Armoredd.com

09:35 GMT, Jul 01, 2009

MOSCOW. July 1 (Interfax-AVN) - The number of tanks belonging to the Russian armed forces will be cut to 2,000, a Russian Defense Ministry source told Interfax on Wednesday.

“As part of the armed forces reform, the General Staff endorsed the organizational structure of the Armor Forces within ground brigades and the Navy’s coast forces. The Armor Forces will include two independent tank brigades and over 20 tank battalions within permanent alert brigades,” the source said.

The independent tank brigades will be stationed in the Siberian and Moscow Military Districts, he said.

“The overall number of tanks of various versions, such as T-90, T-80, T-72 and others, will be reduced to 2,000. Thus, the number of tanks compared to 2005 will be cut by nearly 90%,” he said.

Meanwhile, a former head of the Russian Defense Ministry’s main armor department told Interfax on condition of anonymity that “the world has not yet invented an alternative to tanks as the Ground Forces’ main striking force.”

“The record of the Chechen campaigns and the two wars in Iraq shows vividly that it is impossible to win a ground battle without tanks.

Therefore, tanks have been and will continue to be the main striking maneuvering force of attacking troops for at least ten years,” he said.

Before 2008, the Russian armed forces included tank divisions, regiments, and battalions.

A majority of Russian tanks are T-90s produced by Uralvagonzavod.

va rp

By Roxana Tiron
Posted: 06/30/09 05:25 PM [ET]

The Oshkosh Corp. beat out several other competitors for a much-coveted contract to build mine-resistant vehicles for the troops deployed to Afghanistan.

The Army Tank Automotive Command on Tuesday announced it selected Wisconsin-Based Oshkosh for the nearly $1.1 billion contract to build the so-called Ambush Protected All Terrain Vehicles, or M-ATVs.

Several combat vehicle producers fought to win the large contract to build 2,244 vehicles for Afghanistan. The M-ATV program also is getting much attention in Congress with lawmakers anxious to see the vehicles deployed to Afghanistan as quickly as possible.

Force Protection, in a venture with General Dynamics, BAE Systems and Navistar all lost out to Oshkosh.

The new all-terrain armored vehicle is meant to allow soldiers and Marines to navigate harsh, undeveloped terrain with bomb-proof protection.

Source: The Hill

<---End of Quote--->

Related Article:
Oshkosh Defense Submits Proposal for M-ATV Program Based on Combat-Proven, Production-Ready MTVR

OSHKOSH, Wis. — Jan. 12, 2009 — Oshkosh Corporation (NYSE:OSK), announced today that its Defense division submitted its proposal for the U.S. Army’s MRAP All Terrain Vehicle (M-ATV) program on January 9, 2009. The company’s submittal is based on the combat-proven Medium Tactical Vehicle Replacement (MTVR) chassis, which has been successfully operating off road in Afghanistan as well as around the world for several years.

The U.S. Army Tank-automotive and Armaments Command (TACOM) is accepting proposals for the M-ATV program, which seeks a highly mobile, more maneuverable and durable alternative to the current Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles for off-road operation in the rough terrain of Afghanistan. Oshkosh’s nondevelopmental M-ATV vehicle features an existing hull, which was developed and successfully tested for the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV) program. The hull, with its superior MANPRINT, and MTVR chassis combine to create a highly survivable, highly mobile combat vehicle to meet the urgent need for the Warfighter in Afghanistan.

“The Oshkosh Defense M-ATV is a variant of our armored MTVR, a proven vehicle that has protected and served our military men and women in off-road operations for years,” said John Stoddart, Oshkosh Corporation executive vice president and president, Defense.

There are six distinct benefits that Oshkosh believes sets its vehicle ahead of any other offering. The vehicle is: Survivable, Mobile, Mission-Proven, Production-Ready, Best Value and Low Price. “This is a mature, highly mobile vehicle that has operated successfully in the off-road mountainous terrain of Afghanistan, and we have several manufacturing facilities within our corporation that have excess capacity to exceed the Services’ delivery requirements,” added Stoddart. “We stand ready to provide the Services with the vehicle they want.”

To ensure superior protection and survivability, Oshkosh is partnered with Plasan North America to provide the Oshkosh M-ATV’s armor system. Plasan has produced armor systems for more than 5,000 current MRAP vehicles and for the Armored Cab MTVR. These armor systems have saved lives in both Iraq and Afghanistan. The vehicle also will feature Oshkosh’s signature TAK-4® independent suspension system for exceptional off-road ride quality and durability to meet the essential capability not available in the current MRAP fleet – exceptional off-road mobility and durability.

The Oshkosh M-ATV provides superior weight-carrying capability to avoid axles breaking in the rugged terrain of Afghanistan. The Oshkosh M-ATV further provides parts and maintenance commonality with the MTVR and other tactical vehicles, which will minimize production costs and increase mission readiness.

The Oshkosh MTVR was developed and fielded nearly 10 years ago as a next-generation replacement for the medium tactical fleet for the Marine Corps, particularly for all-terrain missions. The vehicle has more than 400,000 government-tested miles at a 70 percent off-road mission profile, making it ideal for Afghanistan. Many of the MTVRs have more than 70,000 operational miles in Afghanistan and are proving their durability with a 92 percent or better operational readiness rate in theater. The vehicle’s success was recently marked following Oshkosh’s production of the 10,000th MTVR in 2008. The vehicle features an off-road 7.1-ton payload capacity and an on-road 15-ton payload capacity.

The Oshkosh M-ATV is the survivability, mobility, mission-proven, production-ready and best value/low price solution for the Warfighter. The company’s main focus is to provide the best survivability solution coupled with the best mobility system to get American men and women into and out of the fight in areas where other vehicles fear to tread.

About Oshkosh Defense
Oshkosh Defense, a division of Oshkosh Corporation, is an industry-leading global designer and manufacturer of tactical military trucks and armored wheeled vehicles, delivering a full product line of conventional and hybrid vehicles, advanced armor options, proprietary suspensions and vehicles with payloads that can exceed 70 tons. Oshkosh Defense provides a global service and supply network including full life-cycle support and remanufacturing, and its vehicles are recognized the world over for superior performance, reliability and protection. For more information, visit www.oshkoshdefense.com.

About Oshkosh Corporation
Oshkosh Corporation is a leading designer, manufacturer and marketer of a broad range of specialty access equipment, commercial, fire & emergency and military vehicles and vehicle bodies. Oshkosh Corp. manufactures, distributes and services products under the brands of Oshkosh®, JLG®, Pierce®, McNeilus®, Medtec®, Jerr-Dan®, BAI®, Oshkosh Specialty Vehicles, Frontline™, SMIT™, Geesink™, Norba™, Kiggen™, CON-E-CO®, London® and IMT®. Oshkosh products are valued worldwide in businesses where high quality, superior performance, rugged reliability and long-term value are paramount. For more information, log on to www.oshkoshcorporation.com.

• TAK-4 is a registered trademark of Oshkosh Corporation

Source: Oshkosh Defense

24 Jun 2009 | Ref. 107/2009

ARLINGTON, Virginia – BAE Systems has been awarded $124.8 million in U.S. Army contracts to reset, upgrade and maintain M113 vehicles.

Several contracts awarded to the company by the U.S. military cover repairs and improvements on the combat-proven infantry vehicles. Specifically, awards include:

• $87.7 million for the reset of 697 M113 vehicles. During the reset process, BAE Systems will repair existing vehicles to pre-deployment condition and provide some upgrades to enhance survivability, mobility and communications.
• $23.3 million for parts and materials. This covers the acquisition of long-lead items needed for future repairs to M113 vehicles.
• $7.8 million for add on armor. BAE Systems will add additional protection to 120 M113 vehicles.
• $6 million for support and maintenance on M113 vehicles at Fort Hood, Texas. This award will cover support to the U.S. Army’s 1st Cavalry Division.

“The M113 Family of Vehicles is an integral component of the Army’s Heavy Brigade Combat Teams,” said Joe McCarthy, vice president, Heavy Brigade Combat Team Systems for the company. “BAE Systems will continue to support our troops by repairing, maintaining and improving the M113 throughout the life cycle – freeing soldiers to focus on their mission.”

The M113 family of vehicles is one of the most widely used combat vehicles in the world. More than 80,000 of the armored tracked vehicles have been produced, including more than 40 variants. The M113 family is used by at least 44 countries. It can transport 12 troops and a driver and is capable of amphibious operation, extended cross-country travel over rough terrain and high-speed operation on improved roads and highways.

Work on these contracts will be performed by the existing workforce at BAE Systems’ facilities in Anniston, Alabama; Aiken, South Carolina and Fort Hood, Texas.

The contracts are all managed by the Army’s TACOM Life Cycle Management Command.

About BAE Systems
BAE Systems is the premier global defense, security and aerospace company delivering a full range of products and services for air, land and naval forces, as well as advanced electronics, security, information technology solutions and customer support services. With approximately 105,000 employees worldwide, BAE Systems’ sales exceeded £18.5 billion (US $34.4 billion) in 2008.

www.baesystems.com

10 Jun 2009 | Ref. 094/2009

HOUSTON, Texas – BAE Systems was awarded a contract modification worth $19 million from the U.S. Marine Corps Systems Command in Quantico, Virginia to upgrade 1,800 Caiman Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles.

The upgrades will increase the functionality and dependability of several of the Caiman’s systems and individual items. Work will take place at the Kuwait Refurbishment Facility and is anticipated to be completed by July 2010.

“These engineering upgrades to the Caiman MRAP provide our forces with the latest vehicle enhancements,” said Chris Chambers, vice president and general manager of Global Tactical Systems in Sealy, Texas. “These enhancements improve our military’s ability to safely and effectively accomplish their mission.”

BAE Systems manufactured 2,868 Caiman MRAPs during the vehicle’s 22-month production run, with the first vehicle delivered just 43 days after the initial contract award.

BAE Systems manufactures the Caiman in Sealy, Texas, where it employs more than 2,700 people. The Sealy facility has a long history with wheeled vehicle products and has established itself as a world-class designer, volume manufacturer and through-life supporter of high-quality, best value, military tactical wheeled vehicles with payload capacities from 2.5 to 18 tons.

About BAE Systems
BAE Systems is the premier global defense, security and aerospace company delivering a full range of products and services for air, land and naval forces, as well as advanced electronics, security, information technology solutions and customer support services. With approximately 105,000 employees worldwide, BAE Systems’ sales exceeded £18.5 billion (US $34.4 billion) in 2008.

Copyright © 2006 - 2009 BAE Systems. All rights reserved

Russia is holding military drills - including night time exercises - in a government effort to improve the effectiveness of its ground forces.

Source: Russia Today

TEWKSBURY, Mass., May 28, 2009 /PRNewswire/ — Raytheon Company’s (NYSE: RTN) Surface Launched Medium Range Air-to-Air Missile (SLAMRAAM) program has received U.S. Army approval for a long-lead acquisition, not to exceed $30 million, for long-lead purchases leading to low rate initial production.

This approval is significant as it represents and underscores the Army’s confidence in the system and the capability it brings to the warfighter.

“SLAMRAAM represents a revolutionary step forward in the defense of our troops on the battlefield as well as our nation and allies,” said Pete Franklin, vice president for Raytheon Integrated Defense Systems’ National & Theater Security Programs. “SLAMRAAM will field the first command and control air defense system supporting the Army’s vision of ’system of systems’.”

SLAMRAAM is a tailorable, state-of-the-art air defense system that can defeat current and emerging cruise missile threats, unmanned aerial systems and a wide range of air breathing threats. It provides the warfighter with a system of highly mobile battlefield elements networked and geographically distributed to provide integrated fire control capability against airborne threats. SLAMRAAM, when combined with Raytheon’s domain knowledge in integrated air and missile defense, provides the U.S. Army and allies the netted, flexible capabilities to defeat current and future threats.

Integrated Defense Systems is Raytheon’s leader in Global Capabilities Integration providing affordable, integrated solutions to a broad international and domestic customer base, including the U.S. Missile Defense Agency, the U.S. Armed Forces and the Department of Homeland Security.

Raytheon Company, with 2008 sales of $23.2 billion, is a technology and innovation leader specializing in defense, homeland security and other government markets throughout the world. With a history of innovation spanning 87 years, Raytheon provides state-of-the-art electronics, mission systems integration and other capabilities in the areas of sensing; effects; and command, control, communications and intelligence systems, as well as a broad range of mission support services. With headquarters in Waltham, Mass., Raytheon employs 73,000 people worldwide.

Contact:
Maureen Heard
339.645.6664

SOURCE: Raytheon Company

Web site: http://www.raytheon.com/

10 June 2009

The Singapore Army has awarded a $100m contract to ST Engineering for the advanced combat man system (ACMS).

ACMS is a third-generation networked warrior system with advanced C4I (command, control, communications, computers and intelligence) and network features.

ACMS technology integrates the soldier’s capabilities as part of a network-centric force.

The system can improve the situational awareness of the soldier, increasing mobility, command and control thereby enhancing combating capabilities.

The project will begin immediately and is expected to be complete by 2012.

Source: Army-Technology

FORT MONMOUTH, N.J., May 26, 2009 /PRNewswire/ — A team led by Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN) received an indefinite delivery-indefinite quantity award for the U.S. Army Battle Command Development contract.

The Battle Command Development contract, managed by the U.S. Army Communications and Electronics Command, is a five-year, multi-award vehicle worth up to $777.4 million.

The award enables the Raytheon team to compete for task orders that will enhance and maintain the capabilities of the Army Battle Command System. The ABCS consists of products that have been developed by battle command organizations. These products are used throughout theater and lack commonality.

The task orders focus on unifying the existing ABCS products into a net-centric, service-oriented architecture. This allows the ABCS a common look and feel within its family of products and improved interoperability with other Army systems.

“The use of battle command products in current conflicts and in future Army modernization efforts is critical, making this effort particularly important,” said Andy Zogg, vice president, Raytheon Network Centric Systems Command and Control Systems. “Our aim is to put real solutions in the hands of our soldiers quickly.”

Raytheon Company, with 2008 sales of $23.2 billion, is a technology and innovation leader specializing in defense, homeland security and other government markets throughout the world. With a history of innovation spanning 87 years, Raytheon provides state-of-the-art electronics, mission systems integration and other capabilities in the areas of sensing; effects; and command, control, communications and intelligence systems, as well as a broad range of mission support services. With headquarters in Waltham, Mass., Raytheon employs 73,000 people worldwide.

SOURCE: Raytheon Company

Web site: http://www.raytheon.com/

Army News — By American Forces Press Service on May 29, 2009 at 5:54 am

FORT BELVOIR, Va.: “Keep Up the Fire,” a new documentary produced by the Army’s Program Executive Office Soldier, tells the story of the first infantry unit deployed to Iraq with the Land Warrior system.

In 2007, the 4th Battalion, 9th Infantry Regiment, deployed to Iraq to help bring peace to a region paralyzed by war. With them, the battalion brought a vital system called Land Warrior, the most advanced piece of infantry technology ever fielded.

The Soldiers entered a brutal combat environment, where insurgent attacks numbered in the hundreds each week and American forces faced the mistrust of the people they had been sent to protect.

Despite the difficulties they faced, the battalion was remarkably successful during its deployment. Land Warrior, an advanced navigational and network communication system worn by Soldiers was a key to that success. Land Warrior consists of a wiring system, joystick-like control unit, a computing unit, and flip-down monocular eyepiece.

In its role as a navigation device, Land Warrior shows a Soldier’s location on a tactical map. Similarly-equipped Soldier and vehicle positions are constantly updated within the system, greatly increasing the situational awareness of the dismounted Soldier.

“Land Warrior gave me confidence as I planned to coordinate for a blind hit at night for the first time in this area,” said Capt. Brandon Kint, who used Land Warrior with the 4th Bn.

As a networking device, Land Warrior enables communication among Soldiers, vehicles, and commanders through one system. Additionally, Land Warrior creates organic networks between equipped units as they move into and out of contact with one another. Digital information can be exchanged between these equipped units and throughout the networks. For instance, Soldiers can place markers on the digital maps called “digital chemlights,” which will appear on the map of every other Land Warrior-equipped Soldier within seconds.

Originally developed in the early 1990s, Land Warrior was canceled just before the unit was set to deploy. By special request, the system was supported for the duration of the deployment to Iraq. Before and during their deployment, the battalion worked closely with the developers of Land Warrior to make changes to the system, increasing its effectiveness and usability.

The success and innovative work with Soldiers led to renewed interest in the program, so much so that a Stryker Brigade Combat Team will take an improved system to Afghanistan this year.

“It’s one piece of equipment that we won’t leave the (field operating base) without anymore,” said Master Sgt. (P) Marc Griffith, who deployed with Land Warrior and the 4th Bn. to Iraq.

Source: Defence Talk

28 May 2009 | Ref. 086/2009
News Release

Hattiesburg, MS – BAE Systems has received orders worth around $118m (£70m) for 63 more M777 howitzers, taking the order total to exactly 800 guns.

The U.S. is buying 38 guns for the Marines and Army while Canada is acquiring 25 more through the US Foreign Military Sales program to add to the 12 it already has in service.

BAE Systems Global Combat Systems’ facility at Hattiesburg, Mississippi is responsible for final integration and test of the weapon system. The prime contract management of the M777 program and manufacture and assembly of the complex titanium structures and associated recoil components are undertaken at Barrow-in-Furness in the United Kingdom.

Global Combat Systems has also received a $3M contract to ‘reset’ 33 US howitzers returning from operations in Afghanistan. This refurbishment work will be undertaken at the Hattiesburg facility.

Global Combat Systems’ Artillery Programmes Director Ian McMillan commented on the gun acquisition and reset contracts:

“The purchase of additional howitzers is further endorsement of M777 and we expect more orders through 2009. We are also looking forward to establishing long-term partnering arrangements with U.S. Government military depots to undertake future reset and overhaul activities.”

Weighing in at less than 4200kg, the revolutionary M777 is the world’s first artillery weapon to make widespread use of titanium and aluminum alloys, resulting in a howitzer which is half the weight of conventional 155mm systems.

Both the U.S. and Canada operate M777s in Afghanistan, providing fire support to coalition forces. Its ability to be airlifted to remote positions by helicopter gives the system enormous operational flexibility and makes it ideal for a challenging environment like Afghanistan.

The M777 can fire the “smart” Excalibur round, co-developed by Global Combat Systems up to 40 km (25m) accurately enough to target individual rooms within a building, reducing the chance of innocent casualties and allowing supporting fire to be brought down much closer to friendly troops.

The M777 effort is managed by the Light Weight 155mm Joint Program office at Picatinny Arsenal, New Jersey.

About BAE Systems
BAE Systems is the premier global defence, security and aerospace company delivering a full range of products and services for air, land and naval forces, as well as advanced electronics, security, information technology solutions and customer support services. With approximately 105,000 employees worldwide, BAE Systems’ sales exceeded US $34.4 billion (£18.5 billion) in 2008.

Source: BAE Systems

Date: 28/05/2009
Press Release

AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, is pleased to announce the opening of its new T129 facility in Cascina Costa, Italy. The official opening ceremony was attended by delegates from the Turkish Undersecretariat for Defence Industries (SSM), Turkish Land Force Command and Turkish General Staff as well as industry representatives from Turkish Aerospace Industries Inc. (TAI) and Aselsan. The T129 programme is on schedule and on budget, and has already successfully completed a System Requirements Review in January 2009 while the Preliminary Design Review is ongoing.

The new dedicated facility, staffed by more than 70 Turkish and AgustaWestland integrated team technicians, comprises an assembly area for the T129 prototypes as well as office space for the T129 team members. The entire facility has been designed to bring together the integrated team into a single location to enable all industry partners to work together in a highly efficient manner.

The T129 programme represents a new endeavour between AgustaWestland and Turkish aerospace industries with the aim to develop in Turkey a modern helicopter industry to satisfy the future requirements of the Turkish armed forces as well as enhancing the technological capabilities of the Turkish defence industry. Through the T129 programme AgustaWestland is transferring its know-how to its Turkish industrial partners to make the T129 the most advanced helicopter in its class, so satisfying the requirement of the Turkish Land Forces as well as making it very appealing to the international market where Turkish industry will play a primary role.

The first T129 helicopter demonstrator (P1) is planned to fly in Italy soon, followed by P2 and P3 prototypes in 2010. P4, the first TAI aircraft, is scheduled to be delivered to TAI early next year for final assembly in Turkey and will be used to achieve military certification for the full T129 configuration. Aircraft P4 will then be delivered to the Turkish Army as the first production helicopter. The programme also includes a second TAI assembled prototype, P5, which will fly in the first half of 2011.

The AgustaWestland AW129 was selected to meet the Attack and Tactical Reconnaissance Helicopter (ATAK) requirement of the Turkish Land Forces Command in March 2007 leading to contract signature in September 2007. In accordance with the contract, TAI is the appointed prime contractor while AgustaWestland and Aselsan are the main sub contractors. In addition many leading Turkish aerospace companies are also involved in the programme with significant industrial benefits for Turkey, including local final assembly, delivery and acceptance of the aircraft. The partners have formed the ATAK TEAM to develop the T129.

Source: AgustaWestland

May 27, 2009 The XM25 Individual Air Burst Weapon is looking likely to be the shoulder-fired weapon of choice for the US military to kill or neutralize hidden targets. Due for field test this summer, the lightweight XM-25 “smart weapon” uses High Explosive Air-Burst (HEAB) munitions that can be programmed to detonate at a precise point in the air without the need to impact, spelling trouble for elusive targets, be they behind a wall, inside a building or in a foxhole.

The XM25
Developed jointly by the German arms manufacturer Heckler & Koch and the US company Alliant Techsystems (ATK Corporation), the XM-25 is a semi-automatic, shoulder-fired weapon with a five-round magazine and weighs in at around 14 pounds (6.3kg) – about the same weight as an M-16 with a 203 grenade launcher. The weapon’s XM116 integral fire system provides the weapon with its precision and is capable of controlling individually each of the 25mm rounds in real time. Based on a thermal optic, day-sight, laser range finder, compass and infrared light, the system can precisely measure the distance to the target and program each round to explode close to the mark via the wireless connection. Capable of hitting a point target at 500 meters and area targets at 700 meters with a range of munitions including HEAB, anti-personnel, two types of non-lethal munitions – blunt and agent dispersing airburst - plus armor piercing, and door breaching munitions, this is one very nasty piece of ordinance and a must have on any soldiers list.

In a nutshell, it operates with the soldier sighting the target and the advanced laser rangefinder transmitting range information to the chambered 25mm round. The soldier then essentially points and fires. After the round leaves the chamber and moves towards its target, the system precisely measures the distance traveled and detonates it at exactly the right moment to deliver maximum effectiveness. ATK says that the XM25 increases the warfighter’s probability of hit-to-kill performance by up to 500 percent over existing weapons and extends the effective range of the soldier’s individual weapon to more than 500 meters.

The LW50MG
Another high-tech weapon recently field tested by the military is the Lightweight .50 Caliber Machine Gun (LW50MG). Unlike the XM25, which doesn’t offer a weight advantage, the LW50MG weights in at 64 pounds (29kg) complete with tripod, i.e., half the weight of the M-2 .50 caliber machine gun. With 60% less recoil than the M-2, the LW50MG will also offer greater accuracy and speed than the veteran M-2.

Source: Giz Mag

May 26, 2009

Egypt – AH-64D APACHE Longbow Helicopters

WASHINGTON, May 26, 2009 – On May 22, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress of a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Egypt of 12 AH-64D Block II APACHE Longbow Helicopters and associated equipment, parts, training and support for an estimated cost of $820 million.

The Government of Egypt has requested a possible sale of 12 AH-64D Block II APACHE Longbow Helicopters, 27 T700-GE-701D Engines, 36 Modernized Targeting Acquisition and Designation Systems/Pilot Night Vision Sensors, 28 M299 HELLFIRE Longbow Missile Launchers, 14 AN/ALQ-144(V)3 Infrared Jammers, and 14 AN/APR-39B(V)2 Radar Signal Detecting Sets. Also included: composite horizontal stabilizers, Integrated Helmet and Display Sight Systems, repair and return, transportation, depot maintenance, spare and repair parts, support equipment, publications and technical documentation, U.S. Government and contractor technical support, and other related elements of program support. The estimated cost is $820 million.

This proposed sale will contribute to the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to improve the security of a friendly country which has been and continues to be an important force for political stability and economic progress in the Middle East. This sale is consistent with these U.S. objectives and with the 1950 Treaty of Mutual Cooperation and Security.

Egypt will use the AH-64D for its national security and protecting its borders. The aircraft will provide the Egyptian military more advanced targeting and engagement capabilities. The proposed sale will provide for the defense of vital installations and will provide close air support for the military ground forces. Egypt will have no difficulty absorbing these helicopters into its armed forces.

The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region.
The prime contractors will be The Boeing Company in Mesa, Arizona, and St. Louis, Missouri, General Electric Company of Lynn, Massachusetts, and Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control in Orlando, Florida. There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale.

Implementation of this proposed sale requires the assignment of one U.S. Government representative to Egypt for a period of six years to provide intensive coordination, monitoring, and technical assistance to assure a smooth transition of the helicopters in country. Additionally, six contractor representatives will be in Egypt conducting duties as Contractor Field Service Representatives for a period of five years and with a possible five-year extension.

There will be no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness as a result of this proposed sale.

This notice of a potential sale is required by law. It does not mean that the sale has been concluded.

Source: Defense Security Cooperation Agency

19 May 2009 | Ref. 083/2009

ARLINGTON, Virginia - The U.S. Army has awarded BAE Systems a contract for $601 million to refurbish some of its heavy infantry vehicles.

Through a public-private partnership with the Army’s Red River Army Depot, BAE Systems will repair and upgrade 606 Bradley Fighting Vehicles. This process, known in the military as reset, mitigates the effect of combat use, replaces battle damaged vehicles and provides the military with vehicles in pre-deployment conditions.

“The Bradley plays an integral role in the Army’s Heavy Brigade Combat Teams,” said Joe McCarthy, vice president and general manager, HBCT Systems. “By resetting these vehicles to pre-deployment condition, we will make sure that our troops are able to continue to execute the mission.”

Under this award, BAE Systems will reset 346 Bradley A3 vehicles, 141 A2 ODS vehicles and 119 A2 ODS SA vehicles. Initial disassembly and subsystem rebuild will be performed at the Red River Army Depot, with final disassembly and structural modifications completed by BAE Systems in Fayette County, Pennsylvania. Final assembly, integration and testing will be conducted at the company’s facility in York, Pennsylvania.

During final assembly in York, Bradley vehicles will also be equipped with upgrades including Improvised Explosive Device Armor, Bradley Urban Survivability Kits and other engineering changes designed to improve protection for soldiers.

“I am pleased to learn that the Army continues to turn to the Commonwealth to repair and upgrade the Bradley Fighting Vehicle,” said Sen. Arlen Specter, D-PA. “This contract award is a testament to the skilled men and women employed at the York and Fayette BAE Systems facilities and will be a strong boon to their economies by sustaining hundreds of high-paying jobs.”

Work on the contract will begin immediately and BAE Systems will start to deliver completed vehicles to the military this summer, with final deliveries expected to be completed by March 2010.

The contract is managed by the Army’s TACOM Life Cycle Management Command.

Bradley Combat Systems continue to provide outstanding survivability, mobility and lethality to U.S. soldiers in close-combat urban situations as well as in open-combat. The Bradley fulfills five critical mission roles - infantry fighting vehicle, cavalry fighting vehicle, fire support vehicle, battle command vehicle and engineer squad vehicle - for the Army’s Heavy Brigade Combat Teams.

BAE Systems manufactures Bradley Combat Systems, which are part of the U.S. Combat Systems line of business. U.S. Combat Systems is a modern, efficient, full-spectrum developer, integrator and supplier of survivable, lethal ground and naval combat platforms. U.S. Combat Systems is a main supplier to the U.S. Army’s Heavy Brigade Combat Teams, an integral developer of mine-protected and future combat vehicles, and a top producer of naval guns and missile launchers.

About BAE Systems
BAE Systems is the premier global defense, security and aerospace company delivering a full range of products and services for air, land and naval forces, as well as advanced electronics, security, information technology solutions and customer support services. With approximately 105,000 employees worldwide, BAE Systems’ sales exceeded £18.5 billion (US $34.4 billion) in 2008.

Source: BAE Systems

Published: May 15, 2009 at 1:33 PM

ARLINGTON, Va., May 15 (UPI) — Jordan’s armed forces have contracted BAE Systems to provide upgrade kits for the M113A1 fully tracked armored personnel carriers.

BAE said the contract, managed by the U.S. Army Tank-automotive and Armaments Command, Life Cycle Management Command, is for upgrades on 300 of the M113A1 Armored Personnel Carriers.

Under the $43.3 million contract, BAE will upgrade the M113A1 to an M113A2Mk1 configuration, which improves the engine suspension for the tactical vehicle and provides other advances.

“The M113 is one of the most enduring and battle-tested military vehicles in the world,” Joe McCarthy, BAE Heavy Brigade Combat Team Programs vice president, said in a statement.

“The technical upgrades we will provide to the Jordan armed forces will ensure that these personnel carriers will continue to serve their mission for years to come.”

© 2009 United Press International, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

11 May 2009 | Ref. 079/2009

YORK, Pennsylvania – BAE Systems has been awarded an $81.4 million contract to produce 39 M88A2 HERCULES recovery vehicles and spare parts for the U.S. Army.

“HERCULES continues to provide unmatched capabilities to our troops” said Joe McCarthy, vice president and general manager, Heavy Brigade Combat Team Systems at BAE Systems. “This contract brings value to our employees as it extends the current M88A2 production work at BAE Systems and our suppliers across the U.S.”

Work under the contract will be completed by the existing workforce at BAE Systems and is expected to be completed by May 2012.

The contract contains options for the U.S. Army to purchase up to 81 additional vehicles and the U.S. Marine Corps to purchase an additional 10 vehicles, as well as six sets of spare parts.

This award brings the total value of contracts BAE Systems has been awarded on HERCULES to $1.4 billion. To date 231 HERCULES vehicles have been fielded against a total U.S. Army requirement of 607 vehicles. A total of 69 have been fielded to the U.S. Marine Corps, which has pure fleeted to the M88A2 configuration, plus an additional 114 vehicles to four allied nations – Egypt, Kuwait, Thailand and Australia.

HERCULES provides unparalleled capability for recovering today’s 70-ton combat vehicles including the M1A1, M1A2, Leopard, bridging systems and other medium weight vehicles and answers the need for cost-effective, self-supporting heavy recovery performance. Key upgrades from the M88A1 include improved power-assisted braking, steering, electrical system and increased engine horsepower and additional armor protection, providing soldiers and Marines with 25 percent more towing muscle, 40 percent more lifting strength and 55 percent more winching power in meeting any mission requirement.

The contracts are managed by the Army’s TACOM Life Cycle Management Command.

About BAE Systems
BAE Systems is the premier global defense, security and aerospace company delivering a full range of products and services for air, land and naval forces, as well as advanced electronics, security, information technology solutions and customer support services. With approximately 105,000 employees worldwide, BAE Systems’ sales exceeded £18.5 billion (US $34.4 billion) in 2008.

For further information, please contact:
Steve Field, BAE Systems
Tel: +1 703 859 3479 Mobile: +1 703 298 9452
steven.h.field@baesystems.com

Jessica Pantages, BAE Systems
Tel: +1 703 907 8261 Mobile:+1 703 439 0345
jessica.pantages@baesystems.com

www.baesystems.com

By DANIEL GOURE, UPI Outside View Commentator
Published: May 14, 2009 at 2:08 PM

ARLINGTON, Va., May 14 (UPI) — It is ironic that the Radford Army Ammunition Plant in Virginia, while remaining so critical to the national security of the United States, is currently at great potential risk.

This is particularly the case in the period of reduced defense budgets that is likely to ensue as the current U.S. administration of President Barack Obama struggles with a still worsening economic and financial crisis that is potentially the worst the United States has faced since the Great Depression.

For many years, the U.S. Department of Defense did not make the proper investments in maintaining and modernizing the ammunition-manufacturing facility at Radford.

Failure to complete the modernization efforts that were begun after the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, might result in a failure of critical production capabilities at Radford that could place the national security of the United States at risk.

Equally important, steps need to be taken to anticipate the move to new kinds of ammunition products and, in doing so, to develop a new business model for the Radford Army Ammunition Plant that will lower the costs of ammunition provided to war fighters.

Improvements to the ammunition supply chain for the U.S. Army and Marine Corps are long overdue. Allowed to atrophy in the years following the end of the Cold War, the state of the ammunition industrial base was uncertain, at best, when the United States was confronted by new threats after Sept. 11. Since then, the U.S. Army and the private contractors managing the government-owned but contractor-operated ammunition manufacturers have collaborated to make substantial improvements to the ammunition industrial base.

Early in the effort to mobilize resources in response to the demands of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars, the U.S. Army recognized the need for a plan that addressed the deficiencies in the ammunition industrial base.

The Radford facility is unique in its ability to make nitrocellulose, an essential ingredient for propellants and explosives. There is no alternative domestic source for this material in the entire United States should any element in the process fail.

The Army’s agent in charge of ammunition, the Single Manager for Conventional Ammunition, has published the Industrial Base Strategic Plan: 2015, which laid out a long-term approach for rationalizing and upgrading the ammunition industrial base.

As part of this plan, the Army has made significant investments in the last seven and a half years in improvements to the ammunition industrial base across the United States.

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Part 10: How the U.S. Army has invested big in ammunition-plant modernization across the United States

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(Daniel Goure is vice president of the Lexington Institute, an independent think tank in Arlington, Va.)

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(United Press International’s “Outside View” commentaries are written by outside contributors who specialize in a variety of important issues. The views expressed do not necessarily reflect those of United Press International. In the interests of creating an open forum, original submissions are invited.)

Associated Press
updated 4:26 p.m. PT, Thurs., May 14, 2009
MSNBC

PHOENIX - A 60-year-old Vietnam War veteran who was killed by a roadside bomb in Iraq has become the oldest Army soldier to die in that conflict, the military said Thursday.

An Associated Press database of soldiers killed in Iraq and Afghanistan shows that Maj. Steven Hutchison, of Scottsdale, Ariz., is the oldest member of any service branch killed since the wars broke out.

His brother said Hutchison decided to re-enlist after the 9/11 terrorist attacks and the death of his wife.

Richard Hutchison said that his older brother wanted to re-enlist immediately after 9/11 but that his wife was against it. He signed up again in July 2007 after she died, according to his brother and the Army.

“He was very devoted to the service and to his country,” Richard Hutchison said. “I didn’t want him to do it, but he had a mind of his own and that’s what he wanted to do.”

The Pentagon said Steven Hutchison was killed in Iraq on Sunday. Army spokesman Lt. Col. Nathan Banks said Thursday that Hutchison was the oldest Army soldier killed in Iraq.

Hutchison was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 34th Armor Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division at Fort Riley, Kan.

Copyright 2009 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

13 May 2009

Army Technology

The US Army hopes to develop a new manned ground vehicle within five to seven years after a decision last month to cancel the $87bn ground vehicle segment of the future combat systems modernisation programme, the top army general said on Tuesday.

Army Chief of Staff General George Casey told the Senate Appropriations Defense Subcommittee that the army was starting work on a new plan for manned ground vehicles that would draw on lessons learned in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Casey said the Pentagon was conducting a design review this week of the systems involved in the overall future combat systems programme, led by Boeing and Science Applications International.

After it was completed, he said officials would work with the contractors to halt the programme in its current form and remove the ground vehicle portion, work being done by Britain’s BAE Systems and General Dynamics.

Casey said the goal was to rework the FCS contract in a way that did not slow development and fielding of the FCS network or other technologies that are to be fielded to soldiers soon.

Army Secretary Pete Geren told Senators work was also continuing on a lighter version of mine-resistant ambush-protected (MRAP) vehicles for use in Afghanistan.

“That is a top priority for the department, I can assure you,” Geren said.

The Pentagon’s budget proposal for fiscal 2010, which begins 1 October, includes $26.3bn in funding for continued modernisation of army and marine corps ground vehicles.

Demand for vehicles that can withstand roadside bombs has driven funding for MRAPs sharply higher in recent years.

The Pentagon’s 2010 budget includes $5.46bn for 1,080 lighter MRAP all-terrain vehicles (ATV) with integrated armour and safety equipment aimed at supporting operations in the more rugged terrain of Afghanistan.

Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman Daniel Inouye, who also heads its defence subcommittee, questioned lack of funding in the 2010 budget for General Dynamics-built Stryker wheeled armor vehicles, especially given estimates that the company needed orders of at least 240 vehicles to sustain the line.

The 2010 budget includes spending of $478.9m for Stryker survivability enhancements, systems engineering and training devices, but no vehicle purchases.

The defence subcommittee of the House Appropriations Committee last week added $338.4m in funding for 260 Stryker vehicles, including 225 ambulance versions and 35 engineering vehicles, to the administration’s request for additional war funding for fiscal 2009.

The Senate Appropriations Committee’s defence subcommittee is due to meet on Thursday to mark up its 2009 war spending bill. Inouye has emphasised the need to maintain a ‘clean bill’ without the usual earmarks, but it remained unclear if he would add funding for Strykers and other weapons to the bill.

Geren said the army’s requirements were satisfied by the 2010 budget, but said the service was reexamining the need for ambulances given the action by the House subcommittee.

General Dynamics currently builds about 40 Strykers a month. Cutting production to 20 would be the minimum needed to maintain the production line, but could still lead to some job losses, said one source closely tracking the issue, who asked not to be identified because no final decisions had been made.

By Andrea Shalal-Esa, Reuters.

By Roxana Tiron
Posted: 05/12/09 06:02 PM [ET]
The Hill

Army leaders under pressure from more than 100 lawmakers are re-examining the need for more General Dynamics Stryker battlefield ambulances.

The Army is not doing a formal re-examination of its needs and requirements for the vehicles, but it is considering questions raised by members of Congress, Army Secretary Pete Geren told reporters on Tuesday.

More than 118 House lawmakers have expressed concern that the Army is not buying enough of a specific version of the Stryker — the ambulance — that the Army National Guard in particular could use on the battlefield and for domestic emergencies.

The Stryker combat vehicles come in various configurations and are used for different purposes. House appropriators added $338.4 million to the latest war emergency funding bill to buy 225 Stryker medical evacuation vehicles — the formal name for the ambulances — and 35 Stryker engineering support vehicles.

The full House still has to take up the bill. In the Senate, the Appropriations Committee is marking up its version of the bill on Thursday.

Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman Daniel Inouye (D-Hawaii) indicated Tuesday that the Senate also has concerns over the Stryker ambulances. He asked Geren whether the Army considered implications on the defense industrial base when it decided against buying more of the vehicles.

The Army does not consider industrial base issues; it looks at whether certain hardware fills the needs and requirements of the force.

Geren stressed that the Army’s requirement for Stryker ambulances has already been met, but the service is revisiting the issue because of congressional concern. Situations can always “evolve,” Geren said after a Senate defense appropriations hearing Tuesday.

Geren said that the House Appropriations Committee raised questions about whether the Army has funded enough Stryker ambulances.

“When we have a congressional committee that does that, we respect their judgment and we’ll go back and give it another look,” Geren said.

General Dynamics supporters argue that the Army initially planned to ask for more than 300 Stryker ambulances in its 2009 supplemental request. In the end, however, the Army did not include any Stryker ambulances in its request.

The Army also scrapped a 2008 order for 300 medical evacuation vehicles and replaced that order with a mix of different vehicles for a Stryker Brigade Combat Team in Afghanistan. Army commanders in Iraq also chose to use the Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) ambulances instead.

Army officials have acknowledged that the Army is facing a gap for survivable medical evacuation vehicles, and that they are weighing their alternatives. However, Army officials have not committed to the Stryker vehicle.

Without a firm commitment from the Army and the Pentagon, General Dynamics and its supporters now have to rely on appropriators to add funding for the Stryker vehicles.

Meanwhile, BAE Systems, another major vehicle producer, could pose competition for General Dynamics in its quest to sell more Stryker ambulances. BAE officially released a proposal to the Army that includes military ambulances based on BAE’s Bradley Fighting Vehicle. BAE made that proposal eyeing the replacement of the Army’s old M113 vehicles in the heavy brigade combat teams. General Dynamics is also targeting that replacement with its Stryker vehicles, according to industry sources.

Momentum for buying more Strykers grew in Congress after adjutants general from across the country bombarded lawmakers in recent months with letters urgently requesting more Stryker medical evacuation vehicles that the National Guard could use on the battlefield and for domestic emergencies.

The adjutants general from Mississippi, North Carolina, Montana, Minnesota, Washington state, Oregon, California, Idaho, Pennsylvania, West Virginia and Tennessee wrote lawmakers arguing that the Stryker ambulances “will have significant influence on the domestic support [the National Guard] can give to our citizens at home,” and could assist “all regions of our nation in innumerable disaster scenarios.”

About 118 lawmakers pleaded with Reps. John Murtha (D-Pa.) and Bill Young (R-Fla.), the chairman and ranking member of the House Appropriations Defense panel, to add more money to the war request for Strykers. Lawmakers also want to see the production of the Stryker medical vehicles sped up and fielded to at least seven Army heavy brigade combat teams, including some in the National Guard.

Among the House lawmakers who requested more Stryker ambulances are Reps. Susan Davis (D-Calif.), Chris Carney (D-Pa.), Bennie Thompson (D-Miss.), Hal Rogers (R-Ky.), Mike Rogers (R-Ala.), Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-Fla.), Gabrielle Giffords (D-Ariz.), Joe Courtney (D-Conn.), Geoff Davis (R-Ky.) and Sandy Levin (D-Mich.).

The states with the highest stake in the Stryker program are Michigan, where General Dynamics Land Systems is headquartered; Alabama; Ohio, where the Stryker vehicle is assembled; Washington state, where the Army has Stryker brigades; and Pennsylvania, where the National Guard has a Stryker brigade.

The National Guard has one Stryker Brigade Combat Team in Pennsylvania, but is vying for the medical variant of the Stryker to support its other combat teams, which rely on a different kind of vehicle for battlefield medical evacuation.