Taiwanese Troops Get Indigenous Rocket Launcher

The National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology (NCSIST) in Taiwan has developed a shoulder-launched anti-tank weapon for the Taiwanese armed forces. The indigenous Kestrel rocket launcher can employ a rocket with a HEAT warhead to defeat armored vehicles or one with a HESH warhead for use against structures. Originally developed for the Taiwanese marine corps, it has also been acquired by the coast guard and military police command to bolster their capabilities against a potential Chinese invasion.

The U.S. Navy is developing a new anti-submarine warfare mine. The Hammerhead torpedo-mine is intended for carriage by the new Orca extra-large uncrewed underwater vehicle (XLUUV). The bottom-facing mooring mine is designed for deep water operations. A sensor module at the top of the mine monitors for acoustic signatures that match hostile submarines. When one is identified, the Hammerhead launches its onboard Mk 54 lightweight torpedo at the target. Advanced sensors and processors allow the system to accurately identify and engage targets at extended ranges.

Directed-energy weapons have become a key area of development for militaries around the world. Among the U.S. Army's projects is the High-Energy Laser Mobile Test Truck (HELMTT), a HEMTT tactical truck equipped with a 50-kW laser. It is a follow-on program to the HEL Mobile Demonstrator (HEL-MD) focused on higher-power lasers. The beam director offers 360-degree coverage, including the ability to engage targets below the top of the vehicle. Control is via a ruggedized laptop with an X-box-type game controller.

There have been several air defense system updates this month, including a new record on China's FK-1000 family of air defense systems, which is seeking its first customer. Also updated have been the Russian SA-8 Gecko (9K33 Osa) air defense system, which has seen action in Ukraine on both sides, and the French Shahine air defense system that was developed for Saudi Arabia.

Naval updates have focused on mine warfare, including the Russian Gorya-, Lida- and Yevgenya-class minehunters. The Chinese Luhai-class destroyer record has been updated, as have the American AN/SPS-53 and Russian Square Tie naval radar records.

Rwanda has developed a small, but potent, military, which it has used to support U.N. and regional peacekeeping missions. It has also sent an independent contingent to help battle Islamist militants in northern Mozambique. Naval Editor Tom Freebairn looks at how Rwanda became an African military power and how it uses its forces to its advantage in "Rwanda Punches Above Its Weight."

Sincerely,
Jeremiah Cushman
Senior Editor
Military Periscope