Defense Brief: Recent Episodes
Arie Egozi & Tamir Eshel
The British Armed Forces have successfully tested a revolutionary Radio Frequency Directed Energy Weapon (RFDEW) capable of neutralizing drone swarms at a fraction of conventional defense costs. The system, developed by a UK-based consortium led by Thales, can disable multiple unmanned aerial systems for as little as 10 pence per engagement.
https://defense-update.com/20241223_rfdew.html
The Israeli XTEND company, an AI-driven drone technology innovator, has secured an $8.8 million contract with the U.S. Department of Defense’s (DoD) Irregular Warfare Technical Support Directorate (IWTSD) for the supply of "Precision Strike Indoor & Outdoor" drones (PSIO). These small Unmanned Aerial Systems (sUAS) offer transformative capabilities for small combat teams, with their ability to unrestricted operations indoors and outdoors. Domestic production will occur in the U.S., with initial deliveries planned for Q1 2025.
Read the full Post on Defense-Update
The US Department of Defense's annual report on Chinese military and security developments was presented to Congress today. In this post and podcast, we dissect the report, which isn't just another geopolitical overview. It’s a deep dive into the PRC's strategic ambitions as viewed by the West, a review of China's military modernization efforts and implications for the international order.
https://defense-update.com/20241218_dod-2024-report-on-china.html
This episode focuses on Greece's recent defense acquisitions and their strategic implications, particularly in the context of support for Ukraine.
Greece is actively modernizing its military capabilities with two significant procurements. Firstly, the Government Council for Foreign and Defense Affairs, known as KYSEA, has approved the purchase of approximately 590 U.S.-made Switchblade loitering munitions, commonly called "kamikaze drones." These include the Switchblade 300 and Switchblade 600 models, designed for precision strikes against personnel, light vehicles, and armored targets. This acquisition costs around €75.2 million, with Greece contributing €25 million and the remainder financed through U.S. foreign military funding.
In addition to the drone procurement, Greece is in advanced discussions to acquire 36 PULS rocket artillery systems from Israel. The PULS, or Precise and Universal Launching System, is a versatile rocket artillery platform capable of launching various rockets with ranges up to 300 kilometers. This deal, estimated between €600 and €700 million, also includes provisions for constructing components within Greece, fostering local industry collaboration.
Gathering the most interesting news this week, we fed it all into an AI processing and turned it into a conversation - here is the result.
Multiple sources reported today on Russia's use of a new medium-range ballistic missile, the Oreshnik, based on the existing RS-26 Rubezh. The Oreshnik, described as experimental and hypersonic, was used in a strike on Dnipro, Ukraine. Controversy exists regarding Russia's notification of the launch to the U.S., with differing statements from Russian and U.S. officials. The RS-26, originally an ICBM, has a history shrouded in secrecy, with development starting before the INF treaty's collapse and its later purported cancellation. The missile’s capabilities, including its payload and range, remain partially unclear. This three-part podcast covers this alarming and unexpected development in detail. This episode utilizes AI-generated audio based on Defense-Update research and analysis of the recent Russian missile attack using six Oreshnik Intermediate Range Ballistic Missiles (IRBM) using 36 warheads on Dnipro, Ukraine.
In this episode, we look at IAI’s cutting-edge air defense system - BARAK MX. This air and missile defense system offers a comprehensive solution for modern air and missile defense challenges, providing scalability, flexibility, growth potential, and interoperability. The system was developed to meet Israel's stringent requirements and is a crucial component of the country's air defense network.
The Israeli Ministery of Defense (IMOD) OFEK program (Horizon in Hebrew, often referred to as OFEQ) will be awarded the prestigious 'Israel's Defense Prize for 2022' for the group's achievements that jointly developed, produced, and deployed Israel's most advanced observation satellite – OFEK-16. In this post, we look at the satellite, its high-resolution payload, and the different operators using these unique assets.
Defense-Update takes an exclusive close look at General Robotics's new PITBULL SMART-AI days before its introduction at Eurosatory 2022 next week. This latest version of the PITBULL RCWS is embedded with AI technology enabling armored vehicles and unmanned platforms to substantially improve their situational awareness, response rate, and firepower.
Switzerland's defense ministry (ArmaSwiss) has announced that the first two Elbit Systems Hermes 900HFE drones have been delivered to Emmen airfield last week. Two ground stations, communications, logistics, and maintenance equipment were also delivered with the drones. The Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (D-11 and D-14) have already been assembled and they will undergo a functional check before the first flight tests in mid-year.
Sig Sauer has won a 10-year contract with the U.S. Army with an initial delivery order worth $20.4 million and a ceiling value of $4.7 billion. Under this contract, the company will supply a family of weapons of up to 250,000 rifles and light machine guns. The XM5 Rifle will replace the M4/M4A1 carbine within the close combat force, and the XM250 Automatic Rifle will replace the M249 Squad Automatic Weapon (SAW). Having won the handgun contract in 2017, that makes Sig Sauer the premier supplier of small arms providers to the Army's close combat and special operations forces.
- Read the post on Defense-Update
- Listen to our commentary (Hebrew)
General Atomics-Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) began the first installation of factory upgrades to a Gray Eagle-Extended Range (GE-ER) Unmanned Aircraft System to enhance its capabilities to support Multi-Domain Operations (MDO). The MDO upgrade follows a series of demonstrations that showcased GE-ER’s persistent stand-off survivability with stand-in capabilities and up to 40 hours of endurance. Under the current program, the U.S. Army-funded program includes two aircraft. Flight tests and qualifications will start later this year.
Facing a new wave of terror, Israel should take tough decisions on how to deal with uncontrolled traffic - of Palestinian people and weapon smuggling into Israel. The separation fence erected around the West Bank is riddled with holes where tens of thousands of Palestinians enter Israel for daily work. This traffic is ignored by security forces, allowing a cheap workforce to enter the country, but at times of tension, terrorists also take advantage of this weak point to infiltrate and attack.
Heven Drones, a fast-growing Israeli drone technology company, has unveiled at ISDEF 2022 an integrated robotic solution combining an aerial multirotor and unmanned ground vehicle for land and air operation. Heven Drones and Roboteam, an Israeli tactical ground robotic systems provider, jointly developed the solution. The companies began working on the project responding to a specific requirement for defense and homeland security applications raised by a customer. They are now exploring additional use cases for land and air robots to maximize efficiency in other applications.
Until now, the war in Ukraine does not reflect the latest technology as analysts would expect. Since 2014 the Ukrainian army has been equipped with many locally produced weapons familiar to the Russians. But in recent months, Ukraine has obtained many western anti-tank and anti-aircraft weapons that have surprised the Russians and caused the invading forces many losses. This review summarizes our impressions from the first three weeks of this devastating conflict.
Israel’s C-UAS expert Skylock has unveiled at the UMEX exhibition in Dubai this week a new rocket-shaped hard-kill drone inhibitor countermeasure called Sky Interceptor, that can disable hostile drones at a range of 1,100 m’. A booster-extended range version can reach up to 3 km.
Israel’s Ministry of Defense, Rafael, and IAI have completed testing the C-Dome air and missile defense system onboard Israel’s Navy Magen corvette, the lead ship of the Saar-6 Magen class. The test conducted in February 2022 included the interception of targets simulating rockets, cruise missiles, and drones launched from the shore, simulating realistic threats the vessels could face at sea and on missions protecting Israel’s offshore facilities in the Mediterranean Sea.
Israel's Ministry of Defense, Rafael, and IAI have completed testing the C-Dome air and missile defense system onboard Israel's Navy Magen corvette, the lead ship of the Saar-6 Magen class. The test conducted in February 2022 included the interception of targets simulating rockets, cruise missiles, and drones launched from the shore, simulating realistic threats the vessels could face at sea and on missions protecting Israel's offshore facilities in the Mediterranean Sea.
Defense-Update: France’s Nexter company has announced the receipt of an order worth €600 million from the national armament development agency (DGA) to develop and produce a new generation of the Caesar truck-mounted self-propelled howitzer to be designated Caesar 6x6 Mark 2 New generation (NG).
Rheinmetall has unveiled a new member of the company’s Lynx combat vehicle family. Described as the mechanized fire support variant of the Lynx KF41 IFV, the Lynx 120, comprises a turret concept that mounts the proven 120mm smoothbore cannon with the Lynx KF 41 chassis. Just a couple of weeks ago, Rheinmetall Defence Australia unveiled a combat support vehicle (CSV) variant of the Lynx, now there is the fire support version as well. DEFENSE-UPDATE
Elbit Systems unveiled today a new version of its Skylark 3 Small Tactical Unmanned Aerial Systems (STUAS) equipped with a hybrid propulsion system. As the classic Skylark 3, the drone is a covert operation UAS. The hybrid propulsion system is designed to enable fast arrival to the Area Of Interest (AOI) using the combustion engine. when operating in the area of interest, the silent mode (electrical engine) can be activated. Therefore, it enables the combination of long-endurance operations while providing real-time, day, and night intelligence.
Rheinmetall Defense has introduced another variant of its Skyranger air defense weapon system, the Skyranger 30 HEL - a mobile, hybrid solution mounting the company's 30mm AHEAD with a laser onboard. The Skyranger 30 HEL is designed to thwart the full range of current and future airborne threats as a hybrid solution. The interplay of a 30mm automatic cannon, guided missiles, and a high-energy laser (HEL) results in a mix of effectors unique in this combination. The Skyranger HEL was presented in public for the first time at a counter-drone event held last year by the Swiss procurement agency armasuisse in Bure, Switzerland.
Today, the Middle East's International Maritime Exercise (IMX) 2022 began. It is the region’s largest maritime exercise and the world's largest unmanned exercise with more than 80 unmanned systems from ten nations participating.
A conflict erupting in 2022 is likely to involve the direct intervention of Russian mechanized regiments stationed in Belarus and East Ukraine, which are superior to the Ukraine forces. The outcome would be determined by Ukraine’s ability to endure a prolonged conflict. Ukraine requested new weapons from its new friends in the West to challenge the Russian armor – lightweight, man-portable weapons using a top attack that dismounted forces could deploy in large numbers with minimal logistical footprint. Their pledge was answered with shipments of hundreds of Javelin and NLAW missiles that improve Ukraine’s capability to deal with Russian armored formations in urban and complex terrain, particularly in the low visibility conditions characteristic of the winter season...
Today, Israel conducted a successful flight test of the Arrow Weapon System (AWS) and two Arrow 3 interceptors, which are designed to intercept ballistic missiles outside of the earth’s atmosphere. The test was performed at a test site in central Israel, and led by the system's prime contractor Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI). https://defense-update.com/20220118_arrow3.html
Hungary will soon operate improved Greepen fighter jets similar to those used by the Swedish Air Force, following the modernization of its leased aircraft to the latest version MS20 Block 2 version. This upgrade brings several improvements in sensors, weapons, and avionics. The Swedish Air Force first introduced this upgrade in 2016.
A week after the second test of a missile with a hypersonic warhead, North Korea conducted another test flight of such a missile. According to the flight map released by the Koreans, the missile was launched into a ballistic trajectory. According to missile expert Tal Inbar, upon release from the missile body, the hypervelocity glide vehicle (HGV) pulled up (bounced) and deviated sideways from the ballistic path, demonstrating maneuvering at the hypersonic speed. North Korean authorities stated the missile precisely hit a target some 1,000km (621 miles) away.
General Atomics has recently conducted a flight demonstration of two Avenger unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), each equipped with Lockheed Martin’s Legion Pod IRST21, an Infra-Red Search & Track pod designed to detect aerial targets at long range, without using radar. This capability brings drones one step closer to having autonomous systems that support manned-unmanned teaming (MUM-T) in joint all-domain operations. https://defense-update.com/20220111_irst-for-drones.html
Today, fire control systems expert SMART-SHOOTER introduced the SMASH Dragon application for armed drones. The new system employs an advanced remotely controlled robotic weapon payload on different drones or unmanned aerial platforms. The system completed live firing tests and is currently under advanced stages of development.
Elbit Systems has received an order from the UAE to supply J-MUSIC Directed Infrared Countermeasure (DIRCM) systems to protect the country’s Airbus A330 Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) fleet. The UAE acquired three such aircraft from Airbus in 2013 and has recently ordered an additional two to be delivered in 2024. As part of the deal with Airbus, the existing aircraft will also be upgraded to the same configuration as the new MRTTs. The order announced by Elbit Systems is likely a part of this plan. This post was first published on Defense-Update
Israel has signed an order for more than two billion $ for the purchase of 12 CH-53K helicopters, with an option to purchase six more. The first helicopters will arrive in Israel by 2026 and will replace the old CH-53D Yasur helicopters, that are planned for decommissioning in 2025. Listen to the post on Defense-Update's Defense-Brief.
ביום הראשון לשנה החדשה התעוררנו עם שתי רקטות שנורו לים, אל מול מרכז הארץ, הנימוק: תקלה, מזג אויר, ותרוצים אחרים. ישראל המתינה עם התגובה עד צאת השבת, וגם אז התגובה היתה רפה, ומשדרת לחמאס שאפשר להמשיך עם הסידור הזה כל עוד ישראל תוכל להמשיך ולהמשיך באחיזת העינים במשחק הפוליטי ומשקט יחסי. האמנם?
Israel requests Washington for urgent delivery of two KC-46A aerial tankers, to bolster its capability of operations at long ranges. While the IAF already has several aerial tankers based on the Boeing 707, they are too old and inefficient to support a full-scale operational campaign of the size and complexity the IAF requires. This episode discusses the options Israel has to support this capability
What would happen to Iraq as US forces complete their withdrawal from the country? Will Shi'ite-oriented Baghdad be able to control the country's Sunni-dominated regions? What will be the role of Iran and how this will affect the region? Our podcast provides some room for thoughts and poses questions.
Gathering in Vienna to discuss a renewed agreement, all sides seem to ignore the facts. Iran is galloping to achieve the nuclear threshold. Unless a credible threat is put on the table, continued sanctions will only slow the process. Israel should not be left alone to deal with what seems to be the most serious threat to the stability of the region, and an existential threat to the Jewish state.
As Task Force 59 is set to establish an operating base in Akaba, Jordan, the US Navy will improve its maritime domain awareness of the Red Sea, by operating autonomous Saildrone boats that will monitor this strategic waterway that has recently faced increasing tension, particularly at its southern part, where Iranian-backed Houthis are fighting the Saudis backing the Yemeni regime.
The selection of a team including Babcock, QinetiQ, and Elbit Systems UK emphasizes the value of pulling advanced technologies, know-how, and capabilities, in winning complex programs such as the Maritime Electronic Warfare System Integrated Capability (MEWSIC).
Changes in the American Foreign Military Financing (FMF) aid to Israel are driving Israeli defense companies to move production lines to the USA, to drive US-funded defense procurements worth billions of dollars. In the past Israel could convert part of this aid to local currency, to buy part of the products locally, but the new agreement has closed this gap, restricting FMF sales exclusively to US-based companies. Israel's defense companies need to adjust and they do it en masse.
A drone attack that took place at 02:15 at night yesterday was aimed at the residence of Iraqi Prime Minister Khadimi at the heart of Baghdad's highly protected "Green Zone". Six security personnel from the government security unit were injured but Khadimi was not hurt. This attack is part of a trend of exploiting drones to carry out strategic attacks. Some of the most impressive and devastating took place in Venezuela and Yemen.
The TROPHY Active Protection System has recently completed a successful test series demonstrating its effectiveness in protecting German Leopard 2A7 tanks. The systems will soon equip the first tank company in the German Army. In this podcast, we provide some background on this exciting system.
Iran is intensifying drone attacks in the region, directed against rival forces including the US, Saudi, and Emiratis as well as at civilian ships in the Gulf. Most targets are still unprotected and suffer significant damage and sometimes casualties under such attacks. Aware of the risk of UAS and loitering weapons for many years, Israel has developed effective countermeasures which are now being considered by its allies in the region.
The US Army is deploying one of the new Iron Dome batteries to Guam, to be tested as part of the Island's defense against cruise missiles. This deployment is far away from the hot spots in Syria and Iraq, where US forces suffer repeated attacks and could use Iron Dome's combat-proven capabilities to defeat missiles and drone attacks.
New Armored Fighting Vehicles (AFV) are equipped with turrets that not only mount the main weapon systems but add many new features, including optronics, battle management, active protection, guided missiles, and drones. Our podcast discusses the trends and future of such systems.
Israel's Project Carmel has entered the second phase of development last week, with the selection of Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) as the lead industry to develop, integrate and demonstrate the next-generation combat vehicle and its advanced autonomy capabilities.
Following the Iranian effort to equip their proxy groups with loitering weapons, Israel is spending great efforts to deny the supply of such weapons to terror groups operating close to its borders. According to the foreign press, Israel has repeatedly attacked Iranian facilities in T4 in eastern Syria, where Iran has set up assembly and training activities, for operators of such weapons.
Israel wants to buy more F-15s from the latest generation (F-15EX) to augment its air force, which currently centers around the F-35I. In this first edition of Debrief, defense analysts Arie Egozi and Tamir Eshel discuss this new development.