February 16, 2022 | International, Aerospace
'There's enough technology in existence from programs that we've already conducted, it convinces me that's not a crazy idea,' Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall said.
February 22, 2021 | International, Aerospace, Naval, Land, C4ISR, Security
In spite of the surging coronavirus pandemic, major arms makers descended on a convention center in Abu Dhabi, hoping to make deals with militaries across the Middle East.
January 19, 2021 | International, Land
By: Christina Mackenzie   PARIS — The French Army is expected to receive 108 Serval armored vehicles in 2022 as part of an order from manufacturers Nexter and Texelis totaling 364. The contract was finalized through the DGA procurement agency on Dec. 23 but was not announced until Jan. 15. The two companies, which formed a temporary joint operation to build the light-armored, multirole Serval, will deliver the first 12 production vehicles in the first half of 2022, followed by a further 96 in the second half. The government previously allocated funding for the vehicle order, so the Army is expected to have a total of 978 Servals by 2030. The Serval is a four-wheel drive, 15-ton vehicle designed to replace the 40-year-old VAB, an armored personnel carrier and support vehicle. It complements the much bigger 24-ton Griffon armored vehicle, and these two, together with the Jaguar reconnaissance and combat vehicle, form the core of the French Army's Scorpion program to replace all French front-line fighting vehicles. They will be linked via a new communications and battlefield management system, the Scorpion Combat Information System. Three main versions of the Serval — patrol; intelligence and reconnaissance; and communications — will each have their own variants. Designed to operate in combat zones, the Serval combines flexibility, strategic mobility and payload-carrying capacity. The DGA said that despite difficulties caused by the coronavirus pandemic, testing of the vehicle, which began in September 2019, was sufficiently advanced to allow this first production phase to take place before the end of 2020, as planned in France's 2019-2025 Military Program Law. In addition, as part of a procedure undertaken by the gendarmerie (national police force) to renew its fleet of armored vehicles, the Nexter-Texelis team has proposed a vehicle based on the Serval capable of operating in mainland France and overseas. https://www.defensenews.com/land/2021/01/15/french-army-orders-364-serval-armored-vehicles/
April 3, 2020 | International, Aerospace
Are you a former member of the Royal Canadian Air Force, or do you know someone who is? The RCAF is actively seeking to re-enroll former members who can make an immediate contribution to Canada's air and space capabilities based on their previous training and experience. The fresh knowledge and perspectives gained from subsequent non-military employment can greatly enhance air operations. Furthermore, re-enrollees are invaluable in the training and mentoring of the next generation of RCAF aviators. While maintaining and modernizing existing capabilities, the RCAF is also expanding into new roles, including remotely piloted aircraft and the domain of space operations. The skills, leadership, maturity and experience of those with previous RCAF service can make a significant contribution to these operations. The RCAF has a specific team that is dedicated to facilitating the re-enrollment of former members. The Air Force Intake and Liaison Team (AFILT), based in Ottawa, works closely with Canadian Forces Recruiting Group and Career Managers to streamline the re-entry process. In addition, they can provide individualized support and guidance to each re-enrollee's file, ensuring that the process is as smooth and timely as possible. There are many reasons why former members may consider rejoining the RCAF team as a regular or reserve member. You may consider: job security and stability; better pay and benefits; a team-oriented working environment; making a meaningful contribution to Canada and the world; improved individual and family support programs; the excitement of operations and working with leading-edge aerospace equipment; the lifetime security of an increased pension; the flexibility of full or part-time work. You may recognize some of these reasons, or have reasons of your own. If rejoining the RCAF team — whether with the regular or the reserve force — appeals to you or someone you know, check out the RCAF re-enrollment website or contact the Air Force Intake and Liaison Team directly at: AFILT-EALFA@forces.gc.ca. https://www.skiesmag.com/press-releases/rcaf-is-seeking-to-re-enroll-former-members