Venezuela weapons worry US, Colombia May 16, 2008
It is making armored combat vehicles that can be mounted with surface-to-air missiles, planning to build South America's first Kalashnikov rifle factory and spending big on rockets, bullets, assault weapons, sniper rifles and night-vision equipment. Chavez says his only purpose is to ward off a U.S. invasion _ not to supply the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, or FARC.. (Mattoon Journal-Gazette, IL)
Russian President Pledges to Bolster Nuclear Arsenal May 16, 2008
Missiles from the base were displayed in the May 9 Victory Day parade, when Russia showcased its combat vehicles and other military hardware on Red Square in Moscow for the first time since the Soviet collapse. Medvedev said that he "felt a drive" when he watched the missiles and other weapons rolling across the square. (Fox News)
Tories grilled on defence plan May 16, 2008
The new strategy, which has come under criticism for being too vague, involves major procurements of planes, combat vehicles, ships and fighters, as well as a boost in the number regular and reserve troops. A speech is not a strategy, said Liberal House Leader Ralph Goodale. (Globe and Mail)
Defence plan to cost $20-billion more than announced May 15, 2008
Lieutenant-General Walter Natynczyk, vice-chief of the Defence Staff, said the military would spend between $45-billion and $50-billion on planes, combat vehicles, ships and fighters under the Canada First Defence Strategy, the Conservative government's plan for the military that was originally released Monday without comprehensive details. But senior military officers were constrained from talking openly as they tried to further flesh out the strategy Wednesday. (Globe and Mail)
Conservatives won't commit defence strategy to paper May 13, 2008
Mr. MacKay's speech talked about the purchase of fixed wing search-and-rescue aircraft, new fighter planes, replacements for destroyers and frigates, combat vehicles for the army and a replacement for Aurora maritime patrol aircraft. He did not provide any details about how much such procurements would cost or the timelines for such purchases. (Canada.com)
Harper Plans to Double Canadian Defense Budget to Replace Aging Fleets May 13, 2008
Six of the military's core fleets, including destroyers, frigates, maritime patrol aircraft, fixed-wing and rescue aircraft, fighter aircraft and land combat vehicles, will need to be replaced over the next 20 years, Harper said. That's in addition to new and upgraded equipment purchases already announced, according to the prime minister. (Bloomberg -- Canada)
Russia holds military parade May 9, 2008
The Russian Armed Forces showcased more than 200 units of military equipment such as tanks, infantry combat vehicles, armored personnel carriers, self-propelled artillery mounts, air defense combat vehicles and land-based mobile missile systems. More than 30 aircraft, including strategic bombers, tanker planes, military cargo planes, fighter jets, assault aircraft, frontline bombers and helicopters took part in the parade together with aerobatics teams Russkiye Vityazi and Strizhi. (Xinhuanet, China)
Johnson to Retire as CEO of Dominion Virginia Power; Will Assume Vice Chairmanship of General Dynamics May 8, 2008
and is a market leader in business aviation; land and expeditionary combat vehicles and systems, armaments, and munitions; shipbuilding and marine systems; and mission-critical information systems and technologies. The company employs approximately 83,500 people worldwide and reported 2007 revenues of $27. (PR Newswire)
Military supply lines flawed May 8, 2008
It also said the system works well at keeping its key combat vehicles running, with serviceability rates of 80 per cent or better. This is despite harsh operating conditions, damage from enemy action, parts shortages and modifications made on site. (Globe and Mail -- National)
Stryker brigade set for Iraq Apr 19, 2008
Using the armored combat vehicles, Shank said, means troops can be driven instead of marched to their destinations on the field, which is faster and saves the troops energy. And, Shank said, it is also safer. (Carlisle Sentinel, PA)
Stryker bringing $250M build boom Apr 17, 2008
Since 2001, the Army has wanted to convert the 25th Infantry Division's 2nd Brigade Combat Team to an infantry unit built around 325 19-ton, eight-wheeled combat vehicles. More than $700 million was programmed for 28 construction projects to support the Stryker unit and its 4,000 soldiers. (Honolulu Star-Bulletin)
U.S. weapons upgrade faces hurdles Apr 9, 2008
At stake is what the Army calls its most ambitious modernization since World War II -- Future Combat Systems, a new generation of weapons, combat vehicles, robots and sensors connected to a wireless network ... And the new radios would be able to transmit streaming video among combat vehicles on the move. (MSNBC -- Terrorism)
Sadr City assault strains cease-fire Apr 7, 2008
On Sunday, a convoy of US Abrams tanks and Bradley and Stryker combat vehicles patrolled at the entrance of Sadr City as dozens of Iraqi soldiers took positions on balconies. Once inside the district, people shouted, "Quick, run into the alleyways.". (Christian Science Monitor -- USA)
ILYA KRAMNIK: Robot armies — another military revolution? Apr 5, 2008
Equipped with a total of 1,200-2,400 robots controlled by 200 to 300 operators from a distance of several kilometers, these two battalions will be able to inflict heavy losses on enemy divisions, and destroy most of their tanks and infantry combat vehicles. There is no doubt that a tank battle against these machines will be similar to the feats of Zinovy Kolobanov or Otto Karius (Soviet and German tank aces of World War II). (Fresno Bee -- Opinion)
U.S. Ground Forces Wearing Out Apr 3, 2008
In the spring of 2007, I found myself racing up one of Iraq s main supply routes toward Baghdad in one of Granite Global s thoroughly armored tactical combat vehicles ... 5 billion is slated for tactical ground-combat vehicles and vehicle armor. (Human Events Online)
Sadr City braces for fresh street battles Mar 27, 2008
Across the Shiite enclave, home to almost 3 million people, US soldiers some on foot and others in Stryker combat vehicles and Humvees were out in force at all the major entrances, especially next to Iraqi Army checkpoints. Fallah (Farmer) Street and all other major thoroughfares were blocked by militiamen with rocks. (Christian Science Monitor)
Test plane made of composites could help air industry soar Mar 22, 2008
But it will fulfill a burgeoning need for a lighter more nimble transport plane that can deliver ground combat vehicles close to the battlefield on short or unprepared landing strips, says Graham Warwick, U.S. editor of Flight International magazine. Warwick says the Air Force project comes at the same time that the Army is proposing a tilt-wing vertical-take-off airplane. (USA Today -- Money)
Full Story » Mar 2, 2008
Sunday, March 02, 2008. US, South Korean soldiers kick off massive joint drill Posted: 02 March 2008 1159 hrs. (Channelnewsasia.com)
Thomas W. Rabaut Named to Kaman Board of Directors Feb 28, 2008
7 billion global leader in the design, development and production of combat vehicles, artillery systems, naval guns, missile launchers and precision munitions. A graduate of the United States Military Academy, West Point (BS), and the Harvard Graduate School of Business Administration (MBA), Mr. Rabaut started his industrial career with FMC Corporation in 1977, following his military service. (PR Newswire)
DRS Technologies Reports Record Third Quarter And Nine-Month Results Feb 28, 2008
$67 million to produce Driver Vision Enhancer (DVE) A-Kits for a wide range of frontline U.S. Army and Marine Corps tactical combat vehicles. $35 million to provide data collection, secure communications and processing equipment, including receivers, tuners, antennae, radios, signal processing systems and recorders primarily supporting government intelligence agencies. (Investors Business Daily)
Critics claim politics steers Stryker plans Feb 24, 2008
When fully manned and equipped, the 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team will include 4,105 soldiers and 1,000 vehicles, including 328 eight-wheeled, 19-ton combat vehicles. The entire study is available at. (Honolulu Star-Bulletin)
In the Military Feb 18, 2008
Also at Camp Taji are Schofield Barracks soldiers assigned to the 536th Maintenance Company, whose job includes making lifesaving modifications to the 20-ton Stryker combat vehicles, according to an article by Army journalist Pfc. Andrea Merrit. (Honolulu Star-Bulletin)
Army report finds Schofield best for Strykers Feb 18, 2008
The decision affects 4,000 Stryker brigade soldiers and the heavy, eight-wheeled combat vehicles they use. They are now deployed to Iraq and are scheduled to return late this year or early in 2009. (Pacific Business News, HI)
Mixon takes new command Feb 4, 2008
The Army is now studying a court-mandated environmental study on the impact of locating the brigade, which is developed around 328 eight-wheeled, 20-ton combat vehicles, in Hawaii, Alaska or Colorado. In 2006, the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that the Army violated environmental laws by not considering locations other than Hawaii. (Honolulu Star-Bulletin)
Military contractors are hard to fire Feb 3, 2008
Combat vehicles ITT declared as repaired and ready for action flunked inspections and had to be fixed again. Equipment to be sanitized for return to the United States was found caked with dirt. (USA Today -- News)
Moscow returns to Soviet era with weaponry on parade Jan 27, 2008
For the first time since the fall of the Soviet Union, combat vehicles will return to the heart of Moscow, driving past the Kremlin during Russia's annual military parade on May 9, Russia's defence ministry confirmed today ... Combat vehicles were last paraded in Red Square on November 7, 1990, shortly before the Soviet Union vanished. (Yahoo News -- Russia)
General Dynamics profit goes up Jan 24, 2008
The maker of Abrams tanks, Stryker combat vehicles and Gulfstream jets, said its net profit was $579m (297m) in the last three months of 2007. Sales rose 15% to $7. (BBC News -- Americas)
Army spending on combat vehicles boosts General Dynamics 4th-quarter profit Jan 24, 2008
WASHINGTON General Dynamics Corp. said Wednesday that higher sales of combat vehicles to the Army and corporate jets pushed fourth-quarter earnings up 42 percent, but the defense contractor's 2008 outlook fell short of Wall Street forecasts. Net income jumped to $579 million, or $1. (San Diego Union-Tribune -- Business)
Schofield soldier is killed Jan 23, 2008
Schoolcraft was among the nearly 4,000 soldiers who left Wahiawa in December and belonged to a Schofield Barracks unit that was equipped with 328 eight-wheeled Stryker combat vehicles. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment. (Honolulu Star-Bulletin)
Profits jumps at General Dynamics Jan 23, 2008
saw its profits skyrocket 42 percent in the fourth quarter from an increase in orders from the U.S. Army and Marines for combat vehicles such as modernizing Abrams tanks and producing Stryker vehicles. The Falls Church-based government contractor earned $579 million in the quarter ended Dec. 31, or $1. (Washington Business Journal, DC)
Putin to revive Soviet muscle-flexing parade Jan 22, 2008
The Soviet Union's military parades - to celebrate victory over the Nazis on May 9 and the Bolshevik revolution on November 7 - were watched by millions live on TV. Combat vehicles were last paraded in Red Square on November 7 1990. Special reports. (Guardian Unlimited)
DRS awarded a $9M Army contract Jan 8, 2008
has received a $9 million contract to provide infrared sighting systems for tanks and combat vehicles. The New Jersey-based company was awarded the contract from the 's (NYSE: RTN) Network Centric Systems business in McKinney, Texas. (Orlando Business Journal)
General Dynamics to make more armored vehicles Jan 6, 2008
The business unit of Falls Church-based (NYSE: GD) said the order was made through the mine resistant ambush protected, or MRAP, vehicle program, designed by the Pentagon to increase the fleet of combat vehicles in such places as Iraq and Afghanistan to more than 20,000 by 2009. The vehicles help protect troops from land mines and roadside bombs. (Washington Business Journal, DC)
Jaguar, Land Rover have a long and rich pedigree Dec 24, 2007
This is mainly because combat vehicles today are required to carry much more equipment (weaponry), communications equipment and armour. Though they are considered the safest vehicles on British roads, Land Rovers fare poorly on quality and reliability they stood second-last in a 2007 US car reliability survey. (Business Standard)
Britain Hands Over Basra Security To Iraq Dec 16, 2007
British soldiers stand by armored combat vehicles in Basra, 340 miles southeast of Baghdad, Iraq, in this file photo dated Friday Oct. 7, 2005. (AP Photo/Nabil al-Jurani). (CBS News -- Iraq)
Mayes: Port of Olympia Resistance Dec 16, 2007
Early in November activists learned that the USNS Brittin would arrive on Nov. 5, bringing Stryker combat vehicles and other equipment back from Iraq through the Port of Olympia to Fort Lewis ... Nov. 7: As Stryker combat vehicles and other equipment began exiting the Port on Wednesday evening, dozens of protesters blocked the road with their bodies as one convoy after another exited the Port of Olympia. (Zmag.org)
Russia suspends CFE arms treaty Dec 13, 2007
The document aims to maintain the military balance in Europe by setting equal limits for each signatory on five categories of conventional weapons - battle tanks, armored combat vehicles, artillery pieces, combat aircraft and attack helicopters. The treaty, which came into force on Nov. 9, 1992, also lays down measures to enhance confidence-building, transparency and cooperation between member states. (Xinhuanet, China)
Army may cut order for MRAPs Dec 11, 2007
Army may revise request for new combat vehicles - USATODAY.com ... Army may revise request for new combat vehicles. (USA Today)
Future Combat: The Wireless War Dec 8, 2007
Developers say that the systems--new weapons, drones, robots, sensors and combat vehicles--are designed to be flexible ... Officials say that such an increase in information will more than compensate for the new combat vehicles' lighter armor ... Part of Future Combat Systems includes eight new manned combat vehicles, which weigh between 27 and 30 tons, compared to today's prevailing Abrams tank, which weighs about 70 tons. (Washington Post -- Technology)
Why Liberal Women Dislike Hillary Clinton Dec 8, 2007
The project involves creating a family of 14 weapons, drones, robots, sensors and hybrid-electric combat vehicles connected by a wireless network. Experts say it's the most ambitious modernization of the Army since World War II and the most expensive weapons program ever. (CBS News -- Evening News)
M&M pips Tatas, L&T for BAE's defence venture in India Dec 7, 2007
The proposed JV will manufacture combat vehicles and other land-based defence equipments. Sources said that the project would cater to Indian Army besides looking for exports from Indian soil. (India Times)
US Military Conserving Fuel to Save Lives, Money Dec 7, 2007
The military is also installing auxiliary power units on combat vehicles used as stationary lookout posts to reduce the fuel used by their main engines. "Frequently, the tanks are just sitting on a street corner manning a checkpoint. And all they're doing is running their air conditioning and their radio," said Scott Pugh, a retired Navy Captain and member of the Defense Science Board. (Planet Ark, United States)
The Army's $200 billion makeover Dec 7, 2007
The Army has a name for this vision: Future Combat Systems, or FCS. The project involves creating a family of 14 weapons, drones, robots, sensors and hybrid-electric combat vehicles connected by a wireless network. It has turned into the most ambitious modernization of the Army since World War II and the most expensive Army weapons program ever, military officials say. (Yahoo News -- U.S. Military)
India to buy 347 T-90 tanks Dec 1, 2007
With a total of around 3,800 main-battle tanks, supported by infantry combat vehicles, the Army wants to have the potent capability to unleash the "speed and shock effect" of mechanised forces whenever required. The T-90S tanks, on their part, are gradually replacing old warhorses like T-55 tanks and the older variants of the T-72 tanks. (India Times, India)
Grossman: Resisting Militarization Nov 12, 2007
Two tractor trailers, one carrying two Stryker combat vehicles, another filled with military cargo, were blocked from exiting the port ... "The combat vehicles being shipped through our town were used to invade and destroy a sovereign nation, devastating the lives of millions of Iraqis and thousands of Americans. The reason we are blocking them now is because we do not want these war machines to ever be used for this purpose again," said Sandy Mayes, an Olympia nurse, and founding OlyPMR member.... (Zmag.org)
Robots Prepare for the Battlefield by First Fighting City Traffic Nov 7, 2007
Congress six years ago passed a measure mandating: "It shall be a goal of the Armed Forces to achieve the fielding of unmanned, remotely controlled technology such that by 2015, one third of the operational ground combat vehicles are unmanned" with an eye toward one day handing over "dull, dirty or dangerous" tasks to machines. The first Grand Challenge was held in March 2004 and featured a 142-mile (228. (Scientific American)
Mine Resistant Ambush Protected vehicles roll into theater Nov 6, 2007
CAMP LIBERTY, Iraq Towering high overhead and aligned one after the other in a seemingly endless row, the next generation of combat vehicles roll into Iraq. The new Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicle is currently being fielded here for the first time anywhere, and Soldiers are getting their first hands-on look at the latest development in troop protection. (KWTX.com, TX)
Robotic SUV wins $2 million road race Nov 5, 2007
DARPA sees the competition as a way to help fulfill a congressional mandate calling for a third of the military's ground combat vehicles to go driverless by the year 2015. Negotiating traffic jamsSaturday's race was by no means a demolition derby: The cars were programmed to drive conservatively, and a mobile team of about 50 humans monitored the competition, ready to flip a remote-controlled off switch at the slightest hint of robot road rage. (MSNBC -- Technology)
Carnegie Mellon team wins robot race in California desert Nov 5, 2007
The urban road race was the third robotic competition bankrolled by DARPA, which faces a congressional deadline to have one-third of its military ground combat vehicles unmanned by 2015. Throngs of spectators turned out to cheer on the driverless vehicles as they zipped through a mock city. (Fresno Bee -- State)
Robots on the warpath Nov 4, 2007
With the US military looking to have one-third of its ground-based combat vehicles unmanned by 2015, Darpa wants to rapidly develop the first self-driving car and is offering big money to the first team of engineers to achieve it. The winner of this year s contest the third one in the six years since the Grand Challenge was launched in 2001 will receive a $2m (960,000) cash prize. (Times Online)
Letter from Europe Nov 2, 2007
The CFE treaty established a system for reducing conventional forces - tanks, armored combat vehicles, artillery and attack helicopters and combat aircraft - from Vancouver to Vladivostok. Countries signed up to on-site inspections and notifying each other of troop movements. (International Herald Tribune)
Stryker group gets fond farewell Nov 1, 2007
Nearly 4,000 Schofield Barracks soldiers and their 330 Stryker combat vehicles will spend 15 months in the Baghdad-Taji area in Iraq starting in early December. Staff Sgt. Koscinski first deployed to Iraq for six months when the United States invaded the country in 2003. (Honolulu Star-Bulletin)
'Warriors' ready for deployment to Iraq Oct 31, 2007
"We've just completed the Army's finest training with the Army's best equipment, highlighted by its namesake, Stryker combat vehicles," said Col. Todd McCaffrey, brigade commander, in a written statement. "The nearly 4,000 soldiers, leaders and families of this brigade are prepared to answer this unit's second call to duty in the last three years, and they will once again represent Hawaii, the Army and our nation with pride, honor and determination.". (Honolulu Star-Bulletin)
Bronze Star for Helena soldier Oct 26, 2007
Herrin was honored for his work in Iraq recovering and repairing battle-damaged combat vehicles, often under enemy fire. Thumbs up to Jason Rigsby of the Helena Fire Department for being named Firefighter of the Year by the Exchange Club of Helena. (Helena Independent Record, MT)
Daily Briefing Oct 25, 2007
Washington - Big increases in sales of corporate jets and combat vehicles to replace the Pentagon's war-worn equipment helped push up General Dynamics Corp.'s third-quarter net income up nearly 25 percent, the defense contractor said Wednesday. The company also raised its outlook for 2007. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Business)
Fact Sheet: Defending America and Its Allies Against Ballistic Missile Attack Oct 24, 2007
These include new unmanned aerial combat vehicles, and next generation long-range precision weapons that allow us to strike our enemies quickly, at great distances, without using nuclear weapons. The Administration Is Delivering On Its Pledge To Defend America From The Threat Of Ballistic Missile Attack. (White House News Releases)
President Bush Visits National Defense University, Discusses Global War on Terror Oct 24, 2007
These include new unmanned aerial combat vehicles, and next generation long-range precision weapons that allows us to strike enemies quickly, at great distances, without using nuclear weapons. We're investing in the next generation of missile defenses -- because these systems do more than defend our citizens, they also strengthen deterrence. (White House News Releases)
Look ma, no driver Oct 23, 2007
Sponsored by the U.S. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, the contest is known as the Grand Challenge and flows from the Pentagon mandate that one-third of the military's ground combat vehicles be unmanned by 2015. It's the third of a series of DARPA contests aimed at accelerating research and development and getting the potentially life-saving vehicles into use even sooner. (Globe and Mail -- Technology)
S.D.'s SUSEL/Sputnik moment Oct 21, 2007
The Defense Appropriations Bill includes money for military-related research at the School of Mines: 400,000 to study the way improvised explosive devices explode in different soils and develop countermeasures for IEDs; 500,000 to develop better small, unmanned aerial vehicles and sensors for use, instead of humans, in select combat situations; 300,000 for the continued development of see-through armor for military combat vehicles that will be both strong and light; and 400,000 to develop... (Rapid City Journal, SD)
Helena soldier to receive Bronze Star Oct 19, 2007
1st Sgt. Herrin worked tirelessly, supervising shifts around the clock and in numerous recovery missions, to recover and repair combat vehicles damaged by enemy attacks. He came under enemy fire on many occasions while recovering vehicles damaged by enemy attack or suffering maintenance break-downs due to the extreme heat, or while deploying forward to support offensive operations in the enemy s area of sanctuary. (Helena Independent Record, MT)
Taiwan Celebrates National Day Parade After 16 Year... Oct 11, 2007
TAIPEI, Taiwan Fighter jets streaked across overcast skies and combat vehicles rumbled Wednesday as Taiwan showed off its might in the island's first National Day military parade in 16 years. Taiwan stopped such parades following its transformation to democracy in the early 1990s. (Fox News)
The Shrinking Iraq Coalition Oct 10, 2007
British soldiers stand by armored combat vehicles in Basra, 340 miles southeast of Baghdad, Iraq, in this file photo dated Friday Oct. 7, 2005. British soldiers pulled out Sunday from their last base inside the southern city, a move likely to prompt a further reduction in troop numbers, lawmakers and officials said. (CBS News -- World)
One mission in Southern Afghanistan Oct 8, 2007
Our joint patrol of Afghan National Army, Afghan National Police, and U.S./U.K. advisers finally left the linkup site at around 9:30 p.m. During this mission, we chose to leave the combat vehicles behind in a secure area as a quick-reaction force. Though I was the ranking officer on this patrol, I remained with the American team (with associated Afghan National Security Forces) to observe and evaluate their progress as advisers. (Orangeburg Times and Democrat, SC)
Driverless truck lurches out of lab Oct 5, 2007
DRIVERS NOT REQUIRED: If Congress and the military get their way, by 2015 one of every three ground combat vehicles will be able to drive itself, freeing occupants to scan for roadside bombs and scout for the enemy. NATIONWIDE EFFORT: Some three dozen teams will compete this month in a Defense Department challenge to program a vehicle to navigate intersections and obey traffic laws without a human inside. (Herald Online, SC -- Technology)
Driverless truck heads out for military duty Oct 3, 2007
Congress has mandated that one in three ground combat vehicles be self-driving by 2015 ... MORE ON THIS TOPIC Drivers not required: If Congress and the military get their way, by 2015 one of every three ground combat vehicles will be able to drive itself, freeing occupants to scan for roadside bombs and scout for the enemy. (AZCentral -- Business)
