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07 February 2014

DEFEXPO 2014: Seen and Heard on Day Two

At DEFEXPO 2014, PHOTONIS, a world leader in Image Intensifier Tubes displays its ITAR free, Auto-gated XR-5, XD4 and ONYX (Black and white) options on stand 7A.4.

Visitors to the stand are able to discover and learn all about the advantages of PHOTONIS’ Image Intensifier Tubes, and experience, in real-time and extreme darkness conditions, the NOCTURN Uncooled Compact Extreme Low Light Camera in the Night Vision demonstration unit.

The NOCTURN camera is ideal for 24/7 surveillance across dynamic lighting conditions and can be integrated in autonomous systems, such as UAVs, UGS, and UGVs. It can be used perfectly as vehicle protection and navigation, unmanned remote post CCTV and man-portable systems where SWaP is critical.

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Airborne Systems displays its Guided Precision Aerial Delivery Systems (GPADS) at booth 14.14.3.
The GPADS, which includes MICROFLY, FIREFLY® and 1T FF, are capable of carrying an operational payload range from 200–2,200lb (90–998kg) and require only the impact coordinates and rigged weight to provide precision cargo delivery from high altitude.

Airborne Systems is a technological leader in precision aerial delivery as evidenced by FIREFLY and DRAGONFLY being adopted by the US Army for its JPADS 2K and JPADS 10K Programmes of Record.

Also on display is the RA-1 advanced ram-air parachute system. This system has received type classification by the US DoD and utilises the INTRUDER canopy.

In 2014, the US DoD will begin fielding the RA-1 parachute system to the U.S. Army, Air Force and Navy.

Other items on display include the T-11 troop personnel parachute; and other HAHO equipment such as the Special Operations Long Range Oxygen Supply 3,000 psig (SOLR 3000) that offers 60% more oxygen capacity than the PHAOS; and the Parachutist High Altitude Thermal Suit (PHATS) – a complete thermal management suit that is lightweight, breathable, windproof and water repellent to protect against extreme cold temperatures during HAHO jumps.

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BAE Systems unveiled its new Q-WARRIOR helmet-mounted display (HMD) at DEFEXPO 2014.

The Q-WARRIOR HMD is for the dismounted soldier and Q-SIGHT HMD for the new-age pilot, both providing mission-critical situational awareness. Adding muscle will be the Striker Helmet for both fixed- and rotary-wing platforms. The company displays its wide range of artillery products, having special focus on the M777 ultra-light field howitzer and Mk45 Naval Gun system. For quite a while, the company has been supporting a potential Foreign Military Sale (FMS) of these howitzers to India that is highly portable by land, sea and air and features a minimal logistical footprint alongside maximum reliability. The Mk45 is, according to BAE Systems, the most compact 127mm fully automated naval gun with a successful and proven track record of service in the naval fleets of Australia, Denmark, Greece, New Zealand, Spain, Thailand, and Turkey and is co-produced indigenously in South Korea and Japan.

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In a bid to showcase its prowess in defence vehicles once again, Polaris India, a wholly owned subsidiary of Polaris Industries, is showcasing its thrilling range of Polaris Defence vehicles. The models on display are  the RZR SW, the SPORTSMAN MV 850 and the WIDETRAK LX (Snowmobile).

The RZR SW comes with a powerful 800cc twin EFI engine which cranks out 55HP and a top speed of 109kph. An on-demand All Wheel Drive (AWD) engages all four tires when the rear wheel slips and forward traction is required, making it ideal for slippery and hard to manoeuvre terrains.

The SPORTSMAN MV comes with a powerful 850cc 4-stroke SOHC Twin Cylinder Gas Engine that cranks out 77hp. It has the capacity to carry 91kg of gear on the front rack and up to 181kg of gear on the back.

The WIDETRAK LX is purpose-built to tow, haul and get to where the work needs to be done. Full featured sleds with Hi-Low transmissions, cargo racks, reverse and of course, like the name says, an extra wide track.

Speaking about Polaris India participation in the DEFEXPO 2014, Pankaj Dubey, Managing Director, Polaris India, said, “DEFEXPO is an ideal opportunity for us to showcase our line of Defence vehicles. Our military vehicles over the years have received an overwhelming response all over the world. RZR S 800 model, in India is currently being used by the Gujarat Police and we have received very positive feedback regarding the utility of our vehicles. Polaris vehicles are sturdy, reliable and effective over the toughest of terrains. Our vehicles can be used in beach patrolling, dense forest, marshy land, rocky and desert terrain. Defence Expo is an opportunity for us to demonstrate to key decision makers in Defence and other security forces, the range of Polaris ATVs and ORVs unmatched ruggedness and versatility in harsh, hostile and demanding conditions.”

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Tata Motors, one of the largest vehicle mobility solutions providers to the Indian Armed Forces, displays a new specialty vehicle, WHAP (Wheeled Armoured Amphibious Platform) and LAMV (Light Armoured Multipurpose Vehicles).

The company has also secured an order worth Rs220 crore to export 520 special military vehicles for the UN-funded peace-keeping force in West Africa. The vehicles are currently going through prototyping, validation and testing with deliveries to start by May-June this year.

Tata Motors’ Vice-President, Defence and Government Business, Vernon Noronha, said, “The 520 special military vehicles include ambulances, jeeps, water and fuel tankers, recovery trucks, and refrigeration trucks with 6x6 and 4x4 configuration with left-hand drive and air-conditioned cabins.

Tata Motors, which has been supplying vehicles to India’s Armed Forces since the last six decades, is now focusing on modernisation and system upgradation of mobility platforms while moving from being a logistics supports vehicles provider to combat vehicles players.

The Wheeled Armoured Amphibious Platform, developed along with the DRDO, is powered by a 591bhp engine coupled with automatic transmission and is a modular vehicle with interchangeable snap-in modules. “The vehicle is almost ready and we are waiting for DRDO to start the testing and validation at their facility. Once the trial results come, we hope the government will place an order for these vehicles soon,” said Noronha.

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Rockwell Collins is showcasing a broad range of proven, open and interoperable communications and avionics solutions for land, air and sea at DEFEXPO India 2014.

Making its debut at DEFEXPO is the next generation TALON RT-8400 international software defined radio (SDR), the Patrol Persistent Surveillance System, and the HELISURE family of products.

These products demonstrate how Rockwell Collins is constantly innovating to bring increased capability to our military customers,” said Ram Prasad, Managing Director of Rockwell Collins India. “We believe these solutions have a direct application to India’s current and future military needs and we look forward to demonstrating their value at DEFEXPO.”

The TALON RT-8400 international SDR represents the next generation programmable software defined radio, providing fully exportable secure communications.

The HELISURE family of products provides helicopter pilots with unprecedented situational awareness to help them meet the challenges of flying in an increasingly congested and hazard-filled airspace.

The Patrol Persistent Surveillance System is made up of a meshed network of unattended ground sensors and video cameras that monitor movement, sound and vibration. Alarms from the system are relayed to an operator console and are displayed on a digital map system.

The Rockwell Collins exhibit (Hall 14, Exhibit 12, USA Pavilion) features a series of product demonstrations that reflect the company’s expansive offerings for its customers in India and around the globe.

Other exhibit highlights include:

Pro Line Fusion - The integrated avionics system for both commercial and military aircraft provides feature-rich capabilities while keeping crew and passengers safe.

SATCOM systems – Rockwell Collins offers full-service design, development, integration, test, manufacturing, installation and life-cycle support for sophisticated commercial and military SATCOM solutions.

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Bharat Electronic Limited (BEL) showcases its R&D capabilities at DEFEXPO 2014, displaying latest products and systems.

On display are BEL’s latest systems and products developed in-house and jointly with the DRDO. The highlight is the network centric warfare (NCW) systems developed indigenously. NCW solutions for the Indian Navy include combat management systems, which automate tactical data from the ship's sensors to provide decision support to the ship's command. The composite communication system, an IP-based new-generation voice, data and video integrated system, is also on show.

Furthermore, BEL's booth also features key elements developed for use in various C4I systems catering to all the three services - like computing elements in various forms, right from wrist-wearable computers, hand-held computers and tablet PC to rugged laptop; communication equipment such as software defined radios (SDR) in different variants, and advanced interoperability communication systems.

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Thales has been operating in India since 1953 and is recognised as a trusted partner of the Indian Army, Air Force and Navy.

Thales is showcasing its capabilities in a number of areas such as advanced air defence, C4I solutions, land and naval communications, optronics, underwater warfare, electronic warfare (EW)

Thales delivers a fully integrated air defence capability, from radars and C2 centres through to effectors and their respective fire control systems. Thales’s Advanced Air Defence offering is an integrated set of solutions designed to ensure timely decision-making and effective responses for the protection of military forces, key assets, nations and citizens around the globe. The SAMP/T theatre anti-missile system, the RAPID range of weapon systems, missiles and some other air defence systems are presented at DEFEXPO.

Thales as lead system integrator, provides interoperable, secure and critical C4ISR (Computerised, Command, Control, Communications, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance) systems for information superiority in the digitised battlespace, in order to support commander’s decisions-making process for Commander and Crew, at tactical operational level for Defence and Army forces. The NORMANS dismounted close combat system is on display on Thales’s stand.

Thales offers a broad array of communication products and solutions to provide the Armed Forces with the information superiority and network-centric capabilities they need. Thales offers interoperable systems and a complete range of tactical radios for all levels of command, from C2 centres to infantry in the field and for land, air and naval platforms, to meet the requirements for air-to-air, ground-to-air and surface-to-air communications. A wide range of communications for land and naval forces are exhibited at the Thales stand.

Thales is a pioneer in optronic equipment and systems, with thousands of products in service in more than 60 countries. Working closely with its partners and end users, Thales draws on a range of advanced optronics technologies to develop imaging and image processing solutions tailored to the precise requirements of each customer. At DEFEXPO, Thales showcases thermal imagers, surveillance systems, goggles and cameras.

Thales designs and delivers acoustic systems for anti-submarine warfare and anti-mine warfare. Thales’s solutions are suitable for all types of platforms: submarines, surface combatants, helicopters, maritime patrol aircraft and unmanned naval systems.

Thales has been a supplier of electronic warfare systems for more than 50 years, and at the forefront of electronic warfare technologies for airborne, land and naval platforms. At DEFEXPO, Thales showcases several systems tailored to the exact requirements of system users in terms of mission profiles and operational environments. Thales’s technologies in the combat aircraft, surveillance radars, rockets and surface attack systems domains are also presented on the stand.

We are extremely delighted to showcase our full strength at DEFEXPO this year. Since fast growing markets like India form a key part of our renewed global strategy, DEFEXPO 2014 will provide an excellent platform for networking and knowledge sharing with our customers, both existing and potential, government representatives, partners and industry experts. We have always endeavoured to partner with the Indian industry and provide long term support for our products. We continually seek to bolster our presence here and propose products that are specially adapted to the specific needs of our customers in the land, air, naval and civil security domains. We, at Thales, are sure that DEFEXPO 2014 will prove to be a worthwhile opportunity for us,” explained Eric Lenseigne, Thales Country Director for India.

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In hall 12, booth 12.8 DCNS’ highlights include the Indian Navy’s SCORPENE SSK, the MISTRAL-class LHD, the FREMM frigates together with the BARRACUDA SSN, BRAVE, a future Aircraft Carrier design, and DCNS’ services solutions.

SCORPENE submarine (Photo: DCNS)

At the centre of the focus, the SCORPENE submarine, which Mazagon Dock Limited (MDL) is producing under transfer of technology (ToT) from DCNS is displayed. MDL has successfully absorbed TOT for hull manufacturing. The hulls of the six submarines are completed. The outfitting of these hull sections is now progressing as per schedule. The First of Class P75 built by MDL should be ready to start harbour tests and sea trials as per schedule indicated by MDL. The first SCORPENE submarine is to be commissioned in 2015. At DEFEXPO, DCNS’ local presence is strong with DCNS India representatives explaining the successful indigenisation for the P75 programme in India.

DEFEXPO is a very important platform for DCNS to showcase the services we can provide to our Customers through genuine transfer of technology", said Bernard Buisson, Managing Director of DCNS India. “DCNS India set up a dedicated indigenisation programme as part of the transfer of technology (ToT) agreement with Indian naval shipbuilder Mazagon Dock Limited (MDL). It received the prestigious ‘Excellence in Indigenous Technology’ award at Aerospace and Defence Awards 2013.

The DCNS booth showcases:
The SCORPENE Family SSKs: Already chosen by the Chilean, Royal Malaysian, Indian, and Brazilian Navies, SCORPENE-Family submarines represent the state-of-the-art in submarine design and construction and benefits from the latest technologies developed for nuclear-powered classes operated by the French Navy, particularly as regards acoustic discretion and combat system performance. At DEFEXPO, the SCORPENE is presented with its SUBTICS combat system and its optional MESMA AIP section.

SUBTICS combines long-range capabilities in all navigation conditions with powerful weapons (torpedoes, anti-ship missile, counter-measures, land-attack capability). As a fully-integrated system, all functions are operated from Multifunction Common Consoles and its open architecture and modularity guarantee that the system can be adapted to every type of submarines and configured according to operational requirements. It can also be upgraded during its lifetime to fulfil new missions and keep its operational superiority.

The BARRACUDA SSN: A state of the art nuclear submarine for the French Navy dedicated to deal with an ever-growing array of challenges. The BARRACUDA is designed to undertake blue-water missions anywhere in the world; and to do so either alone or as part of a naval force. The first-of-class SSN SUFFREN is scheduled to start sea trials early 2016. Six BARRACUDAs will replace the six RUBIS/AMÉTHYSTE-class boats currently in service.

FREMM multimission frigate: FREMM frigates are among the most technologically advanced surface combatants available on the market. First of Class AQUITAINE was delivered to the French Navy at the end of 2012 and the second for the Royal Moroccan Navy was delivered few days ago. Five frigates are currently under construction in Lorient shipyard (Brittany). FREMM frigate NORMANDIE, the follow-on ship was launched at the end of last year. Several sea trials of the ship’s propulsion and navigation systems were performed with the end-user and the combat system sea trials are currently under way.

BRAVE: The BRAVE support vessel is DCNS’s response to emerging logistic support needs identified by many navies. The ship is ideal for the underway replenishment of all types of products (dry cargo, fuel & other liquids and munitions), to provide logistic support for naval forces and to store and deliver all types of payloads, including dangerous substances.

The MISTRAL-class LHD: MISTRAL-class LHD offers a global projection capability for troops and materiel with ample capacity as a hospital ship or for large-scale humanitarian-aid operations. Three MISTRAL-class LHD are in service in the French Navy and similar ships are currently under way for an export Navy customer. The ship has a length of 19 m, a displacement of 21,500t and the design features electric propulsion using azimuth pods and high-level automation compatible with a complement of just 170. High-performance communications suite, 3D surveillance radar and a modern Combat System are some of the key capabilities available on this ship able to act as a naval force command vessel

The Evolved Aircraft Carrier (DEAC): Providing power projection, sea control and air defence and based on French Navy CVN CHARLES DE GAULLE’s combat proven design and aviation system, the DEAC is compatible with all CTOL aircrafts (including Airborne Early Warning aircraft) and features the latest technologies including cutting-edge Combat System (SETIS), UAV integration, advanced conventional propulsion and state-of-the-art platform stabilisation system (SATRAP/COGITE). In addition to the design, DCNS offers customised transfer of technology, material packages, dedicated infrastructures development (i.e. naval base and construction/maintenance shipyard) as well as life support solutions.

Integrated solutions underwater systems
CONTRALTO/CANTO: The new-generation torpedo defence system has been especially designed in order to face the most advanced torpedoes which combine intelligence and endurance, while remaining efficient against older torpedoes. Based on the concept of dilution/confusion, CONTRALTO/CANTO is available for surface vessel and submarine. It can be readily incorporated into new-build designs or added to existing ships as part of a refit or modernisation programme. DCNS is delivering this torpedo counter measures (TCM) to the French Navy and to the Brazilian Navy as well.

The MU90 lightweight torpedo: The MU90 is the sole new lightweight torpedo in the world. Designed and built with the most advanced technologies, the MU90 torpedo is capable to counter any type of submarine even acoustically coated, deep diving, fast evasive, deploying anti-torpedo effectors or bottomed in littoral areas. The MU90 torpedo is in service in Australia, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, and Poland, and has been ordered again in 2013.

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The Israeli Pavillion:

Accubeat, specialising in highly accurate tailor-made Rubidium and OCXO technology based frequency and timing solutions for the aerospace, defence and communications industries, is unveiling its new Rubidium Accurate Time frequency centre.

Beth El Industries is presenting its CBRN Air filtration systems for vehicles, mobile shelters, ships, tents, and bomb shelters.

Camero-Tech, a world leader and pioneer of radar-based Through Wall systems, presents the latest advanced technologies.

Controp, specialising in the development and production of electro-optical and precision motion control systems, is unveiling new solutions for unmanned vehicles and border control.

DSIT Solutions, specialising in sonar and acoustic solutions for the naval, HLS and commercial markets, is showcasing its family of underwater security systems.

ESC-BAZ develops and manufactures cost-effective Video Surveillance and Observation systems, and defence and security communication technologies for military, police, and law enforcement organisations. The company announces a launch of new surveillance and reconnaissance systems.

Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), a globally recognised leader in development and production of commercial and military aerospace and defence systems, showcases its unique solutions, in air, space, sea, land and the cyber realm.

Israel Weapon Industries (IWI) is presenting its family of assault rifles, sniper rifles and the legendary UZI SMG for military and security forces.

Meprolight presents its portfolio of thermal, night vision and electro-optical solutions.

Opgal Optronic Industries, a leading global provider of innovative infrared imaging solutions, advanced vision and surveillance solutions highlights its cooled cameras and thermal core solutions.

Persys Medical, an international company specialising in lifesaving and emergency medical devices for military, law enforcement, disaster preparedness, SAR and more, is presenting some solutions for the first time at this event.

Peryphon Development designs and manufactures military and defence communication solutions for naval, aerial and ground forces and is presenting for the first time at the event its solution for noise analyses.

Plasan, recognised as a global leading industry and supplier of innovative solutions, is presenting its unique armour kit and a wide range of customised, passive survivability solutions for tactical wheeled vehicles, aircraft, naval platforms, civilian armoured vehicles, and personal protection.

Rafael Advanced Defense Systems develops and produces state-of-the-art armaments for the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and Israel’s defence system, is presenting its range of EW, C4I and armour and precision-guided weapon systems.

SCD is a leading developer and manufacturer of a full spectrum of cooled and uncooled infrared detectors and laser diodes.

Seraphim Optronics specialises in electro-optical systems for covert surveillance in defence, paramilitary and civilians markets and is highlighting its ROSS –( Remote Observation Sensor System), the newest member of its family of Unattended Ground Covert Imaging Surveillance solution.

TAR Ideal Concepts offers innovative solutions in the areas of critical infrastructure and border protection, urban management, cyber security, transportation, law enforcement, and natural disaster preparedness.

Techaya, a prime developer and manufacturer of military rugged and “tailor-made” IP based communication solutions where extreme conditions and unique tactical requirements are met, is presenting for the first time it’s advanced and unique rugged network switch.

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The PROTECTOR MCT-30R from Kongsberg is mounted at the Tata Motors/DRDO ‘WhAP’ (Wheeled Armoured Platform).

This is a unique opportunity for Kongsberg. Demonstrating our latest innovation in one of the largest markets in the world on Tata Motors WhAP provides a fantastic start in entering this market,” said Espen Henriksen, President of Kongsberg Protech Systems.

Kongsberg’s PROTECTOR MCT-30R is the latest extension to the Kongsberg PROTECTOR RWS family of products, which includes the PROTECTOR SuperLite, PROTECTOR Lite, PROTECTOR M151/CROWS and PROTECTOR DRWS. To date more than 17.000 RWS systems have been delivered to 17 countries worldwide, and remains one of the leading remote weapon systems on the market.

The PROTECTOR MCT-30R combines decades of experience and innovation. The system has proved itself during extensive test activities in Norway, Europe, US, and the Middle East. The PROTECTOR MCT-30R is the result of an intensive effort to provide a system with exceptional lethality and precision, high reliability and innovative technology to address the operational and functional requirements of today’s armoured platforms. A Commander’s Independent Weapon Station (CIWS) with an integrated JAVELIN Missile launcher is integrated on the MCT-30R as part of the exhibition. The PROTECTOR MCT-30R and M151 Remote Weapon Stations can be seen at TATA Motors Hall 10. Kongsberg are exhibiting in Hall 14, stand 14.25.

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