INDUSTRY NEWS: V12N3
IMI SYSTEMS PROVIDES TANK AMMO TO FINNISH ARMY
In January 2020, Elbit Systems announced that its subsidiary, IMI Systems was selected by the Finnish Ministry of Defence (Finnish MOD), following a competitive testing by the Finish Defence Forces (FDF), to provide the Finnish Army with the M339, a NATO-compliant, 120mm High Explosive Multipurpose ammunition and Data Setting Units for its Leopard 2 Main Battle Tanks (MBTs).
Suitable for all NATO 120mm smooth bore gun MBTs, the M339 is a high-accuracy, multipurpose 120mm tank ammunition that complies with NATO STANAG requirements. The FDF selected the M339 to improve the fire power and ability of the battle tanks to engage different types of targets.
ELBIT SYSTEMS AWARDED INITIAL $31M CONTRACT FOR PROTECTION SYSTEMS
Elbit Systems announced on January 7, 2020, that it was awarded an initial contract from the Production and Procurement Directorate of the Israeli Ministry of Defense (IMOD) valued at approximately $31 million to provide Iron Fist Active Protection Systems (APS) for the Eitan Armored Fighting Vehicles (AFVs) of the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF). The contract will be performed over a 5-year period.
Under the contract, Elbit Systems will equip the IDF’s new wheeled AFVs with the Iron Fist Light Decoupled (IFLD) Systems. The Iron Fist System uses optical sensors, tracking radar, launchers and countermeasure munitions to defeat threats at a safe distance. The Iron Fist System provides 360-degree protection coverage for close-range scenarios in both open terrain and urban environment. The systems’ high-performance, versatility and negligible residual penetration, as well as its low size and weight and ease of integration, position the Iron Fist as an optimal APS for any fighting vehicle.
TURKISH ARMED FORCES ADDS ARMED DRONE SYSTEM
SONGAR™, the first national armed drone system to be developed by ASİSGUARDTM, has been delivered to the Turkish Armed Forces (TAF) after the successful completion of acceptance tests. Equipped with advanced features, SONGAR will undertake critical tasks in operations conducted by both TAF and the security forces.
Equipped with an automatic machine gun, SONGAR can carry out operations within a 3km radius. The system can transfer images in real time and carry 200 rounds of 5.56x45mm NATO ammunition. The drone features a specially designed, flexible ammunition feed chute (ammunition belt) and an automatic firing mechanism and can operate at altitudes of 2,800m.
Ayhan Sunar, General Manager at ASİSGUARD, underlined that the SONGAR system is currently unique, saying: “As one of the most prominent drone systems in our product family, SONGAR can undertake many critical tasks, including locating the target area, eliminating the threat, transferring real-time images and carrying out post-operation damage assessment. It stands out as one of the leading national capabilities in asymmetric warfare as a result of its firing accuracy.”
SONGAR has achieved further success in field tests after the integration of a grenade launcher in place of the machine gun, and its firing precision has been significantly improved with the inclusion of an “Electronic Sight and Ballistic Calculation Module,” specially designed by ASİSGUARD. National and international patent applications have been made for SONGAR’s unique stabilisation system.
ASİSGUARD develops systems, subsystems, hardware and software in for military land vehicle electronics; autonomous micro-, mini- and medium-class UAVs; electro-optics; border security; artificial intelligence; and big data.
QUANTICO TACTICAL ANNOUNCES TLS CONTRACT AWARD
On March 9, 2020, Quantico Tactical announced the award of TLS (Tailored Logistics Support) contract SPE8EJ-19-D-0015. This is an indefinite delivery / indefinite quantity with a firm fixed price of $4,000,000,000 for use through March 6, 2021. This contract allows for special operation equipment to be purchased and delivered to our nation’s military and federal agencies.
Quantico Tactical is a leading supplier of special operations equipment to the U.S. government, DoD and federal law enforcement agencies. This contract expedites the purchase and fielding of necessary equipment for our warfighters. Quantico Tactical has partnered with over a thousand of manufacturers to fulfill this need.
“We have been consistently ranked as the best customer service and highest on-time deliveries of all contractors within the TLS contract. In fact, we are the only current DLA TLS contract awardee to hold DLA’s highest award for operational excellence,” said David Hensley, president of Quantico Tactical. “We will continue to provide the best products, with world class service to our warfighters and federal agents.”
As the nation’s combat logistics support agency, the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) manages the global supply chain, from raw materials to end user to disposition, for the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Space Force, Coast Guard, 11 combatant commands, other federal agencies and partner and allied nations.
