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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.

Development began in 2015 and the Armadillo rocket launcher was first displayed publicly at the LAAD show in Rio de Janeiro in April 2017. At that time, Mac Jee said it planned to integrate 122-mm rockets with the system as well as new 70-mm weapons. The system conducted its first live-fire trials in 2021, launching unguided 70-mm rockets. A working prototype was displayed at the Eurosatory 2022 show to demonstrate that development had been completed and the system was ready for purchase.

Malta Commissions New Flagship

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.

Malta began an effort to procure a new large patrol ship in 2015. Cantiere Navale Vittoria was chosen for the program in 2018. The P71 was launched in February 2021 and delivered in November 2022. Construction and testing were delayed by 2.5 years due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The P71 is slated to replace the ex-Irish navy patrol ship, now designated the P62.

U.S. Nuclear Deterrent Upgrades To Sentinel

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 systems 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.

In 2016, the Air Force launched what was then known as the Ground-Based Strategic Deterrent (GBSD) program. Northrop Grumman was chosen as the prime contractor in September 2020. A series of critical design reviews began in 2021 with the goal of achieving an initial test flight in late 2023. Initial operational capability with nine missiles on alert is anticipated in 2029, with full operational capability planned for 2036. There have been several estimates about the total program cost, with the latest figures reaching $188.8 billion: $95.8 billion for development and procurement and $93.8 billion for operations and sustainment. The Sentinel is expected to serve until 2075.

Israeli-Built Light Tanks Prepare For Philippine Duty

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, Belgian 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.

Also made current are the Italian Aspide and Israeli Derby anti-aircraft missiles and Israeli Red Sky 2 Drone Defender counter-drone system.

Militaries Prepare For Battlefield AI

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 EditorMilitary Periscope

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