Dedicated drone munitions could unlock modular mission potential
Top attacks have proven effective against heavily armoured vehicles in Ukraine. A new family of uncrewed aerial system-delivered munitions is looking to press that advantage further.
IRIS-T SLS launcher on MAN four-axle chassis. (Photo: Ukrainian MoD)
The latest government data from Germany shows that Berlin aims to send three additional IRIS-T air defence systems to Ukraine.
Information on the German government website, updated on 28 September, indicated that there is sufficient budget to fund the delivery of four IRIS-T systems at an undisclosed future date instead of one originally promised by Berlin.
However, this is still fewer than the ten IRIS-Ts requested by Ukraine in May.
Other new military aid planned for Ukraine includes 13 bridging systems (which would enable the Ukrainian Army to ford river obstacles in future counter-offensives) and 90 heavy-duty trailer trucks.
Among the support promised by Germany that has not yet been delivered are four PzH 2000 self-propelled howitzers plus ammunition; two MARS II multiple launch rocket systems with ammunition; 20 launchers for 70mm rockets on pick-up trucks; 50 Dingo mine-resistant ambush-protected vehicles; 12 Oshkosh M1070 tank transporters; 12 EW scanner/jammer systems; and more than 1,800 rounds of 155mm ammunition (including 255 Vulcano projectiles).
According to the German government, it approved export licenses worth €743.66 million ($722.29 million) for the period 1 January-26 September.
Top attacks have proven effective against heavily armoured vehicles in Ukraine. A new family of uncrewed aerial system-delivered munitions is looking to press that advantage further.
The Israeli company hopes that producing its Sigma artillery system wholly in the US will help it win a key US Army contract, but it will be up against the popular CAESAR Mk II wheeled weapon and the K9 tracked.
Germany has ordered 84 RCH 155 self-propelled guns, as system incorporating Boxer 8×8 vehicles and the Artillery Gun Module, and 200 Puma Infantry Fighting Vehicles while the UK has committed to a single Early Capability Demonstrator RCH 155.
While integration of guided weapons on modern armoured vehicles usually takes the form of a podded launcher on the turret exterior, recent developments suggest the concept of firing missiles from a tank’s main gun could be seeing a revival.
The order is a further boost for the Common Armoured Vehicles System programme which has notched notable successes in the past 12 months. The first vehicle, made in Finland, will be delivered next year with local production expected to ramp up in 2027.
The French and German governments signed an agreement in June 2018 to cooperate on the development of a new main battle tank under the Main Ground Combat System programme but the effort has struggled. This new agreement may damage it further.