Nett Warrior

Soldier Modernization Market Segment Report

February 2021

Introduction

As part of Janes’ support of the New Hampshire Aerospace and Defense Export Consortium (NHADEC), Janes will provide a series of ten high-level market reports on subjects of NHADEC’s choosing as well as two in-depth market segment reports. This market segment market report focuses on the soldier modernization market and is comprised of the following elements: 1. Overview of the main aspects of soldier modernization 2. Ongoing programs 3. Market forecast 2021-2025

1990s-2000 2000s-2010 2010s-2020 2030s

• Future soldiers programs have been in the making for decades, although the concept only started reaching maturity in the 1990s with the advent of France’s FELIN or the US Land Warrior and Objective Force Warrior. In the 1990s, most projects were still heavily influenced by Cold War type engagement scenarios with a strong focus on mechanized infantry. Technological ambitions were huge and envisioned the use of airburst type combined weapons by “super soldiers” fully networked, heavily armed, capable of dissimulating through adaptive camouflage and holograms and able to live of the land thanks to genetically altered seeds able to turn into edible vegetables in hours.

• Of the different programs launched in the 1990s, only FELIN reached maturity, albeit in a much different form than originally conceived. The system started to be fielded by the end of the 2000s and made its debut in operations in Afghanistan in 2011. However, because of its very long maturation process, it already experienced obsolescence issues when first deployed (excessive wiring, oversized optics) and suffered extensive teething troubles, notably in terms of communications/C2 and weight.

• Throughout the 2000s, most NATO countries as well as a number of other nations started working on their own soldier modernization programs, with the main focus now on C4I/situation awareness/information superiority and protection. The aim was now for soldiers to retain their edge in the face of either conventional or asymmetric threats, in a context where military operations tend to see increasingly fewer soldiers deployed over larger areas (Afghanistan, Iraq, Sahel) either on their own or in support of local forces. Survivability in general, and in an urban warfare scenario in particular was also seen as critical. By the end of the decade, several programs were entering maturity, leading to adoption in ensuing years, with notable examples including Israel’s IICS, Russia’s Ratnik, or Singapore’s ACMS.

• Ongoing programs seek to further the aims of previous ones in the field of survivability and situation awareness while mitigating weight issues as well as information saturation. The integrationCopyright © 2020 of Jane's unmanned Group UK Limited. systems All Rights as Reserved.a part of a soldier’s ecosystem and equipment is also becoming a priority. Program types 4

Soldier Modernization programs fall in two broad, distinct categories:

• Conventional programs:

• These are focused on dismounted infantry and generally fitting into larger efforts (e.g. France’s SCORPION).

• They follow a holistic approach: most programs cover the entire equipment of the infantryman, although some may have a narrower focus, on C2/C4I (ex: Canada’s ISSP).

• The main aims are to:  increase soldier situation awareness  improve C2 to reduce decision-making time  improve soldier survivability through greater protection and stealth  mitigate soldier’s weight increase to achieve greater mobility and endurance  increase soldier lethality

• Certain programs (Russia’s Ratnik 1 and 2/Singapore ACMS) make provision for Special Forces (SF) adoption.

• Special Forces centric programs:

• These are much less numerous since SF tend to favour a more flexible planning and procurement approach centred on a single given capability (for example Nano UAVs).

• Only one SF centric program is known to exist to date: the US TALOS which has now evolved into the HEO.

• The Russian Ratnik 3 may also be centred on SF requirements, although Russia has not acknowledged it.

• Because of the very adaptive nature of SF units and their constantly evolving requirements, holistic programs can be too cumbersome for acquiring new capabilities/technologies.

• Trying to accommodate SF requirements within a conventionally-centred future soldier program is seldom viable, except for certain components (ex: C4I).

Greater exportability Hardware agnostic

Dominator Nett Warrior

Smart Vest Gladius II

FSS

• The core of all soldier modernization programs is the individual soldier’s networking/connectivity. Indeed, several militaries have purely focused on such element as part of their own soldier modernization effort as is the case with Canada which has invested in Rheinmetall’s Argus C2 solution or Belgium and the Netherlands which use the Smart Vest, a derivative of the Elbit Dominator. The US meanwhile is using COTS elements such as the Samsung Galaxy II and a militarized securedNet variant of Android to integrate its BMS solution for the Nett Warrior program. • This evidences a growing trend towards software-centric solutions, where hardware, such as the display on which the BMS is deployed become secondary and is usually sourced commercially. Holistic solutions such as SAFRAN’s FELIN and its purpose designed networking hardware are

Soldier Modernization Programs Overview

List of components Supplier Program price Phase 3 Battle Management System – Elbit Systems Unit price estimate for C2 elements (tablet, software, peripherals) is US$10,000 Dismounted (BMS-D) Phase 3B Tiered Combat Helmet Team Wendy

Phase 3B Body Armor Craig International Ballistics Approximately 20,000 sets of body armor for $49 million

Phase 4 Integrated Soldier Systems Unawarded Up to $1 billion over 13 years

Phase 5C EF88 rifle Thales Australia AUD100 million for 30,000 rifles and 2,277 integrated Steyr Mannlicher side‐loading SL40 40 mm grenade launchers

• Land 125 Phase 3 Battle Management System – Dismounted (BMS-D): Australia had faced criticism for the lack of “blue force tracking” and limited interoperability with allied forces. Awarded in 2010, the system consists of a Battle Management System (BMS), the necessary computing and display hardware for use by dismounted and vehicle borne troops and in command posts, plus associated ancillary equipment and is essentially a derivative of elements of the Israel Defense Force's (IDF) Tzayad Digital Army Program. The BMS is based on Elbit's TORC2H command and control (C2) application software and Tactical Intranet Geographic dissEmination in Real-time (TIGER) network software, which provides the communications layer for the system. TORC2H provides situational awareness and a common tactical picture to all users on the system, with graphical orders dissemination and a messaging capability. The individual soldier equipment is similar to that provided by Elbit for the IDF's Dominator program, and includes a tactical computer, individual touchscreen display and handheld eyepiece. Tranche 2 was awarded in November 2017.

• Land 125 Phase 3B: Second tranche of enhanced body armor and helmets, individual load carriage equipment, and hearing protection. It was supplied by Craig International Ballistics with approximately 20,000 sets of body armor for $49 million. “The Tier 3 TBAS plate carrier provides additional coverage of the combatant for greater protection, while the Tier 2 carrier maximizes mobility and reduces the thermal burden (core temperature) of the soldier. The Tiered Combat Helmet from US company Team Wendy utilizes a high cut design with rails to facilitate the integration of head-borne equipment and provides protection from fragmentation, blunt force impact and rounds of up to 9mm. The helmet uses an over-ear protection system and external microphones to enable active listening, and also integrates with service radios, providing an increased level of situational awareness.”

• Phase 4 Integrated Soldier Systems project: Valued at up to $1 billion over its 13-year life cycle, Phase 4 would deliver a range of equipment. According to Minister of Defense Christopher Pyne: “We’re taking a flexible approach here, investing up to $240 million between now and 2023, with the flexibility to update and change things as technology develops into the future.”

• ISSP:

 Body armor, helmets, hearing and eye protection, load carriage equipment, and field equipment (like water purifiers, helmet torches, storage bags, cooking gear, and sleeping bags)

 “Enhance the basic equipment used by soldiers to keep it up to date”

 Consider hand-held translators, VSUAS, exoskeletons, UGVs

• Land 125 Phase 5C – EF88: The enhanced F88 (EF88) 5.56 mm rifle is replacing the Austeyr F88 that has been the ADF’s primary individual weapon since 1988. Provisional design acceptance for the EF88 5.56 mm rifle was received by Thales Australia in April 2014. About AUD100 million was contracted with Thales for 30,000 rifles and 2,277 integrated Steyr Mannlicher side‐loading SL40 40 mm grenade launchers. Rollout of the EF88 began in 2016 and was completed in 2020. Information released in mid‐2017 outlining the variants of the EF88 included seven weapon configurations categorized in three tiers: ‘Tier 1ʼ for specialist individuals that require specific‐to‐role equipment, ‘Tier 2ʼ close combatants including SF and mounted/dismounted infantry, and ‘Tier 3ʼ for general combatants with non‐combat primary role. The base EF88 chassis remains the same for each of the variants, with primary differences coming from modular accessories and barrel length.

CONOPS and mission description:

• Land 125 is one of the more technologically ambitious soldier system programs, designed to provide enhanced C2, increase soldier survivability, and enhance lethality.

Performance notes and assessment:

• Australia’s Land 125 takes a flexible procurement approach that leaves room to incorporate emerging technologies as they are developed. This will help ensure that Australian soldiers are not equipped with aging technology over long development cycles.

Opportunities: Medium

• Land 125 Phase 4 is still at an early enough phase that there should be multiple opportunities addressable by NH companies. However, the strong focus on local sourcing of equipment and solutions shown by Australia under earlier phases of Land 125 may put foreign companies attempting to secure a share of the Phase 4 market at a disadvantage.

List of components Supplier Program price

Smart Vest System (including Dominator Elbit Systems (Thales Nederland is €150 million (includes systems for Luxembourg and Netherlands) displays and tactical wearable primary subcontractor) computers) BEST portion estimated to be €67.5 million Unit price estimate is US$4,000

PNR-1000A software defined personal Elbit Systems Unit price estimate is US$1,500 network radio

Communication and hearing protection INVISIO USD 2.57 million contract in partnership with Thales awarded by the Belgian MoD systems

• The Smart Vest System, which is based on Elbit’s Dominator soldier system suite is a modular system consisting of the carrying vest, hydration system and backpack, ballistic protection, a communications and information system featuring a radio and ruggedized Raptor computer, and a power supply unit. Belgium’s Smart Vest system was part of the broader Benelux 2015 contract for Belgium, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands.

• The radio is the Elbit PNR-1000A software defined personal network radio that provides full-duplex voice conferencing, data and video.

• The Raptor computer is a lightweight wearable computer with a built-in GPS and digital compass, and a 4.3 inches touchscreen display with a smartphone-like HMI. The command-and-control software will be a version of Elbit's TORC2H. The central power supply unit (PSU) provides the basic elements plus other auxiliary equipment, such as electro-optics, with intelligent power management supplied by the Raptor computer.

• Approximately 4,500 units are expected for Belgium. Entry into service was planned for 2017. This was the first strategic joint program of the Benelux countries.

CONOPS and mission description:

• According to Vice Admiral Matthieu Borsboom, Director Defense Materiel Organization, “The Smart Vest is a big step forward in safety and performance of the Benelux soldiers at operational deployment,” improving survivability, mobility, and situational awareness.

Performance notes and assessment:

• The Elbit Smart Vest is based on the popular Dominator system, which has received positive reviews as indicated by its wide acquisition by Western countries. Copyright © 2021 Jane's Group UK Limited. All Rights Reserved. 13 Belgium: BEST: Background

Opportunities: Low

• BEST has largely been completed with the purchase of the Smart Vest and Raptor already implemented. Minor/expendable equipment such as eye and hearing protection, body armor and small items such as magazine pouches are likely to be procured periodically over coming years. Limited opportunities may exist as a result although domestic and European providers are likely to be favored by the Belgian military.

List of components Supplier Program price Falcon II + III 7800V/S radios L3Harris $5.3 million

TPP-1400 tactical radios IMBEL Unit price estimate of US$1,000

Uniforms, protective equipment Astro ABC Industria e Comercio 1,350 « smart uniform » sets contracted in 2019, deliveries completed in 2020. LTDA OLHAR VDN-X1 monocular Opto Space & Defense

IA2 5.56 mm assault rifle + MVR MARS RS IMBEL (IA2), ARES Aeroespacial e and TRISIGHT sight Defesa (local Elbit subsidiary) C2 systems - RPDA-88 N/A Unit price of US$3,100 Copyright © 2020 Jane's Group UK Limited. All Rights Reserved. 15 Brazil: COBRA: Background

• Program Manager Combatente Brasileiro, Col. Jao Denison Maia Correia has said that COBRA is “designed to expand capacity in the areas of protection, lethal capability, survivability, communication, mobility and observation.” The project was designed to create flexible, modular, adaptable, and simple solutions that provide Brazilian troops with increased interconnectivity, more interoperability, and better ergonomics when operating in mountainous, jungle, urban, wetland, and scrubland terrain in Brazil and abroad. Brazil worked closely with France through a 2013 joint working group, which evaluated the FELIN system.

• COBRA will provide soldiers with all-new uniforms, load-carrying and personal-protective equipment, new armor, weapons, optics, and communications equipment and capabilities. The army is looking to equip around 100,000 soldiers in all. As of early 2019 approximately 10,000 5.56 IA2 rifles are in Brazilian Army service.

• COBRA was divided into two main projects – COBRA 1.0 was initiated in 2014 to test items for 160 troops and was followed by COBRA 2020 in phases beginning in 2016. The original target date was 2021, although a mid-2018 program review resulted in a target date of “early 2020s” suggesting later than 2021.

CONOPS and mission description:

• The Brazilian Army has a particular focus on jungle warfare in the Amazon, taking pride in its training and capabilities in jungle environments. COBRA developments must therefore be tailored to jungle warfighting requirements. Communications are a particular challenge in the jungle. While the Harris RF-7800S Secure Personal Radio is used for low-level tactical communications within 2 km, battalions also carry the Harris Falcon II MPR-9600.

Performance notes and assessment:

• COBRA enhancements have been slower to proliferate throughout the Brazilian Army than anticipated. The original 2021 target date for service entry will almost certainly be missed. Elbit has a strong presence in Brazil that could grow following the election of Jair Messias Bolsonaro a President of Brazil.

Opportunities: Medium

• COBRA is now in a wider adoption phase although the probability that the full COBRA system will equip all 100,000 projected troops is uncertain. The emphasis on domestic providers for COBRA systems puts foreign companies aiming at joining the supply chain for the program at a disadvantage. However, Tier 2 and 3 suppliers may be better able to position themselves as subcontractors of such companies as IMBEL or ARES.

List of components Supplier Program price

ARGUS system Rheinmetall Canada CAD38 million for first phase, CAD22 million for second

RF-7850S Secure Personal Radio (SPR) Harris Unit price estimate of US$970

Computer / display Saab C2 elements unit price estimate of US$3,000

Connection hub Saab

INIOCHOS C2 software Rheinmetall

• Canada’s original requirement was for a contract award in mid-2013, but Janes understands that “spurious bureaucratic reasons” and a lack of rigor or fairness in evaluation led to the elimination of two of the five contenders for the program. The five contenders included Rheinmetall/Saab with ARGUS; Raytheon/CGI/Sagem with a solution based on Sagem's Advanced Warfighter Solution, itself evolved from the French Fantassin à Équipement et Liaisons Intégrés (FÉLIN) program; CAE/Elbit with a version of Elbit's Dominator; Finmeccanica with its Wolf system incorporating Selex communications and DRS hardware; and Thales/General Dynamics. As a result, the competition was re-run with Rheinmetall Canada’s ARGUS selected in 2015.

• The ARGUS’ basic communications system is the Harris RF-7850S Secure Personal Radio (SPR), twinned with the Invisio X5 headset and X50 control system, which provides aural protection, a hear-through capability, the ability to control two communications devices simultaneously with dual press-to-talk (PTT), and a bone conduction microphone. The system’s computer/display is that used in Saab’s 9Land Soldier sPad system. Saab’s connection hub integrates the handheld device and the power supply as well as providing audio connections, four USB ports, and three serial communications interfaces. The C2 software is derived from Rheinmetall's INIOCHOS software, common to Germany’s GLADIUS (the IdZ- ES program, covered later).

• The initial award was for production of 1,632 ARGUS systems, and an option for an additional 1,256 was exercised in 2018.

• At IDEX 2019 Rheinmetall Canada displayed a new integrated radio, Persistent Systems’ MPU5, into its Argus dismounted soldier system together with three display options.

CONOPS and mission description:

• According to General Jonathan Vance, Chief of Canadian Defense Staff, the ARGUS “will improve situational awareness for [the] dismounted troops, allowing better command and control and improving their performance and protection.” It is designed to be a modular system that can be scaled up based on dismounted soldier or platform need.

Performance notes and assessment:

• Janes noted in mid-2016 that, “If the system proves to be as popular with the user as has been reported, Gladius may prove to be one of the more successful dismounted soldier systems.”

Opportunities: Low

• Canada’s ISSP is largely completed and it is unlikely that any additional requirement in line with soldier modernization will emerge over the coming five years.

List of components Supplier Program price Overall program CZK2.3 billion (US$99,468,100)

C2 elements Unit price estimate of US$4,000

Personal radio Unit price estimate of US$1,000

805 Bren 806 Bren 2 rifles, CZ 805 G1 grenade Ceská Zbrojovka (CZ) CZK1.6 billion (followed by later CZK2.1 billion order) launchers, CZ 75 SP‐01 Phantom pistols, Scorpion EVO (US$69,195,200; US$90,818,700) 3 A1 submachine guns AirFrame Helmet Crye Precision

• One of the first steps in the program was the selection of a new family of assault weapons to replace the indigenously designed and produced Ceská Zbrojovka (CZ) 58 assault rifle. In 2010, the MoD selected CZ to supply nearly 7,000 CZ 805 Bren assault weapons chambered for the NATO‐standard 5.56×45 mm cartridge in a contract that will eventually be worth CZK1.6 billion. These are now in service.

• In late 2015, the MoD ordered 2,600 CZ 806 Bren 2 rifles, 800 CZ 805 G1 grenade launchers, and 5,500 CZ 75 SP‐01 Phantom semi‐automatic pistols. It is expected that by 2020 the 5.56×45 mm Brens will have completely replaced the older 7.62×39 mm vz. 58 rifle in Czech Armed Forces (AČR) service and mobilization stocks. Other aspects of the 21st Century Soldier program include new CZ 75 SP‐01 Phantom 9×19 mm semi‐automatic pistols and Scorpion EVO 3 A1 submachine guns.

• AirFrame Helmet from the US company Crye Precision was selected for an order of new protective helmets as it has been already proven in service by FAC and SFG units. In addition, AČR plans to buy new C4ISTAR equipment, night‐vision systems, and laser rangefinder sights for light anti‐tank weapons.

• In 2018 the Czech MoD announced a CZK2.1 billion order for 14,000 CZ BREN 2 assault rifles.

CONOPS and mission description:

• Of particular note, the use of the 5.56 mm NATO-standard arms from Česká Zbrojovka demonstrates a commitment by the Czech government to re-arm the AČR with NATO-standard weapon systems, ending reliance on Russian-designed defense equipment.

Performance notes and assessment:

• There has been a considerable number of issues with the BREN rifle’s introduction to service, but the BREN 2 variant is a top‐class modern assault rifle designed according to the soldiers’ demands and experience. According to Antonin Sed'a, a member of the parliamentary defense and security committee and shadow defense minister for the opposition Social Democrats, "Most of these procurements have been carried out directly without holding international tenders that could have secured a better price for many of the items purchased.”

Opportunities: High

• While the weapons element of the Voják 21 program has been completed, other elements such as radios or C2 systems have yet to be sourced, which could translate into opportunities for NH companies, either to position themselves as systems suppliers or to seek partnerships with the Czech industry to bid for these elements as subcontractors.

List of components Supplier Program price

RF-7800S-TR SPR Harris Estimate is unit price of US$1,500

RF-3590 ruggedized tablet Harris All C2 elements (tablet, software, peripherals) estimated at roughly US$4,000-unit price.

SitaWare Edge C2 Systematic

• The Danish Army Network Enabled Soldier (DANES) program is an incremental effort to upgrade various soldier systems, including personal role radios, combat vests, first aid kits, sights and laser aiming devices, SPR, tablet, and C2 software. Denmark originally considered pursuing a complete soldier system in the vein of FELIN or Land Warrior but opted instead for an incremental approach to field mature technologies.

• Denmark was the Sitaware Edge launch customer. Edge is a platform-agnostic, android-based solution that provides layered tactical data over maps or imagery, including friendly force tracking (FFT), an intelligence picture, reporting tools, an integrated compass, alerting functionality, and a command layer for the transmission and reception of tactical graphics and sketches. The Sitaware Edge uses the Harris voice and data Secure Personal Radio.

• There are reports that Denmark is still considering procurement of CBRN clothing and equipment as well as a handheld ECM system.

CONOPS and mission description:

• Denmark decided to pursue a common, interoperable, interservice C2 system with the Sitaware software suite, of which the Sitaware Edge is the dismounted component. The other components are for headquarters/command posts and for frontline vehicles.

• Denmark has opted to incrementally field mature systems instead of pursuing a developmental complete soldier system.

Performance notes and assessment:

• Reportedly, the Sitaware Edge encountered some technical issues when Denmark conducted technical trials at the Hohenfels training area in Germany. Copyright © 2021 Jane's Group UK Limited. All Rights Reserved. 25 Denmark: DANES: Background

Opportunities: Low

• The bulk of the DANES program has already been delivered and as such there are little opportunities left for this specific effort. The Danish decision to pursue an incremental approach to soldier modernization does mean however that new programs will emerge to replace small arms, optics and/or individual protection equipment which could offer mid to long term opportunities for NH companies.

List of components Supplier Program price Système d'Information Terminal du Combattant Débarqué (SIT ComDé) SAFRAN €1.07 billion. Unit price estimate of US$6,000. for commanders, Interface Homme Machine (IHM) for the individual soldier Combat clothing and body armor NFM/Paul Boyé

Weapon optics – Sword T&D/Sniper infrared sights SAFRAN Unit price estimate for EO/IR elements at US$20,000.

JIM-LR portable multifunction thermal binocular SAFRAN

Reseau d'Information Fantassin-Nouvelle Génération (RIF NG) radio Sagem

Weapons (including the HK 416F, SCAR-H PR sniper rifle, the Fly-K H&K lightweight mortar, the Minimi machine gun) FN Herstal

• France was one of the early ideological adopters of the NATO approach to soldier modernization in the 1990s, which emphasized a systematic and holistic approach to fulfilling the needs of dismounted infantry. In 2008, for example, France started mass production of the FELIN while similar programs in the UK (FIST), US (Land Warrior), and Germany (IdZ-ES) had stalled.

• The modular FELIN outfits for the infantry are put together in four basic configurations, corresponding to the user's function within the platoon (whether as platoon leader, squad leader, rifleman or sniper). 18,552 FELIN V1 units were delivered between 2010 and 2015. The full system includes weapons, SITComDé battle management system, Minie-D night vision goggles, PEP electronics platform, RIF personal radio, GPS, man-machine interface, JIM MR and JIM LR imagers, Mod. 552 holographic weapon sight, OH 395 osteophone, SWORD T&D and SWORD Sniper infrared sights, ballistic helmet, bayonet, hydration pack, cabling, helmet-mounted monocular, rucksack, CBRN protection equipment, multi-purpose uniform, batteries, combat boots, antenna, eyewear, protective gear, ballistic protection vest and tactical vest.

• There was significant international interest in FELIN in the early 2010s (from Middle Eastern countries, Brazil, and Russia, for example), although exports proved problematic because of French-specific customizations.

• Based on operational feedback, an improved standard (FELIN V1.3) was introduced in December 2014, with 4,000 adaptation kits delivered in 2016. The upgrade was developed by Sagem, the DGA, and the army's technical section (STAT) and involves software upgrades to provide new functions for troops armed with the 7.62 x 51 mm Nexter Systems FRF2 precision rifle and Rheinmetall Defense Fly-K 51 mm lightweight mortar. It also introduces a new, lighter modular carrying structure, fusing ballistic protection vest and tactical vest, intended to increase the soldier's mobility and ventilation in hot environments and optimize the use of the SITComDé battle management system by platoon and squad leaders.

• Sagem's Advanced Warfighter Solution evolved from the FÉLIN program and formed the basis for the company's bids for both the Benelux SmartVest program and the Canadian Individual Soldier System Project (ISSP), neither of which was successfully fielded.

• Phasing out of the dismounted BMS system is set to begin in 2020. FELIN upgrades are being pursued as part of the broader SCORPION army modernization program, which includes the new Système d’Information du Combattant SCORPION (SICS) battle management system. The dismounted version of SICS will consist of a commercial tablet or smartphone hosting the software, connected by Bluetooth either to the secure RIF-NG FELIN individual radio or to the Contact SDR. It will also connect to other elements of the FELIN assembly such as the head-mounted display, and there will be automatic synchronization with the vehicle system on mounting and dismounting. There are goals to extend wifi and/or 4G LTE connectivity around vehicles for connection with dismounted soldiers. There are also currently experiments in adding an augmented reality visor, which could include compass headings, friendly and enemy locations, a basic tactical layout, and a range of system data including ammunition state, power level, and network information.

• SICS has drawn much of its architectural inspiration from social media, with filtering based on geographical areas and communities of interest, the latter similar to a Google Plus 'Circle of Friends'. This enables users to limit or expand the amount of tactical information displayed.

CONOPS and mission description:

• FELIN was designed to enhance a soldier's mobility, command and control, navigation, protection, lethality, communications, observation, and support in every type of theatre and in the harshest of environments.

• As RAND notes, “Weapon sights are linked to the communications system and can send real-time video to the soldier, allowing him to aim around corners without exposing his body, and to other members of the squad, enhancing the ability to communicate and share information. The system’s binoculars include a laser rangefinder, a digital magnetic compass, and an uncooled thermal imaging channel that reduces weight.”

• The French Army set a target weight of 25 kg for the system, including weapon, ammunition, and enough food and water for 24 hours.

Performance notes and assessment:

• FELIN, like the US Land Warrior and German IdZ-ES, was one of the early generations of advanced soldier systems introduced in operations in Afghanistan.

• According to one squad leader, the ability to provide 'silent orders' was a plus point, alongside pre-mission planning, round-corner viewing capabilities, night vision and strong levels of protection and ergonomics. "Communication has improved since we no longer carry two radios and earpieces," he told Janes during an after-action review. "The single radio with two buttons, one for communications with the platoon commander and the other to my squad, make quick battle orders easier to disseminate."

Performance notes and assessment:

• Early trials with FELIN noted some operational challenges, both technical and operational. For example, in trials in jungles in Guyana, soldiers had a reduction in range of the radio amid dense vegetation. Additionally, when used at up to 2,000 m altitude in the Alps, FELIN batteries required more time to recharge due to the cold conditions and conversion tables were needed to recalibrate and zero weapon systems due to the thinner air. There were additional criticisms of the ballistic ceramic plate placement. The ballistic plates were housed on the outside of the soft armor jacket, a configuration that was criticized. Placement of plates inside or under the soft armor reduces the chances of ballistic protection being blasted out of its pouch and causing additional damage to the wearer's head or legs.

• Operationally, soldiers over-relied on FELIN's optronics and man-machine interface (MMI), according to Colonel Laurent Barraco, FELIN program manager at DGA. "We are focusing too much [on optronics] and soldiers have too narrow a field of vision and are focused on MMI too much. This has to be mastered and we need to introduce a doctrine of use [for the system]," he said.

Opportunities: Low

• FELIN is now largely completed, with the V1.3 version having addressed the main deficiencies and shortcomings of earlier variants. Updates to certain systems will be undertaken by OEMs to ensure continued relevance and prevent obsolescence. As such there are no real opportunities for new suppliers regarding this particular program, although future efforts beyond the mid-2020s aimed at developing the next generation of soldier modernization solutions could result in new possibilities for NH companies. Strong competition from French companies should be expected though.

List of components Supplier Program price

IdZ-ES Rheinmetall 30 systems (€54 million) in 2012, 60 systems (€84 million) in 2013, Additional order (€369 million) in 2017.

Solar 400EG-E UHF radio Thales Unit price estimate of US$1,000

C2 elements: personal digital assistant, TacNet Soldier C2 Rheinmetall Unit price estimate of US$4,000 software

• The IdZ-ES core system consists of a portable computer, GPS, wiring and battery pack. The helmet system also included a computer, camera, display or night-vision goggles, digital magnetic compass and headset. The uniform will provide protection from nuclear, biological and chemical weapons, the cold, dampness, insects and flames. It will also provide camouflage in the visual, infra-red and ultraviolet spectrum.

• Gladius was accepted into service in 2013. However, Gladius was effectively out of production from March 2014 to early 2015, when the last of the 90 squad systems (equating to 900 ensembles) so far ordered for German Army service were delivered.

• Gladius 2.0 entered service in 2018. It is modular and has an open architecture, allowing sensors, communications, and other devices to be easily integrated according to a customer's specifications. Rheinmetall has developed system interfaces for a pool of hardware from which a customer can choose, including four radios: Elbit's PNR-1000, the Harris RF-7850M, the Rohde and Schwarz SDHR, and the Thales Solar 400. It also features a new tablet computer. Rather than being customized for the German Army, Gladius 2.0 is designed for export with flexibility and modularity.

CONOPS and mission description:

• The IdZ-ES program / Gladius focused on three development areas: C3; weapons and optronics; and uniform/protection.

• The uniform is especially notable, as it “seeks to protect soldiers from extreme temperatures, nuclear and biological threats, and insects while simultaneously reducing the thermal signature of troops so that they are less easily identified using thermal imaging devices.

Performance notes and assessment:

• The IdZ-ES manages weight in part through the use of a centralized processor worn on the soldier’s back. Commanders can send information to soldiers through ultra-high-frequency radio transmissions, which can be accessed via voice, data, and image either through a helmet-borne eyepiece or a “dogbone” handheld display, which is connected to the central processor with a cable. The physical cable eliminates the need for a second power source on the helmet itself. Weapons sights are also linked to the processor, but via Bluetooth. Similar to the FELIN, German soldiers can shoot around corners using an Aimpoint Concealed Engagement Unit with their G36 rifles.

• In late 2014, Rheinmetall's Tobias Lang said that while the overriding perception of the system's performance in theatre was positive, some feedback on both clothing and C4I aspects had been received and these can be expected to lead to changes in future production lots. For example, when system development began in 2006 "nobody was talking about Android", said Lang. The computing display element of IdZ-ES is currently based on a Windows operating system.

Opportunities: Low

• The IdZ-Es program is now fully mature with the newest version (Gladius 2.0) being delivered to the Bundeswehr. Although updates are expected to take place in coming years to prevent obsolescence, these are likely to be conducted by Rheinmetall and Thales, with no real opportunities anticipated for new suppliers to step in, unless a completely new capability is sought from scratch.

List of components Supplier Program price

Dominator dismounted soldier system Elbit Systems

E-Lynx PNR-1000 software defined mobile ad-hoc Elbit Systems networking (MANET) radio Raptor chest-mounted computer with TORC2H BMS Elbit Systems C2 unit price estimate of US$5,000

Smart WristView with TORC2H Elbit Systems

SmartSight augmented reality weapons sight Elbit Systems

• Dominator was originally announced in 2012 and developed for Special Forces, originally consisting of a ruggedized Raptor computer, which has a 4.3 inch display with a smartphone-like human-machine interface, a battery pack and radio.

• In 2019 Elbit showcased new systems for the Dominator, including the SmartSight augmented reality (AR) display for its weapons sight, which uses locational data from the battle management system to show friendly and hostile forces. Elbit is also developing SmartEye ballistic glasses and SmartNVG night vision goggles that project AR situational awareness and navigational data onto a heads-up display and night vision goggles, respectively. The Raptor chest-mounted computer would be upgraded in 2020 for commanders, while individual soldiers would receive the Smart WristView low-power rugged wrist computer, which host the TORC2H BMS

CONOPS and mission description:

• Elbit Systems has been evolving the Dominator assembly for several years, incorporating technological developments and customer feedback, not only from the IDF’s operational experience but also from the requirements of other customers such as Belgium, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands armies, whose SmartVest assembly is based on Dominator.

• According to an Elbit source, the recent Dominator updates, including the SmartEye and Smart WristView, give soldiers access to C2 systems that are typically used at higher levels in the chain of command to show them the locations of enemy and friendly forces in their vicinity. “They can activate firepower, direct artillery, or air supporting fire through a very easy and intuitive dialogue,” he said. “We make this information available directly to their eyes without them having to look down or rummage through a computer.”

Performance notes and assessment:

• The original Raptor computer was not rugged enough for operational use even with a rugged wrapper.

• Components have been exported for soldier systems in Australia, Finland, and India.

• The central battery is reported to power the system for 24 hours.

Opportunities: Medium

• The Dominator program is mature and the initial variant of the system is now fully delivered, although new capabilities are being added as evidenced by the unveiling of the Smart WristView. Further improvements and evolutions are to be expected over coming years, however by and large, these should be provided by Elbit Systems. Opportunities could still emerge for those companies seeking to position themselves as Tier 2 or Tier 3 suppliers within Elbit’s supply chain, with specific components such as new displays for future generations of the RAPTOR.

List of components Supplier Program price Soldato Futuro system Leonardo team Part of wider €940 million Forza NEC program

ARX-160 rifle Beretta

SWave HH Software Defined Radios Selex (Leonardo) €60 million (2014). Unit price estimate of US$6,500

TM-NVG night vision goggles ITT Exelis (L3Harris) Unit price estimate of US$12,000

LRT-440 Wearable Personal Computer LARIMART SpA (Leonardo) Unit price estimate of US$3,000. Likely 6,000 units, but may not acquire all. Vest and universal support module (electrical component Sistema Compositi / Leonardo integration) Helmet, clothing and protection Sistemi Compositi

• The Italian "future soldier" or Soldato Futuro program includes new individual Command & Control (C2) systems, communications systems, weapons and target acquisition sights, clothing & armor, and universal support modules. The program was born out of the cancellation of a joint program with Germany due to differing requirements, scope and timing. Selex Communications, now Leonardo, was chosen to lead the team, which includes Aero Sekur, Beretta, Galileo Avionica, Larimart and Sistema Compositi.Y.

• The combat vest and universal support module was designed with wires instead of RF links to reduce soldier’s electromagnetic signature, making them less vulnerable to detection and jamming.

• The SWave SDR is provided with the SelfNET™ Soldier Broadband Waveform, a multi-hop mobile ad-hoc network UHF waveform that allows voice and data communication even in compartmented terrain such as urban or mountainous environments or aboard a ship.

• The Beretta ARX-160A1 5.56 mm assault rifle also includes the Raytheon-ELCAN Specter DR 1-4x optical sight, the L3Harris Insight MTM (Mini Thermal Monocular) clip-on thermal imager and AN/PEQ 15 laser aiming system.

• L3Harris’ Fusion night vision goggles were selected in 2018, which allow the user to switch easily between thermal imagery and standard image- intensified display.

CONOPS and mission description:

• Following other NATO future soldier programs, the Soldato Futuro program’s goal is to modernize and digitize dismounted forces. The soldiers’ load is expected to be 30-40 kg.

Performance notes and assessment:

• The original concept for Soldato Futuro has been streamlined. Original concepts envisioned “all soldiers, not just platoon commanders, wearing tablets strapped to their wrists”, “images from gun optics to be sent by Bluetooth to soldiers’ goggles, allowing them to ‘see’ around corners by holding out their gun”, and “a Wi-Fi capability in the radio was to allow communication with a range of up to 100 meters, to reach other soldiers and vehicles.” However, “packets of data were getting stuck in queues whether we were using the radio or satellite communications”, and “too much information risked slowing the soldier down.”

• Part of the streamlining involved reducing the cables that linked various components together.

Opportunities: Low

• The Soldato Futuro program has already been contracted in full, leaving few possibilities for new suppliers to try and step in. The need to supplement or update certain equipment and capabilities over the next five to 10 years may allow NH companies to position themselves although preference for domestic suppliers is likely to remain strong.

List of components Supplier Program price Prime supplier Hitachi

IR camera NEC

Helmet mounted display (HMD) Shimadzu C2 system unit price likely in range of US$4,000

Wearable computer N/A

Power solution Brentronics

Lightweight UHF/VHF radio N/A

Type 89 5.56 mm assault rifle Howa Machinery

• The Japanese annual white paper "Defense of Japan 2009" outlined an advanced technology program over the period 2003 to 2009 concerning the personal equipment system for the soldier. The white paper also called for the development of command-and-control systems, advanced systems for command and communications, and a network for information and communications.

• ACIES equips the soldier with an integrated combat ensemble that includes a helmet, HMD system, wearable computer, protective gear, weapon, GPS unit, and a lightweight UHF/VHF radio integrated as a system.

• The Type 89 rifle was modified for ACIES, although the status of the program is unclear. Modifications include a carbine length barrel; revised upper receiver with a long length of MIL-STD-1913-like rail; a quad rail system for the forend (the upper rail aligning with that of the upper receiver); rail-mounted forend pistol grip; revised muzzle device; revised polymer stock, both M4- and SCAR-like; and revised optics systems.

• In 2010 it was reported that ACIES would employ a large percentage of commercial off the shelf (COTS) items as well as foreign-supplied equipment for cost savings. The helmet reportedly did not have any ballistic protection.

CONOPS and mission description:

• Type 89 rifle modifications were reportedly developed in part for Japanese deployments to Afghanistan.

Performance notes and assessment:

• Few details are known about ACIES performance in combat. As of 2018, little information had been released about ACIES developments since 2015.

Opportunities: Low

• ACIES is now largely completed and it will likely take several years before obsolescence issues require the procurement of new systems. Furthermore, Japan has shown a strong preference for domestic suppliers in its soldier modernization effort. This is unlikely to change in the near future and as a result opportunities are unlikely to emerge for NH companies.

List of components Supplier Program price

Wearable computer mounted in a backpack, a tactical Sapura Defense Unit price estimate of US$4,000 display unit (TDU), remote control unit (RCU), central energy unit, and a head-mounted video camera

Head mounted monocular display Rockwell Collins

Personal role radio (PRR) Thales Unit price estimate of US$1,000

• The Future Soldier System is part of the Malaysian Armed Forces’ (MAF’s) wider Network Centric Operations (NCO) program. It includes a wearable computer mounted in a backpack, a tactical display unit (TDU), a head mounted monocular display, personal role radio (PRR), remote control unit (RCU), central energy unit, and a head mounted video camera. The system is integrated via physical cables as opposed to wireless connection.

• The TDU is a chest-mounted android tablet, displaying a cut-down version of Sapura’s battle management software. According to an army representative the central battery pack will provide four hours of operation with all the peripherals running, but this can be extended to eight hours if communications are restricted to voice only.

• The RCU allows for access of the backpack computer, operation of the radio and camera, as well as control the flow of imagery over different communications systems.

CONOPS and mission description:

• As part of the broader Network Centric Operations concept, the FSS is designed to better network its soldiers together. The FSS was demonstrated in 2018 by streaming video from an FSS-equipped soldier on the Malaysia–Thailand border over X-band to the exhibition center in Kuala Lumpur.

Performance notes and assessment:

• The system has been fielded in limited numbers by a single experimental platoon of the 12th Royal Malay Regiment (RMR) as a proof-of- concept demonstration. The officer, from 12 RMR, said that 11 systems had been supplied, which had equipped two scouts in each section, the section commanders plus the platoon sergeant and platoon commander.

• According to the officer, the system was generally well received but weight continues to be a concern. Therefore, possible improvements in the next phase of the program could include upgrading the TDU, possibly going to an integrated TDU and computer, thus removing the backpack device; using WiFi instead of cables; and extending the battery life.

• The battery pack currently has a life of only 10 hours with a normal mission profile.A Sapura representative observed that this had been noted as a weakness and a solution was being developed.

• Janes understands that the next phase of the FSS program will involve equipping three companies in the battalion, although the representative was unable to specify whether this would be on the same scale as the experimental platoon or if every individual would have the system.

• Delivery timelines were likewise not revealed.

Opportunities: Medium

• Although main contractors for the different components of the FSS have already been selected, the slow pace of the program and lack of large volume order at this stage mean that there remains room for new companies to try and step in as subcontractors. Possibilities may exist for NH companies to act as a suppliers to Sapura Defense for the wearable computer and its associated elements.

List of components Supplier Program price

Smart vest (VOSS) Elbit Systems €150 million (includes systems for Luxembourg and Netherlands).

Unit price estimate at US$2,500 Raptor computer Elbit Systems

PNR-1000A software defined personal network radio Elbit Systems

E-Lighter thermoelectric generator Fokker Aerostructures

• The original VOSS was part of the Benelux countries’ (Belgium, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands) 2015 joint smart vest program from Elbit Systems, based on the Dominator soldier system. As described above for the Belgian BEST program, VOSS was a modular system consisting of the carrying vest, hydration system and backpack, ballistic protection, a communications and information system featuring a radio and ruggedized Raptor computer, and a power supply unit. The MoD signed a contract for 5,500 VOSS sets.

• In February 2019, the Netherlands MoD said that they are in the final stages of testing VOSS in different configurations, with different vests, backpacks, and ballistic protection, and in different environments, including urban areas, woods, arctic conditions, and airborne.

• Unique to the Netherlands, Fokker is supplying its E-Lighter, a manportable generator that will be provided on a scale of one per section in the Dutch army (RNLA). The E-Lighter has been developed as a separate project by the Netherlands and will not necessarily be adopted by Belgium or Luxembourg as part of the broader Smart Vest joint program. Derek Riezebos, E-Lighter program manager at the MoD said, "A soldier would normally take nine batteries for a two-day patrol [but] by using E-Lighter the soldier would take one battery, the E-Lighter, and fuel resulting in a reduction in weight from 11.1 to 5.3 kg.“

•A helmet mounted night vision goggle system could feature image intensifying combined with thermal (uncooled LWIR) components.

CONOPS and mission description:

• The initial VOSS program consisted of three key elements: C4I, load and water carriage, and a power supply module for the dismounted soldier.

Performance notes and assessment:

• In 2018, VOSS vests and backpacks were tested by the Royal Netherlands Marines in Norway and by the army's 13 Light Brigade in Germany. Deliveries of the first 500 sets began in 2020.

Opportunities: Medium

• VOSS 2 is already at an advanced stage and it is likely to prove challenging for new entrants to try and position themselves in the program now. Individual soldiers’ equipment such as boots, hearing or eye protection elements have not all been contracted and there could exist some “last minute” opportunities in this domain, as well as in relation to weapons accessories, including optics.

List of components Supplier Program price

Norwegian Modular Arctic Networked Soldier Thales Norway C2 portion unit price estimate of US$3,000 (NORMANS) digitized soldier system

RF-78000S Secure Personal Radio Harris Unit price estimate of US$1,000

• In October 2011 the MoD approved a contract for the Thales Norway NORMANS soldier system following ten years of development and testing.

• The system is comprised of a small monochrome computer display that can be handheld but is more typically worn on the wrist.A GPS feed within the system automatically transmits the wearer's position and that of nearby units, oriented to the user's heading, and can be used to send and receive short text messages.A user can also designate objects and enemy positions on the battlefield and transmit their location to other NORMANS displays in the unit. Including connectors and cabling, the NORMANS Light outfit weighs 500 g, and the battery pack adds another 375 g.

• Rune Lausund, the Defense Research Establishment's (Forsvarets Forskningsinstitut - FFI) chief scientist and program manager for NORMANS, stated that the soldier system was going to be linked "to the BMS [battle management system] on board vehicles and other platforms".

• The system is expected to be in service for 10-20 years.

CONOPS and mission description:

• The NORMANS system is designed to increase soldier situational awareness by providing GPS, nearby unit locations, and enemy/object designation from squad leaders.

• There are two versions – Light and Advanced, the latter of which is reserved for small unit leaders. The Advanced system is then linked to the next highest level of command.

Performance notes and assessment:

• According to reports from NORMANS trials, the system gave “each soldier access to an atypically high level of Situational Awareness.” From those trials, Rune Lausund reported that, “Normally when you set up an ambush, particularly at night, you gather everyone into a central point to brief them and then dispatch them or lead them into position. With NORMANS, we had a situation where the commander set up a plan, drew up his killing area and sent it as an overlay to all his guys. They then all moved from their previous locations which were about 1.5km apart, to their fresh positions, totally independently and just took up their positions. It worked like a charm. That was a classic example of doing something in a totally different way because commanders could monitor at all times, exactly where everybody was.”

• In order to manage system weight, “Norway has purchased the 5.56-mm HK416 to replace the previously used 7.62-mm weapon, reducing the size and weight required by soldiers, who are now carrying smaller and lighter ammunition.”

Opportunities: Low

• The different elements comprising the NORMANS program have all been contracted leaving no real opportunities for new providers. Elements not directly covered by NORMANS but connected to its operational efficiency such as weapons optics or night vision systems may still be sought in the near future, which could lead to opportunities for NH companies. Electronics updates are unlikely to result in new opportunities since Norway has set up a framework agreement to that effect with UK company MilDef.

List of components Supplier Program price Tytan system Consortium of 13 companies led by US$1.5 billion total. Expected 14,000 total kits. C2 element unit price the Bumar Group (PGZ) of US$3,000.

PERAD 4010 Personal Radio WB Electronics Sp z o.o.

17,621 wz. 96C assault rifles and 8,400 wz. 96C Mini Beryl US$39.4 million total. carbines

• As part of the US$48.9 billion Technical Modernization Plan, all modernized equipment will be directed to the new 4th division of the Polish Army. The Tytan future soldier system was awarded in June 2014 and included R&D contracts for 27 different subcomponents, including delivery of at least 14,000 equipment sets between 2018 and 2022. The 27 subcomponents will be spread across 5 areas: C4I (including personal computer and communications system); observation and reconnaissance (including various weapon sights); armament and ammunition (including a new personal weapon); clothing; ballistic protection; and nuclear, biological, and chemical protection.A new camouflage pattern for the Polish Army will also be developed.

CONOPS and mission description:

• The purchase of Beryl firearms is part of the plan to replace all firearms chambered in Soviet cartridges to weapons firing NATO rounds. They are for the newly created 35,000-strong Territorial Defense Force (Wojska Obrony Terytorialnej) to be equipped with the new rifles and carbines.

Performance notes and assessment:

• It emerged in mid-2016 that the program was to be rescheduled to the close of 2019 to address cyber‐related issues (thus delaying contract signature by two years).

Opportunities: Medium

• TYTAN has faced delays and while the small arms element is picking up speed, other aspects of the program are still at the R&D stage, including the C4I elements. Opportunities are likely to exist for new suppliers to step in as subcontractors to provide components to the various Polish companies involved in the program under BUMAR. The emphasis on domestic sourcing means that robust partnerships would need to be established with Polish stakeholders to maximize chances of success.

List of components Supplier Program price Sistemas de Combate do Soldado (SCS) program €90 million Light armament: 11,000 5.56 mm assault rifles, 300 7.62 mm assault rifles; 450 7.62 mm FN Herstal (except for the 380 .12 gauge €42.8 million sniper rifles; 850 5.56 mm machine guns; 320 7.62 mm machine guns; 380 12-gage shotguns which have yet to be acquired) shotguns; and 3,400 detachable optics Sensors: 1,485 aiming and illuminating systems, 1,485 thermal imaging monoculars, €24.8 million 332 weapon thermal sights, 1,485 IFF beacons, 214 target locators, and 1,485 flashlights. C4I: Battle management system, data and energy integrator systems, 292 handheld Critical Software €10.5 million total. C2 unit radios, 1,575 personal role radios, rugged tablets, headsets, batteries, and battery price estimate of US$4,000. chargers. PRR estimate of US$1,000. Survivability: combat and garrison uniforms, underwear, 18-litre backpack Portuguese companies incorporating hydration system, 45-litre assault backpack, weatherproof kit, combat boots, and a medic kit

• The Soldado do Futuro or Sistemas de Combate do Soldado (SCS) program is composed of three subprojects: light armament/lethality/sensors, C4I, and survivability (clothing, loading systems, and protection equipment).

• The full upgrades are intended for only the 1st and 2nd Parachute Infantry Battalion (Commandos Regiment), 1st and 2nd Mechanized Infantry Battalion (Wheeled), and 1st Mechanized Infantry Battalion (Tracked), while all other frontline personnel will only receive the lethality and survivability components.

• Tenders are now open for items under the C4I project and the sensors and sighting auxiliary’s subproject, but the survivability equipment will be later acquired mainly from local suppliers.

• The light armament part of the program has now been almost fully attributed to FN Herstal which was awarded a contract by the NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) on behalf of the Portuguese Army in early 2019. The deal covers the provision of 11,000 SCAR-L STD 5.56 mm assault rifles, including 1,700 fitted with FN40GL 40 mm grenade launchers; 300 SCAR-H 7.62 mm assault rifles; 450 SCAR-H PR 7.62 mm rifles for designated marksmen; 850 Minimi Mk3 light machine-guns in 5.56 mm; and 320 Minimi Mk3 in 7.62 mm. Significant numbers of Aimpoint sights and accessories are also being acquired. Only the 12-gauge shotguns still have to be sourced.

CONOPS and mission description:

• The modernization program is designed to equip dismounted soldiers with new equipment meant to boost their firepower, mobility, protection, and command and control. It replaces legacy gear while also adding new capabilities, according to Lieutenant Colonel Simão Sousa.

Performance notes and assessment:

• This project is currently in the middle of procurement, so performance notes have not been received yet.

Opportunities: Medium-High

• Procurement of sensors and weapons optics is understood to still be underway with the overall value of this subprogram attaining EUR 24.8 million.

List of components Supplier Program price ACMS system ST Electronics US$68 million

Voice and data Soldier System Radio (SSR) Plus and a wireless Selex Elsag (Leonardo) Unit price estimate of US$1,000 mesh network Head-mounted subsystem

BMS / C2 system ST Electronics C2 unit price estimate of US$5,000

Soldier computer (back-mounted)

GPS and a dead reckoning module (DRM)

• The ACMS program was initiated in 2002 and was inspired by tests with the US Army Land Warrior system. ST Electronics was awarded the ACMS contract in 2009, describing it as a “third-generation networked warrior system, fully equipped with advanced command, control, communications, computers and intelligence (C4I) and network capabilities.”

• The core components of the ACMS ensemble include a computer or command-and-control information system (CCIS), which processes data from other elements and projects the relevant information in real time; a helmet-mounted display, which allows the soldier to analyze information transmitted by the CCIS, weapon camera and deployed sensors; personal protection gear, in the form of ballistic goggles, elbow and kneepads, and body armor; a load bearing vest and hydration system; and a personal weapon. The standard ACMS weapon is the SAR 21 MMS (modular mounting system), a variant of the SAR 21 assault rifle.

• The C3 element of the basic version of this generation, ACMS-Fighting, includes: a back-mounted soldier computer subsystem, which is the core of the system; a communications module consisting of the Selex Elsag voice and data Soldier System Radio (SSR) Plus and a wireless mesh network; a head-mounted subsystem providing a full-color OLED display; and a navigation subsystem providing GPS and a dead reckoning module (DRM) for use in GPS-denied situations, such as in buildings. The system's Soldier BMS C2 software is a reduced version of the ST Electronics-developed BMS in use with the SAF.

• Sister company ST Kinetics developed a future soldier system called ARIELE that also includes a helmet mounted HUD for real-time access to information and data, an active cooling system (ARTIC), an energy harvester (BRACE), a power unit (POEMS), a new self-powered assault rifle, and a lightweight ballistic protection carrier (PROTEC/PLATE). While it can be tied-in with the ACMS, it is unclear whether Singapore has committed to its acquisition or if it is primarily being developed for export.

CONOPS and mission description:

• The ACMS was designed to be a “quantum leap in [a soldier’s] fighting capabilities”, allowing "section commanders and team leaders to become a part of a larger network that is able to tap into the wider resources of the battalion and call for more responsive and precise fire support,” according to ST Engineering. It was described by Chief of Army Major General Ravinder Singh as “tactical sensors that enhance the situational awareness of our soldiers, giving them the flexibility to activate support fire and to communicate and adjust tactical plans according to situations on the ground.”

• According to a DTSA analysis, “The ACMS also allows selected appointment holders to tap the wider resources of the battalion, such as the TERREX Infantry Carrier Vehicle (ICV) for fire support and sustenance, and even utilize higher command resources to further enhance the lethality and situational awareness of their units.

CONOPS and mission description:

• The ACMS was designed to be predicated on a seven-man squad, including the squad leader and two fire teams of three, each comprising a light machine gunner, grenadier and sharpshooter. The leader has the full ensemble, with appropriate variations for the fire team members. The focus of current evaluations is on the utility of networked sensors, unmanned ground vehicles and fire-support elements as adjuncts to ACMS. In 2012, at least three members of the squad were equipped with ACMS.

• Operationally, ACMS is part of the army's recent focus on urban fighting and unconventional warfare. Procurements in support of this capability include ST Aerospace's Skyblade III mini-unmanned aerial vehicle and iRobot Packbots, which are used in a variety of roles.

Performance notes and assessment:

•A second version of the ACMS was eventually developed and had two primary differences. “First, the iLITE uses a COTS smartphone as an integrated mobile processor and display subsystem, instead of a separate soldier computer and head mounted display. Second, the iLITE requires only one battery for the entire mission as opposed to three in the ACMS.”

Opportunities: Low

• The ACMS program should now have been completed. While it is expected that upgrades to the system will be conducted over coming years, ST Engineering is likely to act as the sole supplier for these, possibly leveraging elements of its ARIELE ensemble, leaving little opportunities for foreign providers to step in.

List of components Supplier Program price

Family of small arms

RF-7800S Falcon III Harris Unit price estimate of US$4,000

Command and control / BMS Unit price estimate of US$4,000

Body armor

• Sweden's Markstridsutrustad Soldat (MARKUS) program is directed towards improving a dismounted soldier's capability for conducting network centric operations. According to Elisabeth Behm, MARKUS’ Project Manager at the Sweden’s Defense Materiel Administration, in 2005 Sweden noted that, “At that time, every procurement was looking at their objective alone, not the soldier system objective. What was needed was to co- ordinate all those procurement projects.”

• Body armor was part of the planned program, with a modular system that included a variety of protection levels and riot control capabilities.

• Part of that initiative also involved new personal role radio (PRR), which was the Falcon III RF-7800S from Harris.

• There is also an initiative for new C2 elements, although this component of the project appears to still be a stated opportunity. However, Saab's 9Land BMS was known to have been a contender for the program.

CONOPS and mission description:

• Few details are known other than that Sweden hoped to centralize dismounted soldier-related procurement program planning. This effort involved a variety of individual capabilities, including weapons, BMS/C2 systems, and body armor.

Performance notes and assessment:

• Few details are known of performance with acquired systems.

Opportunities: High

• MARKUS is not fully contracted which means multiple opportunities still exist. This is notably the case for C2, body armor, small arms and their optics, although the latter need is likely to be met domestically by Aimpoint. Sweden tends to favor its domestic industry where possible but is likely to be open to foreign providers to meet requirements for which it has no in- country capability.

List of components Supplier Program price

IMESS system (combined) Airbus Defense and Space US$22 million (production contract at US$160 million)

TacLAN tactical high-capacity radio system Kongsberg Unit price estimate US$1,000

Optics/weapons sights (Sword T&D) Sagem

SoldierComputer; Ultra-Mobile-PC DB06 Airbus; Roda Entire C2 system unit price estimate of US$5,000

• IMESS builds on Airbus’ Warrior 21 Individual Soldier System offering, which is also being used by Germany for the Bundeswehr's Infanterist der Zukunft (IdZ) future soldier system. Airbus initially won a prototype contract for IMESS in 2007.A follow-up development contract for the development and delivery of 45 IMESS soldier systems and nine IMESS vehicle kits was awarded in 2011.

• Airbus announced that the system had completed development and was ready for serial production in July 2014. The Swiss Army then conducted field trials over two years.

• The full list of C4I systems includes: the Kongsberg TacLAN tactical high-capacity radio system (including the SR600 hand-held and vehicle- mounted VM600 short range radios); Phonak Dominator tactical military headset; Navilock NL-402U USB GPS/Galileo Receiver; Honeywell HD1414 Personal Navigator dead reckoning module; Airbus Defense and Space SoldierComputer; Roda Ultra-Mobile-PC DB06 soldier computer; Airbus Defense and Space Warrior21 Videoreceiver; Airbus Defense and Space Warrior21 System Control Unit (wireless) and Wired System Control Unit; and SAGEM Weapon based IMESS man-machine interface (MMI) Mk2. These are powered by the Sagem SEC Mk2 system battery and Sagem CBI Mk2 charger.

• The IMESS optics systems are comprised of the Sagem IMESS FIR Mk1 (a version of the Sword T&D (Thermal and Day) weapon sight used in the French FELIN system), Industrial Laser Electronics and Engineering (ILEE) Laser Pointer CFLTM Mk2, and the L3Harris EOTech 551 holographic weapon sight. Other optics systems include the Sagem Vigilens multifunction thermal binocular, Sagem Oculaire de Vision Deportee (OVD) Mk2 monocle display, and the Sagem RLV Miniature Night Intensified Equipment - Display (MINIE-D) helmet-mounted night-vision binocular goggle. Copyright © 2021 Jane's Group UK Limited. All Rights Reserved. 70 Switzerland: IMESS: Background

• The systems are integrated into the SSZ IMESS Carrying vest system, including a Source IMESS hydration system. Ballistic protection is provided by a SSZ ballistic protection vest system and MSA Gallet ballistic protection helmet. Vehicle integration kits are included for the General Dynamics European Land Systems (GDELS) - MOWAG DURO Protected Military Tactical Vehicle, and the GDELS-MOWAG Piranha 8x8 (Radschutzenpanzer 93) armored personnel carrier

CONOPS and mission description:

• The IMESS program was “designed to modernize the fighting capabilities of the single soldier and give him/her the capability of an entire platoon.” According to Dr. Philippe Schmid from Armasuisse, Project Manager IMESS, “The system must be modular and expandable. It is very important that we keep a certain level of competition at the component level. We like to be able to replace or add new components at any time at the lowest possible cost.”

Performance notes and assessment:

• According to Schmid, during trials, IMESS focused on three critical areas – weight, energy, and vehicle integration: “Weight is very important, especially in the very early phases of your program, as new capabilities add extra weight. Every single function can be related to weight, even software functions. If you have more software functions, you need a more powerful CPU, for which you need more power and if you need more power, you add more batteries which means more weight. There is always a function or capabilities to weight relationship.”

Performance notes and assessment:

• One other takeaway from the trials was that there was a difficult balance between MOTS/COTS and weight. According to Schmid, “That is the price you pay when you have COTS/MOTS components, it is difficult to tell manufacturers that they now have to use the same battery. That may require customization and that is expensive.”

• There were also early problems with a developmental radio model, but those issues appear to have been fixed in later updates.

Opportunities: Low

• The IMESS program has already been contracted in full and as a result it is unlikely that any new requirement directly associated with it will emerge in the near future.

List of components Supplier Program price

Surveillance and Target Acquisition (FIST 1A) Thales UK US$248 million (2009)/ 11,000 systems

Enhanced Secure Personal Role Radio (EZPRR) Selex Elsag (Leonardo) Unit price estimate of US$2,000

• FIST was originally designed for 11,000 systems and would include thermal sights, close quarters battle sights, underslung grenade launcher sights, commander target locator systems, ruggedized digital cameras, and several other systems. Thales was awarded a US$248 million contract in 2009 for the Surveillance and Target Acquisition portion of FIST.

• In 2011, the UK MoD said that it would act as the FIST architect rather than industry. It would be designed to have a “plug-and-play” open architecture to facilitate progressive system improvement.

• Dismounted situational awareness (DSA) funding was paused in 2017 and expected to resume in 2019.A DSA solution would include data bearer, the end-user device (a tablet or smartphone), and the battlefield management application (BMA). It was unclear whether the solution would be COTS or a custom development. The UK has also experimented with Elbit solutions.

CONOPS and mission description:

• As with many future soldier programs, FIST was designed to prioritize integration of various systems and to provide enhanced situational awareness for dismounted soldiers. It was divided into five capability areas: C4I (command, control, communications, computers and intelligence), lethality (weapons and sights), mobility (navigation, size and weight of equipment), survivability (clothing, stealth, body armor) and sustainability (logistical considerations).

CONOPS and mission description:

• RAND notes several differences between the otherwise similar FELIN and IdZ-ES concepts: “One of the major differences between the proposed UK system and the French and German versions is that in the case of the British, it is not expected that every infantry soldier would be fitted with a FIST system. Rather, the unit commander may modify which soldiers are given the system to accommodate a particular mission and situation. Another intention is to reduce the amount of weight carried by the average soldier through the use of noncooled observation and weapon sights.”

Performance notes and assessment:

• In 2012, Janes noted that the Enhanced Secure Personal Role Radio (EZPRR) had been purchased in large numbers by the UK, but it lacked an integrated computer and display. Similarly, the Thales UK MILTRAK system for situational awareness “failed to find favor” with UK soldiers “and was largely ignored.” As a result, Janes concluded that FIST had “not yet produced a coherent C3 package that includes communications and a BMS” in 2012.

• The situation had not improved by 2015, with “various FIST sub-systems being used operationally in Afghanistan, with forces equipped in piecemeal tranches to satisfy urgent operational requirements. However, to describe this equipment as groundbreaking future soldier technology would be overkill.

Performance notes and assessment:

• However, in 2011 Lt Col Nick Thornton said: “We were delighted to be the first to receive FIST and all the early indications are that it is a real game-changer. The results from the ranges have seen a significant improvement in accuracy and ease of use, while live firing in the Falklands has demonstrated the overmatch created at night by the suite of night vision devices.”

• Funding has hindered the development of UK soldier solutions.

Opportunities: Medium-High

• FIST remains ongoing with new elements being looked at which include reduction of equipment weight of the individual soldier. Additionally, certain elements initially intended to be a part of the system, such as the Dismounted Situational Awareness solution have been shelved. This could translate into multiple opportunities for NH companies, particularly in the field relating to burden reduction for which investigation is driven by the Chemring Group’s, Roke Manor Research Ltd.

List of components Supplier Program price Nett Warrior Government is the prime integrator with various vendors providing components

Samsung Galaxy S5 EUD (with Android OS) Samsung

AN/PRC-154A Rifleman Radio using the wideband Soldier General Dynamics Unit price estimate of US$5,500 Radio Waveform (SRW) DAGR cable Revision Military

• The US Army's Nett Warrior, which evolved from a series of soldier systems of decreasing complexity and has been deployed operationally in Afghanistan for several years, was designed solely as a commander's tool, although it is now spreading to all dismounted soldiers.

• The Army’s Nett Warrior Program Executive Office (PEO) describes Nett Warrior as “an integrated dismounted situational awareness (SA) and mission command (MC) system for use during combat operations.”

• In 2016, 7,000 Nett Warrior systems had been delivered with 10,000 in production, but with a future goal of 60,000.

• “The display is a chest-mounted commercial Android smartphone in a ruggedized case. This provides tactical icons against a digital map or imagery display software. The software, developed by the army, is interoperable with the service's Joint Battle Command-Platform (JBC-P) BMS that hosts the Tactical Ground Reporting System (TIGR) intelligence application, with the Pocket-sized Forward Entry Device (PFED) dismounted fire support application, and with external sensors. The system enables the user to share tactical messages such as contact reports, medical evacuations, casualty evacuations, improvised explosive device (IED) reports, weather reports, location details, text messages, mapping, photographs, and administration data. The project is also developing a head- or helmet-mounted augmented reality display designed to provide head-up displays with icons and graphics as layers on top of a real-world view.”

• “Planned enhancements include 4G/LTE networking, full-motion video, control of soldier-borne sensors, and wireless communication. Core requirements for the future system include enhanced SA, intelligence tools such as language translators, fires/lethality, and cyber tools. Priorities for [mobile handheld computing environment] are to provide robust, multiband, multichannel, multiwaveform, network connectivity, and digital datalinks to control and share full-motion video from soldier-borne sensors. Among the communications priorities are air-to-ground integration, data re-transmission beyond-line-of-sight (BLOS), and cyber and electronic warfare (EW) hardening technology. Position, navigation, and timing (PNT) assured data in GPS-denied environments is also a top priority for M/HH CE.”

• Under the Integrated Visual Augmentation System (IVAS) program, the Army is working with Microsoft to test the HoloLens 2 with Nett Warrior integration. “When Janes was afforded an opportunity to test the IVAS HUD, the author found it difficult to navigate the outside terrain in a surefooted manner. One of the chief concerns was a lack of peripheral vision and a sense of isolation from the outside world. However, Microsoft and army officials said they are acutely cognizant of these concerns and working to address them in later IVAS HUD iterations.”

CONOPS and mission description:

• The Army PEO’s Nett Warrior mission as providing “unparalleled SA and MC capabilities to the dismounted leader, permitting faster and more accurate decisions during the tactical fight. With advanced navigation and information sharing capabilities, leaders are able to avoid fratricide and are more effective and more lethal in the execution of their combat missions.”

CONOPS and mission description:

• The PEO Soldier further describes how Net Warrior (NW) operates: “The NW program delivers a [situational awareness] and [mission control] system, which has the ability to graphically display the location of an individual leader’s location on a digital geo-referenced map image. Additional Soldier, platform and unit locations are also displayed on the digital user interface. NW is connected through a radio that will send and receive information from one NW to another, thus connecting the dismounted leader to the network. These radios will also connect the equipped leader to higher echelon data and information products to assist in decision making and situational understanding. Soldier position location information will be added to the network via interoperability with the Army’s Rifleman Radio capability. All of this will allow the leader to easily see, understand, and interact in the method that best suits the user and the particular mission. NW will employ a system-of-systems approach, optimizing and integrating capabilities while reducing the Soldier’s combat load and logistical footprint.”

• Nett Warrior has considered specialist app integration for roles such as parachute insertion navigation, sniper ballistic calculators, tactical combat casualty care, foreign language translation, heat traces, and Pocket Forward Entry Devices. These were encouraged by the release of a software developer’s kit (SDK).

Performance notes and assessment:

• For the 2d Cavalry Regiment, Nett Warrior played a major role during Saber Strike 18, a multi-national exercise, located across four countries, encompassing 19 allied and partner nations. Through map graphics, orders and pinpoint location sharing, the system allows for quick, efficient communication from regiment to squadron command and staff teams all the way down to the platoon level.

Opportunities: Medium

• Nett Warrior has already been largely contracted, which leaves limited possibilities for new suppliers to enter the program. Tier 2 or 3 suppliers may still be able to join the supply chains of existing prime contractors though. Future evolutions of the Nett Warrior suite could open the way for more opportunities, including for Tier 1 suppliers in the medium to longer term.

Market Forecast

• Janes developed a 30-country forecast for future soldier systems over the next 5 years. Countries under sanction such as Russia or China were not considered. We considered multiple elements, including each country’s defense procurement spending, efforts to modernize soldiers’ equipment or lack thereof, and whether an FSS program is already underway.

• The opportunities are organized by: “Forecast Group”, is a Janes SME assessment of this program’s probability of •“Spending Category” column separated into realization. “High, Medium, and Low” levels of anticipated spending per system, to give a rough estimate of the technological sophistication of potential soldier system acquisitions.

• “High” rating would indicate a fully integrated C2 system with advanced optics and other sensors, along with high per-soldier spending on body armor and weapons.

• “Low” rating might indicate only procurement of one subsystem – a new weapon or inexpensive body armor, for example.

Spending Forecast Country Analysis Category Group

Qatar’s Army is comprised of a mix of full-time professional soldiers and national-service conscripts, a portion of whom transfer each year to the Army reserves upon completion of their service. Doha is currently facing multiple conventional and asymmetrical threats, including from Iran which are driving its defense procurement efforts which have included a complete revamping and increase in major Qatar High High combat systems for its land forces. Due to the relatively small size of its combat forces, Qatar has a need to maximize their combat capabilities and efficiency, which could make it particularly receptive to the benefits offered by FSS solutions. It is likely that consideration to the procurement of an off-the-shelf system will be given in the coming five years, with likely solutions to be considered to include Rheinmetall’s Argus.

With the ongoing conflict in Yemen, failures at lower levels of command in the Saudi military have been highlighted in dramatic attacks by Iranian supported rebels, with low level elements of both the Saudi Army and National Guard being overwhelmed and destroyed. These failures may be a consequence of deficient training and esprit du corps, but also highlight the need for platoon and section C3 capabilities. Saudi Arabia, while having a comparatively small army of 75,000 men, is supplemented by a 125,000 strong National Guard for a range of domestic roles, which has included deployment in Yemen. These COIN deployments, along with a major drive to modernize its armed forces place FSS-type systems as a priority for future procurement, modern C3 elements, small arms, body armor Saudi Arabia High High and night optics. Investment into the armed forces has been extensive, but this has been limited to high value items such as helicopters or limited to elite units, with most of the Army being armed with H&K G3 or AKM-type rifles for example. It is expected that a major program to modernize the infantry arm will be announced in coming years, to modernize all elements of the infantryman's capabilities. The Saudi market is likely to be addressable by external suppliers, due to its tradition of importing capabilities from a range of sources, although the stated aim of increasing domestic industrial capabilities could alter this panorama and/or force external suppliers to partner with local companies to push their solutions.

Spending Forecast Country Analysis Category Group

Chile operates a medium-sized army comprised of a mix of professional and conscript troops. It has a comparatively strong defense budget with a relatively significant procurement share. Chile’s military is primarily concerned with conventional defense matters and has made investments in recent years to modernize some of its major systems with purchases of MBTs and IFVs as well as transport helicopters. Individual soldiers kit has been renewed with new small arms, communication systems, and uniforms being sourced. While Chile Medium Medium-High no formal requirement for an FSS has been drawn up it is likely that the matter will be considered in the coming years to further improve the Army and Marines’ technological edge. This should lead to the purchase of C4I solutions for platoon/section level forces as well as new optics. While local companies should be involved, the more complex systems such as C4I will need to be sourced from abroad, with likely contenders to include European and Israeli OEMs.

Egypt operates a large army and reserve force supported by a relatively limited defense budget. Egypt's defense axis is currently focused on COIN operations in the Sinai and Libya. There is significant demand for soldier modernization programs to ensure that infantry units remain relevant in these operations. To support this, Egypt has sought to acquire a range of FSS capabilities with Arab Egypt Medium Medium-High International Optronics (AIO) having developed the Egyptian Integrated Soldier System, an individual soldier integrated display which should equip select Egyptian Army units. In the coming five years, demand is expected to widen beyond the IESS to include body armor, optics and battle management solutions. Domestic industry is unlikely to be able to meet several of these requirements, resulting in many elements such as battle management software which will need to be procured abroad.

Kuwait has a relatively small professional army supported by a relatively significant budget and is therefore expected to have significant demand for FSS equipment in the coming years. Bordering Iraq and exposed to wider tensions in the region, primarily from Iran, Kuwait is expected to try and offset its personnel limitations by providing its soldiers with superior capabilities as delivered by FSS solutions. Kuwait High Medium-High Given the country’s procurement history and limited combat experience, it is likely that Kuwait will favor an “off-the-shelf” solution instead of a purpose-designed FSS. US and European providers are likely to be favored, although certain Asian countries, such as South Korea and Singapore may also be looked at favorably when considering options. Procurement is likely to be initiated no later than the mid-2020s.

Spending Forecast Country Analysis Category Group Lithuania’s Army is comprised largely of full-time professional soldiers with 20% of its numbers made-up of conscripts.A high readiness reserve force of over 5,000 is also available. Lithuania’s military remains too small and lightly equipped to fight-off a conventional attack from Russia, which is currently viewed as the main threat to the country. While Vilnius is making efforts to increase combat capabilities through the procurement of major weapon systems, the primary focus of the military in case of all-out war would not be to try and defeat the enemy but more likely delay its advance to allow NATO forces to step in. Under this logic, infantry forces are provided with Lithuania High Medium-High significant firepower, notably antitank missiles in large numbers and high-end individual kit, which includes state-of-the art small arms, individual protections and communication systems. Given the premium placed by Lithuania on the capabilities of its ground troops, it is likely that the procurement of an FSS solution is to be considered within the next five years. While an off-the-shelf solution may be considered, it is more likely that a dedicated tailor-made program will be launched which could result in widespread FSS adoption by the second half of the 2020s.

New Zealand fields a small but well-equipped all-volunteer force, supported by a limited number of reservists. To offset its manpower constraints, it has invested in higher-end individual equipment to maximize the capabilities of its infantry units. Part of this procurement effort is motivated by the need to ensure that troops deployed in expeditionary duties are adequately kitted out. New Zealand has New Zealand High Medium-High recently started to implement its soldier survivability equipment program, which draws upon Australia’s Land 125 Phase 3B to supply plate carriers and webbing to its infantry forces. Future requirements are likely to center on C4I and while New Zealand is likely to look up to Australia for a solution, which could lead to acquire Elbit’s Dominator suite, there is room for other contenders to try a stake a claim to this market.

Oman has a relatively small professional army backed by a comparatively robust defense budget and is therefore expected to have growing demand for FSS equipment in coming years. Bordering Yemen and exposed to wider tensions in the region, Oman is expected Oman High Medium-High to invest in its infantry to maximize the capabilities of its constrained manpower. However, due to its limited experience in recent combat operations, this investment is likely to be an 'off the shelf' solution, procured from abroad as domestic industry is unlikely to be able to provide the required systems. This presents a relatively strong potential market for FSS opportunities.

Spending Forecast Country Analysis Category Group

The UAE operates a medium-sized well-equipped army, supported by significant investment in recent years. As COIN operations in Yemen have demonstrated, modernization efforts have seen some success but also highlighted limitations of current equipment. With the increasing requirement to perform actions outside its own borders, it is expected that the UAE will invest a significantly into FSS to United Arab High Medium-High enhance its troops’ combat effectiveness in the coming years. To address this requirement, it is expected that the UAE will seek to Emirates leverage its domestic industry, and to form partnerships with foreign providers for technology transfer. External suppliers may be able to leverage this to provide a range of services and equipment to the UAE in the short and medium term, as their high technology industry currently outstrips that of the UAE.

Algeria’s army is currently engaged in combating an Islamist insurgency and securing the country’s borders, with internal security forces facing combatants armed with small arms and IEDs. The Army consists of a large professional force, with a significant reserve, although the former is supported by conscription. The army totaling is anticipated to have a relatively high demand for FSS systems, although Algeria Medium Medium with political unrest and economic slowdown resulting from COVID-19, spending on these is expected to be considered a lower priority in the short term. However, by the mid 2020s Algeria could mature into a relatively large opportunity with the local defense industrial base expected to have relatively limited capabilities to meet the full range of FSS requirements expected for the most basic such as individual protection elements and small arms.

Bahrain’s Army is comprised of some 8,500 professional troops. Compared to other Gulf Nations, the Bahrain defense budget is relatively limited and unlike other service branches such as the Air Force which have benefited from a recent influx of new purchases of major weapon systems, the Army still relies on a range of ageing platforms such as M60A3 MBTs and M113 APCs as its main combat Bahrain Medium Medium systems. Given the need for Bahrain to maximize the capabilities of its small infantry force, FSS procurement is likely to be given consideration, although this will likely be afforded a lesser priority than the replacement of current MBTs, APCs and IFVs. It is likely that any FSS procurement effort will not be initiated until the mid-2020s. Suppliers likely to be considered should primarily include US and European ones, although Singapore and South Korea may act as aggressive outsiders.

Spending Forecast Country Analysis Category Group

Colombia operates a large army and marines corps totaling in excess of 175,000 men. The military plays a major role in domestic COIN and counter-narcotics operations. The Army is also one of the critical components of the deterrence against Venezuela. Colombia has a limited defense procurement budget, with most of its big-ticket equipment being acquired from the US through FMS and supplemented by donations. While there is a focus on improving individual soldiers’ capabilities starting with SOF personnel, Colombia is unlikely to Colombia Medium Medium implement a full blown FSS procurement program in the short-term and is instead likely to seek to acquire key items such as new communications and C2 solutions on a case-by-case basis. Potential for an integrated solution purchase is likely to increase only in the late 2020s provided the internal security situation stabilizes and Colombia reverts back to plans of strengthening expeditionary capabilities for a fraction of its elite Army and Marines units.

Estonia’s Army is manned by a small cadre of professional military personnel supplemented by conscripts undergoing military service. Comparatively large reserve forces can also be called upon to increase forces’ numbers. With concern of a potential Russian attack being the main driver for military modernization, Tallinn has spent the last few years investing in new IFVs, SPHs and ISR systems. Estonia Medium Medium Soldier modernization has not been neglected with the ongoing procurement of new small arms. While no FSS program has yet been launched, given the need for Estonia to maximize the combat capabilities and survivability of its limited manpower, there is a strong likelihood that FSS procurement will be given priority in coming years, either by launching a tailored program or joining an existing effort developed by another country.

Greece fields a comparatively large army and reserve force supported by a modest defense budget, the latter a consequence, in part of the acute financial crisis faced by the country over the past decade. Heightened tensions with Turkey have however prompted a reequipment effort as evidenced by the purchase of new Rafale fighters and an interest in the procurement of new frigates. Although major equipment has been the focus on this modernization drive, it is likely that demand for FSS elements should develop fast to ensure Greece Medium Medium-Low that infantry units continue to meet minimum NATO standards and are able to offer a realistic deterrent against the more numerous Turkish land forces. Body armor and networked capabilities/C2 are likely to be of high priority, along with cost effective enhancements to small arms such as optics and laser designators. Domestic industry is unlikely to be able to meet many of these requirements, resulting in many elements such as battle management software and small arms technology to be sourced abroad.

Spending Forecast Country Analysis Category Group

Hungary has made significant efforts in the past decades to modernize its army and bring it to NATO standards. This has not extended to a dedicated soldier modernization program. Recent investments in the procurement of major equipment such as armor, artillery and helicopters evidence a renewed emphasis on defense modernization which is likely to extend to individual soldiers’ equipment over Hungary Medium Medium coming years. Hungary is therefore likely to seek to procure FSS solutions in the short term, including networked C2 solutions, individual protection kit and optics/targeting aids. There is a strong likelihood of a preference for German-made solutions such as Rheinmetall’s Argus given recent Hungarian defense purchases.

Indonesia has a large professional army, supported by a relatively constrained defense budget. However, the country faces a range of threats, such as militant activity in the West Irian region and terrorist activity. Indonesia has organized its military to primarily support COIN operations, internal security and international peacekeeping. Interest in FSS solutions is expected to grow in tandem with a wider modernization of the Army and Marines equipment. Due to the limited funding available and the many requirements still to be tackled Indonesia Medium Medium there is a possibility that FSS procurement will likely extend first to special operation and elite units, such as the 12,000-strong KOPASSUS. The existing domestic defense industrial base is likely to be engaged to provide certain elements such as individual protection solutions and small arms with more advanced kit such as optics, communication systems and C2 elements to be sought from foreign suppliers, likely through partnerships with local companies.

Latvia operates a small but well-equipped volunteer force supported by several reserve units. Like the rest of the Baltic States, the country’s primary military concern is the latent threat of a Russian attack.A member of NATO, Latvia has invested in developing its military so that it can effectively delay a conventional offensive to allow for allied forces to intervene. Recent major purchases have Latvia Medium Medium included armored vehicles, helicopters and SPHs. Soldier modernization is also a priority as evidenced by the high quality of the equipment provided to the Latvian infantryman which includes H&K G36 assault rifles and modern modular body armor. Given the need to maximize the combat capabilities of its melee units, it is likely that Riga will consider procuring a full FSS solution over the next few years, likely partnering with other Baltic States or with a Scandinavian nation in the process.

Spending Forecast Country Analysis Category Group

Pakistan operates a large conscription-based army with large reserve forces. The military is routinely deployed domestically for policing actions. However, the army also has direct military roles, both in deterring its rival India and engaging Islamist militants in the north west regions of the country. Pakistan does have a conceptual FSS program, aiming to replace its legacy G3 rifle, and provide new capability Pakistan Medium Medium in the form of an infantry battle management system, body armor, weapons sights, laser designators and a soldier-based modular hub for further expansion. However due to the sheer size of the army, roll out of this program is expected to be limited to elite units in the short to midterm. Significant competition for elements can be expected from China, which has a long history of meeting Pakistani defense procurement needs.

Taiwan operates a fairly large army with 123,000 regular troops and over 1.5 million reservists supported by a comparatively modest defense budget. Although Taiwan's defense axis is primarily focused on the threat of invasion by China, there is significant demand for soldier modernization programs to ensure that its infantry units can counter a potential PLA invasion. To support this, it is expected that Taiwan Medium Medium Taiwan should acquire FSS elements in the coming decades, with body armor and networked capabilities likely to be of high priority, along with cost effective enhancements to small arms such as optics and laser designators. The domestic industry is likely to be able to meet some of these requirements, although some elements such as battle management software are likely to be sourced from abroad

Thailand fields a large conscription-based army, which is routinely deployed domestically for policing actions as well as being engaged in COIN operations in the South of the country. Thailand has a future soldier program, named SFT 21, although details have yet to Thailand Medium Medium emerge. The limited domestic industrial capabilities should favor foreign providers although the ability to partner with local companies could be beneficial.

Spending Forecast Country Analysis Category Group

Turkey fields a large conventional army, which it is attempting to modernize at a rapid pace. Turkey's threat axis includes Kurdish militant groups as well as Islamist militant groups in Syria. Tensions with Greece and Cyprus have also heightened while Turkish forces must also contend with ongoing deployments in Libya and Somalia. Turkey’s military modernization efforts have included significant Turkey Medium Medium investment in infantry capabilities, with domestic firm ASELSAN attempting to market a wide range of capabilities to the Turkish army. As a result of recent combat operations, demand for FSS solutions is high, with the potential for a unified upgrade program in the near future. Addressability of this market by external suppliers is rated as a medium due to the domestic industry's capabilities.

Vietnam operates a large conscript army with massive reserves funded by a comparatively constrained defense budget. Vietnam's threat axis focuses on its border with China and dispute over territory in the South China Sea. Current equipment is largely dated and includes elements that were sourced from the United States by South Vietnam before being taken over by the current regime. Vietnam is likely to gradually seek to increase the capabilities of its individual soldiers as evidenced by purchases of Israeli small arms and optics Vietnam Low Medium in the past decade. The purchase of FSS solutions, beginning with improved individual protections and C2 elements is anticipated to take place in coming years. However, with only limited domestic capabilities available for FSS development and production, funding permitting, Vietnam could be a market of significance for foreign suppliers with Israeli companies expected to be among the leading contenders.

Spending Forecast Country Analysis Category Group

Brunei operates a token volunteer army of 3,000 professional troops and no reserve formations. The budget for this force is respectable however, as the government provides significant funding from its oil exports. The country’s threat axis is minimal, with good relations Brunei Medium Medium-Low with neighboring states and little domestic unrest. With regards FSS capability, Brunei, while being able to fund a fairly sophisticated FSS program has not proceeded with any plans in this field ahead, likely due to a lack of pressing operational requirement. The purchase of FSS technologies, such as networked C2 solutions may still take place in coming years though.

With the end of the war in the former Yugoslavia and entry into NATO and the EU, Croatia has significantly reduced its military manpower, also slashing defense spending to little over 1.2% of GDP.A lack of existential conventional threat has played a major part in postponing multiple major procurements, notably new transport aircraft and fighters. Current spending is now focused on addressing Croatia Medium Medium-Low these requirements. These priorities coupled to persisting budget constraints, and fairly recent efforts to improve soldiers’ weaponry with new VHS assault rifles and individual equipment (uniforms, body armor, boots) make the potential procurement of an FSS solution in the short term unlikely. It is possible that some items such as new communications and C2 solutions may be sought beyond the mid-2020s though.

Ireland operates a small but well-equipped all-volunteer force. Lacking any existential conventional threat, it focuses instead on supporting UN peacekeeping and humanitarian deployments and has made investments in recent years towards providing its infantry forces with quality individual equipment. No dedicated FSS program has been put in place though and it appears unlikely that such an Ireland Medium Medium-Low approach will be pursued in the coming years. Instead, Ireland will likely carry out a gradual modernization and replacement of specific items such as assault rifles and individual communications systems.A requirement for a platoon or section-level C4I solution may emerge beyond the mid-2020s though. Given Ireland’s history of procuring European military systems, it is likely that providers from this region of the world will be prioritized when considering any potential FSS-linked need.

Spending Forecast Country Analysis Category Group

Mexico operates a large all-volunteer army which is primarily committed to internal security and counter-narcotics duties.A small elite Marine Infantry force is also committed to similar duties and is noteworthy for being generally better equipped at the individual level than the Army. Mexico has a limited defense budget available which is unlikely to see any notable increase over the next five years. Procurement funds have been cut by the current government and as a result both big ticket items such as aircraft or armored vehicles Mexico Medium Medium-Low as well as smaller equipment, including small arms are unlikely to be acquired in any notable quantity until 2024. Limited potential exists for FSS procurement after 2024 for Army and Navy SOF units, which could translate in demand for less than 10,000 individual systems, with a focus on platoon to section level C2 systems as well as weapons optics. Lack of a domestic industry with the capability to fully develop and produce such systems means that foreign providers would likely be in a privileged position to meet this requirement.

Morocco’s army is currently focused on deterring Algeria, its historical rival, while maintaining an uneasy status-quo with Western Sahara forces and securing its borders against a potential spillover of the islamist insurgency affecting other countries in the Sahara region. The Army consists of a large conscript-based force totaling over 175,000. It is anticipated to have a growing demand for FSS Morocco Medium Medium-Low solutions, although with a focus on major equipment purchases soldier-centric equipment procurement is unlikely to be a short-term priority. Demand for FSS solutions is likely to primarily center on optics and individual C2 elements for special forces and elite units with a wider distribution of these not expected even in the medium term. The very limited local defense industrial base is unlikely to be able to respond to these needs, making foreign suppliers the only option.

Slovakia has undertaken a wide-ranging modernization of its army over the past three decades in a bid to align it with NATO standards. With the significant scaling back of manpower and the end of conscription in the post-cold war era as a consequence of the nation's threat axis softening, Slovakia had sought to enhance its infantry capabilities with the Prokrocily Individualny Bojovy System, which was Slovakia Medium Medium-Low to support new body armor, uniform, night vision devices small arms and weapon attachments. However, this program was suspended in 2017 due to budget constraints. It is likely that it will be resurrected in a more modest form in the coming decade. Focus will likely primarily center on C2 solutions at the platoon and section level and preference may be given to an off-the-shelf solution to reduce costs.

Spending Forecast Country Analysis Category Group

Romania has made efforts in the past decades to modernize its army and align it with NATO standards. With the scaling back of manpower and end of conscription in the post-cold war era, Romania has sought to enhance its infantry capabilities with the Romanian Individual Fighting System (RIFS) program, which includes new body armor, radios, uniform, night vision devices and weapon Romania Medium Low attachments. The goal of this program is to provide the army with a modern, C4ISTAR networked force able to integrate at all levels with enhanced operational efficiency. The program is currently underway with new rifle, body armor and night vision devices being selected and production underway. The C4ISTAR element is undergoing trials and is expected to be deployed in the coming years. This market can be currently assessed as saturated, as with the upcoming completion of the RIFS, current needs are met.

Serbia has made significant efforts in the past decades to modernize its army and turn it into a smaller yet more capable and professional force than it was in the post-Yugoslavia days. Since 1999, the country has faced few major conventional threats and the post-Milosevic era has been marked by a drop in defense investment which was only reversed in recent years. While Belgrade has shown strong interest in soldier modernization, it remains unclear to date whether it has formally committed to the domestic VB-10 Serbia Medium Low program developed and managed by Yugoimport SDPR. The system is known to have been tested by Serbia’s military and some elements of it are understood to have be selected for adoption though. The VB-10 provides enhanced battle management and C3 capabilities down to the infantry level, along with a new service rifle and body armor. While adoption of the full system may have yet to take place, it is unlikely that Serbia will consider sourcing an FSS solution from abroad, making it a closed market for all intents and purposes.

For more information, please contact:

Erwan de Cherisey Senior Consultant [email protected]

Inigo Guevara Managing Director / Consulting [email protected]