Walk around of newest Ukrainian RK-360MTs Neptun coastal missile system

Walk around of newest Ukrainian RK-360MTs Neptun coastal missile system with R-360 cruise missiles.

Walk around of newest Ukrainian R-360 cruise missile.#Ukraine #CruiseMissile #Missile
Details:https://t.co/BcjgqgbDIW pic.twitter.com/JYOOKijZxs

— Shota Sabauri (@TheDeadDistrict) February 7, 2020

The Defense Express Media & Consulting Company has released new footage of the newest Ukrainian RK-360MTs Neptun coastal missile system with R-360 cruise missiles in stunning detail.

The Neptune is a coastal missile system designed to engage enemy surface fighting ships and auxiliaries vessels both single and belonging to Task Forces.

The system consists of an RCP-360 self-propelled command control and communications centre, USPU-360 self-propelled launchers, a TZM-360 transport and reloader machine and special cargo vehicle.

The coastal missile system is capable of hitting targets at ranges up to 280 kilometers at any time and under any weather conditions. The R-360 missile weighs 870 kg; the weight of its warhead is 150 kg; its launch speed is about 900 km/h.

Rheinmetall to supply laser duel simulators for Puma infantry fighting vehicles

Rheinmetall is to supply AGDUS laser duel simulators for the Puma IFV, contributing to the combat readiness of German mechanised infantry units.

Each AGDUS set consists of laser detectors arrayed around the vehicle as well as eye-safe lasers capable of simulating the effects of the Puma’s principal weapon systems, i.e. the automatic cannon, machinegun and MELLS antitank guided missile (Picture source: Rheinmetall)

Press Release, Düsseldorf, 03 February 2020: Rheinmetall will soon be supplying the German Bundeswehr with simulation technology that will enable highly realistic training of mechanised infantry units equipped with the Puma IFV. The total of the contract could be as high as €142 million, including value added tax.

At the end of 2019, Rheinmetall received order to this effect from the consortium responsible for the Puma for the AGDUS duel simulator, which had in turn been awarded the contract by the Bundeswehr on 20 December. To begin with, a pre-series of six systems will be developed and integrated. For Rheinmetall, the order value (booked in January 2020) comes to €54 million with VAT. Once the system is ready for full-scale serial production, an option exists for equipping 252 infantry fighting vehicles. This would result in an additional order for Rheinmetall worth around €88 million, including VAT, bringing the total value of the AGDUS contract to around €142 million, once again including VAT.

Each AGDUS set consists of laser detectors arrayed around the vehicle as well as eye-safe lasers capable of simulating the effects of the Puma’s principal weapon systems, i.e. the automatic cannon, machine gun and MELLS antitank guided missile. The laser algorithms are programmed to assure ballistically exact simulation of shots and hits. The AGDUS also enables simulation of the Puma IFV’s turret-independent secondary weapon system, or TSWA, as well as the vehicle’s self-defence systems. As a result, extremely realistic exercises can be conducted and evaluated at the German Army Combat Training Centre and other training facilities.

Rheinmetall’s Vehicle Systems and Electronics Solutions divisions will bring their respective expertise to bear in completing this order, with most of the work being performed at Group locations in Bremen and Unterlüß. True to the motto “Train as you fight!”, the AGDUS-equipped Puma IFV will significantly enhance the combat readiness of Germany’s mechanised infantry corps

US Army Active Protection Systems (APS) Program summary

Executive Summary

• In FY17, in support of the European Deterrence Initiative, the Army initiated an expedited installation and characterization of three Active Protection Systems (APS): the Rafael Trophy APS for the Army Abrams M1A2 and Marine Corps M1A1 tanks, the Artis Iron Curtain APS for the Stryker family of vehicles, and the Elbit Iron Fist – Light Decoupled APS for the Bradley family of vehicles.

• The selected APS technologies are non-developmental items intended to improve the survivability of ground combat vehicles against anti-tank guided missiles, rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs), and recoilless rifle threats by using a kinetic “hard kill” mechanism to intercept and disrupt/defeat theincoming threat.

• The Army tested the APS in two phases. Phase I assessed technology maturity, performance, and integration. Phase II supported the urgent materiel release (UMR).

Trophy APS

• In FY19, the Army completed Phase II of the TrophyAPS testing. DOT&E will summarize the demonstrated performance in a combined OT&E/LFT&E report in 2QFY20 to support the UMR. 

• Based on the demonstrated performance, the Army issued a directed requirement to procure and install Trophy APS systems on Abrams for a total of four Armored Brigade Combat Teams, by the end of FY20.

Iron Fist – Light Decoupled APS

• In FY18, the Army completed Phase I Iron Fist APS testing on the Bradley. This test supported the Army Requirements Oversight Council (AROC) meeting on November 30, 2018, where the Army decided to move forward with the Phase II Iron Fist – Light Decoupled APS program. Phase II testing is currently scheduled for FY21.

Stryker APS

• In FY18, the Army completed Phase I Iron Curtain APS testing on the Stryker. In FY19, the Army pursued and tested two additional Stryker APS solutions: Advanced Modular Armor Protection – Active Defense System by UBT/Rheinmetall and the Trophy Light system by DRS/Rafael. The Army has not selected any of these solutions due to the demonstrated performance and the systems maturity.

Trophy APS

• The Trophy APS includes search radars to detect, identify, and track incoming threats, and a set of kinetic projectiles intended to destroy the threat or cause its early detonation. The Abrams base armor is expected to absorb post‑engagement threat residuals (threat by-products generated after the collision). The Trophy APS adds approximately 8,600 pounds to the platform. The Army has integrated the Trophy system into the tank’s situational awareness system.

Iron Fist – Light Decoupled APS

• The Iron Fist – Light Decoupled APS includes radars and optics to detect, identify, and track incoming threats, and a set of explosive projectiles intended to destroy or divert the threat. The system adds approximately 1,543 pounds to the platform. The fielded Bradley A3 does not generate sufficient power to operate the APS, while the Bradley A4 power components, currently under development, can support this APS solution.

Stryker APS

• The Army evaluated three different solutions for Stryker APS: Iron Curtain, Advanced Modular Armor Protection – Active Defense System, and the Trophy Medium Variant system. Each vendor had unique technical solutions with different countermeasure mechanisms. The Army did not select any of the three systems evaluated.

Via DOT&E FY 2019 ANNUAL REPORT 

Pentagon releases new details of Abrams upgrade program

The U.S. military has disclosed details on the development of an improved variant of America’s sole main battle tank that considered the best in the world.

The annual report issued by the Director, Operational Test and Evaluation (DOT&E) has revealed fresh details of the M1A2 Systems Engineering Plan (SEP) version 3 (v3) main battle tank program.

The M1A2 SEP v3 would be almost unrecognizable to the tankers who served on its earliest incarnation. The new version could boast of improved fire control electronics mean the SEPv3’s gun can shoot faster and more accurately; the engine, drivetrain, and tracks have been updated for higher performance and to support the platform’s weight increase; it may even sport hubcaps and road arms manufactured by way of 3D printing.

The upgrades also include survivability enhancements including Next Evolution and advanced armor and reduction in vulnerability to Improvised explosive device (IED) threats (Reduction in vulnerability to remote-controlled IEDs).

According to the report, DOT&E approved an updated Abrams M1A2 SEP v3 Test and Evaluation Master Plan (TEMP) on December 28, 2018. The updated TEMP included revisions to planned Production Qualification Test events and the Follow-on operational Test and Evaluation scope.

Also added that in Fiscal Year 19, the Army concluded the M1A2 SEPv3 full-up system-level live fire testing. To complete the survivability assessment of the M1A2 SEPv3, the Army needs to execute the remaining live fire test series focused on addressing combat-induced vulnerabilities of stored ammunition and the modeling and simulation (M&S) effort focused on characterizing armor effectiveness across the operational envelope.

The Army expects to complete the M1A2 SEPv3 Live Fire Test and Evaluation program in the first quarter of FY20.

In FY19, the Army completed Full-Up, System-Level (FUSL) testing to assess the survivability of a combat-ready tank against IEDs, mines, and direct- and indirect-fire. The FUSL test series included 20 tests on 3 production-representative tanks.

Ammunition Compartment testing began in the fourth quarter of FY19 and will complete in 1Q FY20. These tests examine threats that perforate the tank armor and strike the ammunition compartment to assess the reaction of the stowed ammunition, and any resulting impacts to the crew.

The Abrams M1A2 SEPv3 survivability evaluation across operational engagement conditions will depend on live fire test data and models and simulations data. The Army is working on the validation and verification of the models and simulations tools critical to this evaluation.

Air Force Finally Releases New Images of Stealthy B-21 Future Bomber

New photorealistic renderings of the B-21 Long Range Strike Bomber have officially landed.

The Air Force together with the bomber's manufacturer, Northrop Grumman, published three new concepts of the next-generation bomber, showing the stealth aircraft in various hangars at bomber bases across the U.S.

One shows a concept of the B-21 tucked away in a hangar at Ellsworth Air Force Base, South Dakota, currently a B-1B Lancer base; a second shows the aircraft at Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri, which currently houses the B-2 Spirit; and a final photo presenting the B-21 at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, also a B-1 base.

Last year, the service announced the B-21's first operational base would be at Ellsworth and would also host the bomber's first formal training unit. Whiteman and Dyess are expected to receive B-21 Raiders "as they become available," the service said at the time.

The B-21 is still years away. Officials have said first deliveries should begin in the mid-2020s, but have been careful not to broadcast too many other details in order to protect details about the B-21's technology.

While enthusiasts have compared the squat, sleek profile of the B-21 to the B-2 stealth bomber -- also developed by Northrop -- a specialist for military aviation at the Congressional Research Service was quick to point out one potential difference.

Altering the photo's contrast, "it becomes evident that what looks like the 'beak' is the port leading edge. The nose (as depicted) is not as sharp as B-2," Jeremiah "JJ" Gertler tweeted Friday.

The Air Force plans to buy roughly 100 bombers, but could end up purchasing more depending on the service's needs.

Officials are conveying the program's planned milestones and schedule of events to lawmakers on congressional defense committees, as well as top brass at the Pentagon. In August, Vice Chief of Staff Gen. Stephen "Seve" Wilson said he's counting the days until the bomber's first flight in December 2021.

In 2016, the Air Force announced it would name its next-generation LRS-B the Raider after the service's legendary Doolittle Raiders. The late World War II veteran Richard E. Cole, the last surviving Doolittle Raider, made the announcement that year.

The Air Force awarded Northrop the contract, initially worth $21.4 billion, in 2015. Total costs are expected to exceed $55 billion over the life of the program.

Hyundai Rotem favored to land $9 bil. tank deal with Poland

Via koreatimes

Hyundai Rotem was aiming to strike a $9 billion tank development deal with the Polish government. If the deal actually happens, it would mark the first time for the company to export its integrated defense technology overseas.

Hyundai Rotem is planning to partner with the Polish government to develop and produce 800 K2 Black Panther class tanks. The monetary value of the possible deal was unknown.

There are other prestigious tank developers such as the U.S. M1 Abrams, Russia's T-90 and England's Challenger 2 that could be secured but Poland's fundamental principle is to develop homegrown weaponry which suggests Hyundai Rotem is as a strong contender in the race.

"The official project bidding is expected to be announced in the first half of this year and we definitely will take part in the process. The total project is said to be divided into two stages to produce a total of 800 tanks," a Hyundai Rotem official said.

Hyundai Rotem officials met with Polish officials several times to explain the specifics of the qualifications and functions of the K2 Black Panther. In 2008, the South Korean company won a bid to sell K2 tanks to the Turkish government beating Germany, one of the world's leading tank manufacturers.

Earlier reports were that the Polish government partnered with Hyundai Rotem to produce next generation tanks scheduled to be stationed starting 2023. Poland also inked a deal with Hanwha Defense in 2016 to export 120 K-9 self-propelled howitzers, for which its performance was highly spoken of in the local region.

The K2 Black Panther finished development in 2008 and has been used by the Korean Army as its next generation tank since 2014. The K2s are capable of firing 120mm rounds while cruising at up to 70 kilometers an hour.

Next-generation of combat: U.S. Army modernizing the Bradley

U.S. Army’s long-standing infantry fighting vehicle back on the testing range at YPG

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) - On any given day, there could be 60 to 100 military testings at Yuma Proving Ground (YPG). Currently, the U.S. Army is going through a very significant modernization process, testing for the next generation of combat.

Seven hours a day, four days a week, and hundreds of miles of paved roads, gravel, and cross country courses. The Army’s long-standing infantry fighting vehicle, the Bradley, is back on the training range at YPG.

Test officers are experimenting with advanced running gear.

YPG's test center is trying out a new suspension system to improve the ride quality when hauling soldiers through combat zones, as well as reducing maintenance time. Mark Schauer said, “The vehicle itself is still on the drawing board. But we’re testing components that may be used in future vehicles.”

Test officer, Jade Janis added, “There's nothing on this system that's the same as something in use already. It's all completely redesigned with newer technology."

The newly implemented suspension system offers a built-in height management system; giving the capability to raise and lower the vehicle from the driver's seat. YPG is involved in the developmental stages of next-generation combat vehicles.

This project could be tested for a least a year before moving to the next phase of approval. To see the Bradley and other combat vehicles up close, YPG invites you to its 2020 Open House event on February 15th.

Analisys of combat damage of Ukrainian Army armored vehicles at IAV2020.

Analisys of combat damage of Ukrainian Army armored vehicles at IAV2020.

The country actually engaged with Russia right now. Fasnicating feedback from Donbass shows huge predominance of losses being from artillery, not the sexier tanks or ATGM threats.

 The efficiency of Nizh ERA

Modern Russian MANPADs - Igla-S and Verba

რუსული ხელის საზენიტო სისტემის, Игла-С-ის, დაპროგრამებული მსხვერვადობის მქონე საბრძოლო ქობინის მოქმედება

 Effect of the Programmable fragmentation warhead of russian MANPAD Igla-S

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This week in 1991, Operation Desert Storm began

This week in 1991, Operation Desert Storm began

Though the long-running war between Iran and Iraq had ended in a United Nations-brokered ceasefire in August 1988, by mid-1990 the two states had yet to begin negotiating a permanent peace treaty. When their foreign ministers met in Geneva that July, prospects for peace seemed bright. Two weeks later, however, Saddam Hussein delivered a speech in which he accused neighboring Kuwait of siphoning crude oil from their common border, claiming that Kuwait and Saudi Arabia were conspiring to keep oil prices low in an effort to pander to Western oil-buying nations.

In addition to Hussein’s incendiary speech, Iraq had begun amassing troops on Kuwait’s border. Alarmed by these actions, President Hosni Mubarak of Egypt initiated negotiations between Iraq and Kuwait, but Hussein broke off the negotiations after only two hours, and on August 2, 1990 ordered the invasion of Kuwait. Hussein’s assumption that his fellow Arab states would stand by him proved to be a miscalculation. Alarmed by these actions, two-thirds of the 21 members of the Arab League condemned Iraq’s act of aggression, and Saudi Arabia’s King Fahd, along with Kuwait’s government-in-exile, turned to the United States and other members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) for support.

U.S. President George H.W. Bush immediately condemned the invasion, as did the governments of Britain and the Soviet Union. On November 29, 1990, the U.N. Security Council authorized the use of “all necessary means” of force against Iraq if it did not withdraw from Kuwait by the following January 15. Hussein defied the Security Council, and early on the morning of January 17, 1991 the Persian Gulf War began with a massive U.S.-led air offensive known as Operation Desert Storm. The U.S. was accompanied by troops sent by NATO allies as well as Egypt and several other Arab nations. The coalition effort benefited from the latest military technology, including Stealth bombers, Cruise missiles, so-called “Smart” bombs with laser-guidance systems and infrared night-bombing equipment. The Iraqi air force was either destroyed early on or opted out of combat under the relentless attack.

After 42 days of relentless attacks by the allied coalition in the air and on the ground, President Bush declared a cease-fire on February 28; by that time, most Iraqi forces in Kuwait had either surrendered or fled. Though the Persian Gulf War was initially considered an unqualified success for the international coalition, simmering conflict in the troubled region led to a second Gulf War–known as the Iraq War–that began in 2003.

Desert Storm Key Facts:

• More than 500,000 American troops deployed to Saudi Arabia as part of Operation Desert Shield, in case Iraqi troops attacked Saudi Arabia.

• On Jan. 15, 1991, Operation Desert Shield became Operation Desert Storm, backed by public support after diplomacy failed.

• Desert Storm became the largest air campaign since the conflict in Southeast Asia.

• The U.S. and 40 allied nations, including several Arab nations, flew more than 18,000 air deployment missions, more than 116,000 combat air sorties and dropped 88,500 tons of bombs.

• After air attacks that lasted for six weeks, the ground campaign lasted only 100 hours before Kuwait was liberated.

• Iraq tried to split the coalition by launching Scud missiles at Israel, but Israel refrained from responding, thanks to its partnership with the United States.

• Desert Storm saw the first use of the MIM-104C Patriot missile system in combat, where it was used to intercept Scud missiles. It was also the first time the Air Force used stealth and space systems support capabilities against a modern, integrated air defense.

• About 697,000 U.S. troops took part in the war, with 299 losing their lives.