internationale ontwikkelingen LUA, SPAAG, luchtafweer

[Harald]

Greece in Talks with Israel for Spyder Air Defense System Acquisition

The Greek Ministry of Defense is currently in negotiations with the Israeli defense company Rafael to finalize an agreement that would include the company's Spyder air defense system. The war in Ukraine has spurred international demand for this battle-tested air defense system. Some time ago, we already mentioned Greece's desire to emulate Israel's Iron Dome system as of April 19, 2024, on Army Recognition.



The Czech Republic and Morocco have chosen Rafael's Spyder air defense system to meet their short-range air defense needs. Recently, Rafael, in collaboration with the Ministry of Defense, successfully conducted a test of the advanced SPYDER air defense system in its latest unique configuration - All In One. This test included intercepting an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) in a challenging operational scenario, resulting in a direct and effective hit.

The SPYDER system, produced by Rafael, is currently operationally used by numerous military forces worldwide, providing comprehensive air defense solutions against various airborne threats, including missiles, UAVs, aircraft, helicopters, and tactical ballistic missiles. The system neutralizes threats through two families of interceptor missiles manufactured by Rafael: PYTHON and Derby.

The SPYDER system is a short and medium-range air defense system developed by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, originating from Israel. It has been in service since 2005 and has been used in various contexts, including conflicts such as the Russo-Georgian War (unconfirmed) and the 2019 skirmishes between India and Pakistan. The SPYDER includes several variants, including the SPYDER-SR, SPYDER-MR, and SPYDER LR (against tactical ballistic missiles).

The SPYDER is designed to neutralize a range of aerial threats, including missiles, drones, aircraft, and helicopters. It is equipped with PYTHON-5 and Derby missiles, produced by Rafael, which are guided respectively by an infrared guidance system and electro-optical imaging for the PYTHON-5, and by an active radar guidance system for the Derby.

Each Missile Firing Unit (MFU) of the SPYDER system can carry up to four PYTHON-5 or Derby missiles, in any combination, offering great operational flexibility. The missiles have different flight characteristics, with varying ranges and maximum altitudes, allowing the SPYDER system to provide effective coverage in various tactical situations.

The SPYDER system is mounted on various types of launch trucks, such as the Tatra 817, Mercedes-Benz Actros, RMMV HX, MAN TGS, Scania P-series, and Dongfeng, providing it with great mobility on the battlefield. With its ability to be rapidly deployed and provide effective air defense, the SPYDER system represents an essential component of the defense capabilities of numerous operators worldwide.

Recently, Rafael introduced a new configuration for the SPYDER - the All in One, which integrates radar, electro-optical launcher, advanced control and command system, and PYTHON and Derby interceptors onto a single platform. This configuration serves as an ideal air defense solution for either point defense or area defense, whether as part of a SPYDER battery or deployed independently with minimal operator intervention. During a recent test conducted in Israel, the SPYDER All in One system successfully intercepted a UAV in a complex operational scenario, achieving a precise interception of the target.

https://www.armyrecognition.com/defense_news_april_2024_global_security_army_industry/greece_in_talks_with_israel_for_spyder_air_defense_system_acquisition.html

[Harald]

Kongsberg Reveals Upgrades to NASAMS with AMRAAM-ER Missile and GhostEye MR Radar

(    zou onze Thales GM200 ook geschikt zijn ? )

Kongsberg, the Norwegian company, is currently engaged in upgrading the NASAMS anti-aircraft system by integrating a new AMRAAM-ER missile and the GhostEye MR radar system, specifically focusing on adding capabilities to intercept ballistic missiles. This development was first reported by the Norwegian media outlet Teknisk Ukeblad on April 22, 2024, citing internal sources from Kongsberg.

NASAMS is a medium to long-range air defense platform developed jointly by Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace and Raytheon (RTX). Designed to effectively counter various aerial threats such as aircraft, helicopters, drones, and cruise missiles, NASAMS combines advanced detection radars and ground-to-air missile launchers. The system is noted for its modularity and flexibility, allowing for the integration of various types of radars and missiles based on operational needs. Its open architecture and ability to be integrated into broader air defense networks make it a versatile solution for modern defense requirements.

The current versions of NASAMS are equipped to intercept aerodynamic targets such as aircraft, helicopters, and cruise missiles. However, to meet the requirements for intercepting ballistic targets, significant improvements are needed, particularly regarding the maximum interception altitude and speed of the guided anti-air missiles.

A key development is the integration of the new AMRAAM-ER air defense missile, which recently completed testing with the NASAMS system in February 2024. This missile is an upgraded version of the AIM-120C-8 missile and is equipped with a state-of-the-art guidance system featuring an active radar seeker and a significantly more powerful 10-inch rocket motor. This innovation provides the missile with increased speed and an extended range of 20 to 40 km.

Additionally, the GhostEye MR medium-range radar system has been successfully integrated into the system. This radar can detect targets such as cruise missiles, aircraft, and helicopters, and now also ballistic missiles. It uses technologies from the LTAMDS missile defense system, currently produced for the U.S. Army. The radar is equipped with a 360-degree rotating antenna and an S-band active phased array antenna using gallium nitride (GaN) transmission modules. The precise characteristics of this radar's aerial target detection capabilities remain unknown, but project participants suggest it will significantly extend NASAMS' range and altitude capabilities, replacing the current AN/MPQ-64 Sentinel radar. Despite these improvements, the missile capabilities are limited by the low power of their warheads, which may not be sufficient to inflict critical damage on missiles like the Iskander type.

Moreover, since November 2023, Kongsberg has been collaborating with the American company RTX to enhance the operational flexibility of NASAMS. Few details have been revealed about this collaboration, but it has been noted that the new version of the system will be mobile, thus increasing its adaptability in the field.

NASAMS has been adopted by several countries since it was introduced in the mid-1990s. The United States was among the first users, quickly followed by Norway, the system's country of origin. Other countries that have incorporated NASAMS into their arsenals include Spain, Finland, the Netherlands, and Australia, each deploying various numbers of units based on their specific defense needs. Since the onset of the war in Ukraine in 2022, several nations, including the United States and Norway, have provided NASAMS systems to Ukraine to bolster its air defense capabilities against Russian aggression.

https://www.armyrecognition.com/defense_news_april_2024_global_security_army_industry/kongsberg_reveals_upgrades_to_nasams_with_amraam-er_missile_and_ghosteye_mr_radar.html

[Harald]

Norway's air defense priorities: Volume first, then long-range capabilities

"We need to increase spending in simple systems that we need a huge volume of that can, basically, counter very low-tech drones that could pose a threat," Norway's top officer told Breaking Defense, "so we don't end up using the most sophisticated missile systems against something that is very cheap to buy."

Earlier this month, Norway's government announced plans for a dramatic increase in defense spending over the next 12 years, with a long list of weapon acquisitions it plans to make.

Among the key priorities outlined was an increase in air defense capabilities at all levels. But even as Oslo looks into its options for a new long-range, high-end missile defense system, the "most important [thing] is to buy more of what we already have," Gen. Eirik Kristoffersen, Norway's chief of defense, told Breaking Defense during a recent visit to Washington.

"So, from handheld, counter-UAV air defense systems, up to, I would say, medium-range NASAMS" are the first priority, Kristoffersen said. "We have already invested, and we need to invest more in that. We know it's working, it's tested and it's proven its effectiveness in Ukraine."

Oslo has donated a number of NASAMS (National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile Systems), co-developed by US firm Raytheon and Norwegian firm Kongsberg, to Ukraine for its defensive effort against Russia. The lessons learned from seeing the system in the field, along with the kind of counter-drone efforts Ukrainians have had to employ, are directly filtering into Norway's approach to building out its air defenses, Kristoffersen said.

One of the big lessons from that conflict: volume matters, especially at the lower level.

"We need to increase spending in simple systems that we need a huge volume of that can, basically, counter very low-tech drones that could pose a threat, so we don't end up using the most sophisticated missile systems against something that is very cheap to buy, and basically, you will not have enough volume," he said. "So I'm looking for better counter-UAS systems on the tactical level, to deal with drones on the tactical level."

He added that he's open to any solution the market can provide: "Everything that could take down drones. ... If there's a cheap low-tech drone, the response has to be as cheap and low tech as possible. And then you need to find out how should this balance out through the force."

While that represents the near-term air defense priority, Kristoffersen was open that the long-range air defense option is going to take longer to sort out. While not wanting to put a direct timeline on it, he emphasized that he and his team need to really dig in to make sure they are buying the right system, given how fast both missile and counter-missile technology is developing.

"I don't have a clear answer today what sort of system we should buy. I think we need to not waste any time, but we need to find out, what do you want to invest in?" he said. "Is it Patriot systems, something else? These are very costly, requires a lot of people to man. So that's a that's a big decision.

"I hope we can make that announcement as soon as possible. But I need to look more deeply into it. There are so many systems out now," he added. "So we need to compare all systems, and then the other technology development, also in industry. So we'll see."

More broadly, Kristoffersen said, a major focus of the new funding plan will be on making sure Norway has enough volume overall — of both manpower and materiel — to handle a future crisis. That includes expanding the army from one brigade to three and planning to increase the weapons stockpiled throughout the country.

"We need to think bigger and act faster, and we need to move into more volume," he said.

https://breakingdefense.com/2024/04/norways-air-defense-priorities-volume-first-then-long-range-capabilities/

[Harald]

De Duitsers gaan alles op de Boxer zetten

Rückkehr der Heeresflugabwehrtruppe
https://defence-network.com/rueckkehr-der-heeresflugabwehrtruppe/

Terugkeer van de luchtafweermacht van het leger

Het Duitse leger is bezig met de wederopbouw van zijn luchtverdedigingsmacht, volgens het besluit van legerinspecteur-generaal Alfons Mais vorige week, zoals cpm Defense Network heeft vernomen van een goed geïnformeerde bron. Daarmee draait luitenant-generaal Mais een vredesdividendbesluit terug, maar het opbouwen van capaciteit zal tijd vergen.

Wat moeilijk is, is niet noodzakelijkerwijs de technologische component – ��het nieuwe luchtverdedigingssysteem van het leger zou systemen moeten overnemen van het project voor de bescherming van nabije en onmiddellijke gebieden – maar vooral de ontwikkeling van de personele capaciteiten. De luchtmacht zal hier ondersteuning bieden en legerkameraden opnieuw kwalificeren voor luchtverdediging in Husum en Todendorf.

Vanuit het Near and Near Area Protection ( NNbS ) project zal het nieuwe luchtverdedigingssysteem van het leger alle wapensystemen onder IRIS-T SLM overnemen, dat wil zeggen de Skyranger en de luchtafweerrakettanks. Beide wapensystemen zijn of worden geïmplementeerd op Boxer-basis.

De luchtverdedigingsmacht van het leger, die na de overdracht van de laatste Gepard in 2010 alleen het lichte luchtverdedigingssysteem Ocelot als belangrijkste wapensysteem had, werd op 12 maart 2012 buiten gebruik gesteld. De legerleiding schuwde lange tijd een herschikking vanwege de noodzakelijke personeelscapaciteit, maar deze stap is nu besloten door de legerinspectie en is bedoeld om gebruik te maken van het momentum van de aanstaande hervorming van de Bundeswehr. De formatie zou niet lang moeten duren en de training van de relevante strijdkrachten zou onmiddellijk moeten beginnen.

Projekt Nah- und Nächstbereichsschutz (NNbS)
https://defence-network.com/haushaltsausschuss-bewilligt-entwicklung-von-nnbs/

[Harald]

Nytt rörligt luftvärn har köpts in
https://www.forsvarsmakten.se/sv/aktuellt/2024/01/nytt-rorligt-luftvarn-har-kopts-in/

Er is nieuwe mobiele luchtverdediging aangeschaft

De Zweedse Defensie Materieel Administratie, FMV, heeft een nieuw luchtverdedigingssysteem besteld bij Saab. Het zal worden getest om kennis en ervaring op te doen vóór een grotere aanschaf van korteafstandsluchtverdedigingssystemen voor het leger.

FMV en SAAB hebben een contract getekend voor de demonstrator van een mobiel luchtverdedigingssysteem, Mobile Short-Range Air Defense (MSHORAD). Deze demonstrator is bedoeld om ervaring op te doen ter voorbereiding op de toekomstige aanschaf van een mobiel luchtafweersysteem voor de landmacht.

Een houder voor drie RBS-70 NG (robotsysteem 70D) is als MSHORAD in de Bandvagn 410 (BvS10) geïntegreerd. Een andere BvS10, genaamd LvNorr, dient als sensordrager bij de SAAB Giraffe 1X.

Het nieuwe systeem, dat bedoeld is om te worden gebruikt voor testen, wordt vanaf 2025 geleverd

https://www.facebook.com/luftvarnsregementet.lv6/posts/pfbid02wBCRwgxYU5gEhU51VrK1dnTgGCarCkGWP5s6EvfmJBFogNcoJVf9ZVwwUNkZcAstl





Sweden orders mobile air-defence systems

The Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) ordered mobile short-range air defence (MSHORAD) systems from Saab during the fourth quarter of 2023, the agency and company announced on 17 January.

Saab valued the contract at SEK300 million (over USD28 million) and said the contract period ranged from 2024 to 2026, while the FMV expected deliveries of two different types of MSHORAD systems, both integrated into the Bv410, the Swedish designation for the BvS10 all-terrain vehicle (ATV), starting in 2025 for a demonstrator programme in view of a larger acquisition of a new short-range MSHORAD system for the Swedish Army.

An FMV spokesperson told Janes on 17–18 January that his agency ordered two systems with three RBS 70 NG missiles mounted on the roof of the Bv410 and two with four ready-to-launch IRIS-T missiles on the back of the ATV, designated Eldenhet (EldE) 98 or Fire Unit 98. An MSHORAD system will consist of a Mobile Radar Unit (MRU) and a Mobile Fire Unit (MFU), both mounted and integrated into the Bv410. An MRU consisting of a Giraffe 1X radar mounted on a Bv410 will be added to the EldE 98, which is in service with the Swedish Army, with the two forming the LvNorr. The FMV said the Bv410 provides fragmentation protection and mobility.

MSHORAD's MRU will be connected to the MFU with Saab's ground-based air defence command-and-control (GBAD C2) system. Saab spokespersons told Janes

https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/sweden-orders-mobile-air-defence-systems

[Harald]

(De Oostenrijkse variant)
Mobile Fliegerabwehr mit SKYRANGER 30
Das Bundesheer beschafft 36 PANDUR Evolution der Variante Fliegerabwehr mit dem SKYRANGER 30 System

[Harald]

South Korea Deploys New K30W Chunho Air Defense System During Freedom Shield 24 Exercise with US

During the military exercise, Freedom Shield 24 (FS24) involved U.S. and South Korean soldiers in South Korea, the latest generation of mobile air defense system called K30W Chunho was deployed by the South Korean armed forces. Freedom Shield 24 (FS24) is an 11-day military exercise that began on March 4 and continued until March 14, 2024.


The new K30W Chunho

The Freedom Shield 24 (FS24) military exercise involved military forces from the Republic of Korea (ROK) and the United States and aimed to reflect the Korea Theater of Operations, which includes a combined, joint, multi-domain, and interagency operating environment. FS24 is designed to build understanding and coordination between the Combined Forces Command, United States Forces Korea, the United Nations Command, and the ROK Joint Chiefs of Staff. The goal is to enhance the combined defense posture and Alliance response capabilities against a spectrum of security threats.

The exercise featured live, virtual, constructive, and field-based training, engaging military personnel from various services and other federal agencies. It focuses on conducting multi-domain operations that leverage land, sea, air, cyber, and space assets, with an emphasis on counter-nuclear operations and non-kinetic effects. Service members from 12 United Nations Command Member States, including Australia, Belgium, Canada, Colombia, France, Great Britain, Greece, Italy, New Zealand, the Philippines, Thailand, and the U.S., are participating, adding to the international character of the exercise. The Neutral Nations Supervisory Commission is also observing and conducting third-party observations in line with the Armistice Agreement responsibilities.

FS24 was conducted in the spirit of the October 1, 1953, ROK-U.S. Mutual Defense Treaty and supports the Armistice Agreement. It underscores the enduring military partnership between the ROK and the U.S., reinforcing the Alliance's role as a linchpin for regional peace and security. The exercise also demonstrates the U.S.'s unwavering commitment to defending the ROK. In conjunction with FS24, ROK-led and U.S.-led units are conducting several large-scale, combined training sessions to enhance interoperability and elevate combat readiness, aiming to bolster security and stability not just on the Korean peninsula but across Northeast Asia and the Indo-Pacific.

The K30W Chunho nicknamed Sky Tiger, is a modern anti-aircraft gun wheeled armored vehicle system developed by Hanwha Aerospace for the Republic of Korea Army. It is designed to offer improved defense against low-flying aircraft and drones, replacing the older 20mm M167 Vulcan Air Defense System that has been in service for over four decades across the South Korean Army, Air Force, and Marine Corps. Based on the Hyundai Rotem K808 8×8 armored vehicle chassis, the K30W AAGV features a two-man turret, which is also used on the tracked K30 Biho self-propelled anti-aircraft gun (SPAAG).

The main armament of the K30W Chunho consists of two 30mm Rheinmetall Air Defense (Oerlikon) KCB automatic cannons. These cannons are manufactured under license by the South Korean S&T group and are designed to offer effective defense against low-flying aircraft and drones. With a cyclic rate of fire of 600 rounds per minute for each gun and an effective firing range of approximately 3 kilometers, these cannons provide the K30W Chunho with potent firepower. Each gun is supplied with 300 rounds of ready-to-use ammunition, ensuring the vehicle can sustain fire for an extended period during engagements.

The K30W Chunho is designed to accommodate a crew of three, including a commander, gunner, and driver, with additional space for more operators if necessary. Its armor provides protection against small arms fire and artillery shell splinters, making it a formidable addition to South Korea's air defense capabilities.

The development of the K30W Chunho began with a focus on enhancing localized support and self-targeting functionalities through advanced targeting systems. It was introduced into service after South Korea's Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) confirmed the initial batch of AAGWs had been received by the military.

This system signifies a major upgrade in South Korea's air defense, with Hanwha Defense and Hyundai Rotem playing critical roles in its development and production. The introduction of the K30W Chunho is a clear demonstration of South Korea's commitment to maintaining a robust defense posture against evolving aerial threats.

https://www.armyrecognition.com/defense_news_march_2024_global_security_army_industry/south_korea_deploys_new_k30w_chunho_air_defense_system_during_freedom_shield_24_exercise_with_us.html

[Harald]

+1 zeer interessant om te combineren met een SPAAG UGV. Per bemand voertuig 1 UGV en je vult je batterijen zo tot de benodigde hoeveelheid met lage personeels druk.

Precies ook mijn idee.

[Parera]

Interessant voor erbij, als team-up

Überhaupt een interessant platform in alle 3 de varianten en mogelijk in nog meer opties.

En een paar Boxers of G5's met die MOOG M-SHORAD toren erop.

+1 zeer interessant om te combineren met een SPAAG UGV. Per bemand voertuig 1 UGV en je vult je batterijen zo tot de benodigde hoeveelheid met lage personeels druk.

[Harald]

Interessant voor erbij, als team-up

En een paar Boxers of G5's met die MOOG M-SHORAD toren erop.

[Huzaar1]

Interessant voor erbij, als team-up

[Harald]

General Dynamics Develops TRX SHORAD New Robotic Air Defense System with Missiles and Cannon

American Company General Dynamics has developed the TRX SHORAD with Advanced Armament and TRX Robot Integration for Superior Aerial Defense General Dynamics has announced a major development in military defense capabilities with the introduction of the TRX SHORAD and the strategic integration of the TRX robot, marking a pivotal enhancement in counter-Uncrewed Aerial Systems (c-UAS) technology. This latest development showcases a significant leap in air defense, offering a dual approach to neutralize drone threats effectively.


The General Dynamics TRX SHORAD is an unmanned ground vehicle armed with air defense missiles and a 30mm automatic cannon.

The TRX SHORAD system is not only a marvel of modern engineering but also a powerhouse of defense, equipped with a remotely controlled weapon station. This station houses a single 30mm automatic cannon and two quartets of missile launchers, ready to fire Stinger surface-to-air missiles. The Stinger, a shoulder-launched, heat-seeking missile, is renowned for its effectiveness against low-altitude aircraft and helicopters, leveraging its heat-seeking capabilities to track and neutralize threats based on the heat signatures from aircraft engines.

Complementing the Stinger's capabilities, the 30mm cannon offers a high rate of fire, making it an invaluable asset against air and ground targets, including low-altitude, slow-moving aircraft, helicopters, and UAVs. The integration of these two powerful systems provides a comprehensive air defense capability, ensuring ground forces are well-protected against a variety of aerial threats.

Further enhancing the TRX SHORAD's capabilities is the integration of the TRX robot, an unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) that brings unmatched versatility and reconnaissance to the battlefield. Equipped with sophisticated sensors and AI-driven surveillance technologies, the TRX robot serves as the eyes and ears of the SHORAD system, offering critical intelligence for effective threat engagement.

The TRX robot itself is a testament to technological innovation, built on a versatile tracked chassis that weighs 10,000 kg and supports a 450 kg payload capacity. Its flat deck is designed to accommodate various mission equipment packages, making it adaptable to numerous operational needs. Operating on a hybrid power system that includes a diesel engine, batteries, and electric motors, the TRX guarantees exceptional ground mobility and ample power for its systems and payload.

The unveiling of the TRX SHORAD, equipped with a potent mix of a 30mm cannon and Stinger missiles, along with the technical prowess of the TRX robot, signifies a new era in air defense technology. This comprehensive system not only addresses the immediate challenges posed by UAVs but also sets a new benchmark for future air defense solutions. With its advanced armament, cutting-edge technology, and strategic integration capabilities, the TRX SHORAD and TRX robot ensemble are poised to offer military forces an unparalleled level of protection against modern aerial threats.

https://www.armyrecognition.com/defense_news_march_2024_global_security_army_industry/general_dynamics_develops_trx_shorad_new_robotic_air_defense_system_with_missiles_and_cannon.html

[Harald]

Northrop Grumman partners with Diehl Defence for enhanced air and missile defense solutions

Northrop Grumman and Diehl Defence GmbH & Co. KG have formalized an agreement through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on enhancing Germany's air and missile defense capabilities through innovative, layered solutions. Leveraging Northrop Grumman's expertise in Integrated Air and Missile Defense (IAMD) and control systems, exemplified by the U.S. Army's Integrated Battle Command System (IBCS), and Diehl's advanced ground-based air and missile defense systems, such as the IRIS-T SLM, this partnership aims to foster integration and interoperability within allied defense networks.


The IRIS-T SLM, a surface-to-air guided missile system developed for the German Tactical Air Defence, boasts an improved rocket motor for increased range

This MoU opens avenues for both companies to leverage their technological strengths to further the development of Germany's defense infrastructure, ensuring a streamlined integration of air and missile defense systems. It also underscores the importance of updating IAMD capabilities for NATO and European allies, highlighting the necessity for modern, collaborative defense strategies.

Rebecca Torzone, Northrop Grumman's vice president and general manager for global battle management and readiness, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership's potential to advance defense capabilities alongside German industry partners. She emphasized the collaborative effort to innovate in the realm of integrated defense systems.

Torsten Cook, Diehl Defence's senior vice president for the ground-based air defense business unit, highlighted the partnership's capacity to enhance options for IRIS-T SLM users, pointing out the improved interoperability and combat effectiveness that comes from utilizing multiple ground-based air defense (GBAD) systems like the IRIS-T SLM and Patriot concurrently.

Northrop Grumman's IAMD Command and Control capabilities, and Diehl's IRIS-T SLM

Northrop Grumman's command and control capabilities for IAMD provide adaptability and scalability, crucial for tailoring to mission-specific needs. The IBCS is instrumental in integrating diverse assets across the battlespace, fostering a unified operational picture and facilitating swift, informed decision-making to enhance engagement strategies.

The IRIS-T SLM, a surface-to-air guided missile system developed for the German Tactical Air Defence, boasts an improved rocket motor for increased range. It offers comprehensive 360-degree defense against a variety of threats and is designed for easy integration into existing and forthcoming air defense networks, enhancing flexibility and protection capabilities.

As a global leader in aerospace and defense technology, Northrop Grumman is committed to delivering innovative solutions that enable connectivity and safeguarding across the globe, continually pushing the envelope of human exploration and defense readiness. This partnership with Diehl Defence represents a significant step towards bolstering global defense infrastructures and ensuring collective security and operational efficiency.

https://www.armyrecognition.com/defense_news_march_2024_global_security_army_industry/northrop_grumman_partners_with_diehl_defence_for_enhanced_air_and_missile_defense_solutions.html

[Harald]

Rafael expects Iron Beam laser to be active in 2025: Exec



The outbreak of war following the Oct. 7 terrorist attacks has not derailed Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, a key player in Israel's defense industry, and the company is on track to deliver its laser-powered Iron Beam system in 2025, according to a top executive.

"Rafael's performance of 2023 has reached heights that we have not expected, and these will be published on the beginning of April as a summary for 2023," Gidi Weiss, Vice President of Strategy, Business Development and Marketing at Rafael, told Breaking Defense. But, he said, only a small portion of the company's growth over the last 24 months has come from either the Israel-Gaza conflict or the conflict in Ukraine.

"The characteristic of the big picture to summarize 2023 is we have reached these new peaks based upon our good standing and reputation and high value proportion to our customers based on long term relationships and competitions we have been participating in over the past few years," Weiss says. In other words, the current position of the company reflects a long-term trend and that the impact of the current war, now in its fifth month, won't be felt or realized until some time in the future.

Rafael, whose products include the Iron Dome air defense system and the Trophy active protection system used on Israel's main battle tanks and APCs, plays a central role in the current war effort. Israel has not published recent data on Iron Dome interceptions, but as of January claimed more than 9,000 rockets fired at Israel from Gaza and also 2,000 from Lebanon and Syria. The Israel Air Force says that there have been "tens" of interceptions by David's Sling, which is also made by Rafael.

It is unsurprising, then, that the company sees a robust desire for air defense systems moving forward. One capability that Israel has been talking about deploying over the last several years, but which has not been active for the current conflict, is a ground-based laser air defense system, known as the Iron Beam.

In October 2022, a company official told Breaking Defense the Iron Beam would be ready in "two-to-three years," and Weiss confirmed this week that Rafael expects the system to be fielded "by the end of 2025." He added that the system has actually been under contract for a "year and a half."

In addition, in January Rafael said it had completed trials with its Spyder air defense system with Israel's Ministry of Defense. The Spyder is usually sold abroad as an air defense tool that uses the company's Python and Derby interceptors, used often to counter aerial threats. Weiss said that the need to protect Israel against a "multitude of drones and UAVs from Hezbollah, and drones and cruise missiles from the Houthis in the south" led to a test that "showed the ability to integrate the system and aptly neutralize threats we see in this arena."

Spyder would bolster Israel's existing multi-layered air defenses, which in recent months have had to deal with more threats on more fronts than in previous wars. Weiss also says the company is addressing "immediate improvements and integrations and fixes of issues and technical problems, immediate application of improvement [based on] suggestions from the war fighters, this was phenomenal on all fronts: Land, air, naval cyber, intel, communications." He did not elaborate on specific changes to systems Rafael supplies the IDF.

In terms of ground vehicles, the exec couldn't say how many of its systems, such as Trophy, have actively been engaged in the conflict in Gaza. But that didn't stop him from bragging about the relative lack of casualties for ground forces. (Israel doesn't release details on the number of tanks damaged, but there have been only a few published incidents in which numerous casualties resulted from impacts to APCs.)

"Never in the history of warfare have there been so many tanks and APCs involved in such a small and tight ground maneuver," Weiss noted, boasting that Trophy has played a major role in protecting the Israeli forces.

https://breakingdefense.com/2024/03/rafael-expects-iron-beam-laser-to-be-active-in-2025-exec/

[Harald]

BAE Systems showcases Armored Multi-Purpose Vehicle enhancements at AUSA clearing the way for future variants

BAE Systems is featuring a prototype variation of the Armored Multi-Purpose Vehicle (AMPV) at AUSA 2023.



The AMPV Counter-Unmanned Aircraft System (CUAS) prototype, built on the same proven chassis as the existing variants in the family of vehicles, includes External Mission Equipment Package (ExMEP) enhancements that demonstrate the rapid integration of future technologies and capabilities onto the platform.
 
The prototype features the new ExMEP interchangeable top plate, which enhances the proven AMPV hull structure and provides flexibility to quickly integrate other mission equipment. This modular approach allows for the possibility of new turreted variants to the AMPV family of vehicles, to include CUAS.
 
The CUAS prototype features the Moog Reconfigurable Integrated-weapons Platform (RIwP) turret, which is common to the U.S. Army's Mobile Short Range Air Defense (M-SHORAD) system. The RIwP is a proven, modular, and scalable remote turret, which offers air defense, anti-armor, or multi-mission capabilities via precision medium-caliber and indirect fires. The CUAS variation also includes mission-ready command and control systems beyond what is available on the current AMPV fleet.
 
"The Armored Multi-Purpose Vehicle truly lays the foundation of the future of the battlefield for decades to come," said Bill Sheehy, BAE Systems AMPV program director. "We designed these vehicles with modularity and flexibility, providing an adaptable and ready-for-growth platform. Showcasing the art of the possible with the ExMEP enhancement and CUAS capability at AUSA is just the beginning of opportunities beyond the current family of vehicles. This vehicle will continue to provide the support Soldiers need in battle, no matter the mission."
 
The AMPV program was awarded a full-rate production contract in August 2023. As the underpinning of the future for the Army and its allies, the AMPV provides significant improvements in power, mobility, interoperability, and survivability for Soldiers.

https://www.baesystems.com/en-us/article/bae-systems-showcases-armored-multi-purpose-vehicle-enhancements-at-ausa-clearing-the-way-for-future-variants