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MSPO 2016: Raytheon Showcases Its Cooperation Benefits

September 5, 2016, 11:47 pm
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At the 24th International Defence Industry Exhibition (MSPO), Raytheon presents cutting-edge military solutions. This year at MSPO, Raytheon showcases, inter alia, a full-size model of 360° multi-function AESA (Active Electronically Scanned Array) gallium nitride (GaN) based radar for the PATRIOT system.

Developed by Raytheon, PATRIOT's GaN technology-based AESA radar is the main element of the Raytheon exhibition. This is a major system upgrade for advanced protection from the potential threat. It will cooperate with future open-architecture systems, such as: The Integrated Air and Missile Defense Battle Command System. It also offers backward compatibility with the current Engagement Control Station. This provides for full interoperability with NATO systems.

At MSPO, Raytheonalso presents its products range for land forces. The offer includes TALON - affordable laser-guided rocket to be used on fixed-wing aircraft and rotary-wing aircraft. There also is the EXCALIBUR 155mm extended-range precision projectile equipped with a dual guidance system GPS / INS. Artillery which uses the systems can respond to the enemy attack from a distance while maintaining utmost precision. Last year, Raytheon signed a letter of intent with with MESKO. The MOU describes production and future cooperation in EXCALIBUR projectile further development.

Raytheon's presence at MSPO demonstrates the company's commitment to cooperation with the Polish defense industry. In early July, Raytheon and Polish Armaments Group (PGZ) signed a new letter of intent which expands the strategic partnership framework between the companies, PGZ is thus included in the Raytheon's structure of the global supply chain. Under the terms of the letter of intent, the share of Polish industry in the missile defence programme "Wisla" accounts for 50 percent. Moreover, the Polish defence industry will benefit from the technologies transfer. It will also may become a part of the 220 PATRIOT fire units modernisation programmes used in 13 countries.

Raytheon already cooperates with other Polish companies i.e. PIT-Radwar and Teldat. So far, within the framework of "Wisla," Raytheon has signed seven agreements and more than 30 letters of intent with the Polish industry companies. 
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MSPO 2016: First Impressions of the Show

September 6, 2016, 1:27 am
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MSPO 2016: Rheinmetall Presenting Itself as a Versatile Partner for Poland

September 6, 2016, 2:32 am
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Rheinmetall’s presence at MSPO in Kielce, is very important for the company, as just last month, Rheinmetall founded a new company in order to strengthen the group’s presence in Eastern Central Europe: Rheinmetall Defence Polska (RDP). A subsidiary of Rheinmetall Landsysteme with locations in Warsaw and Gliwice, RDP will serve as a partner to the local defence industry, providing the Polish Armed Forces with technical and logistical support as well as helping to develop logistic concepts.

In addition, the new subsidiary will work closely with Zaklady Mechaniczne Bumar-Labedy (ZMBL) in modernising Poland’s fleet of LEOPARD 2 A4 main battle tanks (MBT).

RDP serves as the Polish hub for all Rheinmetall Defence companies, acting as the central point of contact for the Polish government and military as well as Polish companies. Otmar Schultheis has been appointed Managing Director of RDP. A former German Armed Forces (Bundeswehr) Armour Corps officer, he has been with Rheinmetall for over 30 years, gaining extensive experience in sales and project management in numerous national and international projects. Dr. Michael Kara, Managing Director of Rheinmetall Landsysteme GmbH and CFO of the Tactical Vehicles business unit, will head the regional hub.


Poland has contracted Rheinmetall to carry out a complete modernisation of 128 LEOPARD 2 MBTs. In an industrial consortium with Polska Grupa Zbrojeniowa (PGZ) and ZMBL, Rheinmetall now serves as a strategic partner of the two Polish companies, contributing key technological know-how in areas such as electronics and advanced weaponry. During the course of modernisation, the 128 MBTs – purchased by the Polish Army from surplus Bundeswehr stocks in 2002 – will be upgraded to the new LEOPARD 2 PL standard. A demonstrator version of the LEOPARD 2 as well as a Bergepanzer 3 BÜFFEL (Buffalo) armoured recovery vehicle (ARV), which Rheinmetall supplies as the original equipment manufacturer, are on show at Stand #ZC-15.

A Bergepanzer 3 BÜFFEL (Buffalo) armoured recovery vehicle (ARV), which Rheinmetall supplies as the original equipment manufacturer, IS AT MSPO at Stand #ZC-15

At this year’s MSPO, Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles (RMMV) is showcasing the PEGAZ version of its Armoured Multi Purpose Vehicle (AMPV). Configured to meet the specifications of the Polish Armed Forces, "this variant is the perfect solution for special operations forces as well as conventional units," says the company. "The AMPV PEGAZ is an outstanding example of Rheinmetall’s expertise in protection, sensor, and command and control systems – and of its ability to integrate these into robust tactical vehicles. Rheinmetall’s Acoustic Shooter Location System (ASLS) and Laser Warning System (LWS) enable 360°detection of multiple threats. Moreover, the group’s Enhanced Driver Vision System (EDVS), which features day and night vision cameras (image fusion is possible), can be added either as an independent system or as part of the Situational Awareness System (SAS). EDVS improves the vehicle’s mobility both day and night, rendering driving with night vision goggles obsolete."

The AMPV PEGAZ on display at MSPO 2016 features ASLS, LWS and EDVS.
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Land Forces 2016: Rafael Displays Advanced Missiles and Defensive Systems

September 6, 2016, 5:13 am
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Rafael Advanced Defence Systems is demonstrating their advanced capabilities, many of them proven in combat, at stand #2K21 in Adelaide at the Land Forces 2016 Exhibition.

Described as the stand’s ‘flagship, science-fiction technology’, Rafael’s TROPHY Active Protection System uses advanced radar systems on the platform to detect and classify incoming projectiles – projectiles determined to be destined for impact with the platform are met with TROPHY countermeasures that intercept the attack away from the platform itself.

At Land Forces 2016, Rafael is offering to provide the TROPHY system for armoured vehicles as part of the LAND 400 programme for the Australian army. The US military is currently evaluating the integration of TROPHY counter-measures on M1 ABRAMS main battle tanks (MBT).

Also on display were Rafael’s SPIKE missile family, featuring the SPIKE-SR (short-range), SPIKE-LR (long-range), SPIKE-ER (extended-range) and SPIKE-NLOS (no line of sight). The SPIKE-LR, with a range of up to 4km, is currently up for the LAND 400 contract, in competition with BAE and Rheinmetall.

The SPIKE-SR is a portable shoulder-mounted, fire-and-forget weapon with a range of 1.5 kilometres. Rafael stated that they had spotted a gap in platoon-level capabilities, leading them to develop the SR, which has been on the market for only a year.

Each SPIKE missile is equipped with an electro-optic system comprising a dual-seeking capability between CCD and IR. They are controllable during flight, and remote pilots are able to disarm the payload at any point in the event of an emergency. To date, Rafael has sold over 29,000 SPIKE missiles to 15 different customers around the world, including the US, UK, Germany, Italy, Finland and Spain.

Rafael was also showing off its Iron Dome missile defence system, which mitigated its first missile threat in March 2011. Since its introduction, it has intercepted over 1,500 missiles with a 90% success rate, a testament to its utility as a defensive system, according to Rafael. In addition, the booth contains a mock-up of a ship-mounted missile defence system named C-Dome, which uses the Iron Dome interceptor model. Adaptation of the Iron Dome for naval use is an area that Rafael affirms it is looking to increasingly explore through further development and experimentation.

Timothy Dempsey

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Land Forces Australia 2016: Photonis Showcases Digital CMOS Night Vision Device

September 6, 2016, 5:39 pm
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Photonis Technologies has introduced to the Australian defence marketplace their award winning CNOD (CMOS Night Observation Device), a digital day to night weapon sight/ handheld observation device, at Photonis’ stand #4A13.

The CNOD is a high definition sight that enables its operator to see in both bright sun (day) and low light (night), with high contrast and high resolution, in a single device. The CNOD is neither an image intensification (I2) system nor a thermal system; it is a digital system. It can be deployed in three ways: As a hand held monocular, as a clip-on, in-line weapon sight for use with your day scope or as a stand-alone weapon sight with reticule of choice. "Currently there are no other digital, I2 night vision or thermal sights on the market that can perform all of these functions," says Photonis. "The integrated, high performance night observation device is proof of RPO’s optical components and assembly capability for its customers. PHOTONIS partnered with Rochester Precision Optics (RPO) to develop the system. RPO has a proven track record in defence and security, providing the optical components for some of the military’s most advanced night vision systems, due to their expertise in lightweight and high volume production of precision optical systems. PHOTONIS is the provider of the CMOS technology for the system."

The CNOD is a multi-function imaging system that allows operators to see in bright light, through urban and background light and into the night. This single, easy-to-use system offers visible and IR wavelengths 500-1,080nm, with digital electronic 6x zoom, still and video image capture. Users benefit from the system’s high performance, high resolution and versatility. The advanced design helps to preserve natural night vision for ground operations and allows for hand-held or weapon-mounted use. 
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MSPO 2016: Interview with WB Electronics

September 6, 2016, 11:06 pm
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MT correspondent Robert Czulda is present at MSPO 2016, covering the show, and interviewed Piotr Wojciechowski, President of WB Electronics.

Piotr Wojciechowski, President of WB Electronics interviewed by MT correspondent Robert Czulda during MSPO 2016. (Photos: Robert Czulda)

MT: Just like every year, WB Electronics is present at MSPO. What are the most important elements of your stand this year?
P. Wojciechowski: This year during MSPO 2016 we present the integrated potential of all companies that are part of the WB Group. Guests of our stand in Hall F have an opportunity to see that our systems create one coherent unity. We present integrated solutions in fields such as unmanned systems, communication, command and modernization packages for vehicles and military equipment. These are the fields in which the WB Group has vast experience and knowledge not only in Poland, but also internationally. We have proved our capabilities by winning various tenders around the world.

In regards to unmanned systems we show for the first time a tactical unmanned system named ŁOŚ (MOOSE). However, this year we are focusing not just on aerial platforms, but foremost on solutions which are required by all UAVs to operate. For the first time we present observation systems and avionics designed by our company and dedicated to UAVs of all classes.

In regards to communication and command systems, we present for the first time a family of COMP@N programmable radios, designed by our engineers at Radmor in Gdynia. At the same time we show that our current, battle-proven around-the-world solutions, such as the FONET system, can be fully integrated with individual communication systems, such as PERAD, and the previously mentioned COMP@N radios, and also with observation and surveillance systems from the MindMade family of products, also offered by our company.

At Kielce 2016 we also present the capabilities of our second Pomeranian company – AREX from Gdynia, which promotes an upgrade solution for the ZU-23-2 anti-aircraft gun. This package includes new electrical systems and new sights.

Modernised 3mm gun by WB Electronics.


MT: Is the system known as WARMATE, designed particularly for the Polish Armed Forces, also available to foreign customers?
P. Wojciechowski: Our philosophy is permanent development. Indeed, the WARMATE system is a result of this philosophy. It is an advanced loitering ammunition, developed by Israel, the United States and now by us. By creating this system we wanted to give soldiers on the battlefield direct fire support, which is relatively cheaper than an anti-tank guided missile.

Regarding your question. All our products are tailored to the needs of our primary customer, which is the Polish Armed Forces. It also applies to WARMATE but because this is a highly advanced system, various foreign customers are interested as well. I can reveal that we have already signed two export contracts for WARMATE.

MT: WB Electronics is known mainly as a producer of UAVs. What is your offer at MSPO 2016 in this regard?
P. Wojciechowski: The most important element is the ŁOŚ system, which I have already mentioned. It is designed according to the requirements of the Polish Army. Currently WB Electronics offer not only unmanned vehicles, but also avionics, observation systems, communication systems and flight control systems. All of these solutions were designed by our engineers and therefore we have 100%  intellectual rights. They can be offered to foreign customers as well.

It is too early to assess 2016 as we are still waiting for the outcome of a tender in France for mini-class UAVs, in which we submitted the FlyEye as our proposal. I am optimistic – we are in touch with SAGEM, our French partner who told us that our offer is the best among all competitors, both technologically and financially.

MT: Does this mean that WB Electronics will abandon the Battle Management Systems?
P. Wojciechowski: I acknowledge the fact that we are known mainly as a producer of UAV solutions, but this is just one of the three pillars of our company. The others are communication and command systems and modernisation packages. That is why we are still developing already known and used systems, such as FONET digital internal communication systems based on devices and their software creating a unified data exchange base between military vehicles on the battlefield. This is also TOPAZ automated fire control system which supports artillery. We are currently carrying out an upgrade of the FONET system for Harris, our partner in the United States. Regarding the Battle Management System, we have all the required technologies and know how to implement it into the Polish Army.

WB Electronics FONET digital internal communication system presented at MSPO 2016.

Poland still has a plan to procure the BMS, and recently a procurement project has been closed. This is a new situation. Our system is fully based on Polish technologies and already produced. At present sub-components are in service of the Polish Army, which includes radios, sensors, and network systems. Our communication solutions and integrators are battle-proven and were chosen by several countries for their C4I systems. The Polish Army now has 15,000 tactical radios provided by our company, and more than 1,500 vehicles, mainly the Rosomak wheeled carriers, are equipped with our FONET systems. Currently we are the only Polish company who exports comprehensive C4I (BMS) solutions, including communication, integration, software and training.

We have our own cryptographic. This unique potential was offered jointly with the Polish Armaments Group (PGZ, Polska Grupa Zbrojeniowa). We believe that the PGZ should be a main integrator of the BMS. Ignoring our proven potential would however be a waste of decades of Polish experience and knowledge. Our offer is well known by the Ministry of National Defence and PGZ. These are smart institutions and we are sure that they will decide wisely.

MT: Thank you.

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MSPO 2016: Various ROSOMAK Vehicles Presented

September 6, 2016, 11:18 pm
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During MSPO 2016 in Kielce, Poland, Rosomak SA presented several special variants of its ROSOMAK wheeled infantry armoured personal carrier (APC), used by the Polish Army. It includes the technical reconnaissance version (WRT - Wóz Rozpoznania Technicznego), which is tasked with medical and technical support, field repairs and technical diagnosis of ROSOMAK vehicles.

Poland will procure 33 ROSOMAK WRT vehicles. (Photos: Robert Czulda)

WRT is equipped with a 1t crane known as HIAB. WRT can be equipped with a remote-controlled weapon station known as ZSMU-127 KOBUZ with a UKM-2000C 7.62mm machinegun. During MSPO 2016, it was confirmed that a full production is planned to start this year and will last until 2018. Overall, Poland will procure 33 ROSOMAK WRT vehicles. WRT variant made its MSPO debut in 2011.

ROSOMAK WRT technical reconnaissance vehicle.

PGZ also promoted two R variants: Command reconnaissance vehicle (R-1) and universal reconnaissance vehicle (R-2). Both were designed on a standard version armed with a 30 mm gun.

PGZ ROSOMAK universal reconnaissance vehicle (R-2)

Despite additional equipment, the R version is still an amphibious vehicle able to independently cross water obstacles. A standard section for troops was removed and replaced with a special section for two operators and additional equipment, including a 4m long telescopic risen mast with a FLIR sensor on top of it. It is equipped with a TV and thermal cameras, laser range finder and laser target indicator. The R variant is able to detect targets from a distance of up to 20 km. In the case of a moving column of several vehicles, the ROSOMAK R-1 can detect it from a range of approximately 40km thanks to the Aselsan ACAR Ground Surveillance Radar. It can be easily removed and placed on a tripod. The R-2 variant does not have a mast.

The ROSOMAK R-1 can detect it from a range of approximately 40km thanks to the Aselsan ACAR Ground Surveillance Radar. It can be easily removed and placed on a tripod.
ROSOMAK R-1

During MSPO 2016 it was confirmed that design works on the R variants are planned to be ended in the first quarter of 2017. By the end of 2020 the Polish Army is to receive 16 R-1s and 34 R-2s, and later special variants, equipped with the ZSSW-30 remotely controlled weapon station. A standard version of the ZSSW-30, planned mainly for the ROSOMAK infantry carrier, has the Orbital-ATK Mk44 BUSHMASTER II 30mm cannon with a co-axial UKM-2000C 7,62mm gun, two Rafael SPIKE-LR anti-tank missiles (installed on a right side) and SSP-1 OBRA-3 Laser Warning System.

Robert Czulda

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MSPO 2016: Thales UK and WB Electronics Present WATCHKEEPER X

September 6, 2016, 11:38 pm
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During MSPO 2016, Thales UK presented the WATCHKEEPER X UAV, a planned export version of the WATCHKEEPER 450.

WATCHKEEPER X will be modular, which means certain additional packages such as weapon systems or surveillance sensors (including lug-and-play HD EO/IR turret or ground/maritime radars) could be easily installed, according to particular needs of any customer.  (Photos: Robert Czula)

The WATCHKEEPER UAV remains a proposal for Poland, which continues the GRYF (GRIFFIN) programme. Its goal is to procure 12 sets (four vehicles in each) of tactical UAVs of medium range. They will be combined with the ZEFIR (ZEPHYRUS) project of four sets of MALE class. It was confirmed that Poland is now considering offers for ZEFIR from the US (General Atomics MQ-9 REAPER and MQ-1C GRAY EAGLE) and Israel (Elbit Systems HERMES 900). Two sets are to be procured before 2022 and two after.

The WATCHKEEPER X, unveiled during DSEI 2015 in London, made its Polish debut this year at MSPO. This is a joint project between Thales UK and France’s Vitec. It has the basic airframe, human-machine interface and flight control software of a standard WATCHKEEPER 450. As a result, the WATCHKEEPER  X maintains CS23/STANAG 4671 airworthiness standards. A goal of the X programme is to design and produce a special, export version of WATCHKEEPER , developed in parallel to but independent from the British WATCHKEEPER 450. WATCHKEEPER X will be modular, which means certain additional packages such as weapon systems or surveillance sensors (including lug-and-play HD EO/IR turret or ground/maritime radars) could be easily installed, according to particular needs of any customer.

Other potential payloads are radar electronic support measures (RESM), cryptographic electronic support measures (CESM), communications intelligence systems (CommINT), remote terminals, target indicators, recorders or additional data-links. WATCHKEEPER X is intended foremost for Poland and France, although it will be offered to all foreign partners.

The WATCHKEEPER offered to Poland is armed with four FFLMMs (free-fall lightweight multi-role missiles). They weigh 6kg each, with a high-explosive warhead. It has a dual guidance system – either by GPS or by a laser. During MSPO 2016, it was confirmed that integration and flight tests of FFLMM, including inert and live drops, are planned to start next year. The Polish defence industry will be involved. An armed version of GRYF is a requirement of the Polish Ministry of National Defence. At the same time Poland wants to be responsible for a final assembly, maintenance and modernization of GRYF drones.

The FFLMM was developed by Thales UK partnered with Textron, who acts as the US market partner in the weapon’s development. Textron markets the weapon as the FURY, alongside its heavier G-CLAW glide bomb.

WATCHKEEPER X is intended foremost for Poland and France, although it will be offered to all foreign partners.

Robert Czula
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MSPO 2016: PGZ Presents PT-16 Main Battle Tank

September 6, 2016, 11:53 pm
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During MSPO 2016 in Kielce, Poland, PGZ (Polska Grupa Zbrojeniowa) revealed a technology demonstrator of a new tank, named as the PT-16 (Polish Tank 2016). It is a modernised offering of the PT-91 TWARDY tank, which is an indigenous development of the T-72M1 tank, designed in the 1990s by two Polish companies – OBRUM and ZM Bumar-Łabędy. They are now both part of the PGZ and responsible for the PT-16 programme.

PGZ PT-16 MBT

PT-16 is an upgraded PT-91 with improved survivability, situational awareness and firepower, and is based on the chassis of the PT-91. While the old tank is equipped with the PZL-Wola S-1000R diesel engine (1000 hp, 735 kW), PGZ and its companies plan to install a new powerpack (up to 1200hp). A new tank would have additional composite armour providing a ballistic protection of approx. 100RHA. To remove weaknesses of the TWARDY tank, the PT-16 would be equipped with a modern fire-control system and a remotely controlled weapon station known as ZSMU-127 KOBUZ with either a 7.62mm or 12.7mm machine gun. It is not ruled out that an unmanned turret could offered.

The PT-16 would have a weight of 47,5t and a maximum speed of 70km/h.

PGZ PT-16 MBT

While the PT-91 is equipped with the 2A46MS 12 mm smoothbore gun (the same that is used in the T-72), the PT-16 would be equipped with an as yet undetermined 120mm smoothbore gun (like the 120mm KBM2 from Ukraine) able to use NATO-standard ammunition, including advanced kinetic energy penetrators, such as the DM53 and its further development DM63. It is possible that the most likely weapon of choice would be the Rheinmetall L44 120mm gun, which is currently used on all Polish LEOPARD 2A4/2A5 tanks. According to information from MSPO 2016, it is planned that the Polish company HSW (Huta Stalowa Wola) would be responsible for the production of these guns.

Poland now has 232 TWARDY tanks in service, which are currently used in four battalions in three brigades (1st Armoured Brigade, 2nd Mechanised Brigade and 34th Armoured Cavalry Brigade). The Polish Armed Forces do not plan any modernisation and want all PT-91s be phased out by the 2030s. However, Polish companies responsible for the armour project still believe that TWARDY has some potential for modernization, carried out either independently or with Ukrainian assistance. It is offered to upgrade a loading system and improve gun stabilisation.

TWARDYs serve in Malaysia, who might be interested in procuring the PT-16 modernisation package.




Robert Czulda
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MSPO 2016: Photographic Recap of Day 1

September 7, 2016, 12:16 am
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POPRAD anti air SP system with GROM missiles by PGZ and PIT Radwar. (Photos: Robert Czula)

Elbit Systems HERMES 450 - offered for the GRYF programme

HIPOPOTAM by AMZ Kutno

Achleitner HMV SURVIVOR I (Rheinmetall has licensed the PMV Survivor II as a CBRN vehicle)

Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles (RMMV) is showcasing its HX 4x4 truck

Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles (RMMV) is showcasing the PEGAZ version of its Armoured Multi Purpose Vehicle (AMPV)


Thales HAWKEI at MSPO 2016 opted for GROM

KRAB 155mm SPH

PILICA anti air 23mm gun with GROM missiles by ZM Tarnow

POPRAD anti air SP system with GROM missiles by PGZ and PIT Radwar

Closeup of POPRAD anti air SP system with GROM missiles by PGZ and PIT Radwar

PT-16 by OBRUM and Bumar Labedy, now PGZ

RAK Mortat

Raytheon 360° PATRIOT AESA with GaN technology 

Raytheon 360° PATRIOT AESA with GaN technology
TITUS by Nexter

TUR 5 by AMZ Kutno
Anti riot suit Ribocop D3O by HPE

Diehl Defence Surface-to-air guided missile IRIS-T SL (Surface Launched) 

Rafael's missile defence effectors

Rafael is touting its C-DOME missile defence system from the sea to Poland
River chaser TMR-9 by Technomarine

River chaser TMR-9 by Technomarine

River chaser TMR-9 by Technomarine

Kelvin Hughes at MSPO 2016

TARVOS sentry duty/patrol UGV by Stekop

LEOPARD 2PL at MSPO 2016

T-72M1 - repair export offer by PGZ


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MSPO 2016: Poland Seeks US OK for Raytheon PATRIOT Deal

September 7, 2016, 12:50 am
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Poland's government announced it will seek formal US government approval for Raytheon's PATRIOT Integrated Air and Missile Defence System  through the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) process.

Raytheon 360° PATRIOT AESA with GaN technology during MSPO 2016. (Photo: Robert Czulda)

Poland will seek formal US approval to buy eight PATRIOTmissile defense systems from Raytheon, marking a key move toward closing the estimated U$5 billion deal, the Warsaw government and the US company said yesterday during MSPO. Raytheon agreed to perform at least half the value of the work in Poland, Polish Defense Minister Antoni Macierewicz said earlier in July.



"Poland's formal request is an important milestone toward becoming the 6th NATO Patriot country and the 14th PATRIOT partner nation,"Wes Kremer, President of Raytheon Integrated Defense Systems, said during MSPO. "Raytheon will continue supporting the US and Polish governments through the FMS process. Poland’s PATRIOT solution provides a proven capability against the evolving threat of ballistic and cruise missiles, and advanced aircraft and drones."

During the FMS process, Raytheon will also partner with Poland's government and industry to finalise offset and industrial participation plans. Raytheon has already signed eight contracts and more than 30 letters of intent with Polish industry.

This is an important milestone as, with lingering austerity measures and new financial pressures, Europe urgently needs proven, interoperable layered missile defence systems and for lower-tier defence, Raytheon’s PATRIOT is one of the only systems that can work together with other nations' systems to share information, assess vulnerabilities, and eliminate threats in real-time.

"For upper tier missile defence, Raytheon-built Standard Missile-3s (SM-3) are now land-based in Romania, and ground has broken on a second sight in Poland that will be operational in 2018," Raytheon said during MSPO 2016. "These land-based sights work with sea-based SM-3s on US ships off the coast of Europe to provide regional, long-range ballistic missile defence protection. On a broader scale, NATO’s Air Command and Control System (ACCS) brings together 300 air surveillance sensor sites and more than 40 radar types located across Europe to safeguard NATO members. Together these systems shape a large majority of the continent's current missile defence protection and Raytheon stands by to support its new and existing partners now and in the days to come."

Sources familiar with the proposed sale said the announcement looked like a firm commitment by Poland to move ahead. As of Tuesday evening, the US government had not yet received the letter of request, but officials expect it to arrive soon. The missile defence tender is central to Warsaw's large-scale military modernisation programme, sped up in response to the Ukraine crisis and Russia's renewed assertiveness in the region.
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Kelvin Hughes Brings Full Benefits of SHARPEYE Technology to Submarines

September 7, 2016, 5:14 am
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Today, Kelvin Hughes announced that it can now bring all the benefits of its innovative SHARPEYE radar technology to submarines. Traditionally, submarines only use radar for navigation in and out of port because a high power RF transmission can compromise its ability to remain undetected. However, with its low power output (up to 300W as opposed to the 25kW of legacy submarine radar systems) SHARPEYE can significantly reduce the probability of detection by ESM systems.

Due to the solid state technology at the heart of SHARPEYE, it is now possible, for the first time, to locate the X-band transceiver downmast within the pressure hull, making use of the existing bulkhead infrastructure and the existing external antenna, rotational drive and waveguide connections. The downmast transceiver enclosure measures only 743x48 x330mm.

Moreover, the Doppler processing of the radar returns, means it can detect more targets, earlier and at a longer range. Delivering improvements in sub-clutter visibility of approximately 30dB, SHARPEYE can identify targets with a low Radar Cross Section (RCS), typically 0.5sqm, even in adverse weather conditions. A series of electronic filters enables the radar to distinguish between targets of interest and sea and rain clutter.

With its patented pulse sequence, SHARPEYE enables multiple users to see the optimum picture simultaneously regardless of the radar range scale in use at each display. The SHARPEYE system can either be installed on new-build submarines or retro-fitted to existing boats.

"Kelvin Hughes has a long history of supplying naval radar and 27 of the world’s navies are currently operating SHARPEYE systems,"Mark Bown, Kelvin Hughes’ Group Marketing Manager, commented. "We are delighted that we have been able to take this major step forward in submarine radar technology, ensuring submarines can now operate with a truly multipurpose naval radar system, covering navigation, surface search and bi-directional links to combat management systems."

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Land Forces 2016: DRS Technologies Demonstrates Battlefield Awareness Technology

September 7, 2016, 6:11 am
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Located at stand #2K4 at the Land Forces 2016 Exhibition, DRS Technologies, a Leonardo company, is exhibiting technologies with a focus on C4ISR, promoting their systems for enhancing battlefield vision and situational awareness.

The DRS team is promoting the Mounted Family of Computer Systems (MFoCS) – the next generation FBCB2 and Blue Force tracking systems.  MFoCS operates using a Data Distribution Unit – Expandable (DDUx), a rugged computer system that incorporates Intel’s quad-core i7 processing technology and two removable 2.5” SSD’s to provide faster and more efficient battle management. The DDUx is capable of streaming up to four separate video feeds on a single screen via an RS-170 port input.

DRS was also showcasing the array of visual displays that can be used to host the DDUx, ranging from the 17” MRD170 Rugged Display down to the 10.4” MRT104 Rugged Tablet. The latter display was notable for its dismountable functionality – while attached to a 25ft (7.6m) tether, the display is able to be removed from a vehicular interior and moved freely, for ease of access by multiple individuals.

In the US, DRS has supplied MFoCS to the Army, Navy and Marine Corps since 2013 as part of a $455 million contract, providing thousands of systems to various units.

Australia is looking at incorporating this technology into the ADF, to replace the current EV4 and JV5 systems. According to DRS, two separate DDUx systems can be mounted in the same space that a single JV5 occupies, while capable of managing six to seven times the number of tasks. The JV5 is also hard-mounted, meaning that the dismountability of MFoCS display systems would be a welcomed upgrade.

"MFoCS is the next generation of joint coalition battle management systems and we are proud to offer this system to the Australian Land Forces in support of their modernisation efforts,"Jerry Hathaway, VP/GM, DRS Technologies, said. "Our system is currently being fielded by the US Army replacing legacy single purpose boxes with multi-purpose systems configurable to meet the needs of the user today and expandable to meet the needs of the future."
Timothy Dempsey

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Land Forces 2016: Schiebel Displays CAMCOPTER S-100 UAS

September 7, 2016, 6:16 am
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Schiebel’s CAMCOPTER S-100 UAs on display above its stand #3G10 at the Land Forces 2016 exhibition is capable of fully autonomous takeoff, waypoint navigation and landing, and is powered by a 50HP rotary engine, which enables a cruising speed of 55 knots. “We are using a data link which is capable of downloading information such as camera and video feed in real time up to a distance of 200km in a line of sight operation,” Regional Sales Director Nikolaus Weihs claimed.

The S-100 is optimised for surveillance – optional payloads include stabilised day and night EO/IR gimbals, synthetic aperture radar (SAR), maritime radar and ground penetrating radar (GPSAR). It can carry a payload of up to 50kg; however, the standard configuration is a 34kg payload, which provides a flight time of up to six hours. With an additional tank, this flight time can be extended to up to 10 hours.

The key advantage of a rotary UAS is the VTOL capability, and the S-100 requires no supporting launch or recovery equipment for take-off and landing. “You do not need a runway or catapult to take off, you don’t need a runway to land, and you don’t need a catching device or a net to land,” Weihs stated. At the same time, the number of people required to operate the S-100 is significantly less than for a fixed-wing UAV. “You just need three guys; two to operate it and one for maintenance,” Weihs claimed. “A fixed-wing needs 10-12 people. For a 50kg payload, you would need a very big fixed-wing aircraft, a very big runway and a large ground station. We do not need that.”

Schiebel has sold over 200 S-100s to more than 10 customers worldwide, in places such as the UAE, Germany, France, North America, and Asia, according to the company.

Timothy Dempsey
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Land Forces 2016: Cubic’s Partnered Initiatives on Display

September 7, 2016, 9:40 pm
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Located at stand #3C8 at Land Forces 2016, Cubic is showcasing a number of different innovations for defence support systems. In terms of software, Cubic is demonstrating their Combat Training Centre – Live Instrumentation System (CTC-LIS), which is a network tracking system used for controlling combat training exercises with a full diagnostics capability. Described as ‘laser-tag on steroids’, CTC-LIS allows tracking of up to 15,000 entities, who are each equipped with lasers and tracking tools to determine their location, movements, type of munitions and to register whether they have hit enemy targets or have been hit themselves. The result is a system that provides simplified debriefings which can depict all aspects and issues of every training exercise.

Cubic is also hosting representatives of partnered companies, such as DTECH Labs, GATR Technologies and TeraLogics. One of the most innovative products is GATR’s SATCOM Inflatable Satellite Terminal, which claims to have revolutionised the portable SATCOM industry. To enhance stability and durability, GATR’s system consists of an inflatable pressure vessel, which houses flexible reflective fabric that when subjected to the correct pressure, forms a parabolic ‘dish’. The result is a highly portable and relatively lightweight deployable satellite.

The Inflatable Terminals now comes in four different sizes: 1.2m, 1.8m, 2.4m and 4m. The reduction in portability through increased size and weight with the 4m Class Inflatable Terminal – which at 180kg weighs nearly 150kg more than the 34kg 1.2m Class – makes the larger sizes less suitable for small units, but makes up for its size with increased reliability and bandwidth in poorer conditions. The 1.2m Class packs into a single airline checkable case with between 50% less volume and weight than portable rigid antennas, while the 4 Meter Class achieves in excess of an 80% reduction.

The United States military currently possesses over 500 GATR terminals, after GATR won the T2C2 WGS Satellite contract in December last year, worth $USD 550 million. In Australia, special forces based in Perth and Holsworthy acquired the 2.4m Class terminal in 2013.

Cubic acquired GATR in January this year, a part of what they described as a wider Cubic push into the C4ISR sector as one of “multiple pillars”, and a growing international presence.

Timothy Dempsey

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Land Forces 2016: L-3 Warrior Systems Presents Optics Suite

September 7, 2016, 9:44 pm
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In contrast with some of the larger and more fearsome technological developments at Land Forces 2016, L-3 Warrior Systems are displaying their image intensification (I2) and thermal – also known as Forward Looking Infra-Red (FLIR) – optics systems, as well as a variety of rangefinders and aiming devices.

In an effort to combine both I2 and thermal imaging technology, L-3 Warrior Systems has created multiple products based on the Fusion concept, resulting in single head-mounts that feature the ability for vision with I2, thermal or both, such as the AN/PSQ-36. Thermal and I2 optics have their own distinct advantages, and by placing both in a single product, the operator receives access to the best of both technologies.

As I2 technology has evolved, so too has the potential and demand for an increased field of view (FOV), which now ranges from 40 degrees with monocular and binocular products, to 97 degrees, which is achieved with L-3’s Ground Panoramic Night Vision Goggle (GPNVG) – notable for four image intensification tubes as opposed to one or two, and developed by L-3’s Warrior Systems Insight Technology division. “By adding more tubes you can expand the FOV - this is 97 degrees,” Insight Technology President Todd Stirtzinger explained. “There are a variety of configurations of I2 devices and we are proud that our suite of products is available to meet the needs of our customer, enabling them to complete the mission safely.”

Traditionally, I2 is associated with green phosphorous, but Stirtzinger posits that white phosphorous is increasing in popularity. “There were studies done many years ago that found green was better for discerning for the eye,” Stirtzinger said. “We’ve developed a white phosphor, so it’s more like a black and white image, very natural. There have been studies done in the States, where the soldiers feel less fatigued, and in a very cluttered scene they can see a little bit better resolution and pick out targets a bit better.”

Stirtzinger pointed out the learning curve involved with effectively producing white phosphor, and suggested it currently gives L-3 an edge over their competitors. “They have it, but we’ve been producing it longer,” he said. “In the meantime, we continue to develop the technology to enhance the performance of the tube.”

Timothy Dempsey

Picture shows L-3’s Ground Panoramic Night Vision Goggle (GPNVG)

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MSPO 2016: Saab Presented its Offer

September 7, 2016, 9:48 pm
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Saab presented a wide range of its products, both for the Polish Armed Forces and foreign customers, at the MSPO 2016 exhibition in Kielce (Poland).

As in previous years, Saab promoted its SKELDAR V-200 medium-range VTOL UAV, designed for operations such as surveillance, intelligence gathering, light cargo transportation and electronic warfare. It can carry several payloads, including stabilised EO/IR sensors, SIGINT/ELENT systems, synthetic aperture radars, AIS transponders, ground-moving target indicator radars, hyper-spectral and multi-spectral cameras, communication systems, air droppable SAR pods, cargo hooks and searchlights/megaphones. SKELDAR might be procured by the Polish Navy, who wants VTOL UAVs (codenamed ALBATROS). Deliveries are planned for 2019-2020.

For the first time at MSPO, Saab presented its Global Eye multi-role surveillance system, which is a combination of Erieye ER (extended range) radar and mission system with Bombardier Global 6000 jet aircraft. Global Eye can carry out long-range detection, tracking and surveillance in the air over both sea and land. It can stay in the air up to 11 hours, according to Saab. The company added that the Global Eye can effectively detect and track small targets (vehicles and submarine periscopes) as well as those with reduced emission of radar spectrums, including stealth aircraft.

Part of Saab’s continuing offer to Poland is light, portable anti-tank grenade launchers. Those presented at Kielce include the AT-4 84 mm recoilless grenade launcher, NLAW 150 mm anti-tank missile launcher, and the Carl Gustaf M4 84 mm anti-tank recoilless rifle. A new anti-tank grenade launcher for the Polish Army is urgently needed as it still uses ageing and outdated RPG-7 grenade launchers. Saab AT-4 are used only by the Polish Special Forces.

An interesting element of Saab’s exposition was a scaled mock-up of the A26 submarine, offered to Poland under the ORKA codename. Saab competes with DCNS offering its Scorpene-class submarine and Thyssenkrupp marine systems (TKMS) with its Type 212A and 214A submarines.

Other interesting element of Saab’s offer was the long-range, land-based 250-pound class GLSDB (ground-launched small diameter bomb), developed with Boeing. According to Saab, GLSDB is capable of conducting reverse slope engagements and of effectively hitting various targets, including hardened facilities. It is equipped with a GPS/INS navigation, anti-jam and selective availability anti-spoofing module (SAASM) with a multipurpose penetrating blast-and-fragmentation warhead composed of carbon fibre case with conical steel nose for ultra-low fragmentation. GLSDB has a programmable electronic fuse (integrated electronic safe/arm fuse system or impact and delayed settings with height of burst sensor). Its declared accuracy is 1 metre and its range is 150 km. Up to six rockets can be loaded per pod.

Robert Czulda

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MSPO 2016: PIT-Radwar Unveils 35mm Anti-Aircraft Gun

September 7, 2016, 9:58 pm
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During MSPO 2016 in Kielce, the Polish company PIT-Radwar, a subsidiary of the Polish Armaments Group (PGZ, Polska Grupa Zbrojeniowa), presented a 35mm anti-aircraft gun. It is intended as a replacement of the aging and obsolete S-60 57mm anti-aircraft gun, which has been in service in the land units of the Polish Navy since the 1950s (almost all are now phased out – only two squadrons still use the S-60MB variant) and the whole BLENDA command and control system (composed of four S-60 57mm guns – still eight batteries in operational services, delivered between 1999 and 2008).

The 35mm anti-aircraft system shown at MSPO 2016 includes the WG-35 fire control vehicle that is based on the wheeled ŻUBR-P, which at the same time serves in the Polish Armed Forces as a mobile platform for SOŁA and BYSTRA radars POPRAD anti-aircraft missiles. It has an optoelectronic sensor equipped with TV and thermal cameras, IFF and laser target rangefinder. An additional tracking radar can be mounted on the WG-35. Up to eight firing units (35mm guns or POPRAD anti-aircraft missiles) can be linked up to one WG-35 vehicle.

The system has two variants of a gun, both towed and based on a licensed Oerlikon KDA cannon. One version presented in Kielce was the AG-35 gun with an optoelectronic tracking-aiming sensor (developed by PIT-Radwar in cooperation with WAT in Warsaw), equipped with TV cameras, infra-red sensors and two laser target rangefinders. It can engage targets autonomously. The second is the A-35 gun with a Prexer CP-1-35 programmable gun-sight and programmable 35x228 mm ammunition, designed by MESKO in Skarżysko Kamienna. PIT-Radwar said at MSPO 2016 that the A-35 is a standard version of a gun and needs direct support from the WG-35 fire control unit, while the AG-35 can serve more independently as it is equipped with its own above-mentioned sensors. Both versions are equipped with a built-in GPS/INS.

This system can engage targets within 5km and at altitudes of up to 3.5 kilometres. A maximum speed of a target is 600m/s. If required, this gun can efficiently destroy lightly armoured targets, including vehicles and small surface crafts, as well as guided missiles. A declared rate of fire is 550 rounds per minute. Barrel is cooled by air.

It is worth adding that this programme is being carried out for the Polish Navy; at the same time the Polish Air Force are developing a 23mm anti-aircraft gun with indigenous land-to-air GROM/PIORUM missiles (programme is codenamed PILICA). Of course, PIT-Radwar’s solution can be used by other branches of the Polish Armed Forces and foreign customers. The first live firings are scheduled for late 2016.

Robert Czulda

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MSPO 2016: WB Group Presents the COMP@N Tactical Radio Stations

September 7, 2016, 10:02 pm
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During MSPO 2016 the Polish company Radmor, part of the WB Group, presented a family of COMP@N programmable tactical radio stations. Currently the family includes:

Comp@n H07. A handheld radio. Provides digital voice and data transmission for troops or can serve as an auxiliary communication device at fixed stations and for vehicles. Designed for phonic communication, including: tactical (very short range) UHF and VHF for land units; tactical (short range) VHF for air units; and communication with paramilitary and civil units. Basic functions include analogue voice transmission at a fixed frequency, digital voice transmission at a fixed frequency or with frequency hops (100 hops per second), voice encryption, data transmission, and GPS position (built-in GPS receiver).

Comp@n H08. A handheld radio. Capable of a simultaneous, highly-secured transmission of voice and data in frequency hopping mode (300 hops per second, over 200 frequency indexes in each channel), which ensures the functionality of LPD (Low Probability of Detection), LPI (Low Probability of Interception) and AJ (Anti-Jamming). It has an internal synchronization mechanism which does not require a global navigation satellite system (GPS for example) for external time reference. It can operate in frequency hopping mode or at fixed frequency (STANAG 4204 – a fixed frequency VHF FM, STANAG 4205 – a fixed frequency UHF FM/AM). It has a built-in GPS receiver.

Comp@n H09. A handheld radio with several waveforms which allows a transmission from classical systems (STANAG 4204, STANAG 4205) to modern BMS. It has the BMS IP narrowband waveform implemented (MANET/Mobile Ad Hoc Network) which is a continuously self-configuring, infrastructure-less network of mobile devices connected wirelessly. It allows for the transmission of digital voice (including MALPe), IP data, situational awareness data (including data from sensors), GPS location and other information required by BMS (Battlefield Management System)

Comp@n H09 allows an integration of a radio station with IP networks and a simultaneous transmission of data and voice. It can operate in frequency hopping mode or at fixed frequency, and has a built-in GPS receiver.

“It is important to underline that this list is not exhaustive, and serves only as an example of possible configurations,” Tomasz Badowski from WB Electronics explained during MSPO2016. “The main differences are in used waveforms which determine a role of a particular radio. Every radio can be equipped with several waveforms, according to the customer’s need.”

“Its universal and flexible architecture allows users to choose the proper mode,” Tomasz Badowski added. “A radio can operate in a broadcast mode or in more complex mode, such as MANET.”

Various modes are available. Within the COMP@N family, a user can choose from various waveforms and bands. The list of available functionalities and options is not full yet – designers from Radmor are still working on new capabilities. Currently the COMP@N platform is equipped with interfaces such as PTT, RS232, USB, and Ethernet 10/110. An output power of a transmitter is up to 5W, while a sensitivity of a receiver is 116 dBm (SINAD 20 dB).

During MSPO 2016 the WB Group announced that in terms of frequencies, three bandwidths are available so far. The most universal range, providing the widest array of options, is provided by the RF block (20 – 520 MHz). The remaining two with narrowed bandwidths 30 – 137 MHZ and 225 – 400 MHz) are designed for those seeking lower product price and higher efficiency of a radio with just one battery. The size of a radio is 220 x 86 x 44 mm, and its weight with a battery and antenna is less than 1000 g. It also has an internal GPS module.

The COMP@N radios can operate between -32°C and +55°C. It is water resistant up to 1 metres for two hours (MIL-STD-810G).

Robert Czulda

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MSPO 2016: Photographic Recap of Day 2

September 7, 2016, 10:50 pm
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