IDEX & NAVDEX 2021 SPECIAL ISSUE FEBRUARY 21 Visit us : C1- 03
a magazine dedicated to aerospace & defence industry www.arabiandefence.com Middle East Supplement ARABIAN DEFENCE
The multi-role, multi-domain UAV: Schiebel`s CAMCOPTER® S-100 Page -23
IDEX 2021 : India Showcases GRSE’s Exports its Prowess in Defence Exports Page -08 to Reach New Pinnacle Page -14 Invincible Tactical Advantage Page -10
Raj Kumar General Bipin Rawat Secretary, Defence Production Chief of Defence Staff Ministry of Defence
MULTI-ROLEMULTI-ROLE MULTI-DOMAINMULTI-DOMAIN CAMCOPTER ® S-100 UNMANNED AIR SYSTEM
AT IDEX 2021, PLEASE VISIT US AT BOOTH #07D30. Aeromag Asia,Aeronautical Society of India Building, Suranjandas Road, Off Old Madras Road,Bangalore 560075, Karnataka. Call: +91 94490 61925 | Tel: +91 80 43747492 www.aeromag.in | [email protected]
4 5 IDEX Provides a Fillip to Defence Industry in MENA Region
s Abu Dhabi gets ready to launch the latest edition of International ADefence Exhibition and Conference Editorial Advisory Board (IDEX), which is the biggest defence event Dr. C.G. Krishnadas Nair in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) Air Chief Marshal S. Krishnaswamy (Rtd) region, the companies across the globe eye PVSM, AVSM, VM & Bar up to seize an opportunity for getting their Air Marshal P. Rajkumar (Rtd) business back in line in the COVID era. PVSM, AVSM, VM IDEX attracts a huge number of international Air Marshal Ajit Bhavanani (Rtd) decision makers in the defence industry, PVSM, AVSM, VM armed forces and senior military personnel Rear Admiral K. Mohanan (Rtd), AVSM around the world. Strong representation from Mr. Pushpindar Singh Chopra GCC and the wider international community Dr . K. Ram Chand make IDEX the prime platform to showcase Mr. J.K.Sharma their products and technologies. Mr. Arunakar Mishra India aims big at the expo to highlight the country’s weapon systems and platforms and explore new spheres in defence exports. The exhibitors, including leading DPSUs Berlin, Germany and private players, will participate in the event in a big way to brand India as a Detlef Becker potential exporter of defence products for tri-services. The delegation aims to project E : [email protected] India as a potential player in the defence industry in Asia and forge a new business T : +49 3375 5857590 alliance in the Middle East region. M : + 491 701626053 With the vision of Atma Nirbhar Bharat (self-reliance) in defence manufacture and promoting the arms and spare exports in the sector, Indian delegation aims to bolster Paris, France Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of making India a defence manufacturing hub. Marie-Thérèse Bonfigli Moreover, the expo happens in the background of the Indian cabinet having approved E : [email protected] delegation of powers under Make-1 of Defence Acquisition Procedure 2020. This M : +33 (0)6 89 20 95 68 will greatly ease design and prototype development by Indian industry for defence equipment. Moscow, Russia In the wake of the recent Israel-UAE normalization deal, Israeli companies will George Smirnov participate and exhibit at IDEX for the first time in history and the Israel Defence E : [email protected] Exhibition (ISDEF) will be the exclusive promoter of IDEX for the Israeli pavilion. M : +7 (906)711-03- As Media Partners, Aeromag and Sailors & Warriors wish success to all the exhibitors 51 / (495)644-17-33 and business visitors of the show.
Sunny Jerome Managing Editor Sunny Jerome Managing Editor Preethi M. Associate Editor
David Barnabhas Design
For Publishing Articles, Advertisements Editor, Aeromag Asia Aeronautical Society of India Building Suranjandas Road, Off old Madras Road, Bangalore 560075. Karnataka, INDIA Call: +91 94490 61925 Tel: +91 80 43747492 Email: [email protected] Printed and Published by Sunny Jerome, Managing Editor, Aeromag Asia, Aerosun Media, www.arabiandefence.com Aeronautical Society of India Building, Suranjandas Road, Off Old Madras Road,Bangalore 560075, Karnataka. Printed at Rashtrotthana Mudranalaya, 19/1, K.G.Nagar, Bangalore-19. 6 TURBOJET ENGINES
2003 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021
PBS TJ100 PBS TJ40-G1 PBS TJ40-G2 PBS TJ150 PBS TJ180 PBS TJ40-G1NS PBS TJ100P 1,250 N 395 N 395 N 1,500 N 900 N 425 N 1,250 N
PBS – AN EASA CERTIFICATED MANUFACTURER LAUNCHES NEW JET ENGINE PBS TJ100P
IDEX ABU DHABI HALL 9/BOOTH B22 www.pbs.cz 7 IDEX 2021 : India Showcases its Prowess in Defence Exports The Indian delegation, which consists of a slew of leading Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs) and thriving private defence and aerospace manufacturers, gets another international platform to showcase their manufacturing prowess at IDEX 2021. DPSUs Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL), Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), Garden Reach Shipbuilder and Engineers Ltd (GRSE), Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd (MDL) and Ordnance Factory Board (OFB) will participate. In order to highlight India’s weapon systems and platforms and to provide fillip to overall defence export potential, the Indian exhibitors will participate in the event in a big way, carrying forward the Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of making the country a leading defence and aerospace manufacture hub in the world.
the Indian exhibitors will participate in the event in a big way. Carrying forward the Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of making the country a leading defence and aerospace manufacture hub in the world, the representatives will brand India as an exporter of potential defence systems and components for all three services with their participation and high-level B2B meetings. The Indian pavilion will bolster the vision of Atma Nirbhar Bharat (self-reliance) in defence manufacture and promote the arms and spare exports in the sector. The biennial show, IDEX, will be held at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), which is centrally located in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Raj Kumar Emirates. General Bipin Rawat Secretary, Defence Production This year, IDEX will witness the Chief of Defence Staff Ministry of Defence participation of DPSUs Bharat Dynamics s Abu Dhabi launches the latest Limited (BDL), Defence Research and showcase India’s abilities in making lethal edition of world’s one of the Development Organisation (DRDO), missiles, artillery guns, arms, armoured Amost strategically important tri- Garden Reach Shipbuilder and Engineers vehicles and other defence products and service exhibitions International Defence Ltd (GRSE), Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders technologies. Exhibition and Conference (Idex) from 21- Ltd (MDL) and Ordnance Factory Board The delegation aims to project India as 25 February, India's defence manufacturers (OFB). The Indian delegation will also potential player in the defence industry in are all set to showcase the country’s include the General Bipin Rawat, Chief of Asia and forge new business alliance in the defence export prowess and explore new the Defence Staff, Raj Kumar, Secretary, Middle East region. During his visit to UAE business markets. The Indian delegation, Department of Defence Production, Rear in December, Chief of Army Staff General which consists of a slew of leading Defence Admiral V K Saxena, IN (Retd.), Chairman MM Naravane has met Commander of Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs) and and Managing Director, GRSE, among the UAE’s Land Forces and Staff Major thriving private defence and aerospace other dignitaries. General Saleh Mohammed Saleh Al Ameri manufacturers, gets another international With the participation of GRSE and and discussed key issues of mutual interest platform to showcase their manufacturing MDL, India will present its capabilities in and defence cooperation. prowess. naval designing and shipbuilding being one With a bigger presence at IDEX, India In order to highlight India’s weapon of the few countries of the world, which aims to further strengthen bilateral systems and platforms and to provide is capable of designing a naval vessel from defence cooperation with UAE and it will fillip to overall defence export potential, scratch to finish. BDL, OFB and DRDO will be a reflection of India’s growing strategic 8 ties, which are expected to open up new IDEX is held under the patronage of built demonstration track. In addition, avenues for cooperation in the defence His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed exhibiting companies are invited to host and security spheres. The harmonious Al Nahyan, President of the UAE and private demonstrations of their vehicles relationship between the UAE and India Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed and crafts. will be further cemented and cooperation Forces and is organised by the Capital NAVDEX, the Maritime Security Area on bilateral, regional and multilateral Events in association and with the full features local and international exhibitors fronts will be enhanced in the post-Covid support of the UAE Armed Forces. All IDEX who specialise in naval, maritime and era. badge holders are exempted from the 10- coastal security technology, equipment IDEX is the only international defence day quarantine procedure on their arrival and crafts. Located on the dock edge, exhibition and conference in the Middle into Abu Dhabi. This step has been taken NAVDEX also features on-water exhibits, East and North Africa (MENA) region to facilitate the arrival of international daily demonstrations and visiting navy demonstrating the latest technology delegations from all over the world. vessels. across land, sea and air sectors of defence. IDEX continues to offer exhibiting For over 27 years, the successes of both It is a unique platform to establish and companies the opportunity to the IDEX and NAVDEX exhibitions have strengthen relationships with government demonstrate equipment and crafts. added to the UAE's record of international departments, businesses and armed forces Daily choreographed displays will take achievements. throughout the region. place on the water and on the purpose-
CS Vishwakarma Rear Admiral V K Saxena, IN (Retd.) Cmde Siddharth Mishra (Retd) VAdm Narayan Prasad DGOF & Chairman of OFB CMD, GRSE CMD, BDL CMD, MDL
9
Sin título-1 1 01/02/2021 6:47:08 Invincible Tactical Advantage
BRAHMOS, the deadliest supersonic cruise missile in the world that can be integrated on almost all platforms and capable of operating from across the spectrum of war, has great potential to become India’s major weapon export in the coming decades, says Dr. Sudhir Kumar Mishra, Distinguished Scientist & Director General (BrahMos), DRDO, Ministry of Defence, CEO & MD BRAHMOS Aerospace, in an exclusive interview with Aeromag. Excerpts from the interview:
Dr. Sudhir Kumar Mishra Distinguished Scientist & Director General (BrahMos), DRDO, Ministry of Defence CEO & MD, BRAHMOS Aerospace
10 In the context of IDEX, in Abu Dhabi, in the global aerospace and defence the international borders. The Indian shall we start off by seeking your market in terms of its velocity, flight Army too has deployed the mobile, land- perspectives on the scope and intent range, seeker range, kinetic energy, attack BRAHMOS variant which can of BrahMos Aerospace garnering a big stealth technology and guidance system, strike at designated enemy targets and chunk of missile export market in the and strike capability? installations with pin-point accuracy. Arabian Gulf, Middle East and South East BRAHMOS is the deadliest cruise missile BRAHMOS has also added teeth to India’s Asian countries? How do you respond to in the world today. The entire world is air and maritime dominance in the Indian the reports about BrahMos being sought aware of the precision strike capability Ocean Region with the induction of Su- after by the Philippines and some other of this uniquely powerful weapon. 30MKI equipped with supersonic cruise nations in the ASEAN region, as well as BRAHMOS is a stealthy weapon which missile by the IAF’s No. 222 Squadron some South American, East European and cannot be intercepted by any modern (‘The Tigersharks’) in Southern India. African countries? air defence system, however powerful This will ensure that a major part of the BRAHMOS supersonic cruise missile that may be. The high versatile weapon world is covered by its “stand-off” attack is a weapon of strategic importance system has the capability to operate from capability. BRAHMOS can strike targets and Government of India would take across the spectrum of war and decisively 300kms away with accuracy of less than appropriate decision to export this missile influence its outcome. With the successful five meter. With this, BRAHMOS is now system to any country as dictated by its induction of BRAHMOS in its armed integrated on almost all the platforms. diplomatic and strategic policies. I don’t forces, India has gained an invincible On land, we intend to further widen the want to divulge anything on the talks tactical advantage over its potential scope of deployability. and discussions but would like to say adversaries. that we have the requisite production In just over two decades – 22 years to capability to handle any such export With its long range annihilating power, be exact – how BrahMos Aerospace, the demands and requirements as and when BrahMos is widely acclaimed for its Joint Venture between India’s Defence they arise. As a high technology defence seamless integration and configuration Research and Development Organisation product, BRAHMOS has great potential for multiple platforms – ship, fighter jet, and the Russian Military Industrial of becoming India’s major weapon export submarine or a mobile land launcher. How Consortium NPO Mashinostroyenia, has in the coming decades giving the country do you propose to widen its deployability changed the dynamics of warfare and the a share of the arms business. and operationality for various regiments entire defence manufacturing ecosystem and forces? in India? What makes BrahMos, the world’s All the frontline warships of Indian Navy The BrahMos Joint Venture (JV) bears fastest and deadliest supersonic cruise are armed with BRAHMOS, providing a the finest testimony of India-Russia missile, so unique and distinctly a winner significant defence cover and safeguarding strategic partnership. In fact, it is this
11 uninterrupted flow of energy and brilliant of BrahMos, including the consortium Forces? synergy between both the nations that of Indian and Russian industries, R&D We have developed many variants has made BRAHMOS truly world-class. labs and academic institutions of both of this formidable weapon system The JV, since its inception in 1998, has the countries, have made significant BRAHMOS which was initially conceived been “technology sharing” programme contributions in design, development, as an anti-ship missile. The first successful wherein both the partners have brought manufacturing, integration, and product launch was conducted in June 2001 that in their respective technological expertise support of the missile system. More is within three years of JV formation. and knowledge base to design, develop than 20,000 Specialists, Engineers & The highly versatile BRAHMOS has and field such a powerful weapon which Technicians in over 200 large and medium been successfully tested in land-to-land, is unparalleled in the world. This has industries are currently associated with land-to-sea, sea-to-land, sea-to-sea, and definitely led to mutual learning and BrahMos as a great strength and force most recently in air-to-sea and air-to- understanding and further widened multiplier. land configurations. The missile can be the scope to work together on newer, fired either from static, mobile platforms more advanced BRAHMOS versions and Inducted first in 2005 in the Indian Navy (land & sea) or fighter aircraft, in solo or achieve new technological breakthroughs. as the Ship-based Weapon Complex salvo mode. Indian Army is the only Land The JV has also successfully set up a System, then evolving as a land-based Force in the world to have supersonic consortium of defence industries from system comprising mobile autonomous weapon with surgical strike potentiality. India and Russia for producing various launchers, a canisterised missile capable The mobile land-based configuration systems & sub-systems for the world- of being launched from a submerged of BRAHMOS has achieved several class BRAHMOS weapon complex. It has platform underwater and finally making advancements over the years in the form brought together number of competent history as the heaviest weapon to be of Block I, Block II and Block III variants. defence industries both public and private deployed on India’s frontline fighter jet, The naval version of the missile has been and various R&D laboratories from Sukhoi-30 MK1 in a successful flight modified and flight-tested in different the partnering countries in developing test in 2017. Looking back, what do you configurations, proving its mettle in each and producing different sub-systems think was the most crucial technological scenario successfully. The missile system for the universal missile system which breakthrough in this incredible has been inducted in top Indian Navy has rendered a unique strength to the transformation? What is the current warships. The missile was also successfully Indian Armed Forces. The entire team status of deployment in the Indian Armed flight-tested from the Indian Air Force’s
12 (IAF) frontline fighter aircraft Su-30MKI against a sea based target. BRAHMOS has now been successfully inducted with the IAF’s Su-30MKI.
More than a Transfer of Technology collaboration, BrahMos missile stands out as a unique outcome from a joint design, development, production, integration and product support. The indigenous Booster and Airframe Section recently flight tested successfully, is a striking testimony on the vital enhancement drive for indigenous content. Where do you go from here? With BRAHMOS missile, the indigenous content in the formidable weapon has reached a high value, thus bolstering India’s defence indigenisation and the flagship “Make in India” programme of Government of India. Today, the Ground support system of BRAHMOS on along with Russian partners is to envisioned to become the fastest cruise which includes the Mobile Autonomous manufacture and produce more in India missile system in the world by flying Launcher, Command Post, Ancillary using technology that is available in Russia at a top speed of 7-8 Mach (seven to Vehicles and Communications Systems in order to upgrade our equipment, to eight times the speed of sound). The are all made in India. We have successfully manufacture new equipment and to build hypersonic missile will definitely provide indigenised major sub-systems such upon the success of the past. an advantage to the Indian armed as booster, nose cap, canister, fuel forces in future warfare. The challenges management system, Air Frame and other Now that you are venturing into are many in developing such a break- major non-metallic airframe components Hypersonic world, what are the great through technology. NPOM has already taking the Indian contribution to more challenges that you encounter working started ground work for the hypersonic than seventy percent. All launcher on a new engineering paradigm, new variant and hope to hit the sky by 2028. systems for the weapon are also being aerodynamics, new materials and DRDO, from its end has already test-fired manufactured domestically by Indian new configuration? In the niche, elite Hypersonic Technology Demonstrator industries. This achievement has given technological exclusivity of Hypersonics, Vehicle (HSTDV), precursor for the boost to BrahMos’s “Atmanirbhar Bharat” how do you fare internationally? development of a hypersonic cruise pledge. What we are now focussing The hypersonic BRAHMOS-II (K) is missile system.
13 ‘DRDO Ably Responds to Futuristic Warfare Needs’
Over the last six decades DRDO of time. Flight Testing of Hypersonic has been the backbone of India’s Technology Demonstrator defence research and development. Vehicle (HSTDV) and Quantum What are your thoughts on DRDO’s Communication are significant success in achieving its aims over technology demonstrations this these years? year. The work picked up after DRDO has been continuously and lockdown and a series of weapon consistently putting its best efforts trials carried out. Some of the major in realizing the advanced defence achievements in the year 2020 are systems and technologies for Indian trials of Air Defence Fire Control Armed Forces. Efforts put by DRDO Radar (ADFCR) ‘Atulya’, Advanced over last six decades resulted in Light Weight Torpedo (ALWT), 3rd induction of many products into the Generation Helicopter Launch Anti- service’s and many are on the anvil. Tank Guided Missile (Dhruvastra). DRDO is keeping abreast of the DRDO identified 108 Systems and scientific development, advanced Subsystems for industry to design, technologies in defence arena and is develop and manufacture towards working on new futuristic products. achieving “Atmanirbhar Bharat”. Active Electronically Scanned Array Despite the challenges posed by Radar (AESAR) ‘Uttam’ completed the pandemic, 2020 has been a 100 hours of testing. fruitful year for DRDO with many ABHYAS High-speed Expendable successful testing of weapons and Aerial Target (HEAT), Extended technologies. Could you give an range Pinaka Weapon System, overview of major achievements Supersonic Missile Assisted recently? Release of Torpedo (SMART) and Start of year 2020 saw indigenous development of Anti- inauguration of five DRDO Young Radiation Missile (RUDRAM) Scientists Laboratories (DYSLs) by flight tests were successful. Quick Dr G Satheesh Reddy, Prime Minister. Naval version of Reaction Surface to Air Missile Secretary DDR&D & Chairman DRDO Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) did a (QRSAM) System has achieved a successful arrested landing onboard major milestone by a direct hit onto DRDO has been continuously INS Vikramaditya on 11th January a Banshee Pilotless target aircraft at and consistently putting its best 2020. medium range & medium altitude. DRDO scientists have worked MRSAM had the maiden successful efforts in realizing the advanced relentlessly during the COVID-19 test flight. defence systems and technologies Pandemic not only to develop Other major systems which have for Indian Armed Forces. DRDO products and technologies for completed the testing include Fire will be responding ably to the combating COVID but have Detection and Suppression System future war-fighting requirements been keeping a pace with (FDSS) for passenger buses and 5.56 their project deadlines. DRDO x 30 mm Joint Venture Protective of the tri-services with advanced undertook product development Carbine (JVPC). Hypersonic Wind technologies,” says Dr. G Satheesh on war footing to fight COVID-19 Tunnel a major asset for advanced Reddy, Secretary, Department of pandemic and developed 50 aerospace design validation Defence R&D and Chairman DRDO. technologies and more than 75 capabilities was inaugurated by RM In an interview with Aeromag, products which include PPEs, Hand this year. Sanitizer, UV Blaster, Germi Klean he talks about the organisations and the like, which have direct DRDO has played a pivotal role in latest operations diversified focus utilization to combat COVID 19. enhancing India’s missile capabilities on futuristic technologies. DRDO has also developed three and this year there were major COVID hospitals in a very short span milestones in terms of A-SAT, 14 how does DRDO support this? What are the challenges ahead for boosting the combat readiness of armed forces? With changing times, the old systems are required to be replaced with newer ones. Technologies for defence are changing and so are their applications in the emerging defence scenarios. The newer and faster systems are to be deployed. Modernization of Armed Forces is a very involved job ATGM, RUDRAM, Pinaka Weapon System of high temperature materials, separation and a lot of effort from all stakeholders is etc. Could you elaborate on DRDO’s mechanism at hypersonic velocities etc. required to be carried out in a synergistic projects on missiles? are proven. mode. In this massive work, DRDO is ASAT was test proven in 2019 and it was Hypersonic technology offers the ability geared up to put efforts for enhancing the a text book hit of the in-orbit satellite in to fly at low altitude instead of ballistic overall capacity of defence development the space. This year major milestones trajectory, which helps avoid detection in the country. DRDO has increased its were achieved in the Anti-Tank missile at farther ranges by earth-based sensors. design and development capability for segment. Laser guided anti-tank missile Maneuverability at low altitudes at that faster design and development. DRDO was successfully tested in September. The speed adds unpredictability which is major is fully equipped with quick design and missile employs a tandem HEAT warhead advantage. The applications of hypersonic development of missiles, radars, sonars to defeat Explosive Reactive Armour (ERA) technology include Hypersonic Glide and EW systems. With the available protected armoured vehicles. The trial Vehicles and Hypersonic Cruise Missiles. expertise, large systems like tanks and evaluation was done from the gun of MBT Hypersonic Missiles can inflict serious aircrafts can also be designed on shorter Arjun. Nag user trials were completed in damage on to time critical enemy targets. timelines. DRDO has also laid down October this year. Man portable ATGM is many policies to cut down the delays in getting ready for induction. Enhancing India’s UAV capabilities is technology transfer to industry for the QRSAM is the first track on the move and one of the major objectives of DRDO and production of systems. The initiatives like fire missile. The developmental trials of the Rustom-2 medium altitude long endurance Development cum Production Partners will weapon system are successfully completed indigenous prototype drone was flight further help industry to work concurrently and the weapon system is expected to be tested in October. What are the updates of with development so that the know how is ready for induction. various drone projects by DRDO? transferred seamlessly for life cycle support The RUDRAM is first indigenous anti- DRDO has envisaged the need for of the developed system. radiation missile of the country for Indian a dedicated test range for testing Air Force and is integrated on SU-30 MKI and evaluation range to handle the What are your visions and priorities for fighter aircraft as the launch platform. fast-growing requirements of UAVs. DRDO over the next two years? What Development of Enhanced Pinaka rocket Aeronautical Test range has been are the objectives in bolstering national system was taken up to achieve longer established at Chitradurga, which is the security? range performance compared to earlier only range for flight testing of UAVs in the DRDO will take up system development design. The first set of trials was completed country. in the emerging dimensions of warfare in November this year. Rustom I, a Medium altitude long and in the field of artificial intelligence, endurance (MALE) unmanned aerial quantum technology, photonics, cyber In September, DRDO has successfully vehicle was conceived as test bed for technology and the like. DRDO scientists demonstrated the hypersonic air-breathing technology evaluation for Rustom -2 are working in niche defence technology scramjet technology with the flight test project. Rustom I itself can be used as a areas for building next generation of Hypersonic Technology Demonstration UAV which can be operated from runways. systems, weapons and platforms and Vehicle (HSTDV). How crucial is this It can operate at altitudes upto 20,000 have chartered out paths to harness these technology and what are its applications? feet and has endurance of 12-15 hrs with technologies. Scientists are collaborating The HSDTV test in October this year has range upto 250 km and payload capacity extensively with academia in the blue sky put India in a select league of nations who of 75 kg; Rustom 2 is a MALE UAV with research and with industry to develop possess hypersonic scramjet proportion operating altitude of upto 30,000 feet defence systems in the shortest time technology. After US, Russia and China, and endurance upto 24 hrs with operating frame. A number of activities pertaining India is the fourth country who has range of 1000 km (with SATCOM). to various systems like AEW&C, AMCA, demonstrated this capability. Hypersonic The development trials are likely to be Guided Pinaka, Radar systems, Missile means the speed of the vehicle is more completed by July 2021.Abhyas is an systems, Underwater unmanned systems than 5 Mach and there are many crucial expendable are planned for 2021.There are many other technologies associated with this. Many Aerial Target developed for practice firing defence technologies and systems DRDO critical technologies such as aerodynamic by Armed forces, which has enormous has taken up for development. DRDO configuration for hypersonic maneuvers, potential. will be responding ably to the future war use of scramjet propulsion for ignition fighting requirements of the tri services and sustained combustion at hypersonic India is actively proceeding with the with advanced technologies. flow, thermo-structural characterization modernisation of the armed forces and
15 GRSE’s Exports to Reach New Pinnacle
Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Ltd. (GRSE), India’s premier public sector shipbuilding company since 1960, began the New Year on a grand note as the company bagged two back-to-back exports orders from the governments of Guyana and Seychelles for an Ocean-Going Cargo-cum-Passenger Vessel and a Fast Patrol Vessel (FPV) respectively. “With the successful delivery of these two vessels, our export initiatives will touch a new pinnacle. We are well on our way to become a global maritime security player as these export contracts would help open new avenues in value creation,” said Rear Admiral Vipin Kumar Saxena, IN (Retd.), Chairman and Managing Director, GRSE. In an interview with Aeromag, he shares the insights into the company’s prowess as a world class shipbuilder capable of delivering state of the art maritime platforms across the globe.
Rear Admiral Vipin Kumar Saxena, IN (Retd.), Chairman and Managing Director, GRSE
Could you talk about the twin export small maritime nations especially in the as well as foreign nations. As you may orders that GRSE has bagged this year? IOR and MENA regions. be aware GRSE was the first shipyard of For GRSE, the year began on a grand India to have exported a warship when note as the company bagged two back-to- What significance do these export we delivered a Multi Role Offshore Patrol back exports orders from the governments contracts hold for GRSE? Vessel to Mauritius, the CGS Barracuda. of Guyana and Seychelles. The first export GRSE is already endowed with the With the successful delivery of these two contract of the year worth 12.7 million confidence of Govt. of India, the Indian vessels, our export initiatives will reach a USD was signed on 13 January for building Navy and the Indian Coast Guard having new pinnacle. an Ocean-Going Cargo-cum-Passenger successfully built and delivered more than Moreover, the contracts, while Vessel for the Government of Guyana. The 100 Warships ranging from Patrol boats strengthening diplomatic ties of 1700 tons (appx) vessel is to be used on to Corvettes & Frigates. We immensely Government of India with Governments the coastal and riverine areas of Guyana. value the trust that they have bestowed of Guyana and Seychelles, celebrates the Within a month of signing the contract upon us and now we are well on our way partnership with these nations, and is a with Government of Guyana, we were to become a global maritime security grand achievement, not only for GRSE, but successful in signing another export player as these export contracts would also for the entire nation. contract with the Government of help open new avenues in value creation. Seychelles for one Fast Patrol Vessel GRSE has happily embraced infrastructure What according to you helped GRSE bag (FPV) on 3 February. The SCG Ship modernisation with technology induction these contracts? ‘Zoroaster’, will be delivered to Coast and I am proud to share that our I dedicate the contracts to the remarkable Guard of Seychelles, the archipelagic indigenous and state-of-the-art ship- performance of the shipyard over the last island country. The ship will be a design and ship-building capacity are the few decades that were made possible by powerful, fuel-efficient platform designed key behind the monumental success of farsighted planning, meticulous execution, to perform multipurpose operations, brand GRSE. courageous decisions and conviction and such as patrolling, anti-smuggling, anti- We have the capability to construct 20 dedication of the Team GRSE. Special poaching, and search and rescue (SAR) ships concurrently, using our modernized credit goes to our in-house design team while flaunting improved habitability infrastructure and ‘Modular Integrated who has over the years developed features with fully air-conditioned modular Construction Philosophy’. Further, our capability of building world-class warships accommodation for 35 personnel. dedicated, multi-disciplinary, strong deftly armed with high-tech infrastructure. Our in-house design team has developed Design Team is continuously working Over the last six decades, we have built the overall design of the FPV. The FPVs are towards developing various concept 787 platforms, including 106 warships very versatile and cost effective platforms designs for ships that can cater to the for Indian Navy, Indian Coast Guard and that can be put to excellent use by the current and future requirements of India Mauritius Coast Guard. This has helped
16 GRSE attain the delightful epithet of ‘only organization to build and deliver a century of warships in India’. From building 5 tonne boats to 24600 tonne Fleet Tanker, GRSE has done it all and has proved its mettle as a pioneer warship builder of India.
What is the way forward for GRSE and what are the expansion plans? Today, GRSE has crafted a niche in the field of in-house design and shipbuilding and has made significant contributions to the indigenous warship construction program in India. Indigenization has always been the watchword at GRSE and it has established its capabilities for in-house ship design and shipbuilding, across its three distinct shipbuilding units in Kolkata. This perfectly aligns with the Government of India's ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyaan’. The 100+ strong, dedicated and multi- Self-reliance, Modernisation and capacity secured connectivity enabling real time disciplinary design team of the company augmentation at the Rajabaghan monitoring, control and optimization of relentlessly works towards developing Dockyard unit dedicated for medium and processes, resources and systems will innovative concept and designs for ships small ships construction will facilitate lead to significant workload consolidation that impeccably cater to the current and concurrent construction of 24 ships from across all spheres of operation. future requirement of Indian Navy and the existing capacity of 20. We are also focusing on making the Indian Coast Guard. The company is At GRSE we are constantly striving to GRSE built versatile maritime platforms now well on track to construct state-of- shift to smart manufacturing (Industry available to our friendly foreign Navies the-art warships harnessing advanced 4.0), with sparked innovations in and Coast Guards. We look forward to modular shipbuilding technology which automation, robotics and the industrial collaboration with local shipbuilders and is delightfully at par with the best in the internet of things. I am confident that design houses in friendly nations towards world by introducing Artificial Intelligence, building collective Maritime competence One another significant step towards Machine Learning, Interoperability and in the region.
17 WWW.TATRATRUCKS.COM Channelling towards Shipyard 4.0
Navantia is a worldwide reference for design and construction of high technology miliary and civilian vessels. They offer global solutions in design, ToT, construction, development and integration of systems, repair and life cycle support, working closely with partners in strategic markets. Abel Mendez, International Commercial Director, Navantia, speaks about their operations, collaborations and services in the maritime sector. Excerpts from the interview:
Abel Méndez. PhD Naval Architect graduated with merits by A Coruña University (Spain). Abel joined Navantia in 1997, where he took several positions in different areas of the Company; Oil & Gas, merchant ships, offshore wind and naval vessels, working from two Navantia shipyards in Spain, Fene and Ferrol, and lately from the Madrid headquarters. During that period, Abel developed different roles in the engineering, construction and commercial departments. Relevant achievements include the formation and direction of the Offshore Wind area in Navantia, and the role of design manager of LHD ships constructed by Navantia for the Royal Australian Navy. For the last two years, Abel has held the position of Defence Abel Mendez & Security Director, where he continues to participate in the achievement of the company’s International Commercial Director contracts in the defence area in the international sector. Navantia
The Systems division of Navantia has harbours, and offshore platforms digital technologies, channeling them extensive experience in the design, Navantia’s openness to activities towards the Shipyard 4.0. Could you shed development, production and integration that contribute to the creation of new more light onto it? of various systems in the maritime sector. industries, develop capacities, and the 4.0 technologies are applied to four areas Could you share more details about the progressive acquisition of industrial skills is branded as ‘Smart’ by Navantia: Smart operations? well known, and has taken different forms Shipyard, Smart Ships, Smart Sustainment The Systems division of Navantia has depending on the Client requirements and Smart Naval Base. Such services extensive experience in the design, and local capacity. A good example of are developed based on 14 enabling development, production and integration Navantia’s flexibility are the ToT and technologies: artificial intelligence, of: Combat Systems, Fire Control Systems, localization programs developed for three robotics, autonomous vehicles, drones, 3D Integrated Communications Systems, very different scenarios within the last 12 manufacturing, new materials, bid data Integrated Navigation and Bridge Systems months; Saudi Arabia, United Kingdom analytics, Internet of Things, Blockchain, and Integrated Platform Management and Australia. In Saudi Arabia, Navantia modeling and simulation, cloud storage, Systems for any type of ship: patrol vessels, created a Joint Venture with SAMI (Saudi Robotic Process Automation (RPA), frigates, submarines, aircraft carriers, Military Industries) to develop, integrate augmented reality and 5G amphibious vessels, minehunters, survey and commercialize the first Saudi Combat Under the category of Smart Shipyard, vessels and support ships. Additionally, System, known as HAZEM, a derivative Navantia implements robotic welding, Navantia has a long tradition in of Navantia’s CATIZ combat system. use of drones and autonomous vehicles, manufacturing and refurbishing artillery The newly created Company, called robotic process automation and the use of going back to the 18th century. SAMINavantia, received from Navantia in virtual reality tools in workshops. Navantia also provides solutions for the September 2019 a relevant contract for Smart Ship services include Digital Twins Army including: Battlefield Management the supply and integration of the combat and Integrated Services Systems (ISS), Systems, Fire Control Systems, Forward system of five corvettes for the Royal Saudi leveraging information from Integrated Observer Systems, and surveillance Naval Force. Platform Management Systems (IPMS). systems providing security for both military The Smart Naval Base services include and civilian strategic infrastructures, The Navantia Technology Center groups Through Life Support Facilities (TLSF) and such as: military bases, coastlines, ports, and coordinates the areas of R&D and Land Based Test Sites (LBTS), consisting
18 in supporting testing of software and Navantia has almost 100 years of experience designing, hardware of any platform system connected to Navantia’s IPMS for upkeep, building and maintaining submarines for the Spanish Navy, upgrades and updates, the Navantia and exporting submarines in the last decade through the training system and the EOLO through life Scorpene consortium with DCNS. Navantia has exported support tools. submarines to Chile, Malaysia and India, being in charge Smart Sustainment includes a Data of the functional and detail engineering of the aft body Center, a shore-based laboratory for smart sustainment, Navantia Playback through the P75(I) project. At present, we continue to work very center, and data repository designed to close to Indian suppliers regarding provide playback capability to the IPMS The company has been associating indigenization opportunities for P75(I). and Predictive Maintenance. ARGOS 21 with India for a long time especially in In the last 10 months we have submitted is an automated tasks & analysis system submarine sector. What are Navantia’s more than 1,000 RFIs to Indian suppliers, to optimize the maintenance analysis operations in India? covering approximately 98% per cent of tools and machine learning. Additionally, India is a strategic market for Navantia the cost items for the submarine Predictive Maintenance software is used and has a delegation in Delhi. Navantia We remain very enthusiastic about based on thermography, vibration and has participated in several naval programs this opportunity, and truly believe that lube oil analysis. in India. Among them the Scorpene the S-80P is an outstanding product The Spanish frigate F110 project Submarines, partnering with Naval Group which makes the selection of Navantia incorporates many of the above smart and still under construction by Mazagon as designer for P75(I) a sensible low-risk functionalities, and will be the first to Docks Limited Mumbai. At present choice implement a Digital Twin of the vessels, Navantia is associated with Larsen & which will provide a real ship “avatar”, Toubro for the future LPD Program Navantia has been immersed, for more that allows to visualize the ship’s state We are at the moment working quite than 90 years, in a process of evolution and and condition from a shore base, even intensively in the preparation of the improvement of the design, production thousands of miles away, using digital Navantia design or Indian submarine and life cycle of submarines. How strong is communication resources. Also, this P75(I), as we have been selected as one of the submarine arm of Navantia? Who are project is developed under a new platform the potential strategic partners. the major customers? Siemens NX, ensuring processes end-to- During 2020, Navantia has made a great Navantia has almost 100 years of end, and data integrity. push on indigenization activities. Having experience designing, building and All the above solutions and the lessons a ready-made design for a very similar maintaining submarines for the Spanish learnt by Navantia in the implementation unit to P75(I) is a great advantage, as all Navy, being as well very successful in of digital technologies are offered to the equipment’s and materials are defined to exporting submarines in the last decade Strategic Partner and to the Indian Navy the last detail, permitting very immediate through the Scorpene consortium with for consideration and gradual adoption consultation with the local Indian industry. DCNS. Under this alliance, Navantia
19 exported submarines to Chile, Malaysia and India, being in charge of the functional and detail engineering of the aft body. Four aft submarine bodies were built in Navantia Cartagena in Spain, with two submarines (one for Chilean Navy and another one for Malaysian Navy) integrated and delivered by Navantia. The scope of work for the India project was the same, with the construction of the six units taking place in in India. The cooperation with India still continues, though in 2008 Navantia suspended the agreement with DCNS for Scorpene to concentrate into a new submarine concept designed to meet the requirements of the future Spanish Navy submarines. This was the beginning of the S-80P project, the first design developed 100 per cent inhouse by Navantia in a few decades, which is now in the final construction stage, and ready for How did the company brace for the plans have been agreed and implemented the export market. impact caused by the Covid-19 pandemic? with our customers .It’s been quite a The S-80P is a 3,000-tonne submarine, What are the goals set to be achieved in remarkable achievement that we have almost double size than Scorpene, the post-pandemic days? managed to maintain the fabrication incorporating several innovative features, Covid-19 pandemic has impacted process of the Saudi Avante 2200 including a last-generation Air Independent Navantia activities as it has everyone’s corvettes to guarantee the same launching Propulsion (AIP) system and powerful else. In Spain we have gone through a rate of one unit every four months. attack capabilities including heavy weight confinement period after the virus break Luckily the impact in technical areas has torpedoes, mines and submarine launched up in March 2020. been considerably lower thanks to the anti-ship and cruise missiles, etc. This is Nowadays Navantia has mitigated the advantages of the digitalization process quite an exceptional performance, in fact, impact through the implementation of which Navantia started a few years back, the capacity to launch submarine cruise different precautionary sanitary measures applying new technologies not only to missiles (SLCM) is unique for nonnuclear to ensure the safety of all our workers, our products and services but also to our NATO submarines. especially in production, and recovery internal processes with high productivity.
20 Final production batch of LRSAM Missiles Flaged off inal production batch of Long Range Surface to Air Missiles F(LRSAM), designed and developed by DRDO in collaboration with various industry partners and integrated by BDL, was flagged off on 14 Feb 2021 at DRDL,APJ Abdul Kalam Missile Complex, Hyderabad in the presence of Dr. G Satheesh Reddy, Secretary, DDR&D and is designed with active Radio Frequency goal towards 'Make in India'. He also Chairman DRDO and Rear Admiral V (RF) seeker to identify, track, engage and commended the efforts of Missile System Rajasekhar, VSM, Director, Defence destroy the target with high kill probability. Quality Assurance Agency (MSQAA), Machine Design Establishment ( DMDE). LRSAM system end to end performance DG (NAI) in streamlining the production LRSAM is jointly developed by DRDO has been successfully demonstrated activities at various industries across and IAI Israel to equip latest ships of through number of user flight trials from India, leading to delivery of missiles with Indian Navy. This LRSAM Missile system Indian Naval ships. This weapon system aerospace quality standards. can provide point and area defence has been successfully productionised and Rear Admiral V Rajasekhar, of Indian against various aerial targets including has been delivered to Indian Navy. Navy appreciated the efforts of DRDO fighter aircraft, subsonic & supersonic Secretary, DDR&D highlighted the for successfully completing the production cruise missiles. The Missile is powered by importance of indigenous production order and strengthening the airmark indigenously developed dual-pulse rocket efforts and complemented the industries defence capability of Indian Navy. He motor and dual control system to impart that have established the manufacturing also urged DRDO to design and develop required manoeuvrability at the terminal facilities and successfully executed similar advanced weapon systems meeting phase. This state of art weapon system the production orders in achieving the futuristic warfare.
‘Make in India’ in Defence sector: Inching towards Self-Reliance • Since 2005, Cosmos Tapes & Labels Pvt. Ltd. has specialized in providing a broad range of customized products for varied manufacturing industries. With a focus on delivering exceptional quality at an affordable price point, we are a longstanding partner to demanding customers with special technical, regulatory or mechanical requirements. • Cosmos Tapes is a MSME with ISO 9001:2015, ZED and IATF16949 certifications. • Our expertise is in sourcing the most suitable raw materials at optimum prices internationally and convert them as per the customers designs in our factory in India. • Now we are foraying into the needs of Defence sector, using our expertise and experience of years.
The major Applications and Products Our Converting Capabilities in Defence manufacturing are: • Roll to Roll die cutting • Noise Reduction • Mounting Solutions • Steel rule die cutting Solutions • Electrical Insulating • Roller Blade cutting • Vibration Control Solutions • Rewinding Solutions • Thermally • Slicing machine • Thermal Insulation Conducting Solutions • Lamination Solutions • Gaskets
Specialty Tapes Solutions • Thermal Conductive Tapes • Electrical Insulation Tapes • Masking Tapes (Complete range) • Surface Protection Tapes • Double Sided Tapes (Complete range) • Air Vent solutions for sensitive • Filament & Duct Tapes electronic/lighting equipment • Aluminium Foil Tapes and instrument clusters
Cosmos Tapes & Labels Private Limited 59/2/6, Site-IV, Industrial Area, Sahibabad, Ghaziabad-201010 (UP) Email: [email protected] | Website: www.cosmostapes.in 21 Defence exports: India on an overdrive
The Indian government has set
Narendra Modi a defence export target of US Prime Minister of India Dollars 5 billion by 2025 and several initiatives are being launched to reach this figure. Among the top items intended for exports are the Light Combat Aircraft Tejas; BrahMos missiles; Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System, Pinaka rocket launchers and Combat Management System, among which Tejas has attracted the maximum attention
Rajnath Singh Defence Minister of India
22 ver the years, India’s defence a defence export target of US Dollars exports have been modest 5 billion by 2025. In order to achieve Oowing to several restrictions this figure, the Department of Defence and limitations. However, after Prime Production recently released a list of 152 Minister Narendra Modi's government items that friendly nations could purchase. introduced liberal policies since As many as 85 kinds of equipment and 2014, defence exports have gone up 47 sub-systems are included in the list substantially. According to official data, and they are expected to be of interest the figures have, in fact, gone up by 700 to countries in the Indian Ocean Region per cent in just two years. While the (IOR) and Africa. export authorisation was US Dollars 213 Among the top items which India million in 2016–17, it rose to US Dollars intends to export are the Light Combat 1.5 billion in 2018-19. Aircraft (LCA) Tejas; BrahMos supersonic Moreover, the government has set cruise missiles; Advanced Towed Artillery
23 Gun System (ATAGS), Pinaka multi- guns. Countries such as the Philippines barrel rocket launchers and Combat and Vietnam are reportedly interested in Management System. Meanwhile, Arjun procuring BrahMos. The ATAGS; the in- tanks and Astra air-to-air missiles are service K-9 Vajra howitzer; 155mm/52 included in a separate list put out by the Caliber towed gun and Garuda 105 Defence Research and Development lightweight field gun are among the Organisation (DRDO). The latest list, artillery guns that have found a place on released during the Aero India show in the export list . The last two are built in Bengaluru, also comprises products from the private sector by Bharat Forge. Military private sector industries that are yet to be vehicles produced by Ashok Leyland, mine acquired by India’s armed forces. protected vehicles, combat helmets and LCA, built by Hindustan Aeronautics vests manufactured by private company Limited (HAL), has already attracted MKU, multi-mode hand grenades and Army has ordered the LCH so far. interest from South East Asia and West many types of ballistic protection are also India's defence exports were Rs 4,682 Asia. The HAL Chairman said that each meant for export. crore (US Dollars 0.66 billion) in 2017–18 LCA MK1A jet would be priced at Rs 306 The anti-submarine warfare corvettes and Rs 10,500 crore (US Dollars 1.47 crore for exports. Meanwhile, the trainer made by the public sector Garden Reach billion) in 2018–19. Eight Defence public would cost Rs 280 crore. Shipbuilders & Engineers, various kinds of sector undertakings and 41 ordnance As part of boosting exports, India’s patrol and interceptor boats and Landing factories are engaged in exports, apart defence attaches posted in IOR and Craft Utility are the major naval items from private firms. Though there were African countries have been directed to which are offered to friendly countries. export restrictions on organisations explore requirements in those nations Lightweight and heavyweight torpedoes, like OFB (Ordnance Factory Board) for Indian systems. Currently, Tejas, naval 30 mm guns, rocket launchers, earlier, OFB currently exports arms and helicopters and missile systems have coastal surveillance systems and ammunition, weapon spares, chemicals attracted the biggest interest. Alongside, communication and combat management & explosives, parachutes, leather and a number of Indian private companies are systems for ships too are planned to be clothing items to more than 30 countries, searching for markets for their products exported. including Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, abroad. Regarding air systems, India has included Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Germany, Belgium, Among the 30 land systems mentioned the Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) along Turkey, Egypt, Oman, Israel, Kenya, in the list for exports, the major ones are with the LCA in the export list. Incidentally, Nigeria, Botswana, Chile, Suriname and Akash and BrahMos missiles and artillery neither the Indian Air Force nor the Indian the USA.
24 Cosmos Special Tapes for Defence Sector
osmos Tapes & Labels Pvt. Ltd. Vibration Control Solutions Gaskets has specialized in providing Solutions to control vibration while Cosmos Tapes can die cut intricate Ca broad range of customized simplifying product assembly. custom gaskets from a wide variety of products for various manufacturing open cell and closed cell foams, rubbers industries. With a focus on delivering Thermal Insulation Solutions and elastomers. exceptional quality at an affordable price, Our light weight self-adhesive solutions Cosmos is a reliable partner for customers for thermal insulation specializes in Specialty Tapes Solutions with special technical, regulatory, or managing conductive and radiant heat The company has inhouse facility to mechanical requirements. energies. convert special purpose tapes, sourced Cosmos Tapes is a MSME with ISO from the global suppliers. These tapes 9001:2015, ZED and IATF16949 Mounting Solutions include: certifications.The company’s expertise is Our light weight self-adhesive tapes • Thermal Conductive Tapes in sourcing the most suitable raw materials for mounting of components instead of • Masking Tapes (General purpose, at optimum prices internationally and bolting or screwing them, reducing the High Temperature, Powder/CED converting them as per the customers chances of rattling noises and easing the Coating, Shot Blasting) designs in their factory in India. Cosmos application process. • Double Sided Tapes has a complete in-house testing facility • Filament & Duct Tapes to ensure quality according to customer Electrical Insulating Solutions • Aluminium Foil Tapes needs. Custom electrical insulators including • Electrical Insulation Tapes Cosmos undertakes customized Conductive Metal Foils, Polyester • Surface Protection Tapes operations and provides excellent products tapes, Glass Cloth Tapes, Nomex Paper, • Air Vent solutions for sensitive of self-adhesive tape technology. The Polyimide Tapes etc. electronic/lighting equipment major Applications and Products in The company is trying to reduce Defence manufacturing are: Thermally Conducting Solutions customer’s import costs of finished They address a crucial problem with low- products by sourcing raw materials for Noise Reduction Solutions powered electronic devices – the need to manufacturing products requiring highly They absorb, block, or damp unwanted dissipate the sizable amounts of heat being specific applications. sound waves. generated.
Double Sided Adhesive Tapes Duct Tape Electrical Insulation Tapes
Filament Tapes Masking Tapes Speciality Foams
25 Prime Minister Hands over Arjun Main Battle Tank (MK-1A) to the Army
uses indigenous ammunition. A tank made in Tamil Nadu will be used in our northern borders to keep the nation safe. This showcases India's united spirit – Bharat's Ekta Darshan” The Prime Minister said that the focus on making India Aatmanirbhar in the defence sector will keep moving with full speed. Our armed forces signify India's ethos of courage. They have shown time and again that they are fully capable of protecting our Motherland. Time and again they have also shown India believes in peace. However, India will protect our sovereignty at all costs, the Prime Minister said. The Prime Minister paid homage to the Pulwama attack martyrs on the anniversary of the attack today. He said he Prime Minister, Narendra Modi MBT Arjun Mark 1A, the Prime Minister “We pay homage to all the martyrs we handed over the Arjun Main Battle declared “I am proud to handover the lost in that attack.We are proud of our TTank (MK-1A) to the Army. indigenously designed and manufactured security forces.Their bravery will continue Prime Minister has said India has “Main Battle Tank Arjun Mark 1A”. It also to inspire generations.” undertaken a massive effort to become self-reliant in the defence sector. This is inspired by what Mahakavi Subramaniya Bharathi writing in the oldest language in the world,Tamil, said Let us make weapons; let us make paper. Let us make factories; let us make schools. Let us make vehicles that can move and fly. Let us make ships that can shake the world. One of the two defence corridors is in Tamil Nadu. The corridor has already received investment commitments over Rupees Eight thousand one hundred crores. He said that Tamil Nadu is already the leading automobile manufacturing hub of India. Now, Tamil Nadu evolving as the Tank manufacturing hub of India. On
26 a magazine dedicated to aerospace & defence industry www.arabiandefence.com Middle East Supplement ARABIAN DEFENCE For publishing feature articles, interviews, & advertisements, Please contact : [email protected] | [email protected]
Aeromag Asia,Aerosun Media Pvt Ltd, Aeronautical Society of India Building, Suranjandas Road, Off Old Madras Road, 27 Bangalore 560075. Karnataka. www.aeromag.in Trailblazing Niche Paths
Tatra Trucks, the oldest automotive factory in Central Europe, is a pioneer in making heavy-duty military, firefighting and rescue vehicles, and civilian vehicles, unrivalled in payload capacity and mobility and designed for off-road or mountain operation. Adam Dorazil, Project Manager, Tatra Trucks, speaks about their exclusive business terrains and prospects of expansion in the Middle East Asian market. Excerpts from an interview.
Adam Dorazil Project Manager Tatra Trucks
Being the oldest automotive factory partners stands representing a wide philosophy. In the production of more in Central Europe, Tatra has been a range of our portfolio. than 95 years, this concept is a true pioneer in making heavy-duty off- The Middle East is already for 30 testament to the soundness of the road vehicles and trucks for combined years the second home for TATRA. original design. on/off road transport, which are Tatra has very strong partners in the Today TATRA truck chassis consisted constantly improved to meet Middle East area with a long-term of a torsionally rigid 3-D frame formed increasing customer requirements. relationship. More than 2 500 military by connecting the backbone tube Where does the company stand vehicles have been sold. TATRA with a conventional ladder frame via globally and what are the major is very proud to achieve with their cross-members and of independent achievements? Middle East partners a high local swing half-axles, swinging around the At present, we focus exclusively content. There is no better place backbone tube centerline. The central on a niche market, which are heavy to apply our historical experience backbone tube covering all parts of trucks capable of operating under any from the Dakar and TATRAs offroad the driveline. This design improving conditions. Military, firefighting and capabilities. vehicle mobility in difficult terrain, rescue vehicles, and civilian vehicles while increasing stability during designed for off-road or mountain The unique chassis concept of Tatra cornering and at high road speeds. operation, able to meet clients’ needs has been continuously improved since The vehicles have very high without the use of complex electronic 1923 – and to this day successfully commonality, and many brands assistance systems. The contract imitated by no one. Could you shed of engines and drive trains can be for the supply of military vehicles to more light onto this? installed in them. Tatra’s air-cooled Western Europe and the Middle East The TATRA-concept was firstly engines and purchased water-cooled or delivery of firefighting trucks to used at TATRA T 11 car in 1923. The engines from various manufacturers Western Europe belong to the most flat boxer air-cooled two-cylinder can be used and the engine outputs interesting new orders. engine was firmly connected with the can be matched with mechanical or transmission which was connected to automatic transmissions of various Could you share with us Tatra’s the rear axle via a large diameter pipe. brands. participation highlights at the IDEX The rear axle was of a swinging half For different loads, a different type 2021 to be held in Abu Dhabi?How axle type without universal joints. The of suspension is used. do you look at the Middle East Asia pipe substituted chassis frame and In addition to standard soft cabins, as a market for Tatra’s business covered drive shaft with differential. armored cabins with different levels expansion? This unusual and progressive design of protection can be installed in the Tatra, together with its partner of vehicles started a long tradition FORCE family. companies, will show a wide range of of unique automotive chassis design The standard chassis is available in trucks and chassis. You will see 4x4 as “TATRA concept”. Such vehicles a variety of wheelbase configurations TATRA FORCE chassis and 8x8 truck were very simple, easy to operate, and with up to eight axles, including with an armored cabin and crane at simple to maintain, and giving good rear-axle steering. our stand. Other vehicles, such as self- fuel economy. An entirely new line propelled howitzer, recovery vehicle, of cars and trucks of various load- The special and military production and other trucks will be shown at our carrying capacities was based on this of the company is represented by
28 TATRA FORCE and TATRA TACTIC. What TATRA TRUCKS offers standard 2, 3, and 4-axle are the main products by the division and vehicles – frame chassis suitable for a montage of who all are the major clients? TATRA Force is a High Mobility Heavy different commercial superstructures or with dump Duty chassis build as a platform for truck bodies. They are especially suitable for commercial various kinds of special vehicles that need vehicles operated in difficult off-road conditions superior driveability in difficult terrain, transport troops or sensitive material vehicles – which are suitable especially over difficult terrain, and with low life What are the company’s products in for large mobile cranes and/or other cycle costs. The all-wheel-drive chassis civilian and commercial sectors? What are exceptional commercial superstructures. employs independent suspension with the the customization options you offer to the backbone tube frame, that allows each customers? How did the company survive the wheel to move independently. Thanks to a Besides the special military vehicles, disruption caused by the Covid-19 modular design TATRA can produce from TATRA TRUCKS company offers standard pandemic? What are the goals to be 4x4 chassis up to 12x12 versions. There 2, 3, and 4-axle vehicles – frame chassis achieved in the post-pandemic days? are more than 1200 vehicles used in the suitable for a montage of different The Covid-19 pandemic had no major UAE army and hundreds of vehicles in commercial superstructures or with dump impact on the company’s operations KSA. truck bodies. Due to the unique design or results in 2020. Production ran TATRA Tactic is a medium-class all- of the TATRA chassis that is used also on without stopping, we only had to adjust wheel drive off-road logistic truck with these vehicles, they are especially suitable the production plans according to the an excellent clearance that is based on for commercial vehicles operated in possibilities of our suppliers. As for this standard chassis concept with rigid axles difficult off-road conditions. year’s targets, we are ready for both and ladder frame. The latest version was Apart from the above said standard alternatives, lower market demand, as well first interduced in 2019 on the IDEX show. vehicles, TATRA TRUCKS offers customers as its rapid recovery. Of course, we are More than 800 vehicles are under service also special customized solutions. For working intensively to make this year even in KSA. example 5 or more-axle customized more successful than the previous one.
29 www. sailorswarriors.com
For Publishing Articles, Advertisements Contact : Editor, Sailors & Warriors, Aeromag Asia, Aeronautical Society of India Building, Suranjandas Road, Off Old Madras Road, Bangalore - 560075. Karnataka, India Call: +91 94490 61925 | Tel: +91 80 43747492 Email: [email protected]
30 Rosoboronexport showcases State-of-the-art Armaments at IDEX
SC Rosoboronexport (part of Rostec industry companies – Almaz-Antey Air and State Corporation) showcases the Space Defence Corporation, JSC Concern Jmajor newly-designed products Morinformsystem-Agat, Research of Russia’s defence industry and pieces Production Association RusBiTech, Proekt- of Russian military equipment, mostly Technika Corporation, and the Kazan demanded in the world arms market, at Gunpowder Plant. the largest international defence exhibition Russia’s joint display is focused on the IDEX 2021. demonstration of technical assets and “The Middle East and North Africa are solutions, aimed at responding to present- now among key customers in the arms day security threats and challenges, market. This region accounts for about primarily in conditions of attack weapons 1/3 of the total market volume. Arms development, including missiles of various with the “Made in Russia” trademark ranges and strike UAVs. Rosoboronexport equipment, i.e. the Su-35 multi-role are well known and sought-after here. will introduce at IDEX 2021 its approaches supermaneuverable fighter and Mi-38T They have made a very good showing in and solutions, above all, in the area of transportation and assault helicopter, adverse climatic conditions – on the sea, countering terrorist groups and provision which may considerably increase combat on the ground and in the air. Taking into of security of vital state, infrastructure, capabilities of an aviation task force of account all the above mentioned, the transportation and energy installations. any country in the Middle East or North region is very important for us. At year- “Rosoboronexport will demonstrate Africa. It will also incorporate air defence end 2020, the MENA countries accounted newly-designed products from its export complexes S-400 Triumph and Tor- for over 50 % of all export supplies catalogue, including the new armoured M2KM, as well as the Kupol-PRO anti- through Rosoboronexport. In addition personnel carrier and infantry fighting drone complex, which are popular in the to the growth of exports and product vehicle on the basis of the Boomerang Middle East market. mix, we have considerably expanded unified wheeled combat platform, air The naval section of the state special the geography of our cooperation in the defence missile systems Antei-4000, exporter’s display will include presentations region. In 2021, these positive trends Viking and Tor-E2, which will be done for of the mock-up models of the patrol boat will be continued in accordance with the the first time in this region. For the first of project 22160 and the Karakurt-E small objectives, set out for us by the country’s time ever we will hold public presentations missile ship of project 22800E by the Ak leadership,” said Director General of Rostec of tank T-14 Armata and new types of Bars Shipbuilding Corporation. State Corporation Sergey Chemezov. firearms of Russia’s production – assault The V.A.Degtyaryov Plant, Traditionally, Rosoboronexport acts as rifles KORD, Lebedev pistol and the demonstrating the new KORD assault rifle the organizer of Russia’s joint display at newest Kalashnikov assault rifle AK-19, of calibres 7.62 and 5.45 mm for the first IDEX 2021, which in total occupies more we will speak as well on the system, time abroad, counts on increased public than 1200 square meters of the exhibition designed for countering unmanned aerial interest, as well as LLC KBIS with its long space in Hall 12. The joint display vehicles, which is a Rosoboronexport’s range sniper rifles of the Lobaev Arms will represent products of the leading package solution, and on training simulator trade mark - DVL-10M1 Saboteur, TSVL- holdings of the Rostec State Corporation, complexes, produced in Russia,” added 8 Stalingrad, DXL-3 Longstrike and DXL-4 including JSC High Precision Weapons, Alexander Mikheev. Sevastopol, which are already well known Uralvagonzavod, Kalashnikov Group, At its display, Rosoboronexport will by the specialists. Rosoboronexport’s Technodinamika, United Instrument demonstrate over 400 items of its military exhibit will also accommodate mock- Manufacturing Corporation, Shvabe equipment nomenclature. The display up models of armoured vehicles of the Holding, and the largest Russia’s defence includes mock-up models of aviation Typhoon and Tornado families.
31 SAMI to be part of Saudi Pavilion at IDEX n keeping with its commitment to Dhabi National Exhibition Center in the operational needs of the military. SAMI developing the capabilities of Saudi UAE capital, Abu Dhabi. will also showcase its innovative military IArabia’s military industries sector SAMI aims to represent the Kingdom of products and comprehensive defense and continuing to play an active role in Saudi Arabia at the international exhibition systems, spread across its Land Systems, localizing the Kingdom’s military spending, and support the vision of the Kingdom’s Aeronautics, Defense Electronics, Weapons Saudi Arabian Military Industries (SAMI), leadership for the military industries and Missiles, and Emerging Technologies a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Public sector. SAMI also supports PIF’s efforts divisions. SAMI’s exhibits will also include Investment Fund (PIF), will participate in localizing cutting-edge technology and the products and technologies developed in the IDEX 2021 under the title ‘Invest knowledge, as well as building strategic by its affiliates Advanced Electronics Saudi’ through the Saudi Pavilion. economic partnerships. The national Company – AEC (a wholly-owned Supervised by the General Authority defense champion seeks to contribute subsidiary), Accessories and Components for Military Industries (GAMI), the Saudi toward the localization of over 50% of Company (AACC), SAMI Navantia Naval Pavilion will bring together several major the Kingdom’s military industries sector by Industries (a joint venture with Navantia Saudi national institutions and companies 2030. S.A.), SAMI L3Harris Technologies (a specialized in the field of military and Besides, SAMI will exhibit its most joint venture with L3Harris Technologies), security industries. The exhibition will be significant accomplishments in the sector and SAMI CMI Defense Systems (a joint held from 21 to 25 February at the Abu and its local capabilities in meeting the venture with CMI Group). AL JASOOR Joins Forces with Raytheon Emirates, EARTH for Rabdan Vehicles facilitator of state-of-the-art R&D, in several configurations and can be engineering, and technology integration, equipped with different levels of armour and sister entity of AL JASOOR within protection to ensure tactical and technical EDGE, is responsible for the seamless advantages. integration of the Rabdan vehicle with the Raytheon’s High Energy Laser Weapon advanced laser system. System is powered by technologies that Announced ahead of the International use photons, or particles of light, to carry L JASOOR, the exclusive supplier Defence Exhibition and Conference out military missions. The cutting-edge of the Rabdan 8x8 Infantry (IDEX), the integrated vehicle is on display product uses an advanced electro-optical/ AFighting Vehicle, announced its as part of the broader EDGE stand. infrared (EO/IR) sensor, to detect, identify collaboration with Raytheon Emirates and The next generation Rabdan 8x8 and track multiple threats, primarily from Raytheon Intelligence & Space (RI&S) armoured fighting vehicle is an advanced, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Once to embed a High-Energy Laser Weapon mission-ready platform built to meet a targeted, the system is designed to rapidly System onto AL JASOOR’s signature range of versatile objectives. Highly mobile and precisely engage, and neutralize, the Rabdan 8x8 platform. EARTH, a leading on land and water, Rabdan is available non-cooperating UAV.
Advanced Electronics to Showcase Electronic Warfare, C4ISR at IDEX dvanced Electronics Company 50 percent of the Kingdom’s military and Abdulaziz Al Duailej, CEO of AEC, said: (AEC), a Saudi Arabian Military security spending as envisaged in the Saudi “With businesses and industries returning AIndustries (SAMI) company, will Vision 2030 program. to normal operations, we at AEC consider participate in IDEX as part of the Saudi On display at AEC’s booth in the that our participation in IDEX 2021, as pavilion under the slogan of ‘Invest in exhibition will be services, solutions part of the Saudi Pavilion, will provide us Saudi Arabia’. and systems in the fields of Electronic with an excellent opportunity to highlight A regional defense and aerospace leader Warfare, C4ISR (Command, Control, our innovations in the defense sector to providing world-class services, systems, Communications, Computers, Combat prospective regional and international and solutions in the fields of Electronic Systems, Intelligence, Surveillance, and stakeholders. We are keen on gaining Warfare, C4ISR, Electronics and Cyber Reconnaissance), and Cyber Security insights into new industry trends and Security, AEC will showcase its latest including Radio Over IP System (RoIP), customer needs and exploring new growth military technologies and products at Software Defined Radio (SDR), Unmanned opportunities to advance our commitment IDEX 2021. Underlining its commitment Surface Vessels (USVs) and Electronic to supporting the Kingdom to achieve the to playing a key role in the localization of Intelligent Solutions (ELINT). Vision 2030 goal of 50% localization. 32 Almaz – Antey to Unveil Antey-4000 at IDEX lmaz – Antey Air and Space Defense Corporation presents Aits main military product range at IDEX – 2021 international defense exhibition and conference in Abu Dhabi (UAE). The company’s delegation includes experts from its six subsidiaries. The company’s exhibition stand will provide visitors information about latest long, medium and short-range air defense, upgrade options for earlier produced equipment, and other Almaz – Antey designs. Almaz – Antey exhibits models of Viking, Tor-M2E, Tor-M2K, Tor-M2KM surface-to-air missile systems (stationary and mobile versions), Palma ship-based automated anti-aircraft artillery system, Komar turret launcher for Igla-type MANPADS. It will be the first time the company presents information on its Antey-4000 long range surface-to-air missile system of its Antey line at a foreign exhibition. The system features new capabilities against air targets, able to engage them at higher range, altitude and speed. Due to its high performance, Antey-4000 can be used for protection of key administrative, industrial and military installations. Mounted on a full-tracked chassis, it can move easily across rough terrain and protect areas and military units at the theater of war. Antey-4000 surpasses its predecessor Antey-2500 by range, altitude and speed of aerodynamic targets and is unmatched in its class. Another novelty is the upgrade of Stela SAM system, widely known across the protection products, including Rif-M and for upgrade of earlier supplied equipment. world, to the level of Sosna SAM system, Shtil-1 ship-based SAM systems, Palma The deputy general director emphasized which includes 100% longer range, 200% ship-based automated anti-aircraft artillery that the company had always demonstrated larger ammunition, hampered detection system, and Komar turret launcher. independent technical solutions, economic of the unit operation and fully automated Almaz – Antey deputy general director stability and provided highly competitive tracking and engagement of the target. for international trade Vyacheslav Dzirkaln products to its customers. Presentations on Triumph S-400, stated, “Given the complex situation in Almaz – Antey is entitled to engage in Favorit S-300PMU2, Buk-M2E, Sosna the world, we participate in IDEX-2021, foreign trade deals at its own discretion SAM systems, Tunguska-M1 gun/missile one of the most popular global defense with regard to defense products, including SPAAW, Shilka-M4 ZSU-23-4 SPAAG, exhibitions, with the view to strengthen supplies of spare parts, repair and upgrade simulators and target stations for anti- the company’s image as a reliable supplier of earlier supplied equipment. aircraft systems operators’ training, and of exclusive products helping its client Almaz – Antey is one of Russia’s largest on the company’s offers to upgrade and countries retain their sovereignty and stay integrated defense sector conglomerates, repair earlier supplied equipment will be secure.” employing some 130,000 people. The available as well. He noted that the company will again company’s products are in service in over Designated screens will feature demonstrate its research and production 50 countries. information about naval anti-aircraft potential, including valuable opportunities
33 PBS to unveil PBS TJ100PTURBOJET ENGINES turbojet engine at IDEX2003 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021
PBS TJ100 PBS TJ40-G1 PBS TJ40-G2 PBS TJ150 PBS TJ180 PBS TJ40-G1NS PBS TJ100P 1,250 N 395 N 395 N 1,500 N 900 N 425 N 1,250 N
PBS – AN EASA CERTIFICATED MANUFACTURER LAUNCHES NEW JET ENGINE PBS TJ100P Russia unveils to the global market the new anti- stealth radar
osoboronexport (part of the Rostec State Corporation) in R2020 has started promoting IDEX ABU DHABI the P-18-2 Prima high-mobility 2D HALL 9/BOOTH B22 www.pbs.cz surveillance and acquisition radar to the foreign market. Aero India 2021, that took place in February he PBS TJ100P engine has been purpose- Main technical parameters of the PBS TJ100P in Bangalore, India, became the designed for unmanned disposal engine foreign premiere of the system. applications, target drones, and other According to the company, the T Turbojet engine PBS TJ100P air-launched and ground-launched UAVs. PBS Prima solid-state radar is based TJ100P is the modification of the successful Maximum thrust 1,250 N on modern hardware components PBS TJ100, that has worldwide sold more than Maximum speed 0.8 M and digital signal processing and thousands of units. External diameter of the engine 272 mm generation technology. It features The customers will appreciate that the fuel high energy potential and increased Engine weight 17.2 kg lubricated engine without a separated oil system immunity, points out the company. Maximum altitude for air-launched start 6,000 m has no tilt angle limits during start and flight The radar is designed to detect, operation. The engine has capability of air- Maximum operating altitude 10,000 m track, locate and identify air targets launched accelerated start within 8 seconds. Electrical power output 750-2,300 W of various classes and types as friend The electrical power output up to 2.3 kW Min. / max. ambient temperature -35/+45 °C or foe in both jamming and clutter fulfills the growing requirements of the current Fuel JET-A1 environments, take the bearing of market. Due to a reduced weight of 17.2 kg jammers, and feed radar data to and thrust of 1,250 N, the PBS TJ100P turbojet Why PBS? users’ automated command-and- engine achieves an excellent thrust-to-weight • 5O years of experience in aerospace industry control systems. ratio in its thrust category. • More than 14,000 supplied aerospace The P-18-2 is distinguished from The engine can be adjusted for saltwater turbine units most other radars available on the landing recovery. Other modifications are the • EASA certification and DOA, POA, MOA market by its high mobility achieved customized design of fixing points or extended approvals certifications through the installation of all exhaust nozzle. equipment and antenna post on one “We try to adapt to market demand as much PBS Product segments vehicle. At the same time, its crew as possible, both in developing entirely new • Aerospace (turbojet engines, auxiliary power consists of only two people who products and modifications of the current ones.“ units, environmental control units) can operate both from the equipped States Mr. Milan Macholan, the CEO of PBS. • Cryogenics (turboexpanders, pumps and cabin and remote workstations. compressors for liquefaction of inert gases) The radar features a high level of • Power engineering (power generating units, automation and can be deployed turbines, industrial boilers) and stowed within about 5 minutes. • Investment casting (nickel-based, cobalt- based superalloys castings) • Service and maintenance (APUs)
Contact Prvni brnenska strojirna Velka Bites, a. s. Vlkovska 279, 595 01 Velka Bites, Czech republic, EU [email protected] | www.pbs.cz
34 Russia unveils to the global market the new anti- stealth radar The multi-role, multi-domain UAV The Prima radar operates in the VHF band and is capable of detecting any solution from Schiebel: aircraft, including stealth ones. Its range coverage exceeds 320 km and elevation coverage is up to 45 deg. The CAMCOPTER® S-100 The minimum detection range is 500 meters. The developers have introduced chiebel has more than 20 years In August 2020, Schiebel together with a number of technology solutions experience with the development and Nordic Unmanned carried out the world’s first to ensure the radar’s operation in a Sproduction of UAVs. The company has full-scale offshore UAV cargo delivery from jamming environment, difficult terrain production facilities and offices in Abu Dhabi, shore to an active oil and gas installation for and in adverse weather conditions. The Austria, Australia and the US. The Middle Equinor. The demonstration simulated the radar automatically detects and tracks East is an important region for Schiebel, given scenario of an urgent requirement for spare low-speed and low-visibility targets in its first major contract back in 2005 for the parts at the gas production Troll A in Norway. CAMCOPTER® S-100 came from the United The CAMCOPTER® S-100 successfully a clutter environment. Arab Emirates. The CAMCOPTER® S-100 is carried out the long-range delivery and the The radar is equipped with advanced flown all over the world with clients such as demonstration also included an aerial platform satellite navigation equipment the Royal Thai Navy, Royal Australian Navy, inspection as well as a simulated search and exploiting GLONASS/GPS signals that the European Maritime Safety Agency, and rescue mission. provide automatic positioning. It has a many more. Meanwhile in Australia, the Royal Australian built-in diesel power plant and a power For the European Maritime Safety Agency, Navy (RAN) has been operating the take-off generator, and can also be Schiebel, with its CAMCOPTER® S-100, CAMCOPTER® S-100 since 2018. Currently, connected to a three-phase general- supports Coast Guards all over Europe – most the RAN UAVs are fitted with Schiebel’s purpose electrical network. recently in France, Denmark, Croatia and proprietary heavy fuel engine, the S2. Given Another major product in the Russian Finland – to carry out border security and the single fuel policy adopted by the world’s radar portfolio is the Resonance-NE maritime surveillance. With its vast experience navies, the heavy fuel engine is Schiebel’s long-range low-observable aerial at land and at sea, it has proven its outstanding alternative option to its current propulsion unit. target acquisition radar. This VHF- capabilities at many occasions. Schiebel’s CAMCOPTER® S-100 Vertical band phased array radar is designed Most recently, the French Navy acquired Takeoff and Landing (VTOL) Unmanned for effective long-range detection of a four additional S-100 UAVs, which will be Air System (UAS) is currently in use on five wide scope of existing and prospective integrated on their Mistral-class amphibious continents with 34 customers. More than 350 flying objects such as low-observable helicopter carriers Tonnere and Mistral. The Unmanned Air Vehicles (UAV) have flown a cruise and ballistic missiles, as well as initial two S-100s were already fully integrated total of 100,000 hours so far. The S-100’s hypersonic aerial vehicles, including on their helicopter carrier Dixmude. This was small footprint makes it the ideal solution for stealth ones, in contested electronic the first time in Europe, a rotary wing UAS was small ships and it has operated from more than environment and under natural noise. fully operational and connected to the defence 30 different ships with 10,000 maritime flight The detection range reaches 1100 km. system of an amphibious helicopter carrier. hours and 2,000 deck landings to date.
35 Indian Navy’s Largest Wargame; TROPEX 21
ndian Navy’s largest war game – the transition from peacetime to hostilities. biennial Theatre Level Operational In the first phase, the Indian Navy had IReadiness Exercise (TROPEX 21) - conducted coastal defence exercise which commenced in early January, is ‘Sea Vigil’ along the entire coastline currently underway with participation and Island territories of India on 12- of all operational units of Navy including 13 January 2021. This exercise aimed ships, submarines, aircraft as well as to validate the coastal defence setup units of the Indian Army, Indian Air of the country, which was entirely Force and Coast Guard. The exercise revamped after the 26/11 Terror attacks will culminate by third week of February. at Mumbai. The exercise witnessed The exercise is being conducted over a large-scale participation from Indian vast geographical expanse in the Indian Navy, Coast Guard, Marine Police of Ocean Region including its adjunct 13 coastal States and Union Territories waters and is aimed at testing combat along with other stakeholders in the readiness of the Navy in a complex maritime domain. Valuable lessons multi-dimensional scenario set in the emerging from the exercise are being context of the current geo strategic incorporated in the existing procedures environment. The Theatre Level exercise to further fine-tune the coastal defence also aims to validate Navy’s offensive- architecture of the country. defence capabilities, safeguard national Exercise Sea Vigil was followed interests in the maritime domain and by a large-scale Tri-Service joint promote stability and peace in the amphibious exercise AMPHEX-21, Indian Ocean Region. Conduct of which was conducted in the Andaman TROPEX is being overseen by Naval and Nicobar group of Islands from 21- Headquarters with participation from 25 January. The amphibious exercise all three Commands of the Indian Navy was aimed at validating India’s and the Tri-Services Command at Port capabilities to safeguard the territorial Blair. integrity of its Island territories and TROPEX is being progressed over enhance operational synergy and joint distinct phases that also test the Navy's warfighting capabilities amongst the
36 three Services. firepower of the Indian Navy and reaffirm puts to test and validate Navy’s Concept The Weapon Workup Phase of TROPEX, the Navy’s capability to carry out long of Operations in various conflict scenarios, which concluded recently, witnessed range maritime strikes in the Indian hone its warfighting skills, bolster its role multiple ‘on-target’ ordnance deliveries Ocean Region, a capability that is central towards maritime security in the wider including missiles, torpedoes and rockets to meeting operational challenges and Indian Ocean Region and is in keeping from frontline warships, aircraft and ensuring safe seas and secure coasts. with the theme of being a ‘Combat Ready, submarines and demonstrated the lethal This large scale Theatre Level Exercise Credible and Cohesive force’.
37 Indian Navy Ship Pralaya Arrives in Abu Dhabi to participate in NAVDEX & IDEX 2021
Guest at India’s Republic Day celebrations in January 2017. Towards enhancing interactions between the two navies, inaugural edition of Indian Navy – UAE Navy bilateral exercise GULF STAR - 1 was conducted in March 2018. The next edition of the exercise is likely to be conducted in 2021. In addition, Indian Navy ships have been making regular port calls at UAE for promoting maritime cooperation. INS Mysore, an indigenously built guided missile destroyer, mission deployed in the region, is also making a port call at Abu Dhabi, UAE from 19 to 22 Feb 21. ndian Naval Ship Pralaya arrived at Abu Dhabi, UAE to participate in Ithe NAVDEX 2021 (Naval Defence Exhibition) and IDEX (International Defence Exhibition), scheduled from 21 to 25 February 2021. INS Pralaya, the second ship of the indigenously built Prabal Class Missile Vessels, was commissioned in the Indian Navy on 18 December 2002. The 56 m long ship, displacing about 560 T is capable of speeds in excess of 35 knots and is fitted with an impressive array of weapons and sensors. These include a 76.2 mm medium range gun, 30 mm close range guns, chaff launchers and long range surface to surface missiles. The ship, built indigenously at Goa Shipyard Limited, bears testimony to capabilities of the Indian ship building industry and is a versatile platform capable of performing a wide variety of surface warfare missions. Participation of INS Pralaya in NAVDEX is aimed at showcasing the strengths of India’s indigenous ship building, in line with Hon’ble Prime Minister’s vision of ‘AtmaNirbhar Bharat’. In addition, participation of an Indian Navy Ship in NAVDEX ,it also highlights close relations between India and UAE. Defence relations between India and UAE have been steadily growing since the upgradation of bilateral relations to a ‘Comprehensive Strategic Partnership’ during the visit of Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan was the Chief
38 Etihad and Gulf Air announce Strategic Cooperation Agreement
• Expansion of existing codeshare agreement to strengthen both airlines’ networks beyond Abu Dhabi and Bahrain hubs • Enhanced reciprocal frequent flyer benefits for Etihad Guest and Falconflyer members • Schedule optimisation and connectivity improvements on Abu Dhabi – Bahrain route • Developing a more seamless customer journey between Abu Dhabi and Bahrain
exploration of MRO, pilot and crew training, and cargo opportunities, which the parties will now re-visit in light of current market opportunities and company requirements. The Strategic Commercial Cooperation Agreement was signed by Tony Douglas, Group Chief Executive Officer, Etihad Aviation Group, and Captain Waleed AlAlawi, Gulf Air’s Acting Chief Executive Officer. Tony Douglas said: “This agreement reinforces the strength of the ongoing partnership between our two airlines. We look forward to exploring pragmatic ways in which the two carriers can increasingly work seamlessly between our two capitals, enhance benefits and customer experience for our most frequent travelers and further tihad Airways, the national airline premium tier customers of Etihad Guest extend the reach of our joint networks of the United Arab Emirates, and and Falconflyer, including reciprocal beyond our hubs.” EGulf Air, the national carrier of lounge access at the hubs and enhanced Captain AlAlawi said: “Our relationship the Kingdom of Bahrain, have signed recognition through a guest’s journey, with Etihad Airways has always been a Strategic Commercial Cooperation regardless of the operating airline. strong and today we are reaching a higher Agreement (SCCA) to deepen their Additionally, the partners will work level of collaboration with many more partnership between Abu Dhabi and together to improve the customer journey opportunities in the horizon between Bahrain and beyond the respective hubs. on Abu Dhabi –Bahrain, making it more the national carriers of the Kingdom of The wide-ranging SCCA, subject to seamless, regardless of the operating Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates. obtaining applicable governmental and carrier, with enhanced and harmonised This agreement will empower both of us regulatory approvals, sets out specific policies and products in areas such as to offer a more elevated experience to actions for deepening and broadening baggage and ancillaries. passengers and widen their travel options.” commercial cooperation, building on the The 2018 MOU also provided for Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) the airlines signed in 2018. The SCCA envisages a phased approach to closer collaboration between the partners. In the first phase, by June 2021, the scope of the partners’ codeshare agreement, first signed in 2019, will be significantly expanded. Etihad and Gulf Air will be able to offer up to an additional 30 combined destinations beyond the Abu Dhabi and Bahrain hubs, across the Middle East, Africa, Europe and Asia. The partners will work together to optimise joint operations on the Abu Dhabi-Bahrain route, with improvements to network connectivity over each of the partners’ hubs. The partners will also enhance their respective offerings to 39 Reinforced Might
NIMR, an EDGE entity in the Platforms & Systems cluster and a leading manufacturer of mission-ready, high-performance, combat-proven light- and medium- weight wheeled military vehicles is currently preparing to roll out the second-generation of its product portfolio. Abraham du Plessis, CEO, NIMR, speaks about its evolution as the largest military vehicle manufacturer in the region competing with the largest international producers. Excerpts from the interview:
NIMR has two decades of experience in in different regions of the world. In which producing high-performance light- and countries does NIMR have presence, and medium-weight wheeled military vehicles who are its major clients? whilst adhering to the most demanding We have a joint venture with the Algerian international standards. What are the major Ministry of Defence to produce the NIMR Abraham du Plessis milestones in this journey of success? vehicle range in Algeriaand are also working CEO, NIMR NIMR celebrated its 20th anniversary in to expand our footprint in Eastern Europe. 2020. The company has come a long way As part of these efforts, we initiated since commencing operations with our first collaboration with VOP CZ, a state-owned vehicle, called NIMR1, in 2000.Since then, enterprise established by the Ministry of the company has grown from strength Defence of the Czech Republic to address to strength, with our vehicles building a the national market demand, along with reputation for their agility, mobility and those of other Visegrad countries. In 2017, versatility. NIMR and VOP CZ facilitated the debut of Today, NIMR has an extensive portfolio of the AJBAN 440A configured to European mission-proven military vehicles capable of specifications. addressing the most demanding duty-cycle requirements, and is currently preparing to NIMR offers three main product ranges – roll out the second-generation of its product AJBAN, HAFEET, and JAIS. Could you shed portfolio that will reinforce its position as some light on the vehicles in these series? leading manufacturer of combat-proven The AJBAN Multi-Role Armoured military vehicles. Vehicles, NIMR’s best-selling vehicles, are To meet increasing demand from Armed designed for use in a wide range of specialist Forces in nine nations, NMR opened a military roles. They offer high levels of Abraham du Plessis is the Chief Executive 37,500m2 production facility in Abu survivability, mobility, and firepower. Officer (CEO) of NIMR, an EDGE entity within the Platforms & Systems cluster, Dhabi, which is the largest military vehicle The seven-seater 447A features a highly that is a leading manufacturer of manufacturer in the region and competes configurable armoured cabin, designed for mission-ready, high-performance light- with the largest international producers. functions such as tactical response, border and medium-weight wheeled military The company has pioneered many firsts in patrol, reconnaissance, counterinsurgency, vehicles. In this role, he is responsible for the region in an eventful two decades. We and special forces. The range comprises the business growth of NIMR, regionally now have our sights set firmly on the next AJBAN 420, AJBAN 440, AJBAN 450 and and international through their 20 years of growth. AJBAN Internal Security Vehicle. competitive products and services. The NIMR AJBAN Long-Range Special Through its joint ventures with defence Operations Vehicle (LRSOV) is an open- operators in other countries, NIMR transfers top 4x4 reconnaissance vehicle designed for knowledge and technology, and builds skills use by Special Forces. Light and powerful,
40 capable of accessing all terrains, in addition to 1,500 vehicles per year, and the capability to being helicopter-transportable, the vehicle can supply every component at each stage of the be customised to accommodate a range of user- assembly process. Total production flexibility specified equipment. has been incorporated into the process layout. Meanwhile, the NIMR HAFEET 630A is a This allows for multiple model types to be built highly mobile 6x6 protected vehicle that offers simultaneously, maximising product output NIMR has a joint an optimal combination of payload, mobility, and efficiency, and enables NIMR to quickly venture with the and protection in the harshest environments. reorganise resources to respond to the changing The vehicle can be integrated with a variety of requirements of its customers. Algerian Ministry mission and weapon systems. All NIMR vehicles undergo a rigorous testing of Defence to The HAFEET class provides a multi-purpose process during the quality control phase before produce the NIMR platform for all military requirements, from they leave the factory.Visual management utility vehicles to fully protected patrol vehicles. systems are in place to allow for real-time vehicle range in A universal 6x6 chassis is utilised for a common production monitoring, provide an active logistic footprint to minimise the burden Algeria and it is interface for requests and support to identity of training, maintenance, and spare parts and rectify problems, and facilitate seamless working to expand management for the user. communication. its footprint in Finally, the JAIS classis the next generation of mine-resistant ambush protected (MRAP) Eastern Europe. The in-house design, engineering, and R&D vehicles that strikes the right balance between capabilities of the company encompass all It has initiated firepower, survivability, and mobility for modern, aspects of military vehicle technology – from conventional, and asymmetric operations. A collaboration with driveline to protection systems. How strong is battle-proven ‘crew citadel’ protects against VOP CZ, a state- the engineering arm of NIMR? mine, improvised explosive device (IED), and owned enterprise ballistic threats. Our military engineers are drawn from across Offering cost-effective solutions for recce, the globe. Their combined experience allows established by patrol, utility, and specialist roles, such as us to understand and forecast field data, the Ministry of ambulance,the highly modular family of vehicles combat situations, and the evolving operational features modern suspension and powertrain, requirements of our customers. Meanwhile, our Defence of the high power-to-weight ratio, and excellent onsite capabilities enable us to integrate best- Czech Republic situational awareness. in-class technology into our vehicles to give to address the our clients a competitive edge, and to use the NIMR has a 37,500m² state-of-the-art latest simulation tools and techniques to rapidly national market production facility that consistently produces mature our designs, shorten the design cycle, demand, along to a high quality and in large volumes. Could and enhance production capacity. Lastly, we you elaborate on your production facilities and have been growing a world-class test capability with those of quality standards? to verify, validate and improve all aspects of our other Visegrad The facility has the capacity to produce up to designs. countries
41 GAL: Ultimate Sustainment Solutions
While committed to providing fleet readiness to the UAE Armed Forces, GAL is widening its ambit into the commercial realm and working towards expanding its global footprint, seeking business opportunities outside the UAE, says Mohammed Saeed Al Khemairi, Chief Executive Officer, GAL, in this interview. Excerpts:
GAL has been providing integrated repair and overhaul services that cannot be aviation readiness solutions for both military performed in the UAE.GAL’s core services and civilian customers for more than 13 include aircraft maintenance, technical years. How challenging has been the road and engineering support, logistic and to success, and what is the company’s supply chain management, command level position now in the industry globally? advisory support, manpower outsourcing, GAL is a 100 per cent UAE-owned augmentation solutions, simulator Mohammed Saeed Al Khemairi company and was founded in 2007. GAL maintenance and specialised training. As CEO,GAL has over 5,000 employees and supports an EDGE company, we have the unique more than 500 aircraft. Over the years, ability to work with other companies within GAL has built numerous strong relationships the Mission Support cluster, like AMMROC with the major OEMs and formed strategic and HORIZON to provide complete alignment with complementary MRO solutions to our customers including aircraft partners. modifications or upgrades, tip to tail GAL maintains a rigorous operations management and supply chain support. and compliance system that has earned approval from the U.S. Government for the How important has been the partnership official licencing of our defence services. or collaborations with industry leaders We have also obtained international and engineers’ innovative approach in certifications including the ISO 9001 for addressing the customer needs? Could you quality management and ISO 27001 for also shed some light on the engineering Information Security Management. Our minds you work with? Mohammed Saeed Al Khemairi is Chief aim is to become the Middle East’s leading We have collaborated and partnered with Executive Officer of GAL, and in this role, he is responsible for leading the overall provider of aviation MRO services, which major OEMs and MRO providers such as strategy and strategic objectives of the I’m proud to say we are getting closer AAR, Airbus, Boeing, Lockheed Martin, GE, company, including the implementation now that we are growing successfully even Dassault, among others. Locally, we work of its functional objectives and beyond the UAE. very closely with SANAD Aero,Abu Dhabi overseeing critical management aspects Aviation, and our sister entity AMMROC. of the business, operations, support Could you give a detailed picture of GAL’s From routine inspections to customised and people management. Prior to range of maintenance, repair, overhaul, repair and overhaul, we ensure that every joining GAL, Al Khemairi was Director and support services which are offered maintenance action performed – whether of Inter Aviation within the UAE Armed Forces. Al Khemairi brings to his role to military and civilian operations for fleet simple or complex; corrective or preventive, 24 years of experience as an aviation readiness? is executed to the highest quality and safety professional, exposed to high-level We provide integrated aircraft standards.GAL has over 4000 subject strategic and operational initiatives, sustainment solutions through specialised matter experts on board as employees - including infrastructure design, process manpower and technical assistance, and fully certified and trained to undertake reengineering, turnaround management, we have agreements with major original maintenance, in-routine inspections, and and reorganisation of complex business equipment manufacturers, suppliers and in-depth repair operations on all relevant challenges. MRO centres for delivering maintenance, platforms and aircraft.We only employ the 42 most talented technicians and engineers, both We have noticed that there is an increased locally and internationally, to work on rotary- requirement for aircraft modifications and wing platforms — making them subject matter upgrades because of the aging of the aircraft and experts in the process. to keep up with the latest technology. Therefore, today we are providing additional resources to GAL has expanded its client base and now increase our focus on aircraft modifications and holds several maintenance and integrated upgrades. We’ve also increased our partnerships logistics services contracts across the UAE. How with specialised engineering companies does the company look at the South Asian and and increased our activity with AMMROC, African markets for expanding business? leveraging their state of the art facilities and We have signed agreements with the Kenyan their experienced engineering capability. With Ministry of Defence to provide them MRO these initiatives, we believe that we are in a services, specialised maintenance engineers, well-placed position for the changing aerospace spare parts and repair management. We have market. also collaborated with China National Aero- Technology Import & Export Corporation What is the roadmap ahead for GAL? What (CATIC), which will allow GAL to establish a are the goals and objectives you have set for the warehouse in Abu Dhabi and be the hub for company? all the spare parts distribution of CATIC in the We are committed to providing fleet readiness Middle East. We have several ongoing contracts to the UAE Armed Forces. That will always with the UAE Airforce to provide comprehensive remain our main objective. Furthermore, we maintenance and logistics support for its fleet, are looking forward to taking GAL to the to provide specialised manpower and technical commercial and other regional markets through GAL, which and consultancy support services. And currently our strategic relationship including working with provides UAE we are working towards expanding our global AMMROC, SANAD Aero, Abu Dhabi Aviation footprint and are seeking business opportunities and other local companies. We believe this will Air Force outside the UAE. provide promising strategic opportunities to comprehensive elevate GAL globally. At present, most of our maintenance and What are the other challenges you face in business is from the military sector. Today, we meeting the requirements of a rapidly changing are working on expanding to the commercial logistics support world as a professional aerospace services sector, which we believe will make up an ideal for its fleet, offers provider? business mix. complete solutions to its customers including aircraft modifications or upgrades, tip to tail management and supply chain support
43 Leading Edge of Autonomous Tomorrow
Committed to bringing the latest in cutting- edge drone technology and unmanned systems to the region and beyond, ADASI is at the forefront of innovation in autonomous capabilities and augmenting its product portfolio. They are open to expanding into South Asia and Africa when the right opportunity arises, says Ali Al Yafei, Chief Executive Officer, ADASI, in an interview. Excerpts:
Countries all over the world are pushing and tactical demands or to integrate for unmanned systems as the most alternative payloads. important part of their defence strategy. There are currently no platform systems How challenging is the unmanned systems like our Garmoosha drone in the UAE, industry today, and what makes ADASI a which enables us to position ourselves on distinct player in the global arena? the leading edge of tomorrow. Our main UAVs are rapidly advancing in terms of competitors are based in China, USA, and capability and are growing in popularity, Europe. Ali Al Yafei with an increasing number of uses across the Chief Executive Officer, ADASI military, commercial, scientific, recreational, Could you give us an overview of the agricultural, and other sectors. Drones products and services offered by ADASI? have become critical to organisations and Who are its major clients globally? industries, increasing efficiencies, improving We have designed and manufactured the accuracy, and resolving security issues RW-24 system, a fully automated and highly across borders. Their ability to reach the effective high-speed UAV with significant most remote areas with little manpower offensive capabilities that operates from required saves time, energy, and cost. shallow to near-vertical angles and boasts a The UAE drone market is expected to grow, long mission endurance. driven by the rising demand for military We also have more than 10 years of and commercial drones, coupled with the experience in operating and providing proactive involvement of regulatory bodies, after-sales support for the Al SabrS-100 such as General Civil Aviation Authority vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) (GCAA) and Dubai Civil Aviation Authority systems– developing skills, training pilots, (DCAA), in devising policies to support the and deploying the UAVs in day-to-day use of drones in different applications. operations, from systems and payload Since joining in 2008, Ali has When it comes to UAVs and autonomous integration to maintenance and logistics. spearheaded significant growth capabilities, ADASI is at the forefront of Today, our support is critical to keeping the and development of ADASI to innovation and the upcoming launches Al Sabr UAVs in the air for over 5,000 hours enhance the UAE’s national security at IDEX testifies this. With the future a year. infrastructure, and to address the increasingly relying on unmanned systems Our Aerostat UAV is an advanced high- nation’s technological aspirations. Ali that provide a higher degree of tactical endurance airborne monitoring system Al Yafei provides strategic oversight and business direction for the company, flexibility, we have invested extensively that can carry an electro-optical/infrared to ensure operational and productive to fast-track R&D investments in these (EO/IR) sensor, such as the FLIR U8500 or efficiency in delivering complex domains, bringing related products to the WESCAM MX-10, to heights of up to programs for the UAE Armed Forces. market with speed. 3,000 feet, and can stay deployed for over Incorporating the latest technologies, we a week at a time, subject to local weather focus on the acquisition, development, test, conditions. operation, and full-service support of UAV Our GCS 300 shelter is the ideal base systems. We also modify and reconfigure for transporting, storing, operating, and performance to suit our partner’s strategic maintaining UAVs in the field. Robust, 44 resilient, and designed to operate in extreme radio link range extension and retransmission, temperatures, it can be transported by road, maritime surveillance, monitoring, as well as rail, sea, and air – including by C-130 and C-17 search and rescue operations. aircraft. On the ground, it expands into a full The Garmoosha meets market needs by 6.1m x 5.8m technical and control hub with all enhancing air operations, and supporting various the infrastructure and equipment needed for applications such as law enforcement, search frontline drone operations. and rescue, surveying, and securing borders. Its Launched in February 2020, the Garmoosha advanced capabilities, including an integrated drone is the first fully UAE-made high- high-definition camera and electro-optical The first fully performance vertical take-off and landing sensor for day and night ISR collection, provide UAE-made high- (VTOL) drone that is used to detect gas pipeline operational flexibility that allows militaries to leaks, survey infrastructure, and conduct search save manned helicopters from critical missions. performance and rescue operations. vertical take-off The newest feather in our cap will finally be Is ADASI considering expansion into the South and landing drone announced at IDEX. We are extremely proud to Asian and African markets? be expanding our product portfolio and remain One of the main focuses of our parent Garmoosha is a committed to bringing the latest in cutting-edge company, EDGE Group, is to develop the next-generation drone technology and unmanned systems to the country’s export potential in response to region and beyond. international demands. With an operating light unmanned While our primary customer is the General model that focuses on building collaborative aircraft system Headquarters (GHQ) of the UAE Armed Forces, opportunities, we work with our partners to designed to we are working towards offering our products serve our shared interests wherever it makes and services in other markets. business sense to do so, therefore we are open perform across to expanding into South Asia and Africa when a diverse range Tell us more about the Garmoosha drone. the right opportunity arises. What makes the UAV an important asset? of missions to The Garmoosha is a next-generation light What are your visions and priorities for the meet defence unmanned aircraft system (UAS) designed to company over the next decade? What is the and security force carry payloads up to 100kg. The platform has an roadmap ahead? endurance of six hours – equivalent to a range of We have several product launches in the requirements, 150km – and can perform across a diverse range pipeline that are set to bolster ADASI’s including of missions to meet defence and security force position as a regional leader in autonomous requirements, including intelligence, surveillance, systems. In the long term, we aim to focus on intelligence, and reconnaissance (ISR). It is deployable in all the development of our core activities and surveillance, and weather and light conditions, and at altitudes strengthening the technological capabilities of reconnaissance. It ranging from sea level to 10,000 feet.The our customers. We will continue to innovate, aircraft’s payload capacity and performance integrate, evolve, and develop our own unique is used to detect specifications give it wide functionality, making it intellectual property (IP) as we prepare for an gas pipeline an ideal platform for electronic warfare missions, increasingly autonomous tomorrow. leaks, survey infrastructure, and conduct search and rescue operations as well.
45 Sailing on Maritime Glory
With top-of-the-line shipbuilding and maintenance facilities, ADSB is a strategic national asset for the UAE, partnering with naval and maritime authorities in implementing vital security and defence missions, excelling in vessel new build, repair, maintenance, refit, conversion, sustainment, and refurbishment, as well as engineering consultancy and technology deployment. David Massey, CEO of ADSB, speaks about the wide range of their vessel design portfolio and maritime operations.
Over the last two and a half decades, lifetimes, and lower overall lifecycle costs. ADSB has become one of the most Could you shed more light on its capabilities experienced shipyards in the region and state-of-the-art facilities? specialising in the build and maintenance of We support naval and maritime authorities naval and commercial vessels. Where does in implementing vital security and defence David Massey ADSB stand globally? missions through vessel new build, repair, CEO, ADSB With a strong track record of operational maintenance, refit, conversion, sustainment, excellence in naval capabilities, ADSB is and refurbishment, as well as engineering the UAE’s trusted naval defence partner consultancy and technology deployment. and a strategic national asset for the UAE. Our shipbuilding capabilities comprise the It supplies quality vessels and provides construction of highly complex vessels for ongoing through-life support to the UAE navy and commercial customers. From fast Navy and the Critical Infrastructure and interceptor boats to corvettes, our team has Coastal Protection Authority (CICPA). the know-how and technical background to The company has also made a name for build and service a wide range of vessels of itself internationally as a provider of world- all sizes. class shipbuilding and maintenance services, In terms of facilities, we have a top-of-the- as its inclusion in several regional and global line main yard in Mussafah that spans more awards testifies. We have been finalists of than 300,000m2. We also have a 2,000 the Seatrade Ship Repair Innovation Award, tonne ship lift and can build up to 80 metres The Maritime Standard Innovation Award, in length. The Maritime Standard Shipyard of the Year Award, and the Lloyd’s List Shipyard of the ADSB has built a series of special mission David Massey is CEO of ADSB, an EDGE Year Award. vessels for the Navy. Could you elaborate entity that specialises in designing, building, and servicing of naval and However, we should be realistic that while on your products and services in military commercial vessels. In this role, he is ADSB is a significant player in the GCC shipbuilding? responsible for managing the overall region, it is not yet a global player. However, ADSB builds and operates three main operations of the company to maintain the company has over the last year both naval programmes – corvettes, offshore its position as strategic asset for the enhanced its in-house design capabilities patrol vessels,and fast patrol boats/ UAE and a commercially successful and has also acquired design IP, and now interceptors – including the region’s largest builder of warships and other vessels has a portfolio of internationally competitive naval shipbuilding programme for UAE for the GCC region and beyond. designs in the 11 metre to 44 metre range, Navy’s six Baynunah-class corvettes and of which some of the prototypes can been the Arialah offshore patrol vessels. We also seen at NAVDEX. build landing craft, special mission vessels, as well as other vessels for the luxury and ADSB uses the latest technologies to VIP market. maximise fleet readiness, extend ship 46 Leveraging its shipbuilding and ship repair European suppliers during the lockdown. expertise, ADSB offers design, engineering, However, a more serious challenge was the manufacturing, and implementation of all types threat of rapid transmission of the virus among of ship conversion projects. Could you share the 500+ members of our workforce who live more details? onsite, in many cases sharing rooms. ADSB Working in close partnership with our clients, was one of the first companies in the UAE to ADSB builds we can undertake everything from major repairs implement a weekly mass testing regime for all and conversions to the construction of modular its onsite staff, and severely restricted access to and operates units. In addition to mechanical and electrical the site from outside, while the administrative three main naval refits work, and painting and blasting, ADSB staff worked remotely. programmes – is the leader in the region in complex combat Measures to contain the virus involved systems integration. Combat systems now designating multiple buildings as isolation corvettes, offshore account for over half the whole life cost of a facilities for those who tested positive, quarantine patrol vessels, modern warship. for those exposed, and separate facilities and fast patrol for those who tested negative or recovered. What are ADSB’s commercial shipbuilding Staff members were moved, sometimes every boats/interceptors activities? Also, what are the latest updates on few days, where necessary. With a healthy your Small Boat Construction division? – including the workforce largely in their 20s to 40s, only a ADSB offers extensive commercial repair region’s largest very small number of those who tested positive and maintenance services to the non-military required hospital treatment. Despite the impact naval shipbuilding market, primarily but not exclusively, to the oil on workforce availability, ADSB never closed services industry. As aforementioned, ADSB has programme for down, and maintained support to its customers in the past undertaken several luxury and VIP throughout the pandemic, working with staff UAE Navy’s six build and maintenance projects. members who tested negative. Our Small Boat Construction division Baynunah-class manufactures landing craft, high-speed As commercial customers tried to mitigate the corvettes and the effect of vessels being off-charter or not being interceptors, patrol boats, RHIBS (rigid hulled Arialah offshore inflatable boats) and other specialist vessels for used in oil service operations, they brought customers from the GCC region and beyond. forward some maintenance activities. Owing to patrol vessels. The division operates a 9,000m2 state-of-the- this unexpected outcome, ADSB’s commercial They also build art composite boat-building facility that can repair and maintenance revenues for 2020 are build and repair composite vessels up to 40m in significantly ahead of targets. landing craft, length. Although international movement restrictions special mission impacted business development, we used this vessels, as well Did the COVID-19 pandemic affect ADSB’s time to strengthen our design team and work business? How did you overcome the challenges? on new projects. At IDEX, we are exhibiting the as other vessels The pandemic interrupted land-based prototypes of several new vessels that have been for the luxury material supply chains due to border closures, completely designed and built by ADSB for the and deliveries of combat systems parts from first time. and VIP market
47 Armoured Thrust
AL JASOOR’s armoured vehicles are on the forefront of innovation and design, ensuring a distinct competitive advantage with their immense potential as a flexible fighting vehicle devised for future multi- terrain combat. Fahad Al Absi, Chief Executive Officer, AL JASOOR, speaks about a new generation of faster, more mobile, and more versatile vehicles with advanced offensive and defensive capabilities in this interview. Excerpts:
Armoured vehicles play a crucial role around the world. Supplied as a complete in ensuring the safety of those on the built unit, the vehicle features a modular frontline, and new models with the latest multi-wheeled structure, and comes with defensive and offensive tech are emerging. a dedicated long-term package of military- Where does AL JASOOR stand globally in grade integrated logistics support services. Fahad Al Absi armoured vehicle manufacturing, and what In addition, it has a significant technology CEO, AL JASOOR are its major achievements? and systems development potential in the AL JASOOR is the UAE’s armoured years to come. vehicles specialist, the exclusive supplier of the Rabdan 8x8 infantry fighting vehicle What are the key aspects of this package (IFV), and a proud partner of the UAE of services? Armed Forces. The company leverages The package includes on site client advanced technologies and innovations to acceptance support, repair, refurbishment, build highly mobile and versatile vehicles preventive maintenance, 20-year supply of that provide guaranteed protection to those spare parts, special tools, technical support, on the frontlines through enhanced ground local retrofitting, customisation to meet force capability and tactical flexibility. a range of mission objectives, as well as operational and maintenance training and Could you tell us more about your Rabdan know-how. 8x8 vehicle and its capabilities? The Rabdan is a next-generation Is AL JASOOR considering South Asia and amphibious armoured vehicle that offers Africa as target markets for expanding its Fahad Al Absi is the Chief Executive unique operational, tactical, and technical business? Officer at AL JASOOR, an EDGE entity advantages on land and water.The With defence modernisation programmes and the UAE’s national specialist in advanced, mission-ready vehicle, built for accelerating globally, including the armoured vehicles. In this role, he a range of objectives and terrain styles, replacement of ageing vehicle fleets, is responsible for developing and is available in several configurations with the demand for 8x8 vehicles is growing expanding national defense industry a maximum capacity of 11 troops and a rapidly. AL JASOOR is very keen to use this capabilities within medium to heavy armoured vehicles industry. Al Absi top speed of 100km/h. Providing Level opportunity to enter the wider Middle East brings to his role 27 years of experience 4 ballistic and mine protection, it can be and Asia markets. in national and multinational equipped with different types of exterior industries. armour and a high-calibre turret-based The Indian army is proceeding with the weapon system. modernisation of its armoured vehicle fleet. Rabdan 8X8 has been developed and What could AL JASOOR offer the country tested to the most rigorous military in this context? standards, the Rabdancaters to the The battlefield of the future presents a operational requirements of Armed Forces diverse and complex environment with 48 increasingly challenging combat scenarios. This Our R&D involves direct interaction with our demands a new generation of land vehicles customers so that we can better understand Rabdan 8X8 is a that can provide swift insights and intelligence, their requirements for armoured vehicles and the next-generation flexible planning, and responsive tactics. potential needs of their occupants. amphibious The safety and survivability of soldiers is a top priority for any military, and AL JASOOR ensures Could you shed some light on your production armoured vehicle that those on the front lines are protected by facilities with a focus on design, use of advanced that offers unique a new generation of faster, more mobile, and technologies, quality assurance, etc.? more versatile vehicles with advanced offensive We have a dedicated team of engineers and operational, and defensive capabilities. AL JASOOR’s military technicians specialising in the heavy vehicles tactical, and vehicles are on the forefront of innovation industry (HVI). All Rabdan vehicles are inspected technical and design, and offers customers a distinct to the highest international standards through competitive advantage.With its powerful our onsite testing and acceptance processes. advantages on combination of performance and value, the We incorporate the latest technological land and water. Rabdan has an immense potential as a flexible innovations, including artificial intelligence (AI) fighting vehicle designed for future multi-terrain and survivability equipment, into engineering It caters to the combat. disciplines that are crucial to the armoured operational In addition, the Indian army could benefit from vehicle manufacturing process, such as electrical requirements of our R&D capabilities that play an important and mechanical engineering. AI offers significant role in ensuring frontline survivability. We benefits to the armoured vehicles segment. Armed Forces leverage modern testing techniques, battlefield The speed with which AI-enabled sensors, around the world. intelligence, and cutting-edge technology computers, and targeting systems process tools to develop platforms that support and analyse information is growing at an Supplied as a mission success and occupant protection unprecedented pace, supporting ever-increasing complete built while anticipating existing and future threats. degrees of autonomy. unit, the vehicle features a modular multi-wheeled structure, and comes with a dedicated long- term package of military-grade integrated logistics support services
49 Boosting Lifecycle Solutions
AL TAIF, a strategic partner of the UAE Armed Forces responsible for the maintenance, support and technical readiness of all its tracked and wheeled vehicles, provides comprehensive lifecycle support, engineering solutions, upgrades, modernisation, and technology integration across a wide range of defence platforms and systems. Abdulqadir Ali Al Ali, Chief Executive Officer, AL TAIF, speaks about their vision, to be the premier Centre of Excellence for comprehensive lifecycle support for defence systems in the MENA region and beyond. Excerpts from the interview:
MRO services are crucial for extending maintenance forecasts and schedules. the lifecycle of land platforms, heavy utility vehicles, and ground support equipment. Could you share with us some of the major How successful has AL TAIF been in milestones in AL TAIF’s success journey over achieving its mission of supporting the the last one and half decade? Abdulqadir Ali Al Ali operational readiness of land platforms? Our most significant milestone has CEO, AL TAIF AL TAIF has more than 14 years of been becoming a strategic partner of experience in comprehensive lifecycle the UAE Armed Forces responsible for support and precision training solutions in the maintenance, support, and technical Land MRO. The company combines local readiness of all its tracked and wheeled and international expertise, sector-specific vehicles. knowledge and an ability to offer multi- We are also proud of our growing list of platform support to deliver end-to-end international technical certifications that solutions. We provide complex, extensive, govern our MRO processes and help us and premium-quality maintenance services maintain the highest quality levels. These across a comprehensive portfolio, delivered include ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 1725, against rigorous timelines in order to and 45001. maximise asset availability. Our customers and industry OEM What are the services and facilities offered partners trust us to optimise performance by the MRO division of AL TAIF for the on all products and provide critical lifecycle military sector? Could you elaborate on the services, enabling the Armed Forcesto focus advanced technologies and platforms used? on their mission priorities. Through our nine state-of-the-art facilities, Abdulqadir Ali Al Ali is Chief Executive Officer of AL TAIF, a subsidiary of EDGE Our technical training capabilities strategically located for agility and flexibility, that specialises in the maintenance, complement our offering by equipping we can address all types of lifecycle support repair, and overhaul (MRO) of military operators with an in-depth understanding requirements quickly and efficiently. armoured vehicles and ground support of legacy and new technologies. We have Our MRO services includes, repair, machinery. Al Ali is playing a dynamic highly skilled and experienced technical rebuild and overhauling to be executed role in shaping and steering the training staff that use innovative teaching on a variety of wheeled and tracked strategic direction of AL TAIF Company methods, such as augmented reality, to help vehicle platforms for the UAE Armed and implementing the company’s our clients to achieve mission readiness. Forces. Capabilities include:machining of vision and mission. In addition, our supply chain management engines;electronics and electrical repair team provides a range of services, including of vehicles and components; rebuild of warehousing, inventory management and components, such as engine transmission procurement.We leverage big data and and differentials; vehicle and component analytics to develop the most effective upgrade; component refurbishment;and
50 interior and exterior bodywork, painting, application. Its services include failure analysis, and welding.We specialise in heavy and light spectroscopy, metallographic examination, vehicles,equipment,and small arms. non-destructive testing (NDT), oil analysis, This life cycle is managed through an polymer identification and thermal analysis, and integrated ERP system to manage and control corrosion tests. the company’s daily routines that include work Meanwhile, our state-of-the-art calibration orders and demand management, supply laboratory provides a superior level of assurance chain and procurement, human capital and in the quality of our work. more. The system is utilised for business We also run a dedicated workshop to fabricate intelligence, optimum resource management, customised products and parts using materials efficiencies, MRP and financial control to ensure such as mild steel, aluminium, stainless steel, the continuity of best-in-class services and and brass. The facility has five main areas: development. machining, sheet metal work, welding, vehicle modification, and foundry. AL TAIF provides engineering solutions, upgrades, modernisation, and technology What are your visions and priorities for the integration across a wide range of defence company over the next one decade? What is the platforms and systems. Could you tell us more roadmap ahead? about your engineering division? We have big plans for AL TAIF in the coming Our engineering division comprises a materials years. Our vision is to be the premier Centre of testing laboratory, a calibration laboratory, and a Excellence for comprehensive lifecycle support fabrication workshop. for defence systems in the MENA region and AL TAIF aims Operated according to global best practices, beyond. to accelerate our materials testing laboratory conducts Ultimately, our aim is to accelerate our technological critical assessment of parts and components technological development, become a one-stop- in areas such as material composition and shop for business integration, and remain at the development, structure against specified criteria and intended forefront of advanced technology solutions. become a one- stop-shop for business integration, and remain at the forefront of advanced technology solutions in Land MRO
51 Setting Benchmark for Pilot Training
With state-of-the-art facilities and a multinational team of experienced instructors, HORIZON, the premier flight academy in the Middle East, offers international- standard and bespoke rotary wing training to commercial and military aviators. Hareb Thani Hareb Al Dhaheri, Chief Executive Officer, HORIZON International Flight Academy, speaks about their futuristic goals and expansion plans. Excerpts from the interview:
HORIZON is now the region’s largest purposes, including Qualified Military Pilot helicopter flight training academy. Could Bridge Course (QMP), Instrument Rating IR you shed some light on HORIZON’s journey (H), Flight Instructor FI(H), and Commercial since its establishment in 2003, the run-up Pilot License CPL (H), Privet Pilot License to establishing this company for training (PPL), among others. In addition to the pilots locally and regionally? standard courses, Horizon offers specialised For over 18 years, the company has trained Night Vision Goggle (NVG), Multi-Crew and upskilled rotary wing pilots locally and Cooperation (MCC) courses and Air Hareb Thani Hareb Al Dhaheri regionally, playing a fundamental role in the Transportation Pilot License (ATPL). Our CEO, HORIZON development of aviation capability, while comprehensive selection of international setting the benchmark for quality across the standard flight training courses is designed MENA region. Since our launch in 2003, to cater for a range of students and skill we have grown to become the premier levels. In addition to single and twin-engine flight academy in the Middle East. We helicopter training, we also provide a diverse offer international-standard and bespoke array of aviation courses, which all offer a rotary wing training to leading commercial mix of practical and theoretical experience and military operators. With state-of- in flight safety, ground safety, aircraft the-art facilities and a multinational team accident investigation and management, of experienced instructors, HORIZON’s aviation management, crew resource basic and advanced training programmes management, and management of flight are taught and delivered to the highest safety and accident investigation. standards of safety, quality, and efficiency, in the industry. More than 1500 pilots have already graduated from HORIZON. Could you What are HORIZON’s state-of-the-art give a detailed picture of the team and the facilities and capabilities, for delivering international standards which are being Hareb Thani Hareb Al Dhaheri has training programmes? Could you also shed followed? been the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) some light on various training courses the Our multi-lingual trainers deliver at HORIZON International Flight academy offers? theoretical and practical training, including Academy since 2011. As a retired At HORIZON, we have a 10,000 sq. flight and ground safety and accident Brigadier and Pilot with the UAE metre training facility located at Al Ain. investigation. Our advanced, industry- Armed Forces, he has amassed more Our classrooms are equipped with latest standard programmes train over 100 pilots than 30 years of experience in aviation multimedia as we are now fully depending on every year and we are proud to help add and education. He started his career multimedia training. We have four hangers to the UAE’s pool of talent and boost the as a helicopter pilot in the UAE Armed Forces and went on to hold multiple equipped within our facilities, which can maturity of the local and international senior positions in the military. hold all our aircrafts for maintenance work aviation industry, enabling them to earn and parking. We offer basic and advanced nationally and internationally recognised training courses for single and twin- qualifications. We have received a number engine helicopters for civilian and military of internationally recognised approvals and
52 certifications for our work, including ISO 9001: We are continuing to set the benchmark for 2015. Our training courses comply with the pilot training worldwide by guiding tomorrow’s European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) aviators and upskilling today’s experienced standards and we are also officially approved pilots. We are developing more advanced by the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority courses, expanding our single and twin-engine (GCAA). helicopter training programmes, and bringing in the latest high-tech simulators to meet the Are you developing more advanced courses for growing demands of our industry. upskilling today’s experienced pilots? We ensure that we operate our training courses What are the expansion plans and priorities in on the most modern of fleets, with the Bell the near future? 505, 407 and 429 all in service at our training We started our expansion plans three years academy in Al Ain, as well as four different ago. We introduced a new fleet, the Bell 505. state-of-the-art simulators. Bell helicopters We have also expanded by adding helipads to are equipped with modern equipment such as our tarmac to accommodate up to 18 helicopters the glass cockpit and Garmin function which at a time. Our immediate goal is to obtain a enhances safety. The Garmin G1000H NXi full Approved Training Organisation (ATO) avionics and dual channel FADEC (Full Authority certification from GCC countries and to shape Digital Engine Control) provide enhanced Horizon Academy into a one-stop-shop for all situational awareness. We also leverage the latest advanced technologies to ensure our aviation training needs. training is cutting-edge, with computer- based training, multimedia classrooms, iPad What are the measures initiated by HORIZON HORIZON technology, glass cockpit helicopters. We to overcome the pandemic effect and to recently added two twin-engine helicopters continue train a new generation of world-class ACADEMY’s for the advanced courses such as flying over pilots? immediate goal water, over mountain and for search and rescue Horizon is actively adapting despite the current is to obtain a full missions. In addition, we provide Night Vision challenges. Our Distance Learning System and Goggles (NVG) flying, which enables the pilot other online learning tools have been upgraded Approved Training to fly at night. This allows students to complete to take in and continue the theoretical portion of Organisation single engine training and then without a break our pilot education programs, thereby allowing do advanced training on twin-engine helicopter. our students to attend classes from home. (ATO) certification from GCC countries and to shape the Academy into a one-stop-shop for all aviation training needs
53 Stunning Pyrotechnics
APT produces high-performance non-lethal pyrotechnics and low-velocity ammunition for the defence and security sector. Mohamad Al Falasi, CEO of APT, highlights innovative solutions and tactical assets that are ideally suited to operations on the battlefield and in civilian settings. Excerpts from the interview:
With world class pyrotechnics hybrid products comprised of several effects manufacturing facilities, APT is now a embodied within one product, such as leading manufacturer of high-performance sound & flash and CS smoke, sound & flash non-lethal pyrotechnics and low-velocity and CS powder dispersion, sound &flash ammunition for the defence and security and colour smoke products. sector. Could you take us through your As with all APT’s products, these are success journey and major achievements? flexible and dependable – with the density, A leading regional manufacturer speed of deployment, and burning duration established in 2016, APT produces high- of the smoke cloud all fully adjustable. performance pyrotechnics and low-velocity Furthermore, the smoke colours are ammunition at its advanced manufacturing comprised of organic dyes meaning the Mohamad Al Falasi facility in the Tawazun Industrial Park (TIP) grenades are environmentally friendly, with CEO, APT in Abu Dhabi. The military-grade testing protected aluminium packaging ensuring a and manufacturing process is driven by a long shelf life. deep understanding of the environments and scenarios where these tactical assets Over the years APT has developed are needed the most. technical and technological capabilities to APT’s key customers include the UAE produce advanced pyrotechnics for the Armed Forces, Critical Infrastructure and region’s armed forces and security agencies. Coastal Protection Authority, Abu Dhabi How competitive is the sector and where Police, Sharjah Police and Dubai Police. With does APT stand among the players? an ultimate mission of supporting safety and Competition is a part of any business, security, APT delivers innovative solutions and APT differentiates itself from the that are ideally suited to operations on the competition by focusing more on what the battlefield or in civilian settings. customer wants and their primary needs as we are more flexible and innovative in APT makes use of high-grade pyrotechnic our approach. We strive to build on our Mohamad Al Falasi, the CEO of technologies to manufacture high- current capabilities to extend our product APT is responsible for providing performing products. Could you give us offering and remain flexible enough to strategic leadership for APT, and has a detailed picture about APT’s products accommodate different requirements from over two decades of experience in including smoke grenades and projectiles various customers. business management, particularly for signalling? in the fields of weapons, ammunition Flagship APT products include a range What are the standards APT has adopted manufacturing, project management, of hand grenades, thunderflash, signal to ensure the safety of operations and the training and R&D. He has held several cartridges and sound and flash grenades– sophistication of facilities? senior positions throughout his career designed for use by military, special forces, APT’s focus is on building positive, long- and has been successful in establishing effective working teams and systems. law enforcement and rescue teams – which term and sustainable relationships with Prior to joining APT, Mohamad was the feature either incapacitating sound and light customers, with products fully customisable Head of the Licensing Division at the capabilities, signalling and coloured smoke to meet the needs of specific operations. The Ministry of Defence. and irritants for a wide range of applications. company has adopted military standards To go one step further in meeting customer and German technology specifications in requirements, APT has been developing accordance with international regulations
54 and is registered with the NATO Codification As realistic training is required for operational Bureau. readiness, you need to expose trainees to APT has recently been certified with the realistic but safe imitations of explosions. What Quality Management System ISO 9001: 2015. type of support does APT provide in this area? The company has approved Occupational Safety APT supports training in terms of operational and Health Management System from Abu usage and technical information requirements. Dhabi Occupational Safety and Health Centre Operational training is simulated with a realistic (OSHAD) as a mandatory statutory (legal) approach by providing electric smoke grenades requirement.APT is also reporting to IDB (sector with sound simulation (one of the latest products regulatory authority) HSE department directly. used by law enforcement training in Germany). There is an established industrial base to support more complicated systems and The COVID-19 pandemic has affected subsidiaries within the EDGE Group to which industries across the globe. How did APT brace APT belongs, which are keen to collaborate in for the impact of the pandemic? What are the providing services such as testing facilities and post Covid-19 plans? laboratories. The ongoing pandemic has created a challenging operating environment for most APT has support services designed to offer commercial companies around the world, and expertise to the whole industry, from training APT and its parent company, EDGE Group, are new recruits to partnering with other leading defence manufacturers. Could you elaborate on no different. We are fortunate to enjoy deep these support services? and trusted relationships with our customers and APT is a company within the Weapons and key suppliers and this lends itself to an attitude Missiles cluster of EDGE, an advanced UAE- of confronting the challenges together. APT’s based technology group for defence and beyond executive leadership has also been proactive in that ranks among the top 25 military suppliers in foreseeing the potential effects of the economic APT has adopted the world. APT products are reliable, easy to use slowdown prompted by the pandemic, and have military standards and affords safe handling since clear operating acted accordingly. The safety of staff, partners instructions are provided with the products to and customers has been of the highest priority in and German customers. APT offers any additional training APT’s internal approach to mitigating the effects technology customers may need. of the virus. specifications in accordance with international regulations and is registered with the NATO Codification Bureau
55 Redefining Smarter Ammunitions
LAHAB has the region’s most advanced and diverse manufacturing, assembly and integration capabilities for a wide product range that includes small, medium and large calibre ammunition for infantry, artillery and aircraft, and it serves regional armed forces and law enforcement agencies, as well as industrial customers that require ammunition testing and technical support services. Arafat Al Yafei, CEO of LAHAB speaks about emerging technologies and smarter ammunition designs. Excerpts from the interview:
LAHAB began its operations in 1994 with globally? small arms manufacturing and launched At LAHAB, our manufacturing, assembly production of medium and large calibre and integration capabilities are among the weapons in 2008. Having more than 25 region’s most diverse and efficient. Our years of experience in defence and security product range includes small,medium and sectors, could you give a detailed picture large calibre ammunition (5.56 x 45mm, Arafat Al Yafei of the company’s close association with 7.62 x 51mm, 9 x 19mm, 12.7 x 99mm, CEO, LAHAB militaries, law enforcement agencies and .308 WIN and .223 REM, grenades, sports clients during these years? mortars, artillery ammunition, aircraft LAHAB’s portfolio features small- bombs) ammunition. LAHAB also has calibre arms ranging from the 5.56x45 the capability to perform the Service mm to 12.7x99 NATO as well as shotgun Life Surveillance (SLS) programme for ammunition for sporting, hunting and all munitions types to support the UAE special applications, including law military. We additionally offer complete enforcement, right through to medium- explosive and ammunition end-of-life and large-calibre weapons ranging from 40 demilitarisation for almost all types of mm grenades to 122 mm artillery rockets, explosives and pyrotechnics, featuring and MK series GP serial bombs. disassembly, separation and incineration Our high-end manufacturing and using on-site safe demilitarisation that assembly facility enables us to maintain is monitored by government authorities Arafat Al Yafei is responsible for agility and flexibility in responding to client to ensure our compliance and fulfil our overseeing the manufacturing of all needs, and quickly customise products commitment to the environment. LAHAB ranges of ammunition from small arm for mission-specific requirements. Our also disposes of commercial mining, oil, and and infantry to artillery and aircraft. He is also responsible for leading the advanced manufacturing capabilities gas products. deployment of cutting-edge technologies are complemented by comprehensive and the enhancement of in-country testing and technical support services, Even while harnessing the latest manufacturing capabilities. Arafat providing continuous expert support technologies and advanced manufacturing possesses extensive experience in throughout the munition’s lifecycle – from capabilities, have you been able to the deployment, development and assembly to decommissioning through our develop your own intellectual property distribution of ammunition to fulfil the demilitarisation services for almost all types and technology to meet the customers’ demands of the UAE Armed Forces, along with regional partners. of explosives and pyrotechnics. evolving requirements? Prior to joining LAHAB, formerly known as With our research and development Barij Munitions, Arafat served as the CEO As leading munitions manufacturer capabilities we have developed and of Abu Dhabi Carbon Capture Company, meeting international quality and security licensed our own intellectual properties. a joint venture between ADNOC and standards, could you give us an overview Our Continuous Improvement Programme Masdar, where he led the establishment of the products and services offered by is focused on adopting cutting-edge of the first commercial carbon capture LAHAB? Who all are the major clients technology advances that include process and utilisation project in the Middle East.
56 optimisation and high-precision tools. requirements of our customers.
Being a supplier to regional armed forces With advanced manufacturing capabilities and law enforcement agencies, what are the complemented by comprehensive testing and international standards and specifications surveillance programmes, how does LAHAB followed by LAHAB to ensure quality and safety look at South Asia and Africa as markets for for the end user? expanding its business? To ensure our products’ compliance and LAHAB currently serves both regional armed adaptability in the international weapon systems forces and law enforcement agencies, as well we follow international standards such as the as industrial customers that require ammunition NATO standards and others. Also, we always testing and technical support services. We ensure our products will work on our clients’ are seeking to become the default supplier weapons by providing proper certificates. of ammunition for the UAE and region. We are currently looking to export our products Could you elaborate on LAHAB’s ‘Continuous internationally, considering them most suitable Improvement Programme’, which is intended for markets in the GCC, South Asia and Africa. to adopt cutting-edge technologies including We are always open to explore potential areas process optimisation and robotics production for collaboration in significant markets around using high-precision tools? the world. Emerging technologies and smarter ammunition designs are part of the DNA of the The defence industry across the world is LAHAB research & development team, which bearing the brunt of Covid-19 pandemic. What drives our Continuous Improvement Programme. are the measures taken by LAHAB to overcome Our state-of-the art x-ray inspection lab the pandemic effect and what are the post provides advanced testing capabilities – making Covid-19 plans? it one of the most effective non-destructive The ongoing pandemic has created a testing (NDT) facilities available in the region to challenging operating environment for most assure product completeness and quality. commercial companies around the world, and Given LAHAB’s experience and expertise,its LAHAB and its parent company, EDGE Group, production lines continue to evolve to meet the are no different. We are fortunate to enjoy deep quick advancement of technology. We adapt our and trusted relationships with our customers, so While seeking strategy to ensure the safety and security of our there is an attitude of confronting the challenges employees and facilities. together. LAHAB’s executive leadership has to become the We are also committed to adapting to market also been proactive in foreseeing the potential default supplier changes, particularly in integrating technologies. effects of the economic slowdown prompted of ammunition LAHAB acquires, adopts, and implements by the pandemic, and have acted accordingly. cutting-edge technologies – not only in terms The safety of staff, partners and customers has for the UAE and of products, but also within the manufacturing been of the highest priority to LAHAB’s internal region, LAHAB process. We ensure that we meet the changing approach to mitigating the effects of the virus. is exploring potential areas for collaboration in significant markets around the world, especially in the GCC, South Asia and Africa
57 Hitting the Bull’s Eye
A global leader in creating and delivering military- grade shooting ranges and imparting live fire training, REMAYA offers a variety of complete turnkey solutions and complex systems. Manuel Wipf, CEO of REMAYA, speaks about designing and developing bespoke, custom- built live fire training centres using the latest virtual reality technologies, cutting-edge live fire target systems, robotics and simulation systems. Excerpts from the interview:
A key player in the Missiles & Weapons clients to train and certify their defence and Cluster at EDGE since its inception in security forces from around the world at 2009, REMAYA has been creating and our purpose-built live fire training facility, delivering military-grade shooting ranges the REMAYA Training Centre in Al Ain. We and imparting live fire training for defence also host numerous local and international forces, corporations, NGOs, and nations certification programmes from the UAE’s worldwide. How challenging has been the Military Qualification Authority, the US road to success? state department certified WPS (World Manuel Wipf Our belief in offering the best facilities Protection Services) program,US DOD CEO REMAYA available has been a positive guiding SSS (Security Support services), Mission proposition. REMAYA’s core capabilities Support, Defensive Driving, Close comprise providing military training Protection and Close Quarters Combat facility design and development, project (CQC) training, and HEAT (Hostile management, shaping policy, building Environment Awareness Training) and live-fire target systems, video simulation, official certification for range personnel. range operations and maintenance. The We also operate an unrivalled 3,000 company’s programmes focus on providing square metre R&D workshop in the facilities where armed personnel can train Tawazun Industrial Park in Abu Dhabi, from for the future battlefield given evolving where we develop innovative solutions to threat profile. continue improving the training experience at our facilities. Could you give a detailed picture of REMAYA’s products and services like range How important is firearms training and and training area design and construction live fire facilities in a volatile world? Could Manuel is a defence specialist and former and live fire target systems supply and you shed some light on the latest advanced member of the Swiss Army, with nearly three decades of international experience installation? technologies that REMAYA has harnessed across the USA, Europe, Asia and the We create and deliver world-class military to provide security forces the training and Middle East. His capabilities have played grade shooting ranges from the initial facilities required to be more flexible and a key role in establishing REMAYA as a design and development stages right responsive? leading entity in the local shooting and through to operations and management With the constantly changing spectrum defence training industry and have led and impart live-fire training to organisations of threats around the world, defence to the successful foundation of multiple serving and enhancing the skills of defence forces today need to be more flexible and defence organisations across the world. In his role as the CEO, Manuel oversees forces. responsive than ever. They must be ready several critical functions and departments Our REMAYA Training Centre (RTC) for any challenge an operation might throw across the company and is committed to provides training in a realistic location and at them. developing its core competencies while under appropriate climatic conditions, using In addition to industry-leading facilities, maximising avenues for commercial the latest customisable targetry systems at the heart of REMAYA’s approach to success. and range management software. facilitating training are more than 120 We provide a realistic environment for our trained engineers and technicians working
58 to create custom live-fire range environments. systems. We also manage, operate, and maintain These experts collaborate with clients to analyse shooting ranges using state-of-the-art range training methods and understand missions management software, based on our custom- and goals before implementing 21st century designed procedures. technologies that incorporate cutting-edge Our significant differentiators include our approaches to support modern training within a provision of complete turnkey solutions for safe environment. military-grade shooting ranges; our integrated range VR imaging with customisable range Strongly into building 21st century shooting management software for designing, operating ranges, who all are REMAYA’s major clients? and maintaining shooting ranges; as well as What are the business prospects in the South our smart robotics to simulate soft targets. We Asian and African markets for the business? also provide a fully customisable training centre, REMAYA provides services and support to adaptable to meet our customers’ needs, and defence forces, corporations, NGOs, and nations an international network of certified, accredited worldwide with military-grade shooting ranges. instructors and partners. Clients from South Asia and Africa remain important to us, and we are active in our desire Did the Covid-19 pandemic affect REMAYA’s to collaborate with vetted organisations from business? How did you overcome the challenges? around the world. The ongoing pandemic has created a challenging operating environment for most Could you share with us REMAYA’s in-house commercial companies around the world, and capabilities and other strengths in providing REMAYA and its parent company, EDGE Group, solutions and complex systems for live fire are no different. However, we utilised this ranges, besides the custom-designed procedures to manage, operate and maintain shooting situation to develop new and important add-ons ranges? to our proposition, including the construction of We are a global leader in creating and residential facilitiesin our own training camp in delivering military-grade shooting ranges and Al Ain. imparting live fire training. Our success is based on the variety of complete turnkey solutions What is the roadmap ahead for REMAYA? REMAYA Training and complex systems for live fire ranges we What are the goals and objective you have set Centre in Al Ain offer, designed, and built specifically to meet for the company? the precise demands of our clients. Today, we We are focused on strengthening our is a purpose- design and develop bespoke, custom-built live capabilities and maintaining innovation, placing built live fire fire training centres using the latest virtual reality customer satisfaction at the heart of all our training facility (VR) technologies, alongside cutting-edge live efforts to enhance our facilities, services, and fire target systems, robotics and simulation products. where a realistic environment is provided to train and certify defence and security forces from around the world
59 Mission Safety
As the exclusive provider of fire and rescue services to the UAE Air Force and Air Defence, ERS’s services range from complete management and high-level consultancy, to the development and 24/7 operation of fire stations, vehicles and equipment, installation of fire detection systems, and emergency planning as well as firefighter recruitment and training. Talal Al Hashmi, Managing Director, ERS, tells us how it has evolved into a regional leader in fire and rescue. Excerpts from the interview:
Security services have become more Over the years, ERS has evolved into a sophisticated globally and emergency regional leader in fire and rescue, working response has become increasingly critical. on behalf of major clients in the UAE’s As a leading provider of integrated frontline government, military and commercial fire and rescue services, how do you assess sectors. Today, our substantial on ground Talal Al Hashmi the present systems and technologies used presence and proven capabilities enable Managing Director, ERS in the industry? What are the challenges ERS to offer our clients in-depth strength ahead? and expertise through consistently applying As our cities become ever more integrated industry best practices. As the exclusive and advanced, and our security services provider of fire and rescue services to more sophisticated, our region requires the UAE Air Force and Air Defence, a world-class emergency response to ERS’s services range from complete keep pace. Training in fire inspections, management and high-level consultancy, pre-emergency planning, community risk to the development and 24/7 operation assessment, and reporting on findings, is of fire stations, vehicles and equipment, becoming increasingly critical to prevent installation of fire detection systems, and loss of life, injuries, protect assets and emergency planning as well as firefighter maintain control over situations that could recruitment and training. ERS presently escalate in no time. provides services to the Joint Logistics Because emergencies and disasters can Command which includes UAE Presidential strike at any moment the challenge for Guard, UAE Air Force & Air Defence and any emergency response provider in the UAE Joint Aviation Command. Talal Al Hashmi is the Managing future is to ensure more scientific methods Director of ERS. In his role, he provides of forecasting - in operational planning,as What are the technical services offered by expertise and knowledge transfer to well as in engagement during emergencies ERS to ensure the readiness of firefighting clients in the Defence, Government, and disasters.At ERS, we respond to that assets of the customers? Health, and Education sectors. As Managing Director, he oversees strategic need through data gathering, analysis, pre- ERS offers comprehensive, integrated and technical initiatives to provide planning and regularly testing of the plans turnkey solutions, as well as specialist firefighting services, such as 24/7 to provide reliable and effective fire and equipment and vehicles, facilities aviation emergency response services, rescue services to the UAE Armed Forces. management, manpower,training and internationally recognised fire and rescue procurement – all conforming to the most training services, facility fire safety, and Over the last one decade ERS has evolved stringent international standards. With a maintenance services for specialised as provider of comprehensive and turnkey global reach that gives us access to a pool firefighting vehicles and equipment. solutions in fire and rescue services. What of multinational subject-matter experts, are some of your services and who are your ERS consistently applies industry best clients? practices to enable end-users to outsource
60 the emergency response function confidently. development. We also offer fire inspection and prevention The effectiveness of firefighting and rescue training to help reduce the risk of fire. Our fire services partially depends on the efficiency of the safety services are conducted in line with the personnel involved and ERS has been delivering UAE Fire and Life Safety Code of Practice and comprehensive training and professional other internationally recognised benchmarks development programmes. Could you elaborate such as the NFPA. In addition, our fully qualified more on this? team of fire safety professionals can apply their ERS works relentlessly to ensure frontline fire direct experience of working with international safety for our clients.In addition to advanced organisations in ensuring compliance to these technologies and best practices to save lives, ERS provides standards. world-class emergency firefighting and rescue comprehensive services also depend on the effectiveness of the What goals and objectives have you set for the firefighters deployed. To ensure this, we provide training and company in the coming years? comprehensive training and development for development ERS is working to become an international new and existing operational firefighters, in for operational compliance with the latest International Civil centre of excellence for the provision of fire and Aviation Organization (ICAO) and National rescue services in the short term.In the years to firefighters, Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards, come, the company seeks to set benchmarks for in compliance across a range of exacting scenarios, conducted emergency fire response in the UAE. One of our by a team of senior trainers with regional long-term development and engagement plans is with the latest and international firefighting experience. This to commit to enhance local expertise and meet International training includes hazardous materials response, Emiratisation targets, with the support of our Civil Aviation domestic firefighting and fire officer training and regional and international talent. Organization (ICAO) and National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards, across a range of exacting scenarios.
61 Precision Tooling Hi-tech Solutions
EPI, the engineering backbone of the UAE’s aerospace and defence industry, manufactures high-quality complex metallic engineering components for the defence, aerospace, space, and oil and gas sectors at its advanced facilities in Abu Dhabi. Christian Ziehe, Acting CEO of EPI, speaks about their strategic partnerships with leading global players. Excerpts from the interview:
Since its inception in 2007, EPI has evolved from the defence, space, and oil and gas into one of the GCC’s premier precision sectors. Our strategic partnerships with engineering facilities for the aerospace, leading global players give us an edge over defence and oil and gas industries. What other enterprises. Working in partnership, are the major milestones over these years round the world, we provide state-of-the- and where does EPI stand globally? art engineering services to some of the We are proud to be known as the world’s most foremost aviation and defence engineering backbone of the UAE’s original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) aerospace and defence industry. The – such as Airbus, BAE Systems, Boeing, company’s core business is to provide Dassault Aviation, Leonardo, Raytheon, Christian Ziehe design-specific metallic machined parts, SAAB and Steila Aerospace. Acting CEO, EPI surface treatment services and first level of assembly applications to customers EPI recently announced its plans for within the aerospace, defence and oil expanding manufacturing capabilities for and gas sectors. EPI’s capabilities span Boeing Dreamliner. What are the products engineering, production, surface and heat and services offered by EPI in the aerospace treatment, machining, coating, repairing industry? Who are the major clients? and tooling.Over the years, we have been EPI manufactures high-quality complex developing valuable strategic partnerships metallic engineering components for the with established players across the globe- defence, aerospace, space, and oil and gas building our supply chain, our capabilities sectors at its advanced facilities in Abu and expertise. In 2011, EPI became the first Dhabi. Last year EPI announced that it is company in the Gulf region to achieve EN/ expanding its manufacturing capabilities AS9100 certification – the leading Quality to support the Boeing 787 Dreamliner. Christian Ziehe is the Acting Chief Management System for the aerospace EPI will machine parts for use in the Executive Officer (CEO) of EPI, an industry. Very recently, we formally 787-commercial aircraft. The processed EDGE entity and regional leader in announced that we are expanding our parts will additionally go through EPI’s manufacturing high-quality complex manufacturing capabilities to support the surface treatment plant. EPI predominantly engineering components for the defence, Boeing 787 Dreamliner. The serial assembly does precision machining but this aerospace, and oil and gas sectors. In his lines will be an extension to the current Abu collaboration with Boeing will help us move role, Christian is tasked with enhancing Dhabi facility. beyond machining and into aircraft parts the company’s competitiveness through transfer of work from Europe, cycle assembly for aerospace Original Equipment time reduction, raw material and How does EPI look at South Asia and Manufacturers (OEMs).Today, we also offer manufacturing process optimisation, and Africa as markets for expanding its design enhancements and modifications. developing manufacturing synergies. business? What are the existing operations We provide expertise in every aspect of Ziehe brings to his role over three decades in these areas? the manufacturing process, from initial of technical and managerial experience We are open to new partnerships from designs to finished components, including in the aerospace and defence industries South Asia and Africa and remain focused build to print.Our capabilities include across diverse business functions, including sales and marketing, research on providing premium solutions to our manufacturing, engineering, machining, and design, quality management, partners.Most of our customer-base, 85%, surface and heat treatment, PVD coating, procurement, logistics and production. is from the aerospace sector, with others repairing oil and gas equipment and
62 components, cutting tools, assembly equipping treatment, heat treatment, coating, repair, and and small assembly. As mentioned before, we machining. work with world’s foremost aviation and defence OEMs, including BAE Systems, Boeing, Dassault The inspection, testing and laboratory facilities Aviation, Leonardo, Raytheon, SAAB and Steila of EPI are top notch with the aim to meet Aerospace. international standards and customer needs. Could you talk more about EPI’s inspection and Providing round the clock engineering services quality assurance operations? to defence industry through state-of-the-art We make sure that all our products and facilities has been a core objective of EPI. Could manufacturing processes are constantly you shed more light onto the operations in the monitored and controlled to meet our internal sector? and customer needs. That’s why we focus on With advanced manufacturing facilities in Abu training our employees for operator qualifications EPI is now Dhabi, each of our solutions is calibrated to and reassessment programmes. This helps us industry-specific standards and designed to meet promote self- inspection deployments across expanding its international benchmarks.We provide expertise departments.Our Statistical Process Control in every aspect of the manufacturing process and manufacturing framework goes a step further by helping us remain committed to incorporating advanced improve sampling methods and redefines key capabilities to technologies into its engineering solutions. We characteristics required to ensure alignment with support the have grown from an initial four machines to be our Quality Policy. able to offer an integrated suite of around 100 of Boeing 787 We are equipped to control the properties the latest hi-tech machine tool systems. of materials, including various aluminium Dreamliner Our Industrial Engineers and machine tools grades, titanium, steel and stainless steel, to turn ideas into working prototypes, aided by a while working meet industry benchmarks. We achieve this state-of-the-art measurement lab to guarantee in partnership through monitoring that includes incoming accuracy. Approved prototypes are then round the world made real with cutting-edge machinery: CNC inspections, detailed inspection during the parts milling, CNC turning, chemical processing, non- manufacturing stage, and review following it provides destructive testing, shot peening and blasting heat-treatment processes. Our test capabilities state-of-the- and heat treatments, PVD coating and plastic include: injection. Our highly skilled team of CAD/CAM • Material surface hardness with machines art engineering designers, programmers, tool makers, application capable of achieving Vickers, Knop, and Rockwell services to the and manufacturing engineers apply next- A, B, C methods world’s foremost generation technology to design and deliver 21st • Case-depth hardness (white layer) and century engineering solutions. microstructure analysis (including moulding) aviation and We support product development from early- • Chemical analysis with spark optical emission defence OEMs, stage capacity studies and prototyping to final spectrometer (OES) manufacturing and production process design. • Electrical conductivity measuring of non- such as Airbus, We also have capabilities in cutting tools, surface ferrous material (aluminium grade/Eddy currents) BAE Systems, Dassault Aviation, Leonardo, Raytheon, SAAB and Steila Aerospace.
63 Russia unveils to the global market the new anti-stealth radar
osoboronexport (part of the band and is capable of detecting any generator, and can also be connected to Rostec State Corporation) in 2020 aircraft, including stealth ones. Its range a three-phase general-purpose electrical Rhas started promoting the P-18-2 coverage exceeds 320 km and elevation network. Prima high-mobility 2D surveillance and coverage is up to 45 deg. The minimum Another major product in the Russian acquisition radar to the foreign market. detection range is 500 meters. The radar portfolio is the Resonance-NE Aero India 2021, that took place in developers have introduced a number of long-range low-observable aerial target February in Bangalore, India, became the technology solutions to ensure the radar’s acquisition radar. This VHF-band phased foreign premiere of the system. operation in a jamming environment, array radar is designed for effective According to the company, the Prima difficult terrain and in adverse weather long-range detection of a wide scope of solid-state radar is based on modern conditions. The radar automatically existing and prospective flying objects hardware components and digital signal detects and tracks low-speed and low- such as low-observable cruise and processing and generation technology. visibility targets in a clutter environment. ballistic missiles, as well as hypersonic It features high energy potential and The radar is equipped with advanced aerial vehicles, including stealth ones, in increased immunity, points out the satellite navigation equipment exploiting contested electronic environment and company. The radar is designed to detect, GLONASS/GPS signals that provide under natural noise. The detection range track, locate and identify air targets of automatic positioning. It has a built-in reaches 1100 km. various classes and types as friend or foe diesel power plant and a power take-off in both jamming and clutter environments, take the bearing of jammers, and feed radar data to users’ automated command- and-control systems. The P-18-2 is distinguished from most other radars available on the market by its high mobility achieved through the installation of all equipment and antenna post on one vehicle. At the same time, its crew consists of only two people who can operate both from the equipped cabin and remote workstations. The radar features a high level of automation and can be deployed and stowed within about 5 minutes. The Prima radar operates in the VHF 64 Indian Navy, IIT ,Delhi sign MOU
urthering the relationship between FIndian Navy and IIT Delhi on research in underwater domain of Naval Electronic Systems, a Memorandum of Understanding has been signed. The relationship dates back to 1970s and key technologies for Navy in the field of underwater electronics have been developed by the Centre for Applied Research in Electronics (CARE) at IIT Delhi since then. The research carried out at IIT Delhi has played an important role in the technological advances made by the Indian Navy. In line with Prime Minister Modi’s vision of ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’, Indian Navy endeavours on development of major technology driven projects through IIT Delhi.
Sensor specialist HENSOLDT expands capacity
year, having taken on 250 new recruits in developed there. 2020. This investment is linked to strong Last year, the German parliament order growth relating to the development approved a budget of approximately 1.5 of a new radar for the Eurofighter combat billion euros for the development of a aircraft and other projects. new Eurofighter radar by a development “In its three years of existence, consortium led by HENSOLDT. Other HENSOLDT has strengthened its position business units of the group are also in the global sensor solutions market,” showing strong growth, such as ground affirmed HENSOLDT CEO Thomas and naval radars, electronic warfare Müller. “We operate in the high-tech and avionics systems, and optronics sensor technology arena – a growing equipment. For instance, HENSOLDT segment characterised by very long-term is working on future-oriented projects planning.” such as the German/French/Spanish ensor solution provider HENSOLDT The company is investing in the Future Combat Air System (FCAS) and a is expanding its capacity to cater construction of a radio frequency UAV collision warning system. Recently, Sfor the growth in its business. technology development centre at the in 2020, HENSOLDT already hired 250 HENSOLDT is investing approximately 30 Ulm site, among other things. In addition new employees, expanded its cleanroom million euros at its Ulm site and creating to electronic components for the new production at its Oberkochen site by 300 an additional 300 jobs for highly skilled Eurofighter radar, AI-based sensors for m² and converted its radar production in staff throughout the entire group this a wide range of applications will also be Ulm to series production.
65 ABIMDE shows strenghth of Brazilian Defense Industry at IDEX
crucial for Brazilian companies technologies and innovations that wish to obtain or expand in the defense industry. In space in the foreign market. addition to supporting the That is why ABIMDE acts development of the sector, strongly in supporting BIDS the event establishes new companies. And IDEX is a relationships between large golden opportunity for our international companies. companies to show their IDEX is sponsored by Sheikh potential with partners Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, from around the world, president of the United especially from the Middle Arab Emirates and supreme East ”, pondered the entity’s commander of the country’s president, Dr. Roberto Gallo. Armed Forces. The event is Paulo Albuquerque, director organized by Capital Events of projects and institutional in association and with the relations at ABIMDE, points support of the Armed Forces of out that the holding of the the United Arab Emirates. BIMDE (Brazilian The aim is to promote Brazilian Defense Day with The only international Association of BIDS (Industrial Defense and the United Arab Emirates, defense exhibition and ADefense and Security Security Base) companies, in November last year, conference confirmed in the Materials Industries) will be strengthen ties with other qualified the associates for MENA (Middle East and North showcasing the capabilities of countries and generate the event in Abu Dhabi. “Our Africa) region, IDEX is an the Brazilian Defence Industry business for Brazil. ABIMDE companies arrive stronger important platform for those at the International Defense associates: Atech, Avionics, and more prepared at this who want to establish and Exhibition And Conference CBC, Condor, Embraer, Gespi, event. In a highly competitive strengthen relationships with (IDEX), one of the main Iacit, Kryptus, MacJee, M&K environment, they start at the government departments, defense events in the world, Logistics, Siatt and Taurus are front ”. companies and armed forces which will take place at Abu participating in the exhibition. IDEX 2021 will showcase across the region. Dhabi. “The coming years will be the latest developments,
Kalashnikov group to present MP-155 Ultima, the first smart shotgun in Russia, at IDEX
he Kalashnikov group their smart devices. Nothing like from Russia is presenting that has ever appeared in the Ta new product for the market,” said Dmitry Tarasov, civilian market – smart shotgun CEO of the Kalashnikov Group. MP 155 Ultima at IDEX-2021. MP 155 Ultima has a modular MP 155 Ultima is the first smart design, which allows a customer shotgun in Russia. This shotgun to customize the shotgun for is based on a proven and reliable his needs. External parts of the classic MP-155 hunting shotgun shotgun are made out of B95T with requests from modern (7075) aluminum and high- customers in mind. strength polymers. The shotgun “You can compare market entry could be equipped with a camera of Ultima in the firearms industry that can record and live stream in to a new iPhone entering the Full HD, has a digital display with market of mobile phones. a clock, compass, stopwatch, Our new smart shotgun has a shot counter, and round count futuristic design, can synchronize indicator. The computer is located with gadgets and is aimed at inside an adjustable stock. people who cannot live without
66 Saab to Lead European Development of Detect and Avoid Capabilities for Remotely-Piloted Aircraft System he European Commission has collision with other aircraft if necessary. selected the EUDAAS (European The system is to be integrated into the TDetect and Avoid System) air traffic management system as with consortium, with Saab as leading partner, manned aircraft. to develop Detect and Avoid capability “The technology brings the key piece of for large military Remotely-Piloted safety assurance to enable more autonomy the European Commission SESAR2020 Aircraft Systems (RPAS) within the and efficiency into aviation, enabling programme, standardisation in EUROCAE European Defence Industrial Development unmanned and remotely operated and regulatory development with the Programme. aircraft to take off in a broader sense. The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). The Grant Agreement, worth over €21 technology ensures that unmanned and Ministries of Defence of the five million, was signed on 1 December 2020. remotely operated aircraft will not collide participating EU Member States support “We are extremely pleased with this with other aircraft. While the project the program. The participating countries award; the European Defence Industrial focus is on military unmanned aircraft, the are Sweden (lead nation), Italy, Germany, Development Programme EUDAAS is a technology is fully applicable to also civil France and Spain. These nations will also strategic program providing technological systems,” says Ann-Kristin Adolfsson. provide funding to the programme, in and operational value to us, our partners The programme also increases the addition to the European Commission and military operators of RPAS. This maturity of non-cooperative sensors. The Grant, which along with industry success has been made possible thanks technology will be fully compliant with contribution will result in a +€30 million to the long history and collaboration of civil requirements, also supporting safe programme. our company and partners working in operation of civil Drones e.g. for services The consortium consists of the following this field, which we have the honour to in support of deliveries, agriculture & members: Saab AB (Sweden, coordinator), lead,” says Ann-Kristin Adolfsson, head forestry, environmental protection, border Centro Italiano Richerche Aerospaziali of Business Development and Strategy at surveillance and Urban Air Mobility CIRA S.C.P.A. (Italy), Diehl Defence GMBH Saab business area Aeronautics. (UAM): a transportation system that move & Co. KG (Germany), Deutches Zentrum The EUDAAS programme will develop people by air. für Luft- und Raumfahrt (Germany), and validate a 100% European Detect And The Detect and Avoid system developed Hensoldt Sensors GmbH (Germany), Indra Avoid (DAA) solution for safe insertion of will be tested on several unmanned Sistemas (Spain), Leonardo S.P.A. (Italy), large military Remotely-Piloted Aircraft platforms including the Medium-Altitude Safran Electronics & Defense (France), Systems (RPAS) in European air traffic. The Long-Endurance RPAS (EuroMALE test Thales Six GTS France SAS (France), DAA system provide the remote pilot the platform) and Tactical Unmanned Aerial Onera (France) and Eurocontrol (Belgium). ability to “see and avoid”, including a fully Vehicles (TUAV). The programme will run Additional participants include Thales AVS automatic collision avoidance function for three years and work closely with the SAS (France) and Airbus Defence and which will initiate manoeuvres to avoid civil developments in the field such as in Space GmbH (Germany). Rheinmetall modernizing 27 more Boxer vehicles for the Bundeswehr
to begin in March 2021, with return of the the driver’s visualization system; the vehicles to the Bundeswehr slated to take exhaust emission and air-conditioning place during the 2022-2024 timeframe. ducts; the towing gear; the driver’s For Rheinmetall, the order is worth a figure station; the headlight technology; as in the lower two-digit million-euro range. well as software and system security The command vehicle, or FüFz in German modifications. In addition, the vehicle’s heinmetall is currently bringing military parlance, is one of four variants of satellite communications capability, voice another 27 Boxer command the tried-and-tested, high-mobility Boxer and data transmission and IT equipment Rvehicles of the Bundeswehr up armoured transport vehicle currently in will all be improved. to the latest A2 standard. Germany’s service with the Bundeswehr. The FüFz is Now official, the latest order forms a Federal Office for Bundeswehr Equipment, found in mechanized formations, where sequel to the modernization to A2 status Information Technology, and In-Service it serves as a mobile tactical operations of the first lot of 38 Boxer command Support (BAAINBw) awarded the order at centre or command post. The vehicles vehicles that commenced in 2017. The the end of January 2021. The 27 vehicles feature a full panoply of radio equipment current combat performance upgrade are to undergo modernization at the and advanced C4I systems. of the second lot will ensure that the Rheinmetall Landsysteme GmbH plant in The upgrade to A2 status encompasses Bundeswehr’s entire fleet of 65 Boxer Kassel, Rheinmetall’s centre of excellence an extensive array of modernization command vehicles reflects the latest for tactical wheeled vehicles. Work is set measures, including (among other things) tactical and technical state of the art.
67 Russia’s Typhoon vehicles join global MRAP market
that was for the first time showcased abroad by Rosoboroneхport at Aero India 2021 in Bangalore. Typhoon–K vehicles provide a high- security level for the crew and cargo from small arms fire, from anti- tank and land mines. They can be reconfigured for various roles such as armored personnel carriers, armored ambulances, infantry combat vehicles, armored recovery vehicles. The Typhoon K-63968 6X6 armored modular vehicle with a setting capacity of 3+14 persons and a curb weight of 22 t is especially designed for the dangerous combat missions. Independent suspension with hydro- pneumatic supports allows for an automatic and forced change of rigidity and ground clearance parameters, and ensured high travelling comfort and effective vibration damping. The tubeless tyres have an anti-mine insert and controlled pressure. Remdizel points out, that the Typhoon K-63968 chassis can serve as a base for mounting technological, engineering and special equipment and creating vehicles of various configurations. ussian Remdizel company has developed a range of the highly protected The Typhoon K-53949 Linza armored wheeled armored Typhoon-K vehicles, encompassing 4×4 and 6×6 filed ambulance vehicle enables the Rvehicles intended to integrated logistics support in various environments. evacuation of up to six wounded from The latest addition to the family is the brand-new Linza field ambulance vehicle, the battlefield. According to the official 68 Rheinmetall to supply cargo hold simulators for Airbus A400M
he German Air Force continues to permits highly realistic training of cargo count on Rheinmetall’s cutting- hold crews and ground personnel. Highly Tedge simulation expertise for versatile, the CPPT enables mission- training its A400M Military transport specific configuration of the cargo hold. aircraft personnel. In January 2021 the Trainees can practise the preparation of A400M’s maker, Airbus, contracted with cargo, loading and unloading, in-flight and Rheinmetall Electronics to supply two ground procedures. The crew also learns to additional training simulators for the operate as a team. The system lends itself European A400M. Earmarked for German to initial and advanced training as well as air bases in Wunstorf and Altenstadt, the refresher courses and mission preparation. including the Loadmaster Workstation two simulators will be delivered and ready Complex scenarios and emergency Trainer (LMWST), and the aforementioned to operate by the end of 2022. situations can be practiced in complete CHT-E. Now official, the latest order brings In Wunstorf, Air Transport Squadron 62 safety, since there is no need to use the to ten the total number of sophisticated, will receive an A400M Cargo Hold Part original equipment, which therefore high-fidelity Rheinmetall A400M cargo Task Trainer (CPTT). This will augment remains ready for real-world operations. training systems, assuring a high standard the A400M training centre’s existing suite All of this ensures that personnel are well- of instruction and training in the A400M of simulation and training systems, which prepared and qualified to carry out their cargo domain. includes the advanced Cargo Hold Trainer tasks. In addition to training operations, Rheinmetall supplied the first A400M Enhanced (CHT-E), used for training cargo the CPPT lets users evaluate, test and CPTT to the Royal Malaysian Air Force in hold crews, especially loadmasters and qualify procedures and configurations for 2019. CHT-E simulators are now in service ground personnel. new types of loads. This is possible thanks at the Airbus International Training Centre Specially configured for the mission, to the CPTT’s highly accurate replication (ITC) in Seville; with the Royal Air Force a second CPTT will be installed at the of the original equipment. in Brize Norton in the UK, the German Airmobile and Air Transport School in Constituting a systematic expansion Air Force in Wunstorf; and with a French Altenstadt, where it will be used for of Rheinmetall’s line of cargo-related Army airborne brigade near Toulouse. The training airfreight handling personnel and products, the CPTT also enables the LMWST is on hand at the Airbus ITC in paratroopers. The CPTT will be the base’s complete spectrum of cargo training assets Seville; France’s national A400M training first A400M simulator. to be adapted for other platforms. centre in Orléans; and at the Royal Air The A400M CPTT is an exact full- Besides the CPTT, Rheinmetall has Force National Training Centre in Brize scale replica of the A400M cargo hold, supplied various A400M user nations with Norton. including the operator interfaces. It other types of cargo training equipment,
information of the Russian MoD, the Army's vehicle is protected against all types of small arms, withstands an explosion of up to eight kilograms of TNT under the wheel. The wheels are also armored, and a vehicle with a damaged wheel can travel up to 50 km on rough terrain. Various modifications of Typhoon-K vehicles are already being introduced into the Russian Armed Forces and offered at the global market by Rosoboronexport. Among the weapon systems that can be fitted into Typhoon-K vehicles are various remote-controlled weapon stations (with both machinegun and artillery armament) and missile launchers. The 4×4 Typhoon-K with Kornet-EM long-range missile system was earlier demonstrated at the ARMY international military expo in Russia.
69 GRSE executes another Export Order: Delivers FPV to Govt. of Seychelles a 40/60 gun as the main armament. The vessel will also flaunt improved habitability features with fully air-conditioned modular accommodation for 35 personnel. The overall design of the FPV has been developed in-house by GRSE. GRSE also has the experience of delivering CGS Barracuda, a multipurpose compact Offshore Patrol Vessel to Mauritius Coast Guard, thereby becoming the first Indian shipyard to have exported a warship, way back in 2015, when the ship was commissioned. Since its inception as a DPSU in 1960, GRSE has built 788 platforms which include 107 warships to Maritime forces, which is highest number of warships built & delivered by any shipyard in the country, till date. “SCGS Zoroaster”, a Fast Patrol Vessel Director, GRSE and Lt. Cdr Aditya, GRSE has the capability to construct 20 (FPV) built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders Commanding Officer (Desig) in the ships concurrently, using its modernized and Engineers Limited (GRSE), Kolkata, presence of Cmde Sanjeev Nayyar, IN infrastructure and ‘Modular Integrated a Mini Ratna Category 1 & leading (Retd), Director (Shipbuilding), Cmde P Construction Philosophy’. Further, the shipyard of the country, was delivered R Hari, Director (Personnel) and Shri RK dedicated, multi-disciplinary, strong Design to the Coast Guard of Seychelles, taking Dash, Director (Finance) and other Senior Team of the shipyard is continuously the count of warships delivered by GRSE Officials of GRSE, Indian Navy and Indian working towards developing various to a record 107. Delivery of this ship Coast Guard. concept designs for ships that can cater signifies a breakthrough in the company’s The SCG Ship ‘Zoroaster’, a Fast Patrol to the current and future requirements of journey towards becoming a global player Vessel, is a powerful, fuel-efficient Indian Navy and Indian Coast Guard. in the warship building arena and bears platform designed to perform multipurpose GRSE also has a dedicated Ship Repair testimony to the trust; foreign countries operations, such as patrolling, anti- facility, which is fully geared to undertake are reposing in this Indian shipyard’s smuggling, anti-poaching, and search and refits of ships. Apart from shipbuilding abilities. Recently, GRSE also bagged an rescue (SAR). With a maximum speed of & ship repairs, GRSE has diversified into order for construction & supply of one 34 knots and an endurance of more than Engineering Business, with a product Ocean Going Passenger & Cargo Vessel 1500 nautical miles, this50 m FPV with a profile of Prefabricated Steel Bridges, for Republic of Guyana. waterjet propulsion system and advanced various Deck Machinery Items such as The Protocol of delivery and acceptance controls has the capability to undertake Anchor Capstans, Boat Davits, Pumps was signed between Rear Admiral VK Maritime Missions of the Seychelles etc & Assembly/ Testing/ Overhauling of Saxena, IN (Retd.), Chairman & Managing Coast Guard. The ship is also fitted with MTU Diesel Engines.
70 Navantia to boost Shipbuilding Collaboration in Saudi Arabia
Navantia is one of the international defence companies with the largest product portfolio, ranging from surface ships and submarines to digital services. Its commitment towards the Kingdom’s plan ‘Vision 2030’ has gone another step forward through specific agreements such as the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) recently signed with Zamil Shipyard, a division of Zamil Offshore Service Company located in Dammam Port. This agreement is focused on collaboration in future naval shipbuilding programs in the Kingdom and in other areas such as ship repairs, conversions or sustainment. Navantia has launched other initiatives in the Kingdom to boost industrial cooperation in the area of Combat System integration, a highly technological area for which Navantia created a Joint Venture with SAMI (Saudi Arabia Military Industries) to develop, integrate and market the first Saudi Combat System: HAZEM. The already fully operational company, called SAMI-Navantia, was awarded a significant contract in September 2019 for the supply and integration of the combat system of the five Avante 2200 corvettes currently under construction for the Royal Saudi Naval Forces. SAMI Navantia employs more than 30 Saudi people. The Saudi engineers with direct participation in the Avante 2200 Corvettes project are deployed in Spain during the duration of the program and will become the backbone of the ship’s support in the Kingdom. The capability and skills developed in the Avante program will benefit also the future naval projects of the Royal Saudi Naval Forces, as well as the international programs where both companies are already cooperating. Additionally, Navantia is discussing cooperation with companies in the Kingdom aimed at achieving the necessary he Spanish shipbuilder Navantia The Spanish shipbuilder Navantia self-sufficiency in Maintenance, Repair and Zamil Shipyard have signed a and Zamil Shipyard have signed a and Overhaul (MRO) of vessels and TMemorandum of Understanding Memorandum of Understanding for the development of a solid shipbuilding for cooperation in future naval projects in cooperation in future naval projects in ecosystem in Saudi Arabia. the Kingdom. Saudi Arabia. 71 72