Elbit Systems has developed a number of battle management systems designed for armored combat vehicles. This system employs the TORCH system employed by the IDF as part of the Digital Army Program (Zayad). Photo: Elbit Systems

Elbit Systems Ltd. announced today that it was awarded an approximately $56 million tank upgrade contract from a customer in Asia. The tank upgrade project will span over 24 months and include the installation of battle management systems (BMS), and optronic observation and surveillance systems. The current program is a follow-on upgrade Elbit Systems is conducting with this specific customer (the identity of the customer was not released).

Due to political implications and U.S. technology transfer limitations, Israeli companies are restricted in offering defense systems to a number of Asian countries. Among these, Azerbaijan, India, Singapore and Thailand fit the vague description provided by the company.

It was reported in the Indian media that the Indian state owned DRDO is cooperating with Elbit Systems in the development of Battlefield Management System for the Indian indigenous Arjun tank. BMS integration could follow as part of the continuous Indian upgrades of the T-72M tanks and, and, possibly with the T-90S.  Such BMS allows the tank to network with other fighting units, enabling several tanks to network with other each other, to effectively engage multiple targets. On the other hand, Azerbaijan has recently received 62 T-72 tanks from Russian military surplus. Azeri T-72s have already been updated with new fire control and remotely controlled weapon station.

Fully equipped LAV C2. Photo: Lockheed Martin

Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] has delivered the first two of 52 upgraded Command and Control variants of the Light Armored Vehicle (LAV) to the U.S. Marine Corps. The remaining 50 vehicles are to be delivered over the next two years. The vehicle provides a mobile command center providing advanced communication capabilities to Marines in the field.

The LAV-C2 upgrades include integration of communications equipment such as the Multi-Band Multi Mission Radio System and the Enhanced Position Radio System, as well as improved automated workstations and command systems. The new equipment offers the Marines universally interchangeable workstations, an expanded workspace, improved transportability, upgraded radio systems and consolidated antennas. The platforms are provided to by the U.S. Marine Corps with Lockheed Martin installing and integrating the communications suite, automated workstations and command systems.

Lockheed Martin was awarded the system integration part of the program in 2006. The follow-on production contract was awarded in December 2009. The total cost of the program is around $30 million.

Fully equipped LAV C2. Photo: Lockheed Martin

Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] has delivered the first two of 52 upgraded Command and Control variants of the Light Armored Vehicle (LAV) to the U.S. Marine Corps. The remaining 50 vehicles are to be delivered over the next two years. The vehicle provides a mobile command center providing advanced communication capabilities to Marines in the field.

The LAV-C2 upgrades include integration of communications equipment such as the Multi-Band Multi Mission Radio System and the Enhanced Position Radio System, as well as improved automated workstations and command systems. The new equipment offers the Marines universally interchangeable workstations, an expanded workspace, improved transportability, upgraded radio systems and consolidated antennas. The platforms are provided to by the U.S. Marine Corps with Lockheed Martin installing and integrating the communications suite, automated workstations and command systems.

Lockheed Martin was awarded the system integration part of the program in 2006. The follow-on production contract was awarded in December 2009. The total cost of the program is around $30 million.

The upcoming Latrun 2010 Conference will focus on ‘Fighting in Urban Terrain’ jointly conducted by the IDF Ground Forces Command and the Institute for Land Warfare studies. The three-day event will also include a ‘Technology Day’ focused on Force Protection, sponsored by SIBAT, Israel’s Ministry of Defense Export authority. (Register here to visit the technology day)

Defense Update has been covering the Latrun Conference in the past two years and has been selected to become the first Media Sponsor of the Latrun 2010 conference and Exhibition. (see past coverage: Israel Unveils New Precision Weapon Systems for the Ground Forces, Israel is Seeking to Achieve ‘Land Dominance’ in the Battlefield).

The first industry day held at the 2009 Latrun conference provided defense professionals from foreign and the Israeli military to explore first hand the latest and unique defense systems being developed by Israel's defense industries. The 2010 event will quadruple the number of exhibitors and demonstrators, promising an exciting experience for visitors. Photos: ILWS.

‘Urban Warfare’, as the main theme of the two-day conference, will be addressed by Israeli and foreign speakers, discussing operations in Grozny (Chechnya 1995), Tyre and Beirut (Lebanon 1982), Baghdad and Fallujah (Iraq 2004), East Timor and Gaza (Gaza strip, Operation ‘Cast Lead’ 2009). The conference will also discuss the international law of war and ethical responsibilities of the warfighter in urban terrain.

Discussions will cover planning and execution of tactical operations, employment of firepower in support of urban operations, development of intelligence plans and tactical aids, and the challenges of logistics support in urban terrain. It will also discuss the illusive nature of this type of combat, whether irregular, urban guerillas immersed in the civilian environment, or the changing roll of military forces, from combat to civilian population control.

The Latrun conference and exhibition has attracted foreign delegations from a number of countries including North and Latin America, Europe, Asia and Australia. Photo: ILWS

Presenters at the Force Protection technology day will include Lt. General (U.S. Army Ret.) Thomas F. Metz, former director of the U.S. Joint IED Defeat Organization. The head of the IDF Merkava IV production Program will also discuss the evolution and development of the protection system for Israel’s Merkava tank.

The event will coincide with a dynamic and static display (indoor and outdoor) of Israeli indigenous defense technologies, including weapon systems, unmanned systems, armored vehicles, defense electronics and electro-optics.

Senior leaders planned to address the conference include the IDF Chief of Staff, Lt. General Gabi Ashkenazi and Minister of Defense Lt. Gen (ret) Ehud Barak.

The Technology Day is open for professional visitors from the military, industry and civilian sector by invitation only. Foreign visitors and delegations are welcome. Access is free of charge but requires prior registration. Click here for the full conference agenda . Attendees are offered a special package at a five star hotel in Tel Aviv, and transportation to and from the conference site.

MBDA team Concept Vision leader and a user representative show the new concept weapons at Farnborough 2010. Photo: Tamir Eshel

MBDA has embarked on an innovative evolution of next generation weapon systems designed to empower future infantry and dismounted warfighters with advanced, yet unavailable capabilities. Ideas for the new concepts were received from MBDA employees Throughout the world, and from military users and veterans. According to Michael Mew, Lead ENgineer for the Concept Visions program, the new weapons could be developed based partly on technologies already available, and could be demonstrated through the upcoming years. ‘This program sets our goals and could challenge our design teams for years to come’ Mew told Defense Update.