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.
Elbit Systems has announced that it has supplied its Command and Staff Trainer (CST) to the Royal Netherlands Army (RNLA). The training and simulation solution enables all levels of staff training with support for joint NATO missions, and facilitates concept development and experimentation (CD&E), and mission rehearsal events.
Elbit Systems said that RNLA operational units will use the system during 2013 for command and staff exercises. The CST system is designed for training battalion, brigade and higher levels, encompassing a wide range of fighting scenarios - both low and high intensity conflicts, as well as other non-military settings, such as operations other than war (OOTW). Furthermore, the CST enables training for civil-military cooperation (CIMIC), such as military forces operating with municipal authorities, police and medical organizations such as the Red Cross.
Situated at operational headquarters, the CST's advanced high level architecture makes it suitable for the specific needs of every trainee and combines full training with qualitative debriefing. The simulation integrates with command, control and communications systems using Battle Management Language (BML) protocols. With the help of a user friendly interface and advanced artificial intelligence, the trainer also enables minimal use of personnel and thus lowers training costs as well.
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.