Defence`s Feeds

KC-135: Old as the hills… (click to view full) DID’s FOCUS articles cover major weapons acquisition programs – and no program is more important to the USAF than its aerial tanker fleet renewal. In January 2007, the big question was whether there would be a competition for the USA’s KC-X proposal, covering 175 production aircraft and 4 test platforms. The total cost is now estimated at $52 billion, but America’s aerial tanker fleet demands new planes to replace its KC-135s, whose most recent new delivery was in 1965. Otherwise, unpredictable age or fatigue issues, like the ones that grounded its F-15A-D fighters in 2008, could ground its aerial tankers – and with them, a substantial slice of the USA’s total airpower. KC-Y and KC-Z buys are supposed to follow in subsequent decades, in order to replace 530 (195 active; ANG 251; Reserve 84) active tankers, as well as the USAF’s 59 heavy KC-10 tankers that were delivered from 1979-1987. Then again, fiscal and demographic realities may mean that the 179 plane KC-X buy is “it” for the USAF. Either way, the KC-X stakes were huge for all concerned. In the end, it was Team Boeing’s KC-767 NexGen/ KC-46A (767 derivative) […]

The enduring challenge for the military has been to prepare for potential deployment in future scenarios, equipped with the right capabilities and strategies. This involves envisioning and testing different solutions, while engaging industry, academia, and research centres.

Earlier this year, the European Defence Agency (EDA) launched the Autonomous Systems Community of Interests (ASCI) to do just that. It has attracted over 750 members from across the warfare domains. Building on the EDA Action Plan for Autonomous Systems, the community held its first conference in Brussels from 13 to 14 November 2024.

The aim was not only to delve into the technological challenges and threat landscapes but also to emphasise the need for ethical guidelines and standardisation. The event underscored that integrating autonomous systems into European defence is as challenging as it is essential, highlighting an area where Member States collaboration will be crucial to success. 

“The Autonomous System Community of Interests is a cross-directorate effort at EDA, reflecting the need for diverse and complementary perspectives and know-how” André Denk, EDA’s Deputy Chief Executive, told the conference. “The end goal is to ensure Member States’ armed forces are equipped with highly autonomous, effective, and reliable systems as critical assets on the future battlefield” he said. 

The EDA Action Plan for autonomous systems underpins these efforts. The plan aims to improve the performance of individual unmanned systems, develop and enhance autonomous systems to work together, and enable manned-unmanned teaming across domains. It is important to note that EDA and EU armed forces are not developing fully autonomous lethal systems. 

Ukraine’s experiences in recent conflicts offer insights into the role of autonomous systems in modern warfare. Their contributions show how autonomous systems can enhance operational precision, flexibility, and risk mitigation. ASCI’s mission centres on three key priorities: recognizing autonomy’s indispensable role in defence, establishing ethical and regulatory standards, and enhancing collaboration across Europe. 

“ASCI stands as a collaborative force, linking civilian and military efforts and fostering essential partnerships. ASCI is not just a network; it is a community with a shared purpose” said Nathalie Guichard, EDA’s Research and Technology Director. “The creation of ASCI has never been more essential. Autonomous systems are reshaping defence strategies and our approach to global security challenges.” 

Americas Swedish defense contractor Saab has made an offer for the sale of its JAS 39 Gripen light supersonic aircraft to the Republic of Colombia. The potential contract of an undisclosed number of Gripens with Bogotá was first revealed unofficially by Swedish public news agency Sveriges Radio, according to a report by Reuters. In a recent interview, Saab CEO Micael Johansson confirmed this, saying that the Stockholm-based company committed to a “full-fledged” proposal to the Latin American country. The US Army has awarded Florida-based Repkon a $435-million contract to develop and commission a TNT factory in Muhlenberg County, Kentucky. TNT is used for ammunition and explosives in the military, including the commonly used 155-millimeter artillery shells.  The announcement was made by Senator Mitch McConnell, who noted that the future center to be established at Muhlenberg County will be America’s first local TNT source since the 1980s. Middle East & Africa Israeli Rafael Advanced Defense Systems has secured a contract to provide its “Digital Shark” naval electronic countermeasure (ECM) system for an unnamed NATO country. Digital Shark is designed to act instantaneously and autonomously as it deceives and suppresses various threats from different directions simultaneously. It is equipped with Active Electronically Scanned Array transmitters and multiple Digital Radio Frequency Memory channels for […]

South African JAS-39D (click to view full) As a neutral country with a long history of providing for its own defense against all comers, Sweden also has a long tradition of building excellent high-performance fighters with a distinctive look. From the long-serving Saab-35 Draken (“Dragon,” 1955-2005) to the Mach 2, canard-winged Saab-37 Viggen (“Thunderbolt,” 1971-2005), Swedish fighters have stressed short-field launch from dispersed/improvised air fields, world-class performance, and leading-edge design. This record of consistent project success is nothing short of amazing, especially for a country whose population over this period has ranged from 7-9 million people. This is DID’s FOCUS Article for background, news, and contract awards related to the JAS-39 Gripen (“Griffon”), a canard-winged successor to the Viggen and one of the world’s first 4+ generation fighters. Gripen remains the only lightweight 4+ generation fighter type in service, its performance and operational economics are both world-class, and it has become one of the most recognized fighter aircraft on the planet. Unfortunately for its builders, that recognition has come from its appearance in Saab and Volvo TV commercials, rather than from hoped-for levels of military export success. With its 4+ generation competitors clustered in the $60-120+ million range vs. the […]

Americas The US Navy has provided upgrades to three Ticonderoga-class guided missile cruisers to extend their service life for 10 years from 2026 to 2029. Revealed by US Navy Secretary Carlos Del Toro, the modernization will sustain the American surface fleet’s capability as the force and industry partners build more advanced platforms. Selected vessels under this initiative are the USS Gettysburg (CG 64), USS Chosin (CG 65), and the USS Cape St. George (CG 71), which were all built in the 1980s. As part of the Army’s quest to boost weapons production, it is reestablishing TNT production on US soil, inking a deal to build out a new facility in Graham, Ky. “For the first time in decades, America will produce TNT on its own soil, manufacturing the explosive material our military uses for everything from hand grenades to 155mm artillery,” outgoing Sen. Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) said in a press release. Middle East & Africa Fincantieri has signed a memorandum of understanding with BQ Solutions to support Italian-led military training programs for the Qatar Emiri Naval Forces. The partnership builds on the Trieste-based company’s contract in 2016 to build seven tactical vessels for the service and address advanced proficiency requirements for […]

Americas Emirati defense contractor EDGE Group has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Brazilian Navy to jointly develop and deploy naval anti-drone systems. The agreement will provide the framework for developing autonomous surface and aerial defense systems that meet the needs of Brasília’s naval forces.  Brazilian Navy Admiral Edgar Luiz Siqueira Barbosa and EDGE Managing Director and CEO Hamad Al Marar formalized the agreement at the Euronaval defense exhibition in Paris. The US Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) has awarded RTX’s BBN Technologies to develop a tool to boost its digital defenses.  The contract supports DARPA’s Compartmentalization and Privilege Management (CPM) program, which aims to prevent the escalation of initial cyber threats into a full-blown attack while maintaining system efficiency. BBN supports this goal through its development of the Analysis and Restructuring for Containment (ARC) tool, which hinders the escalation of threats and their lateral movement within the software system. Middle East & Africa The US has awarded Elbit Systems a $127-million follow-on contract to supply Iron Fist Active Protection Systems (APS) for its Bradley infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs). The Israel-based defense contractor will supply the APS to General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems (GD-OTS), which will conduct the upgrades of the US Army’s Bradley M2A4E1 […]

M3A3 Bradley CFV: Charge! (click to view full) In the 1970s, middle eastern wars demonstrated that tanks without infantry screens were vulnerable to infantry with anti-tank missiles. Unfortunately, armored personnel carriers were easy prey for enemy tanks, and sometimes had trouble just keeping up with friendly tanks like America’s 60+ ton, 50+ mph M1 Abrams. In response, the Americans rethought the armored personnel carrier, taking a page from the Soviet book. They created a more heavily armored, faster “Infantry Fighting Vehicle” named after WW2 General Omar “the soldier’s general” Bradley, and gave it an offensive punch of its own. M2/M3 tracked, armored IFVs can carry infantry – but they also have 25mm Bushmaster cannons, networked targeting sensors, and even TOW anti-armor or Stinger anti-aircraft missiles at their disposal. Bradley puts on wear (click to view full) Even well-serviced vehicles must suffer the pangs of age and wear, however, and the pace of electronics breakthroughs is far faster than the Army’s vehicle replacement cycle. The US Army plans to keep its Bradley fleet for some time to come, and new technologies have made it wise to upgrade part of that fleet while renewing the vehicles. Hence the remanufacture program, which complements […]

The next meeting of the Subcommittee on Security and Defence (SEDE) is scheduled to take place on Wednesday, 4 December 2024 from 9:00-12:30 and 14:30-18:30 and on Thursday, 5 December 2024 from 9:00-12:30 in Brussels (room SPINELLI 3G2).

Further information about the meeting can be found here.

_______________________

SEDE missions 2023:

• India - 17-21 December 2023
• Israel and OPT - 8-10 December 2023
  
• Germany and Poland - 24-26 July 2023
  
• Armenia - 19-22 June 2023
  
• Romania and Moldova - 15-18 May 2023
  
• Djibouti and Somalia - 1-4 April 2023
  
• Bosnia and Herzegovina - 20-23 February 2023
  

SEDE meetings' calendar 2nd half of 2024 - 10th legislature
AFET-DROI-SEDE calendar of meetings - 2nd half of 2024
EP calendar 2024
Source : © European Union, 2024 - EP

Americas BAE Systems won a $122 million deal for systems engineering and integration support services and special studies in support of the US Trident II (D5) Strategic Weapon System Program and D5 Life Extension 2 Strategic Systems Programs Alteration. Tasks to be performed include systems engineering and integration, test engineering, data analysis, and safety engineering. Work is expected to be completed September 30, 2027. Strategic Systems Programs, Washington, DC, is the contracting activity. The US Navy has contracted Leonardo DRS to produce, inspect, and test ship-based air and surface target detection AN/SPQ-9B radars.  The potential five-year contract could amount to $235 million if all options are exercised. “The SPQ-9B radar is a vital ship protection system used across the fleet, and we are proud that the US Navy continues to entrust us to produce this important defensive technology,” senior vice president of the Leonardo DRS Naval Electronics business unit Cari Ossenfort said. Middle East & Africa Sikorsky Aircraft won a $20 million modification, which converts the four Lot 7 and four Lot 8 CH-53K Israel Air Force aircraft to the Israel Unique Green Configuration for the government of Israel, as well as to provide airworthiness support. Work will be performed in Stratford, […]

Trident II D5 Test Launch (click to view full) Nuclear tipped missiles were first deployed on board US submarines at the height of the Cold War in the 1960s, to deter a Soviet first strike. The deterrence theorists argued that, unlike their land-based cousins, submarine-based nuclear weapons couldn’t be taken out by a surprise first strike, because the submarines were nearly impossible to locate and target. Which meant that Soviet leaders could not hope to destroy all of America’s nuclear weapons before they could be launched against Soviet territory. SLBM/FBM (Submarine Launched Ballistic Missile/ Fleet Ballistic Missile) offered shorter ranges and less accuracy than their land-based ICBM (Inter-Continental Ballistic Missile) counterparts, but the advent of Trident C4 missiles began extending those ranges, and offering other improvements. The C4s were succeeded by larger Trident II D5 missiles, which added precision accuracy and more payload. The year that the Trident II D5 ballistic missile was first deployed, 1990, saw the beginning of the end of the missile’s primary mission. Even as the Soviet Union began to implode, the D5’s performance improvements were making the Trident submarine force the new backbone of the USA’s nuclear deterrent – and of Britain’s as well. To […]

Americas The US Navy has announced a life service extension for 12 Arleigh Burke-class (DDG 51) guided-missile destroyers beyond their expected 35-year operability. Ships selected involve Flight I systems commissioned between 1991 and 1997, which incorporate older designs and components, particularly in their primary anti-submarine warfare helicopter support capabilities. The Peruvian Air Force has received the first of two Beechcraft King Air 360C air ambulance aircraft for medical evacuation missions. Acquiring the jets will strengthen the country’s light transport, aeromedical evacuation, disaster response, and risk management capabilities. The aircraft is assigned to Air Group 8 in Lima and will operate from Callao Air Base to be able to reach remote areas. Middle East 6 Africa The The JLTV (Joint Light Tactical Vehicle), manufactured by Oshkosh Defense, has entered operational service in the IDF, as part of the effort to replace the aging Humvees with more modern and better-armored vehicles. In November 2023, it was reported that the U.S. would provide Israel with 75 JLTVs as part of the large military aid package initiated by the Biden administration. The vehicles, each valued at approximately $400,000, feature armor produced by Israeli company Plasan through its subsidiary, Plasan North America, bringing the total deal to around […]

DDG-110 Construction (click to view full) In April 2009 Bath and Ingalls agreed to the Navy’s surface combatant plans, thus heralding a significant restructuring within the American naval shipbuilding community. Under the agreements, the USA would end production at 3 Graf Spee sized DDG-1000 Zumwalt Class “destroyers,” but shift all production from the Congressionally-mandated joint arrangements to General Dynamics Bath Iron Works in Maine, which had already made program-related investments in advanced shipbuilding technologies. Northrop Grumman (now Huntington Ingalls Industries) would retain its DDG-1000 deckhouse work, but their main exchange was additional orders for DDG-51 Arleigh Burke Class destroyers. Their Ingalls yard in Pascagoula, Mississippi would continue building the DDG-51 destroyers, beginning with 2 ordered in FY 2010-2011. The US Navy’s Revised DDG-51 Plan DDG-1000 (click to view full) With the DDG-1000 Zumwalt Class ended at 3 ships, the DDG-51 Arleigh Burke Class ships will become more important to the future navy. The Navy’s FY 2011 budget also terminated the planned CG (X) cruiser program as unaffordable. Instead, the US Navy would field an updated DDG-51 Flight III version, starting in FY 2016. That date has been pushed back, owing to technical issues with the Flight III ships. Under the […]

Length of video : 214'

Disclaimer : The interpretation of debates serves to facilitate communication and does not constitute an authentic record of proceedings. Only the original speech or the revised written translation is authentic.
Source : © European Union, 2024 - EP

Americas The US Army has awarded Bell Textron a contract to provide three 412 EPX medium utility helicopters as part of the agency’s foreign military sales program. The $37.7-million order will be delivered to an undisclosed recipient due to “potential customer sensitivities,” the US Army Cargo Helicopters Project Office told FlightGlobal. Concurrently, a US Department of Defense representative confirmed that the platforms will be distributed to more than one buyer. The US Coast Guard has shipped the modified MH-60T Jayhawk medium-range recovery helicopter to the Air Station Astoria in Oregon under its service life extension program. The modernized aircraft is part of an ongoing effort to extend the operational lifespan of the coast guard’s existing Jayhawk fleet — in service since the 1990s — by fitting them with new hulls, electrical wire harnesses, and main rotor blades. Through the process, the helicopters will gain about 20,000 more additional flight hours. Europe European missile house MBDA successfully completed the first test-firing of its Teseo MK2/E evolved anti-ship missile on 14 October 2024 as part of a multi-year development programme for the Italian Navy, the company reported on 4 November. The Teseo MK2/E is a new-generation missile that MBDA says “brings a substantial improvement in […]

In October, maritime security experts, military leaders, and industry professionals gathered to enhance international cooperation and expertise in defending maritime infrastructure.

The Naval Station of La Algameca, in Cartagena, hosted the first "Harbour Protection Seminar-Exercise" from 7 to 18 October. Organized by the Spanish Navy's Unit of Countermine Measures Divers (UBMCM) in collaboration with the European Defence Agency (EDA), the exercise gathered over 100 experts and professionals from 10 different countries: Spain, Germany, Italy, Portugal, Ukraine, Greece, Estonia, Ireland, Latvia, Romania, and Belgium. The event underscored the importance of international cooperation in safeguarding harbors and critical maritime infrastructures.

The main objective of the seminar was to update participants on the latest technologies, tactics, techniques and procedures (TTPs) related to maritime infrastructure protection, with a special focus on the threat of improvised explosive devices (IEDs).

During the first week, presentations were given by experts from renowned institutions, such as the National Geographic Institute and the IED Centre of Excellence in Countermeasures (COE-CIED).

Industry was also present and several companies from the defence sector presented cutting-edge technological innovations in this field.

The most relevant innovations included the Bayonet tracked underwater robot, an aerial drone equipped with a LIDAR with bathymetric sensor, and software for the creation of 2D models from sonar images. A 5G remote device control system was also presented.

The second phase of the seminar consisted of simultaneous practical exercises in various maritime scenarios, including port areas, shallow waters and a simulated gas pipeline. During these exercises, limpet mines and over 100 kg of explosives were used, where teams worked on the identification and neutralisation of mines and explosive ordnance, covering all stages of the explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) and incident management (WIT) process.

The ‘Harbour Protection Seminar-Exercise 2024’ has proven to be an invaluable platform for the improvement of tactics, techniques and procedures (TTP) and interoperability between the various participating Armed Forces. It highlighted the importance of continuous readiness and learning in a constantly evolving technological and threat environment.

 

 

Source : © European Union, 2024 - EP

The European Defence Agency (EDA) brought together military experts, researchers, and industry professionals in October to shape the future of testing and evaluation of military capabilities. 

The development of testing and evaluation (T&E) centres for defence systems has been a priority for the EDA since its inception in 2004. Ensuring that testing across the EU follows the same procedures is crucial for interoperability among European forces and for equipment, where interoperability must be established from the ground up.

Over the three days of the conference from 8 October 2024, more than 100 participants from 18 EU Member States, EDA partner countries, EU institutions, and other relevant stakeholders gathered for the Fourth Test and Evaluation Community Days Conference in Linköping, Sweden.

In Linköping, delegates reflected on lessons learned from the war in Ukraine, the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on defence testing capabilities, the influence of big data on decision-making within T&E organisations, and what testing and evaluation may mean for a new generation of experts.

As multidomain operations become a crucial element of modern warfare, understanding the interplay between air, land, maritime, space, and cyber operations is essential for building interoperability. In Sweden, experts shared case studies on international cooperation, illustrating how countries can collaborate to overcome common challenges, such as differing testing requirements and procedures across jurisdictions.

Part of the discussions was the IT platform developed for the European Defence Test and Evaluation Base (DTEB). This platform aims to identify test centres across EU Member States, highlighting available resources and challenges in the domains of land, maritime, air, space, and cyber defence. This initiative could play a pivotal role in addressing gaps in testing and evaluation resources across Europe, leading to more integrated and efficient efforts.

The event was co-organised with the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration, and delegates visited two test centres, one for land in Karlsborg and the other for air in Linköping. 

Length of video : 34'

Disclaimer : The interpretation of debates serves to facilitate communication and does not constitute an authentic record of proceedings. Only the original speech or the revised written translation is authentic.
Source : © European Union, 2024 - EP

The European Defence Agency began implementing three new projects, ARMETISS, EC2 and TIRESYAS, that were selected under the European Defence Fund (EDF) 2022 call for proposals.  

The EDF incentivises cooperation and supports the competitiveness of the European Defence Technological and Industrial Base. It aims at providing financial support to defence research and capability development. Following the signature of the Contribution Agreement by the European Commission, EDA is responsible for the indirect management of the projects.

ARMETISS

The project 'smARt Multifunction tExtiles for integrated Soldier Systems' has a duration of 36 months and will receive an EU grant of €20 million. Coordinated by NFM Group (Norway), the consortium encompasses a total of 20 participants from seven countries.

The project will develop smart clothes and equipment for soldiers by using innovative textile technologies with smart functionalities that will enhance soldiers’ protection and improve their performance, as well as their operational capabilities during military operations.  

Find more information about the ARMETISS project and the consortium here. 

EC2

The project 'European Command and Control System' will be a continuation of the European Defence Industrial Development Programme (EDIDP) project ESC2. With an EU grant of roughly €30 million, the project will last 24 months. Led by Indra (Spain), the consortium encompasses 19 participants from 13 countries.  

EC2 will develop a multi-domain command and control solution for the full spectrum of Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) missions and operations. The project will contribute to enhancing the interoperability with all government actors, ensuring a proper level of security to increase the exchange of information. It will centralise all operational capabilities by creating a single access point for command and control (C2).  

Find more information about the EC2 project and the consortium here.  

TIRESYAS

The project 'Technology Innovation for Radar European SYstem ApplicationS' will complement the project ARTURO (Advanced Radar Technologies in eUROpe) that was selected in the EDF 2021 call. The €15 million project will last 36 months. The consortium is led by Leonardo (Italy), bringing together 29 entities from 11 countries.  

TIRESYAS will explore innovative technologies to enhance radar performance and sensors’ resilience, with a view to advancing towards a disruptive multi-function radar system and counteracting challenging emerging threats and hypersonic missiles.  

Find more information about the TIRESYAS project and the consortium here. 

Source : © European Union, 2024 - EP