Ukraine to receive SurveilSPIRE C-UAS systems from Germany
Made by DefSecIntel, the SurveilSPIRE surveillance towers can be loaded onto trailers. (Photo: Rheinmetall)
A new order has been made for Ukraine to receive automated SurveilSPIRE C-UAS systems from Germany’s Rheinmetall and Estonia’s DefSecIntel.
The German government has ordered reconnaissance systems including mobile surveillance towers with day and night vision camera equipment, autopiloted mini-drones and a C2 system for Ukraine. Transport vehicles have also been included in the scope of delivery which has already begun.
The systems can be used to monitor sections of terrain with as few personnel required as possible and can also provide a 5G network. The order value was in the lower double-digit million euro range.
Made by DefSecIntel, SurveilSPIRE surveillance towers can be loaded onto trailers and quickly transported to their area of operation. Assembly would require three personnel and operation would been fully automated.
Related Articles
Ukraine adds automated wide-area reconnaissance system
The system include wireless links (4G and Starlink) for video transmission to a mobile command post. Solar panels enable sustained operation without power cables or a fuel source.
It would rely on autopiloted reconnaissance drones that conduct patrols and mission-specific flights, enabling inspection of detected threats and allowing operators to initiate countermeasures.
Rheinmetall has already taken part in several projects in support of Ukraine including deliveries of Marder infantry fighting vehicles, ammunition of various calibres, field hospitals, military trucks and, soon, a LUNA Next Generation reconnaissance system.
Rheinmetall has also provided munitions, particularly through a EUR1.2 billion ($1.27 billion) framework agreement to supply Ukrainian forces with artillery shells. On 6 October Rheinmetall booked an order for 155mm artillery ammunition following a second call-off under the framework order with the German government.
The latter has been contracted with the Düsseldorf-based tech group to supply the Ukrainian armed forces with tens of thousands of L15 rounds as well as conventional 155mm Assegai shells for the German military. The order has been valued in the lower three-digit million-euro range and delivery scheduled to take place in 2024.
More from Land Warfare
-
![Fenris 6x6 emerges as first joint vehicle from John Cockerill-Arquus partnership]()
Fenris 6x6 emerges as first joint vehicle from John Cockerill-Arquus partnership
The new 6x6 wheeled fire support vehicle is armed with a 105mm NATO-standard high-pressure rifled gun, positioning it for the French Army and wider potential allied requirements.
-
![Do heavy IFV designs make sense on the modern battlefield?]()
Do heavy IFV designs make sense on the modern battlefield?
Even with additional armour, many current-generation infantry fighting vehicles are highly vulnerable to enemy fire in the contemporary operating environment. Are heavier platforms based on tank designs for use in this role the answer?
-
![Uncrewed ground vehicles put to the test as NATO eyes autonomous shift]()
Uncrewed ground vehicles put to the test as NATO eyes autonomous shift
The European Land Robot Trials are influenced by NATO researchers seeking to create uncrewed ground vehicle standards for allied Western forces working in multinational task forces.
-
![Russia tries to keep BMP-3 relevant with new weapon options]()
Russia tries to keep BMP-3 relevant with new weapon options
New iterations of a 57mm gun system highlight a push towards multi-role turrets capable of countering armour, drones and aerial targets.
-
![More details revealed on Kosovo’s Humvee Hawkeye 105mm order]()
More details revealed on Kosovo’s Humvee Hawkeye 105mm order
The agreement points to growing international interest in mobile and survivable artillery systems, with further orders and export opportunities already emerging.
-
![UK Defence Investment Plan: What does it mean for the British Army?]()
UK Defence Investment Plan: What does it mean for the British Army?
The UK’s Defence Investment Plan splurges big for future air and naval programmes, including new hybrid ships, but there are fewer big-ticket items for British Army vehicles. Shephard’s Damian Kemp looks at the much delayed plan.
