Yearly Archives: 2024

Israel’s Elbit Systems wins $37 million Iron Fist APS order for US Army’s Bradley IFVs

Iron Fist APS for US Army’s Bradley IFVs: Haifa, Israel – May 5, 2024 – In a move that significantly bolsters the defensive capabilities of the U.S. Army’s Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicles (IFVs), Elbit Systems Ltd. (ESLT) has secured a $37 million contract to supply its Iron Fist Active Protection Systems (APS). The 24-month contract involves furnishing General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems (GD-OTS) with the Iron Fist APS, integrating this next-generation technology into the M2A4E1 variant of the Bradley IFV.

India’s DRDO testfires supersonic missile-assisted Smart Torpedo

India DRDO’s Supersonic Missile-Assisted Release of Torpedo (SMART): The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully flight-tested a new missile system designed to revolutionize the Indian Navy’s anti-submarine warfare capabilities. The Supersonic Missile-Assisted Release of Torpedo (SMART) system was launched from a ground-based mobile launcher off the coast of Odisha on Wednesday (May 1, 2024).

Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan takes charge as Vice Chief of Naval Staff

Indian Navy Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan: Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan, a distinguished officer with over 35 years of experience, officially assumed the position of Vice Chief of Naval Staff on Wednesday (May 1, 2024). A specialist in Communication and Electronic Warfare, Admiral Swaminathan has a decorated career marked by numerous leadership roles and prestigious awards, said the MoD.

Air Marshal Nagesh Kapoor takes charge of IAF’s training command

Air Marshal Nagesh Kapoor assumed the appointment of Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief (AOC-in-C) Training Command (TC) of the world’s fourth largest air force, the Indian Air Force, on Wednesday (01 May 2024). Air Marshal N Kapoor was commissioned into the Fighter stream of the Indian Air Force on 06 December 1986. He is an alumnus of the National Defence Academy, Defence Services Staff College and National Defence College. A Qualified Flying Instructor and a Fighter Combat Leader, he has more than 3400 hours of flying experience.

Israel’s Elbit Systems wins $50 million order for Red Sky Air Defense System

Elbit Systems’ Red Sky Air Defense System: Elbit Systems, a leading Israeli defense technology company, has been awarded a $50 million contract for its innovative air defense system, “Red Sky.” This Tactical Very Short-range Air Defense (VSHORAD) system is designed to specifically counter low-altitude aerial threats, offering a comprehensive solution for border and strategic asset defense. The Red Sky system incorporates both electronic warfare (EW) and hard-kill defense capabilities, providing a multi-layered approach to aerial threat neutralization.

The US Air Force Gears Up for Next-Gen Air Combat with GA-ASI and Anduril

US Air Force’s Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) project: The future of air combat took a significant step forward with the US Air Force’s selection of General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc. (GA-ASI) and Anduril to develop and manufacture Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) prototypes. This program aims to revolutionize aerial warfare by deploying fleets of low-cost, modular, and highly autonomous unmanned aircraft alongside manned fighter jets.

Anduril Industries soars into the future of warfare, selected for USAF’s CCA project

Anduril Industries USAF’s CCA Programme: The US Air Force (USAF) has taken a bold step towards the future of aerial combat with the selection of Anduril, a non-traditional defense company, to participate in the Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) program. Announced on April 24, 2024, this selection marks a significant shift in the defense industry landscape and opens doors for innovative approaches to unmanned aerial systems (UAS).

GA-ASI selected for USAF’s Collaborative Combat Aircraft programme

GA-ASI selected for USAF’s CCA programme: San Diego, CA – April 24, 2024 – General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc. (GA-ASI) has been awarded a contract by the U.S. Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (AFLCMC) to build production representative flight test articles for the Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) program. This decision comes after a successful initial six-month phase that culminated in a positive preliminary design review (PDR) of GA-ASI’s CCA concept earlier this year.

Saab delivers fourth Global Eye aircraft to the UAE

Abu Dhabi, UAE – April 25, 2024 – Saab, a Swedish defense and security company, has delivered its fourth GlobalEye Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) aircraft to the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This marks the completion of the fourth aircraft out of a total order of five within just four years. The handover ceremony took place on April 18, 2024, at Al Dhafra Air Base in Abu Dhabi. This latest addition strengthens the UAE Air Force’s aerial surveillance capabilities.

Kongsberg unveils world’s first long-range AUV, HUGIN Endurance

The HUGIN Endurance enters the market at a time when unmanned undersea vehicles are playing an increasingly vital role in oceanographic research, defense applications, and commercial operations. Compared to other AUVs, the HUGIN Endurance boasts unmatched range and endurance. With a full battery pack, it can operate for up to 15 days at sea, traveling an impressive 2,200 kilometers (1,200 nautical miles). This extended reach allows for comprehensive exploration of vast underwater areas, previously unimaginable with traditional AUVs.

Rheinmetall bags €400 mn order for Bundeswehr’s radio systems

Rheinmetall German Military’s Tactical Communication System Contract: In a significant win for the German defense company Rheinmetall, a leading manufacturer of military equipment, the company has secured a framework contract with the Bundeswehr, the German Armed Forces, valued at around €400 million (US$446 million). This contract marks a major step forward in modernizing the Bundeswehr’s tactical communication capabilities.

Embraer’s backlog hits record high in first quarter

Embraer Q1 2024 Financial Results: Embraer delivered a total of 25 jets in Q1 2024, a remarkable 67% jump compared to the 15 aircraft delivered in the same period last year. This marks the highest number of deliveries for the first quarter in the past eight years. The growth was driven by a surge in Executive Aviation deliveries, which more than doubled year-over-year, reaching 18 jets from just 8 in Q1 2023. Commercial Aviation deliveries remained flat year-over-year at 7 aircraft.

India tests long-range Nirbhay cruise missile with domestic engine

Nirbhay Cruise Missile with Indian Engine: India successfully test-fired its indigenously developed Nirbhay cruise missile on Thursday, marking a significant step towards bolstering its long-range precision strike capabilities. Launched from Chandipur in Odisha, the Nirbhay missile boasts a range of 1,000 kilometers and is designed for conventional (non-nuclear) attacks. This time Nirbhay missile has been tested with an indigenous engine, reducing the country’s reliance on foreign vendors and partners.

Indian Air Force’s enduring role in Operation Meghdoot

Operation Meghdoot and Indian Air Force: Operation Meghdoot, launched in 1984, stands as a testament to the remarkable collaboration between the Indian Army and the Indian Air Force (IAF) in securing the strategically vital Siachen Glacier. This unforgiving terrain, known as the world’s highest battlefield, has witnessed decades of unwavering commitment from the IAF in ensuring India’s dominance in the region.

Indian Navy: Top MoD official attends steel cutting ceremony of fleet support ships

Indian Navy Fleet Support Ships: The Indian Navy is poised for a significant boost in its operational capabilities with the commencement of construction on a new fleet of Fleet Support Ships (FSS).  A ceremony held on April 10, 2024, at Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL) in Visakhapatnam marked the official steel cutting of the first vessel, signifying the beginning of this crucial project.

Tejas Mk1A: India conducts maiden flight of upgraded version of indigenous fighter jet

Maiden flight of Tejas Mk1A: India Thursday conducted successful maiden flight of an upgraded version of indigenous fighter jet LCA Tejas Mk1A. On March 28, an upgraded variant of the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas Mk1, took to the skies for its maiden flight from the state owned aircraft manufacturer HAL’s facility in Bengaluru in Southern India. This successful 18-minute sortie marked a significant leap forward in the country’s quest for self-reliance in fighter jet production.

Mission Divyastra: India testfires long-range MIRVed Agni-5 missile

Mission Divyastra – India’s Agni 5 ICBM with MIRV Technology: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi Monday (March 11) announced successful test-firing of India’s Agni-5 missile with advanced MIRV technology which makes India’s nuclear deterrence more potent as it is difficult for an adversary to intercept multiple warheads. With successful test-firing of Agni-5 missile with MIRV capability, India’s strategic missile program took a significant step forward with Multiple Independently Re-entry Vehicle (MIRV) technology. This marked a crucial advancement in India’s indigenous missile development and deterrence capabilities.

American Rheinmetall conducts live-fire of Mission Master UGVs for US Marines

Rheinmetall Mission Master SP Unmanned Ground Vehicle: American Rheinmetall Vehicles, in collaboration with Rheinmetall Canada, has successfully conducted a live-fire capability demonstration for the U.S. Marine Corps (USMC) at Fort Clinton, Ohio. The demonstration showcased the unique capabilities of the Rheinmetall Mission Master SP autonomous, unmanned ground vehicle (A-UGV) paired with the Fieldranger Remotely Controlled Weapon Station (RCWS).

Saab’s new factory in India: A step towards self-reliance in defence

Saab’s defence factory in Jhajjar, Haryana: Saab, a Swedish aerospace and defense company, has been a trusted supplier for India’s defence and security forces for over four decades. In a significant move, Saab, after receiving approval for 100% foreign direct investment, has established a new company, Saab FFVO India Pvt Ltd. This company will fully own a new manufacturing facility and produce the Carl-Gustaf M4 weapon.

India awards defence contracts worth $469.5 million to local defence companies

Self-reliance in defence: In a significant boost to the local defence and aerospace companies under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Make in India initiative, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) signed five major capital acquisition contracts worth $469.5 million on Friday (March 1, 2024) in New Delhi. The contracts were exchanged in the presence of defence minister Rajnath Singh and Defence Secretary Giridhar Aramane.

India’s Adani Group opens new ammunition and missile factory in Kanpur

Adani Group’s missile-ammunition factory Kanpur: The Adani Group, a prominent infrastructure conglomerate in India, Monday inaugurated a state-of-the-art integrated missile and ammunition manufacturing complex in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh. The opening of this facility coincided with the fifth anniversary of the Balakot air strike, a significant event when the Indian Air Force targeted terror camps in Balakot, Pakistan. Adani Defence and Aerospace said that the facility consists of two mega facilities dedicated to the production of ammunition and missiles in Kanpur.

LCA Tejas: Indigenous Digital Flight Control Computer tested successfully

Indigenous Digital Fly by Wire Flight Control System for Tejas: In a major step towards achieving self-reliance in defence sector, Indian scientists and engineers have successfully integrated indigenously developed Digital Fly by Wire Flight Control Computer (DFCC) in prototype LSP7 on Monday (February 19, 2024). The digital fly-by-wire flight control computer has been indigenously developed by the Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE), Bengaluru for the Tejas Mark-1A fighter jet.

Sweden’s Saab and French MBDA join hands for anti-tank, air defence weapons

Saab-MBDA join hands for anti-tank, air defence weapons: Two leading major European powers France and Sweden have decided to strengthen their defence co-operation under a new strategic partnership signed on 30 January as part of French President Emmanuel Macron’s state visit to Sweden. According to a press statement issued by Swedish defence company Saab, Anti-tank and air defence have been identified as priority areas for co-operation.

India’s steelmaker giant JSW Group forays into defence sector

JSW Defence and Aerospace: India’s steel maker giant JSW Group has entered into the country’s growing defence manufacturing space which has seen a large number of lucrative defence contracts awarded to private and state owned defence companies since the launch of ambitious self-reliant India programme (Atm Nirbhar Bharat) initiated by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government in 2020 to reduce the country’s dependence on imports in critical sector, including defence sector.

Rheinmetall-Diehl-Hensoldt bag Germany’s short range air defence contract

German Military’s Air Defence System for Short and Very Short-Range (LVS NNbS): Germany’s military procurement agency, the Federal Office for Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support (BAAINBw), Thursday signed a development contract with the Short- and Very Short-Range Air Defence System Consortium (ARGE NNbS) for the “Air Defence System, Short- and Very Short-Range”, or LVS NNbS.

Rheinmetall’s Boxer IFV begins validation trials for UK Army

Boxer Infantry Fighting Vehicle begins user trials for UK Army: Boxer Infantry Vehicle produced by German defence company Rheinmetall has started customer verification and validation trials for the UK Army’s Mechanised Infantry Vehicle (MIV) programme. These trials are taking place at Millbrook Proving Ground at Bedford in United Kingdom. These trials will qualify the design against the MIV technical requirements, demonstrating the Boxer vehicle’s capability and performance for the British Army, said the company.