Eurosatory 2022: Spotlight on newer NATO nations as they replace ex-Soviet era equipment
Polish T-72 MBT. Poland is one of several nations in Central and Eastern Europe to intensify efforts to replace Cold War-era armoured vehicles with modern alternatives. (Photo: Polish Armed Forces)
In a new special report to coincide with Eurosatory 2022, Shephard Defence Insight investigates key programmes and opportunities in the European defence market.
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has concentrated the minds of governments in Central and Eastern Europe, where there are increasing efforts to replace combat vehicles that have been in operation for more than 40 years.
After operating Soviet-supplied armoured vehicles for decades, former Warsaw Pact countries have intensified efforts to retire legacy platforms such as T-72 variants and the BMP-1, BMP-2, BMP-23, BMP-M, BTR-60, BRDM and MT-LB. These vehicles have been in service for more than four decades and no longer fit the requirements of tomorrow’s battlefield.
Governments in the region are seeking platforms featuring enhanced protection, survivability and mobility, in addition to cutting-edge sensors, systems and technologies to face current and future threats.
Other advantages of moving away from Cold-War era equipment include improvements in the ability to operate with NATO allies; a simplified logistics footprint, specifically in terms of ammunition; and improved C2.
Armies have also been asking for a quick reaction from defence companies. Suppliers have to be able to manufacture, assemble and hand over these replacement systems rapidly, with most programmes demanding completion by the end of the present decade or earlier.
Involvement of national industry is another prerequisite in this process in order to ensure the transfer of technology as well as securing the supply chain.
More from Eurosatory 2022 News
-
![Eurosatory 2022: Leonardo makes HITFACT II turret available for more applications]()
Eurosatory 2022: Leonardo makes HITFACT II turret available for more applications
As Italy's Centauro II enters full production, Leonardo is offering the HITFACT II 120mm turret (on display at Eurosatory 2022) for installation on other new and upgraded platforms.
-
![Eurosatory 2022: Aselsan's Korhan weapon station nears development completion]()
Eurosatory 2022: Aselsan's Korhan weapon station nears development completion
Aselsan's Korhan remote weapon station is nearing development completion and has undergone firing trials of its 35mm main armament.
-
![Eurosatory 2022: Valhalla Turrets introduces new Nimrod RWS]()
Eurosatory 2022: Valhalla Turrets introduces new Nimrod RWS
The latest model in Valhalla's Nimrod line of remote weapon stations (RWS) supports a 30mm cannon and allows the end user to select armament and sighting systems.
-
![Eurosatory 2022: Hensoldt and Theon unite for better night vision]()
Eurosatory 2022: Hensoldt and Theon unite for better night vision
Hensoldt Optronics and Theon Sensors have announced a night vision joint venture based in Germany, building on long-standing cooperation with the German Armed Forces.
-
![Eurosatory 2022: Morana SPH hits harder]()
Eurosatory 2022: Morana SPH hits harder
The recently unveiled Morana 155mm SPH fires Extended Range Full Bore - Base Bleed ammunition out to 41.5km.
-
![Eurosatory 2022: ST Engineering highlights new missions for Bronco ATV]()
Eurosatory 2022: ST Engineering highlights new missions for Bronco ATV
ST Engineering has displayed a new mission module for its Bronco 3 tracked ATV featuring a casualty evacuation robot system.
