Monthly Archives: October, 2024

Netherlands Bolsters Air Defenses with NASAMS and NOMADS from Kongsberg

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.

Rheinmetall Unveils Cutting-Edge Defense Solutions at AUSA 2024

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.

India-China Border: Rajnath Opens 750 Infrastructure Projects

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.

India Approves Nuclear Submarines and MQ-9B Drones

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.

France Unveils UCAV Program to Complement Rafale F5 Fighter Jets

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.

Malabar 2024: India, US, Japan, Australia Navies kick off military exercise

Malabar 2024 Naval Exercise: Visakhapatnam, India – The 28th edition of the multinational maritime exercise, Malabar 2024, kicked off on October 8, 2024, in the Bay of Bengal. The exercise, which will continue until October 18, brings together the navies of India, the United States, Japan, and Australia, known collectively as the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad). The opening ceremony of Malabar 2024 was held onboard Indian Naval Ship Satpura in Visakhapatnam. Hosted by Vice Admiral Rajesh Pendharkar, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Eastern Naval Command, the ceremony was attended by senior naval and military dignitaries from all participating nations.

Rafael displays Enhanced C-UAS and TROPHY APS Capabilities at AUSA 2024

Rafael displays C-UAS and Trophy APS at AUSA 2024:  Washington, D.C. – Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Ltd., a global leader in aerospace and defense solutions, is set to showcase its latest capabilities at the Association of the United States Army (AUSA) 2024 conference, taking place from October 14-16. One of the highlights of Rafael’s display will be its unique modular Counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems (C-UAS) capabilities. This comprehensive solution combines advanced detection and interception technologies to provide ground forces with robust protection against a wide range of airborne threats, including unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).

INS Nirdeshak: Indian Navy inducts Second Large Survey Vessel

INS Nirdeshak Yard 3026 Survey Vessel: Kolkata, India – The Indian Navy has further bolstered its maritime capabilities with the delivery of the second Survey Vessel (Large), INS Nirdeshak, on October 8, 2024. The ship, built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) in Kolkata, is the second of four such vessels being constructed for the Navy. The contract for the four Survey Vessels (SVL) was signed in October 2018, with the first ship, INS Sandhayak, commissioned in February 2024. The SVL ships are designed and built to meet the highest standards of classification rules set by the Indian Register of Shipping.

US Army: American Rheinmetall Vehicles Wins S-MET Inc II Contract

American Rheinmetall US Army’s S-MET Inc II Contract: Sterling Heights, Michigan – American Rheinmetall Vehicles has secured one of two contracts awarded in the U.S. Army’s Small Multi-Purpose Equipment Transport (S-MET) Inc II program. The company’s unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) will provide the Army with a versatile and resilient platform capable of efficiently transporting supplies and equipment over rugged terrain to support combat operations.

India’s DRDO Successfully Tests 4th Gen Very Short Range Air Defence Missile

India’s DRDO testfires VSHORADS missile system: New Delhi, India – In a significant boost to India’s defense capabilities, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully conducted three flight tests of its indigenously developed 4th Generation Very Short Range Air Defence System (VSHORADS). The trials, held at the Pokhran Field Firing Ranges in Rajasthan on October 3rd and 4th, 2024, showcased the missile’s ability to intercept high-speed targets at various altitudes and ranges.

Indian Army Bolsters Air Defense Capabilities with BEL’s Akashteer Systems

Indian Army Akashteer Missile Defence System: New Delhi, India – The Indian Army has significantly enhanced its air defense capabilities with the acquisition of 100 Akashteer systems, advanced Air Defense Control and Reporting Systems (ADCRS) developed by Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL). These systems will serve as a crucial asset in safeguarding the country from aerial threats, including missile and rocket attacks.

Safran Group to Set Up First Overseas Defence Electronics Unit in India

Safran Group’s India Defence Electronics Unit: New Delhi, India – French defense conglomerate Safran Group has announced plans to establish its first-ever defense electronics manufacturing facility outside of France in India. This strategic move comes as part of the deepening defense cooperation between the two nations, highlighted by a recent high-level strategic dialogue.

India’s Zen Technologies Bags Major Defence Maintenance Contract

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.