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Recente berichten
#1
Europa / Re: Rusland's Expansie
Last post by Ace1 - Vandaag om 22:07Citaat van: Benji87 op Vandaag om 21:52Het gaan sowieso spannende maanden worden voor Oekraïne. Men heeft weer eens ouderwets lang zitten treuzelen met wapensteun en nu loopt Oekraïne achter de feiten aan. Bij Chasiv Yar (nabij Bakhmut) en bij Ocheretyne (nabij Avdiivka) dreigen nu 2 strategische doorbraken plaats te vinden. Het initiatief ligt momenteel volop bij Rusland en de angst is dat er een nog groter offensief zal volgen in Juni. Het gaat dus billen knijpen worden voor Oekraïne. Het front moet gestabiliseerd worden en dan kan wellicht eind 2024 of begin 2025 over een nieuw tegenoffensief worden nagedacht.
Het front stabiliseren gaat alleen met voldoende luchtsteun en calvarie anders gaat hem dat niet worden.
#2
Europa / Re: Rusland's Expansie
Last post by Benji87 - Vandaag om 21:52Het gaan sowieso spannende maanden worden voor Oekraïne. Men heeft weer eens ouderwets lang zitten treuzelen met wapensteun en nu loopt Oekraïne achter de feiten aan. Bij Chasiv Yar (nabij Bakhmut) en bij Ocheretyne (nabij Avdiivka) dreigen nu 2 strategische doorbraken plaats te vinden. Het initiatief ligt momenteel volop bij Rusland en de angst is dat er een nog groter offensief zal volgen in Juni. Het gaat dus billen knijpen worden voor Oekraïne. Het front moet gestabiliseerd worden en dan kan wellicht eind 2024 of begin 2025 over een nieuw tegenoffensief worden nagedacht.
#3
Defensie Nieuws & Media (Internationaal) / Re: Migratie problemen in Euro...
Last post by Ace1 - Vandaag om 21:19Sunak: doorreizen asielzoekers bewijs voor succes Rwanda-plan
Rishi Sunak ziet in het groeiende aantal asielzoekers dat doorreist naar Ierland een bewijs voor de afschrikkende werking van zijn omstreden plan hen op het vliegtuig naar Rwanda te zetten. De Britse premier zei dat in een interview met Sky News, dat zondag in zijn geheel wordt uitgezonden
De Ierse minister van Justitie, Helen McEntee, vertelde een parlementaire commissie deze week dat naar schatting 80 procent van de personen die een verblijfsvergunning hopen te krijgen het land binnenkomt via Noord-Ierland, onderdeel van het Verenigd Koninkrijk.
"Illegale migratie is een wereldwijd probleem. Daarom zie je steeds meer landen praten over een partnerschap met derden. Dit toont, denk ik, ook dat afschrikking effect heeft doordat mensen zich zorgen gaan maken over hun overtocht. Als mensen illegaal ons land binnenkomen, terwijl ze weten dat ze geen kans maken te mogen blijven, zien ze er misschien vanaf. Daarom is het Rwanda-plan zo belangrijk", aldus Sunak.
Over de wetgeving die de uitzetting van vluchtelingen naar en opvang in Rwanda mogelijk maakt, wordt maandag na eindeloze parlementaire discussies in het Lager- en Hogerhuis vermoedelijk een besluit genomen. De meeste illegalen komen Engeland binnen vanuit Noord-Frankrijk op kleine, vaak gammele en overvolle bootjes.
https://www.trouw.nl/buitenland/sunak-doorreizen-asielzoekers-bewijs-voor-succes-rwanda-plan~b604b607/
Rishi Sunak ziet in het groeiende aantal asielzoekers dat doorreist naar Ierland een bewijs voor de afschrikkende werking van zijn omstreden plan hen op het vliegtuig naar Rwanda te zetten. De Britse premier zei dat in een interview met Sky News, dat zondag in zijn geheel wordt uitgezonden
De Ierse minister van Justitie, Helen McEntee, vertelde een parlementaire commissie deze week dat naar schatting 80 procent van de personen die een verblijfsvergunning hopen te krijgen het land binnenkomt via Noord-Ierland, onderdeel van het Verenigd Koninkrijk.
"Illegale migratie is een wereldwijd probleem. Daarom zie je steeds meer landen praten over een partnerschap met derden. Dit toont, denk ik, ook dat afschrikking effect heeft doordat mensen zich zorgen gaan maken over hun overtocht. Als mensen illegaal ons land binnenkomen, terwijl ze weten dat ze geen kans maken te mogen blijven, zien ze er misschien vanaf. Daarom is het Rwanda-plan zo belangrijk", aldus Sunak.
Over de wetgeving die de uitzetting van vluchtelingen naar en opvang in Rwanda mogelijk maakt, wordt maandag na eindeloze parlementaire discussies in het Lager- en Hogerhuis vermoedelijk een besluit genomen. De meeste illegalen komen Engeland binnen vanuit Noord-Frankrijk op kleine, vaak gammele en overvolle bootjes.
https://www.trouw.nl/buitenland/sunak-doorreizen-asielzoekers-bewijs-voor-succes-rwanda-plan~b604b607/
#4
Europa / Re: Rusland's Expansie
Last post by Ace1 - Vandaag om 21:15Bevelhebber Oekraïense leger: situatie aan het front is verslechterd
De situatie aan het front is voor Oekraïne verslechterd. Oleksandr Syrsky, de bevelhebber van het Oekraïense leger, schrijft dat in een Facebookbericht. Rusland "valt de volledige frontlijn actief aan, en boekt in sommige sectoren tactische successen."
Volgens de opperbevelhebber heeft Rusland een "aanzienlijk voordeel" op het vlak van troepen en materieel. Er werd de voorbije week hard gevochten, waarbij veroverde posities soms meerdere keren per dag van kamp wisselden, schrijft hij.
Syrsky geeft toe dat de Oekraïense troepen zich uit meerdere dorpen in de provincie Donetsk hebben teruggetrokken. Hij spreekt over meedogenloze gevechten in de omgeving van de stad Pokrovsk, een stad in Donetsk die nog in handen is van Oekraïne. Daar zou de situatie momenteel "het meest gecompliceerd" zijn.
Eerder vandaag meldde het Russische persagentschap Interfax dat het Russische leger het dorp Novobachmoetivka heeft veroverd. Syrsky bevestigt dat in het bericht op Facebook.
Tekorten aan manschappen en munitie
Het Oekraïense leger is sinds de val van de strategische stad Avdiivka in februari in het defensief gedrongen. Daarbij speelt een tekort aan manschappen, luchtafweer, wapens en munitie de Oekraïners parten.
Het wapentekort kan de komende weken voor een deel weggewerkt worden, nu het Amerikaanse parlement een nieuw steunpakket van 61 miljard dollar heeft goedgekeurd.
Volgens experts zal het echter nog weken duren voordat dit steunpakket daadwerkelijk effect heeft op het slagveld. "Het is niet zo dat de wereld er morgen heel anders uitziet", zei Mart de Kruif, voormalig-Commandant Landstrijdkrachten, daar vorige week over. Het is volgens hem een kwestie van langzaam opbouwen voor het Oekraïense leger. Tot die tijd kan Rusland nog profiteren van de tekorten aan Oekraïense zijde.
https://nos.nl/collectie/13965/artikel/2518550-bevelhebber-oekraiense-leger-situatie-aan-het-front-is-verslechterd
De situatie aan het front is voor Oekraïne verslechterd. Oleksandr Syrsky, de bevelhebber van het Oekraïense leger, schrijft dat in een Facebookbericht. Rusland "valt de volledige frontlijn actief aan, en boekt in sommige sectoren tactische successen."
Volgens de opperbevelhebber heeft Rusland een "aanzienlijk voordeel" op het vlak van troepen en materieel. Er werd de voorbije week hard gevochten, waarbij veroverde posities soms meerdere keren per dag van kamp wisselden, schrijft hij.
Syrsky geeft toe dat de Oekraïense troepen zich uit meerdere dorpen in de provincie Donetsk hebben teruggetrokken. Hij spreekt over meedogenloze gevechten in de omgeving van de stad Pokrovsk, een stad in Donetsk die nog in handen is van Oekraïne. Daar zou de situatie momenteel "het meest gecompliceerd" zijn.
Eerder vandaag meldde het Russische persagentschap Interfax dat het Russische leger het dorp Novobachmoetivka heeft veroverd. Syrsky bevestigt dat in het bericht op Facebook.
Tekorten aan manschappen en munitie
Het Oekraïense leger is sinds de val van de strategische stad Avdiivka in februari in het defensief gedrongen. Daarbij speelt een tekort aan manschappen, luchtafweer, wapens en munitie de Oekraïners parten.
Het wapentekort kan de komende weken voor een deel weggewerkt worden, nu het Amerikaanse parlement een nieuw steunpakket van 61 miljard dollar heeft goedgekeurd.
Volgens experts zal het echter nog weken duren voordat dit steunpakket daadwerkelijk effect heeft op het slagveld. "Het is niet zo dat de wereld er morgen heel anders uitziet", zei Mart de Kruif, voormalig-Commandant Landstrijdkrachten, daar vorige week over. Het is volgens hem een kwestie van langzaam opbouwen voor het Oekraïense leger. Tot die tijd kan Rusland nog profiteren van de tekorten aan Oekraïense zijde.
https://nos.nl/collectie/13965/artikel/2518550-bevelhebber-oekraiense-leger-situatie-aan-het-front-is-verslechterd
#5
Nieuwe ontwikkelingen op Defensiegebied / Re: internationale ontwikkelin...
Last post by Benji87 - Vandaag om 20:06Er is nog geen officiële berichtgeving maar de terugtrekking uit Avdiivka is wel met de nodige verliezen gepaard gegaan. Er wordt nu geschat dat Oekraïne ongeveer 25-30% van de gedoneerde Leopard 2's kwijt is waarvan er dus ook een flink aantal verloren zijn gegaan bij die specifieke terugtrekking. Of dit specifiek door drones komt is onduidelijk. Overigens zijn de eerste Leopard 2's nu ook te bezichtigen op het rode Plein in Moskou
#6
Nieuwe ontwikkelingen op Defensiegebied / Re: internationale ontwikkelin...
Last post by Harald - Vandaag om 15:06Ukraine Situation Report: M1 Abrams Tanks Withdrawn From The Fight, Officials Say
(Leopards zijn ook doelen voor Russische drone aanvallen, halen ze de Leoprads ook terug van het front ? )
After at least five losses from a fleet of 31, Ukrainian Abrams tanks have been temporarily withdrawn from operations, according to reports.
Reports suggest that Ukraine has withdrawn its U.S.-supplied M1 Abrams tanks from frontline operations — for the time being, at least. It's said that the reason for the move is their vulnerability to drone attacks, although the reasoning is somewhat hazy. Most likely, the tanks have been pulled since they are considered especially valuable assets, and having more examples knocked out — or, worse still, captured — by Russia would be a significant propaganda and materiel loss for Kyiv.
Two U.S. military officials confirmed the move to the Associated Press, stating that Russian drone operations, in particular, mean that the Abrams cannot operate effectively without detection or coming under attack.
The proliferation of drones on the battlefield means "there isn't open ground that you can just drive across without fear of detection," a senior defense official told reporters yesterday.
"When you think about the way the fight has evolved, massed armor in an environment where unmanned aerial systems are ubiquitous can be at risk," Joint Chiefs of Staff Vice Chairman Adm. Christopher Grady told AP this week.
Of course, this argument applies to any kind of tank or armored vehicle operating on the front lines and there is no indication that the Abrams is considered more vulnerable than any other (almost certainly, the opposite is true).
However, with five of the 31 Abrams provided to Ukraine already having been lost to Russian attacks, it makes sense to preserve the dwindling force for when it is needed most, for example during particular breakthrough operations, or when more examples of the M1 become available.
At the same time, the risk of having an Abrams fall into Russian hands was made glaringly obvious recently, with evidence that a U.S.-donated M1150 Assault Breacher Vehicle (ABV), a variant of the M1A1 Abrams, was captured by Russia, as you can read about here.
Russia recently captured a U.S.-donated M1150 Assault Breacher Vehicle, which is a variant of the M1 Abrams
.../...
https://www.twz.com/news-features/ukraine-situation-report-m1-abrams-tanks-withdrawn-from-the-fight-officials-say
(Leopards zijn ook doelen voor Russische drone aanvallen, halen ze de Leoprads ook terug van het front ? )
After at least five losses from a fleet of 31, Ukrainian Abrams tanks have been temporarily withdrawn from operations, according to reports.
Reports suggest that Ukraine has withdrawn its U.S.-supplied M1 Abrams tanks from frontline operations — for the time being, at least. It's said that the reason for the move is their vulnerability to drone attacks, although the reasoning is somewhat hazy. Most likely, the tanks have been pulled since they are considered especially valuable assets, and having more examples knocked out — or, worse still, captured — by Russia would be a significant propaganda and materiel loss for Kyiv.
Two U.S. military officials confirmed the move to the Associated Press, stating that Russian drone operations, in particular, mean that the Abrams cannot operate effectively without detection or coming under attack.
The proliferation of drones on the battlefield means "there isn't open ground that you can just drive across without fear of detection," a senior defense official told reporters yesterday.
"When you think about the way the fight has evolved, massed armor in an environment where unmanned aerial systems are ubiquitous can be at risk," Joint Chiefs of Staff Vice Chairman Adm. Christopher Grady told AP this week.
Of course, this argument applies to any kind of tank or armored vehicle operating on the front lines and there is no indication that the Abrams is considered more vulnerable than any other (almost certainly, the opposite is true).
However, with five of the 31 Abrams provided to Ukraine already having been lost to Russian attacks, it makes sense to preserve the dwindling force for when it is needed most, for example during particular breakthrough operations, or when more examples of the M1 become available.
At the same time, the risk of having an Abrams fall into Russian hands was made glaringly obvious recently, with evidence that a U.S.-donated M1150 Assault Breacher Vehicle (ABV), a variant of the M1A1 Abrams, was captured by Russia, as you can read about here.
Russia recently captured a U.S.-donated M1150 Assault Breacher Vehicle, which is a variant of the M1 Abrams
.../...
https://www.twz.com/news-features/ukraine-situation-report-m1-abrams-tanks-withdrawn-from-the-fight-officials-say
#7
Midden Oosten / Re: Onrust Jemen
Last post by Harald - Vandaag om 14:54Na lanceerproblemen is Belgisch fregat nu klaar voor Rode Zee
Het Belgische fregat Louise Marie gaat de Middellandse Zee verruilen voor de Rode Zee. Het M-fregat kampte met technische problemen waardoor een raket niet kon worden gelanceerd en waarna de inzet in de Rode Zee werd uitgesteld. Het fregat is nu wel klaar voor inzet, liet de Belgische marine afgelopen zaterdag weten.
https://marineschepen.nl/nieuws/Belgisch-fregat-Louise-Marie-klaar-voor-Rode-Zee-290424.html
Het Belgische fregat Louise Marie gaat de Middellandse Zee verruilen voor de Rode Zee. Het M-fregat kampte met technische problemen waardoor een raket niet kon worden gelanceerd en waarna de inzet in de Rode Zee werd uitgesteld. Het fregat is nu wel klaar voor inzet, liet de Belgische marine afgelopen zaterdag weten.
https://marineschepen.nl/nieuws/Belgisch-fregat-Louise-Marie-klaar-voor-Rode-Zee-290424.html
#8
Defensie Nieuws & Media (Internationaal) / Re: Belgie (vervangings trajec...
Last post by Harald - Vandaag om 12:39Inauguration of Griffon armored vehicles assembly plant in Belgium
On April 23, 2024, Belgium inaugurated a Griffon armored vehicles assembly plant, marking a significant step in the partnership between Belgium and France in the SCORPION/CaMo program. Established in 2018, this partnership aims to enhance the motorized capacity of the Belgian army by acquiring 382 of these modern armored vehicles.
The 382 Griffons will be delivered to the Belgian army between 2025 and 2031, with turrets developed by FN Herstal
.../...
On the industrial front, KNDS France selected the MOL Group to assemble the Griffons ordered by Belgium, a decision made in April 2022. This collaboration led to the inauguration of a new assembly plant in Staden, Belgium, on April 23.
The 382 Griffons will be delivered to the Belgian army between 2025 and 2031, with turrets developed by FN Herstal. Luxembourg also plans to join this Franco-Belgian cooperation, with discussions underway for the creation of a medium combat reconnaissance battalion.
https://www.armyrecognition.com/defense_news_april_2024_global_security_army_industry/inauguration_of_griffon_armored_vehicles_assembly_plant_in_belgium.html
On April 23, 2024, Belgium inaugurated a Griffon armored vehicles assembly plant, marking a significant step in the partnership between Belgium and France in the SCORPION/CaMo program. Established in 2018, this partnership aims to enhance the motorized capacity of the Belgian army by acquiring 382 of these modern armored vehicles.
The 382 Griffons will be delivered to the Belgian army between 2025 and 2031, with turrets developed by FN Herstal
.../...
On the industrial front, KNDS France selected the MOL Group to assemble the Griffons ordered by Belgium, a decision made in April 2022. This collaboration led to the inauguration of a new assembly plant in Staden, Belgium, on April 23.
The 382 Griffons will be delivered to the Belgian army between 2025 and 2031, with turrets developed by FN Herstal. Luxembourg also plans to join this Franco-Belgian cooperation, with discussions underway for the creation of a medium combat reconnaissance battalion.
https://www.armyrecognition.com/defense_news_april_2024_global_security_army_industry/inauguration_of_griffon_armored_vehicles_assembly_plant_in_belgium.html
#10
Nieuwe ontwikkelingen op Defensiegebied / Re: Leopard 3
Last post by pz - Vandaag om 11:12Decoding MGCS Franco-German Tank of the Future Finally Realized
https://www.armyrecognition.com/defense_news_april_2024_global_security_army_industry/decoding_mgcs_franco-german_tank_of_the_future_finally_realized.html
On Friday, April 26, 2024, French Minister of the Armed Forces, Sébastien Lecornu, signed an agreement with his German counterpart, Boris Pistorius, on the first phase of the future Main Ground Combat System (MGCS) tank. In front of the cameras, they initiated a memorandum of understanding setting in stone the 50-50 division of work between manufacturers in the two countries
The discussions held in Paris have culminated in the signing of an agreement for the initial phase, known as "1A", of the MGCS (Main Ground Combat System) program, symbolizing the political commitment of both nations to progress together. The MGCS program aims to replace current main battle tanks such as the French Leclerc and the German Leopard 2 with a system that incorporates advanced and innovative technologies. This new ground combat system, which will include features like networked operations management and unmanned, automated capabilities, is designed to excel in high-intensity combat scenarios through its technological innovations.
The memorandum of understanding signed in Paris specifies that France and Germany will each contribute 50% of the costs of the cooperation, reflecting a balanced partnership and ensuring a fair distribution of industrial labor between the two countries. In a structure similar to the FCAS (Future Combat Air System) air program, France will take a leading role in FCAS, while Germany will lead the development of MGCS.
The partnership, which began with formal discussions in 2012 and was officially sealed in 2017, represents a significant step in consolidating European defense efforts. It leverages the strengths of multiple stakeholders, including KNDS, a joint venture between Germany's Krauss-Maffei Wegmann and France's Nexter Systems. This collaboration aims not only to enhance military capabilities but also to foster integration within the broader European defense industry.
The MGCS is poised to redefine future armored warfare through the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and advanced connectivity technologies. Under the direction of Martial, the capability architect from the French Directorate General of Armaments (DGA), the MGCS uses AI to enhance intelligence gathering, planning, command, and fire coordination. This AI integration ensures rapid decision-making at various command levels while maintaining human oversight at the core of its operations. The system's advanced connectivity enables real-time sharing of tactical information through an integrated combat cloud, ensuring seamless coordination among different vehicle modules. This supports semi-automatic actions that enhance operational effectiveness against adversaries.
According to Delphine, who is responsible for the development of future land combat systems at the DGA, the MGCS evolves from the collaborative, information-driven approach of the Scorpion system and is designed to adapt to modern threats such as drones, autonomous weapons, and cyberattacks.
In terms of armament, the MGCS will be able to strike targets up to 8,000 meters away, significantly extending the range compared to the current Leclerc tank. Its modules enhance assault capabilities by acting in concert to amplify offensive strength and complexity, thereby posing multiple challenges and surprises for the enemy. The system also benefits from enhanced observation capabilities up to 10,000 meters, improving target detection and anticipation.
The design of the MGCS includes a comprehensive protection suite with active camouflage, reinforced armor, countermeasures, and neutralization capabilities to defend against both aerial and ground threats. The strategic distribution of armament across various platforms reduces mass while increasing mobility and protection for the crew.
These technological advances play a crucial role in Project Titan, which will succeed the Scorpion initiative starting in 2040. Project Titan aims to revolutionize the decisive capabilities of the army by pushing the limits of collaborative air-land combat, incorporating joint and allied operational levels.
A project company will be established to oversee the development of MGCS, involving companies such as KNDS Deutschland, KNDS France, Rheinmetall Landsysteme, and Thales SIX. This company will jointly lead the Franco-German efforts and manage the four main components of the system: the cannon platform, missile platform, combat support platform, and operational system.
The program is divided into eight pillars, ranging from chassis development with automated navigation to drone defense, including the creation of a simulation environment and the setup of an advanced communication and command system. Each pillar will be led by either France, Germany, or jointly, depending on their specific areas of expertise.
Pillar 1 - MGCS platform with chassis and automated navigation under German leadership.
Pillar 2 - Cannons, turrets, and ammunition under Franco-German leadership. Initially, various national cannon systems will be developed, and one system will be selected after comparative testing.
Pillar 3 - Secondary armament such as guided missiles under French command.
Pillar 4 - Communication, command, and engagement system as the "digital nervous system" under Franco-German leadership.
Pillar 5 - Simulation environment under Franco-German leadership.
Pillar 6 - Sensor systems under French leadership.
Pillar 7 - Drone defense and protection under German leadership.
Pillar 8 - Support, logistics, and infrastructure under Franco-German leadership.
Before the final contract signing scheduled for next year, the project must still receive approval from the budget committee of the German Bundestag. Although lengthy and complex, this process has already benefited from several months of successful negotiations, strengthening the trust and cooperation between the two countries.
Following the agreement signing, ministers Pistorius and Lecornu expressed their gratitude towards the teams involved for their hard work, highlighting the importance of this Franco-German cooperation not only for the defense of both nations but also for the future of European security.
https://www.armyrecognition.com/defense_news_april_2024_global_security_army_industry/decoding_mgcs_franco-german_tank_of_the_future_finally_realized.html
On Friday, April 26, 2024, French Minister of the Armed Forces, Sébastien Lecornu, signed an agreement with his German counterpart, Boris Pistorius, on the first phase of the future Main Ground Combat System (MGCS) tank. In front of the cameras, they initiated a memorandum of understanding setting in stone the 50-50 division of work between manufacturers in the two countries
The discussions held in Paris have culminated in the signing of an agreement for the initial phase, known as "1A", of the MGCS (Main Ground Combat System) program, symbolizing the political commitment of both nations to progress together. The MGCS program aims to replace current main battle tanks such as the French Leclerc and the German Leopard 2 with a system that incorporates advanced and innovative technologies. This new ground combat system, which will include features like networked operations management and unmanned, automated capabilities, is designed to excel in high-intensity combat scenarios through its technological innovations.
The memorandum of understanding signed in Paris specifies that France and Germany will each contribute 50% of the costs of the cooperation, reflecting a balanced partnership and ensuring a fair distribution of industrial labor between the two countries. In a structure similar to the FCAS (Future Combat Air System) air program, France will take a leading role in FCAS, while Germany will lead the development of MGCS.
The partnership, which began with formal discussions in 2012 and was officially sealed in 2017, represents a significant step in consolidating European defense efforts. It leverages the strengths of multiple stakeholders, including KNDS, a joint venture between Germany's Krauss-Maffei Wegmann and France's Nexter Systems. This collaboration aims not only to enhance military capabilities but also to foster integration within the broader European defense industry.
The MGCS is poised to redefine future armored warfare through the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and advanced connectivity technologies. Under the direction of Martial, the capability architect from the French Directorate General of Armaments (DGA), the MGCS uses AI to enhance intelligence gathering, planning, command, and fire coordination. This AI integration ensures rapid decision-making at various command levels while maintaining human oversight at the core of its operations. The system's advanced connectivity enables real-time sharing of tactical information through an integrated combat cloud, ensuring seamless coordination among different vehicle modules. This supports semi-automatic actions that enhance operational effectiveness against adversaries.
According to Delphine, who is responsible for the development of future land combat systems at the DGA, the MGCS evolves from the collaborative, information-driven approach of the Scorpion system and is designed to adapt to modern threats such as drones, autonomous weapons, and cyberattacks.
In terms of armament, the MGCS will be able to strike targets up to 8,000 meters away, significantly extending the range compared to the current Leclerc tank. Its modules enhance assault capabilities by acting in concert to amplify offensive strength and complexity, thereby posing multiple challenges and surprises for the enemy. The system also benefits from enhanced observation capabilities up to 10,000 meters, improving target detection and anticipation.
The design of the MGCS includes a comprehensive protection suite with active camouflage, reinforced armor, countermeasures, and neutralization capabilities to defend against both aerial and ground threats. The strategic distribution of armament across various platforms reduces mass while increasing mobility and protection for the crew.
These technological advances play a crucial role in Project Titan, which will succeed the Scorpion initiative starting in 2040. Project Titan aims to revolutionize the decisive capabilities of the army by pushing the limits of collaborative air-land combat, incorporating joint and allied operational levels.
A project company will be established to oversee the development of MGCS, involving companies such as KNDS Deutschland, KNDS France, Rheinmetall Landsysteme, and Thales SIX. This company will jointly lead the Franco-German efforts and manage the four main components of the system: the cannon platform, missile platform, combat support platform, and operational system.
The program is divided into eight pillars, ranging from chassis development with automated navigation to drone defense, including the creation of a simulation environment and the setup of an advanced communication and command system. Each pillar will be led by either France, Germany, or jointly, depending on their specific areas of expertise.
Pillar 1 - MGCS platform with chassis and automated navigation under German leadership.
Pillar 2 - Cannons, turrets, and ammunition under Franco-German leadership. Initially, various national cannon systems will be developed, and one system will be selected after comparative testing.
Pillar 3 - Secondary armament such as guided missiles under French command.
Pillar 4 - Communication, command, and engagement system as the "digital nervous system" under Franco-German leadership.
Pillar 5 - Simulation environment under Franco-German leadership.
Pillar 6 - Sensor systems under French leadership.
Pillar 7 - Drone defense and protection under German leadership.
Pillar 8 - Support, logistics, and infrastructure under Franco-German leadership.
Before the final contract signing scheduled for next year, the project must still receive approval from the budget committee of the German Bundestag. Although lengthy and complex, this process has already benefited from several months of successful negotiations, strengthening the trust and cooperation between the two countries.
Following the agreement signing, ministers Pistorius and Lecornu expressed their gratitude towards the teams involved for their hard work, highlighting the importance of this Franco-German cooperation not only for the defense of both nations but also for the future of European security.