Armée Britannique/British Armed Forces

Citation :

Le ministère britannique de la Défense lance une initiative pour stimuler l’innovation


Posté dans Technologie par Laurent Lagneau Le 15-08-2016



Identifier les technologies émergentes susceptibles d’avoir des applications militaires, encourager des projets innovants et bousculer les habitudes : tels sont les objectifs de l’ »Innovation Initiative » lancée le 12 août par le ministère britannique de la Défense (MoD).

Pour cela, une unité (Innovation and Research Insights Unit – IRIS) sera mise en place afin de détecter les technologies émergentes et d’analyser leurs implications pour les forces armées britanniques. Un fonds de 800 millions de livres servira à encourager l’élaboration d’idées et de concepts tant par les particuliers que par les entreprises.

Enfin, précise le MoD, un centre dédié « agira comme un ‘accélérateur de défense et de sécurité’, en veillant à ce que des solutions innovantes à nos défis les plus urgents de sécurité nationale soient développés rapidement pour devancer nos adversaires »

Cette initiative devra avoir des conséquences sur la culture du MoD, notamment en améliorant la coopération avec les industriels et le milieu universitaire. En outre, il s’agit aussi de « cibler » de nouveaux fournisseurs potentiels pour « renforcer l’avantage concurrentiel de la défense » britannique et de « trouver des réponses à nos questions les plus pressantes. »

« Cette nouvelle approche permettra de garder la Grande-Bretagne en sécurité tout en soutenant notre économie, avec nos plus brillants cerveaux qui nous permettront d’être en avance sur nos adversaires », a commenté Michael Fallon, le ministre britannique de la Défense.

Parmi les projets innovants cités par le MoD, l’on trouve un micro-drone « libellule » développé actuellement par Animal Dynamics, des capteurs qui utilisent la gravité pour étudier les structures souterraines en quelques minutes, des casques de réalité virtuelle pour la simulation ou encore des armes laser.

http://www.opex360.com/2016/08/15/le-ministere-britannique-de-la-defense-lance-initiative-pour-stimuler-linnovation/

Fox-One a écrit:

Nous devrions songer à prendre 3 ou 4 appareils, ils seront toujours utile surtout en cas de guerre ouverte

Citation :

British Army testing DTL tactical data link fitted to Wildcat helicopter


Aviation Defense News November 2022

POSTED ON FRIDAY, 04 NOVEMBER 2022 09:18

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As the modernisation of the British Army under Future Soldier accelerates, readiness to deploy and fighting to win means becoming more lethal, more agile and expeditionary, whilst increasing resilience, the British Army states on its website. Developing the digitalisation of the battlefield will reinforce the combat credibility of the Army, and one of those capabilities currently being trialled is the tactical data link (TDL). The TDL, a joint project by the Army and the Royal Navy consisting of two separate but mutually reinforcing data links - Link 16 and Bowman Data - will share battlefield data more effectively to neutralise targets at speed.

Fitted to the Wildcat helicopter, the tactical data link (TDL) will increase the potency of the Wildcat in its
role as a reconnaissance platform: a more lethal ‘eye in the sky'  (Picture source: British Army)

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Fitted to the Wildcat helicopter, the tactical data link (TDL) will increase the potency of the Wildcat in its role as a reconnaissance platform: a more lethal ‘eye in the sky'. Colonel Oliver Stead of 1st Aviation Brigade Combat Team, explains how this will work: “What this project is seeking to do is link a battlefield reconnaissance helicopter into the Bowman Data Network, which means we’ll be able to share digital information about the positions of the enemy. What that will mean is that a Wildcat will be out in a tactical position, it will identify an enemy vehicle or location, and will be able to transmit that over the Bowman network. The goal is to tie it into the artillery fire control system so they can then prosecute the target or to send it to other users who would do that”.

Colonel Oliver Stead added: “When combined with the Army’s latest Attack Helicopter, the AH-64E, it will significantly enhance the Army’s Attack Reconnaissance Teams by reducing the time it takes to pass targeting information around the battlespace and thus increase the speed at which the Apache’s firepower can be brought to bear.”

The TDL digital connection will complement the world-class sensor suite already fitted to the Wildcat aircraft and reduce the reliance on voice communications that can be prone to errors or take time. It will significantly increase the helicopter’s ability to operate within wider digitised networks and enhance cohesive working throughout the Army and with allies and coalition partners in the Air, Land, and Maritime space.

On the most recent experimental flight over Salisbury Plain Training Area, during Exercise Wessex Storm, the Wildcat provided critical information to the Battlegroup Headquarters that was planning and executing their fire missions - the assignment of a specific target usually including orders as to when to fire and the amount of ammunition to be used.

If the continued trials are successful, it will be the first time Bowman Data will have been integrated into any battlefield helicopter and highlights the importance of long-term collaboration between the MOD and expert industry partners.

Colonel Oliver Stead said: “I think it’s a great example of innovation and how we’re working with industry to deliver some of these capabilities, and in particular this project will provide an aviation Brigade Combat Team that is ready to meet the challenges of the future.”

The flight trials will conclude towards the end of 2022, when the Army and the Navy will assess the performance of the data links, with a decision to roll out the TDL across the whole Wildcat fleet.

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The TDL digital connection will complement the world-class sensor suite already fitted to the Wildcat aircraft and
reduce the reliance on voice communications that can be prone to errors or take time (Picture source: British Army)

British Army testing DTL tactical data link fitted to Wildcat helicopter (airrecognition.com)

Citation :

British Army awards contract to Thales for more NLAWs

NEWSARMY
ByColton Jones

Nov 5, 2022
Modified date: 1 hour ago


*Photo by Stephen Harvey



Thales U.K., a business unit of France-based Thales technology company, was awarded a contract from the British Army for additional NLAW single-shot infantry anti-tank systems.


According to U.K. Defense Secretary Ben Wallace, the Ministry of Defense had signed a deal to start replenishing missile stocks run down by the supply of weapons to Ukraine.
Within the contract, British Army will receive 500 NLAW anti-tank weapons in 2023.



Wallace also said a further deal for thousands of weapons for Britain and other customers will be signed next year.
The NLAW is a single-shot infantry anti-tank system consisting of a disposable launcher preloaded with a single guided missile. NLAW utilizes predicted line-of-sight guidance and has overflown top and direct attack modes. It is easy to use, making it a valuable tank destroyer for light forces that operate dismounted in all environments, including built-up areas.
It also has night vision capability and is designed for all climate conditions and environments.





British Army awards contract to Thales for more NLAWs (defence-blog.com)

Citation :

09.11.2022

Les Britanniques déploieront (périodiquement) de nouveaux matériels en Estonie, l'an prochain

Mardi, les ministres de la Défense britannique (Ben Wallace) et estonien (Hanno Pevkur) ont signé un accord précisant la présence militaire britannique en Estonie, dans le cadre du bataillon multinational de l'Otan. Présence que la rumeur annonçait menacée il y a quelques temps. 

Actuellement, les Britanniques disposent de 1700 soldats sur place mais les effectifs de base sont de 1000 hommes. Ces effectifs sont amenés à varier fréquemment et sensiblement en 2023, comme le sous-entend l'accord signé hier.

Cet accord prévoit que:
- en janvier, des Chinook seront déployés en Estonie
- en mars , ce sera le tour d'hélicoptères Apache
- en avril des chasseurs Typhoon de la RAF rejoindront à leur tour le pays balte.

En mai, un groupement tactique sera déployé en Estonie dans le cadre du grand exercice annuel Spring Storm.

Une brigade d'intervention dédiée à la sécurité des pays de la Baltique sera mise en place au Royaume-Uni avec des capacités de projection rapide.

Par ailleurs, le système de lance-roquettes multiples (MLRS) mis en place en Estonie l'été dernier va rester sur place en 2023, tout comme le système de défense sol-air Stormer.

Côté estonien, il est prévu la construction de nouveaux bâtiments d'accueil dans le camp de Tapa à partir de mai prochain.

 

Les Britanniques déploieront (périodiquement) de nouveaux matériels en Estonie, l'an prochain : Lignes de défense (ouest-france.fr)

Citation :

UK selects Team Resolute to build three Fleet Solid Support Ships



Naval News November 2022

POSTED ON WEDNESDAY, 16 NOVEMBER 2022 15:04

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According to information published by the UK MoD on November 16, 2022, British-led Team Resolute, comprising BMT, Harland & Wolff, and Navantia UK, has been appointed as the preferred bidder to deliver three crucial support ships to the Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA).

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Artist rendering of the future Fleet Solid Support Ship. (Picture source: UK MoD)

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The £1.6 billion contract (before inflation) to manufacture the vessels providing munitions, stores, and provisions to the Royal Navy’s aircraft carriers, destroyers and frigates deployed at sea, is subject to HM Treasury and Ministerial approval.

Pledging to invest £77 million in shipyard infrastructure to support the British shipbuilding sector, they aim to create one of the most advanced yards in the UK, significant for future export and domestic shipbuilding and offshore opportunities.

The proposal pledges that the entire final assembly for all three ships will be completed at Harland & Wolff’s shipyard in Belfast, with the three 216-metre-long vessels – each the length of two Premier League football pitches – to be built to Bath-based BMT’s entirely British design.

Under the contract, the majority of the blocks and modules for the ships would be constructed at Harland & Wolff’s facilities in Belfast and Appledore, with components to be manufactured in their other delivery centres in Methil and Arnish. This programme, which would also support a significant British-based supply chain, would be undertaken in collaboration with internationally renowned shipbuilder, Navantia.

Build work would also take place at Navantia’s shipyard in Cadiz in Spain, in a collaboration that allows for key skills and technology transfer from a world-leading auxiliary shipbuilder.

Delivering on ambitions to bolster UK shipbuilding as laid out in the National Shipbuilding Strategy Refresh, the contract aims to deliver significant capital investment in the UK while providing ships which are essential to the Carrier-led Maritime Strike Group.

The ships will be the second longest UK military vessels behind the two Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carriers. They will have commonality with the RFA’s Tide class fleet tankers, also built to a British BMT design.

In the proposal, the majority of the three ships’ build would take place in the UK, and the contract will increase industrial productivity, develop the domestic supply chain and workforce while improving the industry’s environmental sustainability.

Production is due to start in 2025 and all three support ships are expected to be operational by 2032. The manufacture contract is due to be awarded by DE&S by the first quarter of 2023, subject to completion of a successful preferred bidder stage and final approvals.


UK selects Team Resolute to build three Fleet Solid Support Ships (navyrecognition.com)

Citation :

UK: Royal Navy to get her first crewless submarine XLUUV Cetus


Naval News December 2022

POSTED ON FRIDAY, 02 DECEMBER 2022 11:38

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According to information published by the UK MoD on December 1, 2022, the Royal Navy ordered its first crewless submarine to shape the future of underwater warfare.

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Artist rendering of the future crewless Cetus. (Picture source: UK MoD)

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In just two years’ time Cetus – named after a mythological sea monster – will move stealthily through the oceans, monitoring hostile activity, listening out for ships or submarines which may pose a threat to the Fleet, or to key national infrastructure such as deep-sea cables and pipelines.

The Royal Navy has experimented with – and in some cases operated – autonomous underwater systems for more than a decade. Most are small, off-the-shelf technologies, largely used in minehunting.

The £15.4m Cetus is in a different league: the length of a bus, it will be the largest and most complex crewless submersible operated by European navies, designed and built specially for the Royal Navy by Plymouth-based tech firm MSubs, creating ten specialist jobs and supporting 70 more.

Funded by the Anti-Submarine Warfare Spearhead programme, run by the Royal Navy’s “Develop Directorate” from their Headquarters in Portsmouth and delivered through the Submarine Delivery Agency in Bristol, this is the latest in a series of novel underwater technologies being brought to life to deal with the threats of the next decade.

First Sea Lord Admiral Sir Ben Key said: This is a hugely exciting moment for Project Cetus as the Royal Navy surges ahead with the development of autonomous technology.

At 12 metres long and 2.2 metres in diameter, the 17-tonne submarine can fit inside a shipping container and be transported around the world to wherever the Fleet needs it.

The unarmed battery-powered craft will be able to dive deeper than any vessel in the current submarine fleet and cover up to 1,000 miles in a single mission.

Acting as an operational demonstrator, the goal is for Cetus – and its successors – to work side-by-side with traditional crewed submarines, such as the current Astute-class hunter-killers, or independently.

The crewless submarine is the latest step taken by the Royal Navy into the world of autonomy.

Autonomous minehunting systems are already operating in Scotland, driverless Pacific 24 sea boats are undergoing testing, numerous aerial drones are employed by ships both for reconnaissance/intelligence gathering and target practice for air defence.

And the Navy has invested in a dedicated tech trials ship, XV Patrick Blackett, to assess this new equipment and help determine how it might be used or integrated into the Fleet.

About MSubs

MSubs is an independent company specialising in the provision of Manned and Unmanned Submarines / Vehicles for defence, research, commercial survey and for fun.

It produced the largest unmanned underwater vehicle in the world weighing in at 63 tonnes and is 80 feet / 24m long and is used as a submarine tracking target.


UK: Royal Navy to get her first crewless submarine XLUUV Cetus (navyrecognition.com)

Citation :

UK MoD extends life of Royal Navy's Merlin helicopters to 2030


Naval News December 2022POSTED ON MONDAY, 05 DECEMBER 2022 12:55

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According to information published by the UK MoD on December 5, 2022, the Royal Navy’s Merlin helicopters have been upgraded so they can embark on and operate from vessels anywhere in the world.

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Royal Navy's Merlin helicopter. (Picture source: UK MoD)

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In total,19 Mk3 aircraft and 6 Mk3a have been upgraded to the Mk4/4a standard to ensure the Commando Helicopter Force (CHF) have the capability to provide air support to 3 Commando Brigade Royal Marines and other UK forces.

CHF, the wings of the UK Commando Force, also support the Carrier Strike Group, carry out Search and Rescue operations and can enact counter narcotics and anti-piracy operations, maritime security and hurricane relief support if required.

Key upgrades include a new folding main rotor head and folding tail which allows two of the aircraft to fit on just one of the carriers’ aircraft lifts, and an improved defensive aid suite with a system that warns against and locates hostile laser guided weapons. These upgrades mean that many consider the Merlin Mk4/4A to be the worlds most advanced amphibious battlefield helicopter.

The 25 aircraft have been updated by Leonardo Helicopters under the Merlin Life Sustainment Programme (MLSP) negotiated by DE&S.

Additionally, a synthetic trainer includes two new pilot simulators, a procedures trainer and a rear crew training device, employing augmented reality systems.

For the first time, this is co-located at RNAS Yeovilton with CHF, providing a step change in training capability for new aircrew and front-line mission training.

Merlin is cleared to operate from the Royal Navy’s aircraft carriers, amphibious assault ships, Type 23 frigates and will operate from the Type 45 destroyer.

About the Merlin helicopter

The AgustaWestland AW101 is a medium-lift helicopter in military and civil use. First flown in 1987, it was developed by a joint venture between Westland Helicopters in the United Kingdom and Agusta in Italy in response to national requirements for a modern naval utility helicopter. Several operators, including the armed forces of Britain, Denmark, and Portugal, use the name Merlin for their AW101 aircraft.


UK MoD extends life of Royal Navy's Merlin helicopters to 2030 (navyrecognition.com)

Citation :

FEB  10

Thales & Schiebel wins contract to deliver Camcopter S-100 UAS to UK

 According to a PR published by Thales on February 10, 2023, Thales and Schiebel are pleased to announce they have been awarded a contract by the UK Ministry of Defence to deliver a game-changing rotary wing Uncrewed Air System (UAS) to provide a protective ‘eye in the sky’ capability for Royal Navy warships.

Camcopter S-100 UAS. (Picture source: Thales) Thales & Schiebel wins contract to deliver Camcopter S-100 UAS to UK | World Defence News

Citation :

UK: Royal Navy takes delivery of jet-powered Banshee drones


Naval News March 2023 Navy Forces Maritime Defense Industry

POSTED ON FRIDAY, 17 MARCH 2023 14:17

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According to information published by the UK DoD on March 16, 2023, the Royal Navy has taken delivery of new jet-powered Banshee drones capable of flying up to 400mph.

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Banshee Jet 80+ drone. (Picture source: UK MoD)

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The adoption of the powerful Banshee Jet 80+ is a significant step forward as the navy forges ahead with the use of remotely-piloted air systems (RPAS).

Developed by defence company QinetiQ, the Banshee simulates threatening aircraft to help the Royal Navy stay at the cutting-edge of air defences. They were first trialled on the aircraft carrier HMS Prince Of Wales in 2021.

Now a new flight has been formed at 700X Naval Air Squadron (NAS), based at Royal Naval Air Station Culdrose, to learn how to maintain and safely operate its own fleet of drones.

The Banshee drones are 10 by 8 feet (approx. 3m x 2.5m) in size and can fly in excess of 400mph with a range of more than 60 miles. They are propelled into the air using a large 60-foot pneumatic launcher. Using a ground station, the controller can operate the aircraft in various modes and potentially access onboard cameras or other sensors.

The use of an auxiliary fuel tank ensures that endurance is similar to that of the single engine version with a typical mixed throttle mission time in excess of 45 minutes.

When fitted with the patented Hot Nose the target provides a forward and side-looking IR source with output in Bands I, II and III, whilst the jet engines provide a realistic rearward looking IR signature.

Once the flight is complete, the Banshee cuts its engine and deploys a parachute to gently float to the ground. The navy’s first test flights of Banshee is expected to be held at Predannack Airfield near RNAS Culdrose in the summer.


UK: Royal Navy takes delivery of jet-powered Banshee drones (navyrecognition.com)

Citation :

Le Royaume-Uni va dépenser 1,4 milliard de livres sterling pour moderniser sa flotte de #Chinook pic.twitter.com/qyXEPBWkGn

— Philippe Top-Action (@top_force) May 19, 2023

Citation :

MAI 23

Elbit Systems UK va livrer 90 radars de surveillance au sol GBSR à l’armée britannique

Elbit Systems UK a remporté un contrat du ministère britannique de la Défense (MoD) pour fournir aux forces armées britanniques une série de systèmes de radar de surveillance au sol (GBSR), fabriqués et développés au Royaume-Uni et en Europe, afin de soutenir la détection des menaces de première ligne pour un éventail d’utilisateurs finaux.

Le système GBSR est facilement portable et utilise le traitement numérique du signal pour détecter, suivre et classer les cibles se déplaçant sur ou près du sol (Source de l’image: Elbit Systems UK) Elbit Systems UK to deliver 90 GBSR ground-based surveillance radars to British Army | World Defence News

Citation :

Challenger 3 tanks to include advanced APS protection system in £20M contract


Defense News July 2023 Global Security army industry

POSTED ON FRIDAY, 14 JULY 2023 15:21

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On July 13, 2023, the United Kingdom Ministry of Defense awarded a £20 million contract to Rafael Advanced Defense Systems for the development of a rocket and missile protection system intended for the Challenger 3 tanks. This contract is focused on procuring multiple Trophy APS systems, countermeasures, and test equipment needed for the qualification and integration activities during the forthcoming demonstration phase.



The Challenger 3 main battle tanks will include a Trophy Active Protection System (APS) (Picture source United Kingdom MoD)


Rafael Defense Systems will be responsible for supplying the Trophy APS system for integration with the Challenger 3 tanks. The system has successfully completed a rigorous Assessment Phase, including an extensive series of 25 shots, including live intercept shots, performed on a representative Challenger 3 system. This successful testing phase has paved the way for the procurement of the Trophy Systems, Counter Measures, and test equipment required for the subsequent qualification and integration activities planned for the upcoming demonstration phase.

The Demonstration Phase, scheduled for 2024, will be overseen by Rafael Defence Systems and Rheinmetall BAE Systems Land (RBSL), serving as the Design Authority for the Challenger 3 tanks. Testing of the integrated system will take place at Rafael's facility in Israel, as well as at multiple test ranges in the United Kingdom. RBSL is responsible for manufacturing the Challenger 3 tanks, which are expected to be in active service by 2027.

The Challenger 3 (CR3) Program will also involve contributions from other companies. Elbit Systems UK will provide the Elbit Laser Warning System (ELAWS), while Curtiss-Wright will supply their aiming and stabilization system.

The Trophy Active Protection System (APS), developed by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, is an advanced military technology designed to protect vehicles from incoming rockets, missiles, and high-explosive anti-tank (HEAT) rounds. The Trophy APS has already proven successful on major Israeli combat vehicles, including the Merkava 3 and Merkava 4 tanks, Namer APCs, as well as American tanks, APCs, and Infantry Fighting Vehicles (IFVs).


The system functions by employing a small number of explosively formed projectiles to intercept and destroy incoming threats before they reach the protected vehicle. It provides an additional layer of defense to the existing armor of light and heavy armored fighting vehicles. Apart from enhancing protection, the Trophy APS also improves situational awareness by enabling the vehicle crew to identify the location of enemy fire, thereby enhancing survivability and maneuverability in various combat scenarios.

James Cartlidge, Minister for Defence Procurement, acknowledged that this contract represents a significant step towards equipping Challenger 3 tanks with advanced protection systems. He praised the system's ability to swiftly identify and neutralize incoming threats, underscoring the UK's commitment to acquiring modern battlefield equipment and strengthening its capabilities in land warfare.

The forthcoming Challenger 3 Main Battle Tank (MBT) will introduce notable advancements across several areas. Notably, it will incorporate a new 120mm smoothbore gun capable of utilizing advanced global ammunition, thereby bolstering its firepower capabilities. Tank commanders will benefit from a new suite of sights that enhance targeting abilities in both day and night operations. The upgraded armor solution will provide improved defensive capabilities on the battlefield, while the active protection system (APS) will enable the tank to detect and neutralize incoming threats. Furthermore, the versatility of the Challenger 3 MBT extends to its turret, which can be easily fitted onto the tanks of allied forces and global partners. The tank's mobility will be significantly enhanced through an upgraded engine and a new hydrogas suspension system. Collectively, these advancements aim to elevate the overall performance and effectiveness of the Challenger 3 MBT across various operational scenarios.


https://www.armyrecognition.com/defense_news_july_2023_global_security_army_industry/challenger_3_tanks_to_include_advanced_aps_protection_system_in_%C2%A320m_contract.html  

Citation :

 18.07.2023

Londres va renforcer ses stocks de munitions et ses réserves militaires


Le gouvernement britannique publie ce 18 juillet une actualisation de son principal document doctrinal diffusé en mars. Il a été présenté au Parlement cet après-midi par le ministre de la Défense Ben Wallace qui a assuré que les dix prochaines années seront plus instables et que les forces armées seront encore plus mises à contribution.

A noter que Ben Wallace a annoncé que son discours de ce jour serait l'un des derniers, confirmant ainsi la rumeur disant qu'il va quitter son poste à la Défense.

Cette actualisation s'intitule "Defence Command Paper Refresh" (DCP 23). Cette actualisation de la stratégie militaire britannique "tire les leçons de la guerre en Ukraine et plus largement des menaces à notre sécurité", précise le gouvernement dans un communiqué.

Londres, malgré une situation budgétaire très défavorable, annonce dans ce DCP23 vouloir dépenser 2,5 milliards de livres (2,9 milliards d'euros) supplémentaires pour recompléter/renforcer ses stocks et ses réserves (munitions, équipements collectifs et individuels) puisque les réserves britanniques de munitions ont été réduites par les cessions à Kiev.

Le document prévoit aussi la mise en place d'une force de combat permettant d'intervenir rapidement dans le monde sur le principe du "Get There First" ("Arriver en premier").

Il ambitionne enfin de faire de l'armée britannique "une superpuissance scientifique et technologique" en augmentant les capacités en termes de robotique ou d'armes de nouvelles générations.


https://lignesdedefense.blogs.ouest-france.fr/archive/2023/07/18/londres-va-renforcer-ses-stocks-de-munitions-et-ses-reserves-24004.html

Citation :

Le Royaume-Uni ajuste sa stratégie militaire en reprenant des principes de la LPM 2024-30 française


PAR LAURENT LAGNEAU · 19 JUILLET 2023


Les débats autour de la Loi de programmation militaire [LPM] 2024-30 ont été visiblement suivis de très près au Royaume-Uni, où une très attendue mise à jour du « Defence Command Paper », un document d’orientation stratégique publié en mars 2021, vient d’être dévoilée.

Pour rappel, la LPM 2024-30, adoptée la semaine passée par le Parlement [et qui doit encore attendre un avis du Conseil constitutionnel pour être promulguée], prévoit un investissement de 413 milliards d’euros.


Celui-ci doit notamment permettre de conforter la dissuasion, d’assurer la réactivité des forces françaises [avec un échelon national d’urgence renforcé pouvant être projeté sous des délais d’alerte allant de 48 heures à 10 jours], de renforcer significativement la réserve opérationnelle, de garantir les stocks de munitions , de renforcer les capacités d’intervention dans de nouveaux champs de conflictualité [espace, fonds marins, cyber], de favoriser l’innovation en se focalisant sur les technologies de rupture et d’accélérer la robotisation [drones, munitions rôdeuses, robots terrestres, etc.] et d’accroître les forces morales [ce qui passe par une nouvelle mouture du « plan famille »]. Le tout en insistant sur la « cohérence », ce qui se traduira par l’étalement de certains programmes d’armement en cours, ainsi que sur le concept d’économie de guerre.

Or, à bien des égards, le Defense Command Paper Refresh [DCP23] reprend à son compte de tels objectifs. D’abord, et comme la LPM 2024-23, ce document insiste sur la nécessité de maintenir la dissuasion nucléare ainsi que sur la « cohérence ».


https://www.opex360.com/2023/07/19/le-royaume-uni-ajuste-sa-strategie-militaire-en-reprenant-des-principes-de-la-lpm-2024-30-francaise/  

Citation :

Royal Air Force deploys Indra’s LTR-25 Lanza long range 3D radar

Defense News July 2023 Global Security army industry

POSTED ON WEDNESDAY, 19 JULY 2023 14:41


The Royal Air Force (RAF) is operating Indra’s long-range transportable Lanza 3D radar (LTR-25)as an integral part of the surveillance of the United Kingdom’s airspace. As part of the RAF’s Global Enablement Team, it is an asset that is prepared to be rapidly deployed anywhere in the world.



The RAF´s Lanza Radar has been designed as a tactical deployable radar, capable of being rapidly transported by air, sea, rail and road (Picture
source: Indra)


Throughout the weekend, the RAF exhibited its capabilities at the Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT), one of the largest military aviation shows in the world, which brings together the world's foremost air forces and Air Chiefs. “The deployments of this radar with the RAF, highlights Indra’s ability to meet the needs of the most technically demanding clients and reinforces our position as one of the world’s leading radar suppliers”, commented Domingo Castro, Indra’s Integrated Systems and Space Director.


The Lanza is a family of state-of-the-art 3D radar systems, based on a fully modular and scalable architecture, both in hardware and software. The RAF´s Lanza Radar has been designed as a tactical deployable radar, capable of being rapidly transported by air, sea, rail and road.

The system can detect and track tactical ballistic missiles, providing air surveillance command and control centers with the early warning information required to neutralise attacks.It delivers the trajectory parameters necessary to initiate offensive, defensive or intelligence measures, such as the estimated launch point, cue point, impact, interception, etc.

In addition, the radar incorporates advanced techniques and algorithms, developed in-house by Indra, to mitigate the reflections and clutter caused by wind turbines and solar panels. This is an effective, validated, capability in these increasingly challenging, densely populated environments.


https://www.armyrecognition.com/defense_news_july_2023_global_security_army_industry/royal_air_force_deploys_indras_ltr-25_lanza_long_range_3d_radar.html  

Citation :

  Le porte-avions britannique HMS Prince of Wales a été remis à l’eau… après 9 mois de réparations

PAR LAURENT LAGNEAU · 22 JUILLET 2023





En août dernier, alors qu’il s’apprêtait à mettre le cap vers l’Amérique du Nord dans la cadre de la mission Westlant 22, le porte-avions britannique HMS Prince of Wales n’alla pas plus loin que l’île de Wight… en raison d’une rupture d’un accouplement SKF au niveau de sa ligne d’arbre tribord [qui relie les machines à l’hélice]. Aussi fut-il remorqué vers le chantier naval de Rosyth [Écosse] pour y être mis en cale sèche, tandis que son « jumeau », le HMS Queen Elizabeth, dut le remplacer au pied levé.

Seulement, il apparut que la ligne d’arbre babord présentait également des signes de faiblesses… Ce qui nécessita des travaux de maintenance préventifs. Évidemment, cela ne fut pas sans conséquence sur le montant de la facture des réparations, celui-ci étant passé, en février, de 3 à 20 millions de livres sterling, selon le quotidien « The Times ». Puis à 25 millions quelques semaines plus tard.

Cela étant, un porte-parole de la Royal Navy assura que le HMS Prince of Wales quitterait la cale sèche au cours du mois de mai. Ce qui était optimiste… car les réparations ont pris plus de temps que prévu. Et ce n’est que le 21 juillet que la navire de 65’000 tonnes a été remis à l’eau, après un chantier qui aura duré 9 mois. Cela étant, cette longue immobilisation aura permis de lui apporter quelques « améliorations significatives », dont la nature n’a pas été précisée par la marine britannique.

Pour autant, le HMS Prince of Wales n’est pas encore de nouveau opérationnel étant donné qu’il devra subir quelques essais avant réintégrer la flotte britannique. « Une fois au mouillage et en eau plus profonde, l’équipage du navire testera les machines et donnera vie à ses systèmes – avant de naviguer sous les emblématiques ponts du Forth en route vers Portsmouth », a en effet indiqué la Royal Navy, via un communiqué.

« Nous remettons le HMS Prince of Wales en service en tant que navire de guerre le plus avancé jamais construit pour la Royal Navy. Cette année, nous exploiterons des F-35, des V-22 Osprey, des drones et des hélicoptères RN Merlin […] et progresserons vers un déploiement mondial en 2025 », a déclaré le capitaine de vaisseau Richard Hewitt, le « pacha » de ce porte-avions.

Quoi qu’il en soit, depuis son admission au service actif, en décembre 2019, le HMS Prince of Wales a pratiquement passé deux fois plus de temps dans un chantier naval qu’en mer [515 jours d’immobilisation contre 267 jours de mission]. À l’issue de ses essais, le porte-avions devrait mettre à nouveau le cap vers les États-Unis à l’automne prochain.


https://www.opex360.com/2023/07/22/le-porte-avions-britannique-hms-prince-of-wales-a-ete-remis-a-leau-apres-9-mois-de-reparations/

British Typhoon jets INTERCEPTED 2 #Russian bombers flying north of Scotland today. The jets transited near the Shetland Islands within NATO's northern air policing area.
UK govt claims this Russian act as an aggression amidst ongoing Ukraine Russia Conflict. pic.twitter.com/1pmVX259fe

— Conflict Watch PSF (@AmRaadPSF) August 14, 2023

The British Times learned about the possible background in the story of the resignation of Defense Minister Ben Wallace:

Shortly before leaving, Wallace tried to disrupt the contract for the supply of 14 Chinook H-47 helicopters from the United States.

Not only was Wallace… pic.twitter.com/j4vzSDYGBD

— Clash Report (@clashreport) September 3, 2023