programmes at a glance february 2014 | 27 updates

programmes at a glance: february 2014• 27 Updates

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programmes at a glance february 2014

Country Programme Name

Schedule Contractor Team

Recent Procurement Activity

Notes

Australia

UPDATED

Land 125 Phase 3

Phase 2 completed. Phase 3 being acquired; 3A C4I, 3B Soldier Combat Ensemble and 3C is Enhanced Austeyr and STA.

Includes Elbit Systems, Harris, Thales & Selex.

In December 2013, Thales Australia released an “Expressions of Interest” for the provision of small arms accessories for Phase 3C. Thales intends to commence small arms accessories product analysis and testing in early 2014 under the Land 125 Ph3C Stage 2B contract.

Under Phase 3C, Investigation is underway to enhance the in-service F88 Steyr rifle. The enhanced F88 will be a modular rifle system to provide physical integration with improved performance and handling, including the integration of ancillary devices such as sights to the weapons. These modifications will enhance the lethality of the individual soldier, fire team and section.

Australia Land 125 Phase 4 (Army High Priority Capability Gaps - Next Soldier Enhancement)

To be managed by Diggerworks. Equipping the soldier after 2020. Programme likely to be renamed. Broad cuts to defence budget have seen First Pass Delayed by a year to 2015 and the whole Phase 4 programme due to complete in 2023.

TBC All personnel in Land 125-4 will already have L53-1BR - Night Fighting Equipment technology re-freshL125-3B – Survivability – the Soldier Combat Ensemble (Protection, Platform, Pouches, Packs)L125-3C – Enhanced F88 with ‘open architecture’Army Minors, Force Protection Review, Sustainment – F88SA2 and 3, 7.62mm MG, 7.62mm Marksman Rifle.

Strategy has not been fully scoped. Cost estimated at A$500m-$1500m although expected to be towards the lower end. $7.5 million of Phase 4 funding allocated to new DMTC to develop new technology.

Austria

UPDATED

Soldat der ZukunftThe system – originally known as “Infanterist Der Zukunft” or “Future Soldier” – is now called “Gladius” (Latin for sword)

Concept Phase concludes 2011. Acquisition postponed to now begin from 2015.

TBC The Rheinmetall Group has been awarded an €84 million (US$112 million) contract to supply a further sixty of its Gladius “future soldier” systems to the German Federal Defense Force.

The new modular Gladius System, which provides soldiers with high-tech protective gear backed by a networked array of communication and navigation equipment, is currently being used by German troops in Afghanistan.

Austria

UPDATED

Soldat 2015 Near term procurement of radios, hearing protection and head subsystem.

TBC Madritsch delivered first batch of its AG77 A1/ML40.

Lieutenant Colonel Johannes Bogner Head of Project Team, Soldat 2015 with Austrian MoD spoke on the status of the project at 7th Annual Infantry Weapons 2013 held in London Sept. 2013. His brief focused on Modifying Austria’s in-service Steyr AUG /StG 77 assault rifle to include Picatinny rail and integrated optics, and showcased requirements and future plans for the Soldat 2015 to be deployed.


Schedule Contractor Team Recent Procurement Activity

Notes

Belgium

UPDATED

BEST R&D and market studies.

Decision on joining VOSS in 2011 for Smart Vest.

According to a letter dated November 15th 2013, signed by the heads of the Ministry of Defense of all three Benelux countries, “The three countries have the intention to develop a more structured cooperation with regard to contributions to the EU Battle Groups and to establish a Benelux led EU Battle Group.”

Since signing a cooperative agreement in April of 2011, pre-study and study phases have now been completed and the three separate projects that come under the Voss umbrella are at different stages of progress, among all the Benelux Countries.

Brazil

UPDATED

Combatente Brasileiro (COBRA)

2007 Army General Staff endorsement. R&D and testing and evaluation phase until 2013 linked to AFV work.

TBC $14m award for Harris Falcon II & III radios in RF-7800V in Feb. 2011. First 86 VBTP-MR Guarani 6x6 IFVs delivered in December, requirement for 2130.Brazil has started local assembly of Harris RF Communications tactical communications systems in a follow-up to the $10.7 million deal it signed last year.

The contract involves the supply of radios to the Brazilian army´s center for communications and electronic warfare.Both the RF-7800V and RF-7800S systems are essential to the COBRA modernization program, as they will provide secure voice and high-bandwidth data applications, including video combat chat.

Canada

UPDATED

Integrated Soldier System Project (ISSP)

RFP in Feb 2012 Bid Eval. 2nd half 2012 inc. at 14 week UAPE.Contract Award for Definition mid 2013 and Initial Operational Capability from Dec 2014/early 2015.

TBC New RFP Issued by Public Works and Government Services Canada in April 2013.The Request For Proposal (RFP) for the ISSP closed on the Government Electronic Tendering System (GETS) on August 1, 2013.

All replies to former RFP which expired in January 2013 were rejected for non-compliance.

Croatia

UPDATED

‘Future Soldier’ EDA/LCG/1 participation only on C4I.

Procurement for Afghanistan deployment inc. Motorola GP300, Kroko ballistic vest, Sestan Busch helmet.

New uniform and load carriage procured. First 1000 VHS 5.56mm assault rifle delivered.

New sniper rifles demo-ed: Berta Projekt BP 08 M in .338 Lapua and .300 Win Mag and Agencija Alan’s MACS M4 12.7mm.Program is almost an end, should be fully implemented by the end of 2015.




Notes

Czech Republic

Voják 21 ‘V21’ or Soldier 21

V21 2004-6 single demonstrator Squad level ‘Sesedak’ experimentation in 2007-9.

VOP-026 led V21 and ‘Sesedak’’

New Ceska Zbrojovka assault rifle postponed in 2011 due to funding.

Plans to acquire 10,000 CZ 805 Bren assault rifles, 7,000 CZ 75 Phantom pistols and 500 CZ Scorpion SMGs from 2014-2020.

Denmark ‘Danish Army Network Enabled Soldier’ (DANES)

Work on integrated SMP ended 2005 in favour of incremental acquisition. May procure systems from 2015-20. Incremental procurement in meantime for Afghanistan. Move to acquire dismounted BMS 2009-14.

As equipment.

Recent funding of Aimpoint laser light module, ballistic eye protection, first aid kit, combat vest and Personal Role Radio.

Contracted with Harris for 3500 SPRs with Invisio V60 ancillaries in October.

Finland

UPDATED

Now known as Warrior 2020

Technology Programme 2010 (TP2010) until 2014. Fielding from 2017.

TP2010 includes Savox as integrator and Millog, Nethawk and Insta.

Elbit Systems has been selected to supply “soldier systems” to Finnish infantry commanders.This acquisition is the first phase of a comprehensive ISTAR (Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance) program known as STAR. The solution offered by Elbit Systems includes the compact MARS handheld targeting device, coupled with a computer systems loaded with situation awareness software, connected through the man-portable PNR1000 wearable soldier radio.

The ‘future soldier’ program for the Finnish Army known as ‘Warrior 2020′ is currently conducted on a parallel path, under the Technology Programme 2010 (TP2010) framework spanning four years of evaluation and development of advanced soldier systems for the Finnish Army, scheduled to be fielded by 2017.

France

UPDATED

FELIN (Fantassin à Equipements et Liaisons Intégrés)

With deliveries that began in 2010, The French Felin is one of the only integrated system currently in service. Total of 22,588 equipment sets ordered est. $1billion Completing fielding in 2015.

Sagem Eight battalions delivered since end of 2010: 1 battalion equipped every 3 months. 28 battalions due to be equipped.In February 2013, France’s defense procurement agency delivered the first FELIN-capable variant of its VBCI armored infantry fighting vehicle to the French Army. The VBCI vehicle is produced by a consortium made up of Nexter Systems and Renault Trucks Defense. Sagem is the prime contractor for the FELIN.The 8x8 VBCI is an armored transport vehicle. It carries a 25mm gun turret and can accommodate 11 soldiers and equipment.

1st Infantry Regiment Deployed to Afghanistan in Dec 2011.In February 2012 the 1st Company of the 8th Marine Parachute Infantry Regiment deployed to Otterburn for a combined exercise with the British Army 5 Scots Regiment. The 8th RPIMa was the fifth French Army unit to receive the system, and it was the first time that the system was used in such a binational exercise.New personal radio planned in 2018 via France Contact SDR programme.





Notes

France FELIN V.2 Technology Roadmap/ Concept phase.

Sagem Additional Integrated Red and Blue Force Tracking, UGVs, fuel cells and FAMAS replacement.

Probable Point at which FELIN integrated into Scorpion. Initial upgrade for FELIN is planned for 2015 followed by a significant boost in 2020.

Germany IdZ-1/BS A total of 2500 systems now acquired rising to 2900 with March award.

Cassidian BWB awards contract in March for 400 IdZ BS kits for use by Bundeswehr forces in ISAF.

Total number of IdZ-BS equipment at 2,900. Basis for Warrior 21 C4I. IDZ-1 has been completed see below for IDZ-2 “Gladius”.

Germany

UPDATED

‘Gladius’ IdZ-2/ES

Rheinmetall formally transferred its new IdZ-ES future soldier system to the German Bundeswehr on 7 March 2013. IdZ-ES is also known as the “Gladius”.

Rheinmetall The German government ordered a first lot of thirty systems in 2012, which Rheinmetall is currently delivering according to plan. (Each system is designed to equip a 10-man section.)

Total requirement for 9040 systems. Contract for 900 individual equipment sets with the first 300 set due to be delivered in October where they will be sent to two ‘ASB’ units formed from Mountain and Mechanised units for deployment to Afghanistan in 2013 Rheinmetall received a follow-up order in January 2013 to supply a further sixty systems. This order is worth €84 million and encompasses equipment for 60 infantry sections, i.e. 600 soldiers.

Greece Future Soldier System

Studies linked to EDA.

TBC Programme postponed indefinitely.

Hungary Future Soldier System

Joined EDA work in 2007.

TBC Selected BMS in 2009. Programme postponed indefinitely.

India

UPDATED

F-INSAS(Futuristic Infantry Soldier As a System)

Phase 1 2012 weapons, body armour, clothing and individual equipment Phase 2 ISTAR 2015. Phase 3 C4I 2020.

BEL expected to be prime.

New body armour and helmets at RFP stage in 2012 new Assault rifle requirement being competed by Arsenal, Beretta, Ceska, Colt, Israel Weapon Industries and Sig Sauer.In November 2013 it was announced Israel will team with India’s Defense Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) to produce a variety of systems related to F-INASA.DRDO and Israel have agreed to jointly develop portable command-and-control (C2) systems for Indian soldiers. The system will have an encrypted computer and will be specced to be able to operate in harsh Indian weather and conditions.

Phase 1 and 2 has had their acceptance of need signed off. The Indian Army plans to make its 465 infantry and paramilitary battalions F-INSAS ready by 2020.




Notes

Israel

UPDATED

Israeli Advanced Soldier/’Shakhar’ (Dawn)

First deliveries of ‘Dominator’ system in 2009.

Elbit Systems prime contractor.

Elbit Systems’ Dominator scored a considerable success as some of its components are now part of programmes not only in Israel, but Finland, Australia and soon to be India.The key element of the new system is the Raptor, an all-in-one wearable computing unit specifically designed for soldier use. Weighing only 285 grams the Raptor features a 4.3-inch 800×480 resolution resistive touch screen that can be operated with gloves and be read in sunlight up to 600 cd/m2. It runs on an ARM Cortex A8 720MHz CPU and has a 512MB DDR2 SDRAM, storage coming in the form of a 16 GB SD card. The Raptor supports both Android and Linux operating systems. It features a built-in GPS and a digital compass while two USB ports are available, radio interface being provided by two RS-232 synchronous and asynchronous ports.

Integral part of Digital Army Programme. Feed in from ANOG Soldier Technology Development work.

Italy

UPDATED

Soldato Futuro Testing completed of the ‘Precursor systems’

Selex Communications, Larimart, Selex Galileo, Beretta & AeroSekur.

Systems to equip two regiments from “Pinerolo” Brigade in 2012-14 with 1,025 systems.A split program known as SIC (Sistema Individuale di Combattimento, for Individual Combat System) has now been launched. This will lead to the acquisition of 6,602 kits split between 4,257 “basic rifleman”, 803 “basic grenadier” and 1,542 “basic commander” kits, in the 2013-15 timeframe. The SIC will include rifles, sights, SDR HH radios, NVGs, as well as protective equipment. However, units equipped with the SIC will receive the additional equipment to bring them to full Soldato Futuro configuration. The first orders were placed in 2013 and first deliveries are planned for 2014.

The delivery of the first 60 production kits of 558 ordered as a first batch of the Italian Soldato Futuro began in 2013, with final deliveries expected by the end of 2014. This includes the UHF/VHF Selex ES SWave handheld software defined radio operating in the 30-512 MHz band, the ITT Exelis TM-NVG (Tactical Mobility – Night Vision Goggle), the Elcan SpecterDR 1-4x coupled for night firing to the L-3 Warrior Systems’ Insight Mini Thermal Monocular, and the AN/PEQ-15 APTIAL laser pointer from the same latter company. As interim target acquisition system the Steiner 10×50 R LRF binocular with integrated laser rangefinder provided by Beretta Defence Technologies replaced the Selex ES Linx, which is currently the subject of further developments.



Schedule Contractor Team Recent Procurement Activity

Notes

Japan ACIES Evaluation 2005-8. Delivery of first system in 2012.

Hitachi prime; HMD by Shimadzu, NEC IR camera and Brentronics power solution.

Type 89 5.56mm assault rifle modified for accessories for deployments to Iraq.

Selected Brentronics 10.8V SMP battery.

Jordan ‘Future Soldier System’

Completed Phase I studies. Entered Phase II.

Led by Army and KADDB. Selex and Sagem amongst international partners.

Selecting which items can be developed produced locally or sourced internationally. Trialled weapons optics from Aselsan and Jels Polly & Norinco, Night Optics andSTS. Also trialled gunshot location systems from QinetiQ, Raytheon and Ultra.

FMS case for new C4I system using C2PC family including dismounted element expected to conclude in 2012.

South Korea Future Soldier Concept and development phase. Acquisition from 2016 to field in 2020.

ADD leading Applied Research Phase; June 2009-Dec. 2011. Now concept phase until 2013 at earliest conclusion led by Samsung Thales.

K11 airburst grenade equipped rifle acquired.

International R&D co-operation sought in Energy Supply, Sensor Fusion and Virtual Simulation.

Malaysia

UPDATED

Soldier Advanced Kombat Technology Integrated (SAKTI)

Study phase unfunded programme. May be included in Network Centric Operations Phase 1B in next Five Year Plan.

Sapura has made proposal. Supporting SAPURA in the development of SAKTI is the KEMENTAH’s Science and Technology Research Institute for Defence better known as STRIDE.

Due to begin local production of M4A1 in 2014.

SAKTI – section exercise in November as part of a wider exercise. A new uniform with fractal geometry designed to replace the current Harimau Belang pattern is also being developed by STRIDE as part of the program.

Netherlands

UPDATED

VOSS (Improved Operational Soldier System)

Pre-Study Phase completed late 2010. Study Phase passed in 2011 RFP for Smart Vest in Dec. 2011. Contract is scheduled in the beginning of 2013.

Smart Vest, power Supply, Load Carriage and Protection.

E-Lighter prototypes trials in 1Q 2013 with series production 4Q 2014. Smartvest pre serial production and evaluation in 2013-2014, serial production and implementation in 2014-2017.

According to a letter dated November 15th 2013, signed by the heads of the Ministry of Defense of all three Benelux countries, “The three countries have the intention to develop a more structured cooperation with regard to contributions to the EU Battle Groups and to establish a Benelux led EU Battle Group.”

Netherlands VOSS 2 Scoping Requirements

Includes enhancement for SF requirements.

C7/C8 Assault rifles replaced from 2015.




Notes

New Zealand

Future Soldier

Incremental acquisition in similar areas to Land 125 Phase 2B.

TBC Recent SA procurements include MINI N/SEA NVG, PEQ-15 NAD, CNVD-T2 Thermal Sight and PVS II Sight.

Added Network Enabled Army to Defence Capability plan in 2011. Tender to upgrade 3,000 Steyr AUG 5.56 mm assault rifles cancelled in late 2012.

Norway

UPDATED

NORMANS Norwegian Modular Arctic Network Soldier

Successful C4I trials in Oct. 2008. Further small scale de-risking trials in 2010. Selection of Thales-Teleplan announced Oct 2011.

Thales, Teleplan and Kongsberg.

FN Minimi selected in November 2010. All 1900 weapons delivered by 2012. 15 year support.The Version 2 system developed by Thales Norway is being proposed by the group as the C4I element of its Dismounted Close Combat System, that integrates the Normans together with UK Fist surveillance and target acquisition assets and with the Starmille radio.

Fall 2012 marked the first deliveries of production NORMANS kits developed by a team led by Thales Norway. The production system is known as Version 2 and is based on a GFE radio, namely the Harris RF 7800S-TR operating in the 350-450 MHz band, though the squad commander is also equipped with a Kongsberg Handheld MH300 VHF set that operates in the 30-88 MHz band.

Pakistan Concept phase

TBC TBC but inc. POF on lethality.

Prioritising NV and lethality in near term. Acquired Aselsan Python and Boa TI sights.

Pakistan Army trialled 40 of Aselsan’s PRC-5070 PRRs this Summer. Military wanted anti-jam capability.

Philippines

UPDATED

‘Future Soldier’

Procurement under AFP Modernization Law and Battalion of Excellence programme.

Various suppliers. Recently procured new GPS, Comms, EOD Bomb Suits, AFVs and LMGs.

Process of procuring Night Vision monocular, Infra-red Aiming Devices, Laser Zeroing Device on one per soldier in rifle platoons and Light AT Weapons.

In January 2011, Army, five year plan prioritised acquires 110 infantry fighting vehicles; 4,464 night-vision systems; 8,103 assault and rifles; 8,103 units of force protection equipment;grenade launchers and additional trucks and radios.Will take delivery in 2014 of 142 M113A2 for the Philippine Army, divided into different variants. These includes 4 units with 25mm auto cannons mounted on remote weapons stations (RWS), 6 units with a 12.7mm machine gun mounted on remote weapons station, and 14 units with upgraded 76mm turrets.

Poland

UPDATED

Tytan/Polish Individual Battlesystem

Three-phase R&D stage begin 2011. Operational and technical requirements completed in Spring, 50 prototype systems to be acquired in 2016 and 800 production set in 2018.

Led by Bumar Group includes FB Lucznik, PCO, PSO Maskpol, Radmor, CNPEP Radwar, OBRSM Tarnow, WB Electronics and ZM Tarnow.

Will use R35010 personal radio and MSBS-5.56 weapons family.A new NBC protection mask purposely developed for the Tytan programme has been developed by Maskpol, An initial batch of kits to equip a reinforced platoon might be acquired, but not earlier than 2016, while the first battalion-size unit should not receive the Tytan before 2018.

Requirement for 12,000 systems and closely integrated with Rosomak 8x8.The Phase 1 of the Uhlan 21/ISW Tytan development came to conclusion on November 31, 2010. In fall of 2012 the most significant development of the Uhlan 21 component so far was shown, the new Polish battle rifle, MSBS-5.56.





Notes

Portugal Soldado do Futuro

Experimentation from 2008. Next phase post 2012.

TBC EID developing new ‘PRR’ with 1.5-3km range based on TWH-101.

Evaluated Tekever’s WAC-S5 Wireless Adaptive Soldier Module and TWH-101 Tactical Wireless Headset.

Romania Romanian Individual Fighting System (RIFS)

Initial trial with demonstrator.

TBC Integrated with Romanian C4I systems based on RF-7800S,M, R5800V& H.

Harmonised with EDA CEDS. Using the Quandtum3D Expedition DI systems with VBS2.

Russia

UPDATED

Ratnik (Warrior) part of the Soldier Military Equipment (BES) programme

Def. Min. announced in Feb. talks to acquire several FELIN sets. Also visited Italy regarding Soldato Futuro in 2012.

TBC 7.62-mm Steyr-Mannlicher SSG-69 acquired in late 2011. Testing of C4I elements with 5th Special Infantry Brigade reported in early 2012. Acquiring pilot batch for FELIN kit.

According to an October 2013 Press Release, by Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu says, The Russian Defense Ministry will start mass purchases of domestically designed Ratnik “future soldier” gear in 2014. The gear, comprises more than 40 components, including firearms, body armor optical, communication and navigation devices, and will likely the new Kalashnikov AK-12 assault rifle.

Serbia

UPDATED

Vojnik Vojnik Budocnosti-10 (Future Soldier-10)/ M21

Demo Phase. Yugoimport SPDR product/Serbian MoD.

M21BS-v10 5.56mm& M77 7.62mm weapons, new PBB VB-10 body armour and uniform.

In June 2013, Serbian Yugoimport SPDR Company offered Azerbaijan direct sale or joint production of VB-10 equipment. Currently the Azerbaijani military is studying this system.VB-10 meets requirements of Azerbaijan Armed Forces in terms of weapon set and other elements. Several other Arabian countries and Pakistan have expressed interest in the Serbian system.

Singapore

UPDATED

Advanced Combat Man System (ACMS)

ACMS delivered to 5th battalion in 2009, now three battalions equipped.

ST Engineering, ST Electronics, ST Kinetics and DSTA.

Joint fielding to 2nd Battalion of ACMS with Terrex IFV in 2011 . Total of three battalions issued with ACMS First Delivery.

ST Electronics outlined the developmental road map for three variants; Commander, Lite and Fighting in February. ACMS Second Delivery currently unfunded but due to begin delivery by 2015 and may be a version of ACMS-Lite.The new ACMS-Lite chest-mounted control and display unit is smartphone-like and runs on an Android operational system that supports a simpler C2 software derived from that used by the national armed forces. The system load bearing vest has also been improved with the adoption of fabric cables that connect the various subsystems, the add-on weight of the ACMS-Lite being now less than two kilos.




Notes

Slovakia

UPDATED

Prokrocily Individualny Bojovy System (PIBS)

Last ten man squad trials in 2009. Funding halted after Concept Development and Experimentation Phase. Original plan was to equip brigade from 2012.

Magic Corporation plus Cassidian, Thales and H&K for trials using ‘IdZ-1/BS’ equipment.

Fielded new load carriage systems and personal protections including Helmet PIBS currently on hold. In November 2013, The Slovak Armed Forces completed an initial phase of testing with the VYVOJ Martin joint stock company’s new Tatrapan 8x8 Container Carrier (CC) truck.

New assault rifle from 2017.

Slovenia 21st Century Warrior or Slovenian Warrior

Pre-study phase 1998. Study phase 1999-2005 procurement from 2002.

Various suppliers.

Not Participating in EDA work.

New load carriage and camouflage fielded 2011.

South Africa African Warrior

Requirement Operational Capability was approved in 1999 Functional User Requirement Statement and the Logistic User Requirement in 2003 Project Study Report and the Customer Selection 2004. Now phased procurement.

TBC Recent acquisition in night vision, communications and navigation.

Defence budget increased by 10 percent for 2012-13.NO PROGRESS DUE TO BUDGETARY CONCERNS.

Spain

UPDATED

Combatiente Futuro (COMFUT))

Design and Development Phase concluded November 2010 No current plans for Production Phase. New strategy co-funding the Maturation Phase with Cassidian.

Cassidian prime contractor plus Indra Sistemas, Iturri, Amopack SL, Fedur and GMV.

Two phases in new strategy first began in November 2011 producing 18 ComFut V.2 prototypes in late 2012, 2nd phase focusing on lethality and survivability. Final ComFut V.3, expected by end of 2013 which is an operational prototype ready for pre-serial production.

Operational trials of prototypes started at the end of September 2011 and May 2012.Due to Spain’s economic woes, the programme is currently in limbo.


Country Programme Name Schedule Contractor Team

Recent Procurement

Activity

Notes

Sri Lanka Special Infantry Operations Team (SIOT)

Continuation of counter-LTTE strategy.

Various suppliers

Requirement for additional NV sights and navigation equipment per Team and two new under barrel GLs per team.

The SIOT were developed as a concept by the infantry to fight and defeat the LTTE in sub conventional, guerrilla and counter insurgency warfare.

Switzerland IMESS (Integriertes Modulares Einsatzsystem Schweizer Soldat)

Sept-Oct 2008: Field trials. Since Nov 2008, planning of maturation phase Spring 2011: Field trials 2011 and qualification acquisition of a further 100 system. 2015/16 – first series production.

Cassidian & Sagem selected as prime contractor November 2007Other partners are Kongsberg, SSZ, Ascom, Mowag and Phonak.

SwFr.20m award in March for advanced production engineering upgrading existing systems to production standard and adding more systems.

Beginning long term test phase with 43 infantry systems and 9 vehicle integration kits. Kongsberg developed SR600 to add simultaneous four squad, a platoon and a company voice networks.

Sweden MARKUS Markstridsutrustad Soldat (Swedish Project for Development and Acquisition of Equipment for Foot Soldiers)

Plans finalised in 2010. Integrated Capability for MARKUS V1 from 2014. New small arms family from 2017.

TBC Acquired AeroVironment Puma AE SUAV in June. New small arms family is planned from 2017.

RFIs submitted in Sept for Sweden’s IGR programme, replacing/supplementing IGR 1 the PRR, Motorola LMR and IGR 2 Harris 7800 SPR. The IGR comprises 17,000 group radios and 8,000 platoon radios.

Thailand

UPDATED

SFT 21 Concept phase. TBC Acquired Tavor in 2009.

While its own modernization efforts are only in early phases, The Royal Thai Army (RTA) continues to upgrade its capabilities through the Foreign Military Sales market. In 2011, Thailand ordered 121 BTR-3E1 armoured vehicles form Ukraine, and another 21 vehicles in August 2013.In November 2012, Thailand signed a contract with Thales UK for the Starstreak air defence system. Eight of these lightweight, short-range missile launchers have been deployed by the RTA.In October 2012 the army signed up for two AgustaWestland AW139 helicopters for 2014 delivery.




Notes

Turkey

UPDATED

‘Future Soldier’

Concept phase

TBC On November 15, 2012, Otokar, a Koc holding company, displayed the first battle tank fully developed and built in Turkey. The tank is equipped with CBN protection and a precision sight, which is highly effective even against moving targets.The program for army modernization also includes the development of the Mehmetcik-2 assault rifle. In July 2012, Turkey launched a 2,500-km-range ballistic missile program. Other projects include continued upgrade and deployment of its UAV, “ANKA.”

United Kingdom

UPDATED

Future Integrated Soldier Technology (FIST) 1a/ DCC Inc 1

DC3 completing Commanders Lightweight Radio (CLR) and Commander’s Locating Beacon (CLB) being deployed.

Thales PCMO for Assessment Phase. FIST IA equipment sourced from ELCAN, Shield, Qioptiq, Uniscope, Vectronix, Olympus and Istec.

Deliveries are on track and well underway, as over 50% of the equipment was handed over to the military. The last subsystem accepted in late 2012 was the Vectronix/Wilcox grenade launcher fire control system.

General Dynamics in negotiations to replace FMS TIGR with COTS GeoSuite in the phase 3 of Tactical Situational Awareness UOR. Ventronix awarded additional contract for 1400 Commanders Target Locator/Moskito in June.In March 2013 Thales completed deliveries of 8,000 Lightweight Day Sights integrated with Close Quarter Battlesights – this was under a separate contract, in addition to the main Fist contract.

United Kingdom

UPDATED

DCCS/FIST 2 New home for FIST 1b from 2015.

Currently Thales PCMO.

Major R&D thrust on burden reduction Goal to reduce burden to 40Kg by 2020In mid-March 2013 Roke Manor Research Ltd, part of the Chemring Group, was awarded a three-year research contract under the Dismounted Close Combat Sensors (DCCS) Research Programme. Roke is leading a team that also includes SEA (Systems Engineering & Assessments) and QinetiQ to assess, mature and integrate innovative sensor technology for the dismounted close combat infantry soldier.

Man Worn Power & D TDP Final Report Delivered on November 2012.

United Kingdom

FIST 3/DCC Inc 3

In Epoch 3/2021-25. Main item is new assault rifle Initial Gate from 2013-14.

TBC Will include next iteration of DSA. Night Vision requirements include Gen 3+ Optical Fusion and ‘Gen 4’ Digital Fusion Imagery Injection.

Goal to reduce soldier burden from 40-30Kg.




Recent Procurement

Activity

Notes

United States Marine Expeditionary Rifle Squad (MERS)

Continuing Soldier as a System approach

NA New Camouflage Study with Army. M16A4 PIP go ahead and participation in Joint Small Arms Modernization ICD.

Delivery of 3600 H&K M27 IARs in early 2012, 458 already fielded in experimental programme. Seeking PRC-152A as hand held backbone for JBC-P-HH. PM for Infantry Combat Equipment, has a requirement for government-designed Corpsman Assault SystemMERS “Gruntworks” moved to permanent headquarters at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Va. In March 2013. The Gruntworks facility serves as a “workshop” for MERS, which manages the integration of all the equipment—from helmets and body armor to ammunition and batteries—for Marine Corps rifle squads.

United States Nett Warrior LUT in November 2010. Designs considered too heavy and bulky. Going for ‘Cellular type device’ with apps linked to AN/PRC-154 Rifleman Radio.

Rockwell Collins, Raytheon and General Dynamics contracts now cancelled.

Concepts tested at NIE 13.2

Initial requirement for 20,511 systems in first five years of production. 75th Rangers deployed to Afghanistan with AN/PRC-154 and GD300. 2,025 Nett Warrior radios ordered from GD C4S SAB version of AN/PRC-154. Delivery in early 2013. The system has now been simplified to use a commercially-available Android smart phone to provide situational awareness capabilities to dismounted Soldiers. PEO Soldier says it plans to develop proprietary apps to increase the capability of the Nett Warrior system.

United States Land Warrior Development complete.

General Dynamics C4 Systems.

1-25 Stryker BCT completed its network training. The 4th battalion 5th Special Forces Group began training in November,Benchmark Electronics awarded a $14.8 million contract to furnish RF transceivers for the Army’s Air Warrior program in March 2013.

Legacy ‘Manchu’ equipment used widely in FCS/E-IBCT work. While Land Warrior is technically a completed Project, that has not been entirely embraced by ground troops, the US Army still owns more than 900 Land Warrior ensembles, 300 vehicle-integration kits, and related equipment, which are in use. The plan is to eventually replace the more bulky systems vest with the Smartphone apps of Nett Warrior.

United States Air Warrior Began 2003. Increment 3 now completing delivery. Scheduled to complete in FY2014.

Includes BAE Systems, Westwind Technologies, Carleton Technologies, Med-Eng Systems, Raytheon, Secure Communication Systems, Telephonics, General Dynamics C4S and Science and Engineering Services.

Fielding Survival Kit Ready Access Modular, Dual EDM and Encrypted Aircraft Wireless Intercom System in FY11.

Equips every UH-60 Blackhawk A, L and M in the fleet and the CH-47 D and F Chinook. Air Warrior has been effectively deployed since 2004 and has been performing well. However, The Army is working now to replace the Air Warrior System with the Air Soldier System, a lighter-weight ensemble, with reduced bulk and improved capabilities. (see below).



Recent Procurement

Activity

Notes

United States

Air Soldier Strategy changed in Dec 2011. Changed from three to two increment approach. RFP issued in March 2012. Currently in EMD phase, procurement of Sub-Inc 1a in FY2014 and Sub-Inc 1b in FY2017.

TBC Air soldier goals: Reduce bulk and weight. Integrate Aviation Life Support Equipment. Improved operations in degraded visual environments. Increase operations in full MOPP and extreme temperatures.

Air Soldier fielding will happen in two increments. The first will be in fiscal year (FY) 2015 and includes: The Lightweight Environmental Control System; the soldier-worn Integrated Soldier Power and Data System (ISPDS); the Personal Electronics Control and Display System (PECDS) consisting of a personal display module (PDM), soldier computer module (SCM) and mission display module (MDM); and a Layered Clothing Ensemble (LCE). The second and final delivery of Air Soldier capability in FY 2018 will fully replace Air Warrior legacy equipment. It will include the Wide Field of View/High Resolution Helmet Mounted Display, incorporating 3-D degraded visual environment symbology for AH-64 Apache aviators; Radio Interface Control Module (RICM); Enhanced Laser Eye Protection (ELEP); and Integrated Protective Ensemble (IPE) – which uses electro-textile technology to eliminate heavy electrical power/data cabling, eliminating the body- mounted raft, reducing the size and weight of breathing devices, and integrating personal flotation.

United States

Mounted Warrior/ Mounted Soldier System Inc 1

Contracts in 2005. 165 systems deployed with 4th Battalion 9th Infantry Regiment in Iraq in 2007-8

General Dynamics C4 Systems and Microvision.

Increment I provided the Mounted Warrior Helmet-Mounted Display.

51 systems sent to 5/2 Stryker SBCT Stryker Reconnaissance Vehicles in Afghanistan in Feb. 2010. Kept in theatre and issuedDefunded, merged with other programs.

United States

Mounted Soldier Systems Inc. 2

EMD phase awarded May 2009. Cancelled 2012. Requirement remains.

Rockwell Collins, Thales Comms Inc.

MSS covered HMD, Cordless Comms, Microclimate cooling Soldier force protection.

To have initially equipped M1-A2 SEP V2, M2-A3 Bradley, M3-A3 Bradley and M113 Medical Evacuation Variant vehicles.

United States PEO Soldier

PM Soldier Protection and Individual Equipment

R&D and On-Going.

TBD The Maneuver Center of Excellence and U.S. Army Natick Soldier Research, Development and Engineering Center, are working together to find “evolutionary and revolutionary” approaches to lightening the Soldier load.

Two of the products of particular interest of the programme are the conformal battery, which shapes to the Soldier and provides power to numerous devices; and the solar blanket, which converts solar energy to power. The latter is important because PEO Soldier is working to make Soldiers energy self-sufficient.


programmes at a glance february 2014 | 27 updates

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