EDR Magazine #67 January - February 2023

THE RENAISSANCE OF NAVAL MEDIUM CALIBRE

EVOLUTION IN ACTION: BATTLE MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS

HIGH - SPEED INTERCEPTORS AND PATROL VESSELS CONTINUE TO DEVELOP

ISRAEL AND ITS “NEW“ ARAB ALLIES

UNBEATABLE COMBINATION

RAPID RECONFIGURATION AND MISSION FLEXIBILITY.

When it comes to humanitarian missions, the rapid reconfiguration, speed and flexibility of the C-390 Millennium has proven indispensable for the Brazilian Air Force. During the height of the COVID pandemic, they employed the C-390 to deliver vital medical supplies, including ambulances and liquid oxygen, to remote communities in the Amazon Basin. After the 2021 Haiti earthquake, a C-390 was used by the Brazilian Air Force to deliver 10.5 tonnes of medicines, food and health equipment to help victims and support the emergency relief operation. And when a devastating explosion occurred in the port area of Beirut, Lebanon, the Brazilian Air Force got vital medicines and food supplies ‘on the ground’ in just under 16hrs. Proven in the field and in the toughest of environments, the C-390 has now been chosen by the Portuguese and Hungarian air forces to lead their humanitarian missions.

#C390UnbeatableCombination embraerds.com

C-390 MILLENNIUM

Publisher: Joseph Roukoz

Editor-in-chief: Paolo Valpolini

Aviation & Space Editor: David Oliver

Naval Editor: Luca Peruzzi

European Defence Review (EDR) is published by European Defence Publishing SAS www.edrmagazine.eu

To allow installation on lighter vessels Leonardo developed the 76 Single Deck, which weighs 40% less of the 76 Super Rapido while maintaining the same performances and the same flexibility, as it can fire Vulcano and DART-guided ammunition. © Luca Peruzzi

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THE RENAISSANCE OF NAVAL MEDIUM CALIBRE

By Luca Peruzzi

14 22

EVOLUTION IN ACTION: BATTLE MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS CONTINUE TO DEVELOP

By Giles Ebbutt

HIGH - SPEED INTERCEPTORS AND PATROL VESSELS

By Luca Peruzzi

ISRAEL AND ITS “NEW“ ARAB ALLIES

By David Oliver

THE RENAISSANCE OF NAVAL MEDIUM CALIBRE

BY LUCA PERUZZI

The appearance of a wider range of more lethal weapon systems on the sea, from more capable sea-skimming missiles to challenging aerial threats, such as drones and loitering munitions, have pushed both main and smaller naval forces towards the acquisition of multi-purpose gunnery weapon systems with longer range and higher accuracy, capable to fire both conventional and programmable ammunitions, the latter reducing the number of rounds for each engagement and enhancing the killing probability. The European industry is leading the market of medium calibres from 40 to 76 mm, which is registering a wider use of multi-purpose gun mounts as main armament for both first and second line combatant and patrol vessels. These are equipped with guided and programmable ammunitions to deal with a wider range of aerial threats and longer range guided and unguided rounds to support surface warfare operations in the littoral environment.

The Brazilian Navy third Macaé-class NPa 500 patrol ship, the Maracanã, is the first one armed with a 40 mm BAE Systems Bofors 40 Mk 4 naval gun system. © Brazilian Navy

BAE SYSTEMS BOFORS 40 MK 4

In December 2022, the Brazilian Navy has commissioned the first of the Macaé-class patrol ships equipped with the 40 mm BAE Systems Bofors 40 Mk 4 naval gun system. In addition to Brazil, the new gun has been contracted or is in service with four additional customers, including Finland on board its Hamina-class upgraded missile boats; Belgium and the Netherlands on mine countermeasures mother vessels for unmanned vehicles being built by Kership shipbuilding jointventure under the jointly-managed Naval GroupECA Group remotely operated MCM package programme; and the UK on board the new five Type 31 multirole frigates under construction by Babcock International. With a significantly re-engineered gun mount introducing a more compact and stealthier cupola, the same elevation mass of Swedish Army’s CV 90 armoured vehicle, and new electric drives instead of older hybrid electro-hydraulics, alongside a fully digitised modular architecture, the Mk 4 gun has an unlimited training thanks to slip ring and an elevation of -20°/+80°. It has a variable rate of fire up to 300 rpm. Muzzle velocity is 1,012 m/s, while maximum range is 12.5 km. With a gun mount weight of 2,300 kg excluding ammunition compared to the 3,700 kg of the Mk 3 version, and a height of less than 2 meters, the new model has a 30 ready-to-fire rounds in the primary magazine, plus 70 rounds in an intermediate magazine that can automatically reload the previous one, with the possibility to shift between two different ammunition types during the firing. Capable to employ any 40mm L/70 round, the latest Bofors 40 version offers full compatibility with ‘smart’ 3P programmable ammunition. Programmed at

Capable to employ any 40mm L/70 round, the BAE Systems Bofors 40 Mk 4 offers full compatibility with latest ‘smart’ 3P programmable ammunition.

© BAE Systems

the point of firing according to the threat type and engagement scenarios, and also used in the 57 mm calibre, the 3P ammunition can be set in any one of the six different modes so as to optimise effect: gate proximity for air defence; gate proximity with impact priority (air defence against large targets); time (against small, fast, and manoeuvring surface targets and concealed onshore targets); impact for engaging surface targets; armour-piercing against armoured surface targets, and proximity in the default mode.

LEONARDO MARLIN 40

With an extensive experience in manufacturing 40 mm naval guns, with more than 850 systems of different families in service with 30 navies worldwide, Leonardo is currently promoting the latest addition, the Marlin 40 (previously known as Forty Light), which has already gained international success. Leonardo acknowledges the supply to the Indonesian Navy to equip so far four PC60 patrol boats and the two Teluk Bintuni-class LSTs, while EDR Magazine understood from shipyards renderings and other sources that the Marlin 40 was also selected by the Nigerian Navy to equip the Dearsan-built two 76 meters OPVs, and by the Pakistan Navy’s for its two 98 meters Damen OPV 2600 platforms. Re-using much of the in-house 40 mm well-proven technology in terms of the 300 rpm 40/L70 gun already used in the Fast Forty single gun and ammunition feed, while adapting mechanical structures, electrical servos, electronics and software from the latest generation Marlin 30 mm gun mount, Leonardo developed an ITAR-free 40 mm naval gun weighing no more than 2,100 kg without ammunition in a full remote configuration or ILOS (Independent Line of Sight). It comes also

Capable to employ any 40mm L/70 round, the BAE Systems Bofors 40 Mk 4 offers full compatibility with latest ‘smart’ 3P programmable ammunition which effect can be optimised according to the threat type and engagement scenario. © BAE Systems

with a reduced footprint and no deck penetration to make it installable on a wide variety of vessels. As option, the Marlin 40 may be equipped with an integrated hoist to enable ammunition loading from covered position below deck. The Marlin 40 is equipped with a recoil-actuated gun with a single shot, 100 rpm and 300 rpm rate-of-fire and an up to 80 ready-to-fire rounds (adding 175 kg to the overall mass) magazine with a dual gun feed to allow switching between programmable and all types of 40 mm conventional ammunition. With a maximum effective range of 4,500 meters, the Marlin 40 is equipped with a slip ring allowing a 360° training range which can be limited with mechanical stops and obstacle contouring data and no-firing zones settable via software. Featuring a full digital architecture and powerful electrical servos, the gun has a training speed and acceleration of respectively 120°/s and 200°/s2 and an elevation range of -20/+85° with a speed and acceleration on the same plan of respectively 75°/s and 200°/ s2. The elevating mass with automatic dual feed system and magazine are all enclosed within a low RCS gun carbon fibre-made shield turret with limited footprint (2,240 mm wide and 2,003 mm high without the independent electro-optical director with a 4,234 mm length including the barrel) and hatches on the turret sides for easy access and maintenance. The 80-round magazine is part of the elevating mass, a hatch in the upper part allowing easy ammunition reloading. The Marlin 40 mm gun comes in two different configurations: one is remotely controlled by the CMS and the ILOS, and can operate in autonomous mode through its own local control console with ballistic processing, while

the second operates stand-alone using the electrooptical director (EOD) mounted above the gun. Capable to operate independently from the gun line of fire for panoramic and target surveillance, the advanced EOD is equipped with a highly accurate sensor suite (with an automatic tracking mode) consisting of daylight and IR cameras providing a detection, recognition and identification ranges of respectively 20/9/4.5 and 15/6.8/3.5 km with respect to a NATO standard target, while the laser range finder reaches 6.5 km.

NAVAL GROUP/THALES RAPIDFIRE

During the Euronaval 2022 exhibition, the temporary consortium formed by Thales and Nexter unveiled the real size mock-up of the RAPIDFire, ‘an effective close-in defence capability against modern air and surface threats’, developed under contract with the French General Armaments Directorate (DGA) in a naval version to equip future and present French Navy platforms. The RAPIDFire is under production and is being installed for at-sea firing tests and qualification on the Jacques Chevallier, the first of the four Bâtiments Ravitailleurs de Forces (BRF) or fleet replenishment vessels. It will then also be installed on other naval units, among which the future Patrouilleurs Océaniques (PO). Centred on an over-deck self-contained gyro-stabilized gun mount, the RAPIDFire is equipped with the 40 CTA (40 mm Cased Telescoped Ammunition) gun developed by the CTAI joint-venture between Nexter and BAE Systems. It is in series production and in service with the French Army and soon with the Belgian Army, installed in the T40 two-man turret fitted onto the Jaguar 6x6 reconnaissance armoured vehicle, and was delivered to the UK MoD for the British Army Ajax tracked vehicle. The RAPIDFire features an automatic ammunition management system with a 140 ready-to-fire rounds magazine, advanced algorithms for fire control functions, and a co-located but independent gyro-stabilized optronic director. Equipped with the same peculiar ammunition design, in which the projectile is embedded in the tubular case, hence the “cased telescoped” name of the weapon, the side-loading system permits to shift from one type of ammunition to another, the link-less single feed system and rotating chamber-

based loading/expulsion system ensuring short fire cycle and reduced jamming. Developed to operate in the maritime environment and aimed primarily at air targets including small drones and anti-ship cruise missiles alongside small surface targets, the RAPIDFire gun employs the full 40 mm CTA family of rounds, including the under development anti aerial airburst round (A3B) as it is known in France, while internationally it is named KEAB (Kinetic Energy Air Burst). The latter releases a payload of 660 grams of tungsten pellets that forms a cloud of subprojectiles in front of the target, specifically shaped to cause maximum damage to air targets. However, due to the heavier weight of the latter ammunition and the need to apply a comparable impulse during the firing, the thickness and therefore weight of the

The Marlin 40 mm gun comes in two configurations: one remotely controlled by the CMS and the ILOS, that can operate in autonomous mode through its own local control console, while the second operates in stand-alone mode using the independent electro-optical director mounted above the gun mount. © Leonardo

gun barrel has been increased and a new muzzle brake with three baffles, compared to the two of the Jaguar cannon, was introduced. The under development A3B will have an engagement range against mentioned targets up to 4,000 meters.

The over-deck, self-contained with inclined sides turret, which can be installed on ships beyond 30 meters length, has a weight of 3.5 tonnes with ammunition. It has an overall elevation arc of 85°, maximum elevation depending on the depression required by the customer. The newly developed and dedicated gyro-stabilized optronic director provided by Thales and featuring medium wave IR and daylight channels and a laser range finder can be used not only for targets search, acquisition, identification, classification and engagement but also for panoramic surveillance. The RAPIDFire has growth capabilities, being capable to accommodate guided propelled rockets as well as a tracking radar as unveiled on the future French Navy’s aircraft carrier model showed at Euronaval, among other enhancements.

BAE SYSTEMS BOFORS 57 MK 3

In December 2022, BAE Systems has signed two contracts worth approximately $32 million in a combined procurement for its Bofors 57 mm 3P (Prefragmented, Programmable, Proximity-fused) advanced ammunition in a combined procurement from both the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) and the Finnish Defence Forces Logistics Command for their Bofors 57 Mk 3 naval gun systems. Developed from the beginning to capitalize on the multi-target functionality provided by the ‘smart’ 3P ammunition, the Bofors 57 Mk 3 is the third generation of a family’s lineage of high rate-of-fire multipurpose weapon system with a compact lightweight mounting, which can be installed from smaller surface combatants (down to 150 tons) to large platforms, to provide an anti-air,

During Euronaval 2022 the temporary consortium formed by Thales and Nexter unveiled the RAPIDFire, developed under contract with the French General Directorate of Armaments in a naval version to equip future and present French Navy platforms. © Luca Peruzzi

anti-surface and shore bombardment capability. Developed and produced at BAE Systems Bofors in Karlskoga, Sweden, the worldwide club of customers for Bofors 57 Mk 3 and its US version Mk 110 (assembled in the US) has expanded in the latest years, today including the navies and coast guards of Brunei, Canada (as upgrade), Finland, Germany, Indonesia, Mexico, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, Sweden, UAE, UK and US. Equipped with a fully automatic, computerized ammunition handling system capable to accommodate 120 ready-to-fire rounds in the gun mount with a loading system from the magazine centred on two parallel hoists enabling instant switching between ammo types, the Bofors 57 mm gun has a -10°/+77° elevation range, a maximum rate of fire of 220 rpm and a maximum range of 17 km. An integrated

muzzle-velocity radar is fitted to supply data to the fire-control computer for calculating ballistics and target intercept point, enabling the gun to achieve maximum accuracy and fully exploit 3P functionality. It is managed by a single remote operator console but, as a backup, it can also be controlled from a PC-based gun controller located anywhere onboard thanks to a gun-mounted TV-camera. Total system weight, excluding ammunition, is 7,000 kg. In addition to the 3P ammunition (designated Mk 295 Mod 0 in the US) which can be programmed in six different function modes, allowing the engagement of a wide range of targets, from drones to missiles, from swarming boats to surface vessels, the US DoD is procuring the L3 Mustang Technologies

Mk 332 Mod 0 High Explosive-4 Bolt Guided (HE-4G) cartridge under the ALaMO (Advanced Low-cost Munitions Ordnance) programme, and is developing a next generation munition under the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) MultiAzimuth Defense - Fast Intercept Round Engagement System

The worldwide club of customers for BAE Systems Bofors 57 Mk 3 and its US version Mk 110 (assembled in the US) has expanded in the latest years, today including

the navies and coast guards of twelve customers. © Lockheed Martin

The RAPIDFire is equipped with the 40 mm Cased Telescoped Ammunition gun developed by CTAI jointventure between Nexter and BAE Systems. Its employs the full 40 mm CTA family of rounds, including the A3B/KEAB anti aerial airburst round, currrently under development. © Luca Peruzzi

The BAE Systems Bofors 57 Mk 3 is the third generation of a family’s of high rate-of-fire multipurpose guns with a compact lightweight mounting, which can be installed from smaller surface combatants to large platforms. © PT PAL

BAE Systems has recently signed two contracts worth approximately $32 million for its Bofors 57 mm 3P (Prefragmented, Programmable, Proximityfused) advanced ammunition in a combined procurement from Sweden and Denmark.

© BAE Systems

(MAD-FIRES) programme. The HE-4G is a hit-tokill ammunition with a fragmenting incendiary warhead that allows countering swarms of unmanned surface vehicles before these come within their effective weapon range. The MADFIRES programme is focused on development and test of technologies and a prototype design of a gun hardened projectile, capable to defeat a raid of fast, maneuvering anti-ship cruise missiles. It consists of a gun, a smart round, an illuminator and a mission computer, the technologies critical to the projectile performances including a gun hardened shell and a novel Ka-band seeker. The system is under development by Raytheon Missiles and Defense and sized to be fired by the 57 mm gun as a new ship self-defense system. According to DARPA FY 23 budget documentation, the current phase of the programme is focused on demonstrating endto-end system performances against surrogate supersonic targets. Increased funding for FY 23 reflects activities leading up to sea testing of a fully integrated demonstrator.

LEONARDO SUPER RAPIDO AND SINGLE DECK

The OTO 76/62 mm Super Rapido gun mount (SRGM) developed by Leonardo is enjoying a new life and is acquiring new customers thanks to its digitization, the development of new long-range guided and unguided ammunitions in addition to the widening market for the Strales configuration, and the entering into service of the new generation 76 Single Deck version. With a 120 round per minute (rpm) rate-of-fire, limited on-board footprint and weight (7,900 kg mass without ammunition

which reaches 9,200 kg with the Strales guidance kit), the SRGM is currently offered with a multifeed (hence the 76/62 mm SR MF designation) ammunition magazine based on two distinct chutes, each hosting up to 38 rounds, and a rapid reloading system with two ammunition handlers capable to work even during the firing action and to select any ammunition contained in the two branches regardless of its position. It also features a new AC3v2 remote digital console, a digital link to fire control systems (FCSs), as well as a new universal ammunition programmer for both unguided and guided rounds. In the Strales configuration that Leonardo offers for both new production and in-service (via an upgrade kit) guns, the SRGM comes with an RF Ka-band antenna guidance kit installed on the mount and the DART (Driven Ammunition with Reduced Time of Flight) guided rounds. Developed to cope with anti-ship missiles and asymmetric threats and exploiting the DART’s high-speed round (1,100 m/s muzzle velocity) and its manoeuvring capabilities, the SRGM in this configuration has an engagement range of 6-8 km and is also capable to deal with both high-subsonic and the more demanding supersonic threats. No live trials have however so far been conducted against the latter threat, confirmed Leonardo. The company is already delivering to customers BER (Ballistic Extended Range) rounds with a 27 km range and is developing the 76 mm Vulcano sub-calibre guided long-range round equipped with IMU and GPS for autonomous guidance and capable of ranges up to 40 km. Under contract with the Italian Navy as launch customer, deliveries of 76 mm Vulcano production rounds are expected in 2023-2024. The Italian MoD’s Naval Armaments Directorate

recently awarded Leonardo a multiple batches supply contract for DART ammunitions to boost their inventory in order to equip the widened number of Strales-equipped platforms (so far FREMMs, PPAs, the Cavour aircraft carrier, Horizon destroyers, and the Trieste LHD). In the last years, the SRGM was procured or selected by the Navies of Qatar, Israel, Greece, Senegal, Bulgaria, Turkmenistan, Indonesia, Pakistan, Poland and, according to media, Ukraine. The SRGM in the Strales configuration was sold to Colombia and Egypt, while EDR Magazine also understood it was acquired by the UAE. The Indian company BHEL, as the local licensee for the gun manufacturing, received an order from the Indian MoD for the SRGM with upgraded capabilities to be installed on most Indian Navy platforms, which EDR Magazine identified as the Strales/DART and 76 Vulcano. The Taiwan MoD plans to equip the Navy’s fleet with the Strales configuration, according to local media. Other customers are interested in coupling the SRGM/ DART with the new Leonardo dual-band radarEO/IR NA-30S or the Thales Nederland Pharos. The latter union (no details were added among the traditional SRGM or the Single Deck version choice) was selected by the Netherlands MoD together with the Raytheon RAM missile system to replace the in-service Goalkeeper close-in weapon system and equip the new multi-purpose frigates to be jointly procured by the Netherlands and Belgium.

A completely new lighter and lower footprint version of the SRGM developed under contract

by the Italian Navy, the 76 Single Deck, features a new gun mount architecture with almost 40% weight reduction, while maintaining the same gun rate of fire with an air-cooled gun barrel, ready-to-fire ammunitions and the Vulcano and DART-guided ammunition firing capability, the latter through a Ka-band RF guidance antenna enclosed under the gun in a stealthy turret. The 76 Single Deck is operational on board Italian Navy Thaon di Revel-class PPAs since 2022.

Developed to cope with anti-ship missiles and asymmetric threats and exploiting the DART’s high-speed round and its manoeuvring capabilities, the Leonardo Super Rapido 76/62 mm gun mount in the Strales configuration has an engagement range of 6-8 km. © Leonardo

A completely new lighter and not penetrating version of the Leonardo Super Rapido, the 76 Single Deck, features a new gun mount architecture with almost 40% weight reduction. © Luca Peruzzi

MKE 76/62 MM AND THE TURKISH NATIONAL NAVAL GUN PROJECT

In late August 2022, the Turkish MoD announced that the Istanbul Shipyard Command and the state-owned Ankara-based MKE (Makine ve Kimya Endüstrisi A.Ş., Machinery and Chemical Industry Inc.) company active in the artillery, small arms and ammunition business, successfully completed the harbour and sea acceptance trials of the indigenous 76/62 mm naval gun. The National Naval Gun Project was conceived to develop a national product in order to relief the Turkish Navy from dependency of foreign manufacturers and their potential export limitations. It is intended to substitute the Oto Melara 76/62 mm Compatto in the Turkish Navy inventory and provide a new product for the international market. With a digital architecture in terms of fire and automation, the MKE 76/62 mm gun system is characterized by a reduced radar cross section shield and a deck penetrating ammunition magazine. It features a weight of less than 7,500 kg

without ammunition, which reaches 8,500 kg with the ammunition payload of up to 80 rounds. With a sea or fresh water barrel cooling system, the 76/62 mm gun has a maximum rate of fire of 80 rpm and can reach a range of 16 km, which increases to 20 km when using extended range rounds. Activities are reported being carried out also on notspecified ‘smart’ rounds. Equipped with a slip ring it can continuously rotate in azimuth, training speed declared being of 60-65°/s, with an acceleration of 72°/s2. Capable to engage both surface and air targets, the MKE 76 mm has an elevation arc of –15°/+85°, with an elevation speed of 35-40 °/s and an acceleration of 72°/s2. Following the completion of land-based tests and qualification, the first single-round firing was achieved in November 2021, the gun mount was installed and integrated on board the Beykoz corvette in July 2022 and the following month conducted the first live trials campaign, completing land bombardment, surface and anti-air firings within the scope of harbour and acceptance tests, successfully passing them according to the Turkish MoD.

Developed to cope with anti-ship missiles and asymmetric threats and exploiting the DART’s high-speed round and its manoeuvring capabilities, the Leonardo Super Rapido 76/62 mm gun mount in the Strales configuration has an engagement range of 6-8 km. © Leonardo

The indigenous 76/62 mm naval gun, developed under the Turkish National Naval Gun Project by the Istanbul Shipyard Command and the stateowned Ankara-based MKE company, successfully completed harbour and sea acceptance trials. © Turkish Minister of Defence

CHARTING A CLEAR PATH TO BECOMING A GLOBAL LEADER IN ADVANCED AUTONOMOUS SYSTEMS _

World military powers both large and small are pursuing advanced autonomous systems for offensive and defensive applications, fundamentally altering the way force is exerted and deployed, and efficiently levelling many previous overmatch capabilities on the battlefield. The ongoing advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) has further improved the efficiency and accuracy of these systems – reinforcing the idea that embracing emerging technology will have a game-changing and outsized impact on military power across the spectrum of conflict.

Recognised as one of the world’s leading advanced technology and defence groups, EDGE has successfully reaffirmed the UAE’s position as a competitive and synergised producer of innovative solutions. Generating a 400 percent increase in the existing product range and a portfolio of over 100 products and solutions – with 70 of those having been launched and developed since its inception in November 2019 – EDGE is successfully building a national defence industrial base, increasing in-country value, developing sovereign capabilities, and positioning the UAE as a serious global player within the advanced technology industry.

As a key area of focus in its aggressive product development roadmap, EDGE is making significant advancements in boosting the country’s autonomous capabilities. In line with the UAE’s Industry 4.0 agenda, EDGE is playing a major role in leveraging advanced technologies such as AI to develop superior autonomous solutions, both to bolster national and regional defence, and further afield to key markets for export. With the future increasingly relying on unmanned systems across land, air, and sea, EDGE is investing extensively to fast-track R&D investments in these domains, bringing more than 20 new products to market in the areas of autonomous systems and smart munitions, with many more in the pipeline.

As customers evolve their unmanned missions, EDGE is advancing its capabilities, providing longer endurance, offering increased payload capabilities, and focusing on tactical flexibility in dynamic environments across air, land, and sea domains.

AIR

Designed for ISR operations, GARMOOSHA is a UAE-made tactical unmanned aerial system (UAS) that can carry payloads of 150 kg with an endurance of 8 hours and range of 150 km. Combining the expertise of precision-guided systems manufacturer HALCON and autonomous systems leader ADASI, EDGE has also made impressive strides in the development of loitering munitions.

Designed to provide small ground units and special operations forces

GARMOOSHA

with significant situational awareness, the QX family makes use of artificial intelligence algorithms to target and strike, and has an aim accuracy similar to laser guided munitions. Delivering high precision strike against fixed targets and advanced guidance capabilities, the SHADOW family carry heavier payloads and provide long range and high speed munitions. The RASH family comprises fixed-wing guidance kits that can be attached to a standard mortar or DESERT STING-16 fragmentation warhead to convert it into a glider-based guided munition system.

Similarly, the HUNTER 2-S is a tube-launched swarming drone equipped with advanced AI technology. Integrated with a fragmentation munition, HUNTER 2-S drones share information to perform coordinated surveillance and strike missions, track and maintain positions, and engage targets.

LAND

As observed twenty years ago, the initial uptake of drones was slow as armed forces adapted their concept of operations (CONOPS) early in the product lifecycle. Today, we can draw parallels to unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) technology with numerous countries undergoing intensive testing and evaluation with plans to initiate larger-scale adoption and use in operational environments.

The SCORPIO range of UGVs is designed to make battlefields and specific environments safer for humans. These systems demonstrate a robust ability to undertake several high-pressure tasks, including public safety, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) operations, and other diverse missions.

ADASI also fitted NIMR’s AJBAN 440 with a robotic kit to create the ADASI armed robotic vehicle (ARV) which provides a rapidly deployable platform for last mile delivery in high-risk zones. The vehicle can seamlessly switch between manned and unmanned functionalities and can be fitted with a remote-controlled weapon station (RCWS) and a 12.7mm heavy machine gun.

SEA

While the maritime industry has been comparatively slower to adopt these technologies, it is certainly evolving and diversifying, and the rising popularity of unmanned surface vehicles (USVs) and unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs) is prompting an increase in procurement and deployment by many navies and border security organisations around the world.

As R&D accelerates, USVs and UUVs will play a very significant role in protecting human operators, securing national waters, and assisting naval missions. EDGE is currently working with local and global partners to develop next-generation unmanned and autonomous maritime platforms, enabling the UAE to benefit from the international expertise of leading industry players.

As we advance our adoption of Industry 4.0 technologies, interoperable autonomous and autonomy-enabled systems across air, land, and sea will greatly assist in preventing hostilities, in shaping the security environment, protecting critical infrastructure, and safeguarding borders and coastlines – thereby contributing to the safety and security of the country which is crucial for development and growth.

EVOLUTION IN ACTION: BATTLE MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS CONTINUE TO DEVELOP

BY GILES EBBUTT

Getting inside the opponent’s decision loop” is a much-quoted aim of modern warfare, which essentially means making decisions and taking effective action more quickly than the enemy, in order to keep them off balance and retain the initiative. This can only be achieved by an effective command and control (C2) structure and systems that provide commanders with accurate information and enable the rapid passage of plans and orders down the command structure. And this is true at all levels of command.

At the tactical level battle management systems (BMS) have automated many of the C2 functions and are now an essential part of the provision of accurate, timely and all-informed situational awareness (SA) and the efficient exercise of command. BMS capabilities continue to evolve to support new concepts.

A screenshot of Systematic’s SitaWare Frontline, the variant for vehicle-borne operations. © Systematic

Systematic’s data-centric AI-based SitaWare Insight, an add-on for SitaWare Headquarters, being viewed by UK staff. © Systematic

SYSTEMATIC’S SITAWARE

While some countries use a BMS supplied by their domestic industry, others source their systems from elsewhere. Probably the most ubiquitous of these solutions is from Danish software house Systematic, whose SitaWare C2 software suite is in use in different guises in over 30 countries.

SitaWare consists of three interoperable and scalable segments: SitaWare Headquarters (HQ), designed for use in command posts (CP) and HQs at battalion level and above and for maritime and air operations; SitaWare Frontline, a battle management system intended principally for use in vehicles; and SitaWare Edge for the dismounted user. From its original focus on the land domain, SitaWare has now been expanded into the maritime and air domains, particularly for SitaWare HQ.

It is an open and customisable system. The software includes SitaWare Tactical Communications (STC) which supports the rapid and efficient transfer of data over tactical radios with limited bandwidth, managing the complexities of data compression, bandwidth management, synchronization, connectivity and routing. It also includes the Multilateral

Interoperability Programme (MIP) Data Exchange Model (DEM), which supports coalition interoperability.

The software has been progressively improved over its life, with better mapping including a 3D capability, an improved human-machine interface (HMI) and increasing functionality to embrace different warfighting functions, such as a specific fires application. The most recent addition has been SitaWare Insight, an Artificial Intelligence (AI) based data-analysis capability intended to support staff across intelligence, planning and operations at all levels of command, enabling data from all domains to be combined and then exploited.

Systematic has steadily added additional customers for its software. The most recent is Poland, which will receive SitaWare Frontline as part of the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) agreement for 250 M1A2SEPv3 Abrams main battle tanks (MBT) and other supporting vehicles which was announced in early 2022.

The German Bundeswehr has been steadily adopting a SitaWare solution for its command posts and vehicle borne requirements, having Initially used a version of the software in the joint

headquarters in Potsdam. In mid-2019 SitaWare HQ was selected for use in its deployable CPs.

At the end of 2019 Frontline was selected as the vehicle-borne BMS for the German-led Very High Readiness Joint Task Force 2023 (Land) (VJTF (L) 2023) programme, and it was subsequently adopted for the remainder of the German Army. The Bundeswehr has now implemented SitaWare as the Bundeswehr Mission Enabling Service (MESBw) to provide a common framework across all domains.

US ARMY SOLUTION

The largest user of a SitaWare-based system is the US Army, which has customised SitaWare HQ to form the core of its Command Post Computing Environment (CPCE), providing a framework architecture that hosts previously stove-piped functional systems. Speaking at the Association of the US Army annual meeting in October 2022 Colonel Matt Paul, project manager, mission command, with the program executive officer, command, control, communications-tactical (PEO C3T) said that

Increment 1 of CPCE was six months into the fielding process, with about 450 units equipped.

Increment 2 is under development. This will shift the environment to a cloud-native solution, he said, and will integrate six more functional applications. These include third party intelligence applications covering both all-source intelligence and intelligence support to targeting. Col Paul said this is the first time intelligence functionality has been fully integrated into the environment, replacing unwieldy manual processes.

Increment 2 also includes a sustainment application, providing an automated tactical logistics C2 capability that the US army last had about 10 years ago when it divested the Battlefield Combat Service Support system (BCS3). Col Paul added that the increment would also improve the tactical data fabric, particularly data management. Increment 2 was tested at Project Convergence 22 in late 2022 and providing it was successful will be fielded sometime in 2023.

The US Army’s CPCE, which is based on SitaWare, during a 2021 assessment. © US Army

For the vehicle-based Mounted Computing Environment (MCE) the US Army is adopting a Tactical Assault Kit (TAK) based solution with functionality that it has developed in-house to sit on top of the basic TAK software. The first tests will take place in early- to mid-2023 and providing these are satisfactory fielding will begin later in 2023. Col Paul explained that as MCE will be hosted on the existing second generation Mounted Family of Computer Systems (MFoCS II) hardware, fielding should be fairly rapid as it only consists of a hard drive change.

The second increment of MCE is currently being developed. This will add fires, intelligence and sustainability functionality. Col Paul said that the intention is to establish a 12-month software upgrade cycle.

Under current plans both CPCE and MCE will be available at battalion HQ. However, Col Paul noted that lessons from the Ukraine conflict included the need for dispersal and constant movement to avoid HQs being targeted, and there was therefore a requirement for minimal infrastructure to enhance speed of displacement. As a result the Army is examining what functionality was required at what level of command, he said.

For the dismounted user the Nett Warrior system has settled on the Android TAK solution, first espoused by the Special Forces community and now adopted by the wider Army. It provides a simple, easy to use SA system that is popular with users.

UK UNCERTAINTY

The British Army continues to use its common battlefield applications toolset (ComBAT) and the platform battlefield information systems application (PBISA), which was part of the overall Bowman communications system and known collectively as BCIP. It is produced by General Dynamics (GD). The current version is BCIP 5.6, which has overcome many of the problems of earlier versions.

The intention is to replace BCIP as part of Project MORPHEUS, itself a sub-programme of the UK’s overall Land Environment Tactical CIS (LE TacCIS) digital modernisation programme. There are - or were – two elements to this. The Evolve to Open (EvO) phase, for which GD was contracted in 2017, should replace BCIP with a modular system using an open architecture as opposed to the current closed system. This would then form the basis of the future system.

Separately, Elbit Systems UK was contracted to produce a new battle management application (BMA) that would provide the future BMS and replace ComBAT. By all accounts the BMA has been developed, based on Elbit’s TORCH-X framework that is used by a number of customers including the IDF.

However, the EvO programme does not appear to be progressing according to plan. There have been rumours for some time that GD has not yet delivered on the contract, and this would seem to be borne out in evidence given in December

The US Army’s MCE will be hosted on Leonardo DRS’s MFoCS II hardware. © Leonardo DRS

2022 to the House of Commons Public Accounts Committee examining the 2022-2023 MoD Equipment Plan. The MoD Permanent Secretary told the committee that “We have successfully now got through the design for the Evolve to Open programme. We are not confident that the current arrangements will allow us to deliver.”

It is not yet clear what is going to happen next. By all accounts, the Elbit BMA will not be utilised although it is not entirely clear why. Its mounted and dismounted solution has been abruptly withdrawn from use by the Australian Army (and may be replaced by SitaWare), although the public reasons for this remain disputed; it is not clear whether this has any bearing on the UK’s position.

In the meantime, it is starting to look increasingly likely that the UK may go down the SitaWare route. SitaWare HQ is already used by the UKframeworked and based Allied Rapid Reaction Corps (ARRC), which is NATO-funded and therefore makes its own procurement decisions, and by HQ 3(UK) Division. Reliable sources suggest that there may be a “quick and dirty” UK

procurement of SitaWare for limited use by the Army, followed by a longer procurement process for a permanent solution. Matters should become clearer in early 2023.

On the dismounted front the UK’s Dismounted Situational Awareness (DSA) programme has been leaning heavily towards an ATAK solution, with the system utilised to support DSA communications experimentation. However, there are those who suggest that ATAK may have weaknesses, such as limited functionality and interoperability. A final decision has not been made and is unlikely to be until the experimentation programme is complete.

FRANCE’S SCORPION

The French Army’s Synergie du COntact Renforcé par la Polyvalence et l’InfovalorisatiON (SCORPION) modernisation programme will transform the capabilities of the combined-arms battlegroup (groupement tactique interarmes – GTIA), with new vehicles, weapons systems and communications, and most importantly, a new C2 system. All these developments will

A screen shot of the mounted touchscreen variant of SICS, showing a tactical picture displayed against overhead imagery. © Giles Ebbutt

contribute to the French Army’s new tactical doctrine of “collaborative combat”, which is essentially a network-centric approach relying on the rapid sharing of information to achieve tactical advantage and battlefield success.

The Système d’Information du Combat Scorpion (SICS) (Scorpion Combat Information System) is the new BMS that is at the heart of this concept. It replaces five separate BMS that are currently used below brigade level. Developed by Atos Technologies in a programme that began in 2014, SICS is based on the company’s generic product, known as Atos Digital BMS.

The system uses a standard layered open architecture and incorporates a multipurpose communication server that supports a range of tactical radios plus GSM, LTE, TETRA, TETRAPOL, and satellite communication (SATCOM). The system has been integrated with the French Army’s current radios, the Thales PR4G F@stnet using the GeoMux waveform, and the Sagem

RIF-NG (Réseau d’Information du Fantassin de Nouvelle Génération) for dismounted personnel. In future it will use the Thales CONTACT softwaredefined radio (SDR), which is expected to begin fielding in early 2023.

The SICS software architecture and the human/ machine interface (HMI) have been inspired by those used in social media, with the intention of making the system easy to understand and used by a user generation comfortable with the digital environment.

SICS has three levels with the same software base but different HMI. Battlegroup and company command posts will use a conventional mouse and keyboard, while the vehicle-mounted and dismounted variants have a touch screen interface. The touch screen variants have a “troops in contact” button, to provide an immediate alert across the network when hostile contact is made. SICS will only be fielded down to squad leaders, although the squad leader

The headquarters variant of SICS, showing a graphical plan linked to a table with mission allocation and synchronisation matrix. © Giles Ebbutt.

will have the positions of his individual squad members on his display through the blue force tracking (BFT) capability.

All users are on the same flat network and exchange data through tactical communities of interest (COI) and can be members of a number of different COI. A platoon commander, for example, would be a member of his own COI and that of his company commander. All members of a COI see the same tactical picture and can contribute to it, with information immediately shared across the community. The exception is position location information (PLI) (BFT), which is filtered on a geographical basis, so that all friendly tracks in a particular area are visible to all users.

The system was operationally deployed in the Sahel in 2021-22 in operations over an area of 2.7 million km2, with six CPs and more than 500 SICS installations. The version in use is V1.1 which was delivered in December 2021. V1.1.1 was fielded in late 2022. V1.2 is due to follow in March 2023, which will add new functionalities such as fire support.

The French Army aimed to field a Scorpion battlegroup by 2021, which was achieved with the Mali deployment. The next milestones are to field a brigade by the end of 2023, and then by 2025 to be able to support a small joint operation as framework nation based on deploying two brigades overseas in a coalition environment.

Deployment to Mali on Op Barkhane was the first battalion-level operational deployment for a SCORPION-equipped unit, including the Griffon vehicle with SICS. © French MOD

EMBRAER: A DIVERSIFIED PORTFOLIO FOR GLOBAL DEFENSE REQUIREMENTS

Embraer Defense & Security is a global aerospace company with more than 50 years of history. It has a modern and innovative product portfolio and has delivered solutions to over 60 countries. Embraer offers several defense solutions including border surveillance and monitoring, sensors, tactical and strategic communications, as well as command and control systems and infrastructure. It is however best known for manufacturing the A-29 Super Tucano light attack and training aircraft, and the multi-mission C-390 Millennium transport aircraft.

The C-390 Millennium is a tactical transport aircraft that has set new standards in its category. The C-390 Millennium is a latest generation multi-mission military airlifter. It offers unrivaled mobility and payload, rapid reconfiguration, high availability, and optimized management to reduce operating costs throughout its lifecycle.

In addition to the Brazilian Air Force, the Portuguese and Hungarian Air Forces have both acquired the C-390 Millennium. These aircraft will be fully NATO-compatible and be configured for air to air refueling. In June 2022, the Dutch Ministry of Defense announced the selection of five C-390 Millennium aircraft to replace its current fleet of transport aircraft. The rigorous research and analysis process of the Netherland’s Ministry of Defence highlighted the aircraft’s performance and operation output and concluded that “the C-390 has higher availability and needs considerably less maintenance. This means that more hours can be flown with the same number of aircraft. The C-390 has a multi-mission concept, whereby the required mission types are incorporated in a standard configuration”.

The A-29 Super Tucano is a light attack, reconnaissance, and advanced training aircraft. More than 260 units have been delivered and the aircraft has been selected by more than 16 air forces around the world, including the United States Air Force.

The A-29 Super Tucano is combat-proven and represents the “Gold Standard” in its field. It combines superior aircraft performance with 21st century weapons, integrated sensors and surveillance systems, datalinks, and sophisticated protection systems. It is a versatile and powerful platform with a rugged and durable design that enables it to operate from unimproved runways at forward operating bases in austere environments.

Embraer’s integrated solutions for Border Surveillance and Monitoring encompass the complete surveillance cycle, delivering accurate information to support decision makers. Currently, Embraer is responsible for the Brazilian Army’s Integrated Border Monitoring System (SISFRON), one of the largest border surveillance projects on the planet.

Embraer’s radar portfolio delivers a range of equipment including the M60, which focuses on the search for airborne targets and integrates into an Anti-Aircraft Operations Center. The M200, combines the functions of primary and secondary radar and complies with the requirements of civilian and military air traffic control. The M20, radar delivers ground surveillance and is already in operation with the SISFRON program. Embraer offers a variety of defense systems which, combined with various platforms, help commanders and operators collect data faster, analyze options more accurately and streamline decision-making more efficiently.

HIGH - SPEED INTERCEPTORS AND PATROL VESSELS

BY LUCA PERUZZI

The need to control both national and exclusive economic zone waters against a wide range of threats including smuggling, armed pirates and neighbours’ naval forces, and to protect them including offshore and shorebased installations such as oil and gas fields, pipelines and exploration activities, have pushed naval forces and maritime security agencies to acquire a range of high-speed patrol and armed boats that can be quickly deployed to ensure deterrence or to take action in the area of operations. While in the past Northern Europe, UK and US were the most prolific builders of these platforms, together with European continental and southern shipyards, more recently the latter and Israeli players gained momentum.

FRENCH SHIPYARDS, THE MOST ACTIVE

French shipyards are the most active, with the well-known Normandy-based CMN (Construction Mécaniques de Normandie), part of the CMN Naval Group, having today three families of interceptors: HSI 32, DV 15 and WP 18. The 32 meters planing deep-V all-aluminium hull HSI 32 is a popular model

with 60+ orders from Mozambique, Angola and Saudi Arabia. CMN is providing 58 units to the latter, of which 31 built in France and the remaining with a technology transfer programme with Saudi group Zamil Offshore Services. With a 32.2 meters length and a 7 meters beam, the latest HSI 32 Mk III model has a 46+ knots maximum speed and a range of 1,200 nm at 12 knots. With a 12-elements crew, it comes with a more

The 32 meters planing deep-V allaluminium HSI 32 is being provided by French CMN shipbuilder to Saudi Arabia directly from France or through local construction under a technology transfer programme with Saudi group Zamil Offshore Services. © CMN Naval Group

powerful combat system, which in addition to a 20 or 30 mm remote controlled weapon system (RWS), two 12.7 mm and two 7.62 mm machine guns, also includes up to two lightweight launchers for anti-surface and anti-air missiles (MBDA Simbad RC, Thales LMM and Raytheon Griffin. It can also operate a 6.5 meters RHIB). With over 100 boats sold to clients including Angola, Mozambique, Qatar, UAE and Yemen, CMN today offers the Mk IV version of the DV 15 maritime security boat. With a 17.6 meters length and 3.4 meters beam, it can reach a maximum speed of 65 knots with a range of 250 nm at 50 knots. It has a complement of six plus six embarked personnel. In addition to a main RWS with a 30 mm ATK M230LF gun, the latest version is slightly longer and faster and can accommodate an MBDA Simbad RC system with two Mistral 3 missiles for multi-

With over 100 boats sold to clients including Angola, Mozambique, Qatar, UAE and Yemen, CMN today offers the Mk IV version of the DV 15 maritime security boat characterized by guns and missiles weapon package. © CMN Naval Group

purpose operations. One of the worldwide top-speed interceptors, with an 18.6 meters length and 3.5 meters beam, the composite material-made WP 18 boat has two diesel engines and surface propellers providing a maximum speed of 70+ knots, with a 370 nm range at 47 knots. Designed for high-speed assaults and special operations and sold to different customers, the stealthy platform has a crew of three and can accommodate a 12.7 mm RWS in addition to intelligence gathering equipment. CMN is also promoting a new family of high-speed assault boats starting from the 18.7 meters long HASB 20 model, capable to be beached and to carry up to 24 combatants deployed via the forward ramp, with a top speed of 40 knots and a 12.7 mm RWS, to the new 32 meters HSAB 32 model able to carry up to 50 combatants with an RWS and a laser-guided rocket launcher.

One of the worldwide topspeed interceptors, with an 18.6 meters length and 3.5 meters beam, the composite material-made WP 18 model developed by CMN, can reach 70 knots. © CMN Naval Group

Unveiled by French Couach shipbuilder during Euronaval 2022, the Light Modular Interceptor combines outboard power, seaproven hull and a deck plan tailored to the client’s needs. It is capable to reach 60 knots and carry a 12.7 mm machine gun. © Couach

Couach shipbuilder in Gujan-Mestras (near Bordeaux) offers a family of 11-to-22 meters high-speed patrol vessels, including the 16.9 meters long 1650 FIC (Fast Interceptor Craft) capable of 60+ knots and sold to the Saudi Coast Guard in almost 80 units, and the PL1400 FIC model of 14.15 meters length that features a top speed of 55 knots and is armed with a 12.7 mm RWS, already sold to Oman. During Euronaval 2022, Couach unveiled the new 12 meters outboardpowered multi-mission platform known as the Light Modular Interceptor (LMI). Combining outboard power, sea-proven hull and a deck plan tailored to the client’s needs, the LMI comes in two versions, open and with an enclosed and air-conditioned wheelhouse. It is capable to reach 65 knots and carries a 12.7 mm machine gun..

The Ufast’s boatyard in Quimper, Britanny, is delivering 12 interceptors to the French Navy for base protection and approach surveillance. With a 15.2 meters length and 4.3 meters beam, these GRP-made platforms are equipped with four outboard engines providing a 40+ knots top speed. Capable to carry eight operators in addition to a crew of two, it can be equipped with a 12.7 mm machine gun and an MBDA MMP missile launcher. The shipyard also offers 12 and 35 meters fast patrol models, the latter designed by Camarc.

In addition to a wide range of fast patrol vessels Ocea shipbuilding offers the C-Falcon 17.3 meters long platform capable of a maximum speed of 50 knots, which can carry 16 combatants plus a crew of four, and was sold to the Nigerian Navy.

The French Ufast’s boatyard in Quimper, Britanny, is delivering twelve 15.2 meters interceptors (Vedette de Fusiliers Marins, VFM) to the French Navy for base protection. Armed with two 12.7 mm machine guns, they are able to transport eight operators in addition to a crew of two. © Ufast

The French Ocea shipbuilder offers the C-Falcon 17.3 meters long Fast Interceptor Craft capable of a maximum speed of 50 knots, which can carry 16 combatants plus a crew of four. It was sold to the Nigerian Navy. © Ocea

SOUTHERN EUROPE

Cantiere Navale Vittoria (CNV), the Italian shipyard located near Rovigo on the Adriatic coast, latest product portfolio ranges from Italian Coast Guard’s new 20 meters SAR CP 300 boats to the OPV 748 recently delivered to the Malta Armed Forces. Among its models we find a family of aluminium-made fast patrol craft including the 27 meters and 90 tonnes FPV 270 and 35 meters and 140 tonnes FPV 350, sold in different versions to national and international customers, including Libya, Cyprus, Croatia, Slovenia, Tunisia and Romania. Between 2020 and 2021 CNV delivered four new design 38.6 meters FPV 355 craft to the Hellenic Coast Guard with a combat suite provided by Elbit Systems, and a propulsion plant ensuring a

35+ knots maximum speed. The company has been working on FICs since the first half of 2010s, developing four fibreglass models including the FIC 137, FIC 140, FIC 150 and FIC 199. The latter is a 19.9 meters demonstrator capable to reach 80 knots while the 15 meters and four crew FIC 150 has been developed for both SAR and anti-smuggling operations. The 14 meters FIC 140 can reach 60 knots and carry three operators in addition to the crew of three. In service with the Slovenian police, the 13.7 meters FIC 137 can reach 60 knots with a crew of four.

Effebi, the Tuscany-based Italian boat builder of both leisure and military boats in fiberglass and composite materials, offers a range of

The latest addition to Italy’s Cantiere Navale Vittoria range of patrol vessels is the new 38.6 meters FPV 355 craft of which four were delivered to the Hellenic Coast Guard. They are equipped with a combat suite provided by Elbit Systems. © Cantiere Navale Vittoria

fast patrol vessels ranging from 13 to 44 meters, in addition to a new design 8 meters hybrid patrol vessel and a 16 meters V8000 interceptor developed for the Italian Custom Service’s Guardia di Finanza. Delivered in May 2022, the latter has a 16.5 meters length and 3.5 meters beam. Its outboard propulsion system allows a maximum speed of 68 knots with a range of 460 nm at 35 knots. It hosts a crew of four and is fitted with a mission suite including satellite link, radar and EO/IR sensor. In January 2021, Effebi also delivered the first 44 meters fast patrol vessel to the Guardia di Finanza, the Italian Financial and Custom Police, capable to reach 45 knots. With a crew of 23 and a range of 700 nm at the same speed, the new

In May 2022, the Tuscany-based Effebi boat builder delivered the Guardia di Finanza the first 16.5 meters V8000 interceptor boat. Its outboard propulsion system allows a maximum speed of 68 knots with a range of 460 nm at 35 knots. © Effebi

boat has a full mission suite with command, control and communications with satellite link, radar and EO/IR sensor.

Italian FB Design, founded by Fabio Buzzi and based on lake Como, is one of the most prolific manufacturers of craft included in this article. With a range of high-speed product families up to 19 meters and speeds up to 70 knots, all FB Design models are based on the Structural Foam technology, which makes the platform unsinkable and perfect for long search and rescue missions. The latest addition to the shipyard production range is the 18+ meters FB 60 family, which includes the FB 60’ SF ‘Ognitempo’ (‘All weather’) expressly developed for the specific

The latest addition to the Italian Effebi Design production range is the 18+ meters FB 60 family, which includes the FB 60’ SF version. In service with the Guardia di Finanza, it can reach 55 knots at full load.© Effebi Design

Cantiere Navale Vittoria has been working on fast Interceptor crafts since the first half of 2010s, developing four fibreglass models including the FIC 137, FIC 140, FIC 150 and FIC 199, the latter technological demonstrator capable to reach 80 knots. © Cantiere Navale Vittoria

©

requirements of the Guardia di Finanza. With an 18.8 meters length and 4.4 meters beam, the FB 60’ SF Ognitempo features a deep ‘V’ composite hull with a propulsion system allowing for a full load top speed of 55 knots. With a crew of six, these boats feature an integrated bridge equipped with a mission suite developed under the supervision of Elettronica Marittima and including a GEM Elettronica dual radar, a Rohde & Schwarz communication suite with satellite link, and the IAI MiniPoP EO/IR system.

Ferretti Security & Defence (FSD), the defence division of the Ferretti leisure boats and yacht group, developed a range of advanced high-speed composite-made platforms ranging from 16 to 35 meters that includes both patrol and high-speed assault boat models, enjoying both national and international success. The middle product

range includes the FSD 195 and the FSD 245 models. The former is under production and was already delivered to international customers; 20 meters long with a 38.2 tonnes displacement, the FSD 195 can reach a maximum speed in excess of 50 knots and can be fitted with a 12.7 mm RWS, in addition to a full mission suite with radars, electro-optical systems and satcoms. Its combat boat version can transport up to 24 operators or 6/12 operators with light transport vehicles such as ATVs or motorcycles. The 25.4 meters FSD 245 can reach 55 knots and can be customized for special missions. The 35.3 meters FSD 350 is the most powerful model capable to reach 55 knots in the CODAG (Combined Diesel and Gas) propulsion configuration, and can launch and recover a 7.5 meters RHIB. During the IDEX 2021 exhibition, the UAE Armed Forces announced the award to FSD

During IDEX/NAVDEX

Among a range of advanced high-speed composite-made platforms ranging from 16 to 35 meters, Ferretti Security & Defence offers the 20 meters FSD 195 that can reach a maximum speed in excess of 50 knots.

Ferretti Security & Defence

2021 Ferretti Security & Defence division presented the 32.2 meters FSD 320 HSCB combat boat characterized by a stealth design and a combat system including medium and small calibre RWSs. © Ferretti Security & Defence

of a contract for the procurement of highspeed assault vessels. On its stand, FSD was showcasing the 32.2 meters FSD 320 HSCB combat boat platform equipped with waterjet propulsion to operate at high-speed in low waters and characterized by a stealth design and a combat system including a medium and smaller calibre RWSs.

FSD also promotes the 16 meters-long FSD 150 in both LC (Landing Craft) and CB models and the new 16.7 meters hybrid powered FSD N800, the latter being operational with Italy Carabinieri’s naval corps to protect national waters.

Spanish Aresa International offers a complete range of high-speed and patrol vessels up to 60 meters of length. The company is currently producing nine ARES 1300 Sentinel II high-speed boats being delivered to different African customers. With a 13.2 meters length and a 3.6 meters beam, it is the latest version of the model built entirely in naval aluminium and equipped with an integral armour protecting its main cabin. Equipped with outboard propulsion and capable to accommodate up to 10 persons, it can reach speeds between 55 and 60 knots in its quadruple engines version. The company also delivered four Aresa 1800 Fighter II high-speed boats to the Nigerian Navy. The latest version of this

18 meters aluminium patrol vessel features an armoured bridge and can reach speeds ranging from 40 to 60 knots, with seats for a total of 16 persons including five crew, and is capable to carry an inflatable boat.

NORTHERN AND CENTRAL EUROPE

The Kraken Technology Group (KTG) is developing the K50 Kraken high-speed and heavily armed boat, having signed a number of agreements to provide a full combat and weapon suite.

With a length of 15.25 meters and a beam of 5 meters, according to the few details provided by KTG, the K50 boat will have a speed in excess of 65 knots and a range of 400+ nm at 50 knots. It has a crew of four and can optionally carry an assault team of six. The K50 will be armed with a 30 mm MSI-Defence Systems Seahawk RWS in addition to Thales launchers for four LMMs (Lightweight Multirole Missiles) and two 7.62 Dillon miniguns.

Previously VT Halmatic and today BAE Systems Maritime, this company offers, according to the few disclosed details, armed FICs of different dimensions (10.7, 13 and 18.1 meters) and low radar, infrared and acoustic signature, already acquired by UK’s Special Boat Service.

In addition to the two 19 meters HPB-1900 high-speed patrol craft capable of 40 knots for the Royal Navy Gibraltar Squadron, the UK Marine Specialised Technology Group (MST Group) and BMT naval architect are providing to the UK MoD Police and the Gibraltar MoD Police eighteen 15 meters composite-hulled patrol craft capable to reach 30 knots, to protect major naval installations.

Building on the previous generation of more than 250 Combat Boats 90 (CB 90) operating worldwide with US, Swedish, Norwegian, Malaysian, Mexican and Greek

The UK Kraken Technology Group is developing the K50 Kraken high-speed and heavily armed boat, having signed a number of agreements to provide a full combat and weapon suite, including guns and missiles. © Kraken Technology Group

naval forces, Saab Dockstavarvet of Sweden developed the new CB 90 Next Generation (NG) of which 18 boats were delivered to the Swedish Navy as the Docksta CB 90HSM version. The new version features several improvements over legacy CB 90s providing enhanced stealthness, manoeuvrability and speed, and adds capabilities centred on a new combat management system, sensors, ballistic protection and Saab Trackfire 12.7 and 7.62 mm RWS. Capable to accomplish a wide range of missions and carry up to 18 fully equipped soldiers in addition to a crew of three, with a 14.9 meters length and 3.8 meters beam, the CB 90HSM can reach a maximum speed of 45 knots with the maximum load.

Naval Vessels Lürssen (NVL) of Germany, previously known as Lürssen Defence, offers a product portfolio of fast patrol boats with a top speed ranging from 28 to 45 knots and endurance between three and 14 days, including the 28 meters FPB 28 and the 40 meters CSB 40. The company delivered to Saudi Arabia and Egypt the 35 meters TNC 35, with a stern area for an inflatable boat and

an armament package including a 20/30 mm RWS, alongside the 38 meters FPB 38 boat. Fassmer shipyard, also from Germany, is promoting a new multipurpose 40+ knots 25 meters fast patrol boat and a 40+ knots 17 meters fast combat craft, both capable to embark different mission modules including unmanned vehicles.

TURKISH SOLUTIONS

Turkey’s Yonka-Onuk and Ares shipyards are both specialized in patrol craft. The first company is providing to worldwide customers a range of products starting from 12 meters MRTP 12 FICs to 52 meters MRTP 49 patrol/attack craft. During DIMDEX 2022 the Turkish shipyard signed an MoU with Qatar’s Joint Special Forces Command to deliver four MRTP 24/U Fast Missile Craft (FMCs). This was an option batch of boats under the contract awarded by the same Command during DIMDEX 2018 for the delivery of the initial lot of four MRTP 24/U Special Operation Crafts (SOCs). With this MoU, which is expected to evolve in a contract in the future, the Qatar Armed

Saab Dockstavarvet of Sweden has developed the new CB 90 Next Generation (NG) of which 18 boats were delivered to the Swedish Navy as the Docksta CB 90HSM version. It features several improvements over legacy CB 90s and adds a new combat suite. © Saab

The Turkish YoncaOnuk shipyard is completing the delivery of 24 patrol and intervention platforms including 3 MRTP 16 FICs, 3 MRTP 34 FPBs here depicted, 10 MRTP 20 Improved FICs, 4 MRTP 24/U SOCs and 4 MRTP 24/U FMCs. © Yonca-Onuk

Forces will receive 24 vessels including 3 MRTP 16 FICs, 3 MRTP 34 FPBs, 10 MRTP 20 Imporved FICs, 4 MRTP 24/U SOCs and 4 MRTP 24/U FMCs. A Qatar version of the Turkish Navy’s new SAT boat design, which were delivered in 2021, the MRTP 24/U SOCs have a length of 26.3 meters and a beam of 5.5 meters, and can reach a maximum speed of 50+ knots, with a range of 500+ nm at economical speed. Capable to carry up to 16 operators in addition to a crew of five, the MRTP24/U SOCs are armed with Aselsan’s 12.7 mm STAMP RWS (the Turkish Navy’s new SAT boats are armed with Aselsan’s 25 mm STOP/Muhafiz RWS). The MRTP24/U FMCs will be however fitted with a pair of 12.7 mm STAMP as well as MBDA’s Mistral 3 and SIMBAD-RC ST multipurpose short-range missile systems for both anti-air and anti-surface duties.

In addition to three FICs to be delivered in 2023 to the Ministry of Interior, the Turkish Ares shipyard supplied the Qatar Coast Guard a package of boats including five Ares 150 Bold and 10 Ares 110 Bold patrol boats, five Ares 75 Bold fast craft and six Ares 80 SAT Special Forces craft. © Ares shipyard

In May 2022, the Qatar Ministry of Interior announced the contract award to Ares shipyard for three FICs to be delivered in early 2023. In the last eight years, the Qatari Government ordered to Ares different classes of vessels to expand and equip local security agencies fleet with a new generation of platforms. The Qatari Coast Guard received a package of patrol craft and vessels including five Ares 150 Bold and 10 Ares 110 Bold patrol boats, five 23 meters Ares 75 Bold fast craft and six Ares 80 SAT special forces craft. With a length of 24.1 meters and a beam of 5.5 meters, the latter platform is capable to reach 45 knots, is armed with an Aselsan 12.7 mm STAMP RWS, and is capable to launch and recover a RHIB for multi-mission purposes. The Ares 75 Bold has a 24.1 meters length and a 5.8 meters beam, and is capable to reach

38 knots, being equipped with an Aselsan 12.7 mm STAMP RWS. The Ares 150 is a 48 meters long patrol craft fitted with one Aselsan SMASH RWS armed with a 30 mm Bushmaster II, and one Aselsan STAMP RWS with a 12.7 mm machine gun. Its propulsion system offers a top speed of 35 knots. The Ares 110 Bold has a 34.4 meters length and 7.44 meters beam, and can reach 35 knots being equipped with the same Ares 150 armament package and an Ares 24 Harpoon fast interceptor boat. All are compositemade platforms.

ISRAELI SOLUTIONS

Israeli requirement to protect its coastline and today’s offshore oil and gas installations, led to the development of fast patrol vessels with combat capabilities. With a long experience of combat proven craft, Israel Shipyards, part of the SK Group, offers its family of Shaldag fast patrol crafts which has reached the fifth iteration, alongside the Mini-Shaldag model. Differing from the early versions for larger superstructure and a closed bridge, the Shaldag Mk V has a 32.65 meters length and a 6.2 meters beam deepvee hull. It is powered by a propulsion package allowing for a spring speed of 40+ knots, a maximum sustained speed of 35 knots and a range of 1,000 nm at 12 knots. Capable to

operate up to sea state 4 with a crew of 1014 members, the marine-aluminium made craft can be equipped with a combat suite including a Rafael Typhoon family RWS, a launcher for Rafael Naval Spike ER (four missiles) or Naval Spike NLOS (Non-Lineof-Sight) missiles, two Mini-Typhoon RWS and 12,7 mm and/or 7,62 mm machine guns. The sensors suite includes a surface search radar and either a Rafael Toplite or an IAI POP EO/IR suite. The Philippine Navy is the latest customer of the Shaldag Mk V model, the first two of nine ordered boats having been commissioned in December 2022. These craft are equipped with a fully integrated combat suite provided by Rafael that includes a Combat Management System (CMS), Typhoon and Mini-Typhoon RWS, Naval Spike missiles, SeaCom internal and external communication system and BNET tactical data link. In July 2021, Israel Shipyards announced to have signed an agreement to provide the Israeli Navy four Shaldag Mk Vs, adapted to the unique customer’s configuration requirements. The Mini-Shaldag model has a 19.8 meters length and a 4.8 meters beam, and is capable to reach a 55 knots speed with a crew of five plus eight operators. The armament includes a 20/23 mm gun and a four Spike missile launcher, in addition to machine guns.

The Philippine Navy is the latest customer of Israel Shipyards’ Shaldag Mk V, the first two of nine on order having been commissioned in December 2022. They are equipped with an integrated combat suite with guns and missiles. © Israel shipyards

ISRAEL AND ITS “NEW“ ARAB ALLIES

BY DAVID OLIVER

ABRAHMS ACCORDS

The Abraham Accords, formal declarations of diplomatic and economic normalisation, were signed by the leaders of Bahrain, Israel, the UAE and the United States in Washington DC in September 2020. These accords constituted a major event that could significantly influence the future of any Arab–Israeli conflict and strategic relationships in the wider region. Normalisation in the Gulf includes improved intelligence ties, cyber-warfare and other technology agreements. They were prompted by what the signature

The Ministerial Conference for the Promotion of Peace and Security in the Middle East held in the Polish capital, Warsaw, in February 2019, was attended by Israel, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and paved the way for their closer co-operation in the future.

countries perceive as their common enemy, Iran. While Bahrain and the UAE have never been to war with Israel, the accords did not include Egypt and Jordan which had.

The Israeli Air Force had been involved in participating in multi-national military training exercises with those neighbouring Arab States long before the accords were signed. In August 2016, Israeli and UAE pilots took part in a United States Air Force (USAF) Red Flag exercise at Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada, along with representatives from Pakistan for the first time.

UAEAF Mirage 2000-9EAD aircraft took part in the USAF Exercise Red Flag at Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada in 2013. © USAF

The teams from the two countries that did not at the time have diplomatic relations with Israel nevertheless trained and co-operated with the Israeli aircrews during the exercises.

RED FLAG EXERCICES

The Red Flag exercises, which began in 1975, are a series of two-week advanced aerial combat training events held several times a year by the USAF. Their aim was to offer realistic aircombat training for military pilots and other flight crewmembers from the United States and allied countries. Saudi Arabia, Belgium, the Netherlands and Singapore also took part in the second phase of Red Flag 2019. It was also customary for the Israeli Air Force to participate in that year’s exercises as well, but this was not announced by the Gulf States at the time.

During the Red Flag exercises, USAF commanders acknowledged the poor performance of Gulf air forces that took part, especially after their long experience with the Saudi-led intervention operation in Yemen’s civil war.

In April 2021 Israeli fighters flew alongside UAE Air Force (UAEAF) aircraft as part of a major international aerial exercise hosted by Greece, simulating air-to-air dogfights, large air strikes and rescue operations. This was not the first time that Israeli and Emirate pilots have flown with one another, they both participated in a similar Greek-led exercise in 2017 as the Red Flag exercise the year before, but it marked a

rare case of open military co-operation between the two countries, even following the 2020 landmark normalisation agreement.

INIOCHOS THE GREECE EXERCISE

Seven countries joined Greece in Exercise Iniochos at Andravida Air Base, Canada, Cyprus, France, Spain, the United States as well as Israel and the UAE. According to the Israeli Air Force, the exercise was designed to simulate a variety of scenarios, including air-to-air combat, air strikes on land-based targets and evading attacks from surface-to-air missiles. “This exercise is an important milestone in the strategic international cooperation between the Israeli Air Force and the different countries through strengthening shared interests,” an Israeli military spokesman said. The Israeli contingent included F-15C Eagle and F-16C fighter aircraft, a Boeing KC-707 tanker and a Gulfstream G550 surveillance aircraft.

Exercise Iniochos did not have one overarching narrative or storyline, instead “each mission is its own self-contained scenario”, according to an Israeli Air Force F-16 navigator. He noted that the transit flights to and from Israel to Greece were in themselves a useful bit of training as it is a relatively long distance for the fighter jets to travel and required them to fly along civilian flight paths. For the Israeli pilots, the exercise provided a much-needed opportunity to train over significantly different terrain than they were used to and at extremely low altitudes that they were

UAEAF F-16F Desert Falcons took part in Exercise Iniochos in Greece alongside Israeli aircraft in April 2021. © David Oliver

not used to, below 200 metres. “It prepares you for things that you may deal with operationally,” he added.

Through such exercises abroad, Israeli pilots gain experience operating in conditions unlike those inside the limited geographical boundaries of Israel. Flying alongside foreign air forces also requires Israeli aircrews to learn how to communicate in languages other than Hebrew. In addition, international exercises present a strategic opportunity for Israel to create and improve diplomatic relations with foreign nations.

In previous years, Israeli aircrews used the aerial exercises in Greece as a way to practice against and learn about the Hellenic Air Force’s Russian S-300PMU1 long-range surface-to-air missile system, which is also used by Iran and Syria.

INTEGRATION OF NEW UNMANED SYSTEMS

In September 2021, Bahrain agreed to partner with US Naval Forces Central Command (NAVCENT) to accelerate the integration of new unmanned systems into regional maritime operations. In November 2021, the Bahrain Navy participated in a naval training exercise alongside ships from Israel, UAE and the United States. The exercise was viewed as a message to Iran and a challenge to their agenda of regional entrenchment. The five-day exercise began in

the Red Sea and aimed to enhance maritime and military cooperation. The exercise was announced by the US (NAVCENT) and was the first time the sides have publicly acknowledged naval exercise between them. The exercise was focused on visit, board, search and seizure tactics. The training was designed to enhance interoperability between participating forces’ maritime interdiction teams.

Vice Admiral Brad Cooper, commander of NAVCENT, US 5th Fleet and Combined Maritime Forces, said: “It is exciting to see US forces training with regional partners to enhance our collective maritime security capabilities. Maritime collaboration helps safeguard freedom of navigation and the free flow of trade, which are essential to regional security and stability.” An Israeli military official said the drills were aimed at keeping shipping lanes safe, especially from Iran.

The naval exercise attested to the growing trust between the militaries and their shared concerns over Iran’s regional agenda and nuclear programme. Following the signing of the accords, in September the US moved Israel from US European Command to the regionally focused Central Command.

Earlier that week, Iran announced its own large-scale military drill, east of the Strait of Hormuz. Iranian media quoted Iranian Rear Admiral Mahmoud Mousavi saying: “The military exercise in Iran’s coast on the Gulf of Oman aims to display the country’s military might and readiness to confront our enemies.” Iran also broadcast video footage of the launching of a Qader ballistic missile which they claimed can reach targets of up to 300 kilometres.

In October 2021 Israel held its largest-ever air force exercise, joined by several Western

Israel Air Force F-16D aircraft at Andravida Air Base in southern Greece during Exercise Iniochos. © HAF

countries and India, with the UAEAF’s chief invited as an observer to the exercises. Amir Lazar, chief of Israeli Air Force operations, told reporters at the Israeli Air Force’s southern Ovda Air Force Base, that while the exercises “did not focus on Iran”, Israel Defense Force (IDF) officials have said the Islamic republic remains Israel’s top strategic threat and at the centre of much of its military planning.

Israel has held the Blue Flag exercises every two years since 2013 in the Negev desert. With more than 70 fighter aircraft, including Israeli F-35Is, F-15Ds and F-16Cs, French Rafales, UK Typhoons, Italian F-35s and G550 early warning aircraft, German Typhoons, Greek F-16s, and Indian Mirage 2000s, and some 1,500 personnel participating, the 2021 exercises were the largest-ever held in Israel, While UAE aircraft are not flying in the exercises, Lazar said the visit from the country’s air force chief was “very significant” and that Israel “was looking forward to hosting the Emirates Air Force” in the future.

One of the Blue Flag exercise’s aims was to synchronise different types of aircraft, piloted by different countries to counter armed drones and other threats. Major General Ibrahim Nasser Mohammed Al Alawi, commander of the UAEAF, made the previously unannounced appearance during a multinational Blue Flag exercise. “This is

a truly historic day with tremendous significance for the future of co-operation between our air forces,” his Israeli counterpart, Major General Amikam Norkin, said. “I look at aerial diplomacy and the relations between us as a bridge to regional stability. What we do between us, between the Air Force commanders, is a bridge and foundation that nations can work upon on other issues.” The statement did not elaborate on how such co-operation might look in the future.

During Exercise Blue Flag, Israeli Air Force F-15s had escorted two USAF B-1B Lancer strategic heavy bomber aircraft and a KC-10A Extender tanker over Israeli airspace on their way to the Gulf. It was the second such flight in two weeks. According to an Israel Defense Force (IDF) statement, it was “a significant step in maintaining the security of the skies of the State of Israel and the Middle East”.

THE PARTICIPATION OF THE ROYAL SAUDI AIR FORCE IN SIMILAR PATROL MISSIONS

Earlier Israeli and Royal Saudi Air Force (RSAF) fighter aircraft participated in a similar Presence Patrol mission on 30 October 2021, accompanying a US Air Force B-1B Lancer

An Israel Air Force F-15C Eagle escorts a USAF B-1B Lancer during a Presence Patrol mission over the Gulf States in October 2021. © IDF

Royal Saudi Air Force F-15C Eagles escort the same B-1B Lancer over Saudi Arabian airspace during its Presence Patrol mission. © RSAF

bomber circumnavigating the Arabian Peninsula and attempting to send a deterrence message to Tehran.

Saudi Arabia’s willingness to join a military mission involving Israel was the latest indication that the actions of the Islamic Republic of Iran are incentivising some Arab capitals to take cautious steps toward overt security co-operation with Israel. The B-1B flew in or near the airspace of Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and the UAE, while skirting along almost the entire southern maritime border of Iran. It flew over the strategic Gulf of Aden, Bab el-Mandeb Strait, Red Sea, Suez Canal, Arabian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz, and Gulf of Oman. These waterways mark some of the world’s busiest shipping routes and have been plagued by numerous recent Iranian-sponsored attacks on oil tankers and nearby refineries.

Saudi Arabia, however, unlike Bahrain and the UAE, has not formally normalised relations with Israel and the B-1B flight represented only the second time that Riyadh has participated in a US bomber patrol mission that included Israeli aircraft. In March 2021, two USAF B-52H Stratofortress bombers had flown a similar patrol in the Middle East and were accompanied at different points by Israeli, Saudi and Qatari aircraft.

In the meantime, RSAF air crews have been participating in a number of exercises with NATO air forces. In November 2022 they participated

in a bilateral exercise with the Hellenic Air Force (HAF) when the RSAF deployed F-15C/D Eagles from Taïf/King Fahd Air Base to the 115th Fighter Wing based at Souda Air Base on Crete, Greece’s largest island in the Mediterranean, for the third in a series of annual Falcon-Eye exercises. Different types of missions in various areas in Greek and international airspace, against various types of aircraft, were flown during the exercise. To achieve this, HAF F-4E Phantom and Mirage 2000 fighter aircraft were flown from different air bases in a variety of roles, as friendly as well as opposing forces at times, to enhance the training value of the exercise.

As well as participating in military training exercises, the UAE and Bahrain are moving to closer co-operation with Israel’s defence industries. In November 2021, it was announced that UAE-owned defence company EDGE and Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) signed an agreement to jointly design a first-in-class series of modularunmanned surface vessels (USV) for a range of military and commercial applications. Military applications for the USV include intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, border and littoral zone patrol, maritime security operations, mine detection and sweeping, submarine detection and anti-submarine warfare. Bahrain became the first Gulf country to sign a defence co-operation agreement with Israel in the first quarter of 2022. The country has also announced that it is planning to purchase radar and anti-drone systems from a company affiliated with IAI.

Bahrain Air Force F-16C aircraft have also escorted USAF bomber aircraft on Presence Patrol mission over the Gulf States. © BAF

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