British Army acquires system to protect troops against remotely-triggered bombs
A new system to protect British Army EOD troops includes vehicle-mounted and portable modules. (Photo: Leonardo)
MoD Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S), on behalf of the British Army, has awarded a Leonardo-led group of companies (Team Endure) a £41 million ($49.35 million) contract for the supply of technology that digitally protects bomb disposal troops.
Announced on 25 July, the deal comprises the procurement of new equipment that works by scanning the airwaves for remote control signals that are attempting to detonate an explosive device and jamming these transmissions using advanced new digital techniques.
First deliveries of the system, which includes vehicle-mounted and portable modules, will take place in autumn 2024.
The equipment will be deployed in 2025 by the 11 EOD & Search Regiment of the Royal Logistic Corps (a specialist unit responsible for explosive device and munitions disposal), which suppports operations by UK police forces to dispose of suspected bombs.
This is the first application of the MoD’s land cyber and electromagnetic architecture (CEMA) strategy, which has been developed specifically to meet the requirements for ECM applications.
Led by Leonardo, Team Endure comprises SMEs from across the UK including CommsAudit, Elma Electronic, Kirintec and Waymont Consulting, Marshall Land Systems and EWS.
More from Land Warfare
-
First gun barrels for British Army howitzers due from Rheinmetall’s new UK factory in 2027
The new Rheinmetall facility will supply barrels for UK RCH 155 howitzers and Challenger 3 tanks while also opening up potential export opportunities, providing a currently absent national capability.
-
Germany increases Arrow missile defence deal to $6.1 billion as American interest grows
Germany’s move to buy Israel Aerospace Industries’ Arrow missile defence system became public in mid-2023 with approval from the US government shortly after. The first operational system is expected to be in service before 2030.
-
Sweden’s recent air defence spend tips to $6 billion with 2026 procurement planned
Procurement of various short-range systems will begin in the first quarter of 2026, with additional procurements to be made later in the year.
-
Lithuania increases ground capability and spending in a high-threat environment
It has been more than two decades since Lithuania joined the EU and NATO, which followed the country’s independence from the USSR almost 15 years before that. The country is now in the shadow of the Russia-Ukraine war with air incursions from Russian ally Belarus.
-
Serbia looks to balance lighter platforms and heavier calibres
Even small tactical vehicles can benefit from more powerful offensive and defensive armament, but as recent developments at Yugoimport demonstrate, there are still limitations to the sophistication of what can be fielded.
-
Next-generation gun set to boost US Army combat vehicle capabilities
The 50mm main weapon on the XM30 Mechanized Infantry Combat Vehicle currently being competed for by industry will offer a step-change in firepower and targeting over the in-service M2 Bradley.