New opportunities for defence firms as EU steps up support for Ukraine
The European Commission is looking for startups and other innovators to address challenges across the land, air and sea domains.
Nexter has developed new uses for wearable technology and digital engineering. (Photo: Nexter)
French armoured vehicle manufacturer Nexter presented new and updated solutions at the Forum Entreprises Défense (FED) event at Satory near Paris on 13-14 October.
For example, an upgraded version of the Leclerc Diagnostic Simulator was developed in response to new features on the French main battle tank in the XLR upgrade.
‘Maintenance personnel are trained to search for selected faults according to multiple scenarios,’ Nexter noted in a press release.
The company also showcased its CTENIZA weapon system. Concealed inside a container, CTENIZA can accommodate multiple pieces of equipment such as a water cannon, an observation device or a remotely operated turret.
The system can be carried aboard a ship or transported by aircraft, and it can be networked to coordinate the protection of a forward operating base or vehicle convoy, Nexter added.
Other digital innovations on show at FED included the Nexter digital twin (JUNNE). Based on a digital copy of a physical system, JUNNE enables engineers to evaluate a system's capabilities, improve maintenance, facilitate the integration of new technologies ‘and strengthen collaboration with Nexter’s partners’, the company stated.
The European Commission is looking for startups and other innovators to address challenges across the land, air and sea domains.
Multiple countries have been deploying small arms as the last line of drone defence due to their multiple operational and tactical advantages.
The Singapore-based technology company unveiled its new rifle family at this week’s airshow. Chen Chuanren spoke with the ST Engineering’s head of small arms to find out more about how the weapons have been refined.
Any potential ‘Arctic Sentry’ mission would be months in the planning, but with tensions high in the region given the US’s push for Greenland, NATO countries will need to continue to emphasise their commitment to the region, analysts have said.
Defence Minister Gen Vladimir Padrino López has declared that the Venezuelan armed forces “will continue to employ all its available capabilities for military defence”.
The UK’s defence spending commitments remain uncertain as the government’s Defence Investment Plan, which had been due by the end of 2025, is yet to be published.