Estonia-based Milrem Robotics has announced a significant partnership with French manufacturer Texelis, which will supply mobility subsystems for its forthcoming next-generation robotic combat vehicles (RCVs). These RCVs, designed to be modular, scalable, and mission-flexible, will weigh over 12 tons and will incorporate Texelis’ high-performance electrified tank drivetrain. This advanced drivetrain is set to enhance the RCVs’ capabilities, allowing them to effectively operate in challenging terrains while maintaining impressive endurance and maneuverability.

Kuldar Väärsi, CEO of Milrem Robotics, emphasized the importance of this collaboration, stating that selecting Texelis as a strategic supplier marks a pivotal step in the development of their new generation of robotic combat vehicles. He highlighted Texelis’ established reputation for delivering advanced mobility systems, which he believes will ensure that Milrem’s platforms are equipped to handle complex terrains and perform in some of the most demanding battlefield conditions.

Väärsi also expressed optimism about the partnership further strengthening Milrem’s existing relationships within the French defense sector, suggesting a deepening of cooperation that could yield significant advancements for both companies.

Texelis CEO Jean Vandel echoed this sentiment, expressing enthusiasm for being chosen as a partner by “the undisputed world leader in robotics and autonomous solutions.” He described the collaboration as a “fantastic opportunity” for Texelis to expand its portfolio, particularly into the tracked vehicle market—a domain he referred to as a “new universe” that would enhance their core competencies in mobility solutions.

This partnership aligns with broader European defense objectives, emphasizing the increasing importance of cutting-edge technology in international military operations. Texelis is recognized for its innovative mobility solutions for land vehicles, including its contributions to the French Army’s SERVAL light multi-role armored vehicle.

In parallel to this development, Milrem Robotics is expanding its production capabilities in Europe. Recently, they inaugurated a Tracked Hybrid Modular Infantry System production facility in Estonia, dedicated to developing armed unmanned ground vehicles. Additionally, the company opened a ground robotics facility in Poland in July, which reflects its commitment to enhancing its autonomous solutions across the continent.

This strategic collaboration posits both Milrem Robotics and Texelis as key players in the increasingly competitive landscape of robotic and autonomous military systems, anticipating significant advancements in defense technology in the near future.

The British Army has made a significant advancement by completing the first live firing of the Archer mobile howitzer during NATO’s Exercise Dynamic Front 25 in Finland. This cutting-edge artillery piece is designed for rapid deployment and is notable for being a fully automated, self-propelled 155 mm howitzer capable of firing over eight rounds per minute with an impressive range of 50 kilometers (31 miles).

In conjunction with the Archer, troops demonstrated the capabilities of the Taipan weapon locating radar system and the United Kingdom’s Multiple Launch Rocket System, showcasing a variety of sophisticated military technologies. Minister for the Armed Forces Luke Pollard highlighted the successful live-fire test as a testament to the UK’s commitment to NATO, reinforcing the country’s broader defense strategy that includes a pledge to allocate 2.5 percent of GDP to defense spending.

This exercise comes shortly after the UK’s announcement to bolster NATO’s eastern flank by deploying a British army brigade to Estonia, along with formidable equipment such as the Challenger 3 main battle tank. In total, Exercise Dynamic Front 25 presented over 130 weapon systems, including notable contributions from other nations, such as the Finnish K9 Thunder and the French Caesar howitzer.

Marked as NATO’s largest-ever artillery exercise in Europe, Exercise Dynamic Front 25 spans 12 days and takes place in the Finnish Northern Lapland, near its extensive 1,300-kilometer (808-mile) border with Russia. Finland’s role in hosting this event carries added significance, as it joined NATO earlier in 2023, thereby enhancing the alliance’s posture against potential threats from Moscow.

Beginning on November 4, the exercise involves approximately 5,000 soldiers from 28 different countries, with drills occurring not only in Finland but also extending to Estonia, Germany, Poland, and Romania. The primary objective of the exercise is to boost interoperability among the member nations’ artillery units and facilitate effective information sharing among allied forces.

The training took place in frigid conditions, with temperatures dropping to negative three degrees Celsius (26.6 degrees Fahrenheit), preparing troops for the harsh Arctic environment and the anticipated challenges of the coming winter, which is projected to be particularly arduous for Ukraine amidst ongoing conflicts.

“This NATO exercise serves to demonstrate to other nations, particularly Russia, that the alliance remains united and possesses the capability to defend its members,” remarked Joel Linnainmaki, a researcher at the Finnish Institute of International Affairs. Meanwhile, Colonel Janne Makitalo, director of the Dynamic Front 25 exercise, clarified that the NATO drills do not represent a “show of force” intended to provoke Moscow, but rather a strategic initiative to enhance collaborative defense readiness among NATO allies.

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc. (GA-ASI) has successfully completed qualification trials for its new 200-horsepower heavy fuel engine, designated HFE 2.0, for the Gray Eagle 25M unmanned aerial system at a test site in El Mirage, California. The development of the HFE 2.0 engine marks a significant advancement, offering a 40 percent increase in the service life of the drone, as well as a 50 percent boost in power for its mission payloads. This improvement is aimed at enhancing the drone’s maintenance-free and low-sustainment capabilities, which are critical for meeting user demands in complex multi-domain operations.

The qualification trials lasted three weeks and were conducted in accordance with the US Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) primary performance standards for engines intended for commercial applications. GA-ASI highlighted that the HFE 2.0 engine underwent extensive testing in the 18 months prior to the FAA evaluation, which included simulating high-stress flights of varying lengths, totaling 200, 400, and 651 hours. Additionally, the engine completed 50 hours of trials to assess its overall operational boundaries, showcasing its readiness for deployment.

Following these successful tests, the HFE 2.0-equipped Gray Eagle is slated for a separate qualification process under the US Army’s oversight. This step is essential for authorizing the use of the new engine across the Army’s existing fleet of Gray Eagle Extended Range drones, where it is set to replace the older 180-horsepower engine currently in use.

David Alexander, President of GA-ASI, expressed his satisfaction with the results of the test program, stating, “This test is the culmination of the extensive durability and flight test program for the HFE 2.0 engine. It’s been great to see the outstanding test results that have validated the design and development of the HFE 2.0 engine we have worked on so passionately for the past seven years and to bring this world-class engine to the Gray Eagle fleet.”

In recent developments, GA-ASI’s Gray Eagle is positioned as a potential candidate to serve alongside the US Army’s Future Attack Reconnaissance Aircraft (FARA) program. This initiative, currently on hold, aims to develop a modern drone-helicopter team equipped with enhanced radar, imaging solutions, and communication relays to bolster vertical lift capabilities.

In another milestone, GA-ASI completed the maiden flight of the Gray Eagle 25M in January 2024, which followed a noteworthy $389 million contract awarded in December 2023 for its production. During October 2023, the company initiated manufacturing the latest configuration of the Gray Eagle, which includes an advanced sensing capability capable of detecting threats at distances of up to 50 miles (approximately 80 kilometers). Furthermore, one year prior, GA-ASI successfully tested the drone’s next-generation flight computer featuring improved memory, processing power, and a high-speed ethernet interface.

The Gray Eagle unmanned aerial system itself is a robust platform, measuring 28 feet (9 meters) in length and boasting a wingspan of 56 feet (17 meters). In its base configuration, the drone can achieve a top speed of 167 knots (192 miles or 309 kilometers per hour) and operates with a service ceiling of 29,000 feet (8,839 meters). Its versatility allows it to be integrated with various armaments, including air-to-air or air-to-ground missiles, broadening its operational capabilities in military applications.

Spanish mobility developer Urovesa has secured a significant contract with the New Zealand Army to replace its aging fleet of Unimog and Pinzgauer utility vehicles. Under this agreement, Urovesa will provide 20 VAMTAC ST5 light utility vehicles and 40 VAMTAC CK3 medium utility vehicles, which together will constitute approximately 25 percent of the Army’s current utility fleet.

The New Zealand government has allocated 100 million New Zealand dollars (about $58.4 million) for the first tranche of this modernization project. The investment covers not only the vehicles themselves but also spare parts, support equipment, and essential computing and communication solutions that will enhance operational capabilities.

Deliveries of the vehicles are planned to commence in 2027. This initiative represents a critical step in modernizing the New Zealand Army’s operational capabilities, as the Unimog and Pinzgauer vehicles have served for around four decades. Recently, these vehicles played vital roles in various operations, including participation in a multinational military coalition aimed at addressing civil unrest in the Solomon Islands and supporting domestic responses to a severe tropical cyclone.

New Zealand Army Chief Major General Rose King expressed his enthusiasm about the transition away from these legacy vehicles. He noted, “Both the Unimog and Pinzgauer vehicles have served the New Zealand Army well over the years – but their retirement from service is overdue. And so, it is with great excitement that we can see the replacement of these essential platforms begin.”

The VAMTAC ST5, one of Urovesa’s offerings, is designed for versatility and performance. It weighs 6,000 kilograms (13,228 pounds) and stretches to a length of 6 meters (20 feet), with a payload capacity of 1,700 kilograms (3,740 pounds) and a top speed of 110 kilometers (68 miles) per hour. The VAMTAC CK3 is slightly heavier, with a gross weight of 9,950 kilograms (21,930 pounds) and a cargo capacity of 4,000 kilograms (8,810 pounds), while maintaining a similar chassis length and maximum speed to the ST5.

Sarah Minson, New Zealand’s Deputy Defence Secretary for Capability Delivery, highlighted the importance of the operational utility vehicle fleet in land operations, stating, “The operational utility vehicle fleet has long been the backbone of the New Zealand Defence Force. The VAMTAC ST5 and CK3 vehicles are modern, efficient, and fit for purpose. They have a proven track record, with more than 20 countries around the world using them, including Singapore, as well as Spain and a number of other NATO nations.”

This contract marks a forward-looking development for the New Zealand Army, ensuring that its fleet will meet contemporary operational demands and enhance national and international capabilities in various mission scenarios, including training, operational tasks, and disaster relief efforts.

The Czech Republic is set to enhance its military capabilities with the acquisition of 14 additional Leopard 2A4 main battle tanks from Germany. This announcement comes as part of the country’s ongoing defense modernization efforts, with a contract valued at 3.98 billion korunas (approximately $162.8 million) expected to be finalized with Unterluess-based Rheinmetall Landsysteme by the end of the year, according to the Czech defense agency.

With this new purchase, Prague will increase its fleet of Leopard 2A4 tanks to 42 units, which represents more than half of the total number of systems outlined in a strategic defense plan unveiled earlier in June. The agreement is not limited to just the tanks, as it will also include associated communication and information systems, training equipment, and an initial stock of ammunition for the new vehicles.

The Leopard 2A4 tanks are intended to replace the aging fleet of Soviet-made T-72 M4 tanks that have been in operation in the Central European nation since the 1970s. The Czech Ministry of Defence has emphasized the crucial role that the Leopard tanks will play in the modernization of its armed forces and in fulfilling commitments to NATO. The minister noted that these modern tanks are vital components of the heavy brigade the country is committed to building, enhancing its contributions to the collective defense of the NATO alliance.

Highlighting the operational lessons learned from Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine, the ministry pointed out the unique combat value provided by modern main battle tanks. They stated that tanks uniquely combine high firepower, mobility, and durability, which are essential for navigating high-intensity combat scenarios. Reportedly, the modern design of Western tanks offers advanced protection for crews against contemporary threats.

The Leopard 2A4, known for its formidable specifications, measures 11 meters in length and weighs about 62,000 kilograms (roughly 68 tons). The tank features multilayer armor and a specialized coating on critical parts to enhance its survivability on the battlefield. It is powered by an MTU diesel engine, which allows for a top speed exceeding 70 kilometers (43 miles) per hour and a range of around 450 kilometers (280 miles). The armament of the 2A4 includes a powerful L44 smoothbore cannon and a 7.62-millimeter machine gun, further emphasizing its effectiveness as a combat vehicle in modern warfare.

This strategic move reflects the Czech Republic’s commitment to bolstering its defense capabilities in a rapidly evolving security environment and demonstrates a significant step toward modernizing its military infrastructure.