Portugal Secures Purchase of 36 Caesar NG Self-Propelled Howitzers from France

Lisbon, Portugal – In a significant bolstering of its artillery capabilities, the Portuguese government has signed a framework agreement to acquire 36 Caesar NG self-propelled howitzers from France. The delivery of these advanced artillery systems is anticipated by 2034, as confirmed by General Eduardo Mendes Ferrao, Chief of the Army General Staff, during an announcement on Saturday.

General Ferrao emphasized the strategic importance of the procurement, stating, "The aim is for all Portuguese artillery to be equipped with the same weapons system, unlike what happens now, where we have three different systems with all the logistical and operational implications that this entails." The transition from the current towed M114A1 howitzers to the 155mm self-propelled system is expected to streamline operations and enhance efficiency within Portugal’s military forces.

The new howitzers promise considerable advancements in automation, significantly reducing the logistics footprint required for operations. "We are going to reduce a lot in two things. Firstly, the number of people operating, because these systems are already digitized, therefore, they do not need as many personnel. The garrisons will be reduced to approximately half of what we have at the moment,” Ferrao added.

With this agreement, Portugal becomes the fourth nation to utilize the Nexter Caesar NG system, joining Belgium, Lithuania, and France. The 6X6 new generation howitzer features a range of over 40 kilometers (25 miles) and offers enhanced crew protection through its armored cabin. It is powered by a new, more robust 460 horsepower engine, compared to the previous 215 horsepower, and includes a new automatic gearbox and chassis.

Furthermore, the howitzer boasts the latest fire control software and is compatibility with modern radio communication and jamming systems, enhancing interoperability with NATO allies and modernizing Portugal’s military assets.

This move marks a pivotal step for the Portuguese military as it seeks to enhance its operational efficiency and strengthen its position within the NATO alliance.

US Navy Unveils E-130J as Next Generation TACAMO Aircraft

The US Navy has officially designated the E-130J airborne command post and communication relay aircraft as the successor to the E-6B Mercury for its Take Charge and Move Out (TACAMO) missions. This decision marks a significant transition as the Boeing E-6B fleet has been operational since the late 1980s, playing a crucial role in maintaining "no-fail" communication between the Executive Office, the Secretary of Defense, the US Strategic Command, and the Naval Ballistic Missile Forces.

TACAMO aircraft are vital for facilitating the launch of land-based intercontinental ballistic missiles through an airborne launch control system, while also supporting underground command and control operations. The new E-130J is based on a modified C-130J-30 Super Hercules military transport plane, with its "E" designation denoting special electronic installations.

While the Navy has yet to announce a common name for the E-130J, the mission design series designation was approved by the US Air Force in October 2024. In 2023, the Navy acquired three pre-production E-130Js for evaluation of air vehicle and mission systems, with contracts for the first three production units expected to be awarded in 2027, followed by an additional six in 2028.

Captain Adam Scott, the Navy’s Airborne Strategic Command, Control and Communications Program Manager, expressed pride in the announcement, highlighting the importance of this milestone for delivering the next generation of TACAMO aircraft to military operations.

Once operational, the E-130J aircraft will be stationed at Tinker Air Force Base in Oklahoma under the purview of Strategic Communications Wing 1 (SCW-1). This group, which includes various squadrons such as the “Ironmen” of Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron VQ-3, the “Shadows” of VQ-4, and the “Roughnecks” of VQ-7, will handle the administration, training, sustainment, and logistics of the E-6B fleet.

SCW-1 Commander Captain Britt Windeler expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration between SCW-1 and PMA-271, emphasizing that the E-130J will ensure continued operational control over the nation’s strategic forces as the E-6B approaches its end of life. The transition to the new platform aims to enhance America’s nuclear deterrent capabilities and the effectiveness of other critical missions.

Teledyne FLIR Defense Wins $25 Million Contract to Provide Advanced Reconnaissance Drones to US Army

Teledyne FLIR Defense has recently announced the successful acquisition of a significant five-year contract to supply the US Army with its cutting-edge Black Hornet 4 Personal Reconnaissance Systems. This procurement, valued at $25 million, is part of the Army’s Soldier Borne Sensor program, aimed at enhancing the situational awareness of warfighters through advanced hand-launched drone technology.

The contract will not only cover the delivery of the Black Hornet 4 drones but also includes associated controllers, spare parts, and proficiency training sessions for personnel. Moreover, should all options under the agreement be exercised, the total value could reach up to $91 million.

Production of the nano-unmanned aerial systems (nano-UAS) will take place at Teledyne FLIR’s assembly facility located in Norway, with deliveries of the initial order having commenced in September 2024.

Highlighting the capabilities of the Black Hornet 4, Teledyne FLIR Defense President Dr. JihFen Lei stated, “The Black Hornet 4 stands out as the world’s most capable nano-UAS for the world’s most high-risk missions.” He expressed gratitude for the Army’s ongoing trust in the company as their preferred drone provider for Soldier Borne Sensor, noting the significant impact of their technology on the battlefield.

Measuring at 255 millimeters (10 inches) with a rotor diameter of 190 millimeters (8 inches), the Black Hornet 4 can be deployed in under 20 seconds. It is capable of gathering critical data on visual, audio, and electromagnetic signatures from distances of up to two kilometers (1.2 miles) while flying at speeds of up to 10 meters (33 feet) per second. The drone operates effectively in challenging conditions, withstanding wind gusts of 25 knots (46 kilometers/29 miles per hour) and temperatures between -20 and 43 degrees Celsius.

Equipped with a 12-megapixel low-light capable electro-optical main camera, a navigation camera for collision avoidance, night vision, thermal imaging capabilities, and an LED illuminator, the Black Hornet 4 is designed to provide comprehensive reconnaissance support to the US Army.

As military operations increasingly rely on advanced technologies for enhanced situational awareness, the integration of the Black Hornet 4 into the Army’s arsenal signifies a pivotal step forward in modern warfare tactics.

Ukraine’s Ministry of Defence Greenlights Distribution of Indigenously Developed Varan Multi-Role Buggy

In a significant development for the Ukrainian armed forces, the Ministry of Defence has approved the distribution of the Varan multi-role buggy, a locally-made vehicle designed to meet the military’s diverse operational requirements. This high-mobility platform, crafted by a Ukrainian company whose name remains undisclosed, is tailored for pivotal tasks such as personnel transport, patient evacuation, and ammunition supply deployments.

The Varan buggy boasts a two-seat capacity and is constructed with a rigid frame, making it suitable for complex environments. With a payload capacity of 500 kilograms (1,102 pounds) and a towing capability of 300 kilograms (661 pounds), the vehicle promises both versatility and robustness. It is equipped with a turbo-diesel engine and a five-speed automatic transmission, utilizing high-quality automotive components sourced from international manufacturers.

Designed to navigate challenging terrains, the Varan has an operational range of 200 kilometers (124 miles) and can achieve speeds over 100 kilometers (62 miles) per hour on sand, enhancing the efficiency of Ukraine’s ground forces in various operational contexts.

The approval of the Varan comes amid an ongoing expansion of Ukraine’s military ground fleet. Earlier this year, the Ministry also sanctioned the supply of a domestically upgraded armored personnel carrier, originally developed during the Soviet era. In August, the government facilitated the acquisition of Swedish Pansarbandvagn 302 carriers, part of a military aid initiative by Sweden in response to Russia’s continued aggression.

Further bolstering its defense capabilities, the Ukrainian Armed Forces have recently been seen operating the Mbombe 6 mine-protected armored combat vehicle and have received additional mine-protected vehicles, including the Buffalo, to enhance their operational safety in the heightened security environment of Eastern Europe.

As Ukraine continues to adapt to the ongoing challenges posed by the conflict, the introduction of the Varan buggy represents a strategic step in modernizing and strengthening its military capacities.

Lithuanian Drone Manufacturer Delivers First FPV Drones to Ukraine

Vilnius, Lithuania – October 2023 – RSI Europe, a prominent Lithuanian drone manufacturer, has successfully delivered the first batch of its first-person view (FPV) quadcopter unmanned aerial systems to Ukraine as part of a military procurement initiative signed in August. The drones, named “Shpak,” are compact 10-inch (25-centimeter) devices capable of carrying explosives weighing up to 5 kilograms (11 pounds), which can be detonated remotely.

The Shpak drones incorporate advanced electronic warfare technology designed to counteract threats from anti-drone systems. Their operational efficiency is enhanced by a dedicated ground control station and antenna, enabling sustained operations over longer ranges. The total contract for the Shpak drone delivery amounts to an estimated $4 million.

RSI Europe CEO Tomas Milašauskas highlighted the dual purpose of the initiative, stating, “From the moment we started working with FPV drones, we had two goals: to help Ukraine and to contribute to the Lithuanian drone industry.” He elaborated on the name “Shpak,” drawing cultural connections between Lithuania, Poland, and Ukraine, and referenced the historical significance of the starling bird in the region.

In a significant move to bolster its support for Ukraine, Lithuania announced in September plans to procure approximately 5,000 locally-produced FPV drones for the Ukrainian Armed Forces. Additionally, the country will acquire around 2,300 drones for its own military use. This initiative includes a framework for producing drone components through collaboration with five local Lithuanian industry partners. The overall investment for this extensive drone program for Ukraine is estimated at 5 million euros ($5.4 million), alongside an additional 3 million euros ($3.2 million) allocated for the enhancement of Lithuania’s own military capabilities.

The integration of the Shpak drones into Ukraine’s defense strategy represents a strong commitment from Lithuania to support its neighboring country amidst ongoing conflicts.

Israel to Integrate Iron Beam Laser Defense System Into Air Defense Network

Jerusalem — The Israeli Ministry of Defense announced on Monday that the advanced Iron Beam directed-energy weapon system will be integrated into the country’s air defense network within the next year. This significant development follows a newly signed armament agreement with contractors Rafael Advanced Defense Systems and Elbit Systems aimed at expediting the advancement of the Iron Beam.

Retired Maj. Gen. Eyal Zamir, the director general of the Ministry of Defense, confirmed the collaboration, while military-research chief Daniel Gold emphasized that Iron Beam will function alongside the existing Iron Dome batteries. He noted, “The combination between laser interception and missile interception will further tighten the defense envelope against rockets, missiles, drones, cruise missiles, and other threats.”

Iron Beam represents a cutting-edge laser air defense system designed to neutralize various aerial threats, including rockets, mortar bombs, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and cruise missiles. The system can follow low-flying targets, emitting a precise laser that disables them with minimal energy consumption.

The recently inked agreement is valued at approximately NIS 2 billion (around $536 million), with Rafael handling the majority of development work, estimated at about 60%, while Elbit supplies the laser cannon component, taking a 40% share.

First introduced at the Singapore Air Show in February 2014, the Iron Beam system has undergone extensive testing and has entered operational development following successful trials in southern Israel three years ago. It is poised to reshape the economics of air defense, wherein the cost of deploying a Tamir interceptor missile via Iron Dome is roughly $100,000, in stark contrast to the negligible cost incurred when using the laser system—only the price of electricity is involved.

Israel’s air defense forces have been facing an increasing threat from drones and missile assaults originating from Lebanon, Iraq, and Yemen, particularly amid ongoing hostilities with Hamas and affiliated terrorist groups. While the Iron Beam system offers a promising solution, it does have limitations compared to Iron Dome, particularly in countering large-scale rocket barrages and operational challenges under adverse weather conditions such as clouds, rain, or sandstorms.

As Israel continues to bolster its defense capabilities, the Iron Beam is seen as a crucial step forward in enhancing national security and responding effectively to evolving threats.

Tzally Greenberg, an experienced defense correspondent, reports on developments in military technology and its implications for regional security.