – through the recent years of hostilities with the Saudi and UAE-led forces, they have mustered a significant offensive force, with tens of thousands of troops and powerful weapons that are dominating the region, on land and sea. Hostilities ceased on 2 April 2022 as an UN-brokered two-month ceasefire entered into effect. It was extended two times since, until 2 October 2022. The recent parades seem to be a statement towards the conclusion of negotiations on the further extension of this ceasefire and part of Iran’s power play in the region.
Naval capabilities were shown in the recent parades highlighting fast attack boats, electronic attack boats, sea mines, and remotely controlled ‘suicide boats’, carrying 150 – 500 kg of explosives to their targets. Most recently, anti-ship ballistic missiles were introduced, designed to hit ships at sea at ranges of 200 nm and beyond, with a warhead weighing 100 – 400 kg.
Toufan 3 is a remotely controlled suicide boat capable of carrying 500 kg of high explosives to ships at sea.
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Some of the new naval missiles and weapons recently displayed by the Houthis in Yemen at parades in Hodeidah and Sanaa.
Asef-2 is a electronic reconnaissance and attack fast boat designed to disrupt naval vessels under attack, thus concealing a single attack boat of a swarm approaching the target.MDM-1 Russian-made sea bottom mines shown by the Houthis in Yemen.
Yemen has traditionally been equipped with legacy anti-ship missiles used in coastal defense. These included the two types of the Russian SS-2 Rubeij (Styx) inherited from the Yemeni army defeated in 2014. The original missile was fitted with thermal seekers, carrying a warhead of 500 kg. The Mandeb 1 and 2 are copies of Iran’s Chinese radar-guided S-801/802 missiles. They provide the Houthis with a more agile coastal defense weapon yet at a shorter range.
Aasif is a 10-meter long,700 mm wide missile. It uses a solid rocket to carry a 550 kg warhead to a distance of 215 nm
Yemen has recently fielded a new class of weapons obtained by the Houthi’s precision-guided ballistic missiles that seem to be derivatives of the Iranian Halij Fars missile (itself a derivative of the surface/surface Fateh 110). Yemen displayed three versions of these new missiles. The short-range Red Sea and Aasef are ballistic missiles with infrared seekers for target acquisition and terminal homing. The Red Sea medium-range missile can carry an electro-optical thermal or RF seeker optimized against naval targets. Aasif is the larger, more potent of the two. A 10-meter length and 700 mm in diameter, the missile uses a solid rocket to carry a 550 kg warhead to a distance of 215 nm, using an autonomous guidance system and terminal homing to hit targets at sea with high precision. Both are designed for operation as coastal defense weapons.
The Saeer tactical surface/surface missile provided the basis for the ‘Red Sea’ medium-range anti-ship ballistic missile.The Red-Sea tactical anti-ship ballistic missile uses the Saeer missile platform fitted with a new seeker targeting naval vessels.
Another missile converted to naval attack is the Moheet, a derivative of the Russian V750 (SA-2 surface-to-air missile). It is also designed for medium range, using a solid propelled boost phase and liquid rocket sustainer. Moheet is fitted with a thermal seeker for terminal guidance and mid-course navigation. It is described as capable of operations under all weather conditions.
Moheet is a modification of the Russian V750 missile, introducing an IR seeker in its nose.A close-up of the Moheet’s nose depicts the window of the IR seeker.
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With these new weapons, Iranian-supported Houthis pose an exponentially growing threat to maritime traffic in the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea, far beyond the choke point of Bab-El Mandeb straits they already dominate. It seems they seek three classes of warheads – light (<100kg), Medium (>100 kg ), and Heavy (400-550 kg) required to defeat different classes of vessels. These warhead sizes were first employed with remotely controlled suicide boats and sea mines. The Iranians and Houthis have gradually extended the range of their weapons from tens to a few hundred nautical miles. Rather than employing these weapons on board ships to extend range, they can now reach beyond 200 nm, using the new ballistic anti-ship missiles, practically blocking the movements of naval vessels well beyond Yemen’s coastal waters.
IAF No. 144 Phoenix squadron received a new emblem upon its recommissioning. Image: IAF
Israel’s Air & Space Force (IAF) has recently reactivated the 144th squadron at Hatzor air force base, a new unit destined to operate Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) under a new multi-domain force sharing IAF, ground, and intelligence forces assets. Although the squadron is located at an airbase, it will move with the ground and air-mobile forces and operate its Orbiter 4 drones from forward, unprepared locations, independently of airfields. Aeronautics’ Orbiter 4 STUAS is designated ‘Nitzoz’ – Spark in Hebrew. This aerial platform provides operators with unique operational flexibilities – the ability to deploy runway-independent UAS using rail launchers or Vertical TakeOff and Landing (VTOL) deployment, with a minimal logistical footprint. Such drones enable full mission autonomy through 24-hour operation, using multiple payload carriage capabilities.
Orbiter 4 is now provided with an electrically powered optional VTOL kit, enabling units to launch the drone from any flat surface without requiring a launcher or landing aids. Photo: Defense-Update
Nitzoz will provide the aerial layer of Israel’s Defense Forces (IDF) ‘Storm Clouds’ program. This ambitious “system of systems” is part of the comprehensive automation of wide-area surveillance, target acquisition, and automated intelligence processing, empowering small forces.
[wlm_ismember]In recent months RAFAEL and Aeronautics has unveiled several capabilities that, potentially, could be associated with such programs:
The Microlight WAPS sensor. Photo: Defense-Update
A unique Wide Area Persistent Surveillance (WAPS) payload developed by Rafael for the Orbiter-4 is key to the ‘Storm Cloud’ mission success. This payload is a unique wide-area persistent surveillance payload enabling STUAS to perform such demanding missions. On a typical mission, the Orbiter 4 with Microlite flies a few thousand feet above the ground, capturing a wide area with ultra-high resolution full-motion video. Throughout the mission, the drone serves as a surveillance hub on the cloud, providing users with high-resolution video and imagery of the areas of interest they find relevant to their mission. The ability to hold a wide area of open or urban terrain, tracking every object and movement in that area, provides effective real-time surveillance and unique intelligence insights through forensic analysis, back-tracking certain events to their origin. Rafael demonstrated the integration of Microlite within a wide-area surveillance system for the first time at the Modern-Day Marine 2022 expo.
The Microlight sensor display depicts the multi-megapixel wide-area image overview with a number of ‘insights’ provided to the users, focused on special events of interest. Photo: Defense-Update
Having ‘Storm Clouds’ connected to battle management and weapon systems enables these advanced sensors and data processing systems to become part of a ‘sensor-to-shooter’ system that can exploit the information gained by the sensors. Rafael’s ‘Fire Weaver’ is a system that connects sensors and shooters within battalion-size tactical formations. Rafael has recently introduced a complete sensor-to-shooter system called ‘Spike NMT’ that integrates the Microlite WAPS sensors flown on Orbiter-4 drones, BNET software-defined radio network integrating the Fire Weaver battle management system. The system is based on Spike NLOS 6 missiles, mounted on light 4×4 armored vehicles, capable of engaging targets over 40 – 50 kilometers. However, the integration of Fire Weaver will enable the battlegroup to operate any weapon within range of the target that is allocated to it. These can include precision-guided rockets, artillery, loitering weapons, or other assets. Rafael introduced Spike NMT at the Eurosatory 2022 exhibition.
Rafael is offering the SPIKE NLOS EO guided missile as part of the networked NMT system. Photo: RAFAEL
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Another new capability unveiled by Aeronautics at the Eurosatory 2022 exhibition is the Trojan Unmanned Hover Plane (UHP), a VTOL aerial system that bridges the gap between hovering, utilizing rotary wing and high-efficiency, high-speed flight, using fixed-wing aerodynamic design. With a wingspan of 4.2 m’, and a gross takeoff weight of 45 Kg, Trojan can carry multiple payloads of up to 12 kg. The UHP uses both, enabling this flying machine to introduce game-changing capabilities for battlespace dominance by providing Wide-Area-Persistent-Surveillance (WAPS) in versatile and dynamic environments.
Leveraging the ability to perform aerial missions with pinpoint accuracy at long ranges, Trojan enables new capabilities in aerial reconnaissance, surveillance, and target pursuit over wide areas and long ranges. With battery power sustaining 2.5 hours of flight time and 150 km. With a low acoustic signature, Trojan uses terrain following to penetrate deep into the enemy area covertly, day, or night, to autonomously land, perch, and stare over an area of interest. Using the built-in solar array embedded in the wing, it recharges its batteries in daylight. The platform uses several communications links, using encrypted datalinks over Line of Sight (LOS) using Beyond Line of Sight (BLOS) or cellular (LTE) connectivity.
The Trojan is powered with four rotors – for vertical takeoff, landing and hovering flight, and a pusher propeller for forward flight. Photo: Defense-Update
Designed with an open architecture, Trojan can accommodate multiple sensors similar in weight and size to those operated by Orbiter 4. Integral sensors and powerful image processing perform terrain following flight, AI-driven image analysis and targeting, hemispheric situational awareness (for self-defense while in perch position), 3D mapping to support autonomous landing, and automatic takeoff. The Trojan is controlled by a single operator from a remote base station that performs mission planning, monitoring, and payload control. The UHP can operate autonomously throughout the mission, and each unit can network with three additional platforms to operate as a swarm.
IAF 144th Squadron was established in 1972 as a fighter squadron flying the IAI Nesher fighter aircraft, a version of the Israeli-produced Dassault Mirage 5. The squadron participated in the 1973 Yom Kippur War. In 1977 the squadron received the first IAI Kfir fighter planes, and in 1981 moved to the new airbase in Ovda. The squadron later moved to Hatzor, where it operated the F-16s. In 2005 the squadron was deactivated and was reactivated on 1st August as the first Spark UAS squadron.
The payload mount is similar to that used on Orbiter 4, enabling the two platforms share mission payloads. This picture also displays the miniature, secondary flight camera, that enables the drone replace the main payload with a non-imaging sensor or other payloads. Photo: Defense-UpdateThe Trojan UHP was unveiled by Aeronautics at Eurosatory 2022. Photo: Defense-Update
This US Army M-1A2 SEP2 tank is equipped with a model of Trophy Active Protection System used for testing. Poland is interested in equipping its tanks with an APS but hasn't published such requirement yet. Photo: Defense-Update
The MSPO 2022 defense expo in Kielce, Poland, provided a view into the significant modernization and transformation the Polish Army is going through. Positioned at the eastern edge of NATO, Poland, and the Baltic states could be facing the brunt of a Russian onslaught if hostilities would spill beyond Ukraine. That’s why the country is beefing up its military, modernizing its armed forces, and replenishing hardware handed over to Ukraine with new equipment.
As the venue to show the strength of Poland’s domestic military industries, MSPO highlighted drones, armored vehicles, artillery, air defense, robotics, loitering weapons, small arms, and ammunition. It also highlighted armies’ interest in modernizing current equipment and adapting to implement lessons learned from recent conflicts.
Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) are high on the agenda of most armies, with armed drones brought to the center stage. Reflecting on some of the recent combat successes and failures, counter-UAS (both soft and hard kill) and loitering weapons were presented, offering alternatives and countermeasures against armed drones.
Poland was the first NATO member to receive the Turkish Bayraktar UAV and its MAM series of lightweight aerial munitions. Photo: Defense-UpdateA close-up showing the MAM series of lightweight aerial munitions. Photo: Defense-UpdateThree versions of the MAM miniature munitions from Rokletsan. From left to right: MAM-C, the first of the series introduced in 2016, the new MAM-T (heavier and winged bomb), and MAM-L (laser). Photo: Defense-UpdateThe WB Group displayed the X-Fronter, a lightweight multi-rotor drone that can be used for recce, security, or attack missions. Configured as a loitering munition it carries a small warhead weighing 300 grams. Photo: Defense-Update.The Drone40 loitering weapon from the Australian company Defendtex employs an encapsulated multirotor platform that can perform reconnaissance or attack missions. Photo: Defense-UpdateDrone 155 is a larger multirotor platform from Defendtex, able to carry up to 15 kg of payload, including two mortar bombs, as shown here, on a 70-minute mission, 80 km from its launch point. Photo: Defense-UpdateThe Warmate loitering weapons can be operated individually, or in groups or swarms, joined by reconnaissance drones acting as observers, and the Warmates that carry out the kinetic attacks. Photo: Defense-UpdateThe Dragonfly from the WB Group is a loitering weapon that employs a multirotor design but carries the same warheads used by other Warmate family munitions. Photo: Defense-Update.A C-UAS system combining radar, EO sensors, and multi-barrel 12.7mm heavy machine gun displayed at MSPO 2022. Photo: Defense-Update.Another C-UAS solution combines a hard kill (2x23mm canon) and a soft kill (jammers). Photo: Defense-Update.A photo collage of exhibits displayed at MSPO 2022. Subscribe to see more photos in full size. Photos: Defense-Update.
Air defenses for mobile forces are a capability gap identified in the recent hostilities in Ukraine and Caucasus. At MSPO, Poland has shown the Pilica, a very short-range air defense (VSHORAD) using a twin 23 mm automatic cannon and Grom or Pirun missiles mounted on a light truck. The locally developed Pirun was delivered to Ukraine and has proven effective in combat against helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft, including UAVs. For wide-area air defense Poland will use the Raytheon MIM-104 Patriot (long/medium range/altitude) and MBDA CAMM as transportable, medium-short range air defense.
Artillery is also receiving its share of interest, primarily in securing the ammunition supply chain, range extension, and introduction of long-range effects using extended-range projectiles, rockets, missiles, and loitering weapons. The Polish military pursues such measures for current and future procurement programs replacing legacy Soviet-era artillery and multiple rocket artillery systems with South Korean K9 SPGs and HIMARS multiple rocket launchers. In recent years the K9 has become the most popular SPG in the west, serving Norway, Turkey, Estonia, and Poland. More prospects are promising – the first shipments of K9s have already been delivered to India; the system is currently being considered for replacing the SA-90 SPG in the British Army. In future versions of the K9, the South Korean manufacturer plans to introduce longer guns, up to 58 calibers.
The Polish Krab Self-Propelled Gun combines the chassis of the Korean K9 with the turret of the British AS90. Photo: Defense-Update.The Excalibur GPS-guided 155mm projectile has been widely used by NATO forces and is now used in Ukraine. Photo: Defense-UpdateFor precision artillery fire the Mesko group is offering this laser-homing artillery munition. Photo: Defense-UpdatePrecision fires can also be employed by mortars, with this GPS-guided 120mm mortar bomb. Photo: Defense-Update
The artillery is also transformed with the introduction of precision fire capability. At MSPO, several companies displayed guided projectiles, rockets, and missiles. Hanwa has displayed the CHUNMOO – a truck-mounted rocket launcher that carries twice the rocket load of the American HIMARS. CHUNMOO can launch 12x239mm GMLRS class rockets or deploy two ATACMS-class guided missiles, each with a diameter of 607mm, enabling the rocket artillery systems to launch tactical ballistic missiles, engaging targets at a long range with high precision. The Turkish Roketsan company has displayed guided rockets designed for 122, 230 mm rockets, and the Ukraine company Luch displayed the Vilkha, a modification of the R624M rocket equipped with pyrotechnic thrusters to compensate for the rocket trajectory and achieve higher precision fire with BM30 (Smerch) MRLs. This capability enables a single BM-30 to engage eight different targets in a single salvo.
Leopard 2PLM1 is an upgraded version of the German Leopard 2A4 employing systems and upgrades provided by the local industries in cooperation with the German manufacturer. Photo: Defense-UpdateA model of the Korean K2 Black Panther is to be supplied to Poland. The model shows an installation of a Trophy active protection system, but the integration of such a system has yet to be required by Poland. Photo: Defense-Update
A recent success of a Korean program in Poland was the selection of the K2 main battle tank to equip the Polish armored forces. Poland is rapidly replacing its T72s with advanced tanks. The Koreans responded quickly and committed to delivering 180 K2 tanks by 2024. Up to 1000 tanks are being procured. These include K2 tanks currently produced by Hyundai-Rotem for the Korean Army. Follow on orders of 820 improved versions (K2PL) tanks of this type will follow beginning in 2026 as the Polish industries ramp up production of this tank. Other tanks being procured by Poland include 146 Leopard 2, locally modernized to the 2PL standard by 2026, and 250 American Abrams M-1A1/A2-SEPV3 MBTs which will also be delivered by 2026. These tanks will be augmented by recovery tanks, bridge layers, and breaching vehicles. Mechanized infantry units will also receive a new armored vehicle – Borsuk, designed and built in Poland. Rosomak, the locally-built version of the Finnish AMV, is also accepting further modifications, including a 30mm turret and 120 mm mortar. The new Waran 4×4 vehicle was selected to be equipped as a tank destroyer using four British Brimstone missiles.
The Polish 8×8 Rosomak APC is about to receive a mid-life upgrade that will likely include new variants, one of which will receive this remotely controlled turret equipped with two missiles and a 30mm gun. Photo: Defense-Update
Uvision and Rheinmetall land first European order under their new partnership. Photo: Defense-Update
Rheinmetall and its partner UVision have won the first order from a major European NATO military force for HERO loitering munitions. The customer, a special forces unit, placed an initial order for Hero-30 combat and training munitions, simulator, training courses as well as integrated logistics equipment and support. This first order is worth a figure in the single-digit million-euro range with possible additional orders that might be expected. The exact number of munitions to be supplied is classified. The order was placed in July 2022, with delivery scheduled to take place by 2023. Hero 30 has been in service with the Israel Defense Forces, US Special Operations Command, and several international military forces. The weapon has recently been selected by the Marine Corps.
The order is particularly important for both Rheinmetall and UVision as it is the first delivery to a major European NATO force. This strengthens the joint presence of both partners in Europe. The contract was awarded under secrecy clauses which limit revealing its full details to the public. Before awarding the contract, the customer conducted a market survey indicating that the HERO family had already proven itself in service with other armed forces such as the United States Marine Corps. In addition, it was noted that due to the high operability of the HERO systems family, there is the possibility that the customer will also introduce the next-in-series HERO loitering munitions into its forces in the future.
Developed and produced by the Israeli company Uvision Air Ltd., the Hero series weapon systems are distributed in Europe as part of a cooperation between UVision Air Ltd. and Rheinmetall’s Italian subsidiary RWM Italia S.p.A. who will also manufacture the weapons for European customers. In October 2021, Rheinmetall and the Israeli company UVision entered a strategic partnership in the field of loitering munition. In this partnership, Rheinmetall and UVision jointly address the rapidly growing market for remote-controlled precision ammunition.
Hero 30 is a Man-Pack portable weapon deployed within minutes, the Hero-30 is powered by an electrical motor accelerating the drone to speeds of up to 100 knots. The weapon weighs 7.8 kg and carries a high explosive fragmentation warhead weighing 0.5 kg and is optimized for anti-personnel missions. The weapon’s range is 15 km with a loitering endurance of 30 minutes. Hero 30 is carried in a canister that serves as a launcher. Several such canisters can be mounted on a multi-canister launch rack to launch multiple weapons quickly.
While large caliber weapons such as the M142 HIMARS and its M31 GMLRS rockets are making the headlines in the Russian-Ukrainian War, smaller, more agile guided rockets have evolved, utilizing the laser-guided light rockets. Initially, these weapons utilized standard launchers, but recent developments from Thales, BAE Systems, and L3Harris have optimized the use of such weapons by helicopters, special operations forces, and unmanned vehicles.
Thales has shown the FZ606 at the Thai Defense & Security 2022 expo. The new launcher stores six guided rockets in closed containers, protecting the rocket and its seeker from foreign objects (FOD), and the rocket flux generated by neighboring rockets launches. Photo: Defense-Update
Thales has shown the FZ606 at the Thai Defense & Security 2022 expo. This is the latest version of the rocket launcher optimized for laser-guided 2.75” rockets FZ275LGR. The new launcher stores six guided rockets in closed containers, protecting the rocket and its seeker from foreign objects (FOD), and the rocket flux generated by neighboring rockets launches. The launcher also provides two-way communications between each of the rockets and the control unit in the cockpit, enabling target verification, pre-launch programming of the fuse, setting the ignition sequence, and performing the necessary pre-launch tests.
The FZ275LGR from Thales (formerly FZ) is the latest version of the 70mm rocket, positioned as a competitor to the US-made BAE Systems’ APKWS II and Turkish CIRIT from Roketsan. This rocket ranges beyond 6,000 m’ with hit accuracy below 1m CEP. It uses a laser sensor mounted at the tip of the fuselage, providing a wider field of regard for the sensor. Alas, at this position, the sensor is also vulnerable to damage from foreign objects, environmental effects, and the heat and debris of launches of neighboring rockets. Hence, the advantage of the new launcher.
The Cirit from Roketsan is another 70 mm laser-guided rocket system designed for helicopters, vehicles, and drones. The rocket can use one of three types of warheads – a multipurpose (armor piercing, high explosive-incendiary), high explosive fragmentation (anti-personnel) incendiary, and enhanced blast (thermobaric). Roketsan has developed a new launcher pod housing four rockets attached to the platform as an all-up round. The same pod can be mounted on various unmanned boats and weapon systems. These rockets are currently used by the air forces of Turkey, UAE, Bahrain, and the Philippines.
CIRIT laser-guided rockets are carried in a quad-launcher, adding significant firepower to attack helicopters such as the T129.
Other launchers equipped with unguided rockets haven’t suffered these effects as the rockets they use are more robust and less sensitive to flash and FOD impact. With the new launcher, the 275LGR can lock on lased targets as soon as the launcher blind is opened, performing the ‘lock on before launch’ (LOBL) technique. Other guided rockets, such as the APKWS II, employ a matrix of four laser sensors mounted on the folding fins, thus keeping the sensor protected in the launcher until the rocket is launched. This method enables the rocket to acquire targets only after launch (LOAL), a shorter process prone to errors.
According to sources at Thales, the 275LRG uses improved propulsion providing a steady burn rate, resulting in stable trajectory and flight with higher accuracy. The weapon uses a high explosive fragmentation warhead with a high-performance armor-piercing warhead in development that will be able to penetrate frontal armor.
A pickup truck turned into MLRS, launching an S8 (80mm) from an improvised aerial rocket launcher taken from a Russian Ka-52 helicopter downed over Ukraine. This practice follows Libyan technicians improvisations, adapting aerial rockets pods for use on pickup trucks.
Lightweight rocket launchers for laser-guided weapons have evolved recently to provide agile and effective firepower for special operations forces and light manned and unmanned aircraft. Another launcher making its debut in the warzone in Ukraine was the Vampire – HarrisL3’s Vehicle-Agnostic Modular Palletized ISR Rocket Equipment (VAMPIRE). The modular system provides precision strike capability with ground-to-ground or ground-to-air laser-guided munitions. VAMPIRE can be mounted on commercial or tactical vehicles. Is designed to fit in any pickup or vehicle with a flat surface. It comes with a power supply that enables mounting on civilian vehicles using 12V electrical systems.
VAMPIR recently delivered to Ukraine, enables small teams to use precision-guided rockets to engage targets with high accuracy from distances beyond 6,000 meters. Photo: L3Harris
The launcher uses the Fletcher LGR4 quad launcher from Arnold Defense, loaded with four APKWS II laser-guided rockets. Such rockets can be used against ground targets, drones, and helicopters. This launcher can also fire unguided rockets using the ballistic fire control computer, but its main advantage is using laser-guided rockets, supported by a mast-mounted electro-optical payload system capable of designating targets within line of sight.
The VAMPIR kit includes an EO payload, an electrically powered pedestal that automatically points the launcher at the direction and elevation. Photo: L3Harris
FH-901 canister launched loitering weapon shown by Chinese defense company ALIT at D&S2022. Photo: Defense-Update
The FH901 was shown for the first time at Zhuhai 2021 airshow, alongside the Feihong 97 stealth drone.
Today, Chinese aerospace company ALIT unveiled a new type of loitering weapon at the Thailand Defense and Security 2022 exhibition. The weapon designated FH901 was unveiled last year at the Zhuhai Airshow in China. The canister-launched version on show in Bangkok has a larger and heavier warhead. The ALIT display at D&S2022 outlines two versions of the weapon. The FH901 has a takeoff weight of 9 kg and carries a warhead of 3.5 kg.
In 2021 the FH-901 were depicted as swarming drone weapons.
FH901A is a lighter version of the same weapon that weighs only 3.5 kg of which only 0.5 kg is the warhead. The weapon is equipped with an EO/IR reconnaissance payload that acts as the targeting system. The weapon has a datalink operating over a line-of-sight distance of 15 km. Battery power is sufficient to sustain mission endurance for over 60 minutes, loitering at an altitude of 100 – 150 meters above ground at a cruising speed of 100 km/h. The weapon can accelerate and dash to its patrol area at up to 180 km/h after launch; when striking a target, the FH901 dives down, reaching a terminal velocity of 288 km/h. The weapon uses electro-optical guidance to score hits less than 2 meters (CEP).
The canister launched FH901/901A shown at D&S2022 addresses the needs of counterinsurgency and special operations. But China has other plans for this weapon, with large numbers of such weapons launched from ground or aerial platforms and used in swarm attacks. In 2020, CETIC released a video showing a pneumatic swarm launcher packing 48 drones and the Feihong 97 jet-powered stealth UAV. Overall, the elements of the Chinese swarm attack weapon systems are strikingly familiar – FH901 bears many similarities to the Aerovironment Switchblade 600, the Chinese Feihong 97 resembles the Kratos XQ-58 Valkyrie, and the swarm launcher looks like a sibling to Raytheon’s launcher designed and tested to deploy a swarm of dozens of Coyote drones.
At D&S2022 the FH901 is displayed as a canister-launched loitering weapon designed for counter insurgency and special operations. Photo: defense-Update
Bird Aerosystems' HybridEye vehicle protection sensor unveiled at Eurosatory 2022.
The four multi-sensory units called ‘HybridEye’ provide hemispheric coverage, the radar range is +5 km and the other sensors include Near Infrared (NIR) and Short Infrared (SWIR) and laser warning device. Photo: Tamir Eshel, Defense-Update.
Israel’s Defense Ministry’s Directorate of Research and Development (MAFAT – DDR&D) has tasked BIRD Aerosystems to demonstrate a prototype of an active defense system that will protect ground troops and high-value assets against airborne threats (including anti-tank guided missiles – ATGM). The system called ‘HybridEye’ was unveiled at the Eurosatory 2022 exhibition. Unlike existing vehicle perimeter cameras, HybridEye covers a full-hemispheric ‘bubble’ around the vehicle, detecting threats coming from all directions and elevations. The system provides hemispheric detection of threats and provides target data for passive or active countermeasures on board.
Recent conflicts underline the vulnerability of ground combat vehicles, troops, and facilities to low-flying aerial attacks by missiles, drones, and loitering weapons. Existing active defense systems, including air and active protection systems, were designed to engage fast aircraft or missiles and projectiles that use a direct attack. They lack the capability to deal with relatively slow, low-flying targets or those using lofted trajectories to attack their targets from above.
The HybridEye uses a fully digital, software-defined miniature phased array C-Band radar employing multi-beam technology to enable instantaneous early warning of multiple threats from long and very short range. This radar is designed to achieve the required angular resolution at close ranges, in both azimuth and elevation, as Active Protection Systems (APS) requires. The technology was derived from the confirmation and tracking radar sensor developed by BIRD’s for its operationally-proven SPREOS airborne directed infrared countermeasure system (DIRCM). The new radar will perform threat detection and verification and provide target acquisition and guidance data to guide countermeasures against the threats it detects. Each compact system and its electronics are integrated into a single lightweight Line Replaceable Unit (LRU) that eliminates the need for foresight, and enables a simple integration on different platforms, used for perimeter protection and APS.
The project is currently at an advanced stage of development and is expected to demonstrate a complete active defense capability this year.
BIRD Aerosystems also displayed at Eurosatory 2022 a small maritime surveillance radar using the same miniature radar technology developed for SPREOS. Photo: Tamir Eshel, Defense-Update
Plasan is expanding its range of combat vehicles adding new platforms every year. This year at Eurosatory 2022 the company is introducing a new version of a light armored vehicles called Wilder. Representing a new automotive concept, Wilder represents a shift from the traditional armored vehicle design based on commercial chassis. The new vehicle is designed for special missions, providing excellent offroad mobility, good armor protection for the crew compartment and up to 800 kg of payloads. While the Wilder and AteMM were developed separately, the two platforms offer unique advantages when coupled together.
According to the vehicle designer Nir Kahn, Wilder was conceived as an ultralight armored vehicle moving four soldiers. Unlike the Stinger that was based on a modified hmmwv chassis, Wilder repreents a clean shheet design. “We are using 4×4 all-wheel drive, with a center, front, and rear differential locks, enabling excellent stability on the road, with extreme maneuverability off-road. To improve maneuverability in confined space, Wilder can be fitted with front and rear steering to perform in narrow urban terrain. As an off-road armor-protected vehicle Wilder demonstrates impressive performance in climbing a 400mm vertical step, 80% vertical slope, 54% side slope, 600mm trench crossing, and fording 600mm of water.
The vehicle has a structural integral ‘bolt-on’ protection capsule with advanced composite armor and large transparent plates meeting STANAG 4569 Level II. The armor is provided as a ‘kitted hull’ ensemble bolted onto the monocoque capsule, thus enabling field replacement, and upgrading of the protection system. The spacious cabin is configured with the driver seated in the center, having unobstructed forward and side views, with three troop seats on the side and center rear, enabling the three soldiers an adequate coverage of all angles with an overhead view provided by the instrumented sensors and RCWS. This configuration is also used in the new Scarabee from Arcuus, but Plasan’s Wilder provides it at less than half the weight of Scarabee.
The Wilder and ATeMM were developed in parralel and, thus, offer many advantages using the two platforms together. In fact, the ATeMM converts the Wilder into a hybrid electric stealth vehicle. Photo: Plasan
The structure has sub front and rear frame systems, ensuring the vehicle stability and safety during four-wheel-drive driving at high speed on and off-road, in mud and snow. The vehicle uses the REGO REX independent suspension that provides extra ground clearance and a smoother ride on all types of terrain. The system is coupled with specialized axles and differential that doubles the wheel travel, allowing the vehicle’s high off-road performance. The Wilder uses a Cummins R2.8 Turbo Diesel with 161 HP output. With a curb weight of 3.7 tons and a Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) of 4.5 tons, this engine delivers a power-to-weight ratio of 36 HP/Ton, an unprecedented ratio for armored vehicles. The vehicle can carry 800 kg of useful payload on the two subframes supporting a forward mount and 1.7 m2 flatbed at the rear. A roof-mounted rigid mount is designed to carry light weapon stations and optronic sensors. “Before Wilder, these specifications could be addressed by armored vehicles weighing seven tons,” Kahn added.
At Eurosatory, Wilder is shown with an autonomous UAV launch and retrieval system from Easy Aerial, operating the Wolverine and Xtender mini drones from Xtend.
Another optional addition is the AteMM electrically powered trailer. AteMM is not a conventional trailer. As an electrically powered wheeled system, it transforms the Wilder becomes a much more powerful 6×6 hybrid-electric platform, increasing the useful payload-carrying to two tons. Mounting weapon systems on the AteMM enables weapons systems integrators to offer numerous applications without any changes to the Wilder.
Since Plasan developed the two vehicles simultaneously, the Wilder and AteMM share some physical, automotive, and electronic commonalities enabling optimal operation of the two systems. They share the same height and suspension systems, and the AteMM controls are embedded in Wilder’s operating console allowing complete control of the AteMM without any preparations.
The Wilder light strike vehicle was unveiled at Eurosatory 2022. Photo: Plasan
The Wilder uses a protected capsule using lightweight armor meeting a threat level defined by STANAG 4569 Level II. Photo; TAMIR ESHEL, defense-UpdateThe vehicle has two access doors providing easy access to the driver (in the front0 AND CREW MEMBERS (IN THE REAR). Photo: Tamir Eshel, Defense-UpdateThe vehicle design has streamlined curved surfaces that are best suitable for camouflage setting. Photo: Tamir Eshel, Defense-Update.
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