FNSS Unveils Next-Generation Kaplan Armored Personnel Carrier at Saha Expo

Istanbul, Turkey – At the Saha Expo, Turkish defense manufacturer FNSS has unveiled its conceptual design for the Kaplan Armored Personnel Carrier (APC), marking a significant advancement in military vehicle technology. This state-of-the-art armored vehicle is a product of a collaborative effort with Indonesia’s state-owned arms manufacturer, PT Pindad, under a long-term cooperation agreement initiated in 2015. The project aims to fulfill the Indonesian Army’s requirement for a 30-ton-class tracked personnel carrier.

Production of the latest Kaplan APCs is slated to begin in 2025, with the first unit being constructed at FNSS’s facilities in Turkey, while the second unit will be produced at PT Pindad in Indonesia. Both vehicles are expected to be delivered to the Indonesian Army by the end of 2026.

Designed for Modern Warfare

The Kaplan APC boasts an array of advanced features designed for superior performance in diverse combat environments. It incorporates components and subsystems derived from the FNSS Marine Assault Vehicle as well as the Kaplan MT, which the Indonesian Army took delivery of in March. This next-generation vehicle is engineered to operate effectively in all terrains and weather conditions, featuring an advanced suspension system that significantly enhances traction and minimizes vibration.

With a capacity to transport up to 13 personnel, including a driver, commander, and gunner, the Kaplan APC prioritizes crew safety in hostile environments. It is equipped with a state-of-the-art fire suppression system, air conditioning, and defenses against chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear threats.

Additional safety measures include advanced ballistic protection and mine-resistant systems, alongside options for active protection against anti-tank missiles and rocket-propelled grenades.

The Kaplan APC also features an open architecture design that facilitates easy integration with various manned and unmanned turret systems, as well as critical mission equipment such as Battlefield Management and Situational Awareness Systems. The vehicle can be armed with a range of weaponry, from 30mm to 35mm cannons and anti-tank guided missiles.

Moreover, the Kaplan APC can be tailored for a multitude of roles, including mechanized infantry support, reconnaissance, command and control operations, force protection, medical evacuation, recovery missions, combat engineering, and both direct and indirect fire support.

As FNSS continues to enhance its offerings in defense technology, the Kaplan Armored Personnel Carrier exemplifies the future of military vehicles, combining innovative design with robust capabilities to meet modern warfare demands.

Ukrainian Military Plans to Establish Separate Cyber Forces Branch

Kyiv, Ukraine—In a significant move to bolster its defense capabilities, Ukrainian defense forces, lawmakers, and military advisors are in discussions to create a separate cyber forces branch within the military. This initiative comes in response to the growing threat of cyberattacks, particularly in light of recent incidents linked to the ongoing conflict with Russia.

Earlier this month, Ukraine established an incident response center aimed at countering cyberattacks targeting critical military infrastructure. However, the proposed cyber forces branch is set to take on a broader range of responsibilities. According to the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the new unit will enhance the military’s ability to plan and execute operations in cyberspace, a domain increasingly recognized alongside land, sea, air, and space.

The discussions, led by Lieutenant General Anatoliy Barhylevych, the Chief of the General Staff, included an evaluation of the core principles, responsibilities, and functions that the cyber forces will undertake. Additionally, participants examined cyber operations from leading nations and shared insights gleaned from Ukraine’s own experiences in safeguarding against cyber threats since the onset of Moscow’s invasion in 2022. Noteworthy incidents include Russian-linked groups infiltrating social media accounts of Ukrainian military officials and stealing sensitive data from government websites.

Ukraine has received notable support in its cyber defense efforts, with NATO extending assistance and the United States providing $82 million in cyber and digital support since February 2022. As the situation continues to evolve, the establishment of a dedicated cyber forces branch represents a strategic move to strengthen Ukraine’s military capabilities in an increasingly digital battlefield.

This initiative underscores the importance of cybersecurity in modern warfare and reflects Ukraine’s commitment to enhancing its defenses against evolving threats.

Ultra Intelligence & Communications Partners with Hanwha to Enhance Rocket Launcher Interoperability

In a strategic move to bolster military capabilities, Ultra Intelligence & Communications (I&C) has announced the signing of a memorandum of understanding with Hanwha to integrate its Advanced Data Services Interface (ADSI) command and control (C2) gateway with Hanwha’s K239 Chunmoo Multiple Rocket Launcher System (MRLS). This collaboration aims to create a more seamless interoperability framework among various military platforms.

The ADSI technology is specifically designed to facilitate advanced data translation and support the development of an integrated, interoperable, and networked C2 architecture for the Five Eyes alliance—comprising the US, UK, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand—and beyond.

"The threat environment has indeed become more complex where seamless joint interoperability across all domains is a must,” said Mike Smith, president and CEO of Hanwha Defense USA, highlighting the increasing need for advanced military collaboration.

The Chunmoo MRLS, which is already operational in South Korea, Poland, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, boasts a dual pod launcher capable of firing two different calibers of rockets simultaneously. With an impressive effective range between 36 kilometers (22 miles) and 290 kilometers (180 miles), the system can deliver a rapid rate of fire, discharging six rounds in just 30 seconds.

Bradford Powell, president of Ultra I&C’s command, control, intelligence, and encryption division, underscored the significance of this partnership, stating, “This partnership, and ultimately the incorporation of ADSI with the Chunmoo missile system, will enable unprecedented synergy among our global mission partners.”

As defense technology continues to evolve, this collaboration aims to enhance military readiness and operational efficiency across allied nations.

France Allocates €300 Million from Frozen Russian Assets for Military Support to Ukraine

France will be financing military equipment and ammunition for Ukraine with €300 million ($324 million) derived from interest on frozen Russian assets, as announced by French Defense Minister Sebastien Lecornu. This significant contribution includes 12 advanced Caesar self-propelled howitzers, 155mm artillery shells, Aster surface-to-air missiles, Mistral portable anti-aircraft systems, and AASM guided bombs.

In an interview with French broadcaster BFMTV, Lecornu emphasized the initiative, stating, “We are mobilizing the interests of frozen Russian assets to purchase military equipment for Ukraine.” He also confirmed that by the end of 2024, France aims to have returned the full €300 million to bolster Ukraine’s defense capabilities.

This new funding initiative comes amidst a backdrop of fiscal constraints, as France’s military aid to Ukraine in 2023 is projected to fall short of the pledged €3 billion ($3.25 billion) due to efforts to curb the national budget deficit, which is expected to reach 6 percent of GDP in 2024. In contrast, France had previously provided €1.7 billion ($1.84 billion) in military assistance to Ukraine in 2022 and €2.1 billion ($2.7 billion) in 2023.

Since the onset of the conflict, a total of 67 Caesar artillery systems have been delivered to Ukraine by the French government, highlighting ongoing support for the country’s defense amid the ongoing conflict.

Germany Accepts India as Observer in Eurodrone Program

Germany has officially accepted India’s application to participate as an observer in the Eurodrone program, a significant four-nation initiative that includes France, Italy, and Spain. This development presents India with a valuable opportunity to closely monitor the ongoing project, gaining insights that could inform future procurement strategies or assist in enhancing its own domestic drone initiatives.

As an observer, India stands to benefit from exclusive briefings regarding the Eurodrone’s technical specifications and operational capabilities. This collaboration aligns with a broader commitment from both nations to strengthen industry-level cooperation in the defense sector, particularly focusing on technology collaboration, co-production, and co-development of defense platforms and equipment. According to a joint statement following the 7th India-Germany Intergovernmental Consultations, "Germany also welcomes India’s application for observer status in the Eurodrone Programme of OCCAR (Organisation for Joint Armament Cooperation)."

India’s drone development efforts have faced challenges, leading the country to rely heavily on foreign acquisitions to fulfill its defense needs. The recent decision to procure 31 MQ-9B drones from the United States came on the heels of the abandonment of India’s ambitious TAPAS drone project, which had been in development for 13 years at a cost of approximately $200 million. The TAPAS program was halted after failing to meet the Indian military’s operational requirements, notably due to deficiencies in its engine and other critical capabilities.

Experts have pointed out that the TAPAS drone’s limitations, including inadequate endurance compared to the MQ-9B, lack of SATCOM-enabled capabilities, and a constrained altitude ceiling, were pivotal in the decision to discontinue the project. Kartik Bommakanti, a Senior Fellow at the Observer Research Foundation in India, highlighted these concerns, noting the systemic engine issues affecting other Indian aircraft development programs, including the Tejas Light Combat Aircraft.

The Eurodrone program is set to play a crucial role in the Future Combat Air System being developed by European defense giants Dassault Aviation, Airbus, and Indra Sistemas. Designed to operate in both civilian and military airspace, the Eurodrone aims to establish a sovereign European drone capable of competing with the best in the world, thereby reducing dependence on non-European systems.

The first Eurodrone units are anticipated to be delivered to Germany in 2027, followed by France in 2028. The drone is being engineered to offer multi-mission capabilities for intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, reconnaissance, and armed operations, marking a significant step forward in European defense capabilities.

Aerospike Partners with BAE Systems to Enhance Data Management for US Army

California-based Aerospike has officially joined BAE Systems’ Mission Advantage technology partnership as part of a strategic initiative aimed at improving operational efficiency and decision-making capabilities for the US Army and other defense programs.

The collaboration focuses on advancing data mesh solutions through Aerospike’s real-time database technology, which will support critical frameworks such as the Army’s Unified Network and Army Data Platform. This innovative data mesh approach allows various defense units and networks to maintain control over their data while ensuring secure and efficient sharing across the Department of Defense (DoD).

The partnership seeks to address common challenges faced within the DoD’s expansive networks, including data surges, which can overload systems and personnel; latency issues that delay data requests and responses; and geographic obstacles, particularly for military units deployed in remote or hostile environments.

Daniel Perkins, BAE Systems’ Director of Strategy & Technology Partnerships for the Intelligence & Security sector, emphasized the significance of this partnership, stating that it will “deliver real-time, mission-critical data at scale and help ensure technological advantage on the battlefield.” He highlighted that Aerospike plays a foundational role in BAE’s data-centric solutions, assisting customers as they navigate the complexities of managing large volumes of disparate data while integrating advanced AI tools.

Cuong Nguyen, Aerospike’s Public Sector Vice President, elaborated on the capabilities of their multi-model database, which is designed to provide “the lowest-latency, highest-throughput system to enable accurate, real-time decisioning even in contested environments.” Nguyen expressed pride in partnering with BAE Systems to optimize and demonstrate the effectiveness of their data solutions for defense operations.

This alliance represents a significant step forward in enhancing the technological capabilities of the US Army and supporting its mission requirements through innovative data management.

Finland to Acquire Northrop Grumman Anti-Radiation Missiles for Future F-35 Fleet

Helsinki, Finland – The Finnish Ministry of Defense has officially announced the acquisition of Northrop Grumman’s AGM-88G Advanced Anti-Radiation Guided Missiles-Extended Range (AARGM-ER) as part of its future F-35 aircraft program. This significant pact comes one year after the United States approved the sale, with a total estimated cost of around $500 million.

Under the agreement, Finland will procure up to 150 AARGM-ER missiles, which are designed to target and neutralize enemy radar and air defense systems. The deal will also include Dummy Air Training Missiles, missile containers, software solutions, training, support equipment, spare and repair parts, technical documentation, and logistical support services from both the U.S. Government and contractors.

The Finnish Ministry of Defense highlighted that the missile system will be delivered in accordance with the deployment schedule of the country’s future F-35A multirole fighter aircraft, with the first batch expected between 2026 and 2030. This acquisition aims to bolster the combat effectiveness and survivability of Finland’s air force, specifically against ground-based air defense systems and mobile targets.

"The integration of these supersonic, medium-range missiles will significantly enhance our defense capabilities and improve interoperability with our allies in an increasingly complex security environment," stated a ministry spokesperson.

The move comes amid a broader trend in the region, as earlier this month, the U.S. also approved the sale of up to 100 AARGM-ERs for the Royal Australian Air Force’s EA-18G Growlers. This reflects a growing emphasis on strengthening allied defenses in the face of potential threats.

As Finland prepares to integrate these advanced capabilities, the acquisition marks a pivotal step in enhancing national security and reinforcing collaborative defense efforts with partners around the globe.