Militaryleak’s Post

Saab has received an order from the Lithuanian Ministry of Defence (MoD) for deliveries of Saab’s Mobile Short Range Air Defence (MSHORAD) solution. The order value is approximately SEK 1.3 billion and deliveries will take place 2025-2027. The recent order is placed within a framework agreement between Saab, the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) and the Lithuanian MoD which allows Lithuania to place orders for Saab’s mobile short-range air defence missile solution RBS 70 NG (Robotsystem 70 Next Generation). MSHORAD is Saab’s mobile air defence solution. The system consists of the Mobile Radar Unit based on the Giraffe 1X radar, the Mobile Firing Unit based on the RBS 70 NG, all connected with Saab’s Ground Based Air Defense systems (GBAD) Command and Control (C2). #military #defense #defence #militaryleak https://lnkd.in/gTmFcZfJ

Switzerland has applied to join the European Sky Shield Initiative (ESSI). This decision, sanctioned by the Federal Council, marks a pivotal step in enhancing international cooperation in air defense. On July 8, 2024, Chief of Armament Urs Loher signed the application for ESSI membership, which has been addressed to the Chairperson of ESSI. This follows Switzerland’s signing of the Letter of Intent and a neutrality law reservation statement on July 7, 2023. The Federal Council had already resolved to join ESSI on April 10, 2024, authorizing the Federal Department of Defence, Civil Protection and Sport (DDPS) to proceed with the accession process.The membership application process requires all ESSI member states to review and comment on Switzerland’s application and draft statement of accession. ESSI is a project to build a ground-based integrated European air defence system which includes anti-ballistic missile capability. As of April 2024, twenty-one European states participate in the initiative. The initiative was originally proposed by the Chancellor of Germany Olaf Scholz in August 2022. The proposal was made during the 2022–2023 Russian strikes against Ukrainian infrastructure and amid increased concerns about the limited European capability to defend against such threats as the Russian 9K720 Iskander ballistic missile systems deployed in Kaliningrad. In October 2022, fifteen European states (Belgium, Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Norway, Slovakia, Slovenia, Romania, the United Kingdom) signed a declaration to join the German-led initiative. #military #defense #defence #militaryleak https://lnkd.in/ghk2ngqT

Lithuania is actively negotiating with Northrop Grumman to establish a 30mm ammunition production line within the country. This initiative is part of Lithuania’s broader effort to attract significant international investment in its arms and ammunition production sectors. The first investor aims to produce 30mm ammunition specifically for infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs), while the second is focused on manufacturing IFVs themselves. The most prominent IFV in the Lithuanian Armed Forces is the Boxer IFV, locally known as Vilkas (Wolf). This vehicle is produced by the German-Dutch ARTEC consortium. Lithuania has customized these vehicles to meet its specific needs, including the integration of Spike-LR anti-tank missiles and Samson Mk II RCT remote-controlled weapon stations. 89 of 91 Lithuanian Vilkas/Wolf are fitted with the Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Samson Mk II RCT turret mounting a fully stabilised Mk44 Bushmaster II 30 mm dual-feed chain gun autocannon, 7.62 mm co-axial MG, and Spike-LR missiles. The gun uses standard GAU-8 Avenger ammunition that is available in API (Armor-Piercing Incendiary), HEI (High-Explosive Incendiary) and APFSDS-T (Armor-Piercing Fin-Stabilized Discarding Sabot-Tracer) variants. Lithuania received four variants of the IFV, 55 IFV squad leader, 18 IFV platoon leader; 12 IFV company leader; 4 IFV command post. Variants vary by mission fit primarily in the areas of additional voice and data communication equipment as well as modified BMS. #military #defense #defence #militaryleak https://lnkd.in/gVJ4a8s5

Indra and GMV have taken a decisive step forward in the development of the Future Soldier System (SISCAP, in Spanish), after carrying out an operational demonstration at the Toledo Infantry Academy with this solution, which boosts the soldier’s communication, information, and fire efficiency capabilities. As a result of an R&D program funded by the Ministry of Defence through the Sub-Directorate General for Planning, Technology and Innovation (SDG PLATIN), the progress of this new development is being supervised by the Directorate General for Armaments and Material (DGAM). Indra and GMV’s aim is to equip combatants with advanced technologies for use in digitalized theaters of operations, where they will have to operate in network operations with systems adapted to the new Spanish Army combat cloud concept. Each of these soldiers will have a vision system attached to their helmet that, using augmented reality, will allow them to visualize the route to follow and the position of their companions and to receive different tactical indications about threats and identified targets. They will also have both day and night vision, personal cameras (visible and thermal) to gather images and an advanced radio that will position them by satellite and allow them to transmit voice and data, as well as setting up different groups for improved coordination. The manager of the UTE at Indra, Gregorio González, explains that “the system will provide soldiers with the most advanced digital capabilities and will provide them with a situational awareness of the highest level, by giving them a vision capacity enriched with the information collected by all their colleagues and other deployed means” and adds that “one of the great advantages of the system is that it is modular and scalable, which allows it to be adapted to the mission being carried out, ensuring maximum ergonomics and minimum weight”. This modularity allows, for example, the addition of electronic aids to distinguish between friendly and enemy forces, infrared cameras, laser designators or image magnifiers, as appropriate, to the fire effectiveness system. In the case of more complex missions, soldiers can even be equipped with palm-sized micro-drones to reconnoiter the area and minimize risks. SISCAP’s open architecture will allow the incorporation of new functionalities in the future, such as the use of artificial intelligence for target discrimination, checking the status of combatants and facilitating system maintenance. #military #defense #defence #militaryleak https://lnkd.in/gWCqiWTg

Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) has been awarded a $4.6 million contract by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) to develop Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools for dynamic, airborne missions as part of its Artificial Intelligence Reinforcements (AIR) program. This project aims to provide advanced Modeling and Simulation (M&S) approaches and dominant AI agents for live, multi-ship, beyond visual range (BVR) missions. It is a critical step in prioritizing and investing in breakthrough technologies for national security and to meet the evolving needs of customers. DARPA’s AIR program will improve the government-provided baseline models’ speed and predictive performance to better match how the Department of Defense’s systems perform in the real world. During the 18-month period of performance, Lockheed Martin will apply AI and Machine Learning (ML) techniques to create surrogate models of aircraft, sensors, electronic warfare and weapons within dynamic and operationally representative environments #military #defense #defence #militaryleak https://lnkd.in/gGcwz5za

Croatia has officially purchased eight additional UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters built by Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin company (NYSE: LMT), via U.S. government Foreign Military Sale, bringing the country’s Black Hawk fleet total to 12. The deal, which includes aircraft, organizational equipment, spare and repair parts, and associated support equipment, is a critical investment by Croatia and significantly bolsters its self-defense and security in the region and that of the NATO alliance. Croatia’s Black Hawks can support a range of roles, including troop lift, border security, counter-terrorism, medical evacuation, search-and-rescue, resupply or external lift, and combat support. The UH-60 Black Hawk is a four-blade, twin-engine, medium-lift utility military helicopter manufactured by Sikorsky Aircraft. All nations operating the Black Hawk, including a significant and growing number of NATO-member nations, benefit from a range of operational capabilities and a global ecosystem of more than 5,000 Hawk aircraft produced. Additionally, continued global investment in the UH-60M/S-70M Black Hawk has proven the aircraft to be the top choice for modernizing and replacing legacy medium-lift utility helicopter fleets. The Black Hawk has flexibility to conduct a variety of operations at greater ranges and in the most challenging environments, increasing survivability and overall effectiveness for 21st Century Security® missions. #military #defense #defence #militaryleak https://lnkd.in/gFpSHhfK

GE Aerospace announced today the successful demonstration of a new, cutting-edge hypersonic dual-mode ramjet. This achievement – which could enable high-speed flight and longer range across numerous multi-mission aircraft – represents the most recent milestone in a diverse portfolio of hypersonic programs. The dual-mode ramjet began testing in March of this year in the clean air, continuous flow, high-speed propulsion testing facility in Evendale, OH, just 11 months after the launch of the design effort. The testing delivered promising results, exceeding performance expectations and demonstrating robust operation of a dual-mode ramjet with a threefold (3X) increase in airflow compared to previously flight-tested hypersonic technology demonstrators. The successful development and testing of the dual-mode ramjet in such a short period of time was made possible through the collaboration of GE Aerospace’s team of engineers, Innoveering – a company acquired by GE Aerospace in 2022 that specializes in hypersonic propulsion – and GE Aerospace’s Research Center. GE Aerospace Research team works hand-in-hand with GE Aerospace, the U.S. government, academia, and industry partners. Together the company are mapping an elevated future for air travel; mobilizing a new era of growth in aerospace and defense that balances the current needs of our industry with those of future generations. #military #defense #defence #militaryleak https://lnkd.in/gNXge2aH

The Italian Defence Ministry has officially approved the acquisition program for 24 new Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jets, designated as F-2000, for the Italian Air Force (Aeronautica Militare, AM). In a recent submission to the Italian parliament, Defence Minister Guido Crosetto presented a draft resolution seeking approval for the acquisition and the technical-logistical support of the entire fleet. While specific details on delivery timelines and budgets were not provided, this procurement marks a significant enhancement in the capabilities of the Italian Air Force. These new aircraft are expected to replace the currently operational Typhoon Tranche 1 models progressively. The incoming jets will meet the Next Generation (NG) standard, incorporating a suite of advanced technologies. Key features include a new Large Area Display (LAD), a next-generation mission computer, a high-performance AESA CAPTOR-E Mk2 (ECRS Mk2) radar, an updated electronic self-protection system, and the ability to control and manage loyal wingman drones. The Euroradar Captor is a next-generation mechanical multi-mode pulse Doppler radar designed for the Eurofighter Typhoon. Development of Captor led to the Airborne Multirole Solid State Active Array Radar (AMSAR) project which eventually produced the CAESAR (Captor Active Electronically Scanned Array Radar), now known as Captor-E. This strategic acquisition aims to bolster the operational capabilities of the AM, serve as a bridge towards the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP), and maintain production volumes at the Leonardo Aircraft facility in Caselle. #military #defense #defence #militaryleak https://lnkd.in/g-MpreYV

The Slovenian Army, in collaboration with a consortium of local defense industry companies led by Valhalla Turrets, has successfully conducted the inaugural test firing of the Mangart 25 air defense turret system. The Mangart 25 is a lightweight, remotely controlled air defence turret system integrated on a LKOV Perun 4×4 (local designation for 4×4 Oshkosh Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV). This innovative project, led by Valhalla Turrets from Ljubljana, represents a significant milestone in Slovenian engineering. Funded by the Ministry of Defence, the successful initial test firing marks the beginning of a series of developmental activities and extensive testing aimed at obtaining the necessary certifications for operational deployment within the Slovenian Army. The Mangart 25 is designed as a complex mechatronic system that enables vehicle crews to conduct various tactical operations, including surveillance, target data collection, and kinetic actions. Equipped with a 25mm cannon, a 7.62mm machine gun, AESA radar, and an electro-optical tracking and aiming device, the system is capable of engaging drones, other aerial vehicles, and ground targets at distances up to 3000 meters. The Mangart 25 project is a collaborative effort involving several Slovenian companies: Valhalla Turrets, ASH, Guardiaris, Carboteh Technologies, and Leokom. Under the consortium agreement, Valhalla Turrets will lead the project, managing negotiations, communications with clients, and deal finalizations. #military #defense #defence #militaryleak https://lnkd.in/gAyYf9t3

Representatives from Boeing, Chief of Naval Air Training (CNATRA), Training Air Wing (TAW) 2, the City of Kingsville and more met onboard Naval Air Station (NAS) Kingsville to commemorate one million hours cumulatively flown by the fleet of T-45 Goshawks assigned to TAW-2, July 2. Three commemorative plaques were presented by Boeing to CNATRA, TAW-2 and the City of Kingsville during a short ceremony on the flightline. Capt. Aaron Rybar, Commander, Training Air Wing – 2, received one of the commemorative plaques on behalf of the local training wing. Notably, the one-million-hour milestone does not include flight time for T-45 Goshawks assigned to TAW-1, located in Meridian, Mississippi. The ceremony tied together a community of men and women that have supported T-45 operations in South Texas for over three decades. Mayor Sam Fugate was present to receive recognition for the one millionth hour on behalf of the City of Kingsville. The City of Kingsville has supported generations of Naval Aviators since the base was founded in 1942 as an auxiliary air station. CNATRA’s mission is to train, mentor, and deliver the highest quality Naval Aviators who prevail in competition, crisis, and conflict. Headquartered at NAS Corpus Christi, CNATRA comprises five training air wings in Florida, Mississippi, and Texas, which are home to 17 training squadrons. In addition, CNATRA oversees the Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron the Blue Angels and the training curriculum for all fleet replacement squadrons. #military #defense #defence #militaryleak https://lnkd.in/gMEMiQk7