Brazilian Armadillo Brings Heavy Punch

Brazilian firm Mac Jee is developing an automated 70-mm multiple rocket launch system that can be integrated with 4 x 4 tactical vehicles. The Armadillo TA-2 launcher consists of three containers, each with 16 70-mm rockets. Another three containers can be carried and reloaded through an automatic system. The launcher can be retracted into the vehicle when not needed. The rockets have an indirect-fire range of 6 miles (10 km) and a direct-fire range of 2 miles (3 km). Four jacks are fitted for stabilization during indirect firing. Stabilization is not required for direct firing.

The Armed Forces of Malta have a new flagship. The P71 patrol ship was commissioned on March 22 at the Hay Wharf naval base. Built by Italian firm Cantiere Navale Vittoria, the 1,700-ton vessel features a 25-mm KBA cannon as its main armament, along with 12.7-mm and 7.62-mm machine guns. The P71 can accommodate an AW139-size helicopter on its aft flight deck. The ship also features two 30-ft RHIBs and a crane for loading and unloading. The combined diesel-and-gas (CODAG) propulsion system enables a top speed of 20 knots and a cruising speed of 9-12 knots.

The U.S. is modernizing the land-based leg of its nuclear triad. The LGM-35 Sentinel is under development to replace the Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile beginning in the late 2020s. The program covers the complete system, including integrated launch, flight and infrastructure with the latest command-and-control capabilities. The three-stage missile will initially carry the Mk 21 re-entry vehicle and W78 warhead. Plans call for these to be replaced with the improved Mk 21A re-entry vehicle and W87-1 warhead.

The Philippines is buying light tanks from Israeli firm Elbit Systems. The Sabrah features a 105-mm cannon on either an ASCOD tracked or Pandur II 8 x 8 wheeled platform. Other ground system updates this month include Singapore’s Bronco all-terrain tracked carrier, Cockerill 3000 series turrets and Italian Hitfact turret.

Maritime records this month include the Romanian Amiral Petre Barbuneanu-class frigates, Polish Kaszub-class corvette, Swedish Carlskrona-class support ship, Chinese CM-401 anti-ship ballistic missile, Turkish Roketsan anti-submarine warfare rocket launcher and the Russian Front Door/Front Piece radar systems.

Artificial intelligence and machine learning are expected to play a growing role in the armed forces going forward. Andy Oppenheimer explores possible roles for AI and ramifications in “Artificial Intelligence Marches To The Battlefield.”

The U.S. has begun the modernization of its nuclear triad, which has raised issues due to the cost and changing security environment. Weapons Editor Aja Melville reviews the issue in “Modernizing The Nuclear Triad.”

The war in Ukraine has sent Europe scrambling to strengthen its defense industry and military capabilities, with Poland taking the lead with major procurements of South Korean equipment. Naval Editor Tom Freebairn looks at the developments in “Power Shift In Europe.”

Finally, the Somali government and its allies continue to battle the Al-Shabaab militant group. Armed Forces Editor Julian Lark examines the origins of the conflict and its current phase in “Somalia’s Unending Fight Against Al-Shabaab.”

Sincerely,
Jeremiah Cushman
Senior Editor
Military Periscope