Representatives of the Israeli and German ministries of defense signed an agreement to cooperate in the development of new types of loitering weapons. According to the agreement, Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) and the German Rheinmetall Defense company (RDE) will cooperate in the development of network-centric systems that will provide land forces with the means for persistent surveillance, targeting and attack of high value targets by loitering munitions.
12 posts categorized "land systems"
July 03, 2007
June 19, 2007
RAFAEL Introduces Helicopter Launched Mini-UAV
RAFAEL is adding a dramatic new capability to attack helicopters – the ability to launch mini-UAVs when airborne. The company is demonstrating this capability on their attack helicopter simulator (Helicoat). “The Skylite was originally developed as a canister launched mini-UAV, so its modification into a helicopter-borne system does not require drastic redesign” says Menachem Dvir from RAFAEL. The canister-launched Skylite is displayed loaded on a quad Spike launcher, identical to a launcher already cleared for helicopters such as the Spanish Tiger attack helicopter. “When on a mission, helicopters can deploy the Skylite to scan an without exposing themselves to anti-aircraft threats, such as shoulder fired missiles (MANPADS) and RPGs. When targets are detected, Skylite hands over the images to the crew, for prosecution with precision guided weapons such as Spike ER. Attack helicopters are already using UAVs to facilitate accelerated ‘kill chains’. Therefore, offering such capability as an integral capability is the next logical step” said Dvir.
June 08, 2007
June 06, 2007
Russian Iskander M Hits "within a meter" from its target
Novosti press agency reported that monitoring data show that last week's tests of Russia's new Iskander-M (SS-26 Stone) missile were successful. According to, Sergei Ivanov, former defense minister, and current first deputy to the Russian prime minister, monitoring data, including photographic evidence, determined that the deviation of the missile from the target point was one meter. While the report confuses two missiles into the story, the high accuracy could be explained by a previously reported test of the R-500 missile, being integrated onto the Iskander launch vehicle. While offering 30% less range than the SS-26, R-500 has many advantages over conventional missiles, as it is flying a radar-evading trajectory and, reportedly, achieve an accuracy of three meters CEP. Read more on the Iskander (SS-26) in DEFENSE UPDATE.
June 05, 2007
ITL Optronics Receives IDF Follow-on Order for Night Vision Devices
8 million ITL Optronics received another order from the Israel Ministry
of Defense (IMOD) for the supply night vision devices for the ground
forces. Since the War in Lebanon, last year ITL received orders for
night vision equipment worth about $20 million. As part of the new
orders ITL will supply Mini NSEAS monocular goggles and laser pointers
for target marking. Last week ITL reported on another contract for the
supply of binocular driver's nigh vision systems for a NATO country.
The photo depicts the Mini-NSEAS monocular goggle, attached to the MARS reflection (red dot) sight mounted on an IWI Tavor assault rifle.
June 04, 2007
Eurocopter to Integrate Hellfire II Missiles with French Tiger Helicopter
While an official decision on the selection of Lockheed Martin (NYSE:LMT) Hellfire II to equip the French Army Tiger Attack Helicopter (HAD) has not been publicized yet, Eurocopter is moving forward with full integration of the missile and its all-digital M299 "smart" missile launcher on the helicopter. Under a contract awarded through the multi-national European Organisation for Joint Armament Cooperation (OCCAR) to Lockheed Marin, the company will provide training missiles, inert missiles, 80 M299 missile launchers and test equipment. The 54-month program be conducted at Eurocopter's facility in Marignane, France; Ground tests are planned to begin in October this year culminating in flight tests by March 2008. The photo shows the Australian Tigers, where the Hellfire II missiles are already integrated. Read more about Weaponization of Attack Helicopters for Asymmetric Warfare on the latest edition of DEFENSE UPDATE.
June 01, 2007
Infantry Combat Suites
An updated and revised version of our article from October 2004 , rewritten to reflect the new trends in this exciting new field. This feature covers the latest innovations in soldier systems, including protection, ergonomics and command and control. Special updates are provided on the latest versions of the US Army Future Force Warrior systems and Ground Soldier System program, the FELIN system, IDz, D2S2 and the several new Israeli programs. A follow-on article planned for publication in June will add another dimension to this coverage, with an overview of command and control systems, designed to empower and support the small unit commander and team leader of a modern and 'future' infantry unit. The full version of this article, a revised and updated version of our original feature published in 4-04 edition, is available at the new (June) issue of DEFENSE-UPDATE.
Survival with Style - Tactical Eyewear
Defense Update reports on the latest trends in tactical eyewear, protecting the warfighter's eyesight without compromising look and style. This feature covers modern types of tactical eyewear, problems and limitations associated with prescription glasses and the advantages of Laser refractive eye surgery for the combatant. The article also lists many ballistic protective eyewear approved for use by the US Military. Read more about tactical protective eyewear in the new June issue of DEFENSE-UPDATE. month's
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