internationale ontwikkelingen LUA, SPAAG, luchtafweer

[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

[Harald]

https://twitter.com/gepardtatze/status/1763099983765516606?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1763099983765516606%7Ctwgr%5E%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=

[Master Mack]

Ook te duur, ook destijds, waren absurde bedragen. Die werden uitgegeven omdat iedereen in dit land en binnen de NAVO haar krijgsmacht en collectieve verdediging uiterst serieus nam en de financiering niet was belegd bij politici.


Ter vergelijking, we hebben nu inmiddels politici die specifiek moties aan het indienen zijn voor '1' tankbataljon.

Dergelijke voorbeelden geven de onzinnigheid van de politieke rol weer binnen onze nationale veiligheidsmaatregelen.


Het is te debiel voor woorden dat politici nu de kwantiteit aan gaan geven voor een wapensysteem.

Eens het systeem is Kaput en daarom stemmen mensen op wat anders niet dat het beter is maar slechter gaat ook niet wordt er gedacht.Ik ben niet boos maar teleurgesteld. Individualisme viert hoogtij helaas.

[Huzaar1]

Maar wel een reeds bestaande systeem en bewezen concept. Waarom dan een totaal nieuw iets ontwikkelen als je ook "een afgeleide van" kunt bouwen op een ander platform.

Ook te duur, ook destijds, waren absurde bedragen. Die werden uitgegeven omdat iedereen in dit land en binnen de NAVO haar krijgsmacht en collectieve verdediging uiterst serieus nam en de financiering niet was belegd bij politici.


Ter vergelijking, we hebben nu inmiddels politici die specifiek moties aan het indienen zijn voor '1' tankbataljon.

Dergelijke voorbeelden geven de onzinnigheid van de politieke rol weer binnen onze nationale veiligheidsmaatregelen.


Het is te debiel voor woorden dat politici nu de kwantiteit aan gaan geven voor een wapensysteem.

[Zander]

Welnee, dingen gaan zo snel. Wordt alleen maar erger.

Cheetas waren ook enorm bizar duur.

Maar wel een reeds bestaande systeem en bewezen concept. Waarom dan een totaal nieuw iets ontwikkelen als je ook "een afgeleide van" kunt bouwen op een ander platform.

[Harald]

Zo kan het ook ... 


Rheinmetall to supply undisclosed European customer with further Skynex air defence systems

Rheinmetall has been awarded a further contract to supply Skynex air defence systems to a European customer. The order has a value in the lower three-digit million euro range. The deliveries will take place throughout 2025 and, as with the initial contract, will also include the associated Rheinmetall-made HX trucks.



Relying on automatic cannon-based air defence, Skynex lends itself especially well to very short-range contexts where guided missiles are ineffective. Moreover, the use of programmable 35mm Ahead ammunition, as developed by Rheinmetall for this purpose, is significantly less expensive than comparable guided missile-based systems. Equally important: 35mm ammunition cannot be influenced much less jammed by electronic countermeasures when fired. The success of the self-propelled "Flakpanzer" Gepard antiaircraft system in Ukraine underscores the effectiveness of 35mm gun-based air defence against aerial targets, especially cruise missiles and drones.

The advanced Skynex air defence system is based on a concept that keeps airspace surveillance separate from the effectors. Owing to this modularity, and depending on the mission, the necessary assets can be linked to the command-and-control network. The system enables the integration of radar equipment from various manufacturers. Skynex also offers great freedom concerning effectors, enabling the integration of many different advanced air defence weapons into the system.

Having its own tracking unit is the sole prerequisite. Besides individual sensors and effectors, existing air defence systems like the Skyshield and Skyguard families can be built into the new architecture as fire units. In a remotely located command and weapon engagement centre, the recognized air situation is depicted on a map together with the sensors and effectors positioned in the field, thus simplifying the allocation of targets to air defence assets connected to the system.

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

[Huzaar1]

Je kan erom lachen, maar als aanvullende maatregel is 't wel spotgoedkoop en, ik vermoed, effectief op lage hoogte.

Welnee, dingen gaan zo snel. Wordt alleen maar erger.

[Huzaar1]

Maar, waarom zo duur. De oude Cheeta's doen daar met de Gepard samen ook prima zaken tov drones. Verder wordt er vanalles door de overige geleverde lua uit de lucht gejankt. Denk niet dat het zo extreem duur had hoeven zijn als de Skyranger.

Cheetas waren ook enorm bizar duur.

[Huzaar1]

Wat ik uit openbare bronnen kan halen, is dat de A8 ook richting 30 miljoen gaat p/stuk. Denk er eens aan hoeveel drones je hiervoor kunt kopen.
Wat ik over de hele lijn mis is de ratio kosten vs aantallen op alle onderdelen en daarmee het voortzettingsvermogen.
 
 

Is niet de 'schone' prijs. Is moeilijk uit osint te onttrekken.

[Master Mack]

Zou je van de CV90 met 35mm kanon een goede SPAAG kunnen maken?

[Harald]

Maar, waarom zo duur. De oude Cheeta's doen daar met de Gepard samen ook prima zaken tov drones. Verder wordt er vanalles door de overige geleverde lua uit de lucht gejankt. Denk niet dat het zo extreem duur had hoeven zijn als de Skyranger.

Ik snap deze reactie niet. Net of de cheeta's/ gepards goedkoop zijn, waren.
Deze zijn net zo speciaal ontworpen en ontwikkeld als de Skyranger. Puur AA.
Ik denk dat de Pruttel in vergelijking met de Leopard 1 toen hij in 1977 zijn intrede deed ook niet goedkoop was.

[Parera]

De ACSV G5 heeft een draagvermogen van 8,5 ton en ik dacht gelezen te hebben dat de Skyranger 30 toren 4-4,5 ton was. Dus dat is geen enkel probleem.
Financieel is een G5 goedkoper dan een Boxer. Het is erg moeilijk een duidelijk beeld te krijgen wat de Noorse stuksprijs is voor die G5. Maar G5 SPAAG zal zeker een goedkoper alternatief zijn.   

Maar misschien zijn er nog andere universele alternatieven ?

Maar aan de andere kant een goed luchtafweer systeem is wel cruciaal!!
Kijk maar naar de oorlog in Oekraïne.

Gewicht zal het probleem niet zijn voor de G5, net zoals dat geen probleem vormt bij de Boxer. Het gewicht was alleen een issue bij de Oostenrijkse order omdat die op 6x6 Pandur EVO's komt te staan.

De FFG G5 heeft een payload vermogen van 8 ton. De Skyranger 35 weegt 4.0 a 4.5 ton maar de 30 mm variant weegt slechts 2.0 a 2.5 ton. Wel heeft het (voor Oostenrijk) bemanning van 4 koppen nodig, maar dit zal inclusief bestuurder en commandant zijn dus mogelijk 2 voor skyranger zelf.

Als dit systeem echt zo overdreven duur is dan zou de NL defensie eigenlijk met de NL industrie om tafel moeten gaan en zelf een systeem ontwikkelen. Eventueel samen met onze Noorse partners waarbij het G5 chassis de basis vormt.

[Zander]

De ACSV G5 heeft een draagvermogen van 8,5 ton en ik dacht gelezen te hebben dat de Skyranger 30 toren 4-4,5 ton was. Dus dat is geen enkel probleem.
Financieel is een G5 goedkoper dan een Boxer. Het is erg moeilijk een duidelijk beeld te krijgen wat de Noorse stuksprijs is voor die G5. Maar G5 SPAAG zal zeker een goedkoper alternatief zijn.   

Maar misschien zijn er nog andere universele alternatieven ?

Maar aan de andere kant een goed luchtafweer systeem is wel cruciaal!!
Kijk maar naar de oorlog in Oekraïne.

Maar, waarom zo duur. De oude Cheeta's doen daar met de Gepard samen ook prima zaken tov drones. Verder wordt er vanalles door de overige geleverde lua uit de lucht gejankt. Denk niet dat het zo extreem duur had hoeven zijn als de Skyranger.