Archive: News & Articles

Launched in 2018, the ‘Digitisation of Land-Based Operations’ (D-LBO) programme has been an effort with regard to the imperative modernisation of the land forces’ command and control capability in support of mobile operations. This not only applies to the Army, but also covers the land-based elements of the other service branches. Merging the “Mobile Tactical […]

The ties and activity within the Turkey-Israel-Azerbaijan triad are motivated by mutual national and strategic interests and/or by coinciding political reasoning. The broader Middle East and the Eastern Mediterranean constitute a complex geopolitical area saturated by a diversity of actors. Even though the preservation of fragile balance between them can become problematic, these states are […]

The war in Ukraine has seen Austria finally begin to move towards re-investing in its armed forces, however, on more fundamental issues such as the question of Austria’s neutrality, Vienna refuses to budge. Two years ago, this author spent a day with the Indian-run helicopter wing of the security forces of Mauritius. Their commander was […]

The war in Ukraine and the large-scale Russian missile attacks on the country’s civilian infrastructure impressively demonstrate the importance of effective air defence. For this to function, however, a sufficient number of interceptor missiles is necessary in order not to maintain defensive capability through a long strike campaign and also avoid defences becoming saturated. Users […]

Military medicine often has a steep learning curve when conflicts start. People taken from civilian life needing to deal with medical problems and traumas and military medics used to peacetime may have not seen some natures of injuries in years. Likewise, some types of injuries that appear in terrorist incidents do not occur often in […]

Although the COVID-19 pandemic and economic difficulties have limited funds available for technical modernisation, Southeast Asian states are striving to meet their priorities, among which Naval modernisation remains a key goal. Development and security of all states in Southeast Asia depend on their unhindered access to seas. No wonder that they most of them consider […]

Australia is in the midst of an extensive programme aimed at procuring the next generation of small arms for its land forces. Thus far, several new weapons at the lighter end have already been selected, but many choices remain at the heavier end of the spectrum. LAND 159, otherwise known as the ‘Lethality System Project’, […]

More than eight months into the Russia-Ukraine war, Europe is sailing on full speed towards a dangerous iceberg, that is now only showing its peak: the increasing concerns regarding energy supplies. A deeper dive into European affairs would reflect a challenging crisis encompassing different dimensions that are as complex as they are interrelated. While some of […]

The fortunes of Canada’s defence industry have fluctuated over the years. At one stage this industry was capable of designing and building advanced combat aircraft and their engines. It built tanks and self-propelled guns, over 800,000 military trucks and other support vehicles between 1940 and 1945. It has built: air defence systems transport aircraft helicopters […]

Even before the outbreak of the current war in Ukraine, most Eastern European states had plans to acquire new armoured vehicles. Now, in a response to that war, some of them have already intensified their efforts. More purchases should be expected in the near future. The war in Ukraine came as a shock to many […]

From guns and ammunition, to body armour, drones, vehicles, anti-terror crash barriers and much more, the list of off-the-shelf equipment, made for either military or policing purposes, but which can equally and effectively be adopted and used by the other, is a long one. The operational worlds of military and policing can sometimes mirror one […]

In this article, Thomas L. Nielsen examines in detail the core concepts and requirements central to the standardisation and interchangeability of ammunition, from small arms to tank guns. Most people, especially those involved in military logistics, will have a reasonable idea of what the words ‘standardisation’ and ‘interchangeability’ mean, and why they are important. Nevertheless, […]

The demand in Europe for missile defence systems and border-patrol UAVs, coupled with what a number of countries perceive as a threat from Russia, are driving defence investments. The Russian-Ukrainian war that began on 24 February has substantially increased the chances for Israeli companies to supply land systems to the EU with one conditional caveat. The Israeli Ministry […]

Europe’s Multinational MRTT Fleet (MMF) programme is the most successful example of international cooperation in armament procurement. What are the main success factors that may have applicability in future similar initiatives? European nations today face an uncertain and unpredictable strategic situation. New scenarios require new capabilities in increasing numbers, whilst the cost of individual weapons […]

In March 2022, the Russian Defence Ministry announced that it had used the hypersonic missile, KINZHAL in Ukraine. While KINZHAL is a hypersonic aero ballistic missile and ballistic missiles travel hypersonic speeds during their trajectory, the event raised concerns about future of hypersonic weapon systems. With hypersonic cruise missiles and Hypersonic Technology Vehicles (HTVs) now […]

Amid the nuclear crisis, one thing that has remained constant in Iran’s national security strategy is the development and testing of a sophisticated ballistic and cruise missile capability. Missiles form an integral component of Iran’s national security strategy as such capabilities not only enable Iran to strengthen its hard power capability, but also promote soft […]

SKYKEEPER is a Battle Management, Command, Control, Communications, Computers and Intelligence (BMC4I) system. It is designed for ground-based air defence (GBAD), Counter-Unmanned Air System (C-UAS) and Counter-Rocket, Artillery and Mortar (C-RAM) applications. The system was designed, developed and produced by Lockheed Martin UK, Ampthill, Bedford. This is significant as the system has UK Intellectual Property […]

Oshkosh recently delivered the last of 78 upgraded Medium Equipment Transporters (METs) to the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) under an approximate GBP 16 million contract. The first of these upgraded trucks have already been used to transport additional British Army armoured vehicles and equipment out to Estonia. Under a June 2020 post design services […]

Low observable airborne communications help ensure that combat aircraft can safely perform their missions while minimising their chances of detection and location via their radio emissions. Fundamental Role No one would doubt how vital radio is to airpower. It is the only way two or more aircraft can communicate with each other. It is the […]

The Indian Government’s clearance of 15 indigenous Light Combat Helicopters (LCH) under Limited Series Production (LSP) from the Indian state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), coming after the announcement for 12 Light Utility Helicopters (LUH), in November 2021, is a decision steeped in wisdom and necessity. Earlier Plans The Indo-Russian deal valued at US$1.2Bn for 200 […]

Innovation, affordability, and effectiveness are key drivers that have shaped the Norwegian defence industry for more than six decades. Today the industry controls a portfolio of advanced and innovative defence equipment that has been shaped by the operational requirements of the Norwegian and allied armed forces. Norwegian defence cotractors are world-leaders in several niches, and […]