The overlooked ally: Canadian support for Ukraine surpasses some European partners
Since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Canada has committed more military assistance than France in terms of GDP.
The French Army is the first major customer for the FN Elity ballistic calculator, seen here fitted to a SCAR-H TPR rifle, (Photo: FN Herstal)
FN Herstal has announced the first major order for its FN Elity ballistic calculator, placed by the French Army.
The contract follows testing in early 2022 by the army's Ground Forces Battle Lab (BLT) which acquired an initial batch of FN Elity systems for trial by units composed of snipers and designated marksmen.
This months-long test phase allowed operational shooters to evaluate the device on weapons such as PGM 12.7mm sniper and 7.62mm FN SCAR-H PR precision rifles. According to FN Herstal, the ballistic calculator was shown to reduce the shooter’s 'detection-neutralisation' time by 40% and improve accuracy by 25%. It also lightens the equipment load carried by snipers by 6kg compared to previous fit-outs.
Ukraine to receive ex-Dutch sniper rifles
French Army fires MMP in Estonia
India seeks new sniper rifles with restricted RfP
Tanguy de Brosse, project head at the BLT, said the testing demonstrated 'the effectiveness of the system and leads to the acquisition of a first batch that benefits French forces. It thus opens the door to further acquisitions for full-service capacity, the terms and timing of which are yet to be defined, and to other collaborations with FN Herstal.'
Since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Canada has committed more military assistance than France in terms of GDP.
The proposed enhancements could better position the French Army’s armoured infantry fighting vehicle for future export campaigns.
The US Army’s Medium Modular Equipment Transport Trailer (M-METT) programme is planned to provide a platform between Increment II of Small Multipurpose Equipment Transport and the Palletized Load System.
Technology that enables armed forces to leverage existing network infrastructure can be a game-changer in many combat scenarios.
An effort to develop a new European main battle tank has passed several milestones on the road to a Preliminary Design Review which is expected within two years.
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.