Levelling up – how autonomous fire control tackles unmanned lethality head-on
As autonomous weapon systems proliferate, it is now essential to use the same core technologies to counteract and neutralise them.
The New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) has selected a replacement rifle for the incumbent 5.56mm Steyr AUG A1 under the Individual Weapon Replacement programme.
The preferred tenderer, according to a Ministry of Defence release in mid-August, is Lewis Machine & Tool (LMT). Shephard understands that the down-selected solution is based on the CQB16 rifle, which is derived from the AR-15. The NZDF is seeking 8,800 rifles.
Shephard understands the NZDF requires modifications to the base CQB16, including the addition of a monolithic rail.
This programme for an off-the-shelf replacement rifle was initiated in May 2014. After an RfP was issued
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As autonomous weapon systems proliferate, it is now essential to use the same core technologies to counteract and neutralise them.
The US Marines Corps’ Force Design 2030 is about restructure, changes to operational concepts, a refresh of equipment and new categories of equipment. The review indicates a high level of success.
The new vehicle will be based on the CV90 Mk IV chassis and turret, and will be armed with a Rheinmetall 120mm L44A1 low recoil smoothbore gun.
Speaking in the UK Parliament, Defence Minister Luke Pollard said possible changes in the country’s steelmaking industry will have little impact on defence projects; while much of the steel in British vehicles and ships is imported.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy has announced the arrival of more Patriot air defence systems in his country. The development follows the Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha calling for 10 more systems last month and Zelenskyy reiterating the need for more.
The country’s air defence batteries will be equipped with new command posts, wheeled communication nodes and radios. The system itself is in service with more than 14 countries with 13 systems in Ukraine.