Industrial Focus MT 2/2022 · 63 the Danish Army [is] equipped with the market-leading, flexible training solutions and required training capability. Our training solutions will enable them to train fully deployable at the point-of-need, and as close to reality as possible, while remaining fully interoperable with other nations,” says Åsa Thegström, head of Saab’s business unit Training & Simulation. “This solution will enhance our training capability and secure our longterm possibility to train our forces, within as well as across borders, with our allied nations for a long time going forward. It will also ensure immediate feedback and integration of the various entities on the battlefield, providing exercises with full realism and maximised training effect. It is very important for us that the full integration and interoperability with the current vehicle systems already in use relies on the supplier of the system enabling the full operational use domestically and abroad,” adds René Ulbjerg Toft, Deputy Technical Director, Command Support, DALO. Turkey to Deliver First Kaplan MTs to Indonesia Turkey’s FNSS Savunma Sistemleri announced on 15 March that it will soon deliver the first batch of Kaplan MT/Harimau tanks to the Indonesian Army (TNI-AD), marking the platform’s first export. The Ankara-based company confirmed recent completion of serial production of the tanks as part of an agreement signed at IDEF 2019 in Istanbul. The deal envisages manufacturing an initial 18 Kaplan MTs for the TNI-AD, 10 of which are being produced in Turkey, with the remaining eight to be manufactured by PT Pindad in Indonesia under a technology transfer. Photographs taken during a recent factory visit by representatives of PT Pindad, the Indonesian MoD, and the TNI-AD show that the company has already built at least eight Kaplans. These are now set to be shipped to Indonesia for turret assembly and subsequent delivery to the Indonesian Army, which has designated the tank the Harimau (Tiger). The TNI-AD has already trialled two prototypes of the 30t platform, and has a requirement for about 400 Harimaus to replace its depleted fleets of French-made AMX-13 light tanks, which originally numbered more than 300. Developed jointly by FNSS and PT Pindad, the tank is fitted with a CMI Defence Cockerill 3105 turret, mounting a high-pressure 105mm gun with a 12-round automatic loader. As secondary armament, it mounts a 7.62mm or 12.7mm coaxial machinegun, as well as smoke grenade launchers. Mine and ballistic protection to STANAG 4569 is provided, and the vehicle reaches a 70km/h top speed. The platform also features day and thermal cameras for the driver, a multi-functional digital driver dashboard, and a third-generation, high-performance sight system for gunner and commander. In addition, battlefield management and laser warning systems are available to provide tactical and situational awareness. Lastly, anti-jamming systems for multiple platforms are set to be developed under the ‘Make-II’ category, which is funded by industry with assured procurement once the platform has been listed. The MoD stated these projects, meant to reduce India’s dependence on importing foreign defence equipment, will “help harness the design capabilities of domestic defence industry and position India as a design leader in these technologies”. Beretta Holding Agrees to Acquisition of RUAG Ammotec Beretta Holding announced on 9 March it has entered into a binding agreement to acquire 100% of RUAG Ammotec. The parties have agreed not to disclose the financial terms of the transaction, completion of which will be subject to normal regulatory approval and closing conditions and which is expected to be completed within six months. “This is a very special moment in the history of our Group. We warmly welcome the more than 2,700 employees of RUAG Ammotec to our Group, having worked almost three years on this project,” stated Pietro Gussalli Beretta, President and CEO of Beretta Holding. During that period, there has been clear recognition of the excellent cultural fit between the two organisations, and that RUAG Ammotec has a strong, experienced and competent management team in place. “We have the firearms and the optics, RUAG Ammotec has the ammo – there is almost no overlap, explained Beretta”. There are also strong synergies in R&D and distribution, which will lead to strengthening the enlarged group’s European business and further develop its global footprint. “This new addition to our group will add a substantial number of high-end brands to our existing portfolio of premium brands,” Beretta added. As requested by the Swiss government, Beretta commits to maintaining the existing locations and has specifically agreed to maintaining 400 jobs at the Thun facility for at least five years, according to a RUAG statement. From a RUAG International perspective, the sale of the Ammotec division fits perfectly with its evolving strategy of becoming an agile technology provider with a focus on space. “We are taking the next step to withdraw from the defence-related business completely. We are pleased to have found a renowned industrial partner for Ammotec in Beretta, who will take over all employees and the Thun site. With its industry experience and global presence, Beretta offers the best conditions to sustainably grow Ammotec’s business activities for the benefit of customers and employees,” explained André Wall, RUAG International CEO. Beretta has been family-owned for nearly 500 years – since Mastro Bartolomeo Beretta was commissioned to provide arquebus barrels for the Venice Arsenal in 1526. Post acquisition, Beretta Holding Group will encompass some 6,000 employees and will have revenues of approx. €1.5 billion. It will add five manufacturing sites and 16 new companies in 12 countries, meaning there will be over 50 subsidiaries worldwide. Denmark Selects Saab Live Training Systems Saab and the Danish MoD Acquisition and Logistics Organisation (DALO) are entering into a 15-year Framework Agreement for live training solutions, with an option for a further 5 years. The potential order value is approximately DKK550 ($81.6 million) over that period. The agreement will enable the Danish armed forces to place orders for all necessary equipment for Saab’s live training solutions to establish a Mobile Exercise Control (EXCON). It also covers onsite support, service, spare parts, repair and education. The aim is to enable the Danish Army to conduct live training exercises in which the weapons effect will have a realistic, simulated impact on manoeuvres to boost the Army’s training. “This agreement will ensure that An initial quantity of Kaplan MTs, built in Turkey, will shortly be making their way to Indonesia. (Photo: FNSS)
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTM5Mjg=