27 April 2022
by Ashley Roque
A USMC G/ATOR radar. In 2019 the USMC conducted a live-fire event to demonstrate initial ‘interoperability' of an Iron Dome launcher and Tamir interceptor with the G/ATOR and a CAC2S. The service is now testing out this Medium Range Intercept Capability prototype with plans to begin fielding it in 2026. (USMC)
US Marine Corps (USMC) leadership wants to spend USD1.2 billion on ground-based air defence (GBAD) systems during the next five years, with plans to begin fielding a new mobile capability to the force in 2026 that is centred around significant Iron Dome components.
The Pentagon and services have staggered the release of fiscal year (FY) 2023 budget request documents and the USMC published justification books that provide an initial five-year road map for the acquisition and fielding of a host of air defence capabilities.
More specifically, the service is requesting USD174 million for GBAD procurement programmes in FY 2023, and has outlined plans to request USD196 million for FY 2024, USD194 million for FY2025, USD264 million for FY 2026 and USD393 million for FY 2027.
18 April 2024
by Giles Ebbutt
A screenshot of the Hadean POLI constructive simulation displayed through the 4C Strategies Exonaut training management software. (Hadean)
Hadean and 4C Strategies have successfully integrated a constructive simulation with Exonaut exercise management software, utilising Hadean's spatial computing platform.
The integrated solution, displayed at the International Training Technology Exhibition & Conference (IT²EC) 2024 in London, enabled Hadean's Pattern of Life Indicator (POLI) constructive simulation to be controlled from within 4C Strategies Exonaut software.
Exonaut is widely used in the UK and NATO as an exercise management tool, while constructive simulation is fundamental to effective command and staff training. Integrating the two previously separate functions offers the potential to improve training.
Explaining the integration, Paul Steel, UK military sales director for 4C Strategies, told Janes
16 April 2024
by Olivia Savage
The Netherlands has ordered seven additional GM200 MM/C radars from Thales after having ordered an initial nine in February 2019. Pictured is the first GM200 MM/C radar being handed over to the Royal Netherlands Army in Hengelo in February 2024. (Dutch MoD/Sgt Maj Gregory Fréni)
The Dutch Command Materiel and IT (COMMIT) procurement authority has ordered seven additional Ground Master 200 Multi-Mission/Compact (GM200 MM/C) radars from Thales.
The contract includes an option for two additional radars, according to a Thales announcement on 15 April.
The GM200 MM/C is a compact mobile radar that can detect, track, and classify a large number of targets including rockets, artillery shells, mortar rounds, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), aircraft, helicopters, and cruise missiles.
For the Royal Netherlands Army (RNLA), the radars will be mounted on Scania Gryphus 8×8 trucks to enable rapid deployment.
A Thales spokesperson was unable to comment to Janes on the delivery timeframes.
This latest contract follows an initial agreement in February 2019 for nine GM200 MM/C radars for EUR100–250 million (USD106–266 million) to replace its legacy TPQ-36 radars. Deliveries are expected to be completed by 2024. In February Janes
11 April 2024
by Olivia Savage
VBS4 24.1, the latest version of BISim's VBS4 virtual simulation software pictured being used by MoD personnel with commercial-off-the-shelf hardware, is due to be released in May. (Bohemia Interactive Simulations )
The latest version of Bohemia Interactive Simulations' (BISim's) Virtual Battlespace 4 (VBS4) environment will feature munition-equipped unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), the company announced at the International Training Technology Exhibition & Conference (IT2EC) 2024 held from 9 to 11 April in London.
VBS4 is a virtual desktop training environment with whole-earth rendering for tactical training, experimentation, and mission rehearsal.
The latest version – VBS4 24.1 – is due to be released by the end of May and will integrate all major gun-tank variants of the T-72 main battle tank and will include a new feature that allows any UAV to drop improvised munitions or have impact-detonating munitions, the company detailed.
Control AI will now also be default in VBS4 24.1, which the company says is a “big step towards removing all legacy ‘game' AI from the product”.
US Marine Corps (USMC) leadership wants to spend USD1.2 billion on ground-based air defence (GBAD) s...
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