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US Air Force picks Anduril, General Atomics for CCA program

By
Dylan Malyasov
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artist’s conception

The Department of the U.S. Air Force has selected Anduril and General Atomics to proceed with detailed designs, manufacture, and testing of production representative test articles as part of the Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) program.

Under the CCA initiative, the Air Force aims to equip its forces with crewed and uncrewed platforms that can effectively address evolving threats. The decision to continue funding these companies underscores the program’s progress and the strategic importance of fostering collaboration between industry and government.

Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall emphasized the rapid execution of the program, attributing its success to the invaluable collaboration with industry partners. The CCA program is part of the Next Generation Air Dominance Family of Systems, aligning with the Air Force’s goal of fielding autonomous systems efficiently and effectively.

Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics Andrew Hunter highlighted the pivotal role of industry partners in driving the initiative forward, emphasizing the need for innovation and expertise to ensure its success.

With a competitive production decision for the first increment of CCA expected in fiscal year 2026, the Air Force remains committed to delivering a fully operational capability by the end of the decade. International partnerships and potential Foreign Military Sales are being explored to enhance affordability and interoperability across borders.

The CCA program aims to deliver over 1,000 CCAs, prioritizing cost-effective scalability while enhancing America’s air superiority capabilities.

Ukrainian troops blow up Russian BUK air defense system

By
Dylan Malyasov
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Ukrainian Special Operations Forces have successfully destroyed a Russian BUK-M1 surface-to-air missile system.

According to reports from the Ukrainian Special Operations Command, operators from the 3rd Separate Special Operations Regiment discovered the enemy’s BUK-M1 system during reconnaissance operations in a highly contested area. The system was detected just as it was preparing to launch missiles.

“Our operators swiftly relayed the coordinates of the enemy target to the missile artillery units of the Defense Forces. The BUK-M1 system did not have the chance to launch any missiles—it was promptly eliminated,” emphasized the special forces.

The BUK-M1, also known as the SA-11 Gadfly, is a mobile medium-range surface-to-air missile system developed by Russia. Designed to protect ground troops and vital installations from aerial threats, the BUK-M1 system is capable of engaging various airborne targets, including aircraft, cruise missiles, helicopters, and other aerial threats. Its adaptability ensures effective defense even against sophisticated electronic countermeasures.

This successful operation underscores the resilience and proficiency of Ukrainian Special Forces in countering advanced military threats and safeguarding the nation’s security amidst ongoing hostilities.

Poland signs deal to buy more Chunmoo multiple-rocket launchers

By
Dylan Malyasov
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Source: Hanwha Aerospace

Hanwha Aerospace, South Korea’s largest defense company, has solidified its partnership with the Polish Armaments Agency through a significant executive contract.

The new deal, valued at approximately 2.27 trillion KRW (1.6 B USD), entails the supply of 72 Chunmoo Multiple Rocket Launcher Systems (MRLS) to Poland, along with advanced missile technology transfer.

The signing ceremony, held at Hanwha Aerospace’s production plant in Changwon on April 25, witnessed the presence of high-ranking officials from both the Polish and Korean governments. Among the distinguished attendees were representatives from the Polish delegation, including Deputy Minister of Defense Pawel Bejda and Chief of the Polish Armament Agency Artur Kuptel, alongside Korean counterparts such as Minister Seok Jong-gun of the Defense Acquisition Program Administration and Park Jong-seung, Head of the Agency for Defense Development (ADD).

Jaeil Son, President and CEO of Hanwha Aerospace, emphasized the company’s unwavering commitment to bolstering security in Poland and the broader region. He underscored Hanwha Aerospace’s dedication to providing cutting-edge defense solutions, irrespective of geopolitical shifts.

The preceding day saw the Polish delegation’s visit to ADD’s test site in Anheung, where they witnessed the successful test-firing of the 600mm CTM-290 ballistic missile, a pivotal component of the Polish Chunmoo MRLS, affectionately known as HOMAR-K. The CTM-290’s precision-guided striking capability was demonstrated with utmost efficacy, showcasing its operational readiness.

Under the HOMAR-K program, Polish defense firms will oversee the integration of the long-range rocket launcher system onto Polish Jelcz 8×8 chassis, incorporating indigenous components and subsystems.

UAE gets fourth AEW&C aircraft from Saab

By
Dylan Malyasov
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Source: Saab

Saab, the renowned defense and security company, has announced the delivery of the fourth GlobalEye aircraft to the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

As noted by the company, this milestone marks the culmination of a strategic partnership between Saab and the UAE, characterized by rapid advancements in aerial reconnaissance technology.

The delivery took place on 18 April 2024 and follows Saab’s previous deliveries of three GlobalEye to the UAE in 2020 and 2021.

“I am proud to celebrate the fourth delivery of our world-leading AEW&C solution GlobalEye to the UAE and to continue supporting its operational availability and mission success. The high delivery pace in the GlobalEye programme is testament to our unique in-house capability which means we control the entire process, from development to integration,” says Micael Johansson President and CEO of Saab.

Since the initial contract signing in 2015, the UAE has demonstrated confidence in Saab’s capabilities by ordering a total of five GlobalEye aircraft. The additional order in 2021 further underscores the UAE’s commitment to leveraging advanced technology for bolstering its defense capabilities.

Saab says GlobalEye stands as a pinnacle of multi-domain AEW&C solutions, equipped with a suite of active and passive sensors capable of long-range detection across air, sea, and land domains. By providing real-time intelligence to various military units, GlobalEye facilitates enhanced situational awareness and early threat detection, thereby fortifying national security.

Ukrainian forces strike Russian 92N6E radar system

By
Dylan Malyasov
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An image has emerged on social media purporting to show the damage inflicted on a Russian 92N6E radar system has surfaced, following strikes in the vicinity of Kremlinna.

The 92N6E, known as the “Grave Stone,” is a critical component of the SA-21 “Growler” defense missile system (Russian designation: S-400 “Triumf”) or SA-10 long-range surface-to-air missile system (Russian designation: S-300). It represents a significant advancement from its predecessor, the Soviet-era 30N6E boasting enhanced missile range and digital capabilities.

The initial report from the Militarniy indicates that Ukrainian military forces targeted the radar and accompanying vehicles of the Russian air defense system. The radar and command post of the S-300 or S-400 system were deployed in combat positions, presenting a strategic target.

According to military sources, Ukrainian forces identified the enemy’s positions using reconnaissance drones, with the engagement taking place near a wooded area.

The precision strike on the Russian air defense elements was executed using GMLRS missiles launched from the American M142 HIMARS rocket artillery system.

US Army concludes final airdrop test of new tactical vehicle

By
Dylan Malyasov
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Source: Oshkosh Defense

The U.S. Army Operational Test Command’s Airborne and Special Operations Test Directorate (ABNSOTD) recently completed the concluding airdrop test of the Oshkosh Defense FMTV A2 Cargo 6×6 at Fort Liberty, North Carolina.

According to a press release from Oshkosh, this milestone event represents a crucial phase in the FMTV A2 Low-Velocity Airdrop (LVAD) program, affirming its capability to withstand rigorous airdrop conditions and meet the exacting requirements of airborne missions.

Developed as a solution to address the challenges posed by an aging medium LVAD fleet, the Oshkosh Defense FMTV A2 LVAD series, comprising the Cargo 6×6, Cargo 4×4, and Dump Truck 6×6 variants, is designed to fulfill essential roles within the Airborne community.

Commenting on the successful tests, Pat Williams, Chief Programs Officer at Oshkosh Defense, expressed satisfaction with the FMTV A2 LVAD’s performance, emphasizing the company’s dedication to delivering mission-critical tactical vehicles aligned with the evolving needs of modern warfare.

The completion of the FMTV A2 Cargo 6×6 LVAD airdrop trials underscores its resilience, structural integrity upon landing, and capability to execute post-drop maneuvers effectively. Preceding this achievement, the Cargo 6×6 LVAD prototype underwent comprehensive testing in 2023, including Rollover Protection Structures (ROPS), Rigging Exercises (RIGEX), Roller Loading, and Simulated Airdrop Impact Testing (SAIT). Similar evaluations are scheduled for the Cargo 4×4 and Dump Truck LVAD variants in 2024.

Photo by Tad Browning

Set to replace aging Light Medium Tactical Vehicles (LMTVs), the FMTV series represents a vital advancement in military logistics and operational readiness.

Oshkosh’s ongoing collaboration with the U.S. Army has seen significant procurement orders, including a US$152 million contract in 2021, followed by a $141 million order in February 2023, and a subsequent $201 million contract in August 2023, reaffirming the military’s confidence in the FMTV A2’s capabilities and potential impact on future operations.

DARPA tests fully unmanned robotic fighting vehicles

By
Dylan Malyasov
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courtesy photo

DARPA, the U.S. military’s research department, announced that it has tested fully unmanned robotic fighting vehicles.

The DARPA Robotics Autonomy Complex Environment Recognition (RACER) Experiment 4 (E4) unfolded across military training areas in Texas, showcasing significant advancements in autonomous military maneuvers.

Using fully unmanned robotic fighting vehicles (RFVs), the RACER initiative demonstrated autonomous movement within a 15-square-mile terrain encompassing diverse ground cover typical of complex Texas landscapes, including vegetation, trees, rocks, slopes, and water crossings.

Despite no prior exposure to the area’s sensor data sets, the RACER teams executed over 30 autonomous runs covering distances ranging from 3 to 10 miles, totaling more than 150 autonomous miles. These successful runs, conducted at speeds up to 30 miles per hour, underscored the adaptability and resilience of autonomy stacks, proving their efficacy in real-world scenarios.

Moreover, the RACER program commissioned the RACER Hardware Platform (RHP) to traverse over 30 miles autonomously, evaluating low-level autonomous control, gathering sensor data, and refining operational tactics. Additionally, software development commenced for global planning with tactics, with input from focus groups comprising uniformed subject matter experts stationed at the military base.

The RHP, built on the Textron M5 base platform and supported by Carnegie Robotics, serves as a crucial element for integrating autonomy hardware and software stacks. Collaborating institutions include the University of Washington, Overland AI, NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Offroad Autonomy, Georgia Institute of Technology, and Duality Robotics.

The RACER E4 event follows previous experiments in 2022 and 2023, maintaining a biannual cadence to continually enhance robotic capabilities. DARPA’s commitment to advancing autonomy, inspired by the Grand Challenge’s legacy, persists, driving innovation in off-road military applications.

The spring of 2024 marks the 20th anniversary of DARPA’s Grand Challenge, a milestone in fostering American ingenuity in autonomous vehicle technologies. RACER’s progress represents a significant stride towards revolutionary autonomy, particularly in challenging off-road environments crucial for military operations.

UK to buy German-made new artillery system

By
Dylan Malyasov
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British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is set to convene with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz in Berlin to fortify defense ties between their nations. A key highlight of their discussions will be the unveiling of a collaborative effort to develop the Remote-Controlled Howitzer 155mm Wheeled Artillery System (RCH 155), to be integrated onto Boxer vehicles.

This joint initiative is poised to not only bolster the military capabilities of both countries but also stimulate job growth, with hundreds of positions anticipated to be created in Britain and Germany. By harnessing cutting-edge technology and fostering cross-border cooperation, the UK and Germany aim to equip their armed forces with state-of-the-art tools essential for future ground warfare scenarios.

The announcement follows Prime Minister Sunak’s recent diplomatic engagements, including his visit to Poland where he reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to NATO and unveiled plans to increase defense spending to 2.5% of GDP by 2030. This move underscores the UK’s proactive stance in enhancing its military readiness and fostering international alliances to address evolving security challenges.

Defence Minister James Cartlidge, who witnessed the demonstration of the artillery gun firsthand, emphasized the significance of this collaboration in ensuring the preparedness and effectiveness of the armed forces in an ever-changing geopolitical landscape.

The RCH 155 is a modern protected howitzer that combines the firepower and range of the automatic and remote-controllable Artillery Gun Module (AGM) with the protection and mobility of the field-tested BOXER wheeled armored vehicle.

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