64 · MT 5/2022 Industrial Focus of the programme, and enhancement of Polish shipbuilding capability, to deliver the vessel to schedule. Earlier this year, Babcock was selected as platform design provider and technology partner for the programme, supporting the PGZ-MIECZNIK consortium to build three Arrowhead 140 frigates in Polish yards. The programme will draw significantly from Polish suppliers and Babcock’s global supply chain. The Class Design contract is key to supporting maturity of the Miecznik frigate and the provision of a design documentation package to PGZ for submission to the Classification Authority. This will drive forward the next stage of the engineering process, and support the programme to achieve cutting steel for the first vessel next year. Under the TOKAT framework contract, Babcock will share technology, engineering expertise and industry know-how with PGZ SA, PGZ SW and Remontowa Ship Building, aiming to help transform their shipyards. The cooperation will include human resources development and staff training, support in infrastructure upgrades planning and the implementation of tools and technologies. “Our work in Poland builds on the shared interests of the NATO countries. Babcock will deliver first-class frigates that will contribute significantly to the sovereign defence capability in Poland,” commented Babcock CEO, David Lockwood. Earlier this year, Babcock supported the establishment of a new PGZ project management office in Gdynia that will oversee delivery of the programme. Kraken and Dillon Aero Partner on K50 Weaponisation Kraken Technology Group and Dillon Aero have partnered to integrate the M134DMinigun on the K50 KRAKENmaritime gunship, the companies announced on 13 September. Currently employed by all branches of the US military and in over 30 countries, Dillon’s M134D Minigun is an extremely reliable weapon, given its capacity, simplicity in loading and ease of maintenance. Designed for speed and accuracy, the M134D is a true force multiplier and ideal for the operational requirements of the K50 KRAKEN which includes close proximity maritime engagement. Dillon’s M134D will combine with systems from recently announced partners Thales and MSI-DS, to ensure all K50 KRAKEN effectors are fully systems-integrated, CMS-led and precisely-aimed for maximum operational efficacy in its maritime precision engagement role. “The iconic M134D Minigun has been linked to maritime platforms but never a boat like the K50 KRAKEN. Its legendary firepower is a key ingredient in this definitive maritime precision engagement platform, and our technical collaboration with Dillon Aero will be another critical addition to the focussed effectiveness of the KRAKEN gunship,” commented Mal Crease, Kraken’s CEO. “We’ve not seen anything like the K50 before, and setting new benchmarks in firepower for ultra-high-performance boats is something we’re excited being a part of,” added Dillon Aero’s International Business Development Manager, Randy Nance. Thailand has significant competence in vehicle production […] This project embodies the policy of the Thai government to promote local production, at the highest level, with a platform that represents the most technologically advanced combat capability. It will provide the Royal Thai Armed Forces with the ability to address the ever challenging combat environment. Paramount Group believes in Thailand as an export producer as witnessed today with the hand-over of the first Thai-assembled platform,” commented Jatunapas CEO, Ploynapas Chaiyasree. “Southeast Asia is primed for strong growth in the defence and security industry, however the region has not been immune to the continued constraints on global supply chains among the economic aftershocks of the COVID-19 pandemic. An indigenous defence manufacturing supply chain is uniquely critical to both the ASEAN economy and Thailand’s national security, ensuring readiness in the face of known and unknown threats, while emboldening a sustainable life cycle of high-skills economic growth in the process,” added Eric Ichikowitz, Paramount Group SVP. “We are privileged to partner with DTI and Jatunapas to bolster local manufacturing capabilities through the production of the formidable Mbombe 4. We are looking forward to building this partnership and that with the Thai government, from this milestone.” The Mbombe 4’s continued expansion into the Asia-Pacific marketplace and beyond emphasises the success of the Paramount Grouppioneered portable manufacturing model. “With more than 150 vehicles either being manufactured or on order for delivery or deployment across Africa, Asia and around the world, this announcement in Thailand is an important next step in the Mbombe’s continued expansion, and a testament to the innovative partnerships that we have fostered to the benefit of our partner nations’ respective defence industrial complexes. We are pleased to say that the Mbombe 4 is ready for production in Thailand as of today,” Ichikowitz stated. The Mbombe family of combat vehicles has been designed to directly address the increasing demand for outstanding protection yet versatility in conventional and asymmetric warfare, counter terrorism, and peacekeeping missions alike. Manufactured with a distinct clean-sheet design, while equipped with the latest technologies mission-critical to address the challenges of the modern battlefield, the Mbombe 4 provides high degrees of both ballistic and mine protection (e.g., crew compartment STANAG 4569-Level 3, blast protection STANAG 4569-Level 4a & 4b, protections recognised under a NATO standardisation agreement that institutes world-leading benchmarks for occupant security) alongside independently verified protections against a 50kg TNT side blast or roadside bomb. The vehicle’s newly tested and certified add-on armour and lightweight shielding system developed by Paramount Group further increases the Mbombe 4’s protection to cover all Level 3 threats within NATO STANAG 4569, in doing so, offering some of the highest levels of protection that can be achieved globally by an armoured vehicle in its class. Despite such world-class protections, the 16t Mbombe 4 provides incredible versatility, a burst speed of 140km/hr, the ability to scale gradients at a 60% incline and a fording depth of up to 900mm, which can be executed without preparation. The platform notably hosts industry-distinct flat floor mine protections and a rear-door ramp design which ensures the rapid deployment of the crew while the vehicle is either static or on the move. It can also be equipped with various weapon systems and loaded with ammunition, crew, and supplies. MSPO 2022: Further Miecznik Programme Contracts for Babcock Babcock has secured two further contracts for Poland’s Miecznik (Swordfish) frigate programme, the company announced on 7 September, during MSPO. The Class Design Contract and the Transfer of Knowledge & Skills (TOKAT) framework agreement respectively support further development A rendering of an Arrowhead 140 in Polish service. (Photo: Babcock)
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