ND3 Inc.’s Post

The briefing started with Capt. Chris Polk explaining how Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) successfully managed to re-initiate the production line for the Heavyweight #Torpedo (#HWT) MK 48 Mod7, a torpedo it had stopped building in 1996. “In FY16, when we re-initiated the #productionline, we faced several #challenges, in particular the fact that, to use an analogy that can speak to everyone, we wanted to build the 1996 Mustang, we 1996 parts the way we used to build mustangs in 1996 but with today’s standards. All challenges across the board.” #NAVSEA addressed these challenges by initially improving #workflow and processes through increased #automation and workforce development. It also tackled #obsolescence by making “thousands of changes” to the technical data package. Finally, it worked with the Blue Force Alliance and #industry partners to identify supply chain weaknesses and strengths, removing duplications and supporting where necessary. The next step is encouraging industry and #government investment. Next, Capt. David Vehon explained that NAVSEA is also working to modernise the #submarines ’ fire control system. “When we do #modernisation, we do it all in one package – #communications, #EW, #sonar, #firecontrol – but we only have a limited number of #technicians (industrial welders, fibre optic technicians), so this has to be a very orchestrated event, and we all have to be aligned.” Capt. Vehon explained that there are multiple ways in which the industry can help in the process. First, it could find a way to decouple hardware and software to have hardware that can last multiple years while the software is regularly updated. Second, it can help with NAVSEA’s ability to track, fix, and correct #legacy edge systems so that everything will be working when the modernisation is finished and the systems go into testing. Third, new systems often require more electrical power and cooling, affecting modernisation timelines. The industry could help by developing plug-and-play solutions requiring no #submarine cooling or electrical distribution modifications. Fourth, it would be helpful to have solutions capable of reducing the time needed to connect all servers and systems inside the submarine to the fibre optics and electrical systems. Fifth, automation of all system #testing would also considerably decrease modernisation timelines. Finally, #digitalising predictive measures would go a long way to create a more efficient maintenance and/or modernisation #schedule. #mai #marineacoustics #innovation #technology #capability #forcemultiplier #underseawarfare #weapons #submarines Robert Oswald US Navy #navy #usnavy NAVSEA Warfare Centers (NSWC/NUWC) Naval Undersea Warfare Center Newport #NUWC https://lnkd.in/eCjYP8hN

More examples of real threat vectors for acquisition, test, and evaluation organizations to consider in self/area defense operational assessments. https://lnkd.in/eyym4R8X

The US Navy has made the decision to postpone several modernization programs in order to allocate resources for ongoing operations. The FY25 budget request reflects a strategic shift in priorities, with a focus on current operations, personnel, and smaller unmanned systems. The Navy's budget request seeks to reduce ship purchases, with six ships planned instead of the previously intended seven. This includes a reduction in the number of attack submarines from two to one. Additionally, the research and development budget will be trimmed by 2.7%, and military construction spending will see a significant decrease of 26.1%. The decision to delay large unmanned systems and next-generation ships and planes is driven by spending caps and the need to prioritize immediate operational requirements. The Navy aims to allocate resources towards ongoing operations and personnel, as well as small unmanned systems and the Replicator program led by the Pentagon. The Replicator program holds the potential to deliver results for the fleet in a shorter timeframe. The UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY is seeking a budget of $257.6 billion for FY25, representing a modest increase of 0.7% compared to the previous year's request. However, Congress has yet to pass the budget, which is causing some uncertainty. Under Secretary Erik Raven explained that the Navy had to make hard choices and take risks in future modernization to prioritize key investments in readiness, people, and undersea capabilities. The budget reflects these choices, with certain programs being delayed to ensure critical areas receive adequate funding. Despite the postponement of larger programs, the Navy remains committed to advancing smaller unmanned systems. Several of these systems are transitioning from research and development into procurement and testing stages. The budget also includes funding for the Replicator program, which aims to deploy thousands of drones in the Indo-Pacific region for deterrence and combat purposes. The Navy's decision to defer some purchases and delay certain programs is driven by the cost of ongoing operations and the need to be prepared for potential challenges in the coming years. The Navy anticipates the 2020s to be a decade of concern, with experts suggesting a potential invasion of Taiwan by China in 2027. By prioritizing immediate needs and smaller systems, the Navy aims to balance its resources and maintain readiness for future conflicts. It's important to note that the budget request may face adjustments, and the Navy may seek supplemental funding in FY25 to cover unforeseen costs related to ongoing operations and missile expenditure in the Red Sea. #USNavy #ModernizationPrograms #BudgetPriorities #Operations #UnmannedSystems #StrategicShift #DefenseNews

In a move aimed at bolstering safety for both soldiers and civilians, the British Army has secured a £21 million contract to procure a fleet of advanced bomb disposal robots. The Ministry of Defence announced today that 50 state-of-the-art T4 robots, designed and manufactured by L3 Harris Technologies, will be delivered by the end of 2024.   Compact, #bombdisposalsafety #DefenceMinistryrobotdeal #explosivethreatmanagement #L3HarrisTechnologies #militaryroboticsadvancement #publicsafetytechnology #robotictechnologyinmilitary #T4robotfeatures #UKbombdisposaltechnology #thxnews

Former Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Industrial Policy Jeffrey Nadaner writes that we should reauthorize but also modernize the Defense Production Act (DPA). Among his recommendations: Use loan guarantees to expand investment in the industrial base. "Loan guarantees can be the cheapest yet most effective way to attract private sector investment... This approach retains private sector entrepreneurial initiative and decision-making rather than have the government pick winners." More adoption of commercial technology. "Break up the oligopoly of traditional aerospace and defense contractors by facilitating the entry of commercial technology providers who have been so effective in space launch, unmanned/autonomous systems, and software." Automatically apply FAST 41 authorities to streamline permitting processes for infrastructure development in the defense industrial base. Implement "guardrails" to make sure the DPA is used for defense and not as a "catchall tool for an administration's priorities." #defenseindustry  https://lnkd.in/dNncQpMA 

ARMOUR WARFARE SERIES Article No 3: Modernisation Strategy for Future-Ready Mechanised Forces Modernisation must be driven by the operational requirements and balance the technological, indigenous and fiscal realities in a time-critical domain to achieve the stated objectives. It should build on the principles of retaining the capacity and readiness to accomplish combat superiority and expand new technology-enabled state-of-the-art capabilities to cope with emerging threats. Read on.... The series includes-  ✅️1. Future Wars Emerging Perspective ✅️2. Tank Warfare in the 21st Century: Need to Evolve and Transform. ✅️3. Mechanised Forces Modernisation Strategy. 4. AFV Technology Perspective and Strategy. 5. Long-term Fleet Management and Upgradation Philosophy. 6. Future Fleet Modernisation Needs and Projects. JAI HIND 🇮🇳 #India #indianarmy #Tank #Warfare #victory #modernisation #futureconflicts #lessons #technology #drones #futurewars #survivability #protection #leadership #military

Tinubu’s Government Invests ₦3.1 Billion in Vintage Helicopters for Nigerian Army The administration of President Bola Tinubu has allocated a staggering N3.1 billion (approximately $7 million) to procure two Bell UH-1H ‘Huey’ helicopters, each over 50 years old, to bolster the Nigerian Army’s fight against insurgency. Originally utilized for firefighting in South Africa, these helicopters were acquired amid ongoing security challenges faced by the Nigerian military. The two aircraft, designated NA010 and NA011, were delivered to the Army in June 2024. NA010, manufactured in 1968, previously operated under the registration ZT-RCS, while NA011, produced in 1966, was registered as ZT-RAI. Despite their vintage status, the Nigerian Army maintains that the UH-1H helicopters come equipped with advanced sensors and technology, enabling a variety of missions including reconnaissance, surveillance, logistics, medical evacuation, and rescue operations. The UH-1H, famously known as the “Huey,” has a storied history, with over 16,000 units produced and many utilized during the Vietnam War. The U.S. Army retired its last Huey in recent years, marking the end of an era for these iconic helicopters. The decision to invest in these helicopters has sparked discussions regarding the military’s modernization strategy, especially considering their age and the availability of newer technologies. Critics question the efficacy of relying on older models for contemporary military operations. In a statement, the Nigerian Army emphasized that the acquisition of these helicopters aligns with its commitment to enhancing operational capabilities in the fight against insurgents and maintaining national security. As the government moves forward with this procurement, the focus remains on the strategic application of the helicopters in addressing Nigeria’s pressing security issues. WhatsApp Facebook Twitter Email LinkedIn Reddit The post Tinubu’s Government Invests ₦3.1 Billion in Vintage Helicopters for Nigerian Army appeared first on Akelicious.

Indeed, interesting also with the question about modularity leading to compromises. The question is, if designed for modularity from the beginning, that modular payload offers more than suboptimal performance for both smaller and large navies. 

Focus on Indigenous Serviceability: Indian Air Force Draws Up Roadmap to Outsource Overhaul of 60 AN-32 Aircraft to the Industry Drawing up a roadmap to outsource part of the repair and overhaul of airframes along with certain components of the Soviet-origin AN-32 tactical transport aircraft to the industry, the Indian Air Force (IAF) is seeking proposals from the industry, Read More : https://shorturl.at/eqCGQ #IndigenousServiceability #IndianAirForce #AN32 #Aatmanirbharta #IAF #Defence #Rakshaanirveda 

Mine & IED Blast Protection Every day, soldiers face life threatening risks from Landmines and IEDs explosions. Plasan’s advanced multi-component blast protection solutions are designed to offer maximum protection for armored vehicles and their occupants. Our protection technologies core is based on a smart-shaped, multi-layered, deflector that deflects and/or absorbs up to 85% of the blast energy, effectively distributing the explosion impact along the vehicle's underbelly. Made from cutting-edge materials and utilizing deformation and crash zones, this technology minimizes vehicle damage and reduces soldier’s injury risk. Our floating floor adds an extra layer of defense by isolating crew feet from blast impacts. Additionally, our T-Bar Energy Attenuating (EA) foot pads and EA Seats incorporate innovative shock-absorbing technology, ensuring soldiers both ride comfort and explosion safety while meeting rigorous military standards. With advanced engineering and extensive real-world testing, Plasan's blast protection solutions deliver exceptional performance, reliability and are protecting those that protect us. #BlastProtection #IEDProtection #ArmoredVehicles #Innovation #Plasan