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MILITARY TECHNOLOGY (MILTECH) is the world's leading international tri-service defence monthly magazine in the English language. MILITARY TECHNOLOGY is "Required Reading for Defence Professionals". Follow us on Twitter: MILTECH1

15 April 2015

LAAD 2015: Seen & Heard by André Forkert

RUAG Defence through its French subsidiary GAVAP in cooperation with DCNS has recently won a contract for the upgrade and maintenance of two Warship Onsight Defense Simulators from the French Navy. The contract was awarded in December 2014 following a competitive bidding process launched by the DGA UMN NAV (French Navy’s Procurement Agency). The two simulators are located in Toulon and Brest.

The project named SIMDAV (Simulateur de Défense à Vue - Warship Onsight Defense Simulator) will be carried out by DCNS and GAVAP as co-contractors, with DCNS as prime contractor. Included in the contract is the overhaul and modernisation of the MILDAV simulator in Toulon and CESART simulator in Brest and a five year maintenance agreement. The SIMDAV will allow the training of a ship’s line of sight defence crews in immersive self-defense and asymmetric combat scenarios. Specifically, the SIMDAV simulators will improve the self-defence crew’s preparedness levels against air and surface threats, as well as their handling of small to medium calibre weapons including non-lethal weapons. In addition, the chain of command’s efficiency and weapon’s operations can be precisely evaluated in a simulated environment of the Force d’Action Navale’s ships (Navy’s Task Force).

GAVAP, a French company specialising in simulation systems and equipment for firing instruction and training has acquired extensive experience in this area from supplying the three main branches of the French Army.  At the end of 2013, RUAG Defence acquired this medium-sized company to complement their live and virtual simulation and training product portfolio. With a strong expertise and know-how in the area of transforming real weapons into simulation weapons, GAVAP’s scope of activities includes developing and producing the weapons and targeting components, as well as audio simulation  in the SIMDAV project. The laser equipped simulators will allow real-time shot feedback and realistic ballistics.

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Saab and Brazil signed a contract for Gripen NG. The Brazilian Federal Government (Ministry of Defense through the Aeronautics Command, COMAER) ordered the development and production of 36 GRIPEN NG fighter aircraft for the Brazilian Air Force. The total order value is approximately SEK 39.3 billion. Saab and COMAER have also signed an Industrial Co-operation contract to deliver substantial technology transfer from Saab to Brazilian industry. That all is well known. At LAAD Saab gave an update on the topic.
Saab called the GRIPEN NG a game changer for Brazil and Saab and the only real “news” at LAAD. In the near future up to 300 (100-150 at one time) Brazilian employees are coming to Saab in Sweden to prepare the technology transfer. That will be a process of two to three years. Their job after returning to Brazil is to implement the technology at Embraer, other partners and the Brazil Air Force.
Worldwide Saab says that at least 300 to 450 fighter aircraft have to be replaced in the next 20 years, Saab would like to get 10-15% of that market share. In Brazil there is a long list of partners: Embraer, AEL, Akaer, DCTA, Atech, Inbra, Mectron and more to come when the GRIPEN supply chain is building up.
Thanks to the technology transfer Brazil is expecting that a lot of GRIPEN parts will come from out of a Brazil designing board. Embraer will also offer the GRIPEN to the rest of Latin America, African and other countries. Saab and Embraer are expecting to have the export treatment and its conditions ready in the second quarter. There are several business models under consideration.
One of the main “rumors” at LAAD are the GRIPE talks for Argentina and the question would there be restrictions at these Argentinean model, to counter UK fears?

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Brazil recently bought four submarines in France, but it is still a big topic at LAAD 2015. In final 15+ submarines are expected and so everybody hopes to have the chance to get the second or third batch. So Sweden, Germany and even Russia are presenting their capabilities and solutions for Brazil.
ROSOBORONEXPORT is presenting their wide range of capabilities and products from helicopters (Russian Helisopters) Mi-171A2 or KA-52, tanks, ships and more. Shown are also civil projects like “safe city” or “smart city”.
ROSOBORONEXPORT is looking forward to finalize a contract for the PANTSIR-S1 air defence missile and gun system. Brazil is planning to use it during the coming Olympic Games. But then the contract must be signed quite fast. Russia used these systems during the games in Sochi. There is also interests in others countries like South Africa and more. The system is based on a 8x8 lorry and capture targets up to 1000 m/s. The missile (8-12 SAMs) can engage targets with a range of 1,200 to 20,000 m and an altitude of 15 to 15,000 m. The gun (30 mm; rate of fire 4,500-5,000 rpm) offers a range of 200 to 4,000 m and an altitude of 0 up to 3,000 m. It can fire on the move, has a reaction time of 4-6 s and a crew of 3 men. Simultaneously four targets can be engaged.
One of the biggest “rumors” at LAAD is that Sweden will by Embraer KC-390. So in contrary Brazil would buy more GRIPEN NG.

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Camero-Tech Ltd., a world leader and pioneer in the development, manufacturing and marketing of radar-based Sense Through-Wall systems, wins an order to supply its XAVER 400 and XAVER 100 Through-Wall Imaging Systems to the Navy of a large South American country. Hundreds of these systems have been sold to date to more than 30 countries, making it the most popular systems in the field.


The XAVER 400 is a compact, lightweight and durable personal device optimized for the speed of tactical urban operations for both military and law enforcement users. It delivers critical real-time information on the number of people and their location behind walls. It enables simultaneous detection of both static and living objects. It also provides information regarding room dimensions and major infrastructure elements.
In addition to the XAVER 400, the Company is also exhibiting the following systems at LAAD 2015:
XAVER 100 is an ultra-portable, handheld presence-of-life detector providing military, law enforcement, and search & rescue personnel with critical information in real time about the presence of life and its distance behind a wall – enabling better tactical decision-making in various urban operational scenarios.
XAVER Net is the latest wireless portable command and control communication platform – designed specifically to support the deployment of the XAVER 100 and XAVER 400 systems. The solution includes a new ruggedized PDA that quickly connects with and supports the viewing and control of multiple XAVER systems via an intuitive interface. This capability adds unprecedented real-time intelligence information for decision-makers by providing through-wall detection and imaging information from multiple XAVER systems at a remote distance.
XAVER 800 is a portable, high-performance imaging system, providing a true real-time 3D image of objects behind walls. The system enables quick location of people hidden by walls and barriers, and tracking of their movement patterns and orientation. It enables simultaneous detection of both static and living objects – as well as information about room dimensions and major infrastructure elements.
According to Amir Beeri, CEO, "We are pleased to announce an important win to supply our XAVER™ 400 and XAVER™ 100 systems to a large customer in South America. This order follows many orders previously placed in over 30 countries around the world, totaling hundreds of systems supplied and being used by armies, police forces, and special forces in their daily activities."
He continued, "We see a growing recognition by army infantry units around the world regarding the importance of sense-through-the-wall solutions in their routine activities in built-up urban areas. The use of these types of systems can contribute significantly to mission success and to saving soldiers' lives. We believe that this recognition will soon translate into orders by armies for their infantry forces."

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ImageSat International N.V. is the owner and operator of the EROS A and EROS B very high resolution imaging satellites – will reveal the 70 cm resolution EROS B satellite portable end-to-end ground Mini-Terminal (MiniTer) for real time ultra-fast downloading of data from Earth observation satellites at LAAD 2015.


The EROS B MiniTer solution allows direct downloads from the satellite to any location. It combines a 1.5m or 2.4m X-band antenna system designed by ORBIT Communication Systems with a processing unit developed by ImageSat. Specially designed to meet the needs of EROS B customers, this compact, rugged, portable solution can be installed in any environment or weather condition, enabling rapid deployment for any earth observation application.
According to Mr. Rani Hellerman, Vice President for Business Development, "We are pleased to expose our portable ground system at LAAD 2015 – the first of its kind in the world, allowing deployment in one hour. The system enables our customers to receive accurate, high quality data in real time – delivering images of large areas in the shortest possible time, from the battlefield or the location of an event. Currently beginning the marketing of the system, we are very happy with the feedback we have received from potential customers, and expect the first orders to be placed in the near future."
The lightweight MiniTer receives X-band signals when the EROS-B satellite passes within a 2000-km radius footprint of the MiniTer’s location. Features include X-band signal demodulation, image reconstruction, image display during signal reception (quick look) and image archiving.

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DSM Dyneema is bringing its Force Multiplier Technology for life protection to the defense and law enforcement communities in Latin America, and is presenting it for the first time at LAAD. The Force Multiplier Technology combines breakthroughs in polymer science, ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMwPE) fiber technology and unique uni-directional engineering to deliver up to 25% higher ballistic protection while reducing weight by up to 30%. The exceptional capabilities of this technology already are being leveraged by leading manufacturers in Europe and the United States to create next-generation personal protection and vehicle armor designs.
“Leading armor manufacturers are rapidly adopting Dyneema Force Multiplier Technology to take advantage of its compelling benefits, including its light weight, thin profile and extreme ballistic protection,” said Carlos Leao Leutewiler, sales director South America, DSM Dyneema. “We are confident that Latin American manufacturers will also find great success using our technology as the foundation for new products. By eliminating the need to choose between higher protection and lower weight, Dyneema Force Multiplier Technology can empower Latin America’s life protection industry to address new requirements and new threats.”


The world’s top armor manufacturers are using Dyneema Force Multiplier Technology in vests, inserts, helmets and extremity protection, and in hard armor for helicopters, patrol boats and land vehicles. For example, the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and New York Police Department (NYPD) recently selected the Alpha Elite body armor system (by Point Blank), which is based on Dyneema Force Multiplier Technology. The selection criteria included evaluations of performance, weight, flexibility and comfort, to deliver high-performance protection in the lightest weight vests currently on the market.  Point Blank also designed the advanced ballistics package incorporated in the Generation II Soldier Plate Carrier System (SPCS) using Dyneema Force Multiplier Technology. The SPCS, the lightest soft armor system ever to be fielded by the U.S. Army, maximizes mobility and provides superior protection.
Leading Technology Composites (LTC), based in Wichita, Kanada, applied its XPS2 system of advanced processing to Dyneema® Force Multiplier Technology materials to achieve unprecedented levels of performance in ballistic armor systems, at significantly lower areal densities. The company has provided customers with weight savings of 25-45 percent in vehicle platforms vs. legacy systems, and weight reductions of 10-20% for personal protection products such as body armor inserts, vs. traditional options.
And Rheinmetall Ballistic Protection GmbH has developed and certified multiple armor systems with Dyneema Force Multiplier Technology. These include very light weight protective inserts designed to stop 7.62 x 39mm AK47 (MSC) and 7.62 x 51 mm NATO (Ball). These panels currently are being used by various elite European Law Enforcement units. Rheinmetall also has utilized Dyneema Force Multiplier Technology in development of several naval armor systems.
Compared to body armor made from traditional materials such as aramid, protective vests engineered with Dyneema Force Multiplier Technology can reduce weight by up to 30%, while enhancing comfort and agility with fewer layers of material and increased flexibility. Anti-ballistic benefits include outstanding multiple hit performance and superior protection against angle and edge shots, as well as fragments from improvised explosive devices.
Only some Special Operations Forces (SOF) in Latin America are so fare using that advantage. Most of the troops are using material with a weight of 6 kg and more per square meter, with the Force Multiplier Technology this can come down to under 4.5 kf per square meter. And the Latin American market for protection vest is huge and growing. It is expected that in the coming weeks there will be tenders in Columbia (25,000) and Mexico (30,000). The final procurement in Mexico could raise up to 85,000 vests per year! Brazil could need 100,000 for the Armed Forces and 500,000 for the law enforcement sector or Columbia 200,000 for the forces and 88,000 for the law enforcement personnel. So fare DSM Dyneema had a market share of 82% in the law enforcement sector in Latin America.

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Airbus Helicopters' H145 makes its Brazilian debut in month-long demonstration tour
The H145 arrived at the end of march in Brazil for a customer tour to demonstrate the capabilities of this enhanced Airbus Helicopters rotorcraft in land-based and offshore service. During visits to the cities of São Paulo, Curitiba, Brasília, Belo Horizonte and Rio de Janeiro, the H145 will be presented to civilian and offshore operators, along with governmental and military agencies. The H145 - previously known as the EC145 T2 - has been upgraded to improve performance in hot and high conditions, augment its flight characteristics, provide lower noise levels, reduce pilot workload and further enhance operational safety. Features include the incorporation of Airbus Helicopters' signature Fenestron shrouded tail rotor, application of the company-developed Helionix™ avionics suite, and the use of new Turbomeca Arriel 2 E engines with dual-channel FADEC digital controls.
"By combining the EC145 family's proven performance with Airbus Helicopters' continued focus on product development, the H145 is a powerful, comfortable, modern and versatile multi-purpose rotorcraft already coming with a large range of optional to perform a broad mission spectrum", explained Mesrob Karalekian, Airbus Helicopters' Vice-President - Head of Latin America region. "We expect the H145 to have the same success in Brazil as it has already seen in other countries. Thanks to its performance, this rotorcraft is able to meet customers' operational needs in this region's demanding high temperature environment".
Designed for superior performance, the H145 provides unrivalled CAT A and PC1 capabilities at maximum take-off weight. Its compact overall size and spacious cabin are also key assets in the offshore market - for which it offers increased capacity and power. These advantages also are delivered in the military version, renamed the H145M - resulting in the very latest high-technology lightweight twin-engine helicopter on the defense market.
The H145's large sliding side doors and rear clamshell doors ensure quick and easy loading and unloading of patients and cargo, making it one of the most suitable of all helicopters for emergency medical services, police missions, search and rescue, among other duties. With its night vision goggle compatibility, the H145 is also fully equipped to perform missions after dark. Designed with the goals of customer satisfaction and increased availability in mind, the H145 enables operators to carry out ongoing maintenance and repair work without the need for lengthy inspections and service downtime. "With 13 EC145-family helicopters in service with civil and governmental operators in Brazil, Helibras, fully supported by Airbus Helicopters, has the necessary means to answer our customer's requests for logistics and maintenance support," added François Arnaud, Helibras vice-president Sales and Marketing. "We will also offer specific training for pilots and engineers, complete with theory, practical components and simulator training." Since the H145's first delivery in July 2014 to the German DRF Luftrettung air rescue organization, approximately 20 aircraft have been received by customers worldwide. To date, Airbus Helicopters has booked orders and options for some 140 H145s, along with 15 in the military H145M variant for the German Army and five H145Ms for the Royal Thai Navy.
At LAAD Airbus is presenting its whole range of air vehicles from UAVs and helicopters to fixed wing aircrafts.

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Kudelski Security, an independent, trusted Swiss cyber security provider, consolidates its presence in Latin America by offering its innovative cyber security solutions tailored to the defense and public sectors.
Kudelski Security, the cyber security unit of the Kudelski Group, has a proven track record in helping customers worldwide to protect their critical assets against highly sophisticated cyberattacks. Leveraging over 10 years’ presence of the Swiss Group in Brazil, Kudelski Security will provide cutting-edge cyber security solutions dedicated to the public and defense sectors in Latin America. The company has teamed up here in Brazil with a local partner that has expertise in cryptographic engineering.
In our hyper-connected world, the threat landscape is increasingly complex and globalized. Attacks are becoming more sophisticated and targeted causing material financial loss to the victims. Failure to take a strategic approach to cyber security may put core business at risk.
“It is more and more challenging for companies to get access to highly skilled security experts and to maintain the appropriate technologies to face an evolving cyber-threat landscape with confidence” said Thierry Martin, Kudelski Security’s Executive Director and Vice President for Latin America. “We provide our customers with a holistic vision of cyber security and design tailor-made security products, services, and solutions, allowing them to optimize their security investment and focus on their core activities,” he added.
As a Swiss company, Kudelski Security’s hallmark is historical neutrality, which positions the company as a trusted and strategic partner for any governments or defense forces. The LAAD Defense and Security tradeshow, which takes place in April in Rio, is a perfect opportunity for Kudelski Security to showcase its solutions dedicated to defense and public sectors.
At this event, the Swiss company will demonstrate its expertise in the fields of secure 4G-LTE communication, secure data sharing, as well as introduce the Cyber Defense Center, a customized solution that enables to achieve real-time cyber threat situational awareness and strengthen risk posture with big data analytics and advanced threat intelligence.
Swiss experts will be available on-site for demonstration and presentation of Kudelski Security’s cutting-edge solutions

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IACIT's Over the Horizon (OTH) radar project broke ground this month at a coastal site in the South of Brazil.  Backed up by transfer of technological knowhow from IAI-ELTA, the project is being conducted with the support of the Brazilian Nav
After receiving the necessary clearance from local authorities, IACIT began the installation and assembly of the first Brazilian OTH. The radar system is developed with the support of the Brazilian Federal Funding Authority for Studies and Projects (FINEP) and with the technological cooperation of IAI’s ELTA Group.
The innovative surface-wave radar design, operating in the High-Frequency (HF) band, is capable of Over the Horizon surveillance for hundreds of miles at sea. The radar employs phased array technology and unique interference cancellation techniques which provide reliable and persistent coverage of the broader maritime area at all times, regardless of atmospheric conditions or sea state.
This OTH radar application focuses on the Blue Amazon Managing System (SisGAAz) and differs from conventional line of sight radars in that it uses the electromagnetic wave propagation phenomena.
These advanced maritime surveillance features are combined with IACIT's oceanic environmental HF capacities. IACIT has been developing an HF Radar solution since 2010 for oceanic environmental weather and sea surface surveillance, as well as pollution control and to assist prediction of environmental hazards such as storms and tsunamis.
IAI has demonstrated a continuously growing involvement in the Brazilian defense market, as evidenced by the teaming agreement for investment and cooperation signed by ELTA in 2013 with electronic company IACIT.
"We view this project as an important milestone towards persistent, affordable, reliable and efficient coverage of a broad Brazilian maritime area", said Mr. Nisim Hadas, IAI Executive VP & ELTA president.  "We are excited to share our experience with our local partners in favor of Brazil's unique defense needs.”
“The technological development process requires time and considerable financial resources, depending on the complexity of the project. The expected assimilation of technology, including by the National Defense Strategic (END), provides a significant leap for technologies already tested outside Brazil with validated solutions. In the case of a Strategic Defense Company (EED) such as IACIT, transfer of technology and know-how are mandatory to ensure continuous production in Brazil. said IACIT president Luiz Teixeira. “The OTH development has propelled IACIT’s capabilities years forward and will provide a strategic advantage for the Brazilian Navy as well as important lifesaving information for environmental control agencies".

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Merkavim is a world leader in the production of armored buses, cost-effective city buses, inter-city buses, and coaches – will reveal the next generation of its MARS Defender, the world's best protected armored bus, at LAAD 2015. Protected from up to 7.62 AP bullets, grenades, and IEDs, the bus looks like a standard bus, with a luxurious interior, while providing safe transport for its passengers.
The MARS Defender is built on a Volvo 6X2 chassis and equipped with two rear axles, enabling it to carry its own weight plus 53 passengers and a driver. Meeting the most stringent standard of MIL STD 461000 High Harness Steel (HHS), the bus provides protection against shooting and bomb assaults, and is considered the ultimate passenger transport solution for dangerous locations.
The body of the bus is built of stainless steel, with armor covering the entire envelope – sides, front, roof, and floor. Two quickly and easily opened emergency hatches are installed in the roof and one on the rear wall of the bus – providing an escape option for passengers. All eight wheels are fitted with Runflate™ systems – allowing the bus to travel, when necessary, even with punctured tires. The bus can be fitted as a luxury or VIP coach, or as an armor-protected mobile command post with communications and C2 fitted interior.
According to Mr. Micha Maixner, CEO, "We are pleased to launch the next generation of the MARS Defender Armored bus at LAAD 2015. Previous generations of the bus were very successful; hundreds of units were sold and have carried passengers in dangerous areas in Israel and other countries around the world, often saving lives. The Defender's functional design and production are carried out in accordance with the stringent requirements of the Israeli security authorities and with their full cooperation."

André Forkert

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