T-Worx's smart rail system allows faster decision-making for men and women on the frontline. (Photo: NIAO)
Nioa is currently trialling a smart rail system, Intelligent-Rail (I-RAIL), that transforms rifles into real-time data nodes, linking soldiers on the battlefield with tactical leaders and commanders.
T-Worx developed the I-Rail under US Army funding and guidance, and it was selected by NATO as the basis for the NATO-powered Rail STANAG 4740/AEP-90.
The I-Rail provides the user with a fully integrated sensor platform with a single source of power and connectivity between weapon ancillaries including sensors.
It captures information from sensors on the weapon to create a data package that can include video, radio communication, ammunition usage and location logistics.
The system is already fully integrated within the Colt M4 family of weapons. Colt is a key partner of Nioa, which provides the Colt M4 as the primary weapon for Australian SOCOM units.
The I-Rail technology will be a key enabler for Land 159, Land 125-4, Land 53 and Land 200 programmes for the Australian Defence Force. Nioa is currently bidding for the next tranche of the Land 159 Lethality Systems programme.
If all goes to plan, initial delivery of the selected vehicle could take place in 2029/2030 with final delivery in 2031/2032. The Bv206 were supplied to Canada many years ago and are in urgent need of replacement. More than 11,000 Bv206 were built for worldwide sale.
The One-Way Effector (OWE) is a ground-launched missile or drome designed to act as a swarm to overwhelm air defence systems. It was displayed for the first time in Paris this week.
The new artillery and howitzer factory pre-dates the emphasis on this capability from this month’s Strategic Defence Review (SDR). The first joint industry-government meeting outlined in the review took place this week.
Romania received its first Cobra MkII 4×4 light tactical armoured vehicles, ordered Abrams main battle tanks (MBTs) and VAMTAC light vehicles, and is set to invest billions-of-dollars in infantry fighting vehicles.
The Italian Army operates Pumas in 6×6 and 4×4 configurations but the platforms are ageing and numbers have fallen with obsolescence also being an issue. Any replacement is likely to have a focus on the involvement of local industry.
The VAMTAC (Vehículo de Alta Movilidad Táctico or High Mobility Tactical Vehicle) 4×4 by Urovesa is in service with or has been ordered by eight countries, the most recent being Spain this month and Romania last month.
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