Why Middle Eastern markets demand bespoke AFV solutions
In this expert analysis, Christopher Foss looks at how armoured vehicle suppliers to the Middle East are increasingly tailoring platforms for the region’s specific operational requirements.
The PKM 75 collimator sight will be shown in August at Army 2021. (Photo: Rostec)
The PKM 75 collimator sight from TsNIITochMash has passed preliminary testing and will be demonstrated in August at the Army 2021 exhibition near Moscow, parent company Rostec announced on 10 June.
It claimed: ‘Unlike existing counterparts with two arc minute reticles, the new sight has the smallest “dot” of just one arc-min. This will significantly increase both shooting accuracy and sighting range.’
Continuous operation for up to 50,000h is enabled by high-capacity lithium batteries, which is unique for a Russian sight.
‘The new sight is designed for small arms equipped with a special mount, the Picatinny rail. This covers models such as all Kalashnikov assault rifles, [plus] special small arms such as Vintorez, AS Val and other assault rifles,’ Rostec added.
In this expert analysis, Christopher Foss looks at how armoured vehicle suppliers to the Middle East are increasingly tailoring platforms for the region’s specific operational requirements.
More than a year after selecting the KNDS Artillery Gun Module mounted on the Piranha IV 8x8 as its next artillery system, Switzerland is still awaiting the contract that will deliver the guns.
Milrem’s THeMIS uncrewed ground vehicle is one of the most battle-proven medium UGV platforms in service, with the company looking to have production versions of new large platforms ready before the end of the decade.
CENTCOM confirmed that PrSMs have been deployed in the offensive against Iran, bringing what it called “an unrivalled deep strike capability”.
Defence buyers globally are increasingly looking to tie domestic manufacturing and technology transfer into deals.
This month we saw a major presence from Turkish, Russian and Chinese companies at the World Defense Show with new vehicles from major suppliers, while elsewhere there were evolving mortar programmes and artillery modernisation efforts.