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The article explores the growing popularity of wheeled infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs) around the world. The U.S. military has used the General Dynamics family of Strykers in Iraq and the mine-resistant ambush-protected vehicle in Afghanistan. In Israel, IFVs are used to police the occupied territories and hybrid warfare in Lebanon, Syria, and Egypt. Italy is going to replace a number of its tracked vehicles with wheeled vehicles such as the Freccia and the medium-protected VTMM.

The article explores the development by Italy of a modular approach to countering improvised explosive devices (IED) that will use many specialized vehicles based on the Iveco VTMM multirole medium tactical vehicle chassis. The idea is to reportedly operate a train of four vehicles to defeat or dispose of very kind of potential threat. The vehicles will take the place of the current fleet of four Buffalo and six Couger vehicles.

The article reports on the growing number of navies worldwide that are investing in sea-based airpower. Among the countries that are developing their aircraft carrier fleet are Brazil, China, and India. The nations that acquired or maintained sea-based airpower with the Harrier jet fighter are expected to renew such a capability with the Lockheed Martin F-35B Joint Strike Fighter.

The article reports that warship designs overseas emphasize adaptability and commonality as the U.S. Navy focuses on the development and deployment of the Littoral Combat Ship. France's Mistral-class multimission helicopter landing docks (LHD), the Dixmude, integrates few changes from its sister ships. The Italian navy and coast guard uses offshore patrol vessels (OPVs) to patrol a long mainland coastline.

The article reports on the opening of a new facility by Selex Galileo which is largely dedicated to U.S. and partner-nation special operations forces (SOF). The Security Assistance Support Center (SASC) will target the secretive SOF community despite the fact that it was intended to support first responders and all types of land forces. It is located at the Stennis International Airport in Kiln, Mississippi.

The article reports on the emergence of new torpedoes for advanced conventional and nuclear-powered submarines which spurred new ship defenses. The U.S. Navy is pursuing a countermeasures antitorpedo torpedo under the Surface Ship Torpedo Defense (SSTD) program. Atlas Elektronik is developing the mini-torpedo called SeaSpider for Germany. The Russian navy uses multiple rocket launchers and mortars to counter a torpedo.

The article focuses on the requirements for Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System. Several options are being explored by Lockheed Martin that aims to sustain its production and introduce upgrades, which will be based on the plan by the U.S. Army and Marine Corps to keep its rockets and launchers until 2050. The current production standard as of February 2012 is the M31E1 Phase II unitary warhead rocket, which was the latest order Lockheed Martin received in June 2011.

The article focuses on the growing popularity of unmanned ground vehicles (UGV), which like unmanned aircraft vehicles are becoming standard tools for advanced tools for armies around the world. Oto Melara's Teleoperated Robotic Platform is one example of UGV in development, which is under the Forza NEC program of the Italian army. The Automated Computerized Mobility Equipment of Selex Galileo is a set of technologies that aims to convert manned vehicles to remotely operated vehicles.

The article focuses on the Northern Atlantic Treaty Organization's (NATO) plan to withdraw from Kosovo in 2012. Allied troops has attempted to withdraw from Kosovo, but plans slowed down due to conflicts in the northern part of the country. The NATO Kosovo Force, known as KFOR, is scheduled to slim down to 5,000 soldiers by March 2011, which left the force depending on two main-maneuver, battalion-sized multinational groups. Kosovo forces are becoming effective since its establishment in 2009.

The article discusses how the European financial crisis is forcing the government of Italy to include security and defense in austerity plans in 2012. It says that the defense ministry's final budget of 16.4 billion euros increased by 4.4 percent over last year. According to the author, Italy will reduce funding for international missions significantly except Afghanistan. The efforts of the defense ministry to preserve its strength include budget for 180,000 service personnel.

The article discusses the continuous engagement of Navies in counter-piracy operations in 2012. It says that the problem is difficult because Somalia is a failed state without enough means to deal with the situation as the pirates launch attacks. According to the author, defense cuts could affect patrols and asset deployments. The security initiatives launched by the United Nations International Maritime Organization (IMO) are also discussed.

The article discusses the decision of many European countries to cut defense spending as they struggle with the growing impact of the euro crisis and national debt. It says that Greece continues to be one of the few nations in Europe where defense spending accounts for 2 percent of the gross domestic product (GDP). According to the author, the defense spending of France will be 1.8 percent of GDP. The key army modernization programs of Poland are also discussed.

The article focuses on the Forza network-enabled capability force (NEC) modernization program of the Italian armed forces. In spite of budget cuts, the army remains optimistic that the program will continue its goal of developing a digitally integrated ground force by 2025. Aside from the two initial phases, a concept development and experimentation phase which involves simulation technologies was added. Prime contractor Selex Sistemi Integrati was appointed to handle the program.

The article previews several countersniper systems for military operations, including the Cilas SLD 400 from Rheinmetall, the EL/O 5320 gun-detection system from Israel Aerospace Industries/Elta, and PDCue Boomerang from AAI Textron.

The article reveals the rangefinders developed by Oto Melara for Italian military forces. Oto Melara started its Valiant program, where it developed a lightweight 155-millimeter howitzer to be deployed on wheeled artillery systems through an 8 x 8 chassis and a 155-millimeter gun. Oto Melara also created Vulcano 76-millimeter round of artillery guns to expand the its line of long-range artillery shells, which include the ballistic extended-range and guided long-range shells.

The article focuses on rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) as a battlefield weapon used in defense systems. The authors describe the developments on RPG including the improvements in fire-from-enclosure (FFE) capability, range and accuracy and lighter-weight man-portable systems. Particular focus is also given to the rocket launchers developed by various countries such as RPG-7 of Russia, the wire-guided Eryx antiarmor missile of France, and the Panzerfaust 3 of Germany.

The article focuses on the offshore patrol vessel (OPV) from the Royal Netherlands Navy. One of the first OPVs developed by the Dutch Navy is HNLMS Holland which is expected to become a model for similar vessels during the times of decreasing budgets and increasing naval commitments among maritime nations. Two more OPVs designed by Damen Schelde Naval Shipbuilding are expected to be delivered in 2012.

In this article, the author describes Loki ELT/950 networked system manager (NSM), a command-and-control (C2) system developed by Italian electronics specialist ELT Elettronica. This system was created for military operations although it can also be used for homeland security. Elettronica believes that Loki will serve as a distributed presence across network nodes and platforms.

The article previews the TWR-S radar system from Selex Sistemi Integrati.

The article evaluates the 155-mm/52-cal. PzH (Panzerhaubitze) 2000 artillery from Krauss-Maffei Wegmann (KMW) and Rheinmetall Defense.

The article previews the modernized SA-6 Gainful (2K12 Kub) mobile surface-to-air missile (SAM) system from Retia and MBDA.

The article discusses highlights at the biennial International Defense (IDEF) exhibition which was held in Istanbul, Turkey in May 2011. Data from the defense industry secretariat showed that domestic military equipment amounted to 25 percent of the country's procurement in 2003, 42 percent in 2008 and 52 percent in 2010. The event witnessed the debut of Claw, a remotely operated weapon station (ROWS).

The article previews the Altay main battle tank (MBT), Pars, Ejder and Arma wheeled armored fighting vehicles (AFV) and BMC-350-16 Kirpi mine-resistant vehicle as part of the Turkish army equipment unveiled at the International Defense Exhibition (IDEF) in May 2011.

The article previews the Mk 4 fourth-generation 40-millimeter naval gun system by BAE Systems Bofors.

The article reports that Tetraedr has released the T38 Stilet surface-to-air missile (SAM) as it starts its air-defense ventures. The missile is an innovation of the Russian OSA-AKM SAM made in Russia and is part of the Stilet initiative that has been implemented in Russian air defense systems since 2002. The main purpose of T38 missiles is to intercept fixed- and rotary-wing planes and cruise missiles, although it can also destroy air-launched weapons.

The article focuses on the shipbuilding ventures of Fincantieri Group in North America. Fincantieri started its shipbuilding business in the continent when it purchased a Manitowoc Marine Group shipyard in 2009, resulting to integration of Fincanteri naval electronic systems into U.S. Navy ships made by Manitowoc. Fincantieri is currently collaborating with the Canadian branch of DRS Technologies to acquire Davie Yards, a Canadian shipbuilding business that had been bankrupt since February 2010.

The article previews Desto from Selex Sistemi Integrati, which is a microwave instrument that can paralyze vehicles by cutting off electronic charges of their engines.

The article reports that companies operating in developing countries are challenging original equipment manufacturers and big contractors in the international military weapons and equipment market. According to the author, these smaller companies offer relatively low priced products that provide basic technologies to developing countries. He reports that the companies are teaming up with foreign partners who can provide them with the necessary technology and the needed expertise, with products mostly developed locally but marketed internationally.

The article reports that Italian company Selex Sistemi Integrati has developed an antipiracy system for merchant ships called Pompeius. According to the author, Pompeius is a modular, network-centric system that can meet different requirements and match the ship's value with the risk levels that it may encounter in its routes. The antipiracy technology has an on-board and an ashore system which operates independently and also as a network. The system, the author reveals, can provide early warning of suspected pirate activity.

The article reports on developments in warship design. According to the authors, ship designs are being driven more by lessons learned from the past and by economic conditions rather than peer-on-peer sea battles. They assert that success in shipbuilding will largely depend on anticipating changes in user requirements which include emphasis on multirole platforms, particularly with regards to international operations. They add that the countries of Brazil, Canada, Great Britain and Israel have all developed surface combatant programs.

The article reports that Italian undersea warfare company Wass is developing an ultra-fast catamaran designed for coastal antisubmarine warfare (ASW). According to the author, the catamaran is called the Black Kite Katamaran (BKK) and is being built with ASW as the main focus, although configurations are also being developed for attack and interception, maritime surveillance, counterterrorism and mine countermeasure missions. He reveals that the BKK is mostly made from composite materials and carbon fibers.

The article reports on the growing trend in the construction of antiship missiles despite the threat they pose on sea power. According to the author, China, India, and South Korea are intensifying their navies by including carrier battle groups. He adds that Russia's proliferation of advanced antiship missiles is raising doubts over the effectiveness of Western ship defenses. He mentions that several features of antiship missiles are becoming dangerous, including the radar and infrared stealth designs and improved electronic countermeasure capabilities.

The article presents the highlights of the International Defense Exhibition and Conference (IDEX) held in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates in February 2011. General Atomics-Aeronautical Systems Inc. was able to finalize a deal with United Arab Emirates-based defense firm Golden Group for its Predator and Predator B/Reaper unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV). ITT Defense showcased its model of a surveillance satellite. Great Britain launched its Light Protected Patrol Vehicle project, the Force Protection Ocelot and the Supacat SPV400.

The article offers information on various upcoming counter rocket artillery and mortar (C-RAM) systems as of March 2011 including the Laser Area Defense System by companies including Raytheon, Boeing and Textron, Tactical High Energy Laser (THEL), Mobile-THEL and Skyguard high-energy laser air-defense program by Northrop Grumman, and the Skyshield/Mantis system or NBS by Rheinmetall.

The article offers information on remotely controlled weapon stations (RCWS) including the Protector and the second-generation Common Remotely Operated Weapon Station (Crows II) from Kongsberg, the Samson RCWS from Rafael, and the TRT-25 RCWS from BAE Systems.

The article offers information on the Interactive Defense and Attack System for Submarines (IDAS) from Diehl BGT Defense of Germany.

The article offers information on the Compact Warfare System Package (CWSP) naval combat management systems by European missile developer MBDA.

The article reports on the expansion of the Middle East defense market as of February 2011. It is noted that Middle Eastern countries are seeking comprehensive packages that include training, security guarantees, military-to-military cooperation, as well as nuclear guarantees. Due to manpower shortage, Middle Eastern forces are adopting automation. An assessment of the military purchases and capabilities of Saudi Arabia and Iran is presented.

The article reports on the effectiveness of main battle tanks (MBT) in counterinsurgency operations in Afghanistan and Iraq. The U.S. Marine Corps has decided in 2010 to deploy a tank platoon to Afghanistan based on the successful use of MBTs by the Canadians and the Dutch in southern Afghanistan. It is noted that the Israelis used MBTs in Gaza in 2008 to 2009 based on the lessons of the Lebanese war in 2006.

The article reports on a family of vehicles being developed by Swedish manufacturer DCE AB for naval special forces that can be operated on the surface, partially submerged or underwater. It is noted that the initial vehicle called the Seal Carrier is in service with the Swedish navy. The vehicles can transport six combat swimmers or explosive ordnance disposal personnel in a module with three rows of two seats, their equipment, and two crewmembers.

The article reports on the decision of Italy to maintain its defense budget and major procurement programs despite pressure from the treasury to reduce military spending to cut the budget deficit. The defense ministry decided to reduce funding for operations, maintenance and training, which is expected to affect military readiness. The defense ministry has asked for a 0.6 percent increase over 2010 to 27.4 billion U.S. dollars.

The article reports on the prudent approach adopted by some European countries to reducing defense budgets. Exceptional measures are being taken by Great Britain, Spain, Greece, and Portugal as they are facing the most pressure to reduce national deficits. The number of European military personnel has been reduced from 3.5 million in 2001 to 2.3 million in 2009.

The article deals with the U.S. Army's research program called Lightweight Small Arms Technologies (LSAT). The program is aimed at developing a light squad machine gun (LMG) and an assault rifle that will fire new telescoped-caseless (TC) ammunition. The program is managed by the Joint Service Small Arms Program Office of the Army's Armament Research Development and Engineering Center (Ardec).

The article discusses the highlights of the Association of the U.S. Army trade show in Washington in October 2010. The themes of the trade show were survivability and situational awareness, says the article. Force Protection chief executive officer (CEO) Mike Moody says that they looking for an opportunity to show their Ocelot Light Protected Patrol Vehicle (LPPV) to the U.S. Army and Marine Corps as an option to the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle.

The article reports on the strength of marine forces of various countries worldwide. Marines are amphibious, that is, they are able to operate in land and water, assault armed forces that act as first responders when governments extend power, says the article. Great Britain maintains a brigade level Royal Marines force and an amphibious naval force. Taiwan has a marine force of 35,000 troops whose mission is to repel an invasion by China. South Korea has a 25,000 naval infantry that would defend the country or attack North Korea.

The article reports on the move of the British Defense Ministry to start deploying the first airborne thermal-imaging cameras from Selex Galileo with advanced Albion technology. During an upgrade in June 2010, the Royal Air Force (RAF) Chinook helicopters were equipped with Titan 385ES-HD airborne turrets containing high-definition SLX Merlin medium-waveband, that is, 3-5-micron, infrared (IR) cameras that use Albion detectors, says the article. The cost of the contract is £10-million contract for 21 new turrets and four upgrades, adds the article.

The article reports on the installation of bigger-caliber guns into tracked and wheeled infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs). Western IFVs were equipped with 20-millimeter automatic cannons originally intended for aircraft. On the other hand, the Russians introduced the low-pressure, smooth-bore 73-millimeter. Among the high-caliber guns available for IFVs are the ATK Bushmaster Mk44 and Rheinmetall's Rh503 cannon.

The article discusses the highlights of the 2010 Africa Aerospace and Defense (AAD) exposition that was held in South Africa. Among the major defense technologies introduced were armored vehicles, remotely operated weapon stations, and a mobile ground-based air-defense system. It is noted that South Africa has a strong defense industry but budget cuts have affected the modernization of its National Defense Forces (NDF).

The article focuses on a program launched by the Italian coast guard to field two new flagships in the form of oceangoing offshore patrol vessels (OPV) with multimission capabilities. The OPVs will be larger than any current commissioned vessels. They will be used to intercept illegal immigrants, and to perform various missions, including search and rescue, firefighting and pollution control, fisheries monitoring and protection, diving support, and towing and transportation.

The article examines the development of unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs) and autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs). Although experts claim that UUVs and AUVs will be crucial in naval warfare, the development of unmanned vehicles for undersea and surface applications is still considered in its early phases. Among the planned enhancements to UUVs and AUVs were reconnaissance and surveillance, undersea surveying and mapping and intelligence-gathering.