Rheinmetall to Supply Ammo for Bundeswehr & British Army
Rheinmetall has announced its successful development of a new generation of enhanced armour-piercing ammunition, the 120mm KE 2020 Neo. This advanced ammunition has been designed specifically to counter modern protection systems and marks a significant advancement in tank armament.
The Bundeswehr and the British Army have jointly commissioned Rheinmetall to produce qualification samples of the KE 2020 Neo, following the signing of an official contract in September 2020. This partnership underscores Rheinmetall’s prominent role in the field of main battle tank armament, as well as its commitment to delivering cutting-edge military technology.
The 120mm x 570 KE 2020 Neo ammunition utilizes innovative technologies to enhance its performance. Notably, it features a high-strength tungsten penetrator, enabling it to effectively penetrate contemporary armour systems. This new round continues the legacy of Rheinmetall’s successful kinetic energy (KE) ammunition series, which has been a staple in military operations for decades.
Rheinmetall’s journey in developing KE ammunition began with the DM13, followed by the more powerful DM23 in the mid-1980s, and later the DM33. The company also created performance-enhanced rounds during the upgrade of the Leopard 2 to the A6 variant, leading to the DM53 and DM63 models currently used by the Bundeswehr. The latest iteration, the DM73, is now in service with the L55A1 high-pressure weapon.
This recent qualification contract reaffirms Rheinmetall’s leadership in the realm of main armour armament and smoothbore technology. The company’s 120mm smoothbore systems, including the Rh120 gun and its associated ammunition family, have become the standard for NATO and Western allies. These systems are integral to the Leopard 2 and M1 Abrams tanks, and they are being integrated into the British Challenger 3 main battle tank, enhancing its combat effectiveness.
With the introduction of the KE 2020 Neo, Rheinmetall is poised to continue its legacy of innovation and excellence in military technology, ensuring that allied forces maintain a competitive edge on the battlefield.
Forcys and DRASS Team Up for Underwater Innovation
In a significant move to enhance underwater operations, Hampshire-based defence technology specialists Forcys have entered a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with DRASS, a leading manufacturer of diving systems and underwater vehicles. This partnership aims to leverage cutting-edge technologies to revolutionize the underwater sector.
Forcys is known for integrating groundbreaking solutions from top-tier technology partners including Chelsea Technologies, EIVA, Sonardyne, Voyis, and Wavefront Systems. These collaborations make Forcys an ideal ally for DRASS, which is renowned for its innovation in underwater systems.
Luca Biasci, SDV & LUUV Program Manager at DRASS, highlighted the importance of this collaboration, stating, “DRASS has consistently been at the forefront of technological innovation in the underwater domain. By integrating Forcys’ advanced payload technologies with our Large Unmanned Underwater Vehicles (LUUVs) like RONDA, we can expand our suite of solutions to meet the evolving demands of the underwater sector.”
Under the terms of the agreement, Forcys’ sophisticated underwater vehicle systems and sensor payloads will enhance DRASS’ capabilities, providing navies with state-of-the-art tools tailored to modern operational requirements.
Antonio J. Belfiore, Forcys’ sales leader for the Europe, Middle East, India, and Africa (EMEIA) region, recently visited DRASS headquarters in Livorno to finalize the partnership details. “We are thrilled to partner with DRASS, a company that shares our commitment to innovation and excellence,” he said. “This collaboration allows us to combine our expertise, providing customers with advanced systems that enhance safety and efficiency in underwater missions.”
Both companies are dedicated to pushing the boundaries of underwater technology, combining their strengths to deliver innovative solutions to defence markets around the globe.
Smiths Detection and TSA Sign Record Service Agreement
Smiths Detection has announced it has been awarded its largest service contract to date—a seven-year agreement to support TechFlow’s Integrated Logistics Support Contract with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). This partnership focuses on servicing hold baggage X-ray inspection systems at airports nationwide.
Under the agreement, Smiths Detection will provide both preventative and corrective maintenance for Explosive Detection Systems (EDS), including the CTX 5800, CTX 9000, CTX 9400, and CTX 9800 SEIO scanners, along with associated networking equipment. Currently, there are 486 EDS systems operational in 41 airports across the United States.
The TSA has reported record passenger screening numbers, notably screening three million travellers in a single day on July 7, 2024. In 2023 alone, the agency screened over 858 million passengers, averaging 2.4 million daily. With air travel demand expected to double by 2040, as projected by the International Air Transport Association, maintaining effective security screening systems will be crucial.
Ray Roberge, VP of Service at Smiths Detection Inc., expressed pride in the company’s commitment: “We have built a highly skilled service organization that positions technicians and parts fulfilment centres in key locations across the country to meet our customers’ needs quickly and efficiently. Our innovative technology and world-class customer service have positioned us as a trusted partner within the aviation security industry.”
This landmark agreement underscores Smiths Detection’s dedication to enhancing airport security operations and ensuring efficient service delivery across the U.S. aviation landscape.
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