Companies downselected for British Army vehicle programme
It is believed that three companies did not make the downselect but a dark horse in Spain’s Iturri is believed to have got through.
The European Defence Agency (EDA) is engaging with academia and industry as it looks to tap the capabilities of graphene for defence applications.
Graphene is a new lightweight material with high strength, electrical and thermal conductivity. Potential applications in defence could see it used as part of advanced camouflage systems or for stronger or lighter protection systems.
A workshop held on 2 June with 25 experts from academia, industry, European entities and ministries of defence focused on the current and future areas of application of graphene, and how the material could be used to enhance coatings and composites. The discussion also looked at how graphene’s strength and low weight could be used in protection systems, and how its thermal and electrical conductivity properties could be used in adaptive camouflage.
The workshop’s outcomes will be analysed further to identify how graphene can be used to support the EDA Capability Development Plan (CDP). If possible, a technology roadmap may be created to develop graphene-based applications for defence.
It is believed that three companies did not make the downselect but a dark horse in Spain’s Iturri is believed to have got through.
Air defence and counter-drone weapons continue to be developed, tested and demonstrated in anticipation of growing demand, with most solutions designed to be platform-agnostic and readily integrated onto suitable platforms.
The US Army began its search for a 155mm tracked mobile tactical cannon in an effort that Shephard forecasts could be worth billions of dollars. Meanwhile, the UK DVD exhibition saw companies showcase their offerings for the British Army’s mobility and air defence requirements.
The development demonstrates how the platform could provide additional firepower and growth potential while the US Army progresses its long-term replacement for the Bradley.
FNSS and PT Pindad are progressing the Indonesian tracked armoured personnel carrier programme as local production gets under way.
Firing trials of the Tulpar and Leonardo Hitfact Mk II combination follow an integration programme covering mechanical, electrical, electronic and software interfaces.