DOHA - French defense contractor Arquus has signed an agreement with Qatar-based Barzan Holdings to upgrade the Qatar Armed Forces' Véhicule de l’Avant Blindé (VAB) infantry fighting vehicles. The contract includes modifications and repairs for 54 VABs, conducted both in Qatar and France. Arquus will also provide training for personnel responsible for the vehicles' upkeep and operation. The initial upgrades are underway in France, with a production line being established in Qatar.

The VAB, developed by Renault for the French military, was introduced to Qatar in the early 1980s. This 6x6 wheeled vehicle can be reconfigured to an 8x8 system and operates with either Renault or Caterpillar engines, delivering up to 370 horsepower for a top speed of 110 kilometers per hour and a range of 1,200 kilometers. It accommodates up to 10 personnel and can be transported by a C-130 Hercules cargo plane. Weighing 20,000 kilograms, the VAB features NATO-standard armor for protection against ballistics, mines, and artillery.

The VAB is versatile, available in variants such as troop transport, mortar carrier, reconnaissance, command post, ambulance, and law enforcement. It can be armed with a 12.7-millimeter turret, a 20 to 40-millimeter machine gun, or a 90-millimeter fire support weapon.

Source: The Defense Post
Associated URL: https://www.thedefensepost.com/2024/07/17/qatar-vab-fighting-vehicles-revamp/

BUCHAREST - Hanwha Aerospace secured a nearly $1 billion contract with Romania to supply 54 K9 self-propelled howitzers (SPH) and 36 K10 ammunition resupply vehicles (ARV) to the Eastern European country - a deal that highlights Hanwha’s continued expansion into the global defense market.

Under the contract, signed on July 9 by Hanwha Aerospace and the Romanian Ministry of National Defense, Hanwha will deliver the vehicles in stages over the next five years, with the first delivery due in early 2027.

"This is a remarkable deal that can further strengthen the strategic partnership between the two countries," said Jae-il Son, President and CEO of Hanwha Aerospace. "This contract involves not only artillery vehicles but also support vehicles and ammunition, representing Hanwha Aerospace’s capability to provide a total package of advanced defense solutions based on its world-leading technological expertise and production capacity."

Most of the vehicles will be assembled in Romania with extensive involvement of local suppliers. With the aim of maximizing benefits to the Romanian defense industry, Hanwha Aerospace will provide various localization programs including local production of defense equipment, technology transfer, and local facilities for maintenance, repair, and operations (MRO).

Through this partnership and other future projects, Romania will become a hub for Hanwha Aerospace’s land business in Europe. Additionally, with this deal, Romania joins the ranks as the 10th customer nation operating K9s, and as the sixth user nation among NATO members to acquire the K9, following Türkiye, Poland, Norway, Finland, and Estonia.

Source: Hanwha Group
Associated URL: https://www.hanwha.com/newsroom/news/press-releases/hanwha-further-expands-global-defense-market-presence-with-nearly-1b-k9-k10-deal-with-romania.do

INDIANAPOLIS -- Allison Transmission has signed a contract with BAE Systems Hägglunds, one of Europe's most successful producers of tracked combat vehicles, to provide the new Allison 4040 MX propulsion solution for ongoing CV90 Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV) programs with production expected to begin in 2028.

The 4040 MX extends Allison's medium weight offering in its cross-drive product portfolio as an uprated variant of the proven 3040 MX cross-drive transmission found in the U.S. Army's M10 Booker Combat Vehicle. This latest collaboration represents a continuation of a longstanding relationship between BAE Systems Hägglunds and Allison and represents an opportunity for continued growth in Allison's Defense end market above the many programs expected to drive $100 million of incremental annual revenue. Both BAE Systems' BvS10 and Beowulf tracked vehicles are equipped with the Allison 3000 Specialty Series transmissions.

The 4040 MX will equip ongoing CV90 programs including the CV90Mk IV IFV. The agreement also assures long term support to the existing Allison X300-equipped CV90 fleet. Nearly 1,000 CV90s are currently operated by Sweden, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, the Netherlands, Norway and Switzerland. BAE Systems Hägglunds and the CV90 recently won important IFV contracts in Slovakia and Czech Republic for approximately 400 new vehicles.

Source: allisontransmission.com