13 May 2024

ICYMI: Yesterday's World Defense Intelligence News


 

According to information published by the British Army Intelligence Services on May 13, 2024, there has been a significant escalation in the use of light vehicles by Russian forces in the ongoing Ukraine conflict. The report outlines an increased deployment of all-terrain vehicles and off-road motorbikes for personnel transport and night raids on Ukrainian positions since the beginning of the year. Read full Defense News at this link ...
 

According to information published by the US DoD on May 7, 2024, the U.S. Navy has officially taken delivery of the John Lewis-class fleet replenishment oiler, USNS Earl Warren (T-AO 207). This milestone follows the successful completion of integrated sea trials.
 

As reported by German Newspaper Handelsblatt, Germany is set to increase Ukraine's artillery capabilities by delivering a prototype artillery shell capable of reaching a firing range of up to 100 kilometers (62 miles). This could potentially revolutionize Ukraine's current artillery systems, which rely on 155 mm rounds with a reach of about 32 kilometers (20 miles) when fired from a howitzer. Read full Defense News at this link ...
 

On May 8, 2024, Roketsan, the Turkish defense systems manufacturer, announced it would deliver the first batch of its Karaok portable anti-tank missile system to the Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM) by early 2026. This announcement was made at the Defence Services Asia (DSA) 2024 by Chumur Murat Boz, Roketsan's Regional Manager for Central Asia and the Far East.
 

On May 6, 2024, Chile's national police force, the Carabineros, integrated the first Arquus-Defense Bastion 4x4 armored personnel carriers (APCs) into their fleet. Announced by Chile’s Undersecretariat of the Interior, this procurement aims to enhance the operational capabilities and response times of police patrols, especially in the southern Macrozona Sur region of Chile.
 

On April 30, 2024, the Swiss Federal Office for Defense Procurement, Armasuisse, officially issued a request for proposals to three manufacturers for the procurement of new medium-range ground-based air defense systems for the Bodluv MR project. This move is part of a broader effort by the Swiss Army to update its aging air defense capabilities, with the deadline for proposal submissions set for mid-July 2024. Read full defense news at this link...
 

Recent footage from a propaganda video has highlighted several training exercises conducted by the People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) of China, showcasing the launch of the first known test of a new air-launched ballistic missile (ALBM), identified as 2PZD-21, from a H-6K bomber, as reported on X by @sugar_wsnbn. The clip, released on May 1, 2024, displays the strategic bomber deploying the ALBM from its port wing pylon.
 

According to information published by Du Wenlong on May 8, 2024, recent online discussions have been rife with speculation about China's development of a new mini nuclear submarine, dubbed the "Type 041."

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According to information published by Japan News on May 8, 2024, the Japanese government is considering a bid to co-develop new frigates with Australia.
 

On May 8, 2024, the Ukrainian defense forces released images showing the use of a new loitering munition equipped with RPG-7 anti-tank ammunition, employed in combat operations. Although this model is still relatively unknown, it is not the first time the Ukrainian defense industry has developed this type of loitering munition using an RPG-7 anti-tank charge.
 

A recent report by the Kyiv Post on May 11, 2024, suggests that Ukraine used a US-made MGM-140 Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) tactical ballistic missile to target a Russian oil depot in the city of Rovenky, located in the occupied Luhansk region. This strike, occurring late in the evening on May 10, appears to be part of Ukraine’s continued campaign against Russian oil infrastructure, a focus since 2023. Read full defense news at this link...
 

According to information published by Global Times on May 9, 2024, the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy has intensified its presence in the South China Sea.
 

Due to the lack of Western-designed fighter-bombers like the F-16, the Ukrainian Air Force had to find solutions to allow its Soviet-era MiG-29 "Fulcrum", Su-27 "Flanker", and Su-24 "Fencer" aircraft to carry certain munitions supplied by the United States, France, and the United Kingdom since the start of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. This was not always straightforward, as the electronic systems of these aircraft are outdated.
 

In a statement dated May 10, 2024, the U.S. Department of Defense announced a new delivery of support to Ukraine, amounting to $400 million. This assistance is primarily composed of vehicles and munitions, meeting the urgent needs of the Ukrainians as the offensive is currently under Russian control in the north, but also along the entire front.
 

At the DSA 2024 exhibition in Malaysia, the German company Hensoldt showcased the Argos 8 airborne electro-optical system, the latest iteration of the Argos family, which has been a key part of its product lineup for over 35 years. Used by more than 22 countries on over 25 platforms, these systems support surveillance, reconnaissance, and intelligence missions, including operations conducted by the Belgian and German Federal Polices. Read full defense news at this link...
 

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI), in collaboration with cybersecurity firm Shift5, announced on May 9, 2024, significant updates to the MQ-9A Reaper remotely piloted aircraft. These enhancements aim to strengthen the aircraft's defenses against evolving cyber threats and improve its survivability in contested airspace. Read full Defense news. 

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The French Air and Space Force has recently incorporated a new Saab 340 aircraft as a temporary solution to fill the gap left by the retirement of the Transall C-160 Gabriel aircraft, which were used for electronic intelligence gathering in the Black Sea and Baltic Sea regions as reported by Opex360. The premature withdrawal of these aircraft, before the arrival of their successors, the Falcon "Archange", has sparked debate, particularly due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
 

South Korea's National Intelligence Service (NIS) is currently investigating allegations that North Korea has provided weapons manufactured in the 1970s to Russia for its ongoing conflict in Ukraine, as reported by Yonhap News Agency. These allegations arise amid reports of increasing military cooperation between Pyongyang and Moscow, including significant ammunition transfers. Read full Defense news. 

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On May 9, as part of SwiftResponse 24, the U.S. Marine Corps and the Lithuanian Armed Forces conducted their first live-fire exercise using the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) in anticipation of Lithuania's receipt of 8 HIMARS units in 2025. This historic event took place at the Brigadier General Povilas Plechavičius Training Area in Kairiai, located in the Klaipėda region of Lithuania, targeting areas in the Baltic Sea. Read full Defense news. 

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The UK Ministry of Defence announced on May 10, 2024, a major investment of £21 million in enhancing bomb disposal operations through the acquisition of 50 L3 Harris T4 bomb disposal robots. This initiative aims to provide better protection for both soldiers and the public by integrating advanced robotic technology into the British Army's explosive ordnance disposal procedures.
 

According to a PR published by KBR on April 29, 2024, the company has been chosen as the industry partner to deliver a sovereign sustainment capability for the Royal Australian Navy’s (RAN) Amphibious and Replenishment Ship fleet.
 

On May 10, 2024, the UK Ministry of Defence confirmed the decommissioning of the FV107 Scimitar and Warrior armored vehicles, signaling the end of their operational lifecycle within the British Army, as reported by the UK Defence Journal. The FV107 Scimitars are being progressively replaced by the new Ajax vehicles, while the Warrior vehicles are to be replaced by the Boxer armored vehicles.
 

A US commander has hinted that UK special forces are involved in Ukraine. In an interview with The Associated Press on May 12, 2024, General Bryan Fenton, head of US Special Operations Command, discussed the valuable lessons learned from the experience of UK special forces currently in Ukraine. The UK Ministry of Defence has chosen not to comment on these observations.

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The United Kingdom has confirmed the delivery of its largest military aid package to Ukraine, valued at 500 million pounds. This substantial aid includes 4 million rounds of ammunition, 1600 missiles, and 400 vehicles, including 160 Husky Tactical Support Vehicles. This announcement was made by the UK Ministry of Defense and underscores the country's ongoing commitment to Ukraine amidst its conflict with Russia. Read full Defense news. 

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On May 10, 2024, the Hellenic Air Force General Staff announced its intention to acquire up to ten new Rafale F4 fighter jets from Dassault Aviation. This move is part of a broader strategy to modernize the Greek air force, which involves phasing out older models such as the F-4 Phantom and Mirage 2000-5 in favor of a more compact and technologically advanced fleet.
 

According to information published by Liberty Times on May 12, 2024, the Taiwanese Navy's Kang Ding-class frigate Chen De, is currently undergoing a comprehensive upgrade.
 

Aurora Flight Sciences, a subsidiary of Boeing located in Manassas, Virginia, has received an $8.3 million contract modification to continue the design of an experimental heavy cargo seaplane named Liberty Lifter for the U.S. military. This follows DARPA's decision to discontinue considering General Atomics' proposal for the program.

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At the DSA 2024 exhibition in Malaysia, the Chinese company Zhejiang Xuanjia Defense Technology presented its latest development, the Giant Lizard tracked all-terrain amphibious carrier. This vehicle represents a significant achievement in China's defense manufacturing, being the first domestically produced 17-ton class fully protected dual-body tracked all-terrain vehicle with complete independent intellectual property rights. Read full defense news at this link...
 

Roshel Smart Armoured Vehicles, a Canadian company, has announced its intention to start manufacturing armored vehicles in Ukraine. This information was provided by CEO Roman Shimonov during an interview with Defence Archives, dated May 9, 2024.

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Equipment Protective Applications International Limited (Epail), a Nigerian defense contractor, has delivered 20 new light armored vehicles to the Nigerian Army. These vehicles were showcased during the 24th Combat Service Support Training Week at Abalti Barracks in Lagos. The handover ceremony, attended by officials including the representative of the Minister of Defense and the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, featured the transfer of 20 Infantry Fighting Vehicles (IFVs).
 

Day 3 of the Defense Services Asia (DSA) 2024 exhibition in Kuala Lumpur introduced many advanced defense technologies, marking significant international collaborations and groundbreaking innovations. The event highlighted the strength and diversity of the global defense industry, featuring major reveals from Thailand, China, Turkey, and Iran for the first time. Read News DSA 2024 at this link ...

 

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