Can NATO’s CUAS marketplace turn urgent demand into deliveries?
Framework contracts and leasing options aim to shorten acquisition timelines, while manufacturing partnerships could help suppliers scale production to meet allied demand.
NZ Army modernisation continues
The New Zealand government has confirmed the acquisition of new Lewis Machine & Tool (LMT) assault rifles in an announcement on 8 December.
Some 8,800 of these 5.56mm weapons, to be known locally as the Modular Assault Rifle System - Light (MARS-L), will replace the Steyr AUG A1 in NZ Army service that were introduced in 1988. Minister of Defence Gerry Brownlee commented, ‘It gives our personnel a weapon they can rely on in any situation.’
The MARS-L, believed to be based on the CQB16 rifle, includes optical day and night sights, a detachable 40mm grenade launcher and ancillaries such as
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