Internationale pantservoertuigen APC IFV ontwikkelingen

[pz]

Internetsite van het Scorpion programma online, met toekomstige ontwikkelingen.

Conceptueel geeft het een indruk waar de Franse landmacht naartoe gaat.

https://scorpion-future.fr/

[Huzaar1]

kostbaar en potent.

[Sparkplug]

[Harald]

BAE Systems awarded life-extension contract for Swiss CV90 combat vehicles

According to a press release published on November 18, 2020,BAE Systems Hägglunds has received a contract from the Swiss Federal Office for Defense Procurement (armasuisse) for the life-extension of the Swiss Army's CV9030, known as the "Schützenpanzer 2000." The life-extension program of the CV9030 will keep the 186 vehicle fleet in service until 2040 and significantly improve the platform's ability in certain areas.

The improvements are mainly based on previous obsolescence issues in the area of optical, electrical and electronic components. They also include the installation of Active Damping technology which reduces wear and tear, minimizes through-life repair costs, improves speed in terrain and ride comfort. A new improved electronics architecture will support adapting to future technology growth. The vehicles will also be fitted with a 360-degree surveillance system, increasing situational awareness, combat effectiveness, and survivability to enable safer route planning and more rapid targeting.

As part of the contract, BAE Systems Hägglunds, the original manufacturer of the CV90, has already been working closely with Swiss industry to meet the industrial cooperation requirements. The program will involve multiple suppliers based across all regions of Switzerland. Selected companies will produce items such as the next generation of electronic boxes for the CV90s, electrical cables, and mechanical components.

One of these suppliers is RUAG AG, which will provide a new auxiliary power unit in collaboration with BAE Systems. Through its role as the Material Competence Center (Materialkompetenzzentrum), RUAG is fully involved in securing Switzerland's autonomy and operational readiness, increasing defense capabilities, self-sufficiency, and security of supply while preserving high-skilled jobs and in-country capability.

"We are truly proud to be awarded this life-extension contract by armasuisse. We look forward to further deepening the relationship with our Swiss customer and working together with the Army, as well as national and regional industry for many years to come," said Tommy Gustafsson-Rask, managing director of BAE Systems Hägglunds. "Together we are making sure this proven vehicle remains modern and capable through 2040 and beyond."

This new contract is the result of effective cooperation between BAE Systems, armasuisse, and the Swiss Army. BAE Systems and the Swiss defense agencies cooperated on an initial obsolescence study, a prototype contract phase with extensive testing in both Switzerland and Sweden, and adaptations and preparations for serial delivery.

"This successful cooperation leaves us well-positioned to start the production and delivery phase of this life-extension program. We are looking forward to delivering a technologically future-proofed platform together with Swiss industry," said Mattias Strandberg, regional director for BAE Systems Hägglunds.

Switzerland is one of seven European users operating the CV90. The other six are Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Norway, Sweden and the Netherlands. With close to 1,300 vehicles in service in numerous variants, the vehicle is combat-proven and designed to accommodate future growth to meet evolving missions.

The CV90 is a family of tracked armored vehicles that was designed to meet the specific operational requirements of the Swedish Army for a vehicle with improved armor, mobility and firepower for use by the armed forces' mechanized/armored units. It was jointly developed Alvis Hägglunds (previously Hägglunds Vehicle) and the now Bofors Defence under contract to the Swedish Defence Matériel Administration (the FMV). Alvis Hägglunds was acquired by BAE Systems in 2004 and became BAE Systems Land Systems (Weapons & Vehicles), now part of the BAE Systems Land & Armaments operating group.

The hull of the CV90 is of all-welded steel armor construction with the driver seated front left, the power pack to his right, the turret in the center and offset 200 mm to the left, and the troop compartment at the rear of the hull. The standard armor of the CV90 provides all-round protection against 14.5 mm armor-piercing rounds. Armour protection over the frontal arc is classified, but all models from CV9040B and later are said to be protected against 30 mm APFSDS.

Some variants, including the CV9030N, can be fitted with MEXAS, a ceramic appliqué armor that provides protection against 30 mm APFSDS. This armor kit is intended to provide increased protection against Improvised explosive device, explosively formed penetrator and 30 mm caliber armor-piercing rounds.[8] All CV90s are fitted with a Spall liner, which covers the interior spaces and provides protection for the troops inside against shrapnel and anti-personnel artillery munitions.

The CV9030 is an IFV (Infantry Fighting Vehicle) version featuring a two-man turret armed with one 30mm automatic cannon. This version of the CV90 is in service with Norway, Finland, and Switzerland. Switzerland purchased a total of 186 CV9030 Mk 2 in 2000 for $424,000,000 as a replacement for their M113. The vehicle is known as IFV 2000 and Grenadier Tank. Swiss Defence Company RUAG Land Systems Ltd assembled the complete turret, integrated the turret and chassis, and ran the full performance qualification.

The Swiss CV90 is fitted with a power-operated two-man turret armed with one 30mm Mk44 automatic cannon and one 7.62mm machine gun. The commander is seated on the left and the gunner on the right, with both crew members having a single-piece hatch cover that opens to the rear. The rear part of the vehicle can accommodate eight infantrymen. The infantry enters and leaves via a large door in the rear of the hull that opens to the right.

The CV90 is powered by Scania DI 14 diesel engine developing 550 hp coupled to Perkins Engines Company X-300-5N fully automatic with torque converter with 4 forward and 2 reverse gears. The vehicle can reach a maximum road speed of 70 km/h with a maximum cruising range of 300 km.


https://www.armyrecognition.com/defense_news_november_2020_global_security_army_industry/bae_systems_awarded_life-extension_contract_for_swiss_cv90_combat_vehicles.html

[Harald]

HSW to deliver new Borsuk tracked armored IFV to Polish army by 2023



New Borsuk amphibious tracked armored IFV Infantry Fighting Vehicle developed and designed by the Polish company Huta Stalowa Wola SA.

According to an interview with Bartłomiej Zając, president of the Polish Company Huta Stalowa Wola SA (HSW) published by the Polska-Zbrojna website on November 5, 2020, the new Borsuk amphibious armored vehicle will be the next generation of tracked IFV (Infantry Fighting Vehicle) of the Polish army and could be entered in service for 2023 to replace the old BWP-1 tracked armored IFV.

The BWP-1 is a Polish version of the Soviet-made BMP-1 IFV (Infantry Fighting Vehicle) produced under license in Poland. The vehicle is in service with the Polish army since 1969. According to our military sources, the BWP-1 keeps the same features as the original Russian BMP-1.

The BMP-1 is fitted with a one-man turret. The main armament of the BMP-1 IFV is a 73 mm Model 2A28 smoothbore, low-pressure, short-recoil gun which weighs 115 kg. It has a crew of three including a driver, commander, and gunner. The troop compartment is at the rear with the eight infantrymen seated back-to-back, four down each side of the hull.

On October 25, 2020, Army Recognition has reported that the Polish defense industry has conducted field and firing tests in September 2020 with the new Polish-made Borsuk tracked armored amphibious IFV (Infantry Fighting Vehicle) fitted with a 30mm cannon turret.

The Borsuk is a new generation of tracked armored IFV (Infantry Fighting Vehicle) fully developed and designed by the Polish Company Huta Stalowa Wola SA (HSW). It was unveiled in September 2017 during MSPO, International Defense Exhibition in Poland.

The Borsuk has been designed to cross all types' water obstacles with a high level of maneuverability. It has also the capacity to be used in various terrains and in all weather conditions. The Borsuk is an amphibious tracked armored IFV that will be propelled in the water thanks to the use of water jets mounted at the rear of the chassis.

The Badger has the capacity to carry a total of 6 military personnel including driver and commander. In the water, the vehicle is propelled by two waterjets mounted at the rear of the hull.

The Badger is fitted with a Polish-made unmanned turret fully controlled and aimed by a gunner from inside of the hull. The turret is armed with a 30mm Bushmaster automatic cannon and one 7.62mm coaxial machine gun mounted to the right side of the main armament. There is four smoke grenade dischargers located to the right side at the front of the turret. The second armament of the vehicle includes two launchers for the Israeli-made anti-tank guided missile Rafael Spike mounted to the right side of the turret.

The turret can be traversed through a full 360º with elevation from -9° to +60°. The cannon has a rate of fire of 200 rounds per minute.

https://www.armyrecognition.com/defense_news_november_2020_global_security_army_industry/hsw_to_deliver_new_borsuk_tracked_armored_ifv_to_polish_army_by_2023.html

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U6HOzSx4L5E

[Harald]

Australian Lynx KF41 Infantry Fighting Vehicle unveiled for Land 400 Phase 3 Program

https://www.rheinmetall-defence.com/en/rheinmetall_defence/public_relations/news/latest_news/index_25216.php

Rheinmetall has unveiled the first of three Lynx KF41 Infantry Fighting Vehicles designed, developed and manufactured for the Commonwealth of Australia's $AUD18.1 billion (11.1 MrdEUR) Land 400 Phase 3 program.

Lynx is a next generation tracked, digitised and highly protected Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV) built to meet the stringent military requirements of Land 400 Phase 3. The Australian Army needs a new IFV for close combat to close in and defeat an enemy in the most dangerous and lethal environments for Australian soldiers.

.../....

https://twitter.com/RheinmetallAG/status/1326062520000458753

https://www.defenseadvancement.com/lynx-kf41-infantry-fighting-vehicle-unveiled-for-australian-land-400-phase-3-program/

[pz]

Vervanging Marder door Puma 2e batch nog onzeker voor Divisie 2027.

Division 2027 – Inspekteur sieht Bedarf für Marder-Ersatz

https://soldat-und-technik.de/2020/11/mobilitaet/24497/division-2027-inspekteur-sieht-bedarf-fuer-marder-ersatz/

Artikel vertaald mbv google translate met aanpassingen van eigen hand.

Het Duitse leger plant momenteel op volle snelheid de oprichting van de zogenaamde Divisie 2027 - een grote eenheid met drie brigades en ongeveer 18.000 soldaten. De voorziening van deze divisie zal een lakmoesproef zijn voor de rol van Duitsland als raamwerk en ondersteunende natie voor andere partnerstrijdkrachten, zei de legerinspecteur, luitenant-generaal Alfons Mais, dinsdagavond, tijdens een WebEx-presentatie georganiseerd door de Förderkreis Deutsches Heer.

Het uitrustingsniveau in deze divisie moet adequaat zijn ontworpen om de bestelling in het kader van de alliantiebescherming te vervullen, om een ​​signaaleffect te ontwikkelen, zei Mais. Volgens het manuscript benadrukte hij dat het hier nog niet gaat om een ​​groot project voor de toekomst, maar om het dichten van "de dramatische investeringskloven van de afgelopen 25 jaar". Allereerst moet het vermogen om gevechten met hoge intensiteit uit te voeren in een grote eenheid binnen het kader van de alliantie worden herwonnen.

Volgens de inspecteur is het nu zaak om de beschikbare middelen zodanig te prioriteren dat de line-up van de "Divisie 2027" niet vastloopt. Hij gaf echter toe dat, hoewel alle vereisten waren gemeld, slechts ongeveer 50 procent was gefinancierd met de begrotingsmiddelen. "Als dat zo zou blijven, zou dat zich onmiddellijk vertalen in verder verlies van inzetbaarheid", zei de generaal.

Het risico bestaat dat er geen financiële ondersteuning is voor de minimumvereisten om aan de gegeven nationale ambitie te voldoen. Hoewel het leger profiteerde van meer dan een derde van alle goedgekeurde vrijgaven van het budget in 2018, 2019 tot zomer 2020, "op basis van het volume van de geïnvesteerde middelen, weerspiegelt dit slechts een aandeel van ongeveer 13 procent". Volgens de generaal geven de cijfers een indicatie van de complexiteit en soms de kleine onderdelen van het legerpantser.

Volgens Mais zijn er echter ook hiaten op het gebied van de belangrijkste wapensystemen. Vanuit zijn standpunt is het "volkomen uitgesloten" om de 266 Puma infanterie gevechtsvoertuigen en de 43 Boxers te vervangen door het Marder infanterie gevechtsvoertuig te gebruiken om de vijf gepantserde infanteriebataljons uit te rusten. "Met het oog op zijn aanstaande 50ste verjaardag in 2021, is de Marder geen oplossing meer voor 2027", onderstreepte de inspecteur.

De weg naar de divisie in 2027 is duidelijk uitgestippeld en zal de komende jaren een consistente implementatie vergen, zegt Mais. "Na 2027 is het beeld vanuit mijn standpunt nog opener." Volgens zijn opmerkingen zijn er ook specifieke eisen en schetsen van een nationale ambitie aan de NAVO aangegeven. Hun realisatie zou echter een nog grotere inspanning vergen. "Voor deze stap moeten verdere structurele elementen worden opgezet in de huidige staat van planning en concrete bewapeningsprojecten, ik noem alleen het trefwoord" Puma 2e perceel ", absoluut noodzakelijk."

Vertegenwoordigers van de industrie zijn momenteel bang dat de bestelling voor een tweede batch van het Puma-infanteriegevechtsvoertuig op het punt staat te komen. Enerzijds wordt - niet in de laatste plaats vanwege de coronapandemie - de omvang van het budget kleiner. Aan de andere kant is de Puma niet operationeel gereed voor de VJTF 2023, wat een voorwaarde is voor de verwerving van het volgende perceel, zoals gepland in de zomer. In zijn presentatie hoopte de inspecteur echter dat dit begin 2021 kan worden gecompenseerd. De herziening staat momenteel gepland voor februari volgend jaar.

Volgens de huidige status zal de aanschaf van het nieuwe perceel echter blijkbaar pas beginnen met het budget voor 2022. Het lijkt echter onzeker of er nog voldoende middelen beschikbaar zullen zijn. Door de betrokkenheid van ongeveer 400 Duitse, veelal middelgrote, bedrijven bij de bouw van de Puma, zou een order echter aanzienlijke werkgelegenheid en economische prikkels moeten opleveren. Gezien de verwachte economische crisis is dit een belangrijk aspect. De weg naar de divisie in 2027 is duidelijk uitgestippeld en zal de komende jaren een consistente implementatie vergen, zegt Mais. "Na 2027 is het beeld vanuit mijn standpunt nog opener." Volgens zijn opmerkingen zijn er ook eisen en een nationale ambitie aan de NAVO aangegeven. De realisatie zou echter een nog grote inspanning vergen. "Voor deze stap moeten verdere structurele elementen worden opgezet in de huidige staat van planning en concrete bewapeningsprojecten, ik noem alleen het trefwoord" Puma 2e perceel ", absoluut noodzakelijk."

Vertegenwoordigers van de industrie zijn momenteel bang dat de bestelling voor een tweede batch van het Puma-infanteriegevechtsvoertuig op het punt staat te komen. Enerzijds wordt - niet in de laatste plaats vanwege de corona pandemie - de omvang van het eventuele budget kleiner. Aan de andere kant is de Puma niet operationeel gereed voor de VJTF 2023, wat een voorwaarde is voor de verwerving van het volgende perceel, zoals gepland in de zomer. In zijn presentatie hoopte de inspecteur echter dat dit begin 2021 kan worden gecompenseerd. De herziening staat momenteel gepland voor februari volgend jaar.

Volgens de huidige status zal de aanschaf van het nieuwe perceel van de Puma pas beginnen met het budget voor 2022. Het lijkt echter onzeker of er nog voldoende middelen beschikbaar zullen zijn. Door de betrokkenheid van ongeveer 400 Duitse, veelal middelgrote, bedrijven bij de bouw van de gepantserde personendrager, zou een order echter aanzienlijke werkgelegenheid en economische prikkels moeten opleveren. Gezien de verwachte economische crisis is dit een belangrijk aspect.

[pz]

Defence Commitee Progress in delivering the British Army's armoured vehicle capability

Afgelopen 6 oktober was de Witness Hearing voor de defence comittee. Mooiste discussie sinds tijden over dit onderwerp.
Geeft in 2 uur tijd inhoud aan de vraagstukken waarom de vervanging van de pantervoertuigen in de UK een groot drama is.

https://parliamentlive.tv/event/index/872815ce-36d7-4aab-a0cc-1227604b47d1

Witness(es): Francis Tusa, Editor, Defence Analysis; Nicholas Drummond, Director, Aura Consulting Ltd.

Witness(es): Peter Hardisty, Managing Director, Rheinmetall BAE Systems Land (RBSL); Carew Wilks, Vice President, General Dynamics Land

Systems-UK; Lee Fellows, Vice President and Managing Director, Lockheed Martin UK Ampthill

[Harald]

US Army conducts field tests with new Bradley M2A4 tracked armored IFV

According to pictures released by the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) on October 24, 2020, the U.S. Army has tested the new version of the Bradley tracked armored IFV (Infantry Fighting Vehicle) named M2A4.





U.S. soldiers of 1st Battalion, 12th Cavalry Regiment (1-12 CAV), 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team (3ABCT), 1st Cavalry Division, spent several nights in the field getting to know the new the M2A4 and M7A4 Bradley versions. Linking up with test officers of the U.S. Army Operational Test Command (OTC) during a series of maneuvers and simulated force-on-force engagements, few Soldiers have had the chance to see the new machines in person, let alone get behind the wheel and test them.

During the testing, OTC (Operational Test Command) data collectors were on the ground with the Soldiers every step of the way gathering information that will later be used to analyze the overall capabilities of the vehicle in a report to senior Army leaders.

The new Bradley IFV variants offer a number of upgrades and overhauls. The idea behind the vehicle is to provide a faster, more durable, and survivable platform with increased oversight; according to Kummer, giving more power to the Troopers at the platoon and squad level to ensure success during large-scale ground combat operations.

In June 2018, BAE Systems had announced the rebuild and upgrade of 164 U.S. Army Bradley IFVs to the standard M2A4 and M7A4 configurations.

In October 2019, U.S. Army has awarded BAE Systems a contract for an additional 168 upgraded Bradley A4 Infantry Fighting Vehicles in the framework of U.S. Army's combat vehicle modernization strategy and helps ensure force readiness of the Armored Brigade Combat Teams (ABCT).

The Bradley M2A4 armored tracked IFV (Infantry Fighting Vehicle) features the latest digitized electronics for optimum situational awareness, network connectivity and communication within the Armored Brigade Combat Team. Bradley A4's proven durability and commonality of design reduce the logistics burden while enhancing battlefield performance to meet a variety of mission requirements in close- combat, urban scenarios and open combat situations.

The Bradley M2A4 IFV is improved with new Fire Suppression and IED (Improvised Explosive Device) jammer components further to enhance survivability by reducing the likelihood of system detectability and target acquisition by external systems and defeats external threats.

In terms of mobility, the Bradley M2A4 is capable of maximizing its acceleration capabilities due to the increased engine horsepower in order to provide rapid movement of the vehicle in reaction to combat or other adverse situations. Enhanced mobility function provides a driver with improved situational awareness and mobility functionality status.

The Bradley M2A4 is fitted with a two-man turret and keeps the armament of the previous version of the Bradley family that consists of one Bushmaster 25mm cannon and TOW anti-tank missile system. It has a weight of 36,287 kg and can accommodate up to 10 soldiers including the driver, commander, and gunner. It can run at a maximum road speed of 66 km/h with a maximum cruising range of 402 km.

https://www.armyrecognition.com/defense_news_october_2020_global_security_army_industry/us_army_conducts_field_tests_with_new_bradley_m2a4_tracked_armored_ifv.html

[pz]

U.S. Army unveils new laser gun system for the first time on the Striker combat verhicle.

https://defence-blog.com/news/army/u-s-army-unveils-new-laser-gun-system-for-the-first-time.html

The U.S. Army has demonstrated the first prototype of a new laser weapon system based on the Stryker combat vehicle.

Video released by Army Professional Forum (APF) shows the finished, combat-capable prototype of the Directed Energy Maneuver Short Range Air Defense, or DE-MSHORAD, with a 50 kW-class laser integrated onto a Stryker platform.

Mounted on the newest Stryker A1 chassis, the DE-MSHORAD system, along with Interim Maneuver Short-Range Air Defense (IM-SHORAD) system, will be deployed to protect divisions and brigade combat teams from unmanned aerial systems (UAS), rotary-wing aircraft, and rocket, artillery and mortar threats.

The new DE-MSHORAD capability will provide brigade combat teams with a 50-kilowatt laser aboard a Stryker combat vehicle in support of air defense artillery operations.

Currently, the force is working on fielding a DE-MSHORAD to the platoon level by fiscal 2022.

The Army also looks to field a 300-kilowatt Indirect Fire Protection Capability-High Energy Laser, or IFPC-HEL, and IFPC-High Powered Microwave, or HPM, at the platoon level in support of brigade air defense artillery operations in fiscal 2024.

[pz]

Rheinmetall and Textron Systems join forces to supply the US Army with a new variant of the Lynx KF41 for the Optionally Manned Fighting Vehicle program

https://www.rheinmetall-defence.com/en/rheinmetall_defence/public_relations/news/latest_news/index_25024.php


American Rheinmetall Vehicles, LLC, a subsidiary of Germany-based Rheinmetall Defence, is teaming with Textron Systems in pursuit of the US Army's Optionally Manned Fighting Vehicle (OMFV) program.

American Rheinmetall Vehicles is forming a US industry team that will consist of numerous leading US defense companies, including Raytheon Technologies, who are coming together as "Team Lynx." Textron Systems will be a vital member of the team, bringing with it exceptional land systems technology development and production capabilities developed over decades as a major combat platform provider to the US armed forces. American Rheinmetall Vehicles will lead Team Lynx in offering the US Army a next-generation solution for the OMFV program that features a mature, game-changing platform with a purposeful, future-proof modular design that will assure overmatch not just today but for decades to come.

"This teaming agreement brings together two of the world's leading providers of defense industry solutions in order to offer the US Army an OMFV that's second to none. Textron Systems brings decades of experience in production with robotic capabilities that further enable our growing Team Lynx to provide a transformational product to the US Army", said Matt Warnick, Managing Director at American Rheinmetall Vehicles.

"Textron Systems' Slidell, Louisiana vehicle production facility has supported more than 15 armored vehicle programs of record supporting over 20 countries," said Senior Vice President Henry Finneral. "We stand ready to support the team and the US Army and deliver a trusted platform for the future."

The US variant of the Lynx KF41 will redefine the modern battlefield and enable the US Army to satisfy its number two modernization priority, a next-generation combat vehicle with superb protection, mobility, growth, and lethality capabilities that will sustain overmatch for decades. The vehicle's Modular Open Systems Architecture (MOSA), coupled with substantial growth potential in power, weight and volume, will enable the American Lynx KF41 variant to confront the challenges of the future battlefield like no other.

About American Rheinmetall Vehicles
American Rheinmetall Vehicles, headquartered in Sterling Heights, Michigan, is part of Rheinmetall Defence's Vehicle System Division and specializes not only in the development of combat vehicle platforms that provide next-generation products to the US Department of Defense and federal and state law enforcement agencies, but also brings the global group's portfolio of vehicle systems to the US market. American Rheinmetall Vehicles offers both tracked and wheeled combat vehicle platforms with associated sub-systems and works in conjunction with customer program offices to ensure its products meet specification and performance requirements for programs of interest. For more information, visit www.rheinmetall-arv-us.com

About Textron Systems
Textron Systems is a world leader in unmanned air, surface and land products, as well as providing services and support for aerospace and defense customers. Harnessing agility and a broad base of expertise, Textron Systems' innovative businesses design, manufacture, field and support comprehensive solutions that expand customer capabilities and deliver value. For more information, visit

[Harald]

Rheinmetall to modernize German army Marder IFV infantry fighting vehicle

The German Bundeswehr has awarded Rheinmetall a further order for modernizing the tried-and-tested Marder infantry fighting vehicle (IFV). Under the contract, Rheinmetall Landsysteme will now be supplying the Bundeswehr with over 170 driver's night observation devices for the Marder fleet.

Worth around €24 million, the order also encompasses logistical support, training and other services. Delivery begins at the end of 2021 and is to be complete by the end of 2022.

The new driver's night observation device is the Spectus II. It fuses the image from a residual light amplifier camera with one produced by a thermal imaging device, improving the driver's ability to see even in conditions of poor visibility.

In addition, the system features a rear-view camera. Cooperation partners taking part in the project include Rheinmetall Technical Publications and the Rheinmetall subsidiary benntec Systemtechnik GmbH. In response to an urgent operational requirement for the ISAF mission in Afghanistan, Rheinmetall previously integrated the Spectus I – the Spectus II's forerunner – into the Marder 1 A5A1 fleet.

Now official, this order constitutes a continuation of successful efforts to extend the Marder's service life. In December 2019 the German armed forces contracted with Rheinmetall to carry out a comprehensive modernization of part of the Marder fleet. Moreover, the current contract could result in further orders from customers both at home and abroad, thanks, for instance, to the budget committee of the Bundestag giving a green light on 7 October 2020 to procurement of a thermal imaging aiming device for the gunner and commander in Bundeswehr Marders. Besides Germany, the Marder IFV is in service with the armed forces of Chile, Indonesia and Jordan.

As the system's original developer, Rheinmetall possesses comprehensive experience and expertise in all aspects of the Marder infantry fighting vehicle. The weapons system first rolled off the assembly lines of Rheinmetall Landsysteme GmbH's predecessor organization in Kassel. Battle-tested and exceptionally reliable, the Marder will continue to serve German mechanized infantry units as a trusty workhorse for some time to come, even now that the number of new Puma IFVs in service with the German military will soon reach 350.

https://www.armyrecognition.com/defense_news_october_2020_global_security_army_industry/rheinmetall_to_modernize_german_army_marder_ifv_infantry_fighting_vehicle.html

[Harald]

Ghana approves the purchase of 19 Israeli armored vehicles from Elbit Systems

According to information published by Defence Web on October 16, 2020, Ghana has approved the purchase of 19 wheeled armored vehicles from the Israeli company Elbit Systems.

Citing Defence Web, In terms of the agreement, Israeli company Elbit Land Systems will supply nine 8×8 Infantry Fighting Vehicles (IFVs) equipped with Elbit Systems UT30 30 mm remotely operated turrets. The order includes ten 6×6 IFVs fitted for reconnaissance operations.

Currently, Ghana armed forces are equipped with 3 EE-9 Cascavel, 24 Ratel-90 with 90mm cannon, 15 Ratel-20 with 20mm cannon, 4 Piranha with 25mm cannon, 5 Type-05P 25mm, 46 first version of Piranha 8x8 armored vehicles.

There is no information about the type of vehicle that will be delivered to the Ghana armed forces, but Elbit Systems has developed the Sentinel an 8x8 armored vehicle based on the Terrex 2 designed by ST Kinetics of Singapore.

The Sentinel is an 8x8 armored reconnaissance vehicle jointly designed and developed by the Companies ST Kinetics of Singapore and Elbit Systems Australia. Team Sentinel, led by Elbit Systems of Australia (ELSA), offered the Sentinel II for the Australian Land 400 Mounted Combat Reconnaissance Capability (MCRC) request for tender.

The Sentinel is an integrated combination of Terrex 2 8x8 armored vehicle personnel carrier, the Elbit Land System's MT30 30mm turret. Featuring high first-round and burst hit probability, the dual-axis stabilized UT30 is designed for firing on the move and at moving targets.

The Sentinel II is based on the Terrex 2 armored vehicle personnel carrier using hull and powerpack components. The hull of the vehicle is of all-welded steel armor construction to which an additional layer of passive armor can be added for a higher level of battlefield survivability.

https://www.armyrecognition.com/defense_news_october_2020_global_security_army_industry/ghana_approves_the_purchase_of_19_israeli_armored_vehicle_from_elbit_systems.html

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8iyYKxmz860

[Harald]

Rheinmetall to supply Lance turrets for Hungarian army Lynx KF41 IFVs

Rheinmetall has announced an export order in excess of $150 million dollars from Australia to the Hungarian Armed Forces to supply Lance turrets, which will be designed and manufactured at the company's new Military Vehicle Centre of Excellence (MILVEHCOE) in South East Queensland, Australian Defence Magazine reports.

Hungary's Lynx infantry fighting vehicle program includes the Lance turret to enable the crew to access sensor systems, advanced automatic tracking and targeting capabilities and weapon- integrated battle management all in one connected and enabled platform.

At least 30 of the first 46 digital Lance turrets will be supplied from Australia during Phase 1. "We welcome this major export contract, and we look forward to the follow on turret and kit orders to be awarded by other European customers," Gary Stewart, Chief Executive of Rheinmetall Vehicle Systems Asia Pacific and Managing Director of Rheinmetall Defence Australia, said. The Hungarian export program will reportedly be expanded in the coming months to include a further 127 Lance turret kits from Rheinmetall Defence Australia.

Turret systems such as Lance or its remotely controlled brother Lance RC from Rheinmetall Defence are masterpieces of innovative engineering ingenuity. Furthermore, with their enormous potential for enhancement, these modern turrets are already prepared for the challenges of coming decades.

"The Lance turret system underlines the goal of Rheinmetall to supply armed forces with a comprehensive range of modular systems," explains Andreas Riedel, Head of the turret systems product unit at Rheinmetall Landsysteme. « At a time of unforeseeable challenges for military deployments, the greatest possible flexibility in the combination of technology means maximum freedom of action for military decision-makers."

In fact, the technical variability of Lance is almost limitless. The turret and its weapon can be integrated in almost any armored wheeled or tracked vehicle and is thus highly mobile. As Riedel says, "This means that not only soldiers deployed in their armored vehicles are protected against ballistic threats, mines and explosive traps, but they can also engage the enemy with precise firepower at the same time."

The main weapon is the MK30-2 / ABM automatic cannon, developed and built by Rheinmetall. The use of this cannon brings a host of advantages for the vehicle crew. The turret has a reserve of 200 rounds of two different ammunition types for the main weapon. This means that the weapon can be resupplied with ammunition without the soldiers having to leave the protected vehicle interior. The turret also enables moving targets to be engaged accurately and effectively even when the vehicle itself is moving. Naturally, other weapons of various calibers or from other suppliers can also be integrated in the Lance turret. Full flexibility is ensured in this respect as well.

The Lance is equipped with a state-of-the-art, fully digital fire control system. Two electro-optical sights – each equipped with a high-resolution camera, a thermal imaging camera and a laser rangefinder – are also provided. One of the sights enables 360-degree visibility, irrespective of the movement of the turret. Of particular benefit is the fact that each system can be operated both by the commanding officer and by the gunner. With Lance RC, the modular design also allows the turret system to be remotely controlled.

As well as the base version, a range of additional equipment can be integrated. A Situational Awareness System (SAS), an independent weapons station, C4I systems for network-enabled operations and an additional sight for the commanding officer are just a few examples of the virtually endless expansion possibilities. All of this means that the LANCE turret is ready for the future today.

https://www.armyrecognition.com/defense_news_october_2020_global_security_army_industry/rheinmetall_to_supply_lance_turrets_to_hungarian_army_lynx_kf41_ifvs.html

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