Indigenous Drone Patrols Nigerian Skies

The Tsaigumi is among the first uncrewed aerial vehicles to be developed indigenously in Nigeria. It was designed for enhanced intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance operations in support of counterterrorism, maritime patrol and search-and-rescue missions. The air vehicle has a high-wing design with twin-boom arrangement. It is powered by a single motor driving a pusher propeller. With a maximum takeoff weight of 209 pounds (95 kg), the Tsaigumi carries payloads in a dual-sensor gimbal mounted under the fuselage. An electro-optical/infrared camera is typically carried.

The Quadome is a 3D air and surface surveillance radar developed by Hensoldt South Africa for naval and ground applications. The medium pulse-repetition frequency pulse-Doppler radar operates in the G-band (4-6 GHz). It offers a minimum range of 110 yd (100 m) and a maximum range of 124 miles (200 km). Hensoldt markets it as a high-performance, low-cost 3D radar for small and medium ships in navies that would otherwise be limited to 2D systems. It has a gallium-nitride (GaN) active electronically scanned array that can detect small and slow and fast air targets while simultaneously providing air and surface coverage of more than 1,000 targets.

Bale Defence in Australia has developed an all-terrain vehicle for military and law enforcement missions. The unarmored Rough Terrain Vehicle is designed for tactical insertion from land or sea. It can be powered by either an unleaded gasoline engine or a diesel engine based on customer requirements. It is available in three configurations: logistic support; combat support; and special action. A special operations variant, dubbed Death Adder, has been developed with a payload of 1,300 pounds (600 kg). It can be armed with anti-tank missile systems, such as the Javelin and Carl Gustaf, and carry a 60-mm or 81-mm mortar.

Turkey has developed a new portable anti-tank missile system, the Karaok, which is set to enter series production this year. Other ground system updates include the Swedish Carl Gustaf anti-tank weapon system that has seen extensive service in the war in Ukraine; Israeli 155-mm M-71 towed howitzer; Swiss Eagle family of reconnaissance vehicles; Indian Akash air defense system; the U.S. Army Field Artillery Tactical Data System, which has evolved extensively since it entered service in the 1990s; and the British Fire Control Battlefield Information System Application.

The latest information on naval systems includes the Japanese Asagiri-class and South Korean Kwanggaeto-Daewang-class destroyers. There are new records for the Timbedra-class and Limam el Hadrami-class patrol craft in Mauritanian service and the LRV-17 fast boat developed for anti-piracy and maritime asset protection missions.

Australia recently released its new Defense Strategic Review outlining its plans to bolster its defense capabilities and strengthen ties with the U.S. in response to growing tensions in the region. Weapons Editor Aja Melville has the rundown in “Australia Bulks Up.”

As part of its defense buildup, Australia is seeking to acquire and produce nuclear-powered submarines in cooperation with the U.K. and U.S. At the same time, China has stepped up its sales of submarines as part of efforts to enhance its influence in the Indo-Pacific. Naval Editor Tom Freebairn considers the issue in “Indo-Pacific Competition Goes Underwater.”

New players are also seeking to enter the defense market in Southeast Asia as seen at this year’s LIMA airshow in Malaysia. Reuben Johnson has the story in “Southeast Asian Battleground.”

Finally, nuclear disaster is back in the headlines after Russia destroyed the Kakhovka Dam in southern Ukraine, causing significant flooding and threatening a major source of cooling for the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant. Andy Oppenheimer reviews the situation in “Doomsday Clock Ticks Closer To Midnight.”

Sincerely,
Jeremiah Cushman
Senior Editor
Military Periscope