The overlooked ally: Canadian support for Ukraine surpasses some European partners
Since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Canada has committed more military assistance than France in terms of GDP.
A Raytheon and DRS Technologies team have received $56 million from the US Army to engineer, develop and manufacture the third-generation, forward-looking infrared (FLIR) night vision B-Kit.
The next-generation system is an upgrade to current night vision equipment, that will give ground troops the ability to discriminate between friend and enemy at twice the distance of current systems. It is a form/fit upgrade to the 17,000 second-generation ground FLIR systems currently in use.
The four-year engineering, manufacturing and development contract will see the companies deliver B-Kit systems for platform system integration and testing. The contract also includes a two-year option to build additional systems for more comprehensive testing.
Duane Gooden, vice president, Raytheon Land Warfare Systems, said: ‘After decades of experience delivering high-performance night vision to the US Army, our team is uniquely qualified to help maintain combat overmatch for our ground troops. Third Gen FLIR will dramatically increase the range of ground combat vehicle sensors under all conditions, allowing our forces to acquire and stop the enemy.’
Since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Canada has committed more military assistance than France in terms of GDP.
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.