Saab 2000 aircraft carrying the Erieye Airborne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C) Radar system Photo: Peter Liander, Saab Group
The Saab group has been awarded a contract to deliver an Airborne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C) system comprising the Saab 2000 aircraft platform equipped with the ERIEYE airborne early warning radar system. The contract comprises a Saab 2000 aircraft equipped with the advanced ERIEYE radar system, ground equipment, logistics and support services, to be delivered over a period of 4.5 years. The identity of the customer has not been released but it is assumed to be one of the Gulf States. The number of aircraft to be delivered has not been released as well.
Earlier this year the UAE has ordered two smaller Erieye AEW systems based on the saab 340 platform. At the time official sources at the UAE explained the w340 is an interim solution, and that the country is still undecided on the long-term plans for its objective AEW capability, considering the Saab 2000, Boeing 737 and Northrop Grumman E-2D. Other nations in the region interested in acquiring AEW capability include Oman and Kuwait.
Another country that could be interested in such capabilities is South Africa where Saab sold the Gripen fighter aircraft and also operates local subsidiaries. In 2008 the use of Erieye was considered to bolster aerial surveillance and security during the World Cup games this year. However, the presence of such aircraft during the games was not reported. According to Saab, the Erieye airborne surveillance system in combination with the ground equipment provide a detailed picture of a situation which can be used in connection with, for example, border surveillance, rescue operations as well as in combating terrorism and organized crime.
“This contract can be seen as a further confirmation of our strong position in the world regarding not only the area of airborne surveillance but in systems integration and data fusion as well, says Håkan Buskhe,” CEO, Saab. “This surveillance system will provide the customer with improved solutions for defense and civil security.”
Saab’s ERIEYE radar is currently operated by the Swedish Air Force and Royal Thai Air Force and the UAE Air Force (on Saab 340 platforms). Brazil, Mmexico and Greece operate it on the Embraer 145 platform. The only Saab-2000 sofar is Pakistan.
The U.S. Office of Secretary of Defense (OSD) is testing seven Active protection Systems, mostly from international vendors, to determine the maturity and potential of such systems, protecting U.S. forces against Rocket Propelled Grenades and other Anti-Armor weapons. The Active Protection Systems Live Fire Test and Evaluation effort, which was mandated by Congress in 2008 provides U.S. with comparative insight into potential defenses readily available to protect U.S. forces. The test program will also formulate a comparative baseline for consideration during possible future defense acquisition programs.
The congressionally mandated evaluation is performed by the OSD, with assistance of the Institute of Defense Analysis (IDA). The evaluation includes seven systems considered relatively ‘mature’. Sofar four systems were tested, including the Swedish-South African LEDS 150 from Saab, TRAPS developed by Textron Systems, the Israeli Iron Fist from IMI and Iron Curtain, a close-in APS developed by ARTIS. Yet to come early in 2011 are the AMAP-ADS close-in APS from the German company IBD, the Israeli Trophy, made by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, and Raytheon’s Quick Kill, originally developed for the Future Combat Systems program. The tests could also evaluate other experimental systems developed in the past decade such as the CICM, IAAPS and FCLAS, these could also be ‘revived’ for the tests.
LEDS-150 mounted on an Eagle light armored vehicle undergoing live firing test. Photo: Saab
The first test employed the LEDS 150 developed by Saab South African Avitronics subsidiary, in cooperation with ATK. For these tests the system was integrated on an Eagle armored vehicle. LEDS 150 employs radar and infrared sensors to detect and target the incoming threat, firing an active countermeasure destroying the threat far away from the protected vehicle. According to sources at Saab, the system performed well overall, but as it was the first time it was integrated on such a small vehicle, some of the elements did not perform as expected, and the team applied to repeat the test with new hardware.
Textron was the second to demonstrate the APS, and the first to demonstrate a ‘close-in’ system based on its Tactical Rocket-Propelled Grenade (RPG) Airbag Protection System (TRAPS) system. For these tests TRAPS was mounted on a MRAP, effectively demonstrated its capability to protect armored vehicles against RPG threats. Textron also tested another countermeasure, called TRAPSNet – comprised of a modular net system. According to the company, these are the first in a family of countermeasures that will enable spiral upgrades to address advanced threats while maintaining the common hardware of the TRAPS system.
“We designed the TRAPS architecture to be flexible, scalable and highly effective,” says Chief Technology Officer Thomas McNamara of Textron Systems Corporation. “The system is compatible with multiple military vehicle types, and it delivers reliable, robust performance against different RPG threats while minimizing costly, time-consuming modifications and vehicle recertification tests. In addition, TRAPS offers significantly lower weight and demonstrated lower collateral damage than competing active protection systems. Following the successful OSD testing, we are prepared to deliver the customer a mature, affordable and rapidly deployable active vehicle protection solution.”
Another ‘Close-in’ type system tested recently is the Iron Curtain, developed by ARTIS. This system employs motion sensors and countermeasures fired downward, destroying an incoming RPG few inches ahead of the vehicle’s wall.
The most recent test involved a Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicle was fitted with the Israeli Iron-Fist active protection system developed by Israel Military Industries (IMI). The system withstood numerous rocket attacks under a two month test and evaluation program. According to IMI, the rigorous test program spanned over several months and evaluated the system under complex engagement scenarios. “The Iron Fist demonstrated exceptional performance in each test scenario. All tests were performed with the system installed on the MRAP vehicle.” An IMI source told Defense Update.
The Iron Fist APS uses passive and active sensors for threat detection, situational awareness and fire control. The system can employ both an electro-optical ‘soft kill’ countermeasure and ‘hard kill’ interceptors that are launched against incoming threats, therefore covering a broader spectrum of threats, compared to RPG-dedicated ‘Close-In’ type APS. “The combination of soft and hard kill methods effectively defeats RPGs and guided missiles, including advanced models fitted with tandem warheads, as well as tank rounds.” In addition to its defensive role, the IMI system also contributes to situational awareness and counter-action: In addition to the protection by soft and hard kill means Iron Fist accurately identifies the enemy firing positions, enabling rapid counterstrike thus eliminating repeated attacks.
The Israel Defense Force (IDF) has selected to equip the Iron Fist on its new Namer Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV). The system is currently in final development and integration for the Namer. During the VIP event that followed the successful test IMI presented potential applications of the Iron Fist, designed for medium and light vehicles, including the man-portable, ‘Shock Absorber’ missile ‘soft kill’ countermeasure solution, and a light-weight, ‘Bright Arrow’ remotely controlled weapon station with Iron Fist integrated, which can be installed on a HMMWV.
The four year program is worth about US$42 million (MSEK 312). Through the integration process Swedish Gripen C/D fighters will be equipped with two-way datalink, communicating between the aircraft and the missile once it has been fired.
The European BVR Air/Air missile will be integrated on the Swedish Gripen.
The Meteor missile will be tested to work with the fighter’s radar, avionics systems and displays. The order includes test flights and test firing, as well as the integration of Meteor with support and maintenance systems such as simulators and planning computers.
Gripen has been used since 2006 as the test aircraft for the development of Meteor. Multiple missiles have been fired from Gripen to date. This experience can now be utilised for a more cost-effective integration of Meteor with the Swedish Armed Forces’ Gripen C/D.
Luxembourg will get Scania G480 all-terrain 8x8 trucks, similar to this G420 used by the Dutch Army. Netherlands bought 555 trucks from Scania in 2003.
Scania announced receiving new orders for 8×8 all-wheel drive, mine protected trucks from the NATO military procurement & sustainment agency (NAMSA), to deliver 13 Type 8×8 G 480 trucks for the Luxembourg Army.
The new, add-on mine-protected V-hull was presented at Eurosatory 2010 by Akers Krutbruk's. The armor system for the Scania truck was launched at Eurosatory in 2008, and was since installed on several hundred trucks. The design implements ballistic protection in an internal installation, thus maintaining a 'non aggressive' look. At the 2010 Eurosatory Akers introduced an additional facet of this system - an add-on V-shaped hull, attached to the standard chassis, improving the cab's protection from mine blast and IEDs. Photo: Noam Eshel, Defense Update
Scania will also deliver 18 additional trucks without mine protection. According to Scania, this is the first application of the new STANAG Level 3 armor on a 13 ton truck. These new trucks will mostly be used on peace-keeping missions. Scania in cooperation with Swedish armor expert Akers Krutbruk has developed an add-on mine protected V-hull tailored for these trucks. 28 of the trucks will be fitted with hooklift bodywork and three with recovery body. Deliveries will take place during 2011.
In addition, Scania announced another order for 88 logistics trucks from Sweden, part of an ongoing delivery agreement with the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV). The new order includes 80 three-axle Scania G 400 6×2 logistics vehicles with hooklift bodywork. Four vehicles to be used for driver training are specified with four individual seats in the cab. FMV has also ordered eight four-axle Scania P 400 8×2 with crane and platform bodywork. These vehicles are fitted with the Scania Communicator 200 on-board data collector for remote follow-up of vehicle and driver performance via a web portal. Deliveries are scheduled for the first quarter of 2011. Scania introduced military vehicles built to meet NATO standard in 1998. Mine and ballistic protected vehicles were introduced in 2001.
The Swedish FMV provided this photo representing the AMV. This armored personnel vehicle configuration features external storage on the vehicle's sides, and a Protector remote weapon station. Photo: Patria
The Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) has selected the Finnish Armored Modular Vehicles (AMV) personnel carrier for its future APC, and awarded Patria Land & Armament Oy a contract worth approximately $336 million (SEK 2.5 billion) for the acquisition of 113 AMVs. Five vehicle manufacturers have competed for this contract.
Brig. General Anders Carell, Head of procurement offices LAND, Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) and Seppo Seppälä, President, Land & Armament at Patria sign the contract for the delivery of 113 AMVs for the Swedish Army. August 13, 2010. Photo: FMV
Patria has committed to an offset agreement covering 100% of the program’s cost. Among the Swedish subcontractors are providing protection, automotive, suspension, propulsion and electronic systems for the AMV include Scania, SSAB providing steel parts for the armor and Akers Krutbruk providing the protection suite.
The vehicles will be produced in Finland. First deliveries will be made in late 2013 and the vehicles will become operational with the Swedish Army in 2014. By that time the new AMV will replace tracked vehicles currently in service, including the Swedish produced PBV302, and Hägglunds BV206(S) and Russian origin MT-LB, as well as several wheeled 6×6 APC variants of the Patria PASI Series. Eventually the FMV could buy up to 150 AMVs, as the former models are fully retired.
AMV has been in production since 2004. Over 1,500 AMVs have been delivered or are on order. AMVs are currently in service with the Finnish and Polish armies which is operating them in Afghanistan. Croatia will become the third operator as vehicles are 124 AMVs are delivered in 2012. The vehicle has also been selected by Slovenia and South Africa and is under evaluation by the UAE.
The Swedish FMV provided this photo representing the AMV. This armored personnel vehicle configuration features external storage on the vehicle's sides, and a Protector remote weapon station. Photo: Patria
Brig. General Anders Carell, Head of procurement offices LAND, Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) and Seppo Seppälä, President, Land & Armament at Patria sign the contract for the delivery of 113 AMVs for the Swedish Army. August 13, 2010. Photo: FMV
The Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) has selected the Finnish Armored Modular Vehicles (AMV) personnel carrier for its future APC, and awarded Patria Land & Armament Oy a contract worth approximately $336 million (SEK 2.5 billion) for the acquisition of 113 AMVs. Five vehicle manufacturers have competed for this contract.
Patria has committed to an offset agreement covering 100% of the program’s cost. Among the Swedish subcontractors are providing protection, automotive, suspension, propulsion and electronic systems for the AMV include Scania, SSAB providing steel parts for the armor and Akers Krutbruk providing the protection suite.
The vehicles will be produced in Finland. First deliveries will be made in late 2013 and the vehicles will become operational with the Swedish Army in 2014. By that time the new AMV will replace tracked vehicles currently in service, including the Swedish produced PBV302, and Hägglunds BV206(S) and Russian origin MT-LB, as well as several wheeled 6×6 APC variants of the Patria PASI Series. Eventually the FMV could buy up to 150 AMVs, as the former models are fully retired.
AMV has been in production since 2004. Over 1,500 AMVs have been delivered or are on order. AMVs are currently in service with the Finnish and Polish armies which is operating them in Afghanistan. Croatia will become the third operator as vehicles are 124 AMVs are delivered in 2012. The vehicle has also been selected by Slovenia and South Africa and is under evaluation by the UAE.
Dassault Rafale F-3 Omnirole Fighter, loaded with an air-to-air and air-to-ground weapon mix. Photo: Dassault. Photo: Dassault
The Indian Air Force has concluded the technical assessment of six fighter aircraft proposed for the Medium MultiRole Combat Aircraft (MMRCA) program, paving the way for the Ministry of Defense to decide on the Air Force’s US$10 billion (Rs 42,000 crore) acquisition of 126 new fighters plus options for additional 63. The six proposals considered by the Indians included the Typhoon, proposed by the European Eurofighter consortium, the French Rafale from Dassault, the Russian MiG-35 from United Aircraft Corporation subsidiary RSK-MiG, the Gripen E/F, proposed by the Swedish Saab group; Two proposals were submitted by U.S. companies – Boeing offered the Super Hornet F/A-18 E/F and Lockheed Martin proposed the F-16 E/F Fighting Falcon. The Air Force report provides a technical assessment of the six candidates.
The commercial proposals, including industrial cooperation and local participation will be evaluated by the MOD beginning this week. According to unconfirmed media reports, the Indians, seeking a modern fighter, have rated both European fighters – the Rafale and Typhoon as the most preferred types and both are shortlisted for the next phase with the Boeing Super Hornet considered a ‘marginal option’. The Swedish Gripen was determined to be redundant to India’s indigenous Teja; both the Russian MiG-35 and the U.S. F-16E/F are based on obsolete platforms (both are based on 40 year old platform designs) and hence are not conforming with the program’s primary directive.
However, the weight of the technical parameters in the final evaluation is not exclusive and determinant, since final decisions on the MMRCA will be based on the economic and political interests. New Delhi’s aim to tighten its relations with Europe is clear, and such deals are likely, since India has signed significant orders with Franch and the U.K. in the past.
However, Russia still has the inroad to India’s military and politics and, therefore, despite its financial alleged insufficient engine lifespan shortcoming, “the MiG-35 is likely to remain in the picture until the end” according to Sergei Kornyev, the department head of Russia’s Air Force special equipment and services at a press conference in Farnborough last month. Facing serious consequences of the planned reduction of 90 Typhoons destined for the RAF and Italian Air Force, Eurofighter is hopeful that winning the MMRCA program could compensate for these production losses and boost the program research and development for the advanced, multirole Tranch 3 phase.
For Dassault, being shortlisted by the Indian could drive Brazil to finally announce its FX-2 decision in favor of the French fighter. Winning both program could transform the Rafale from a lame duck into the leading fighter in the export market, offering the French, Indian and Brazilian aerospace industries attractive prospects for the future.
The final decision on the Indian MMRCA fighter of choice could be taken around 2011-2012. Indian Air Force officials are hopeful that Initial deliveries could be expedited and arrive in India two years after the contract award.
In addition to the ongoing MMRCA selection, India defense ministry has announced plans to increase India’s orders for Su-30MKI fighters by 42 aircraft, to be delivered over four years beginning 2014. The $4.3 billion deal will increase the number of aircraft to be produced by Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. (HAL) to 200, setting India’s inventory of Su-30MKI fighters at at 250. India is also cooperating with Russia on the development of the next generation T-50 (PAK-FA) fifth generation fighter developed by Sukhoi. The program, valued at about US$8 billion is partly financed by New Delhi.
During the demonstration the SeaOtter MkII AUV autonomously sailed on a transit course into the survey area, it conduct a survey with transecting lines, followed by a transit section back to the launch point. Photo: Atlas Elektronik
Atlas Elektronik has demonstrated Unmanned Underwater Vehicles (UUV) at the company owned test site in Bincleaves, Dorset, UK. A select group of commercial customers was invited to witness the SeaWolf and SeaOtter MK II AUVs in action. The SeaOtter MkII was equipped with multiple sensor systems included a new side scan sonar, multibeam echosounder and camera. During the demonstration the vehicle autonomously sailed on a transit course into the survey area, it conduct a survey with transecting lines, followed by a transit section back to the launch point.
The SeaWolf back on deck after diving in the Laachersee. Photo: Atlas Elektronik
Another demonstration was performed by the hybrid AUV/ROV SeaWolf, conducting a simultaneous survey operation surveying the seabed in shallow water, at depths between 5 and 8m using side scan sonar. The SeaWolf conducted a lawnmower pattern survey with tight line spacing.
“We demonstrated the feasibility of having multiple AUVs simultaneously operating in the water” said said Sven-Christian Hesse, Head of UUV programs at Atlas Elektronik. “These AUVs can quickly survey large areas of seabed from the convenience of sheltered facilities such as a harbor.” Jesper Peter Menne Baunsgaard, sales manager for Atlas Maridan added that these AUVs have moved beyond the technology now, “this is when we focus our attention on the applications we are able to facilitate for our customers.The AUVs can carry multiple payloads according to the requirements by the customers and the combination of these and their integration with the MARPOS navigation system makes the possibilities for application virtually unlimited.” Baunsgaard said.
SOTACS personal camouflage from Saab Barracuda. Photo: Saab
The Saab Group (STO:SAABB) has been awarded a new contract for the delivery of multispectral camouflage systems developed and produced under the ‘Saab Barracuda’ brand, with a total value of approximately US$90 million (MSEK 670). First shipments of the camouflage systems will begin in 2010 and continue for four years. “We continue to attract new and existing customers around the globe,” said Tomas Samuelsson, head for Saab’s business area Dynamics, noting that Saab Barracuda’s advanced camouflage technology products have now been exported to more than 50 countries. Saab Barracuda camouflage and signature management systems offer advanced solutions for force protection, by decreasing the enemy’s ability to detect and engage the protected targets. These camouflage solutions are employed to protect camps, vehicles and personnel against hostile sensors and enemy target acquisition.
Canberra will be the lead ship of the Australian Navy new amphibious landing dock ship class
Saab will supply the Sea Giraffe Agile Multi-Beam (AMB) radar to equip the Australian Canberra class amphibious ships. The value of the order is US$15.6 million.
Sea Giraffe AMB 3D naval multi-mission radar from Saab Microwave
The Sea Giraffe AMB system comprises a multi-mission capable surveillance systems providing simultaneous air defense, air and sea surveillance, air/land integration, military air traffic control and rocket, artillery and mortar alert. Saab’s Sea Giraffe naval surveillance radar is in operational service on the Australian and New Zealand Anzac Class frigates. The Giraffe radars are currently in production and in use with armed forces including Sweden, France, Estonia and the UK. HMAS Canberra is the lead ship of two new amphibious landing dock ships to be delivered in 2012 – 2014, replacing the current amphibious support vessels operated by the Royal Australian Navy.
Australia has also leased from Saab a land based Giraffe ABM radar to provide early warning from mortars and rocket attacks for troops deployed to Uruzgan, Afghanistan. The lease contract value is approximately $32 million including operations and support. It is considered as an interim measure until more radars are acquired and fielded.
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