France mulls new turret options to increase its VBCI IFV’s firepower
The proposed enhancements could better position the French Army’s armoured infantry fighting vehicle for future export campaigns.
The 3SM Tyrfing will be a long-range, manoeuvrable supersonic strike missile. (Photo: Kongsberg)
Kongsberg has received a NOK1.5 billion (US$141 million) contract for the initial development phase of the Tyrfing SuperSonic Strike Missile (3SM) for Germany and Norway.
3SM is the next-generation missile system which is set to be deployed on future vessels from 2035 and is planned to compliment Kongsberg’s Naval Strike Missile.
Kongsberg has been awarded the contract as the lead industry partner, with significant involvement from German and Norwegian industry, including Diehl Defence and MBDA Deutschland. The Norwegian Defence Research Establishment (FFI) and Nammo will also contribute to the project.
Although specific technical or performance specifications of the 3SM remained undisclosed, an illustrative concept unveiled by the Norwegian MoD and Kongsberg last year suggested that the missile will harness advanced solid-fuel ramjet propulsion, showcased through the collaborative Norwegian/US Tactical High-speed Offensive Ramjet for Extended Range (THOR-ER) initiative.
Thomas Gottschild, managing director of MBDA Deutschland, said: “As we have seen over the last two years, stand-off weapons are crucial for credible deterrence and defence. Joining forces between our companies will strengthen the Norwegian, German and European armed forces, improving the defence of our home nations.”
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.
The Ragnarok Mortar Mission Module has demonstrated its ability to quickly switch platforms, presenting scope for it to be employed for multiple requirements.