Monday, 28 February 2011

The Top 5 Solutions to Balancing Armoured Vehicle Capability and Survivability

In this interview, Dr Robert Lusardi, Deputy Programme Manager for Light Armored Vehicles (LAVs) for the US Marine Corps, approaches armoured vehicle upgrades and modification from an alternative perspective - by beginning with the mission statement of the LAV. Due to its significant legacy and its entrenched interoperability requirements with USMC infantry, LAV modifications must flex to unique demands. Tune in to find out what these specific requirements are - and how the best minds in the field are working to meet them.

Listen to the full interview at: http://ping.fm/pfQH4

Friday, 25 February 2011

Spanish Chief of Naval Staff Calls for Greater Measures Against Piracy

Admiral General Manuel Rebollo GarcĂ­a is the Chief of the Naval Staff of the Spanish Navy. In this presentation, he points key trends that must not be ignored. Globalisation serves as a key instigator of economic growth, yet it also opens sea trade to large-scale threats to maritime security. Illegal activities like piracy, terrorism, human trafficking and drug smuggling are increasing and pose specific threats to national security for many nations. Maritime security breaks down into two important categories and he speaks to what is required to meet modern mission needs.

You can listen to the full interview here: http://ping.fm/o4mPv

Thursday, 24 February 2011

2500+ Military and Industry Players Return to London for the Largest International Armoured Vehicles Conference and Exhibition

On 7th February 2011, ExCel Centre opened its doors for the 10th Annual International Armoured Vehicles conference and exhibition, commencing 4 days of intense networking, information-sharing and product showcasing for high profile members of the military and industry.

Hosted by Defence IQ, this year's event featured sessions on Land Forces capability, equipping process, survivability, and mounted combat platforms whilst providing attendees a choice of participation in any of four Focus Days: Countering Improvised Explosive Devices (C-IEDs), Through Life Support and Sustainment of Armoured Vehicles, Armoured Vehicle C4ISR Capabilities for Joint Operations and Combined Arms Training and Simulation.

The conference element of the event highlighted 50+ speakers from the military, including Major General Chris Deverell, British Army and Major General Robert Brown, US Army Manoeuvre Centre of Excellence, who kicked off the conference, with sessions on The British Army’s Strategy To Support Current And Future Operations and The Future Of Mounted And Dismounted Operations: The Role Of Tactical Small Units And The Solider As A System.

The content from the sessions were crucial to the attendees, many of whom were repeat visitors interested in gathering information on the latest developments in armoured vehicles. Others who were first-time participants included a Project Officer from the Norwegian Army, who mentioned, "I'm here for information on the different vehicles. I've attended all four days to hear what other nations have done, avoid mistakes that they've made, and learn lessons that they've learned."

Meanwhile, over 100 exhibitors displayed their latest products and developments to 2500+ visitors, including vehicles such as: the Ocelot vehicle, which will be replacing the British Army’s Snatch Land Rover vehicles, the 4x4 and 6x6 Zephyr vehicles from Creation UK, Ovik Solutions' Cameleon and finally, Oshkosh's impressive M-ATV vehicle.

The event's exhibition hall featured more than just vehicles – many exhibitors included innovative safety solutions for the interiors and exteriors of armoured vehicles. A representative from Vital Seating Systems stated, "The event provides good networking opportunities and the chance to see UK and foreign buyers, so it is essential for our business to be here.”

Fresh from its success this month, Defence IQ is already in plans for its International Armoured Vehicles 2012 conference and exhibition. A list of industry-leading companies already confirmed as exhibitors include Nexter, RUAG Land Systems, Oshkosh Defence, DEW Engineering, Hutchinson, Milbrook, Timoney Technology, Armourworks, PPG Aerospace, Istec Services, Warn, Tempus/Panasonic, 01db Metravib, Raytheon Eagle, Race-tec, Honeywell, Tyron, Rudchains, OIP, Dupont, Schott, Bruntingthorpe Proving Ground, Polamco, Scanfiber and Jankel.

Event details and updates will be added periodically to the website at www.internationalarmouredvehicles.com. Follow International Armoured Vehicles on twitter.com/IAVehicles or join the LinkedIn Group: www.linkedin.com/e/gis/162026.

CBRN Expert Speaks Up: 'Terrorists Are Willing to Move to the Next Step'

How seriously should we take the threat of a chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear threat against civilian population from terrorists? Defence IQ caught up with Brigadier General (ret) Galatas Ioannis, Senior Advisor and RIEAS-CBRNE Scientific Coordinator, to find out how international cooperation and knowledge-sharing is vital for combatting CBRN threats. He also talks about how skewed the perception of the threat is.

You can listen to the interview on the Defence IQ website: http://ping.fm/Mk4YB

Wednesday, 23 February 2011

How Do We Safeguard National Security in Future Conflicts?

Defence IQ recently interviewed Lieutenant General Johan Kihl, Former Chief of Staff for the Swedish Armed Forces. He has been instrumental in introducing 'Network Enabled Capability' into the Armed Forces and has served as the Head of Long Term Planning, Deputy Director of the Joint Forces Directorate and Chief of Staff for the Swedish Armed Forces.

In this interview, he challenges the Cold War style organisation that still prevails in many armed forces and additionally emphasises the importance of interoperability among multinational forces. There is indeed the need for upgraded capability, but mindset must accompany these developments. General Kihl goes on to describe the nature of national security threats of the future, and highlights the areas he feels are in need of critical attention.

Listen to the full interview here: http://ping.fm/e0H0m

Tuesday, 22 February 2011

Remote Weapon Systems Remove the 'Hot Seat' From Armoured Vehicle Platforms

In modern insurgent warfare in Afghanistan, front line threats often shift by as much as 360 degree. This, combined with asymmetric tactics, produces an extremely lethal threat for armoured vehicle crews. The solution seems simple - combine sensors and controls in one package that can be managed remotely and internally. This could potentially reduce engagement time, as well as maintain vehicle impregnability. Knut Saeter is the Vice President of Kongsberg and speaks here about the Protector Remote Weapon System Station.

Listen to the full interview here: http://ping.fm/pzXuL

@wp @bl @tr

Monday, 21 February 2011

'We'll Find the Money': Defence Minister Luff Opens Up About Defence Spending Gap

In our first interview with Minister for Defence Equipment, Support and Technology, Peter Luff, we dive straight into the hard questions. We open the floor with an honest inquiry into ongoing defence cuts and their proposed impact on current and future capability. Mr Luff addresses the controversial 'carrier axing' decision and we press him for his views on the £1.6 billion shortfall in the current defence budget. The serving defence minister also delves into the political fervour surrounding threatened cuts to the Chinook helicopter fleet.

Listen to the interview here:
http://ping.fm/RYWyt

@bl @de @po @tr @wp