IDEX 2019: Celebrating a Quarter Century of Success
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A Specialized Journal on Military & Strategic Affairs - 47 th Year - Issue No. 566 March. 2019
IDEX 2019: Celebrating a
Quarter Century of Success
Arnold Defense Rostec Debuts New
Demonstrates Kalashnikov and
FLETCHER Pantsir-ME
Issue No. 566 March. 2019
Tawazun Economic The Radars of the
Council Commits to Future
Further Development
Courtesy of General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
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3
The products of the national companies that participated in
IDEX 2019 are comparable in quality and efficiency to those of
the world’s leading companies operating in defence, military
and technological domains. It is a matter of pride that these
industries are based mainly on national cadres and expertise,
and they are also keeping abreast of what is new in the field of
IDEX 2019 Conveys advanced technology. To develop their products, many national
Important Messages companies are now relying on the outputs of Artificial Intelligence
(AI) technology, in line with the UAE’s strategic vision 2071 and
the Fourth Industrial Revolution. This paves the way for a new
stage in the development of national defence industries and the
enhancement of their competitiveness in international markets.
The 14th edition of IDEX 2019, which coincided with its Silver
Jubilee, established its position on the map of defence exhibitions
By: around the world. It also emphasised its importance as an effective
Staff Lieutenant Colonel / platform in promoting partnerships in the defence and military
Yousef Juma Al Haddad manufacturing sector. Many cooperation agreements were
Editor in Chief signed between a number of national companies and the largest
yas.adc@gmail.com international companies in many fields. At the same time, the
exhibition bolsters the country’s foreign relations, as it provides
an opportunity to hold discussions with official delegations and
T he recently concluded successful editions of
IDEX and NAVDEX 2019 is not only a testimony
defence ministers from the participating countries. As such, it
strengthens defence and military relations with the outside world.
to the UAE’s leadership in the industry and The success of IDEX, since its inception in 1993, is undoubtedly the
organisation of exhibitions at the regional and product of the strong support by the UAE’s wise leadership, led
international levels, but it also highlights the level by His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of
of sophistication of the country’s national defence the UAE and Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces. It is
industries and their ability to compete effectively also the result of the unlimited support that His Highness Sheikh
in international markets. Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and
Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, is keen
to make available to the exhibition through continuous follow-up
and a series of meetings with heads of State, as well as the heads
of delegations and representatives of international exhibitors.
The great success achieved by IDEX 2019 highlights a number
of important messages. First, it has become an international
testimony to the soft power of the UAE. Second, it emphasises
the confidence in the UAE’s stands and attitudes towards regional
and international issues and appreciation for its active role in
promoting security and stability in the region and the world. Third,
IDEX has become an honourable front for the UAE and a reflection
of the development and progress achieved in the country in
various fields. The exhibition also reflects the great developmental
ambition of the UAE, which transcends the local to the regional
and global, and embodies its superiority and continuous efforts
to take the lead and become a regional and international hub and
the best in the world in all fields.
Issued By UAE Armed Forces.
Established In August 1971.
A Specialized Journal on Military & Strategic Affairs - 47 th Year - Issue No. 566 March. 2019
IDEX 2019: Celebrating a
Quarter Century of Success
Arnold Defense Rostec Debuts New
Demonstrates Kalashnikov and
FLETCHER Pantsir-ME
06
Tawazun Economic The Radars of the
Council Commits to Future
Further Development
IDEX,
NAVDEX 2019
566 End on a High
General Supervisor
Chairman of the Administrative
Council
Note
Staff General\
Salem Saeed Ghafan Al Jaberi
Vice Chairman of the Administrative
Council
Brigadier General\ Dr. Abdulla Rashid
Al Neyadi
20
Editor in Chief
Staff Lieutenant-Colonel \
Yousef Juma AL Haddad
Editorial Manger
Major \ Jamil Khamis Al Saadi
Editorial Secretary
Husain Al Mannaee EDCC Opening
Layout & Design
Moza Al Ali New Horizons
Ahmed Mahmmoud
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Ismael Mohammed Alblooshi
Sakha Pramod
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30 Otokar: Countering Threats with Tailored Solutions
48 58
IDEX2019:
Celebrating a Quarter
Century of Success
Boeing Celebrates 74
Years of Partnership
With Middle East
72
66
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Down A Drone
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Innovation and
Combat Performance:
The New VARTA APC
6 ISSUE 566 MARCH 2019 Events
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T he 2019 editions of the Interna-
tional Defence Exhibition (IDEX) and
Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai,
and His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin
ficial Spokesperson of NAVDEX 2019,
Humaid Matar Al Dhaheri, Group CEO
Naval Defence and Maritime Security Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu of the Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions
Exhibition (NAVDEX) held during Feb- Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Command- Company (ADNEC), and Saeed Al Man-
ruary 17-21, 2019 ended on a hugely er of the UAE Armed Forces, attended souri, Director of IDEX.
successful note with deals worth over the opening of IDEX. HE Staff Major General Pilot Faris Khalaf
AED20.05 billion signed by the UAE Also present during the opening were Al Mazrouei, Chairman of the Higher
Armed Forces. Sheikh Hasina, Prime Minister of the Organising Committee of IDEX and
Sixty-five per cent of the deals signed People’s Republic of Bangladesh; Ibra- NAVDEX 2019, told a press conference
over five days of the dual events were him Kasuri Fofana, Prime Minister of on the last day of the event: “Bringing
awarded to international companies, the Republic of Guinea; Rustam Min- together international and national
while the remaining 35 per cent were nikhanov, President of the Republic of decision-makers, experts and special-
bagged by national companies. Tatarstan; and Ramzan Kadyrov, Head ists, IDEX and NAVDEX 2019 further re-
The expo attended by high level del- of the Chechen Republic. inforced the UAE’s leading global status
egations from several countries and the The event had the participation of His in attracting and hosting major defence
world’s top defence companies was held Excellency Major-General Staff Pilot and marine conferences and exhibi-
under the patronage of His Highness Ishaq Saleh Al Balushi, Deputy Chair- tions. Both exhibitions demonstrated
Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, man of the Higher Organising Com- the nation’s best-in-class defence, secu-
President of the UAE and Supreme Com- mittee of IDEX and NAVDEX 2019, rity and military capabilities that seam-
mander of the Armed Forces. His High- General Mohammed Al Hassani, Official lessly integrate advanced technologies.”
ness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Spokesperson of IDEX 2019, Naval Staff HE Major-General Staff Pilot Ishaq Saleh
Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Colonel Fahad Nasser Saif Al Thehli, Of- Al Balushi said the IDEX and NAVDEX
7 &OEPOB)JHI/PUF platforms have helped review and bet- UAE Armed Forces Sign Deals 120mm mortar system. It is an indi- ter understand the latest defence and Worth AED20 billion rect fire support system that can also security technologies. be used for self-defence thanks to its Exhibitor highlights Day1: 33 deals worth AED4,971,082,582 direct fire capability. The system can Mohamed bin Zayed Inaugurates Day 2: 24 deals worth AED7,019,428,577 fire Multiple Rounds Simultaneous Im- Ajban Vehicle Day 3: 28 deals worth AED4,878,756,832 pact (MRSI) fire missions where up to His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Day 4: 29 deals worth AED2,781,671,116 five grenades hit the target simultane- Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Day 5: 14 deals worth AED135,128,916 ously. Patria also showcased CANDL, a Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Com- compact data link for air-to-air and air- mander of the UAE Armed Forces, inau- to-ground applications requiring high gurated the ‘Ajban 447A’, a 4x4 ballistic Patria Exhibits Armoured Wheeled reliability, dynamic networking with and blast protected light tactical patrol Vehicles several members and long communi- vehicle. Patria featured the Patria AMV product cation ranges, such as Unmanned Aer- The new Abjan 447A incorporates the family that combines a high payload ial Systems (UAS), Manned-Unmanned latest technologies with off-road ca- capacity with the latest technology. Teaming (MUMT) operations, Intra- pabilities designed for harsh environ- These features enable simultaneous Flight Data Links (IFDL) and Live Virtual ments. Its modular nature allows it to integration of a high level of protec- Constructive training (LVC) systems. be configured to suit a variety of opera- tion with heavy weapon systems ARIS is a remote operable Electronic In- tional roles. without compromising mobility of the telligence (ELINT) system used to inter- He said he was delighted to see local vehicle. cept, record and analyse radar signals. industries capable of providing ad- Another innovation included Patria With ARIS, customers can master stra- vanced military mechanisms. Nemo, a turreted, remote-controlled tegic ELINT in today’s complex signal
8 ISSUE 566 MARCH 2019 Events
can also serve in urban and peacekeep-
ing missions, high and low intensity
conflicts, counter attack operations,
counter insurgency operations, sur-
veillance and reconnaissance missions,
and unconventional warfare on differ-
ent terrains.
Collins Aerospace’s Virtual Reality
Training Settings
With more than 50 years’ experience
in simulation systems, and near-eye
products, Collins Aerospace brought
decades of expertise in engineering,
manufacturing, implementing and
supporting training technologies for
environment and make fast updates to SAFA is a multi-role tracked armoured military and commercial applications
ELINT databases. vehicle with superior features. Accord- worldwide to the show.
BAE Systems Commits to Upgrades ingly, SAFA can be used for various mis- Integrating the components of a
At IDEX, BAE Systems highlighted its sions, performing as a medium tank mixed-reality system for military and
selection by Lockheed Martin to mod- with 105 mm weapon system, or as an commercial training environments
ernise head-up displays (HUD) on F-16 infantry fighting vehicle for troops op- is no easy task, according to Collins
aircraft for the UAE Armed Forces. The erating in a high-treat environment. Aerospace.
HUD, which sits directly in a pilot’s line With its superior mobility features, The Collins Aerospace vision is for a
of sight, is a see-through display that SAFA operates in challenging terrains flexible, cost-effective system capable
presents real-time, flight-critical infor- and difficult climate conditions and of fully immersing students into virtual-
mation without obstructing the view
of the outside world.
The fully digital system reportedly has
the potential to reduce life-cycle costs
by 20 per cent and offers at least four
times the reliability of legacy analogue
systems. The DLE HUD features high-
resolution symbology that is viewable
under any flight condition, and it is
designed to accommodate future ad-
vancements in symbology and video.
BAE Systems has been a leader in
HUD development and production for
more than 60 years, a position gained
through continuous investment in
technology and innovation.
Al Jasoor Highlights SAFA Tracked IFV
Al Jasoor’s tracked vehicle SAFA is a
new generation multipurpose plat-
form with superior mobility and high
level of protection, capable of operat-
ing in a wide range of challenging ter-
rains and climatic conditions.
9
reality training scenarios across air, land
and sea domains that also simultane-
ously enables users to interact with real
objects and people.
With its new coalescence mixed reality
system, Collins Aerospace also moves
away from the traditional need for
large bespoke training device facilities
and allows the use of classrooms and
easy deployment.
Collins Aerospace is one of the leaders
in technologically advanced and intelli-
gent solutions for the global aerospace
and defence industry.
PAL Aerospace: Force to Reckon With
PAL Aerospace featured its newest long- PAL Aerospace has operated over dent of International Strategic Devel-
range on demand Intelligence, Surveil- 250,000 flight hours for Special Mis- opment for GA-ASI said: “Providing
lance and Reconnaissance (ISR) aircraft sions over 40 years of Fixed Wing Op- greater endurance at lower operating
dubbed the ‘Force Multiplier’. The Spe- erations and Surveillance Experience. cost, SeaGuardian is ideally suited to
cial Mission platform is equipped with This operator knowledge of surveil- complement manned maritime patrol
two full mission system suites from lance missions uniquely qualifies PAL aircraft in performing wide area mari-
CarteNav and Thales, which will accom- to bring this new platform to market time surveillance.”
modate a diverse range of ISR applica- with a focus on client needs and future Elettronica Exhibits High Tech
tions utilising the Thales Searchmaster requirements. Solutions
radar and other ISR sensors. PAL Aerospace Services Aircraft Main- Elettronica can be considered one of
tenance LLC is an Emirati-owned com- the main EW providers of the UAE, hav-
pany based in Abu Dhabi and is part of ing supplied sophisticated strategic
the PAL Group of Companies. surveillance capabilities as well as self-
GA-ASI’s Signature Maritime ISR defence and electronic attack systems
Takes Centre Stage for decades.
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Massimo Antonio de Bari, Head of UAE
Inc. (GA-ASI) showcased its innovative Office and Business Development Gulf,
products at the show. This includes Elettronica, said the company repre-
SeaGuardian, the maritime version of sents a major success story in the UAE.
the MQ-9B SkyGuardian. MQ-9B is an Bari highlighted that one of the new
advanced Remotely Piloted Aircraft solutions is the Group’s ADRIAN (Anti
(RPA) and has been selected as a sole Drone Interception Acquisition Neu-
source RPA for the UK Royal Air Force tralization). This anti-drone system,
(RAF) as the Protector RG Mk1, as well specifically designed to manage mini
as for Belgium. and micro drone threats, is intended
Countries such as Italy and France also primarily to counter the growing secu-
have GA-ASI MQ-9A systems in their rity risks posed by lightweight civilian
inventory, and the UAE operates the micro-mini drones at public events and
Predator RPA. Spain and the Nether- in civil airspace.
lands have MQ-9 systems on order, and MUROS (Multirole Operations Support
discussions are ongoing with several Vehicles) are another recent develop-
other countries. ment. They are modular, fully-integrat-
Jim Thomson, Regional Vice Presi- ed Sensor Suites for stationary and mo-
10 ISSUE 566 MARCH 2019 Events
bile platforms designed to enable tacti- Security and Defence Systems
cal operations and special missions. Leonardo exhibited its wide portfolio
Embraer is Driven by Innovation of aerospace, security and defence ca-
As Embraer prepares to mark its 50th pabilities at the show. It promoted its
anniversary this year, the company’s new generation pilot training systems
President and Chief Executive Officer, that cover the entire flight training syl-
Jackson Schneider, spoke to Nation labus: from basic training, with the new
Shield about its focus at IDEX. Driven M-345 – which will replace Italian Air
by innovation and excellence, Embraer Force MB-339s starting from 2020 – to
is bracing itself for the next 50 years, advanced and lead-in fighter training,
with an array of advanced, state-of-the- with the M-346, which was presented
art capabilities, set to revolutionise the in its Fighter Attack version.
transportation aircraft sector. For the first time in the region, Leon-
While Embraer has capabilities across ardo presented its Counter UAS (Un-
the defence sector, the focus for IDEX manned Aerial Systems) capabilities
and the region was the new KC-390. based on an ‘open systems’ architec-
Embraer’s KC-390 is a tactical transport ture, which enables the selection and
aircraft setting new standards in its cat- integration of an appropriate sensor
egory while presenting the lowest life- and effector mix for a specific scenario.
cycle cost of the market. It can perform Leonardo C-UAS capabilities are al-
a multitude of missions, such as trans- ready operational with the Armed
port and deployment of cargo and Forces of Italy and the UK, and they are
troops, air-to-air refuelling, medical available to be quickly and easily de-
evacuation, SAR, and aerial fire fighting. ployed in a civilian context at airports
Capable of operating in all weather, 24 or major events all over the world.
hours a day, and even on unpaved run- Defence is another sector in which configured with either a 105/52 mm
ways, this multi-mission tactical airlift is Leonardo showcased its systems, for rifled gun or a 120/45mm smoothbore
fast, reliable, rugged and affordable to both land and naval applications. low-recoil-force gun.
operate and maintain. These include the HITFACT MkII light- At NAVDEX, an interactive display of a
-FPOBSEPT "EWBODFE "FSPTQBDF weight, modular turret, which can be ship’s bridge demonstrated Leonardo’s
innovative ‘naval cockpit’ showing the
capabilities of a fully-integrated naval
operations and combat system.
Hensoldt Showcases Sensor Solutions
Hensoldt presented its wide range of
sensor technologies and for the first
time displayed its newly developed
PrecISR airborne multifunction radar,
as well as the extended portfolio of its
Xpeller counter-UAV system.
The software-defined airborne radar
named PrecISR (derived from ‘precise’)
translates latest achievements in ac-
tive array and digital receiver technol-
ogy into a scalable high-performance
sensor, which can be installed aboard
helicopters, UAVs and fixed-wing mis-
sion aircraft. Its superior precision and11
mission is to detect small drones so as
to protect critical infrastructure, large
events or military facilities.
In addition, the company showed its
ARGOS-II HD multi-sensor system to
be used for intelligence, surveillance
and reconnaissance (ISR) missions from
the air. The MILDS (Missile Launch De-
tection System) self-protection sensor
for helicopters and wide-body aircraft
detects attacking missiles and initiates
countermeasures.
ADSB and Leonardo sign MoU
Abu Dhabi Ship Building and Leonardo
signed a Memorandum of Understand-
ing to enhance their collaboration in
the naval sector, at the show. Building
on years of positive partnership for
the development of UAE naval capa-
bilities, under the new MoU, Abu Dhabi
Ship Building and Leonardo will jointly
work to create a Combat Management
System (CMS) Integration Laboratory
capable of testing, maintaining and
evolving the software of Leonardo’s
target accuracy make it the sensor of signals from radio or TV stations so as CMS system operational on many of
choice for surveillance of large sea and to create a recognised air picture (RAP) the UAE’s ships.
coastal areas against piracy, trafficking within a radius of more than 200 kilo- This marks an important step in the
or illicit intrusion. metres in real time. Another exhibit was path to deliver to the country the
Together with this airborne radar, the Xpeller counter-UAV system, whose necessary expertise and know-how
Hensoldt displayed its latest develop-
ments in land-based and naval radar.
The TRML-4D is a land-based multi-
functional radar ensuring rapid detec-
tion and tracking of approximately
1,500 targets in a radius of up to 250
km and at an altitude of up to 30 km. It
uses the latest AESA (Active Electroni-
cally Scanned Array) radar technol-
ogy, which enables the acquisition of
targets after just one rotation of the
antenna, thus improving the response
time and hit probability. The naval ra-
dar TRS-4D belongs to the same prod-
uct family. It is designed to support
anti-air and anti-surface operations.
Hensoldt also presented its TwInvis pas-
sive radar, which analyses the echoes of12 ISSUE 566 MARCH 2019 Events
The recent edition
of IDEX/NAVDEX
witnessed record-
breaking numbers
of national and
international
exhibitors and
visitors
to ensure operational availability of tending the capability of the regional for the digitised battlefield. This was no
its fleet as well as better serving other defence sector. We look forward to “box on a truck” design but a purpose
regional customers. The new MoU will working together to build the market built, true 5-seat, 4x4 military tactical
also explore the development of a joint for the B-250 across the Middle East vehicle conceived from the outset to
logistic support solution for preventive and North Africa.” provide class leading protection, mo-
and corrective maintenance and a local Calidus LLC is a defence-technology bility, payload and C4I capabilities.
spare parts inventory for Leonardo na- development and manufacturing com- The Hawkei design is unique in a num-
val systems. pany founded in 2015. ber of ways: The engine and transmis-
Calidus Signs MoU with GDC on )BXLFJ %FTJHOFE GPS UIF %JHJUJTFE sion sit side-by-side in a parallel config-
Light Attack Aircraft Battlefield uration. This approach compartmen-
Calidus LLC of Abu Dhabi has signed an From inception Hawkei was developed talises the entire power-pack forward
MoU with GDC Middle East of Riyadh to as a protected tactical vehicle designed of the cabin negating the need for any
establish a joint corporation to explore
the market in the MENA region for the
Calidus B-250 light attack aircraft and
to develop in-house capabilities.
The B-250 has multi-role capabilities in-
cluding close air support (CAS), Coun-
ter-Insurgency (COIN) and intelligence,
surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR)
for modern and asymmetrical warfare.
It can also serve as a trainer.
Its innovative frame is made entirely
of carbon fibre, reducing weight and
operating costs while increasing ma-
noeuvrability and service life. Major
General (retired) Abdulla Alsayed Al-
hashmi, Calidus senior vice-president,
said: “Our agreement with GDC Middle
East is another important step in ex-13
transmission tunnel to intrude into the crew cabin. This
provides better protection, more internal volume and a
lower overall profile. This approach also allows for the
crew cabin to be optimised for both protection and
space.
The Hawkei cabin utilises a sophisticated belly design
that both absorbs and redirects blast energy away from With up to 11 hours of endurance, exceptional STOL and
the crew. Along with the internal floating floor and
blast mitigating seating arrangements, these design rough field performance, flexible quick-change interior to
elements all work in synergy to minimise the effects of
suit multiple mission profiles, and low-speed loiter
under-belly mine and IED blasts.
WesCom Defence Makes Show Debut capability, the Twin Otter Guardian 400 is equipped to
WesCom Defence, part of WesCom Signal and Rescue,
a specialist in pyrotechnic products for signalling, illu- handle the most challenging missions. When compared
mination, minefield breaching and training and simula-
to traditional helicopter or large turbo prop options, the
tion, was at the show.
WesCom Defence displayed a selection of key prod- significantly lower maintenance costs, fuel burn, and
ucts from its current range, showcasing the highest
quality of specialist pyrotechnic products for the de- acquisition cost of the Guardian 400 makes it a true force
fence industry and latest developments in pyrotech-
multiplier.
nic technology. These include the ManPAD Simulator,
MERS Illumination Rocket and the first fragment-free
impact simulator, MECoSt Simulator Impact/ Thun-
derflash. Key personnel briefed visitors about the
company’s capabilities in a variety of solutions from
pyrotechnic flares for illumination to Portable Explo-
sive Minefield Breaching Systems.
Looking Forward To Next Edition
For his part, Humaid Matar Al Dhaheri, Group CEO of
ADNEC, said: “ADNEC has played a crucial role in devel-
oping the meetings, incentives, conferences and exhi-
bitions (MICE) sector in the UAE and the wider region.
This is evident in the hosting and organisation of the
distinguished defence and naval exhibitions over sev-
eral years. In realising the objectives of the Abu Dhabi
Economic Vision 2030, ADNEC’s world-class facilities,
services and infrastructure supported the success of
the latest editions that drew the participation of inter-
national, regional and local exhibitors.”
Al Dhaheri added: “Coinciding with the silver jubilee
of IDEX, the current edition of both exhibitions wit-
nessed record-breaking numbers of national and in-
ternational exhibitors and visitors. Over the five days,
IDEX and NAVDEX attracted more than 118,000 visi-
tors, as well as 1,213 media representatives from 42
countries, or an increase of 16 per cent compared to
the 2017 edition.” Al Dhaheri said bookings for the
2021 edition have already reached 70 per cent.
14 ISSUE 566 MARCH 2019 News
DRS Cements Ties with UAE
Leonardo
L eonardo DRS will support the UAE
defence forces with the signing of
a recent agreement with the Inter-
Vice President, Middle East, Corpo-
rate Business Development. The
company’s land electronics business
As part of the agreement, Leonardo DRS
will establish a new engineering and
support facility in IGG’s Industrial Park
national Golden Group (IGG) and this unit signed a teaming agreement in Abu Dhabi to assist new projects and
new partnership will add significant with the IGG, which brings together also in the hiring and training to fill new
resources to the UAE, said Michael one of the UAE’s premier defence high-tech manufacturing positions.
Coulter, President, International, company with a leading U.S. technol- Coulter said, “We have announced a
Leonardo North America and DRS ogy firm to deliver wide ranging proj- partnership with IGG where we are tak-
technologies Inc. and Joe Rahbany, ects for the country’s military. ing part in the new facility to support
the UAE military in communications.
We have an evolving cooperation in
sustaining electro optical systems at
CERT (The Centre of Excellence for Ap-
plied Research & Training).”
Rahbany further added: “Communica-
tions, crossbanding of radio, moving
data, are some areas where we have
key products. We think our mission sys-
tems on land vehicles of Oshkosh JLTV,
MATV and Nimr and electro optical
systems have the biggest market in the
UAE and Saudi Arabia.”
Polaris Wireless and Al Hamra Trading
Bring 3D Solution
Polaris Wireless 3D
P olaris Wireless, a provider of
high-accuracy, software-based
wireless location solutions, and
Allegra, the CEO and Founder of Polaris
Wireless. "By combining our award-
winning software with Al Hamra Trad- location utilises all
Al Hamra Trading Est. have partnered
to bring a high-accuracy 3D location
ing’s proven expertise in hardware and
services, and knowledge of the market, available signals
solution to public safety agencies in
the Middle East.
we have created an innovative and ad-
vanced solution for the region."
and sensors to
This enhancement enables public safe-
ty agencies to locate and track emer-
Public safety agencies face a growing
number of security and logistical chal-
generate accurate
gency callers, first responders, and oth- lenges that require them to continually location
ers via any wireless device, in real time improve their capabilities to include
and indoors and in high-rise buildings, the latest state-of-the-art technologies. to keep citizens and themselves safe.
with floor level accuracy. One of the most important priorities is Polaris Wireless 3D location utilises all
"We are excited to partner with Al for first responders, police, and others available signals and sensor measure-
Hamra Trading to bring the benefits of to be able to maintain a high level of ments to combine with the company’s
3D location to the public safety com- situational awareness, in order to both patented algorithms to generate high-
munity in the Middle East," said Manlio Zephyr
do their jobs more efficiently S as
as well ly accurate 3D location.15
3PIEF4DIXBS[%FMJWFST
SOVERON
Technological Independence
D igital sovereignty and tech-
nological independence are
extremely crucial for government
customers with security-critical
applications. Keeping this in mind,
Rohde & Schwarz presented its
SOVERON solution at IDEX.
SOVERON gives government cus-
tomers a secure, high-performance in house so that users are indepen- as SOVERON WAVE and third-party
network architecture consisting of dent of third-party technologies legacy waveforms to be ported to
state-of-the-art, innovative hard- and solutions. the radios, protecting customers'
ware and software, cryptology and The key feature of SOVERON is the investments and providing back-
intelligent routing. It takes into ac- Rohde & Schwarz software defined ward compatibility with legacy ra-
count their security and national radio (SDR) technology based on dio systems. Since customers can
interests and enables them to the Software Communications Ar- create and modify the embedded
achieve information superiority. chitecture (SCA). SOVERON SDRs encryption as well as the wave-
SOVERON ensures simple, platform- are implemented as open platforms forms, they can set up secure com-
independent integration of exist- with strict separation between munications channels to provide
ing and new systems and products. hardware (radios) and software interoperability between different
Rohde & Schwarz develops and (waveforms). This design allows branches of the armed forces and
manufactures the key components both SCA-based waveforms such between nations.
AMMROC and BAE Systems Collaborate
T he Advanced Military Mainte-
nance Repair Overhaul Center
(AMMROC) and BAE Sytems’ Electronic
us to bring the in-country value to the
F16 and to bring the capabilities at the
UAE level,” said Abdulhakeem AlMuflahi,
Systems have announced plans to work Chief Executive Officer at AMMROC. “It’s
together on aviation maintenance re- about building the capabilities within
pair and overhaul opportunities. The the UAE, and making sure that we don’t
agreement, will allow both companies have dependency on a third party, man-
to better support the UAE, working ufacturer or sub suppliers of the F16 be-
closely together on multiple projects. cause of this important platform. So we
Such initiatives will include testing and need to make sure we have the in-coun-
repair services to manufacturing, sup- try capabilities for certain components,
port, and product installation. for elements engaged with BAE.”
Potential projects could also include According to Paul Markwardt, Vice Presi- bring forward are the F16 ground sup-
BAE Systems’ avionics, communication, dent and General Manager of Surviv- port equipment, the IFF (Identification
display, sensor, and survivability prod- ability, Targeting and Sensing Solutions Friend or Foe) license production, and
ucts. “This is a strategic partnership and at BAE Systems, “We’re going to support also the Digital Light Engine Head-Up
the continuation of an old relationship AMMROC with the F16 initiatives – some Display (DLE HUD) license production,
between both companies, enabling of the potential products we’re going to when that product is finalised.”16 ISSUE 566 MARCH 2019 News
Russia’s Mi-26T2V
Successfully Completes Trials
R OSOBORONEXPORT, a subsidiary
of the Rosteс State Corporation, is
the sole state company in Russia
variant of the world’s heaviest transport
helicopter Mi-26 (NATO reporting name:
Halo), Director General of the Russian
Program for 2018-2027 (GPV-2027) stip-
ulates the deliveries of the rotorcraft to
the Russian military.
authorised to export the full range of Helicopters, Andrey Boginskiy, shared Jordan has become the latest customer
defense and dual-use products, tech- the development recently. for the Mi-26T2, having ordered a total
nologies and services. ROSOBORONEX- The Mi-26T2V made its maiden flight in of four platforms. The first updated Halo
PORT is ranked among one of the lead- mid-August 2018 at a test-flight station rotorcraft was delivered to the country
ers of the global arms market and ac- of the Rostvertol plant (a subsidiary of in January 2018, and the Royal Jordanian
counts for over 85 per cent of Russia’s the Russian Helicopters). According to Air Force took the delivery of the second
annual arms sales. The company coop- the holding’s CEOs, the State Armament helicopter of the type last December.
erates with more than 700 enterprises
and organisations of Russia’s defence
industrial complex. Russia maintains
military-technical cooperation with
over 100 countries worldwide.
Russia’s sole manufacturer of rotary-
wing aircraft, JSC Russian Helicopters
(a subsidiary of Rostec State Corpora-
tion), has finished the factory trials of
Mil Mi-26T2V rotorcraft that is the latest
Hensoldt to Equip Norwegian Coast Guard
TRS-3D and IFF
H ENSOLDT will equip the new
Arctic Coast Guard Vessels in
the P6615 Program of the Norwegian
will deliver three TRS-3D radars includ- for automatic identification of vessels
ing the latest solid-state technology and aircraft, which is essential to avoid
and signal processing software and will friendly fire and to establish a compre-
Coast Guard with the latest version of deliver them from 2021, in parallel to hensive situation picture. It is used for
its TRS-3D naval radar and MSSR 2000 I the building program of the new ves- automatically locating and tracking all
IFF System. The TRS-3D and IFF Systems sels. The TRS-3D includes a secondary types of air and sea targets and safe
are currently in operation onboard the radar MSSR 2000 I for Identification- guidance of on-board helicopters.
three “Nordkapp” offshore patrol ves- friend-or-foe (IFF). It operates all current
sels. The systems will be decommis- IFF modes, including the latest “Mode S
sioned, upgraded and then re-installed / Mode 5” standard, which is a precondi-
on the Arctic Coast Guard Vessels. Fur- tion for joint operations with NATO and
thermore, the contract includes an op- allied forces.
tion for the upgrade of the TRS-3D and TRS-3D is a three-dimensional multi-
IFF Systems of the “Svalbard” vessel. mode naval radar for air and sea sur-
Under a contract worth more than €20 veillance. It includes the ability to cor-
m awarded by the Norwegian Defence relate plots and tracks of targets with
NH-90 Norway
Materiel Agency (NDMA), HENSOLDT the MSSR 2000 I identification system17
The First and Only EMC Chamber
in MENA Commissioned
NIMR
N IMR Automotive LLC,
a member of the Emir-
ates Defence Industries
tion facility in Abu Dhabi.
The state-of-the-art EMC chamber,
commissioned in January 2019, is
4.5m(Height).
NIMR delivers highly capable
wheeled military vehicles that are
Company (EDIC), continues to the first and only of its kind in the designed for the harshest environ-
expand on indigenous engi- MENA region. It is capable of accom- ments, across a diverse scope of
neering capability through the modating wheel military vehicles mission requirements. Its range of
commissioning of a vehicle up to the size of an 8x8 platform desert-proven 4x4 and 6x6 vehicles
Electro-Magnetic Compliance and calibrated for testing to MIL- are available in armoured or non-ar-
(EMC) chamber at its produc- STD 461. This adds to NIMR’s already moured configurations, with modu-
impressive capability and includes lar configurable crew capacity and
a dedicated vehicle test-track de- payload, where protection and mo-
signed to dynamically test and eval- bility is the focus of design activities.
uate mobility characteristics. Through engineering innovation,
The EMC chamber can perform ra- comprehensive testing and imple-
diated emissions tests on wheeled mentation of the highest standards
vehicles with the following specifi- in design and manufacturing, NIMR
cations: maximum vehicle weight: provides exceptional vehicle reliabil-
30t; maximum weight per wheel: ity and best-in-class desert perfor-
7t, and maximum vehicle dimen- mance to ensure the protection of
sions: 9m (Length), 3.5m (Width), the vehicle crews that use them.
Nigerian AF Opts for Embraer’s A-29s
E mbraer Defense & Security and its
partner Sierra Nevada Corpora-
tion (SNC) were recently awarded
around the world. It has more than
46,000 combat hours and more than
360,000 total flight hours. With the Ni-
contiguous U.S. interim contractor sup-
port, outside of continental U.S. (OCO-
NUS) contractor logistic support and
a contract to deliver 12 A-29 Super Tu- geria order, the A-29 is the choice of 14 field service representatives for OCONUS
cano light attack aircraft to the Nigerian air forces worldwide. support. The aircraft will be produced
Air Force. In addition to its combat record, the in Jacksonville, Florida, and modified in
Taco Gilbert, Senior Vice President of ISR, A-29’s robust landing gear and en- Centennial, Colorado, U.S. The aircraft are
Aviation and Security (IAS) at SNC said: hanced clearance enable take-off and expected to be delivered to Nigeria in
“The combat-proven A-29 is designed landing in even the most austere field line with the contract timelines, as part
and built for the mission in Nigeria. It’s conditions. The aircraft also offers ex- of a larger more comprehensive training
the most reliable and cost-effective so- ceptional dependability and accuracy and support package.
lution for basic and advanced flight and in weapons delivery, making it highly
combat training, close air support op- effective in the light attack role.
erations, ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, The contract for the Nigerian Air Force
and Reconnaissance), counterinsurgen- includes ground training devices, mis-
cy and irregular warfare scenarios.” sion planning systems, mission debrief
The A-29 is conducting combat mis- systems, spares, ground support equip-
sions on a daily basis in theatres ment, alternate mission equipment,18 ISSUE 566 MARCH 2019 Reports
Demonstrates FLETCHER
Arnold Defense
A rnold Defense, the St Lou-
is based manufacturer of
2.75-inch rocket launch-
London’s DSEi Exhibition. The weapon
system has completed rigorous test-
firing protocols, with laser target desig-
tion assets. The company’s evolution
has FLETCHER using advanced rocket-
guidance technology to utilise ground-
ers, showcased the FLETCHER nation from both ground and air plat- based launch platforms, meeting the
Laser Guided Rocket Launcher, forms, and is now in initial production. demands of modern, vehicle-mounted
at IDEX 2019. The FLETCHER With FLETCHER, Arnold Defense has and dismounted asymmetric warfare.
2.75-inch/70mm weapon sys- made a departure from the traditional FLETCHER’s unique design allows for
tem was mounted on NIMR’s concept of use for 2.75-inch rocket ease of operation, maintenance and
AJBAN Long Range Special Op- systems; that of an area suppression sustainment. It employs an existing
erations Vehicle (LRSOV). weapon ordinarily delivered by avia- suite of guidance modules, rock-
On the sidelines of the show, ets and warheads, already used in
Jim Hager, President and CEO, well-known programmes and read-
told Nation Shield: “We are ily available to global forces. The
at IDEX in a partnership with weapon system recently successfully
NIMR to showcase the FLETCH- completed a four-round live firing
ER launcher for a surface-to- using multiple airborne laser plat-
surface role in anti-armour, an- forms, confirming the ability to use
ti-personnel, and to show our laser designation from ground and
support for NIMR. Exhibiting air from various angles and offsets to
FLETCHER in partnership with a distance nearly 6km.
NIMR demonstrates the wide scope Following interest expressed in FLETCH-
and utility of our concept and we look ER, Arnold Defense is also developing a
forward to maximising the opportuni- number of supplementary ground and
ties that IDEX will offer to deepen re- maritime-based concepts. These excit-
lationships with regional government ing new concepts will expand FLETCH-
departments, defence and security ER’s utility into the arena of Unmanned
agencies and international businesses.” Ground Vehicles (UGV), naval and littoral
Arnold Defense’s FLETCHER weapon Jim Hager, President and CEO platforms. It is anticipated that the first
system was first unveiled in 2017 at of these integrated systems will be un-
Arnold Defense FLETCHER rocket
system fitted to a NIMR LRSOV19
DSC_0005
FLETCHER’s unique design allows for ease of operation, maintenance and sustainment
veiled within months. rine environments with FLETCHER has We probably have around 500 launch-
“Since launching FLETCHER, Arnold De- been a natural progression and will pro- ers here that are for rotary wing and
fense has exhibited the system widely vide these forces with a completely new fixed wing aircraft.”
on the international market, where it capability.” A team of global defence industry com-
has garnered significant interest, espe- He added: “The response to the FLETCH- panies supports FLETCHER, collaborat-
cially from military special operations ER has been overwhelming. It is a prod- ing under Arnold Defense’s leadership
units,” Hager highlighted. “Our rocket uct that we have needed for the military to combine their expertise.
launchers are already well-established for a long time. For us, the UAE is a very In conclusion he shared: “We are work-
internationally on airborne platforms, important market and we have a long- ing on a partnership that may allow us
so transitioning into the land and ma- standing relationship with the country. to work directly with the UAE.”
Customised Systems
Arnold Defense has manufactured more than 1.1 million 2.75-inch rocket launchers since 1961 for the U.S. Army, U.S.
Navy, U.S. Air Force and many NATO customers. It is one of the world’s largest suppliers of rocket launchers for military
aircraft, vessels and vehicles. Core products include the 7-round M260 and 19-round M261 commonly used by heli-
copters; the thermal coated 7-round LAU-68 variants and LAU-61 Digital Rocket Launcher used by the U.S. Navy and
Marines; and the 7-round LAU-131 and SUU-25 flare dispenser used by the U.S. Air Force and worldwide. The rocket
launchers now include the ultra-light LWL-12 that weighs just over 60 pounds (27 kg.) empty and the new Fletcher (4)
round launcher. Arnold Defense designs and manufactures various rocket launchers that can be customised for any
capacity or form factor for platforms in the air, on the ground or even at sea.
The company maintains the highest standards of production quality by using extensive testing, calibration and in-
spection processes. Its employees’ focus on quality, which earned Arnold Defense the prestigious ISO-9001-2015
certification, from the International Organization for Standardization in Quality Management, and it has maintained
annual recertification consecutively since 2003.
The company employs professional fabricators, welders, electronic engineers and quality control experts who manu-
facture thousands of rocket launchers annually and earned the “Small Business of the Year” award from Lockheed Mar-
tin in 2013. It is committed to manufacturing reliable and affordable rocket launchers, through innovation, integrity,
dedication, technical expertise and warfighter-first focus.20 ISSUE 566 MARCH 2019 Reports
Opening New Horizons
EDCC
T he Emirates Defense Companies Council
(EDCC) has been designated to be one of the
Industry Association. The agreements entail
knowledge transfer; workshop sessions; service
primary communication platforms between and product inductions; and introduction to
industry players both local and international, as potential investment opportunities.
well as strategic government stakeholders. The Sultan Abdulla Al Samahi, Acting General Man-
council aims to facilitate effective networking ager of the EDCC, confirmed that the council
and partnership development of UAE business- (founded in 2014) aims to increase the number
es abroad through the UAE Defense Pavilion. of national companies it hosts (currently 63) by
EDCC is an initiative of Tawazun Economic 30 per cent by the end of 2019.
Council (Tawazun), and it recently signed three At IDEX, EDCC had a massive stand where local
new agreements with global councils and or- companies demonstrated the best of ‘Made in
ganisations during IDEX 2019. The agreements UAE’. Below is a round up of all the exciting de-
aim to develop the defense and security sectors velopments highlighted by the different com-
in the various countries involved, and states panies of the council that participated in the
that each of these parties will support one an- show.
other and commit to knowledge transfer; offer- Autonomous Solutions
ing national companies with investment op- Safe City Group comprises a group of compa-
portunities; and creating interactive platforms nies specialised in public safety sector by pro-
for companies. viding solutions for smart and safe city projects.
Stemming from its commitment to expand its At IDEX, the Group displayed the UAE’s first au-
global network, EDCC signed agreements with tonomous car that has artificial intelligence (AI)
French Aerospace Industries Association (GI- technologies.
FAS); the (TEDAE); and the Estonian Defence Nidal Almalla, Marketing Manager, Safe City21
Group said: “The iconic car is fully de- by NATO Codification Bureau and all while reducing its energy costs by 50
signed in the UAE and is a collaboration products meet the highest of military per cent. We were able to achieve this
between Safe City Group and W Motors. standards. IDEX brings people from all by employing a method that can bio-
The AI recognises your face and will up- over the world to enhance military and metrically prove that you are in the
load all of your data from the cloud and security industry and therefore being a office. Our aim was to ensure that the
will display it on the car’s smart glass. part of it was very important for us.” building is ready for you, when you
Plus, the chairs can turn 360-degrees! In World-class Engineering Support arrive. This ensures that no unwanted
the future, it can be customised for the A joint venture between QinetiQ plc source is able to enter your network.
security industry.” He added that the and Middle East General Enterprises, The response to RG105 at IDEX has
Group supports security and defence Houbara delivers world-class science been very good and we saw a num-
solutions and therefore it made their and engineering support to the UAE. ber of officials express interest in the
participation at IDEX a must. The company supplies a range of Qin- product.”
Showcasing Non-lethal Products etiQ’s defence and security products to Local Expertise
Located in Tawazun Industrial Park, the UAE and the wider GCC market. Milectria Middle East Cables is a UAE-
Advanced PyroTechnics is a partner- Leveraging the technological and sci- based manufacturer for military-spec-
ship between Tawazun Dynamics and entific expertise from both parties, the ified cables and builds them in Abu
MP3 International Agencies and was JV will invest in the UAE to build and Dhabi. The company also offers instal-
established in 2016. Abdulraheem Ali develop specialist engineering and lation, maintenance, and after sales
Alhosani, Head of Commerical Dept, manufacturing capability in country, support for these products. These in-
Advanced PyroTechnics said: “The providing an opportunity to recruit clude intercom equipment for military
company’s objective is to design and and develop UAE technicians and vehicles, hybrid generators, and CBRN
manufacture non-lethal and less-than- graduates. software, among others.
lethal products. These include smoke Smart Security Systems Tomi Kaukonen, Chairman, CEO, Milec-
grenades, coloured smoke, stun gre- Alsaher specialises in mission critical tria said: “We have signed a few agree-
nades, signal cartridges, 40MM low security and spent a year and a half de- ments at IDEX with companies that
velocity ammunition, among others. In veloping its smart building access con- represent high-tech products, so that
the coming years, we are planning to trol system, RG105, before launching it we can locally build more products in
launch non-lethal tear gas. at IDEX. the UAE. There is a big need for a manu-
“All our products are used in differ- Mohamed Seddiq AlMutawa, CEO, Al- facturer to build these cables locally
ent security related operations. The saher said: “Our goal was to increase a and we are here to meet those needs.
company is registered and qualified military camp’s security by 90 per cent IDEX was a good place for us to be as
we could connect with the big players
in the defence field.”
Multi-disciplinary Learning
Rabdan Academy provides a future
class multi-disciplinary learning en-
vironment of choice for the continu-
ing development and integration of
safety, security, defence, emergency
preparedness and crisis management
professionals. The academy aims to
develop individual and organisations
to future-class standard that ensures
a highly specialised, multi-disciplinary,
coherent, robust and sustainable na-
tional capability for protection of the
international community, its people
Falco with the United Nations and its asset. Plus, it offers state-of-22 ISSUE 566 MARCH 2019 Reports
At IDEX , EDCC
had a massive
stand where
local companies
demonstrated the
best of ‘Made in
UAE’
the-art facilities and systems, which of- Siham said: “We are specialists in Navy stream industry, TIP attracts industries
fer a safe and secure environment for guns but this time we moved a step from other related core sectors as well.
the protection of personnel, facilities, ahead to serve the army as well. We A TIP representative told Nation Shield:
equipment and information. are highlighting projects for the army “We showcased our entire portfolio of
Ammunition Arsenal such as Saluki on-road/off-road vehicle. products and services at IDEX. TIP offers
Tasleeh focuses on the defence indus- Another project is the Ghibili, which comprehensive world-class infrastruc-
try and works closely with the govern- is a light dual gun remotely operated ture in an enhanced secure and safe
ment and private sector. stabilised weapon station that enables area and is strategically located off the
Salem Al Matroushi, Founder & CEO, gunners to accurately engage targets.” Abu Dhabi-Dubai highway with easy
Tasleeh highlighted: “We are showcas- Shaping the Industrial Sector sea, air and land accessibility from and
ing different weapons and training Tawazun Industrial Park (TIP), an inte- to not only all emirates but the region
systems. We have launched a smart grated industrial zone, offers compre- and the world.”
gun here that works with a chip that hensive focused and secure infrastruc- TIP’s product portfolio includes highly
is programmed with the gun and is ture, professional customer relation- specialised manufacturing/assembly
dedicated for the police. We are also ship, and convenient onsite services to and storage facilities for defence re-
showcasing the Simgun system, which key strategic industrial sectors. lated products (arms & ammunitions),
is a training vest, as well as a hat. It is UAE’s capital Abu Dhabi is one of the Industrial land, built-to-lease facilities;
very light so the soldier doesn’t need fastest growing hubs for advanced factories/workshops; warehouses; light
to carry a lot of weight. Also, it has a technologies and expertise. Its focus industrial units; incubators; offices; on-
sticker which vibrates and gives the on hi-tech manufacturing and knowl- site staff accommodation.
body a shock when you get hit. This edge-based industry is shaping a dy- Established in 2012, Tawazun Industrial
prepares the police and the soldiers namic local industrial sector and TIP Park is already home to several manu-
to be ready for a real life scenario. We serves as an effective tool contributing facturing entities. Its current key clients
also build shooting ranges and pro- towards the nation’s vision of econom- are BARIJ Munitions, NIMR automo-
vide military equipment to our clients ic diversification. tive, EDIC Precision Industries, BARIJ
in the UAE and GCC. A number of com- Creating comprehensive integrated Dynamics, EDIC Caracal, Advanced
panies here have expressed interest in clusters is key to TIP’s strategy in order Turbine Technologies, IGG, Raytheon,
what we have to offer.” to support its primary focus to the de- HARRIS, Qinetic, SAAB, Rockford Xel-
Bridging the Gap fence and security manufacturing sec- lerix, Halcon Systems, Advanced Pyro-
Siham Alkhaleej Technology focuses on tor. In order to create complete clusters technic, National Centre of Meteorol-
the military naval domain operating in around the defence and security indus- ogy, Remaya, Al Hosn, ProofHouse, and
the MENA region. Yousif Al Hosani from tries, covering downstream and up- Emirates Training Technologies.Strategic Partner
24 ISSUE 566 MARCH 2019 Reports
N
Nexter Meets the
exter, a partner of the French the Emirates Army was present at the to interventions in the most difficult en-
and Emirati Armies, showcased its company’s stand at the show, equipped vironments, this armoured vehicle with
know-how in the field of land combat with a modernisation kit and a micro- extreme mobility can be controlled re-
systems, artillery, weapons and robot- UAV. Artillery systems were also fea- motely by its crew.
ics systems, as well as ammunition, at tured with a virtual demonstration of Nexter Group’s participation as a key
IDEX 2019. The company’s mission is to the CAESAR8x8 self-propelled howit- vendor for the SCORPION Programme
meet the needs of armies all around the zer and the presence of models of the and the main supplier of combat sys-
world, through the design, develop- 105LG1 towed howitzer and a CAESAR. tems to the French Army, was also
ment and production of high-end de- These systems are used by many armies highlighted. The GRIFFON multi-role ar-
fence systems, artillery and armoured and are particularly appreciated for moured vehicle, the JAGUAR armoured
vehicles for land forces. Its expertise their robustness and accuracy. Comple- reconnaissance and combat vehicle, the
also covers the supply of weapons sys- menting this offer, the TITUS armoured SERVAL 4x4 light multi-role armoured
tems to air forces and navies. vehicle in its mission orchestration vehicle and the upgraded LECLERC
Illustrating Nexter Group's expertise in version was on exhibit, featuring a re- MBT (XLR) were also on display.
armoured vehicles, a LECLERC MBT of mote-control system. Perfectly suited Nexter also demonstrated its know-
LECLERC MBT equipped with a
modernisation kit and a micro-UAV25
Needs of Armies
how in the equipment field. As an featured the unmanned T40 turret and This truck-mounted artillery system
architect of robotic systems, the com- the CT40 AHS cannon. These weapons is fitted with a 155 mm/L52 howitzer,
pany exhibited a NERVA multi-mission can be mounted on several types of ar- which is capable of direct and indirect
mini-robot and an OPTIO-X20 robot moured vehicle and allow for accurate firing. The CAESAR 8x8 has a brand new
armed with a 20mm cannon. In terms firing with a wide range of effects. fully automated ammunition loading
of digital systems, demonstrations of As the third largest ammunition suppli- system. A crew of 2-3 people can oper-
the FINDMP touch-table decision sup- er in Europe with one of the most com- ate it. Maximum rate of fire is six rounds
port system and the FINDEAGLE system prehensive product catalogues, Nexter per minute.
were given throughout the exhibition. Group also presented a selection of its The CAESAR 8x8 fires all standard
VIPER perimeter vision solutions, as extensive product line ranging from NATO 155 mm ammunition, including
well as the Virtual Maintenance Trainer 20 to 155mm. In particular, the artillery ordinary and rocket-assisted HE-FRAG
system for CAESAR, LECLERC MBT and shell of the future 155mm KATANA was rounds, cargo rounds with anti-tank or
TITUS vehicles rounded out the range on display, along with tank and infantry fragmentation bomblets, smoke and
of combatant support systems on ammunition from 90 to 120mm and na- illumination rounds. It is also capable
exhibit. In addition, the Nexter stand val ammunition up to 127mm calibre. of firing BONUS or SPACIDO precision-
Some of its other products include the guided anti-tank munitions. The BO-
FINDART fire control system and forma- NUS round carries two smart anti-tank
tion and training simulators for the fir- sub-munitions to a range of 34 km.
ing crew, both physical (CAESAR Crew Maximum range of fire is 42 km with
Training System) and digital (tutorials, rocket-assisted HE-FRAG projectile and
3D simulators). 55 km with a VLAP projectile. Range of
Nexter was also present in the naval direct fire is up to 2 km.
domain with its NARWHAL20A. Already Furthermore, the CAESAR 8x8 is ca-
equipping the French Marine Natio- pable of Multiple-Round Simultaneous
nale and numerous other navies in the Impact (MRSI) firing. It can launch a
world, this weapon system has become couple of projectiles, each in different
a reference. Thanks to the 20M621 trajectories, so that all of the shells ar-
cannon, the NARWHAL is particularly rive on target at the same time. A single
adapted to surveillance and maritime artillery system can land on target with
police missions. It can also fulfil very no warning multiple shells. Such way of
short-range self-defence missions firing can be very effective.
against drones and light vessels. Also, the CAESAR 8x8 has a brief in and
CAESAR 8X8: Full Spectrum Solution out of action times and can be used
Designed by Nexter, the Caesar 8x8 is on shoot-and-scoot missions in order
an upgraded version of the 6x6 Caesar to avoid counter battery fire. It report-
wheeled self-propelled howitzer using edly takes only 60 seconds to prepare
155/52 caliber cannon. In March 2017, this artillery system for firing or leave
Nexter, was awarded a contract by the the firing position. Within two minutes
Danish Defence Acquisition and Logis- the CAESAR 8x8 can fire six rounds
tics Organization (DALO) for the supply and leave its position. Plus, an Airbus
of 15 (plus 6 as an option) 8x8 CAESAR A400M, Boeing C17 Globemaster III, or
artillery systems to the Danish Army. It Ilyushin Il-76 military transport aircraft
will replace the 32 U.S.-built M109A3 can airlift this artillery system.
self-propelled howitzers. The CAESAR 155mm wheeled self-pro-You can also read
