The British Army is expected to move ahead with plans to remove the Light Machine Gun (LMG) from its dismounted infantry platoons.
While the decision is awaiting ratification, a review into use of the belt-fed 5.56mm FN Herstal Minimi found that the weapon was ‘ineffective’ and ‘burdensome’, according to Lt Col Nick Serle, commanding officer, infantry trials and development unit of the British Army.
‘We have decided to remove the LMG,’ Serle said at the Future Soldier Technology 2018 conference in London.
‘We wanted to reduce the burden on the soldier. We don’t want the soldier carrying loads of ammunition
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The British Army’s Ajax armoured personnel carrier has a chequered history but hopes were high when Initial Operating Capability was declared last year. More problems saw operations suspended but the MoD reports it has identified the problems and short- and medium-term solutions.
The Ragnarok Mortar Mission Module has demonstrated its ability to quickly switch platforms, presenting scope for it to be employed for multiple requirements.
The British Army’s plans to replace thousands of vehicles have been troubled with resets, delays and change. It is possible, however, that genuine progress is being achieved on two of the three segments in the programme.
The US Army’s organic industrial base still uses World War II production methods and technologies, leading to delays and cost overruns and limiting its ability to produce critical ammunition and maintain its ground fleet in operation.
Manufacturers are speeding up their counter-drone development efforts as countries increasingly focus on procurements to provide battlefield and national protection.
Finnish company SCATA will use the Texelis Celeris chassis for a new vehicle similar to the Serval 4x4 which Texelis is building with KNDS France for the French Army.
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