Amidst global challenges, the British armed forces are undergoing a defence modernisation across their army, navy, and air forces.
The post UK’s defence spending surges despite economic slowdown appeared first on Army Technology.

Lithuania has acquired three of the latest variant H145M D3 helicopters for its border guards. (Airbus Helicopters)
Lithuania has acquired three Airbus Helicopters H145M rotorcraft that its State Border Guard Service (Valstybės Sienos Apsaugos Tarnyba: VSAT) will use for special forces deployment and other roles.
Airbus announced the contract on 29 November, saying that the latest D3-standard H145M helicopters will also be used for search and rescue, disaster relief, medical evacuation, border patrol, firefighting, and for the transport of donor organs.

The VA says it found homes for 38,000 veterans this year, two months ahead of its own goal. Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Ter Haar.
The number of veterans experiencing homelessness has fallen by 11% since early 2020, according to an annual government survey, a sign which officials at the Department of Veteran Affairs say is a sign that VA efforts are paying off.
In 2020, the Point In Time survey, an annual effort by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to estimate the number of Americans without safe, stable housing, found 37,252 veterans were homeless.

U.S. Marine Corps photo by Adam Miller/Released
At least one service member was killed when a U.S. military V-22 Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft crashed into the sea off the coast of Japan today. Details of the incident are still emerging, but local officials have confirmed that there were six service members onboard at the time of the crash, and not eight as some previous reports had stated. There are currently no details available as to the condition of the other five.
We have reached out to the U.S. Marine Corps for more details.

A model of the Airbus SIRTAP UAS, displayed in Paris at Eurosatory 2022. (Janes/Gareth Jennings)
Spain has acquired the Airbus SIRTAP unmanned aircraft system (UAS), the manufacturer announced on 29 November.
The Spanish Ministry of Defence (MoD) has contracted nine systems comprising a total of 27 air vehicles and nine ground control stations. Two simulators have also been acquired.

Environmental groups, academics and MEPs have called on the UN to force militaries to report and reduce emissions ahead of COP28
The post Military emissions – the weak point in the war on climate change? appeared first on Army Technology.

Iran announced that it has completed a deal to purchase Su-35S multi-role fighters, Mi-28 attack helicopters, and training aircraft produced by Russia.

“The plan to staff Su-35S fighters, Mi-28 attack helicopters, and Yak-130 jet trainers for Iran’s combat units has been completed,” said Iranian Deputy Defense Minister Mehdi Farahi. on November 28, but did not disclose the number of aircraft ordered from Russia.

Saab has secured a contract from South Korea to support and supply spare parts for the Arthur weapon locating systems.
The post Saab signs South Korea support contract for Arthur systems appeared first on Army Technology.

Iran’s Deputy Defence Minister has stated the country is in line to receive Russian made Su-35 fighter jets, and Mi-28 attack helicopters.
The post Signal: Iran finalises receipt of Sukhoi Su-35 jets from Russia appeared first on Army Technology.

The Russian military developed a tiny UAV that was launched and controlled by the Su-57 stealth fighter to more effectively penetrate enemy air defense networks.

“The Russian military has successfully developed a new multi-role mini unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) model for the Su-57 fighter jet. This UAV is stored in the fuselage compartment or external mount of the fighter and can be launched from anywhere. in the air. Su-57 can deploy many UAVs at the same time and control their flight paths,” RIA Novosti said on November 28, citing knowledgeable sources.

One of the first of 32 F-16s for Romania being handed over by Norway’s defence minister on 28 November. (Norwegian Armed Forces)
Romania has received from Norway the first of 32 surplus Lockheed Martin F-16 Fighting Falcon combat aircraft it contracted in November 2022.
The Norwegian Armed Forces announced the transfer of the first three aircraft on 28 November, saying the jets were flown by Romanian Air Force pilots from Rygge Air Station to their future home operating station at the 86th Fetesti Air Base in eastern Romania.

Deylaman
formally entered service on 27 November.
(Islamic Republic News Agency)
The Northern Fleet of the Islamic Republic of Iran Navy (IRIN) officially received its new frigate on 27 November, nearly six years after its previous one sank in an accident.

IRINS
Deylaman
(78) was formally inducted into service in Bandar-e Anzali on the Caspian, with photographs showing the event took place at one of the port’s grain terminals, not at the IRIN base where it was built.

Editor’s Note: What follows is an excerpt from the authors’ forthcoming book, Information in War: Military Innovation, Battle Networks, and the Future of Artificial Intelligence. What would an ideal case of artificial intelligence and machine learning (AI/ML) look like for the Department of Defense in 2040?   This question is the focus of Part IV of our Future of Algorithmic Warfare series.

The remains of.
Anne Collingwood came into the world without a father. Army 2nd Lt. Gene F. Walker, a World War II tank commander, died in battle while pushing into Germany alongside General George S. Patton’s army.
Collingwood was born in September 1944. Walker, her father, died that November. 
“They even wonder if he received word that I had been born or any kind of picture or anything because nobody knows that,” Collingwood, 79, told Task & Purpose. “Unfortunately, he and I didn’t cross paths.

The U.S. military could owe billions in back pay and legal fees depending on the outcome of three class-action lawsuits filed on behalf of service members who allege they were wrongfully discharged for refusing the COVID-19 vaccine.

Guest post By Michael Nevradakis, Ph.D.
The U.S. military could owe billions in back pay and legal fees depending on the outcome of three class-action lawsuits filed on behalf of service members who allege they were wrongfully discharged for refusing the COVID-19 vaccine.

IDF
A two-day extension to the tense temporary ceasefire between Israel and Hamas is holding despite a clash between the two enemies in northern Gaza Tuesday that each said violated the agreement.
“Over the last hour, three explosive devices were detonated adjacent to IDF troops in two different locations in the northern Gaza Strip, violating the framework of the operational pause,” the Israeli Defense Forces said on Telegram early Tuesday morning local time. “In one of the locations, terrorists also opened fire at the troops, who responded with fire.

Collins Aerospace
The U.S. Air Force says it’s considering drone designs capable of being aerial refueled for its Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) program with range capabilities similar to its existing fighter aircraft. It has also revealed new details about what kind of payload it wants these highly autonomous uncrewed aircraft to have from the start, as well as a price tag that is at the top of what was supposedly being considered before.

The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) is gearing up for a series of events that aim to develop artificial intelligence and machine learning capabilities in order to streamline the tedious critical mineral assessment process.
The effort, a collaboration between the Pentagon, the Department of the Interior’s U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and the Department of Energy’s Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E), was included in a long list of initiatives released by the White House on Monday highlighting new efforts to strengthen the nation’s supply chains.

The holidays are a time for family and friends to come together. Unfortunately, many military families aren’t able to be there with their loved ones on special occasions. Military mail is an excellent way to stay in contact with your family members and make them feel like they’re a part of the festivities no matter where they are stationed or deployed.
We have been in the letter business for years, so we have a few tips to help your recruit feel at home in your military mail during the holiday season.
Stay in touch more often during the holidays.

For the first time ever, the Space Development Agency has demonstrated the ability to connect satellites in low-Earth orbit (LEO) to ground-based radios using Link 16 tactical data links — a key step to operationalizing the agency’s future constellation of data transport satellites.
During a series of three demonstrations held Nov. 21-27, SDA connected three satellites equipped with Link 16 payloads to terrestrial radios stationed inside the territory of one of the United States’ Five Eyes allies, the agency announced Tuesday.

At least three senior Pentagon officials are preparing to visit drone manufacturer and military contractor AeroVironment’s plant in Simi Valley, California, later this week, sources familiar with their plans told DefenseScoop on Tuesday.

PHOTO © 2023 PLANET LABS INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. REPRINTED BY PERMISSIO
An increasingly complex harbor defense system Russia set up in Sevastopol to thwart Ukrainian uncrewed surface vessel (USV) attacks and other forms of infiltration was significantly damaged by yesterday’s hurricane-like storm, new satellite imagery obtained by The War Zone shows.
A Planet Labs satellite image taken today shows lines of booms and barges, among other obstacles, that once protected the home of Russia’s Black Sea Fleet in serious disarray.

Secretaría de Seguridad del Estado de México
A Mexican drug cartel recently employed an improvised armored truck, also commonly referred to as a “Narco Tank,” with what looks to be a metal screen over the front section of the vehicle. This is reminiscent of the so-called “cope cages” that have become a fixture on tanks and other armored vehicles on both sides of the conflict in Ukraine and that have also now emerged on Israeli tanks.

The Guantanamo Bay Camps, or Gitmo as it’s commonly known, represent an evolving and complex approach to detainment and security management by the United States. Located in southeastern Cuba, this facility has been at the center of national security discussions for over two decades. These camps represent a microcosm of the complexity in addressing modern conflict and global security challenges. While controversial, they undeniably showcase America’s commitment to adapting its security measures for the ever-changing world we live in.

In June of 1940, things were looking pretty bleak for the British. The country was literally in the middle of an all-hands effort to prevent a hostile invasion from Nazi Germany, which had just pushed the British off of continental Europe at Dunkirk and forced all of France to capitulate. The Battle of France was over; the Battle of Britain had begun.
When Sir Winston Churchill said, “Never in the field of human conflict was so much been owed by so many to so few,” he was referring to the Royal Air Force pilots who ensured Britain had air superiority over its own island.

There seems to be a recurring point made in the current discussion around the Russo-Ukrainian War. Ukraine will always struggle with manpower as a smaller, democratic country. And Russia will always thrive in the manpower fight because it is larger and run by an autocrat.
So Ukraine and Russia are two battling animals, and Russia can bleed for longer than Ukraine can fight.

Dassault Aviation
Belgium has confirmed that it will join the pan-European Future Combat Air System (FCAS) next-generation air combat program, alongside France, Germany, and Spain. The announcement comes amid a period of flux in Europe’s sixth-generation air combat efforts, with Sweden having stated earlier this month that it’s no longer involved in Tempest, the project to develop the stealth fighter at the center of the rival British/Italian/Japanese Global Combat Air Program (GCAP).

The UK maintains an extensive network of military sites across the Middle East, particularly in the Gulf region.
The post Middle East personnel comprise 45% of overseas cadets at Sandhurst appeared first on Army Technology.

UDAR photo
Lt. Gen. Kyrylo Budanov, commander of Ukraine’s Defense Intelligence Directorate (GUR), confirmed to The War Zone Tuesday that his wife, Marianna Budanova, was hospitalized after being poisoned.
“It’s true,” he told us in a short message Tuesday. “But right now the situation is good. We finished therapy and are waiting for results of a check-up.”
“Everything will be fine,” GUR spokesman Andrii Yusov told us. “The doctors say they [treated her] in time.”
The poisoning is being investigated as a case of attempted murder, Yusof said.

We explore the latest advances in military communications technologies and how they’re transforming defence operations.
The post The evolution of military comms: From radios to advanced digital systems appeared first on Army Technology.

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One of the most expensive pieces of shooting gear, optics can run a pretty penny, especially from brands using top-of-the-line glass. We tracked down the best optics deals to save you money, whether it’s your first investment or an upgrade. Find discounts on the best brands in binoculars, rangefinders, scopes, and more below.

When it comes to applying for disability benefits, it’s important to remember one thing: These are benefits that veterans have earned from their years of service. It’s honorable to provide them to veterans, and every veteran deserves to receive them.
That may seem obvious, but the numbers say otherwise. Currently, only 5.2 million of 19 million eligible veterans receive benefits—that’s less than a third. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) faces a backlog of more than 300,000 claims and a claims inventory of more than 1 million—and rising.

Up to 50 of the British Army’s Foxhound LPPV vehicles will be converted into command variants. (Janes/Patrick Allen)
Up to 50 of the British Army’s Foxhound vehicles will be converted into command variants under a GBP19.76 million (USD24.92 million) sole-source contract with General Dynamics Land Systems (GDLS).
The contract, expected to be awarded in early 2024, will involve the conversion of up to 50 Foxhound Light Protected Patrol Vehicles (LPPVs) over a 15-month period, a UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) contract notice disclosed on 23 November.

Boeing MQ-25A Stingray test aircraft T1 refuels an F/A-18 Super Hornet in June 2021. The first engineering, manufacturing, and development aircraft is scheduled to be delivered to the US Navy in FY 2025. (US Navy)
A report by the US Department of Defense (DoD) Inspector General (IG) recommended a delay to the US Navy’s (USN’s) Boeing MQ-25A Stingray purchase.

One of the two MQ-9A Block 5-15 air vehicles currently operating with Marine Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Squadron 1 (VMU-1). The accompanying artist’s rendering shows an MQ-9A Block 5-25 in VMU-1 colours. The SkyTower ANE pod is carried beneath the MQ-9A’s left wing on stores station 2. (NAVAIR)
Canada’s planned purchase of General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc (GA-ASI) MQ-9 Reaper under the Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) programme has been delayed from 2025 to 2028, the country’s Department of National Defence (DND) told Janes on 27 November.

Delivery of the first upgraded Pumas for the German Army has been delayed
from
the end of 2023 to the end of February
2024
.
(Bundeswehr/Marco Dorow)
The German Federal Ministry of Defence (MoD) announced on 27 November that deliveries of upgraded Puma infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs) have been delayed.

Graphic depiction of the French Navy’s new offshore patrol vessel. (Naval Group)
The French defence procurement agency, Directorate General of Armament (DGA), has ordered seven new multi-purpose offshore patrol vessels (OPVs) for the French Navy.
Announcing the milestone on 23 November the DGA said the acquisition covered three contracts totalling EUR900 million (USD985.03 million), which were signed on 17 November.

Taiwan is preparing to retire its Northrop F-5E/F fleet from operational service before the end of 2023. (Annabelle Chih/Getty Images)
Taiwan’s Republic of China Air Force (RoCAF) is preparing to withdraw its ageing Northrop F-5 E/F Tiger II fleet from operational service by the end of 2023 and replace them with Aerospace Industrial Development Corporation (AIDC) T-5 Brave Eagle trainers.

The move comes amid a short-term dip in mentions of AI in corporate filings in Q3 this year, although the sector is expected to grow.
The post Signal: UK industry partnership to develop AI-based solutions for defence appeared first on Army Technology.

Moog Inc and Piedrafita Systems came together to introduce a test system to change the evaluation of suspensions for 70-ton tracked vehicles.
The post Moog and Piedrafita unveil test rig for armoured vehicle suspension design appeared first on Army Technology.

Contracts in the Middle East played a role in the jump, with the region a leading market for global defence providers.
The post Huge increase in UK defence exports, hitting £11.2bn in 2022 appeared first on Army Technology.

The 3SM Tyrfing missile is expected to utilise solid-fuel ramjet propulsion. (Kongsberg)
Norway has disclosed plans to jointly develop a new long-range, high-speed naval strike weapon with Germany.
Announcing the move on 24 November, Norwegian Defence Minister Bjørn Arild Gram said the projected SuperSonic Strike Missile (3SM) – given the name Tyrfing (a magic sword in Norse mythology) – was entering preliminary development pending a more substantive investment decision next year.

The british army training personnel will be able to verbally interact with the SimStriker and have a synthetic conversation with the target.
The post British Army to use ChatGPT-integrated robotic targets for training appeared first on Army Technology.

Despite having the best naval aviators and aircraft at the beginning of World War II, Japanese planners failed to prepare to replace combat losses, and it cost them dearly. By 1942, Japanese naval aviation was in decline because “the navy had simply produced too few fliers.” The U.S. military bested superb Japanese pilots by flooding the skies quickly with good enough pilots. The Japanese navy never recovered from the loss of over 100 trained naval aviators during the Battle of Midway, followed by the decimation of its remaining aviation competency at the Battle of the Philippine Sea.

Denmark’s acquisition of the  F-35 Lightning II is facing obstacles due to technological delays at Lockheed Martin, according to its Ministry of Defense.
Challenges and commitments in the transition from F-16 to F-35 in Denmark
The 2016 contract, signed by Denmark and  Lockheed Martin, provided for the delivery of 27 F-35As by 2026, worth $3 billion. So far, only four have been delivered.
Danish Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen has flagged additional delays, particularly in shipments planned for the first half of 2024, due to technical complications at Lockheed Martin.

Dr. Michael G. Vickers, former under secretary of defense for intelligence, joined Dr. Stephen Slick for a moderated discussion on his latest book, By All Means Available: Memoirs of a Life in Intelligence, Special Operations, and Strategy. The conversation discussed the reasons for writing the book and the reasons why senior leaders should share as much as they can about intelligence. The two also discussed the U.S. response to the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, the war against al-Qaeda, and U.S. operations in Iraq. Image: U.S. Army photo by Sgt.

The addition of the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II ZM137 marks a milestone in military aviation, promising to revolutionize air combat tactics.
The new F-35 ZM137 spreads its wings to dominate the skies
Lockheed Martin‘s newly incorporated  F-35 Lightning II ZM137  has officially taken off, ready to elevate the warfighting capabilities of its operators. This war machine, with its stealth technology and advanced sensors, promises unrivaled air superiority.
The ever-evolving F-35 program presents the ZM137  as its latest gem.

Israel’s use of large American-made bombs is contributing to the massive death toll in Gaza, surpassing some of the deadliest conflicts in recent times.
According to The New York Times, the carnage in Gaza, aided by the use of 2,000-pound American-made bombs, is surpassing many of the “deadliest moments” of this century, including the U.S. campaigns in Iraq, Syria, and Afghanistan.
The massive scale of Israel’s attacks, along with the use of large American-made bombs in dense urban areas, have contributed to the huge death toll, according to the report.

Iran’s Navy has strengthened its presence in the Caspian Sea with the addition of the  Deilaman destroyer, a 1,400-ton unit capable of launching cruise missiles.
This warship, named after a city in northern Iran, measures 95 meters in length and 11 meters in width. The state news agency IRNA reported that the Deilaman is capable of launching torpedoes at an impressive speed of 30 knots (56 km/h).
The  Deilaman: A Colossus in the Caspian with Missile Capacity
The Deilaman is not only a display of sea power but also an advanced technological sentinel.

A soldier from the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment (11th ACR) operates a Mounted Mission Command-Software (MMC-S)-based system during a training mission at Ft Irwin, California. (US Army)
The US Army is developing a new slate of advanced software designed to improve collection, dissemination, and exploitation of battlefield intelligence at the tactical level, according to a service solicitation.