All articles by Vemula Pravalika
Vemula Pravalika
Chess Dynamics and BAE Systems Bofors collaborate on next-generation Tridon Mk2
Chess Dynamics, the leading British surveillance, tracking and gunfire control specialist, has today announced a successful collaboration with BAE Systems Bofors for the fire control element of the Tridon Mk2. This next generation 40mm anti-aircraft system represents a significant advancement in firepower and operational capability, and incorporates Chess’ leading air defence system technology.
Missile Framework-contract for Rheinmetall: Bundeswehr orders 70mm-practice rockets for combat helicopters – envisaged order value over €100m
Rheinmetall has finalized a framework-contract with the Bundeswehr concerning the delivery of 70mm-practice rockets. The German Armed Forces want to procure rockets with a possible order value of over €100m. An initial order worth a mid-double-digit million euro amount was booked in the second quarter of 2024. It is foreseen to deliver the pilot lot in 2024. Upon acceptance of the delivery, the serial production will commence between 2025 and 2029.
Rheinmetall delivers first simulation system Ausbildungs-Ausstattung Training Navigation to the German Navy: Ceremonial handover at the NAVOS in Bremerhaven
In the presence of representatives of the German Navy headquarters, Rheinmetall handed over the first of seven ship-handling simulators Ausbildungs-Ausstattung Training Navigation “AATN” to the Bundesamt für Ausrüstung, Informationstechnik und Nutzung der Bundeswehr (BAAINBw) at the Naval Operations School (MOS/NAVOS) in Bremerhaven. The BAAINBw also handed over the system to the Navy, thus giving the authorization to use the system. This is a significant milestone for everyone involved, as it marks the start of the rollout to the end users, who can now integrate their first simulator into their training operations.
Bringing rotorcraft up to speed
These days, discussions around the future of airborne warfare tend to focus on drones. This is unsurprising: versatile, fast and deadly, they’re transforming battles from Ukraine to Palestine. But what about helicopters? They may be rather larger than the average UAV, but the new generation of rotary craft are just as flexible, designed for everything from anti-submarine warfare to armed scouting missions. Tallha Abdulrazaq talks to Cyril Heckel, programme manager, Next Generation Rotorcraft Capability (NGRC) at Nato’s Support and Procurement Agency, to explore the role of rotary combat in the modern defence environment – and how programmes like NGRC will overcome the limitations of traditional helicopters.
An (under) sea change
With uncrewed vessels hitting the headlines recently, the world’s attention has turned to their application in combat. But as Andrew Tunnicliffe finds out, there are some big challenges ahead – for the Europeans at least. Andrew talks with Commander Guillaume, a French naval officer and branch manager for the Permanent Commission for Programmes and Trials, and asks how long navies across the continent can keep ignoring the security implications of this new technology.
Drone hunting
With aerial weapons an increasing danger across battlefields, it’s no wonder militaries are investigating ways of bringing them down, with flexible handheld platforms one popular option. Not that deploying C-UAS is necessarily easy: interoperability is an important consideration, as is the ability to integrate devices with existing air defence systems. Phoebe Galbraith examines a rich and rapidly shifting field, speaking to Ricardo Faria of the European Commission; Pawel Stezycki of the Lukasiewicz Research Network; and Samuel Bendett at the Center for Naval Analyses..
Keeping Ukraine armed
Since Putin’s invasion two years ago, the US has supplied some $44bn of military aid to Ukraine. Other Western allies, from Britain to Lithuania, have followed suit. But beyond the headline numbers, what kind of communication do Nato countries have with their beleaguered Ukrainian partner? How important is the interoperability of weapons and other systems? And how does aid actually travel from some warehouse in Virginia to the frontline near Kharkiv? Andrea Valentino explores all these questions with experts from across the sector, along the way considering the Ukraine war’s broader logistics lessons.
Building cyber castles
Over recent years, Ukraine has obviously absorbed the mass of President Putin’s ire – but Nato allies have proved equally vulnerable to Russian cyber attacks. Beyond the headline threats, however, what can the Western alliance do to protect its digital assets? Andrea Valentino investigates, talking to Luc Dandurand of the Nato Cyber Security Centre to explore how collaboration and fl exibility are crucial in the constant battle for cyber supremacy.
An alternative vote
As the British Army readies itself for the challenges of the future, it is focusing on both lethality and efficiency. That explains the military’s major new investment in the L403A1 – the Alternative Individual Weapon – which is set to become one of the most important tools in its arsenal. Jim Banks talks to experts across the armed forces to examine the weapon and its advantages, as well as understand the Project Hunter procurement programme that delivered it.
Keeping AI under control
Artificial intelligence has driven countless headlines over recent years – with many worried about the supposedly existential threat the technology poses to humankind. Despite these concerns, however, militaries continue to invest in AI, driven by the need to retain a strategic advantage over potential foes. With principles of responsible use supposed to govern the use of AI in combat, Dan Cave speaks with Nikos Loutas, head of data and AI policy at Nato; and Simona Soare, a senior lecturer at Lancaster University, to find out if these safeguarding rules are adequate – and if they could be bypassed.