Why small guns have been critical to layered CUAS architectures
Multiple countries have been deploying small arms as the last line of drone defence due to their multiple operational and tactical advantages.
NZDF calls in contractor to clear Afghan firing ranges
The New Zealand Defence Forces (NZDF) have contracted the Organisation for Mine Clearance and Afghan Rehabilitation (OMAR) to carry out clearance of five of its former firing ranges in Bamyan Province.
OMAR beat competition from 10 other contenders for the NZ$6.2 million ($3.7 million) contract.
According to the NZDF, the COVID-19 outbreak had slowed the progress of the contract and it is expected that further disruption to the project will occur as a result of the pandemic.
The firing ranges were operated by the NZDF’s Provincial Reconstruction Team (pictured) between 2003 and 2013 for firing non-explosive small-arms rounds and some high-explosive rounds.
After the NZDF left in 2013, the firing ranges were cleared according to the standards at the time but the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) has since introduced stricter standards for range clearance that were adopted by the Afghan Directorate of Mine Action Coordination.
You may also like
More from Defence Notes
-
![Why small guns have been critical to layered CUAS architectures]()
-
![Singapore Airshow 2026: ST Engineering hints at export success for AME assault rifle family]()
Singapore Airshow 2026: ST Engineering hints at export success for AME assault rifle family
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.
-
![High tension in the High North – a wake-up call for NATO’s future Arctic defence efforts?]()
High tension in the High North – a wake-up call for NATO’s future Arctic defence efforts?
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.
-
![Venezuela prepares personnel and equipment for a potential second US attack]()
Venezuela prepares personnel and equipment for a potential second US attack
Defence Minister Gen Vladimir Padrino López has declared that the Venezuelan armed forces “will continue to employ all its available capabilities for military defence”.
-
![As the new year starts, the UK defence spending delay continues]()
As the new year starts, the UK defence spending delay continues
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.
-
![How might European countries look to tackle drone incursions?]()
How might European countries look to tackle drone incursions?
Disruption of infrastructure in Europe, whether by cyberattack, physical damage to pipelines or uncrewed aerial vehicles flying over major airports, as has happened more recently, is on the rise. What is the most effective way of countering the aerial aspect of this not-so-open warfare?
