Tulpar firing trials expand Hitfact Mk II platform options
Firing trials of the Tulpar and Leonardo Hitfact Mk II combination follow an integration programme covering mechanical, electrical, electronic and software interfaces.
The US State Department has made a determination approving a potential foreign military sale of an Integrated Air and Missile Defence (IAMD) Battle Command System (IBCS)-enabled Patriot Configuration-3 package to Poland, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency announced on 17 November.
In the package worth up to $10.5 billion, Poland has requested phase one of a two-phase programme for an IAMD IBCS-enabled Patriot Configuration-3+ with modernised sensors and components. The request consists of four AN/MPQ-65 radar sets, four engagement control stations, four radar interface unit modification kits, 16 M903 launching stations adapted, 18 launcher integrated network kits, 208 Patriot Advanced Capabilty-3 (PAC-3) Missile Segment Enhancement (MSE) missiles and 11 PAC-3 MSE test missiles.
The request also includes IBCS software, two future IBCS engagement operations centres (EOCs), six current operations-IBCS EOCs, 15 integrated fire control network relays, four electrical power plants III and five Multifunctional Information Distribution Systems/Low Volume Terminals.
Communications equipment, tools and test equipment, range and test programmes, support equipment, prime movers, generators, engineering, and logistics support services have also been requested.
Poland will use the IBCS-enabled Patriot missile system to improve its missile defence capability, defend its territorial integrity and deter regional threats.
If the sale goes ahead, the prime contractors will be Raytheon, Lockheed-Martin and Northrop Grumman.
Firing trials of the Tulpar and Leonardo Hitfact Mk II combination follow an integration programme covering mechanical, electrical, electronic and software interfaces.
The news from Ukraine has again shown that antitank minefields and other obstacles on the battlefield, such as deep trenches, can play a key role in both offensive and defensive operations. Given this, there will always be a need to clear them, both during and after a conflict.
The UK Ministry of Defence has avoided being prescriptive in its search to replace the British Army’s Land Rover, meaning vehicle types being offered range from Land Rover Defender Wolf II and Humvee to the hybrid series Fering Pioneer. What does this mean for the procurement process?
The introduction of Ajax vehicles into British Army service was stopped after operator health issues were reported during an exercise, but manufacturer General Dynamics Land Systems UK believes work over the past 10 months has dealt with the problems.
Sweden, Croatia and France are pursuing different rocket artillery solutions as European armies seek greater reach, survivability and industrial resilience.
The bilateral agreement between the UK and Estonia comes as both countries explore how dispersed troops, drones, digital targeting, anti-tank weapons and increasingly long-range fires can complement the combat mass traditionally provided by heavy armour.