African defense companies are challenging the dominant Western suppliers of mine protected armored vehicles, competing for MRAP type vehicle contracts. According to Ivor Ichikowitz, Executive Chairman of the South African Paramount Group, South Africa’s largest independent defense and aerospace contractor, African companies have emerged as technological equals to some of the world’s top manufacturers of Mine and IED Protected armored Vehicles (MPVs).
Ichikowitz referred to the recent growth in the domestic and continental demand for armored vehicles in Africa, “With African defense spending up nearly a third since the end of the Cold War, Africa is purchasing more defense and security systems. This has stimulated manufacturers, engineers and scientists to produce world-class products.” African companies such as the Paramount Group are not only competing on an international level, with interest from governments in Africa, the Middle East and Asia, but also offering better in-country benefits for purchasers. Whereas the Western majors manufacture their equipment far from the destination market, Paramount Group takes an ‘in-country’ approach, where it establishes production facilities in regional markets. This ensures that the economic and development benefits associated with production, training and marketing help the local population, not just the shareholders in New York or London.”
“The world has finally discovered that Africa has some of the best technologies at affordable prices” said Ichikowitz.
The Paramount Group has unveiled today a new armored infantry fighting vehicle called Mbombe. According to the company, the vehicle has not yet been ordered but several potential customers are already interested, including Gabon.
Mbombe offers ballistic protection meeting STANAG Level 4 Level IV withstanding explosions of 10kg of TNT anywhere under the hull or under any wheel station, without rupture.
Paramount unveiled today the Mbombe at the African Aerospace and Defense 2010 (AAD) Expo. Mbombe is a 6×6 Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV) implementing a flat hull (rather than the traditional V-shape invented in South Africa). The honeycomb flat hull enables much lower silhouette, compared to contemporary MRAPs claimed to offer better protection against IEDs than many vehicles currently used by NATO forces in Afghanistan.
Mbombe offers ballistic protection meeting STANAG Level 4 Level IV with modular upgrade meeting specific threat levels. The vehicle is designed to withstand explosions of 10kg of TNT anywhere under the hull or under any wheel station, without rupture. The vehicle is also well protected against roadside IEDs, with the capability of defeating 50kg of TNT at 5m. The passengers and crew are seated on blast energy absorbing seats, to prevent the risk from blast.
The vehicle on display was fitted with a dual feed 30mm cannon and integrated machine gun mounted in an overhead weapon station. Paramount plans to introduce a family of vehicles based on eth Mbombe, including an armored personnel carrier, armored combat support vehicle (with cannons acting as direct support weapons), command vehicle, and ambulance.
BAE Systems announced today the planned acquisition of three intelligence services companies, for a total investment of almost US$300 million. The companies to be acquired are SpecTal LLC, Advanced Concepts Inc., and McClendon LLC – all part of the L-1 Identity Solutions Inc.’s (L1ID) Intelligence Services Group. Following the completion of the acquisition expected by the fourth quarter of 2010, BAE will add more than 1,000 skilled information and security employees to its workforce. This acquisition reflects its global strategy to enhance and grow its business in the area of customer support and services, which includes cyber and security as well as readiness and sustainment activities focusing on four key customer missions – intelligence and counterintelligence, homeland security, law enforcement and support to military operations. For the six months to 30 June 2010, this area of the business generated 49% of BAE Systems revenues.
Focusing on its core security activities, L1ID itself is being acquired by the French Safran group. This move is expected to be completed by the first quarter of 2011. L1ID provides Secure Credentialing Solutions, Biometric and Enterprise Access Solutions and Enrollment Services. These businesses are expected to have combined estimated Fiscal Year 2010 revenues of $486.0 million. The acquisition by Safran is expected to open international growth opportunities for L-1. According to Jean-Paul Herteman, Chief Executive Officer of Safran, the company plans to integrate L-1’s operations into its subsidiary, Morpho.
Mexico is increasing its order for Eurocopter EC725 Cougar helicopters with additional six helicopters, following an initial order for six made in March 2009. Eurocopter will supply all 12 helicopters to Mexico’s SEDENA (Secretaría de La Defensa Nacional) beginning in the second quarter of 2011. The helicopters will be used for transport and civil security missions. EC725 is the latest member of Eurocopter’s Cougar family. This multi-purpose, 11 ton class helicopter is capable of transporting 29 passengers and mission endurance of 5.30 hours.
The EC725 is a powerful and fast helicopter with long range capabilities - powered by 2 Turbomeca Makila 2A turboshaft engines. It has a very large useful volume and accommodates various seating arrangements up to 29 troops in a spacious cabin and 2 crew members. Photo: Eurocopter
This contract represents a further consolidation of Eurocopter’s presence in Mexico, which is managed by its Eurocopter de Mexico S.A. de C.V. subsidiary. A majority of the country’s government departments have been operating Eurocopter helicopters since 1964, which are utilized in supporting the airlift and transportation needs of the Mexican President, the Navy Secretariat, the Ministry of Defense and other users. over 350 of the company’s helicopters currently in service in this region – representing a market share of more than 50 percent. Brazil has recently ordered 50 EC-725 helicopters for its armed forces. These helicopters will also be produced by Helibras, Eurocopters’ subsidiary in Brazil.
Typical missions are: troop transport, MEDEVAC - up to 12 stretchers and 4 attendant seats - and naval mission system. An important amount of available qualified mission equipment and installations can be fitted on EC725 to be customized to any specific SAR and CSAR mission requirement. The large cabin volume of the EC725 accommodate any complete suite of Naval mission system, including 2 multifunction workstations, a sonar, a sonobuoy dispenser, leaving sufficient room for additional mission equipment. Photo: Eurocopter
The launch vehicle unit carrying two Yakhont anti-ship missiles in container launchers. The missiles are carried in the recessed position and launched vertically from the erected canisters.
The expected arrival of the P800 Yakhont supersonic anti-ship missile in Syria is considered the first serious attempt by Syria to directly challenge the Israel Navy since the 1973 war, when the Israeli Navy sunk five Syrian vessels in the first missile-boat engagement known as the ‘Battle of Latakia’. Four decades later, the P800 Yakhont is far superior than the Styx missiles that failed to protect the Syrian Navy in 1973. Much like the Russian-Indian Brahmos, the earlier Moskit and Supersonic Alpha, Yakhont has the capability to strike its target at supersonic speed, flying at very low level, leaving the defender much shorter time to react. Yet, ship defenses have come a long way since the Electronic Warfare (EW) systems that saved the day and won the battle for the Israelis.
AEGIS systems, used on U.S. Navy and many NATO vessels, the European PAAMS, used by the Royal Navy, French and Italian navies and Israel’s new Barak 8 ship air defense system are designed to match such treats. So does Israel’s ‘Magic Wand’ system, employing the Stunner missile interceptor, capable to counter these potent missiles effectively if employed in surface/surface or ship/surface role. However, the majority of smaller naval vessels, still equipped with ‘point defense’ anti-missile systems were not designed to counter such high speed attacks, particularly when it comes in salvos of two or four missile.
Such elements are at risk within ranges of 300 km, by missiles fired from the Mediterranean Syrian naval bases at Tartus and Latakia. Yakhont typically cruises to the target area at high altitude, and then descends for a sea skimming attack from under the horizon. The distance at which it begins its descent can be programmed before launch, by determining the achievable range, which is between 120 (low level flight) – 300 km (high mid-course, low-level beyond the horizon to the target.
The potential coverage of P800 Yakhont missiles fired from coastal sites (Tartus) or land sites in Southern Syria cover Israel's Mediterranean Naval Bases.
While some navies could avoid this area, for Israel, the long range of the P800 means its naval vessels could be at risk, even at their main base in Haifa, a site already compromised by rockets fired from Lebanon during the 2006 war. Israel’s second naval base in Ashdod could be targeted from land-based sites in Southern Syria. Furthermore, when targeting Israeli naval patrols in international waters off the Lebanese coast, P800 can be vertically launched from inland sites in Syria or Lebanon, fired behind the Lebanon mountain ridge, avoiding detection from the sea, thus minimizing the early warning for the targeted vessels. Therefore, accelerated fielding of Barak-8 and Magic Wand systems should be a top priority for Israel. Another risk for Navies operating in the Persian Gulf presents a technology leak – by such a missile falling into Iranian hands, which could accelerate the introduction of such potent weapons in Tehran’s growing anti-shipping arsenal.
The operational concept of the Bastion P coastal defense system employs multiple mobile launchers each carrying two Yakhont missiles, capable of attacking targets at a distance of 250 km from the coast. Targeting is provided by helicopters or other airborne platforms, coastal radars or ships at sea. Each launch unit is operating independently, or coordinate its activity with another launch vehicle located up to 15 km away, targeting, command and control are provided by the central command vehicle and regional command post that can be located more than 25 km apart.
The current contract, estimated to be worth $300 million includes the delivery of two Bastion coastal defense systems, each includes 36 missiles. It is yet unclear if the Syrian navy will also opt to equip its naval platforms will with these new weapons. The Yakhont can be fitted with relatively small vessels, from corvette size and larger. The Bastion system is operated from mobile launchers on land, each launcher carries two ready to launch missiles. Another configuration is designed for airborne platforms. But even with these potent weapons in hand, the Syrians may not yet be ready to employ them effectively. Syria currently does not have the means to effectively target the missile beyond the horizon, lacking maritime patrol aircraft, unmanned aerial vehicles or attack aircraft capable of carrying such missiles. Even their largest Petya class Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) frigates do not have a flight deck for the Ka-28 (Helix) helicopters, operated by the Syrian Navy. The Syrians do not have the capability to detect, track and designate targets at those ranges since, being a small, defensive force, they did not have any weapon reaching out to these ranges. This is particularly true when the target is ‘silent’ and cannot be targeted by surface-based Electronic Support Measures (ESM).
Each mobile transporter-launcher carrying two Yakhont P800 missiles.
If the Syrians are seriously planning to extend their operational reach with the missile, one has to watch out for Syria to reach for UAVs, naval patrol aircraft (Be-200 or Il-38 from any CIS nation or other countries (decommissioning such aircraft could be an option). Such transfer of equipment could be unnoticed as it does not involves weapons transfer. They could also opt for upgrading the Su-24MK ‘Fencer D’ to take on maritime recce role. Even more serious is a combination of Su-27/Su-30 and P800s, which could provides the P800 with the stand-off targeting and attack capability against surface targets. The Russians are using their Onyx version of the weapon with their Su-33 carrier-based naval fighters. By knowing the P800 is within range, the Israeli Navy will definitely lose its dominant and unchallenged position in the Eastern Mediterranean, particularly along the Lebanese coast, and therefore should take defensive measures – certainly be on guard, which it failed, during the Second Lebanon War in 2006, when ISN Hanit was hit unexpectedly by a Hizbollan C-802 missile – having turned off its on-board defensive systems.
Of course, for deliberate ‘ambush’ attacks Syria could try deploying forward targeting using merchant or fishery vessels sailing in the Eastern Mediterranean or submarines, provided by allies such as Iran (since Syria do not have any submarines now, after decommissioning their 3 Romeo subs about six years ago). But this is really a long, long shot that would cost Syria dearly.
Altogether, for the short term, the arrival of the P800 in the Mediterranean is a serious threat. Over time, as the Israel Navy gets its Barak-8 missiles and ‘Magic Wand’ deployed, the threat could be contained, given the Syrians will not deploy large numbers of these missiles on platforms and constellations that would maximize its capability to launch saturation attack against the IN leading vessels. Whatever the case may be, both sides, the Syrians and the Israelis need time to deploy and defend so the threat may be serious, at first sight, but viable solutions are already in sight.
The Russians are using their Onyx version of the weapon with their Su-33 carrier-based naval fighters.
Rockwell Collins, Inc. (NYSE: COL) forecasts revenues for 2011 to reach $4.8 to $5.0 billion, with operating margins maintained at 19.5 – 20.5%. As operating conditions continue to improve in the commercial markets, Rockwell Collins expects ‘double digit’ revenue growth in commercial air transport and business aviation. The Government Systems business segment is expected to slow in 2011 but the company sees it as a transitional year that should position it for stronger revenue growth in the years ahead. Overall, the government systems segment is expected to grow by a modest 2% in 2011. Sales of airborne solutions should grow at 3%, driven by new rotary and fix wing platforms including KC-X and CH-47. The growth potential is reduced by other programs that are winding down – including fighter jets and KC-135 GATM upgrades. The pullout of combat brigades from Iraq is also affecting the company, as with lower demand for navigation systems, while JTRS communications systems moving from development into low rate initial production. The company expects the introduction of micro DGAR to increase sales and compensate for these declines.
The U.S. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) has selected a concept developed by the Boeing Company (NYSE:BA) for the second phase of the Vulture long-endurance unmanned aerial system (UAS) program. The Solar eagle was selected over the Odysseus, a rival proposal submitted by Lockheed Martin and Aurora Flight Science’s. The agency awarded Boeing an $89 million contract for the development and flight demonstration of the Vulture air vehicle, a 400 ft. (122 m) wing span, quad-tail flying wing, designed for operation at very high-altitude of 90,000 – 60,000 ft, and operate continuously, unreplenished, for a period of five years. The Vulture will be able to carry a payload of 1,000 lb (450 kg) operated with 5kw of power. Vulture type platforms have potential in numerous roles: operation as a single platform, as a formation of multiple aircraft or as a constellation providing infrastructure augmentation or recovery.
DARPA’s Vulture Program Enters Phase II, demonstrating over one month of continued flight with a near-full-scale flight demonstrator. Photo: DARPA
Flight testing is expected to run through 2014, demonstrating a continuous mission spanning over 32 days. In addition, the agency will continue the definition of an objective system design and military utility in a range of applications. DARPA’s Vulture program is supported by a government team including the Air Force Research Laboratory and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. Boeing is leading the program, teamed with Qinetiq that develop the ‘Solar Eagle’, a new airframe developed by QinetiQ, powered by a combination on solar panels and solid oxide fuel cells developed by Versa Power Systems. Boeing is also developing another high altitude UAV – the Phantom Eye, powered by hydrogen engines. Under another program, QinetiQ has developed a smaller solar powered drone – Zephyr UAS, which recently broke the world record for continuous flight.
DARPA considers the Vulture technology to provide services similar to a low-earth-orbit satellite, enabling rapid re-tasking and persistent surveillance capability addressing immediate needs of warfighter. An airborne, aircraft like platform have the inherent advantages of flexibility and mission responsiveness, as well as sensor resolution, reduced transmit/receive power and affordable deployment typical of an endo-atmospheric flight. Other attributes are typical of a satellite – such as low speed, high altitude and extended mission capability providing on-station persistence, zero logistics tail, and emissions, energy independence, minimal fleet size, absence of in-country footprint etc.
The program will help mature several key technologies, considered essential for future platforms of this type, includig solar energy collection, reliable and efficient energy storage and retrieval, aircraft reliability and mission assurance, and aeroelastics and flight control of a very large, flexible, lightly-loaded aircraft structure.
Defence and Security division of EADS is rebranding itself as ‘CASSIDIAN’, reflecting its ambitious mission ‘to support those who protect the world’. The new name comes from the Latin term ‘Cassida’ (helmet) and ‘meridian’, an imaginary line running north and south. The company remains a division of EADS, headed by CEO Dr. Stefan Zoller. “Our business has changed significantly in recent years. We are not two silos – one Defence and one Security, but a company that offers global protection in a wide sense. CASSIDIAN will soon be a distinguished and reputable
name for global security solutions,” said Zoller. He believes the new brand will help improve the company’s marketing its defense and security product portfolio, by establishing a clear-cut profile in the global market place, primarily in India, Brazil and the Middle East considered as major growth areas for CASSIDIAN. The company’s three business units – electronics, air systems and systems are also renamed with the new brand and logo.
The move is part of an overhaul of EADS brand identity, introduced on the 10th anniversary for EADS by CEO Louis Gallois. “This brand renovation embodies exactly the spirit of Vision 2020, our strategy for EADS’ next ten years: reinforce each of the four Divisions, give them the visibility they need to market their business and at the same time materialize the strength and unity of the Group” Gallois said. The new brand architecture has been revised for better integration within a common visual identity for the entire EADS Group and the four divisions – Airbus, Eurocopter, Defence and Security and Astrium. The new identity will be progressively implemented across the Group.
This video records captured in action, by an Australian Defense Forces (ADF) soldier using a helmet mounted camera records a fierce firefight erupting between an Australian and Afghan National Army (ANA) patrol and Afghan insurgents.
The event began as an observation from an ADF elements in overwatch covering the patrol route identify Afghan fighting-aged males moving into the area while women and children seen leaving. The suspicious movement triggered an early warning passed to the patrol, moving along an aqueduct leading to the town of Derapet.
The firefight erupted as the patrol was still in an open, high area over the aqueduct. More insurgents join the fight, some are located less than 100 metres from the patrol. Taking defensive positions, the patrol reports the engagement to the CP and mark their position to prevent friendly fire by helicopters and other forces. ISAF Apache gunships are called in to support, opening fire with 30mm cannons, targeted by the patrol. Supported by the helicopters from above, and mutual coverage by elements holding the higher ground, the unit advances down the valley, moving along the aqueduct, providing relatively safe route for the troops. The three-hour firefight is summarized in this five-minute video.
After approximately three hours the patrol manage to break contact and move back to their vehicle drop-off location. The Australian force suffered one casualty, Lance Corporal Jared MacKinney killed in action.
An Israeli-French joint venture to be established by early 2011 will focus on tactical Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS). A principal agreement on the move was signed today as a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) between the French defense company Sagem Defense Securite and Israel’s Elbit Systems.
The two companies will establish a jointly owned French corporation, to be located in Eragny and Montluçon in France and owned by the two companies in equal shares. The new company’s portfolio will comprise newly developed products, as well as current and derivative products, from Sagem and Elbit Systems. The new venture will target the French market and specific international markets, in which existing initiatives will continue through the JV. The new company will be formed by the equal contributions of assets from the two parent companies.
Sagem is the leading French developer and manufacturer of UAS. Two of the company’s products are the Sperwer Mk II tactical UAS and its derivatives, and the Patroller, a new medium altitude, long endurance drone.
Elbit Systems has a wide range of tactical UAS, from the lightweight Skylark 1LE and Skylark II, to the Hermes 90, and Hermes 450 which has already been considered by the French Army. A larger platform, Hermes 900 was recently added to the product line. Elbit Systems has an ongoing cooperation with Thales, for joint development, marketing and support of UAS. Thales is leading the Watchkeeper program in the UK, providing tactical UAS for the British Army. Development, production and support of these systems is provided by U-TACS, a JV established by the two companies, similar to the one Elbit is launching with Sagem.
Apart from their parallel UAS business lines, the two companies have also competing activities in the fields of electro-optical payloads, soldier systems, thermal imagers and and target acquisition systems.
U.S. undersecretary of defense for acquisition, technology and logistics, Ashton B. Carter. Photo: DOD
U.S. Secretary of Defense Robert Gates and undersecretary of defense for acquisition, technology and logistics Ashton B. Carter announced yesterday new rules guiding the Pentagon’s $400 billion-a-year procurement process. These guidelines are expected to save $100 billion over the next five years without impairing warfighting capabilities and readiness. By implementing this strategic reform, the Pentagon expects future systems will become more affordable, reliable and supportable.
“Consumers are accustomed to getting more for their money — a more powerful computer, wider functionality in mobile phones — every year,” said Gates “when it comes to the defense sector, however, the taxpayers had to spend significantly more in order to get more. We need to reverse this trend”. One of the key elements in Gates’ new rules is for program managers set a new affordability target. “This target can’t be altered without authority from Carter. Managers must ensure the initial design is constrained by its ultimate schedule and cost.” Gates explained, adding that this guidance will make programs more affordable without sacrificing capabilities and prevent us from embarking on programs that will need to be cancelled when they prove unaffordable.
Gates and Carter outlined the 23 areas expected to be improved by the plan. Specifically, new contracts will address and mandate affordability to control cost escalation. By implementing these procedures the Pentagon plans to reduce 27 percent in a program where costs are projected to be more than $100 billion.
Some of the new programs to be started in the near future will put the new rules to the test. These include the next-generation ballistic missile submarine (SSBNX), long-range strike systems for the Air Force and Navy, and the Marine Corps presidential helicopter and the ground combat vehicle. The later was cancelled recently and the current pause will enable the PM and industry to ‘start on the right foot’, along with the new procedures.
Under the new policy companies will be required to provide more predictable cost estimations and meet those costs down the road. They will be rewarded for efficiency, consistently delivering affordable systems on time, and below budget. When costs increase happen, contractors will be required to share the burden. Prime contractors are likely to be most exposed to this new risk, but subcontractors could also find themselves vulnerable when required to take responsibility on delays they cause, far exceeding their share of a program. Therefore, the new regulation, although positive in theory, is likely to cause significant concern among second and third tier suppliers.
On its part, the government will examine processes to streamline the process, for example, by committing multi-year contracts over year-by-year acquisition. More competition and the encouragement of small business enterprises are also considered vital for cost reduction. As an example, the littoral combat ship program shifting from directed to competitive buys, is expected to save over $1 billion.
To increase affordability and reduce life cycle cost, the Pentagon will require the use of open-system architecture.
Another area where the defense sector fails to achieve the results of the open market is in outsourcing contracts, considered a significant money saver in the commercial market. Outsourcing services in general have grown dramatically in the past decade. “This area that has grown to become a $200 billion annual cost to the department,” Carter said. “Half of our costs are for services, and we’re performing worse there,” he said. Indicated this inflated outsourcing should be better managed. To improve control, the Pentagon is shifting back to in house contract management. In the past year the Pentagon has been hiring procurement officers in the thousands to handle the acquisition process outsourcing to industry in the past decade. Aware of the potential of bureaucracy they may add, Carter promised to weed out those ‘ unproductive bureaucratic processes’.
Carter added that he will oversee progress daily and will provide progress reports to Gates monthly. “To those who hesitate, to those who fear to go down this path, they need to consider the alternative: broken promises, cancelled programs, unpredictability and uncertainty that is bad for industry, erodes taxpayer confidence, and worst of all, results in lost warfighter capabilities,” he said.
The MPC is a new capability that will be a multi-wheeled, armored personnel carrier designed to operate across the range of military operations but focused on an irregular warfare operating environment characterized by operations in constrained and urban terrain. Required to carry 8-9 combat loaded marines and 2-man crew, the MPC will enable high-speed land maneuver as well as substantial ballistic protection to embarked marines.
Originally, the Marine Corps envisaged the MPC to provide ‘landward lift’ to the infantry battalions, with two vehicles lifting a reinforced squad.However, with the cancellation of the Expeditionary Fighting Vehicle (EFV) and possible cancellation of the Joint Light Tactical vehicle (JLTV) the corps re-assessed the roles of the MPC, adding amphibious capability to its requirements. This has eliminated most of the competitors that have not prepared for such capability but improved the prospects of companies like Iveco, with its SuperAV 8×8 variant, designed for amphibious operations from the beginning. Iveco is now teamed with BAE Systems for the MPC program. Lockheed Martin has teamed with Patria to offer an amphibious variant of the AMV for the MPC program. Patria has been offering the amphibious capability with the AMV as an option, but sofar it was not designed to operate at sea and high surf zone. The vehicle has already demonstrated more advanced amphibious capability to Marine Corps officials in amphibious tests in Finland.
MPC Demonstrator. Note th eV-shaped hull. Photo via: Wikipedia
Textron Marine & Land Systems, an operating unit of Textron Systems, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, and MDT Armor Corporation, a division of Arotech Corporation (Nasdaq GM: ARTX), today announced a teaming agreement to market, design and manufacture the Tiger Light Protected Vehicle. “The Tiger is a high quality, off-road vehicle in the light armor segment that meets the needs of a wide variety of potential customers. With our lean manufacturing expertise and the low lifecycle cost of the Tiger we feel like this is an excellent teaming opportunity,” said Textron Marine & Land Systems General Manager Tom Walmsley.
MDT displayed the David Light Protected Vehicle in a new design, at the Eurosatory 2010 exhibition. This configuration offers good off-road mobility and enhanced protection from ballistic, mine and IEDs threats. Photo: Noam Eshel
The Tiger is based on a commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) Dodge RAM 5500 platform, offering a cost effective, light protected class all terrain vehicle. The Tiger comfortably transports six to nine soldiers in an armor protected cabin offering effective ballistic and mine blast protection. The vehicle is designed to accommodate add-on armor enhancing protection to meet evolving threats. The Tiger’s 8.8 ton Gross Vehicle Weight, including the standard armor package and 1.5 ton payload. It is powered by a Cummins 350 HP diesel engine, large wheels, and a 127-inch wheel base, Tiger offers exceptional all terrain capabilities. It is equipped with heavy duty off-road suspension to ensure comfortable ride for the crew and effective off-road mobility. The roof is designed to accommodate remote controlled weapon station, or man-operated turret. According to Jonathan Whartman, MDT Armor Corporation Executive Vice President, the Tiger was designed as an affordable platform. MDT developed the armor solution separate from the chassis it rides on. “Our unique encapsulated cabin allows easy access to all components, or dismounting the entire cabin from the chassis” said Whartman. The armored cabin can then be installed on a new platform, therefore extending the armored vehicle’s service life and ensuring low life cycle cost. Vhartman added that by utilizing Commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) Dodge platforms MDT ensures widespread support and cost effective maintenance.
Updated: October 21, 2010: The U.S. and Saudi Arabia have finalized an arms package that shadows even the large arms mega-sales in the region. The current program includes several packages worth about $60 Billion, which include mostly platforms produced by the Boeing Company. The main element is the modernization of the Royal Saudi Air Force, with the acquisition and modernization of more than 150 F-15S/SA fighters as part of a $30 billion multiyear investment. This package includes the acquisition of 84 new F-15SA fighter jets, replacing the Kingdom’s aging F-15C/D fighters, and the upgrading 70 existing F-15S strike fighters in service with the RSAF, bringing them to the same level of the new F-15SA.
The new F-15SA and the upgraded F-15S will include the APG-63(v)3 radar from Raytheon, the latest AESA radar developed for the Eagle. These aircraft will also carry the AN/AAQ-33 Sniper Targeting pod and Tiger Eye Navigation Pod (3rd Generation LANTIRN). On reconnaissance missions the DB-110 Reconnaissance Pod will be used. The Saudi acquisition represents the first application of DB-110 on the F-15 platform.
To further improve air combat capability the new Saudi Eagles will be equipped with Joint Helmet Mounted Cueing Systems (JHMCS) and AN/AAS-42 Infrared Search and Track (IRST) Systems. The Saudis will also receive the latest version of the Sidewinder AIM-9X short range air/air missiles and AIM-120C/7 AMRAAM missiles. For air/surface attack the new Eagles will carry mostly precision guided weapons, including AGM-84 Block II Harpoon anti-ship missiles, AGM-88B HARM anti radiation missiles, 500 and 2,000 lb versions of enhanced Paveway II and III Dual Mode Laser/Global Positioning System (GPS) Guided bombs, 2,000 lbs JDAM GPS guided weapons, and CBU-105D/B Sensor Fuzed Weapons (SFW) utilizing Wind Corrected Munitions Dispensers (WCMD).
Apaches for All Services
In addition, the package includes the acquisition of over 180 helicopters for well over $25 billion, equipping a new aviation regiment under the Saudi Arabian National Guard’s new Aviation Command. As part of this package the U.S. will supply 36 new AH-64D attack helicopters, upgrading of existing Apaches, delivery of 36 AH-6 Little Bird light attack helicopters. The package also includes 72 Sikorsky UH-60M Black Hawk assault helicopters and 12 MD530 scout/liaison light helicopters.
The SANG aviation regiment will field 36 AH-64D (Apache Block III) attack helicopters, of which up to 20 will be equipped with mast mounted targeting systems, comprising the AN/APG-78 Fire Control Radars and AN/APR-48A Radar Frequency Interferometer sets. The 36 AH-6i light attack helicopters will carry Wescam MX15Di EO targeting systems, and be armed with GAU-19A 12.7mm Gatling guns and launchers for the firing of AGM-114R HELLFIRE II Missiles.
In addition to the RSNG Apache acquisition the Royal Saudi Land Forces (RSLF) will also invest $3.3 billion acquiring 24 additional Block III Apaches, under a separate order. 10 of these helicopters will be fitted with the mast mounted target acquisition kit. For these gunships the Saudis opted for a weapons mix comprising of AGM-114R Hellfire, 30 mm automatic gun and 70mm laser guided rockets. The helicopters will be equipped with airborne satellite communications terminals. In addition, the Saudi Arabian Royal Guard will also buy 10 Apache Block IIIs, on a third order worth $2.2 billion. The configuration and weapon’s mix on these helicopters is almost identical to that of the Saudi Army.
The Saudis are also interested in fielding missile defense capability although the specific choices of weapons have not been decided yet. The Saudis are planning to integrate both land-based and, potentially, ship borne elements – once the Saudis commit to an adequate platform. Such systems commonly include variants of the SM-3 or THAAD interceptors, and early warning and fire control systems including the TPY-2 radar or TPY-1 AEGIS BMD naval systems. Unlike other countries in the region, the Saudis preferred to invest in modernizing their airpower but delayed the upgrade of their Patriot air defense systems, which could provide limited ballistic missile defense capability.
In recent years Saudi Arabia has bought military hardware from Russia (main battle tanks, helicopters) the U.K., (Typhoon strike fighters). The kingdom is yet to improve its air defense systems (probably, an element in the new package) and naval capabilities. As other Gulf States, Saudi Arabia is bolstering its military power against the growing from Iran. Most of the investments made by the rich Gulf countries were in missile defense and airpower, trusting the U.S. presence in the Persian Gulf to deal with the Iranian naval forces. On the other side of the Gulf, Iran is constantly expanding its naval capabilities and ballistic missile reach, seeking strategic domination of the region, by conventional and unconventional means.
Diehl Defence has teamed up with Skysec to develop a drone interceptor. Diehl works with Skysec’s subsidiary, Skysec Defence, to modify the original civilian-oriented net-arresting interceptor into a hard-kill system suitable for military missions....
Welcome to the latest episode of Defense-Update News Summary! In this episode, we dive into this week’s developments in defense technology, military acquisitions, and strategic partnerships worldwide.
Some of this week's highlights include:
Elbit Systems...
The French Ministry of Armed Forces has officially launched the Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle (UCAV) program as part of the Rafale F5 standard development. This event marks the beginning of a new era in...
Army Air Defense Undergoes Significant Modernization to Counter Drone Threats
The U.S. Army's air defense branch has experienced its most substantial modernization and growth in over four decades, primarily driven by the need to counter...
Elbit Systems of America showcases the Sigma Next Generation Howitzer at AUSA 2024, where competing systems from Sweden, South Korea, France, and Germany are likely to be presented, some in models, others in full...
Welcome to the latest episode of Defense-Update News Summary! In this episode, we dive into this week’s developments in defense technology, military acquisitions, and strategic partnerships worldwide.
Some of this week's highlights include:
Elbit Systems...
Elbit Systems has signed a 1.5-billion-shekel (approximately $400 million) contract with Israel's Ministry of Defense to establish an aerial bomb manufacturing bombs for the Israeli Air Force. In the past, the government-owned IMI operated...
