Defence Industry
Rheinmetall at AUSA 2024: Washington, D.C. – October 15, 2024 – Rheinmetall, a global leader in defense technology, showcased a range of innovative solutions at the AUSA Annual Meeting & Exposition. From unmanned ground vehicles to advanced artillery systems, Rheinmetall’s offerings address the evolving needs of modern militaries.One of the highlights of the Rheinmetall exhibit was the S-MET prototype, a modular, unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) designed to support dismounted infantry soldiers. Recently selected for the first phase of the Army’s Small Multi-Purpose Equipment Transport (S-MET) Increment II Vehicle Program, the S-MET leverages Rheinmetall’s decades of UGV experience to deliver a platform that meets the Army’s stringent requirements for range, speed, maneuverability, and payload capacity.
Dassault Aviation’s UCAV to complement 5th Gen Rafale Fighter Jets: Saint-Cloud, France – The French government has announced the development of an unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) that will complement the future Rafale F5 standard after 2030. The announcement was made by Sébastien Lecornu, French Minister of the Armed Forces and Veterans Affairs, at a ceremony marking the 60th anniversary of the French Strategic Air Forces (FAS). The UCAV will be a stealth combat drone designed to operate collaboratively with the Rafale fighter jet. It will incorporate advanced technologies such as stealth, autonomous control, internal payload capacity, and more. The UCAV will be highly versatile and capable of evolving to meet future threats.
India Cabinet clears Nuclear Submarines, MQ-9B drones: New Delhi, India – The Indian government has given the green light for two major defense procurements: the indigenous construction of nuclear-powered attack submarines and the purchase of 31 MQ-9B remotely piloted aircraft from the United States. These acquisitions will significantly bolster the capabilities of the Indian Navy and Armed Forces.
India Air Force Chief AP Singh takes charge: Air Chief Marshal AP Singh took over as Chief of the Air Staff (CAS) at a ceremony at Air Headquarters (Vayu Bhawan) on Friday (September 30, 2024). The CAS was commissioned on 21 December 1984 in fighter stream of the IAF. He is a Qualified Flying Instructor and an Experimental Test Pilot with more than 5000 hours of service flying on a variety of fixed wing and rotary wing aircraft.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh opens 750 projects on China border: New Delhi, India – In a significant move to strengthen its border infrastructure and enhance national security, India has inaugurated 750 new projects undertaken by the Border Roads Organization (BRO). These projects, spread across 11 states and union territories, have been dedicated to the nation by Defense Minister Rajnath Singh.
Zen Technologies bags major defence maintenance contract: New Delhi, India – Zen Technologies Limited, a leading Indian defense technology company, has secured a significant annual maintenance contract (AMC) valued at Rs 46 crore (approximately $5.5 million) with the India’s Ministry of Defence. The five-year contract will cover the upkeep and maintenance of various simulators designed and developed by Zen Technologies.
Netherlands to buy Kongsberg’s NASAMS, NOMADS Systems: The Netherlands is taking a significant step towards strengthening its air defense capabilities with the planned acquisition of NASAMS and NOMADS systems from Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace (Kongsberg). This proposed deal, which has been valued at approximately NOK 11 billion ($1.1 billion, GBP 870 million), comes as part of the country’s comprehensive CITADEL program for integrated air and missile defense.
