First Czech CV90 MkIV rolled out as part of multi-billion-dollar programme
The Czech Republic CV9030 MkIV has a more powerful 1,000HP engine than the previous variant and an upgraded X300 heavy-duty transmission.
The Israeli Ministry of Defence (MoD) has placed an order for Rafael’s Spike FireFly loitering munition, which has been jointly developed by the company and the MoD.
Spike FireFly (called “Maoz” by the IDF) has been designed for combat in urban areas and can be deployed within seconds. It is portable, durable and uses a rugged airframe in order to withstand harsh environments.
Featuring a dual seeker, target tracker, homing algorithms, computer vision and a fuze with safety and arming mechanisms, as well as a ruggedised tablet-based human machine interface, Spike FireFly is suitable for operation by a single dismounted soldier.
Ran Gozali, executive VP and head of the Land & Naval Division at Rafael, said: ‘we believe the procurement of FireFly by the IDF will dramatically revolutionise the infantry doctrines in urban close combat, enabling precision engagement for the lower tactical echelons beyond line-of-sight.’
Each FireFly unit weighs 3kg and provides behind-cover precision attack capabilities.
The Czech Republic CV9030 MkIV has a more powerful 1,000HP engine than the previous variant and an upgraded X300 heavy-duty transmission.
In Conversation: Shephard’s Gerrard Cowan talks to Bittium’s newly appointed general manager for UK defence, Dean Aldridge, about how the company’s tactical communications technologies can empower the British armed forces, and its ambitions for the UK market.
The Spike non-line-of-sight (NLOS) missile is used by several countries as an air-launched weapon but the recent trials were ground-launched from a vehicle and involved three shots.
The UK government in 2019 reflected a common attitude towards main battle tanks (MBTs) across Western Europe as it moved to reduce its fleet from 227 Challenger 2 vehicles to 148, which would be upgraded under a plan that eventually produced the Challenger 3. Now, however, there is an increased interest in platforms new, upgraded and planned across the continent.
Troops are more than boots on the ground — they’re an army’s eyes and ears. Wherever the mission leads, they must get there safely. Patria’s 6x6 delivers protected, dependable mobility — without compromise.
Both Sweden and Norway have committed further financial aid to the country in a bid to help boost their air defences and airborne early warning capabilities, which included commitments to replace donated Patriot Air Defence systems.