Citação de: "Marauder"Missil de Cruzeiro alemão entra em serviço Ja aqui perguntei isto uma vez e nao obtive resposta...Portugal nao andava a desenvolver uma coisa dessas?
Missil de Cruzeiro alemão entra em serviço
Citação de: "Azraael"Citação de: "Marauder"Missil de Cruzeiro alemão entra em serviço Ja aqui perguntei isto uma vez e nao obtive resposta...Portugal nao andava a desenvolver uma coisa dessas? Que eu tenha conhecimento não... e pessoalmente eu não recomendaria um projecto 100% tuga disto. Mas sim, nossas empresas de defesa bem que se podiam envolver num projecto destes...
Veículos anfíbios para o UruguaiO Exército do Uruguai adquiriu 48 exemplares do veículo anfíbio de transporte Vodnik 39371, cuja entrega deve ocorrer nos próximos meses. Parte das viaturas será imediatamente integradas às missões de paz no Congo e no Haiti, ficando o restante no próprio Uruguai, à disposição do Sistema Nacional de Emergencias, para atuação no caso de desastres naturais. Pesando 7.500kg e com uma carga útil de 2.000kg, o Vodnik é produzido na Rússia e dispõe de um motor de 175 cv, podendo transportar onze pessoas. O valor da compra é de 5 milhões de euros, incluindo treinamento e preparação de técnicos, além da garantia de um ano (Juan Carlos Cicalesi-Santiago Rivas).
Novos veículos para o Ejército ArgentinoComo parte do plano de modernização de veículos iniciado no ano passado pelo Ejército Argentino, aconteceu em abril a entrega, no Comando de Arsenales (em Boulogne Syrmer, Provincia de Buenos Aires) a entrega de viaturas (novos e recondicionados) àquela força. Os recondicionados eram 53 caminhões Unimog 416, 44 ambulâncias Unimog 416 (foto acima), nove caminhões REO e 22 cavalos mecânicos Fiat 697 (fotop abaixo). Os veículos adquiridos novos são 19 caminhões Mercedes Benz 1720 4x4, 23 do mesmo modelo mas 4x2, 31 ambulâncias Fiat Ducado para transporte de pacientes, cinco ambulâncias Fiat Ducado melhor equipadas, cinco ônibus Mercedes Benz Sprinter e cinco veículos do tipo tailift. Recorde-se que em fevereiro de 2005 haviam sido adquiridos 15 caminhões Mercedes Benz 1720 4x4, 12 ônibus e 22 ambulâncias Ducado. No final de 2005 a força também recebeu 110 Unimog (de carga e ambulâncias) e 15 caminhões Merdedes Benz 1518, todos recondicionados (Juan Carlos Cicalesi-Santiago Rivas). (Fotos: J.C. Cicalesi-S. Rivas)
Mais blindados para o ChileA empresa belga Sabiex International anunciou oficialmente a venda ao Ejército de Chile de 139 Viaturas Blindadas de Transporte de Pessoal YPR765. A aquisição inclui variantes de transporte de tropas (armada com canhão de 25mm, como na foto), engenharia, ambulância, transporte de munição e posto de comando. Os veículos complementarão a frota de M113
Mercado de obuseiros autopropulsados permanece ativoSegundo o estudo “The World Market for Self-Propelled Artillery Systems”, recém-lançado pela empresa americana Forecast International, mais de 4.500 obuseiros autopropulsados, no valor de US$14 bilhões, serão absorvidos pelo mercado internacional até 2015. O líder de mercado nesse período será o veículo coreano Samsung Techwin K9 Thunder, que, incluindo o programa de produção sob licença na Turquia (com o nome de TUSpH Storm), será responsável por 21,76% em termos quantitativos, e por 31,02% em termos de valor. Obuseiros sobre rodas — como o GDLS Stryker Móbile Gun System (MGS) americano e o Giat Industries CAESAR francês — terão 7,64% do mercado quantitativo, e 8,37% em valores. Os obuseiros Krauss-Maffei Wegmann PzH2000, alemão, e o Mitsubishi Type 99, japonês — ambos estão entre os tipos mais sofisticados — serão responsáveis, respectivamente, por 6,26% e 3,26% em termos quantitativos; devido ao seu custo mais elevado eles representarão 11,44% e 9,58% do valor total do mercado, respectivamente.
Additional Bv206S All Terrain Vehicles to the Swedish Armed Forces (Source: BAE Systems Hagglunds AB; issued June 13, 2006) BAE Systems Hägglunds AB has in a very short period of time received an order from the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) on additional armoured all terrain vehicles type Bv206S. The order amounts to 52 vehicles with an option to acquire additional vehicles. The order value is estimated to 260 million Swedish Kronor. With this order the Swedish Armed Forces will hold a vehicle fleet of totally 93 Bv206S. The reason why the Swedish Armed Forces now is expanding its possession of Hägglunds’ armoured vehicles is the need for tactical and strategic mobility, which is required in the rapid reaction force called Nordic Battle Group, which will be at EU’s disposal as from January 1st 2008. The Battle Group will be led by Sweden with participation from Finland, Norway and Estonia. Bv206S adds to the rapid reaction force ability to swift and safely transport troop and equipment to exposed and distant areas. Bv206S can be transported by air with several of the smaller airplanes and helicopter models, which makes it a very suitable vehicle alternative for rapid forces with high demands on tactical and strategical mobility and troop transport under protection. “Thanks to a very intense and meritorious work this order has been placed in a very short period of time. It is very satisfactory that we can respond to the narrow time schedule for delivery, set by our customer. We have great expectations that our armoured all terrain vehicles Bv206S and BvS10 increasingly will be demanded for by rapid forces in the future,” says Sven Kågevall, President of Hägglunds. The vehicle has full power on all four tracks at all times which, together with the ingenious steering device, gives superior mobility in all types of terrain. Bv206S is also fully amphibious and has a loading capacity of 1550 kg. A tow with a total weight of up to 2500 kg can be connected to the vehicle. The vehicle’s easy handling implies a minimum need of driving training. Totally, with this order included, 479 units of the Bv206S have been sold to Sweden, Germany, Italy, France and Spain. Bv206S is an armoured variant of Bv206, which has been produced by Hägglunds in over 11.000 units to about 40 countries worldwide.
France receives first Special Patrol VehiclesThe French Army's Special Operations Command has taken delivery of the first of its 4x4 Special Patrol Vehicles (SPV) to equip selected special forces units. The order, for around 40 vehicles, was placed with Panhard General Defense in mid-2005, with final deliveries anticipated to take place in September 2006.[Jane's International Defence Review - first posted to http://idr.janes.com - 1 July 2006]Slovenian MoD opts for FN Herstal F2000 assault rifle The Slovenian Ministry of Defence (MORS) has signed a EUR13 million contract with FN Herstal and Slovenian company Arex for the delivery of 6,500 5.56 x 45 mm F2000 bullpup tactical assault rifles.[Jane's Defence Weekly- first posted to http://jdw.janes.com - 22 June 2006]Romania develops new 8 x 8 APC Romania is expected later in 2006 to complete the first prototype of a new multirole 8 x 8 armoured infantry vehicle (AIV), dubbed 'Zimbru 2006' to meet the potential requirements of the Romanian Army.[Jane's Defence Weekly- first posted to http://jdw.janes.com - 22 June 2006]Israel Defence Force prepares to buy ATMOS The Israeli Ministry of Defence is expected to order an initial batch of 18 Soltam Systems Autonomous Truck Mounted Howitzer Systems (ATMOS) - funding permitting - sufficient to equip one Israel Defence Force (IDF) artillery regiment with three batteries, each with six weapons.[Jane's Defence Weekly- first posted to http://jdw.janes.com - 22 June 2006]Competition develops for third Excalibur upgrade A competition to develop a lower-cost version of the XM982-U Excalibur guided artillery projectile emerged in early June even as the US Army announced a contract to build a second batch of the munition supplied by Raytheon/BAE Systems Bofors.[Jane's Defence Weekly- first posted to http://jdw.janes.com - 22 June 2006]
BAE Systems Bofors to Upgrade Swedish Artillery (Source: BAE Systems Bofors; issued June 12, 2006) KARLSKOGA, Sweden --- BAE Systems has received approval from the Swedish Parliament for an upgrade of the Swedish artillery that will allow the Swedish Defence Material Administration to continue its program with the Archer System. "The Parliament has decided that the Archer program should be a joint program, primarily with other Scandinavian countries," said Urban Öholm, Sales Director for artillery systems. Archer is a 155 mm self propelled and self loading howitzer with a crew protected cockpit. BAE Systems Bofors has recently delivered the second demonstrator in the Archer Program. The first, delivered last year, has just finished a successful firing of the intelligent munition, Excalibur, a GPS guided munition developed in cooperation with Raytheon. The projectile was fired with the new modular insensitive charges developed by BAE Systems Bofors. The test firings hit well inside the targeted area and were considered a success. If the Swedish Armed Forces exercise their long term plan, they are expected to order 24 Archer Systems along with ammunition and support vehicles, modular charges and ammunition. The Archer is expected to be in full scale operation by 2011.
DGA Equips French Special Forces (Source: DGA French defence procurement agency; issued June 13, 2006) VILLEPINTE, France --- In 2006, the French defence procurement agency, Delegation Generale pour l’Armement (DGA) is providing the Special Operations Command with new helicopters and patrol vehicles. Eight EC725 HUS helicopters, of which six have already been delivered, will be operational by year-end. The performance of this aircraft provides the qualitative leap forward required by the special forces to carry out their missions: increased range and payload; high maneuverability at high all-up weight; all-weather capability; in-flight refueling; and high degree of protection. 41 VPS four-wheel drive patrol vehicles, manufactured by Panhard, and intended for in-depth operations by small combat groups, will also be delivered this year. Again, these vehicles are particularly well-suited to modern combat conditions: they are transportable by helicopter; protected against anti-personnel mines; have a payload of one metric tonne, including a .50-calibre (12.7mm) heay machine-gun. First 1,000 FELIN Systems Ordered DGA recently awarded an order for the first 1,000 production FELIN future soldier systems. Beginning in 2008, they will equip the combat elements of one infantry regiment, at the same time as the Army will also take delivery of the first VBCI wheeled combat vehicle outfitted as a mobile support base. FELIN is a truly integrated weapon system, and was designed to optimize various capabilities of combat infantrymen, such as observation (by day and night, at long ranges), mobility (light weight, optimal interface, positioning and navigation aids), protection (low visual, acoustical and electro-magnetic signatures; armor protection) as well as enhanced communications and high-endurance power pack).
FN Herstal Awarded Major Contract for F2000 Assault Rifles(Source: FN Herstal; dated June 2006, web-posted June 15, 2006)Leading manufacturer of small arms FN Herstal in Belgium is pleased to announce that the Ministry of Defence in Slovenia has recently adopted the F2000 Tactical Assault Rifle and Grenade Launcher for all its Armed Forces. Deliveries will be completed in the course of next year. The F2000 won the competition after one year of successful tests carried out according to NATO standards by the Slovenian MoD. The F2000 Assault Rifle 5.56 mm calibre, which combines innovative features, modern technology and top quality components, is short in length, light in weight, modular and capable of taking a variety of accessories to meet the diverse operational requirements facing modern military units today and in the future.
Thales Contributes to Mowag's Belgian Army Armoured Infantry Vehicle Programme Win(Source: Thales; issued June 15, 2006)The Belgian Ministry of Defence has awarded Mowag the contract for the first batch of new wheeled armoured vehicles under the Armoured Infantry Vehicle (AIV) programme. The contract calls for the delivery of 138 Piranha IIIC 8x8 vehicles in seven different variants. The multi-vehicle electronic architecture proposed by Thales in close cooperation with Mowag is one of the key factors in this success. As electronics become increasingly critical to the operational effectiveness of military vehicles, this new-generation electronic architecture provides a backbone to optimise integration of vehicle subsystems such as electrical power, voice, data and image communications and mission system management. The electronic backbone provides an advanced networking capability both inside and between the vehicles, which will play a key role in armed forces transformation and battlespace digitisation. The electronic architecture meets the following core customer requirements: -- increased operational effectiveness (acceleration of the tempo of operations) and better survivability -- a single architecture for all types of platforms and missions -- plug & play mission system support for scalability and upgradability -- compatibility and interoperability with NATO and other forces -- common architecture for reduced risks and cost. The award confirms Thales' major role in land systems and electronic architectures for vehicles, which are critical to the effectiveness of land-based platforms and their ability to accomplish their missions today and in the future.
NATO wants Ukraine radar station control of Russia - expertKIEV, June 23 (Itar-Tass) - NATO urges Ukraine to set up three radar complexes for control of Russia's air space. Brussels "is ready to finance this project for creating a common radar field for controlling the air traffic", the Ukrainian newspaper Delo said on Friday, citing a military expert, Colonel Alexander Manachinsky. He said that "representatives of NATO ask to install the radar stations in one of regions in eastern Ukraine and near Kiev and Borispol. For this reason a real goal of the alliance can be judged – controlling the air space of Russia," Manachinsky said. If the radar stations are deployed, they will be able to monitor a major part of Russia's territory. Manachinsky asserted that such complexes had been set up in the Baltic republics and Poland. The director of the NATO Information and Documentation Centre in Ukraine, Michel Duray, said that NATO would spend about 10 million euros in Ukraine in 2006. Of these funds, 5.8 million euros are slated for the scrapping of munitions, 700,000 euros for the "social retraining of military servicemen" and 800,000 euros for the retraining of personnel of the Defense Ministry and the Security Service. A representative of the Ukrainian Centre of Army Studies, Conversion and Disarmament, Mikhail Samus, said that work was going on at the Kharkov Institute of Monocrystals to create "transparent armour". The institute refuses to call costs of the secret project.
Russia Offers Turks Ka-52A Strike HelicopterThe results of the largest tender for the purchase by Turkey of strike helicopters, as expected, will be announced on Tuesday at a meeting of the country's defense industry executive committee. The project, estimated at 2.5 – 3 billion dollars, provides for obtaining 91 new generation combat helicopters for the needs of the Turkish armed forces. Companies form France, Italy, the Republic of South Africa and Russia are participating in the tender being held by Turkey The Russian side is offering the Turks the Ka-52A strike ((UDARNO-SHTURMOVOY)) helicopter which is manufactured by the Kamov firm, and that fully meets NATO standards, in which Turkey is included, and is cheaper than Western counterparts. In the even of this helicopter's selection, Russia promises to render aid to Turkey in the creation of its own helicopter industry and to arrange joint production of helicopters, including for sales to third parties. Turkey has been trying unsuccessfully to realize a program for equipping the armed forces with combat helicopters since 1997. ((Rest about non-Russian stuff snipped.)) Source: 27.06.06, RIA Novosti
Series Production of Mi-38 Helicopter May Begin in 2009((EXTRACT. Much money stuff snipped.)) Certification of the twin-piloted "Ansat" ended in 200 for use of an emergency water landing system. Tests of obtaining additional certifications for increasing takeoff weight to three tonnes and installation on the helicopter of a fire fighting system have ended. The enterprise ((OAO Kazan' Helicopter Plant)) already has received 420 million rubles from sales of the helicopter. Last year flight tests of a training helicopter, the "Ansat-U," began, which was designed and assembled on order of the Russian Federation defense ministry for training cadets. Tests of the Mi-8MTV5 helicopter have been made, and approval has been obtained for installation of new VK-2500 engines on the helicopter, which will allow basing the helicopter at an altitude of 5,500 meters and making flights at an altitude of more than 6,000 meters. The new Mi-38 helicopter is participating in the federal targeted program for Russian aviation, and 300 million rubles was allocated in 2006 form the federal budget. Its takeoff performance exceeded those declared in the technical task as a result of the tests. Work has begun on creation of a second experimental example. Series production of the helicopter is intended for 2009. A factory development – the ultra light-weight three-place "Aktay" helicopters has a chance to get into the federal program for upgrade of Russia's transportation system. The first prototype of the aircraft has been assembled for the time being, and series production may begin not earlier than 2009. Source: 28.06.06, Intertat, Correspondent: Evgeniya Gazizova
Patria Received AMOS Mortar System Order from the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration(Source: Patria; issued June 28, 2006)Patria together with its co-operation partner BAE Systems Hägglunds of Sweden has received an AMOS mortar system order from the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV). The order contains development and production of two prototypes as well as an option on a number of series systems including both land and navy versions and ammunition. The total value of the order is approximately EUR 55 million and the two prototypes will be delivered in the beginning of 2011. The order of the Advanced Mortar System AMOS is a concrete result of the government and industry co-operation started in the mid 90´s between Finland and Sweden. The Finnish Defence Forces ordered 24 AMOS-AMV mortar vehicles in 2003 and the first vehicles were delivered in the end of March 2006. Together AMOS and AMV offer a unique solution for a wide range of support needs in many different environments and operations. "With these references from both Sweden and Finland we are very optimistic regarding future export possibilities with completely new product to launch on the world market," say both Mr Puputti, Executive Vice President of Patria's Weapon Systems and Mr Kågevall, President of BAE Systems Hägglunds AB. AMOS system has been jointly developed by Patria and BAE Systems Hägglunds, marketing and sales has been in responsibility of a joint company Patria Hägglunds Oy. The AMOS mortar system provides a completely new solution that is fast, accurate and efficient. AMOS is based on a twin-barrel 120 mm mortar turret. It is the only system in the market that can fire indirect MRSI fire with ten grenades hitting the target simultaneously. AMOS can also use direct fire in addition to conventional mortar trajectories. Efficient firing is provided by a semi-automatic loading system and a fully automatic laying system. AMOS can use any type of ammunition intended for 120 mm smoothbore mortars. It can also use guided PGMM ammunition currently under development. The AMOS system recently underwent with impressive test results an extensive series of firepower and mobility trials in Saudi Arabia with the system integrated on a Swedish BAE Systems Hägglunds CV90 infantry fighting vehicle. Tests included both indirect and direct firing both in daylight and at night. Patria is a Defence and Aerospace Group with international operations. Its key business areas are armoured wheeled vehicles, mortar systems, helicopters and aircraft, and their life cycle support, as well as defence electronics systems. Patria delivers internationally competitive solutions to global markets based on own specialist know-how and partnerships. Patria is owned by the State of Finland and the European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company EADS N.V. BAE Systems Hägglunds AB designs, manufactures and markets military vehicle systems. The company's primary products are infantry fighting vehicles (IFV), armoured all-terrain vehicles (ATV) and turret systems. The head office and production facility is in Örnsköldsvik. BAE Systems Hägglunds employs around 1100 personnel and in 2005 had a turnover of 2.2 billion Swedish Kronor (US$278 million).
Troops Keep On Trucking With New Deal (Source: UK Ministry of Defence; issued June 29, 2006)The UK's Armed Forces will get an extra 2,000 trucks under a deal announced today by Defence Procurement Minister, Lord Drayson. The Defence Procurement Minister said the MoD was taking up an option to extend the £1.1 Billion contract it placed last year and would buy a further 2,077 vehicles in addition to the approx 5,000 earlier announced. Worth in the region of £250 million, the taking up of the option with MAN ERF UK Ltd is part of the MoD's biggest truck deal in over quarter of a century and will see a fleet of new trucks and recovery vehicles replacing the existing vehicles. Lord Drayson said: "By taking up this option our Armed Forces will take delivery of a further 2,000 modern, versatile and robust support vehicles which will carry out the vital task of supplying our front line troops. This is in addition to the 5,000 vehicles which we announced last year and which will start coming into service from next year." Helping support some 400 UK jobs the Support Vehicle programme includes a Contractor Logistic Support package which will lead to a long term partnering arrangement consistent with the DIS published last December. The vehicles are specially designed so they can be quickly fitted with 'armour kits' which will help protect drivers and crew from blast and small arms attack. The vehicles will be capable of transporting large quantities of bulk equipment to our front-line troops wherever they are operating. Partly built in the UK the new fleet will consist of a mix of cargo and recovery vehicles. They will replace the MOD's tri-service fleet of four, eight and 14 tonne cargo vehicles and recovery trucks.
Boeing Awarded Contract to Build Avengers for Egypt(Source: Boeing Co.; issued June 27, 2006)ST. LOUIS --- Boeing has signed a Foreign Military Sales (FMS) agreement with the U.S. Army to deliver Avenger short-range air defense fire units to Egypt. The $50 million contract includes associated spares and logistics support. The Avenger is the U.S. Army's mobile, shoot-on-the-move, short-range air defense system. Armed with Stinger missiles and a 50-caliber machine gun, Avenger provides effective tactical defense and convoy protection against helicopters, cruise missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles. "Avenger is a lethal forward-area air defense system with proven capabilities deployed worldwide," said Debra Rub-Zenko, vice president and program director for Boeing Integrated Missile Defense. "Through the cooperative efforts of the U.S. Army, Boeing is pleased to once again provide the Egyptian air defenders with increased Avenger force protection for their nation." The new contract calls for Boeing to deliver the Avengers by September 2008. Under a previous FMS contract, Boeing delivered Avengers to Egypt from 2000-2004. The Egyptian order will allow Boeing to restart the Avenger production line, which has been dormant since 2004. Having an active production line ensures Boeing's ability to respond quickly with an affordable short-range air defense solution for both domestic and international customers. Boeing assembles the Avenger in Huntsville, Ala. Boeing is the largest aerospace company in Alabama. Today, the workforce of nearly 3,300 employees perform leading edge work on an array of key space and defense programs including the Ground-based Midcourse Defense, International Space Station, Delta Launch Vehicles, Avenger, Arrow and PAC-3. A unit of The Boeing Company, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems is one of the world's largest space and defense businesses. Headquartered in St. Louis, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems is a $30.8 billion business. It provides network-centric system solutions to its global military, government and commercial customers. It is a leading provider of intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance systems; the world's largest military aircraft manufacturer; the world's largest satellite manufacturer; a foremost developer of advanced concepts and technologies; a leading provider of space-based communications; the primary systems integrator for U.S. missile defense; NASA's largest contractor; and a global leader in sustainment solutions and launch services.
Germany Launches PARS 3 Main Armament for Tiger Helicopter(Source: MBDA; issued June 30, 2006)On 30th June 2006, the procurement contract for the PARS 3 Long Range precision fire-and-forget weapon system was signed in Koblenz by the Federal Office of Defence Technology and Procurement (BWB), LFK-MBDA Deutschland and Diehl BGT Defence. PARS 3 LR (third generation missile/long-range) is the main armament for the Tiger helicopter ordered by the German Army. The contract for industrialisation and series production of the PARS 3 LR missiles will be managed by PARSYS, a joint venture between LFK GmbH (50%), now part of MBDA, and Diehl BGT Defence (50%). The contract, valued at EUR 380 million, covers industrialization and delivery of 680 missiles for the German Army by the year 2014. PARS 3 LR was developed for the Tiger support helicopter for defeating hardened high-value targets from a distance of up to 6,000 meters. The new fire-and-forget missile allows the helicopter to quit its position immediately after firing, thereby increasing the survivability of the platform and crew. The precision of the state-of-the-art missile is assured by the passive infrared seeker combined with the optical system, enabling unambiguous target identification and target designation over the entire range spectrum. The warhead has been proven against a variety of targets and has the growth potential to fulfil future requirements. Development of the overall PARS 3 LR system was formally completed in mid-2004. However, LFK GmbH has been manufacturing key components of the PARS 3 LR system which have then been integrated by Eurocopter into the platform since the series production contract for the 80 Tiger helicopters was signed in 1998. Werner Kaltenegger, Managing Director of LFK - MBDA Deutschland, said: "We are delighted to be able to sign this contract as it consolidates the German missile industry over a common programme and provides the best weapon solution for the Tiger and the Bundeswehr, while also securing our industrial capability and important key technologies for LFK, DBD and our subcontractors". Marwan Lahoud, MBDA's CEO, said: "This German procurement decision is a major step forward as it provides a European solution for the Tiger's main armament needs and a significant contribution of Germany to building up battlefield engagement solutions for Europe". With an annual turnover exceeding EUR 3.5 billion, a forward order book of over EUR 14 billion and over 70 customers worldwide, MBDA is a world leading, global missile systems company. MBDA currently has 45 missile system and countermeasure programmes in operational service and has proven its ability as prime contractor to head major multi-national projects. MBDA is jointly owned by BAE Systems (37.5%), EADS (37.5%) and Finmeccanica (25%). LFK is the German part of MBDA with approximately 1100 employees and an annual turnover of approximately EUR 400 million. LFK's main programmes include the transatlantic missile defence system MEADS, the stand-off cruise missile system Taurus KEPD 350, the PARS 3, the main weapon system for the Tiger helicopter, and the Milan ER/ADT, the new generation version of the successful antitank missile family developed with MBDA.
Bundeswehr Procures an Additional 149 Dingo 2 Vehicles(Source: Krauss Maffei Wegmann; issued June 29, 2006)MUNICH, Germany --- The Budget Committee of the German Parliament yesterday gave the go-ahead for the procurement of 149 all-protected transport vehicles, type Dingo 2, made by Krauss-Maffei Wegmann (KMW). The contract totalling approx. 109 million euros is to be awarded shortly. The vehicles to be ordered include 15 for the so-called immediate requirement. "With the Dingo 2, the German armed forces will be receiving the best protection available worldwide for their international missions", says Frank Haun, chairman of the KMW Board of Management. "Moreover, this contract underlines our leading defense systems expertise in the field of highly protected mobility", continues Frank Haun. In addition to the 52 vehicles already procured in 2005, the German Bundeswehr will thus receive further cross-country and airportable wheeled vehicles meeting the requirements for maximum mobility and optimum crew protection on the battlefield unequalled by any other vehicle on the world market. Modularity and Maximum Protection The Dingo 2 is available in several mission variants. An NC detector vehicle offers space for five crew members. Nuclear and chemical combat agents can be detected and analysed in the NBC-protected large safety cell of the Dingo 2. As an ambulant emergency vehicle with its medical equipment on board, the Dingo 2 permits mobile initial medical treatment of patients under ballistic, mine and NBC protection. It accomodates four crew and either two injured personnel or one contaminated patient in a personnel treatment chamber. This kit variant of the Dingo 2 equally features the known high level of mine protection. Dingo 2 The Dingo 2 is a consistent upgrade of the Dingo 1 all-protected transport vehicle fielded in 2000 and proven in many international missions. In its current patrol and security version, it offers space for up to eight crew and affords maximum protection against modern hand-held weapons, artillery fragments, anti-personnel and anti-tank mines as well as against NBC agents. The UNIMOG chassis of high cross-country mobility provides the vehicle with maximum speeds of more than 90 kph and a radius of action of roughly 1,000 km. Moreover, the Dingo 2 is airportable on the C160 Transall, C130 Hercules and A400M transport aircraft. Krauss-Maffei Wegmann GmbH und Co. KG is Europe's market leader for armored wheeled and tracked vehicles. With a workforce of approximately 2,600 and extensive system expertise, KMW as the leading system manufacturer develops, manufactures and supports a product line-up ranging from air portable and mine-protected wheeled vehicles (Mungo and Dingo), to reconnaissance, air defense and artillery systems (Fennek, Gepard, PzH 2000) all the way to heavy battle tanks (Leopard 1 and 2) and armored infantry fighting vehicles (Puma). The armed forces of 29 nations worldwide rely on operational systems supplied by KMW.
Official Contract Signature Between Eurocopter and the Australian Government Confirming the Order of 34 MRH-90s(Source: Eurocopter; issued June 29, 2006)Eurocopter's subsidiary, Australian Aerospace, and the Australian Defence Material Organisation (DMO) today signed the contract to provide 34 additional MRH-90 medium-lift helicopters to the Australian Defence Force (ADF) and the associated support for a period of ten years. The signing ceremony, which took place in Canberra, follows the announcement last week by Prime Minister John Howard and Defence Minister Brendan Nelson that the ADF was ordering the extra MRH-90s, the most advanced helicopter of its size in the world. Australia now has ordered 46 MRH-90s as part of the modernization and rationalization of its helicopter fleet, which will develop a hardened and networked defence force. This decision comes indeed less than two years after the Federal Government ordered the first 12 MRH-90s as additional troop lift helicopters. Already in December 2001, Eurocopter was selected to provide 22 Tiger Armed Reconnaissance Helicopters (ARH) to the Australian Army. Eurocopter warmly welcomes this decision, which confirms the leadership of its products in the military sector and the trustworthy relationship it has built with the Australian government. The MRH-90s, the world's most advanced medium-lift helicopter, was chosen ahead of the Black Hawk. It will now be stepped up at Australian Aerospace's Brisbane plant. Through-life support services also will take place in Australia. Expanding local production and support for the MRH-90s will make Australia one of the cornerstones of the global supply chain of the Eurocopter network, which includes Australian Aerospace. Together, the two MRH-90 contracts will generate 400 highly skilled jobs in Australia and will inject A$ 1.1 billion into the Australian economy. Eurocopter CEO, Fabrice Bregier, said: "this additional order confirms not only the superiority of the NH-90 in its class but also the strong links developed between Eurocopter and its Australian partners. It will be a major step ahead for the Australian industry and is fully in line with the worldwide expansion strategy of Eurocopter, which consists in developing long term industrial partnerships with major customer countries." The Australian version of the NH-90, called MRH-90, is a truly multi-role helicopter which carries more troops and more equipment, further and faster than other helicopters of the same weight. It can be configured in more ways and is fully interoperable with NATO and Coalition forces. The MRH-90 is ideal to operate from land and sea. Its composite construction means there is no corrosion. It is easy and quick to maintain and spends a greater percentage of its operational life in the air than other helicopters in this class. The NH90 is the biggest helicopter programme ever launched in Europe, with firm orders now at 391 units and options for a further 187. Customer countries which have placed firm orders are France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Portugal, Finland, Norway, Sweden, Greece, Oman and Australia. The latest countries to have officially selected the NH90 are New Zealand, Spain and Belgium. Due to its inherent multi-role capability, the NH90 is able to fulfil a large variety of missions and has been selected for Army, Air Force, Navy and SAR services by the respective customer nations. In Australia, Eurocopter, through Australian Aerospace and its Regional Centre of Excellence in Brisbane, assembles, tests, supplies, maintains, modifies and enhances civil and military aircraft for the Australian and export markets. Currently, it is assembling and delivering 18 of the 22 Tiger Armed Reconnaissance Helicopters to the Australian Army, to be followed by 42 of the 46 MRH-90s for the troop and utility lift role. At the same time, Australian Aerospace assembles and delivers the EC120 Colibri light civil helicopter for customers throughout the Asia Pacific region, as well as supporting the more than 350 Eurocopter helicopters currently active in Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific Islands. Australian Aerospace recently announced plans to invest a further A$ million in a state-of-the-art composite fibre manufacturing plant in Queensland Established in 1992, the Franco-German-Spanish Eurocopter Group is a Division of EADS, a world leader in aerospace, defence and related services. The Eurocopter Group employs approx. 13,000 people. In 2005, Eurocopter confirmed its position as the world's No. 1 helicopter manufacturer with a turnover of 3.2 billion euros, orders for 401 new helicopters, and a 52 percent market share in the civil and parapublic sectors. Overall, the Group's products account for 30 percent of the total world helicopter fleet. Its strong worldwide presence is ensured by its 16 subsidiaries on five continents, along with a dense network of distributors, certified agents and maintenance centres. More than 9,500 Eurocopter helicopters are currently in service with over 2,500 customers in 139 countries. Eurocopter offers the largest civil and military helicopter range in the world.
Goff Announces New Army Capability (Source: New Zealand Ministry of Defence; issued June 28, 2006)"The New Zealand Army has increased its inventory of world-class equipment with the delivery of 24 Javelin medium range anti-armoured weapons," Defence Minister Phil Goff announced today. The new weapon systems are part of the Army's $26 million dollar modernisation project approved by the Government in 2001. "The Javelin is a state of the art and technologically advanced anti-armoured weapon, effective in destroying any armoured vehicle out to a range of 2500m," said Mr Goff. The introduction of the Javelin enhances the protection of the Army's soldiers, vehicles and equipment. The Javelin's optics and thermal imaging capabilities enable it to locate and accurately engage targets by day and night. The Javelin missile is effective against bunkers, buildings, boats and helicopters, as well as armoured vehicles. "The Javelin system includes both indoor and outdoor simulators that provide realistic training that has proved to be highly successful. "This approach to training has been effective overseas, with 92% of operators trained using the simulators, achieving a first time hit with live ammunition. "The Javelin medium range anti-armoured weapons are now in Waiouru where the initial training on the new weapon system will take place between July and December 2006," Mr Goff said.
GTK Boxer: Dutch Parliament Endorses Procurement(Source: Dutch Ministry of Defence; issued June 28, 2006)(Issued in Dutch only; unofficial translation by defense-aerospace.com)State Secretary of Defence Cees van Der Knaap obtained a green light from a majority of the Second Chamber of the Dutch Parliament for the joint purchase with Germany of the Boxer large wheeled armored transport vehicle. The price of the Boxer vehicle was reduced to an acceptable level after renewed negotiations with the Dutch manufacturer producer Stork. Boxer will replace the Dutch Army's obsolete YPR and M577 armored personnel carriers. The Netherlands want to buy 200 vehicles and the German army another 279. Germany wants to award the first order next year, while the Netherlands needs the vehicles only beginning in 2010. However, Germany can only proceed with the procurement phase if the Netherlands advance their own plans. Without Dutch participation, the expectation is that the price of the vehicle would increase considerably.
