Why Middle Eastern markets demand bespoke AFV solutions
In this expert analysis, Christopher Foss looks at how armoured vehicle suppliers to the Middle East are increasingly tailoring platforms for the region’s specific operational requirements.
Digital Terminal Control System. (Photo: Collins Aerospace)
Collins Aerospace has been awarded a contract to supply new Digital Terminal Control Systems (DTCS) under the Australian Defence Land 17 Phase 2 programme.
The Raytheon Technologies company did not disclose the delivery schedule or value of the contract, which follows its support for Land 17 Phase 1 for more than 10 years.
The next-generation DTCS system in the latest contract provides extended capabilities, such as improved power management for longer mission duration and upgraded night vision targeting equipment, ‘to ensure that the Australian Defence Force has the technologies required for the digital battlespace’, said Sonny Foster, Australia MD at Collins Aerospace.
DTCS is a targeting system utilised by Joint Terminal Attack Controllers and Joint Forward Observers to request and coordinate support missions delivered by land, sea or air platforms.
An ADF spokesperson noted that the Australian military and Collins Aerospace ‘have developed a partnership building and sustaining the current in-service [DCTS] system. As an industry partner, they have looked to improve the next generation DTCS equipment and have established a support programme to ensure current and future interoperability with joint force and coalition platforms’.
In this expert analysis, Christopher Foss looks at how armoured vehicle suppliers to the Middle East are increasingly tailoring platforms for the region’s specific operational requirements.
More than a year after selecting the KNDS Artillery Gun Module mounted on the Piranha IV 8x8 as its next artillery system, Switzerland is still awaiting the contract that will deliver the guns.
Milrem’s THeMIS uncrewed ground vehicle is one of the most battle-proven medium UGV platforms in service, with the company looking to have production versions of new large platforms ready before the end of the decade.
CENTCOM confirmed that PrSMs have been deployed in the offensive against Iran, bringing what it called “an unrivalled deep strike capability”.
Defence buyers globally are increasingly looking to tie domestic manufacturing and technology transfer into deals.
This month we saw a major presence from Turkish, Russian and Chinese companies at the World Defense Show with new vehicles from major suppliers, while elsewhere there were evolving mortar programmes and artillery modernisation efforts.