Development of a new version of GRIPEN, known as GRIPEN NG, started in 2013
In recent years, many reviews have been published on individual Scandinavian countries. In this article, we take a look at defense innovations from countries in the Nordic region
The importance of this northern region is determined by the sheer number of defense solutions developed and produced in one of the most sparsely populated areas, which is nevertheless the world's largest developer and exporter of defense solutions.
Examining several areas of innovation (from ammunition to world-class proving grounds) immediately draws attention to the operational reliability, cost-effectiveness, ergonomics, adaptability and modularity of all new solutions from this region, making the "Scandinavian proposal" the simplest and most meaningful choice. There is a reasonable explanation for everything here, whether it is a bolt of a special shape, or a seat of a special design.
All products and solutions from this region are aimed solely at fulfilling important and necessary tasks. There is nothing redundant in everything.
Like the Scandinavians themselves, everything they develop is often elegant, cost-effective, intricate, yet user-friendly, and works in harmony with the mechanical, technical or natural environment and environment. This is the key to success that most of the rest of the world has yet to understand.
Scandinavian "Supercompanies"
Before turning to the countless innovative firms in Northern Europe, it is necessary to briefly describe the two largest companies in the region: the Kongsberg Gruppen and the Saab Group. So, we will take a snapshot of each one to show their innovative solutions and tremendous experience and knowledge.
The Saab Group (Saab is short for Svenska Aeroplan AB, a Swedish aviation limited company) was founded in 1937 with the aim of producing a local fighter jet to defend the country during the difficult times before World War II. Saab was later split into several industrial divisions. The Saab Group has five business areas (Aviation, Defense, Electronic Systems, Security Solutions [SDS] and Services) that drive innovation in six regional markets (Asia Pacific, India, Europe, Middle East and Africa, both Americas). contributing to a significant increase in long-term and short-term sales.
The aviation business offers aviation and related subsystems, unmanned systems and aircraft components. The aviation business is responsible for the designs of the JAS 39 GRIPEN, SKELDAR aircraft, as well as assemblies and parts for Airbus, Boeing and NH90.
Defense Dynamics is an intriguing group as it offers ground weapons, missile systems, torpedoes, sensor systems, unmanned underwater vehicles, and signature management systems. This group includes Saab Underwater Systems, Saab Barracuda (camouflage and signature management) and the recently acquired ceramic armor company Protaurius. Proposed short-range weapons include CARL GUSTAF, NLAW, AT4 / AT4 CS, STRIX and MVT LAW systems. The RBS 70NG, RBS 23 and RBS 15 missile systems are also offered. Dynamics manufactures systems not only for the military, but also for the civil security sector.
Electronic Defense Systems manufactures airborne, ground and shipborne radars, including ERI-EYE, ARTHUR and GIRAFFE, deployed worldwide. Within the framework of this business line, various self-defense systems are also offered: false target dropping systems, sensors, jammers and various aviation electronic equipment.
The SDS Security Business Line develops systems in the defense and civil security sectors. It offers early warning systems and combat information and control systems, TACTICALL, a fully integrated multi-lane / multi-format programmable communications system; 9LV and 9LAND SOLDIER sPAD systems (pictured below), as well as the TRACKFIRE combat module. This business structure also includes Saab Training and Simulation, a division of training and simulation systems, which successfully competes and defeats American companies on their own territory.
Saab 9Land Soldier sPAD
The supply and service business is arguably the most mysterious, but perhaps the most ubiquitous area within the entire industry group. It offers end-to-end service and solutions, field equipment (food, medicine, etc.), logistics and even regional aviation services.
The industrial group Kongsberg Gruppen dates back to 1624. The group is divided into four main areas: Defense Systems, Protech Systems, Oil & Gas Technologies and Maritime. Like Saab, Kongsberg has offices and production facilities around the world, which successfully enter markets that are closed to companies from other countries, thanks to its vast experience.
Defense Systems (defense systems) produces an impressive number of systems that include missiles and solutions for operational control, weapons guidance, surveillance, training, communications.
The Protech Systems direction produces popular remotely controlled combat modules. The company's modules are the most widespread in the world and are often considered by specialists to be the most copied of their kind.
Combat module Kongsberg M151 PROTECTOR
Video description of the PROTECTOR combat module with three additional non-lethal systems with my subtitles
Maritime offers radars, communications, torpedoes, bridges, UAVs and off-the-shelf underwater robots such as HUGIN, REMUS and SEAGLIDER. In a recent joint marine robotics exercise in the Gulf of Aden, nearly all participants used Kongsberg submersibles. This division produces the highly successful Kongsberg Maritime Camera System family of highly successful underwater imaging systems that have set the gold standard in surface and underwater photography for defense, rescue, safety and shore applications, such as the OE14-522 HD PATZ. … The Maritime business line has a strong user culture as part of its long-term after-sales strategy.
Fire at will
At the top of the list is the Norwegian company DSG, which developed and put into production the once mythical supercavitating bullet. When firing from a ship at a torpedo or at a swimmer's delivery vehicle, or firing from under the water at an underwater or surface target, these DSG bullets hit their target with unrivaled speed and accuracy. Some in the ranks of the spetsnaz consider it to be as revolutionary as the cavalry saddle.
A longtime manufacturer of bullets and artillery weapons, Nammo is not only widely known for its lead-free bullets, rockets, smart mortars, propellants and rockets, but it is also a leader among other organizations in the decommissioning and disposal of ammunition and artillery systems. With its own production facilities in Norway, Sweden and Germany, Nammo is able to safely decommission ammunition and artillery systems from all angles in its modern factories that surpass any existing conventions and standards. Nammo is owned by the Norwegian state and Finnish Patria, which is more than 70% owned by the Finnish government, making it a very unique organization.
Patria developed the NEMO mortar for ground systems and speedboats a few years ago. The almost postmodern form of its low signature design makes it highly recognizable, while its precision and firepower make it a formidable weapon.
BAE Bofors is renowned for its artillery systems, such as the ARCHER, which leaves no room for its competitors like no howitzer of this type, while the 40 Mark 4 is a naval cannon with incomparable parameters. There are other, larger and faster-firing weapon systems on the market, but no one can beat the caliber and ferocity (speed, accuracy and distance) of the 40mm Mark 4 cannon, which is popular all over the world, including Southeast Asia and Latin America.
The Nordic Battlegroup (NBG) is one of the 18 militant groups in the European Union. It is made up of approximately 2,200 soldiers, including officers, with a manpower of six participating countries (Sweden, Finland, Norway, Ireland, Estonia and Latvia). Denmark refused to participate in all combat formations. But Norway has agreed on its participation, although it is not a member of the European Union.
Can you hear me now …?
Elektrobit (EB) is known in many markets in two areas. They are excellent communications for vehicles and military communications. The new Tactical Wireless IP Network from EB has proven itself well in the real world. This network is modular, flexible and very fast, quickly and without delays organizes the exchange of information (voice and information packets) between field operational and command centers, which makes it possible to make thoughtful and optimal decisions for the successful fulfillment of combat missions, especially when using cognitive radio technologies in the military. means of communication.
Invisio offers what is arguably one of the best personal communications equipment for armed personnel, from naval commandos to foot soldiers on patrol. Invisio has successfully developed and marketed jaw conduction microphone headsets. She recently released the highly anticipated INVISIO V60 communication system. The V60 is the newest, smallest and lightest in the range of radio devices that connect the soldier with his squad, company and high command via shortwave and ultra-shortwave and half-duplex communications. Introduced almost a year ago, the V60, along with the famous X5 earphone, is in high demand in Europe and Asia, and is also growing in the Americas. Invisio recently won a multi-million dollar contract with the US Army.
Teleanalys deals exclusively with secure communications. Its MINICOM-IP wireless intercom system uses the latest W-LAN networking technologies to create a flexible and simple, fully duplex data and voice communications system. Each portable unit automatically registers to a predefined network and connects in a modular fashion to all other devices within the same network.
Cojot Oy and Comrod are unique companies that manufacture UHF, HF and VHF antennas and masts for vehicles, ships and personnel. By coincidence, these masts can act as suppressors for improvised explosive devices, providing both protection and communication to deployed troops.
Falck-Schmidt Defense Systems develops the lightest and strongest composite masts for light (communications) and heavy duty (TOW anti-tank missiles)
Video presentation of telescopic masts for combat vehicles from the Danish company Falck Schmidt Defense Systems with my subtitles
Falck-Schmidt Defense Systems (F-SDS) has several arrows in its quiver. It produces the lightest and most durable composite masts for light (communications) and heavy duty (TOW anti-tank missiles) that can remain fully extended even when the vehicle is traveling at high speeds. But F-SDS innovation doesn't end here. In addition to its ultra-lightweight and durable composite masts, it has low-signature external power solutions in its portfolio that run on the same fuel as the base machine. For the US market, it produces a mobile rocket launcher under the comic name "Wand in a Box" housed in a typical shipping container. The container is armored and has a cooling system, it houses the operator's control panel and the rocket itself. In full combat readiness, it resembles a very large "Stick in the Box", hence its nickname.
Have you been served?
The service, repair and maintenance market is the fastest growing and most sustainable sector in the defense sector. As few states can afford to replace obsolete weapons, lifetime maintenance, repair and modernization services are becoming more relevant, profitable, popular and innovative. In addition to Saab Services, Kongsberg, Millog and Patria, other companies are entering the market, such as Euromaint. Almost every company in Scandinavia has its own maintenance and service division, which can generate up to 60 percent of the annual turnover. Patria, owned by the Finnish state (73.2%) and EADS (26.8%), is known not only for its armored wheeled vehicles, mortar systems and ammunition, but also for its equally successful services to support the life cycle of products in the field of defense, security and aviation. However, she is very successful in organizing and conducting the first training program for Russian civilian pilots (and not only in Russia).
Also part of the services "logistics management - maintenance and repair - product lifecycle management" is testing, optimization and suitability determination. Companies such as DA Design offer cost-effective ways to enhance systems' capabilities by new solutions or replacing and upgrading existing systems with modern electronics, which the company calls "seventh sense solutions." This means detecting and exchanging information in the air, on the ground or under water using radio waves, magnetic waves, pressure, acoustics, vibration, infrared waves and ultraviolet waves, or any combination of these methods.
Millog LISA - Soldier's Hawk Sight
Millog LISA can be easily modified for different applications. It can also connect to a variety of combat and command systems, either via cable or wireless. In addition to its role as a transmitter of coordinates and location information, Millog LISA can act as a receiving terminal
Combat situations and missions change rapidly. Surveillance under the most challenging conditions must be accurate and reliable. In order to act in battle, a modern soldier needs an auxiliary device that will not let him down.
Millog LISA is a 24/7 target sensing device ideal for surveillance applications. The device has a direct channel for daytime conditions, an uncooled thermal imaging camera, a laser rangefinder, a digital compass and a GPS receiver.
The lightweight and compact device fits well into the soldier's equipment. Millog LISA combines various functions in a single system, thereby helping to reduce the amount of equipment that soldiers carry.
The Millog LISA is designed for a variety of departments and backgrounds and was designed from the ground up with ease of use in mind.
The Millog LISA can be operated for extended periods of time on batteries. The direct daytime channel does not need power supply. Other functions consume power only during operation. Therefore, the batteries work long enough and are small in size, which again makes it easier to equip a soldier. Millog LISA can be supplied with different battery types to help you use existing batteries and chargers.
Millog LISA is a robust instrument. Designed and manufactured in Finland, this device has been tested in extreme conditions in the Arctic, where magnetic disturbances, winter frosts, snow and ice are good tests for electronic devices. If the device can survive in the North, it can survive everywhere.
However, the most important characteristic of a fire control device is its accuracy. Millog LISA meets the most stringent battlefield requirements. The device is capable of accurately measuring the location of the target at a distance of up to 6 km, regardless of its global location.
Millog has 70 years of experience in the design and manufacture of high quality optical devices. It is the largest manufacturer of night vision devices in Northern Europe. Millog showed its new LISA device for the first time at DSEi 2013.
I spy with my little eye …
Saab Barracuda is undoubtedly one of the main players when it comes to camouflage for personnel and vehicles. The introduction of the BAE System's ADAPTIV camouflage system introduces new digital signature management capabilities that mislead the best infrared sensors and surveillance systems. Polyamp is a leader in demagnetization technology with an undisclosed client list that makes larger companies bite their elbows with envy. Polyamp demagnetization technologies reduce the magnetic signatures of steel hulls to such a level that they can be used in mine clearance operations.
The small company Optec is working in the opposite field of technology, which instead of "not being seen" allows you to "see". It develops new technologies in the field of optoelectronics for intelligence and surveillance, including equipment repair and maintenance. As a system supplier, the company also specializes in the repair of lasers, telescopes and rare measurement equipment. She has extensive experience and knowledge in areas such as geodetic, optoelectronic and optical instruments.
Millog is part of the Patria group and specializes in two main areas: services and optoelectronics. Millog is the largest manufacturer of optoelectronics and night vision devices in Northern Europe, which includes a variety of products, from prototypes to series production, from individual components to complete night vision devices. The company showed a new target detection and reconnaissance device LISA at the DSEi exhibition. It is a lightweight, rugged, accurate instrument with a simple interface, low power consumption and the ability to connect to other control systems, which has built-in GPS and wireless connectivity, and other advantages.
Aimpoint CEU (Concealed Engagement Unit) gives the shooter the ability to observe and / or destroy threats from a camouflaged or concealed position
Aimpoint is the world leader in collimator optics for the civilian, police and military. The most popular model CompM2 is currently used by many armies around the world. Its advantage over laser sights is that it provides the shooter with superior accuracy without being able to be detected by the enemy. Aimpoint was founded in 1974 and its main products are reflex sights, especially reflex sights. It currently offers many product families based on this technology, as well as additional devices, including a collimator sight for anti-tank weapons. Aimpoint won its first multi-year collimator sighting system contract in 1997 when the US Army bought its Aimpoint CompM2 device under the designation M68 Close Combat Optic, demonstrating the company's ability to penetrate and gain the favor of one of the most “closed” markets in recognition of the demand products of the company.
Optec AS is a system supplier of surveillance and topography equipment such as geodetic, optocoupler and optical instruments. Among the company's products, we can mention PECTEN EYECAM, which is suitable for most large binoculars and telescopes. It allows the user to observe and simultaneously record information, transmit surveillance data as part of reconnaissance and information operations. The company has also developed an adjustable tripod for marine binoculars, including the Fujinin Giant Binoculars.
Surgical tent from Saab Services
NFM Load Bearing System
