Zetor Engineering Slovakia, a.s. and Rheinmetall Protection Systems GmbH have agreed on strategic cooperation in the further development of ballistic and anti-mine protection solutions as part of the Zetor Gerlach 4x4 ATV tactical armored vehicle project.Story here.
Slovak Company Zetor engineering has unveiled a prototype of its new 4x4 armored vehicle called GERLACH during the defense exhibition IDEB 2018 that takes place in Bratislava, Slovakia. The vehicle was fully developed by the Company based on the experience of troops deployed during modern combat operations in Iraq and Afghanistan using similar wheeled armored vehicles.
“It is a great benefit for the Gerlach project that we can work with a world leader in this field. It is a great experience for our team and for the customer a guarantee of the highest quality and technological level, ”says project manager Pavel Bušta.
“The combination of protection, mobility and other benefits makes this vehicle an extremely competitive solution. We will be pleased to take part in the further development of the project, ”said Dr. Manfred Salk, CEO Rheinmetall Protection Systems GmbH.
Both sides also confirmed their interest in cooperation in other areas such as Rapid Obscuring System, Smoke Vehicle Protection System, Active Defense System, Weapon Stations, etc.
The German partner also expressed an interest in transferring to Slovakia the production of additional ceramic armor systems.
Based on the strategic agreement, Rheinmetall Protection Systems becomes the supplier of the safety armored cab solution. The German protection systems manufacturer provides a comprehensive and certified solution. The entire process, starting with the selection of materials, through welding and construction work, including technological processes, is subject to strict military standards MIL-TL (number to be specified). These standards will subsequently be applied to cab production in Slovakia or any other country where the vehicle will be manufactured.
Crew protection of Zetor Gerlach 4x4 ATV armored was the main priority of the project from the beginning. The aim was to maximize safety while maintaining a high level of comfort, as well as defined dynamics parameters and vehicle main dimensions.
Cooperation with the German side got the ground already in the design and construction of the vehicle prototype.
“The German side provided expertise and suggested a number of improvements in the field of ballistic and anti-mine protection. Subsequently, intensive cooperation on engineering and construction activities started, ”explains P. Bušta.
All modifications were subsequently subjected to simulations and rigorous tests in the German state-owned test laboratory Beschussamt Ulm. The result is a solution that provides the vehicle with ballistic protection at NATO level STANAG 4569 Volume 1 Level 3 and anti-mine resistance at NATO level STANAG 4569 Volume 2 Level 3a, 3b.
According to informed sources, the AJAX was regarded as not fit for purpose, and the BAE Systems-Hagglunds CV90 was assessed as too expensive.Story here.
The Phase 3 RfT listed only three essential requirements. These were the ability to carry six dismounts, the ability to be strategically deployed by the RAN’s two Canberra-class Landing Helicopter Dock (LHD) amphibious ships, and the ability to be carried by RAAF C-17A Globemaster III strategic airlifters.
Minister for Defence Industry Melissa Price commented in a statement that Rheinmetall and Hanwha had been assessed as offering vehicles that were best able to meet Army requirements while offering value for money.
A key part of potential cost efficiency could be commonality with Project Land 400 Phase 2, under which Rheinmetall was contracted in August 2018 to supply Army with 211 8x8 Boxer combat reconnaissance vehicles (CRVs), the RfT stated.
Although the Lynx has yet to enter service, it deploys the same Lance 30mm digital turret as the Boxer. All but 25 CRVs will be manufactured at the Military Centre of Excellence being constructed by Rheinmetall at Ipswich as will the full production run of Lynx, should the type be selected.
Shortly before half past two this afternoon, two ministers, a general, and an admiral marched out to meet the gathered press to announce that the Finnish government had discussed the complete Pohjanmaa-class package, and that they had approved the signing of the contracts. The three key contracts will be signed next week in Turku, with the prime contractor Rauma Marine Construction, Saab for the combat system and integration, and with Aker Arctic Technology for the propellers and shafting, While Minister of Defence Antti Kaikkonen certainly was correct when he at the start of the conference announced that he had "good news to tell", today's press conference was actually rather short on actual news. RMC has long been the sole contender for the shipbuilding contract, and shortly after the the Finnish government dissolved last spring it was announced that Saab had been downselected as the sole contender for the combat system and integration contract.Story here.
To speed up the renewal and modernization of the Land Force (Armée de Terre), the Military Programming Law LPM 2019-2025 foresees an increase of the orders of armored vehicles and an acceleration of their deliveries.
Following this document, 50 percent of the medium armored vehicles (Griffon, Jaguar, Serval) will be delivered by 2025. The breakdown of the deliveries is as follows:
* Griffon: deliveries started in July 2019. 936 units to be delivered by 2025.
* Serval: deliveries to start in 2022. 489 units to be delivered by 2025.
* Jaguar: deliveries to start in 2020. 150 units to be delivered by 2025.
On top of these vehicles, 122 Leclerc MBTs will be renovated from late 2021 to 2025.
These vehicles are the “tools” of the Scorpion programme. The Scorpion program is designed to renew and modernize the combat capabilities of the Army with modern and interconnected armored vehicles. This programme is made of mainly the following “bricks”:
* the SICS information system intended to provide command and tactical control in collaborative combat (the heart of the "Scorpion revolution");
* 2 multi-role armored vehicles (the Griffon and the Serval) available in several versions and intended to replace the VABs currently in service;
* 1 armored reconnaissance and combat vehicle (the Jaguar), to replace the AMX10RC, the ERC Sagaie armored vehicle, and the VAB HOT;
* the renovation of the Leclerc tank (integration with the Scorpion system, reinforcement of tank protection and increase of offensive capabilities).
The legendary former Navy SEAL Adm. William McRaven said at an event on Wednesday that China's technical and defense capabilities were quickly approaching — and sometimes surpassing — those of the US, representing what he called a "holy s---" moment for the US.Story here.
McRaven, who was the head of Joint Special Operations Command during the 2011 operation on the Al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden's Pakistan compound, said at the Council on Foreign Relations event that "we need to make sure that the American public knows that now is the time to do something" about China's rapid developments in research and technology that threaten US national security.
The U.S. Military has triggered a massive surge of its wartime sealift ships https://t.co/6zbeAUhdJu pic.twitter.com/mdJAMHEi1V— Defense News (@defense_news) September 17, 2019
Every now and then when I think about OODA loops I think about the time a British officer remarked how the US OODA loop is:— Pete Kouretsos (@PKouretsos) September 17, 2019
Observe
Overreact
Destroy
Apologize
