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.
Thales has committed to developing a new future soldier weapon system for the Australian Defence Forces at its Lithgow small arms manufacturing facility in New South Wales.
It will integrate disruptive digital technologies, advanced sensor and targeting equipment and networked communications into the system, which collectively will provide Australia with a capability advantage, Thales says.
The company will draw on its advanced manufacturing techniques to develop a weapon system that will combine cutting edge sensors and targeting systems, biometric security safeguards, tactical network links to enable collaborative engagement, plus enhanced command, control and situational awareness for both individual soldiers and commanders.
Thales’ Lithgow small arms manufacturing facility has been developing systems for Australia since 1912, and the company says that this new development will help continue this heritage.
‘Rapid advances in digital technology bring increasing threats as well as new capabilities,’ Chris Jenkins, CEO of Thales Australia, said.
‘Thales’ future weapon system accelerates the development process for an era of networked warfare.’
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.