[Lusitano89]

[Cabeça de Martelo]

Cyprus modernizes air defense capabilities with new Israeli Barak MX surface-to-air missile system.
4 Dec, 2024

According to SigmaLive on December 3, 2024, the Cypriot National Guard received the first batch of Israeli Barak MX surface-to-air missile systems, with additional deliveries expected to enhance the nation's defense infrastructure. The procurement, initiated under the Anastasiades government in October 2021 and continued under the Christodoulidis administration, represents a significant investment aimed at upgrading Cyprus's air defense capabilities, which currently rely on Cold War-era systems.


The decision to procure the Barak MX was influenced by its advanced capabilities, which include vertical launch systems, sophisticated radar integration, as well as compatibility with Cyprus' existing air defense systems. (Picture source: IAI)

Negotiations for the acquisition began in October 2021 under the Anastasiades administration, initially exploring a variant of Israel’s Iron Dome system. However, the Barak MX was ultimately selected due to its broader operational range and compatibility with existing systems, such as the Russian-made Buk M1-2 and Tor-M1. Finalized under the Christodoulidis administration, the Barak MX deployment aligns with Cyprus's broader defense modernization plans, which include replacing Soviet-era Mi-35 helicopters with six Airbus H145M attack helicopters by the end of 2024.

The Barak MX deployment reflects broader regional defense initiatives. Greece, which is upgrading its air defense systems, is considering the Barak MX as a potential replacement for aging HAWK and S-300PMU1 units. Discussions about joint procurement between Greece and Cyprus have highlighted opportunities for cost reductions and improved interoperability, although the countries currently pursue separate acquisition strategies. Greece’s plans include creating an integrated air defense network with Cyprus and Crete, a goal underscored by Greek Defense Minister Nikos Dendias during a recent parliamentary presentation.

The decision to procure the Barak MX was influenced by its advanced capabilities, which include vertical launch systems, sophisticated radar integration, and adaptability to diverse combat scenarios. Each fire unit typically accommodates eight missiles, with configurations tailored to operational and budgetary requirements. The estimated procurement cost, running into hundreds of millions of euros, underscores the system’s role in covering most of Cyprus's territory and potentially replacing older air defense assets.

The Barak MX, developed by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), is a surface-to-air missile system capable of addressing a range of aerial threats, including drones, fighter jets, ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and helicopters. The system offers three missile variants: the Barak MR with a range of 35 kilometers, the Barak LR with a range of 70 kilometers, and the Barak ER with a range of 150 kilometers. It features vertical launch capabilities, advanced radar systems, and a centralized battle management system, enabling multi-directional and flexible threat engagement.

This system will also modernize Cyprus's existing air defense assets, which include four medium-range 9K37M1 Buk M1-2 systems (SA-11 Gadfly), 18 short-range systems consisting of 12 Aspide and six 9K331 Tor-M1 (SA-15 Gauntlet) units, as well as Mistral point-defense missiles. The National Guard also operates 60 towed anti-aircraft guns, including 36 20mm M-55 units and 24 35mm GDF003 guns paired with Skyguard fire control systems. The Barak MX adds extended-range capabilities and greater coverage to this arsenal.

Regional dynamics further contextualize this acquisition. Cyprus remains divided following Turkey’s 1974 invasion, with ongoing tensions over territorial disputes and Turkish drilling in contested waters. While Cyprus has expressed interest in NATO membership, Turkey’s objections and its military presence in Northern Cyprus present significant barriers. Greece and Cyprus continue to coordinate on defense issues, as highlighted during the recent Cyprus-Greece Intergovernmental Summit, where both nations reaffirmed their commitment to resolving the Cyprus issue within the framework of United Nations Security Council resolutions.

The deployment of Israel's Barak MX air defense system in Cyprus significantly enhances the country’s ability to address a variety of aerial threats, including aircraft, missiles, and unmanned aerial vehicles. This addition strengthens Cyprus's defense infrastructure and aligns with its broader strategy to modernize military capabilities. Strategically, the system contributes to a more robust air defense network in the Eastern Mediterranean, with potential interoperability with Greece’s planned systems. Geopolitically, the acquisition underscores the growing military collaboration between Cyprus and Israel, reflecting shared regional security interests while potentially shifting power dynamics in the region, which may elicit varied responses from neighboring states.

https://www.armyrecognition.com/news/army-news/army-news-2024/cyprus-modernizes-air-defense-capabilities-with-new-israeli-barak-mx-surface-to-air-missile-system

[Malagueta]

British and German military complete masterclass in Portugal.

https://www.theportugalnews.com/news/2025-01-15/british-and-german-military-complete-masterclass-in-portugal/94897

Reconnaissance specialists from the British and German armies’ airborne forces have come together to share their specialist parachuting skills for the first time, as military cooperation between the two countries deepens.

Pathfinders (PF), from 16 Air Assault Brigade, and the Fallschirmspezialzege (FSZ) of Luftlandebrigade 1, joined forces for Exercise Deep Infil, a parachuting masterclass in Portugal, according to a press release from the British Army.

The two units specialise in high altitude parachuting to discreetly insert behind enemy lines and set the conditions for further operations - a role defined by the Pathfinders’ motto ‘first in’. The key role of both PF and FSZ is to find and mark drop zones and landing zones where the main body of troops can be parachuted or landed by helicopter or aircraft.

Nine days of training at Aeródromo Militar de Tancos, near Lisbon, saw the British and German troops parachute together, jumping from a Luftwaffe A400M transport aircraft flying at 12,000ft. Planning and carrying out the jumps built an understanding of each other’s tactics and techniques for day and night parachute operations.

A PF troop commander said: “It’s been a fantastic opportunity to work with Fallschirmspezialzege, who have almost identical roles and capabilities to Pathfinders. What we both do is reliant on our specialist airborne insertion skills, of which parachuting is one, and what better way to start our relationship is there than practising how we would deploy on an operation?

“Working with soldiers from a different army is always valuable because looking at the slight differences in equipment and procedures is a chance to consider and refine what we do. By training together, we are building our understanding of how we each work to be better prepared for any future operations together.”


An FSZ officer said: “Soon after the Defence Ministers decided that the German-British military cooperation should come closer together, our Pathfinder comrades from Britain and the German Fallschirmspezialzuege do parachute training together. There is no better possibility to bond than doing jumps together. We are really looking forward to deepening our relationship, firstly by hosting the Pathfinders in Germany to visit our assessment and selection course.”

( imagens na noticia)

[Cabeça de Martelo]

A empresa de defesa KNDS assume a fábrica ferroviária da Alstom em Görlitz. Espera-se que o chanceler Scholz assine o contrato na próxima semana. A KNDS planeia utilizar a fábrica para produzir conjuntos de aço blindado soldado necessários para o Leopard 2, RCH155 e Boxer

  https://www.spiegel.de/wirtschaft/unternehmen/knds-panzerbauer-will-werk-in-goerlitz-uebernehmen-a-b4e6cc64-63d5-42a8-90f5-8cced878846a?sara_ref=re-so-app-sh

[Cabeça de Martelo]

[Cabeça de Martelo]

Patria presents Finland's first 8x8 155mm self-propelled howitzer named ARVE for modern artillery operations.
20 Mar, 2025 - 15:01
Defense News Army 2025

As reported by Corporal Frisk on March 20, 2025, Patria introduced the ARVE, Finland's first wheeled 155mm self-propelled howitzer, during its Arctic Event held in Rovaniemi, Finland, from March 17 to 19. This development is part of the company’s broader efforts to enhance Finland’s artillery capabilities. The ARVE prototype integrates the 155K98 155mm howitzer onto a SISU E13TP 8x8 truck chassis, aiming to improve mobility and survivability in operational environments. The event also featured another prototype and provided an overview of Patria’s defense systems, with a focus on sub-arctic operational conditions.


Patria's new ARVE 8x8 self-propelled howitzer is based on the Finnish 155 K 98 towed howitzer, which has been in service since 1998. (Picture source: Twitter/Corporal Frisk)

As previously reported by Army Recognition, the ARVE is based on the Finnish 155 K 98 towed howitzer, which has been in service since 1998. This artillery system features a 52-caliber barrel and can fire conventional high-explosive fragmentation shells up to 40 kilometers. It is equipped with a semi-automatic wedge breech mechanism and can achieve a firing rate of 6 to 10 rounds per minute, including a rapid burst capability of three rounds in 12 seconds. The 155K98 includes an auxiliary motor, similar to the British FH-70 howitzer, allowing for short-distance independent movement at speeds of up to 15 km/h. This capability has been relevant in recent conflicts, where artillery mobility is crucial for avoiding counterfire and drone detection.

Patria has stated that it retains the capability to restart production of the 155K98, originally developed in 1997 and manufactured until 2005 in Finland and under license in Egypt at Abu Zaabal Engineering Industries. The company has continued to maintain its artillery manufacturing expertise, supplying spare parts and implementing upgrades, including barrel improvements and structural modifications. Patria has performed regular ultrasonic inspections of the barrels to determine their remaining service life and maintain operational readiness.

The concept of mounting the 155K98 on a wheeled platform was first presented by Patria to Finland’s Defense Committee in 2015 as an alternative to acquiring new artillery systems. Finland initially procured the South Korean K9 Thunder self-propelled howitzer, but the importance of a domestically produced system has gained renewed consideration following the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The Finnish Ministry of Defense has revisited the idea of developing a national artillery platform to ensure logistical independence and facilitate rapid deployment. Patria had previously developed a self-propelled artillery system in 2005, designated the 155GH52-SP-T55, which combined the 155K98 with a T-55 tank chassis for potential export to Egypt.

The ARVE prototype integrates the 155K98 onto the SISU E13TP 8x8 truck, a vehicle in service with the Finnish military since 2008. This truck features an armored cabin with mine protection, accommodates two crew members, and is powered by a 445hp Caterpillar C13 engine coupled with a six-speed Allison 4500 automatic transmission. It has a maximum speed of 90 km/h, an operational range of 900 km, and can carry a payload of up to 20,000 kg. The truck is utilized for multiple military applications, including radar and missile system transport, making it a suitable platform for the ARVE self-propelled howitzer.

The ARVE maintains the firing capabilities of the towed 155K98 but provides increased mobility and reduced setup time. At a firing position, the weapon is lowered to match the height of the towed version, allowing operation without additional training for crews accustomed to the 155K98. The system is manually operated for both gun laying and reloading. The ARVE can fire its first round within 90 seconds of arriving at a position and leave within 45 seconds after the final shot. The truck-mounted system carries 24 complete rounds.

Patria has scheduled test firings of the ARVE prototype for the summer. The company anticipates potential orders from the Finnish Defence Forces for conversions of existing 155K98 howitzers. While the current version retains manual operation, Patria has indicated that future variants could include electrical gun laying if requested. The company has also stated that it is open to integrating other artillery systems onto the truck platform, though the market for such systems is limited due to the decreasing number of towed 155mm howitzers in service in Europe.

In addition to domestic applications, Patria is assessing export opportunities for the ARVE. The company has stated that it can resume full-scale artillery production if required, including manufacturing new 155mm barrels. While the last 155GH52 APU was produced in 2005, Patria has continued to maintain expertise through maintenance, repair, and overhaul activities, including the manufacture and supply of spare barrels.

The ARVE provides an alternative to fully automated and armored self-propelled howitzers. Given ongoing efforts in European defense planning to expand artillery forces, the ARVE could be considered by armed forces looking to increase artillery numbers without investing in heavier, more complex systems. The system’s mobility, compatibility with existing platforms, and cost considerations may contribute to its adoption for both national and international requirements.

https://www.armyrecognition.com/news/army-news/2025/patria-presents-finlands-first-8x8-155mm-self-propelled-howitzer-named-arve-for-modern-artillery-operations

[P44]

A Turquia concretizou a entrega dos primeiros 50 veículos blindados 4×4 e 6×6 para as Forças de Defesa da Estônia

https://www.zona-militar.com/pt/2025/03/23/a-turquia-concretizou-a-entrega-dos-primeiros-50-veiculos-blindados-4x4-e-6x6-para-as-forcas-de-defesa-da-estonia/