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.
It is quite incredible how much difficulty the Indian Army is having in obtaining new small arms to replace the likes of the INSAS assault rifle, with current requirements for close-quarter battle (CQB) carbines, assault rifles and light machine guns all currently on the go.
A contract for nearly 93,895 CQB carbines is expected soon as the army fast-tracks one of these aforementioned requirements. This is expected to be awarded to Caracal, with the UAE-based company’s 5.56mm CAR 816 rifle being down-selected last year to replace in-service Sterling 9mm submachine guns.
Caracal will be required to produce all the carbines
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New iterations of a 57mm gun system highlight a push towards multi-role turrets capable of countering armour, drones and aerial targets.
The agreement points to growing international interest in mobile and survivable artillery systems, with further orders and export opportunities already emerging.
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.
DroneShield has been at the forefront of CUAS capability despite being founded only 12 years ago. The company’s early move into the counter-drone arena has put it on the crest of the rapidly expanding technology field.
This month’s land forces highlights were dominated by the eventful Eurosatory exhibition, particularly in the area of tanks, while separately the JLTV programme took another twist and Canada opted for HIMARS.
Uncrewed and counter-uncrewed systems were a major feature of this edition of Eurosatory 2026 along with programme updates and first sight of new main battle tanks.