STOCKHOLM -- Germany and the Nordic countries have pledged to continue to supply arms in view of the Russian offensive in north-east Ukraine. "We are united in our support for Ukraine in its defence against the Russian attack," said Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz at a meeting with the heads of government of Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Norway and Iceland in Stockholm, Sweden. "We will continue to support Ukraine - for as long as necessary."

Scholz said that since the Russian war of aggression started in February 2022, Germany had supplied or pledged arms to Ukraine with a total value of 28 billion euros. He noted that the military aid provided this year would amount to more than seven billion euros - the largest contribution made by any European country. "We have delivered in the past and we will continue to deliver," said the Federal Chancellor, referring to the military aid that has already been pledged.

The Federal Chancellor and the Nordic heads of government emphasised that the EU and NATO states were now more united than ever - something the Russian aggressor had not reckoned with. Scholz said that NATO was now stronger since Finland and Sweden had joined the military alliance, thereby increasing security for all member states.

Source: https://www.deutschland.de

LONDON -- The UK’s Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) is making significant strides in bolstering its Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems (C-UAS) capabilities with the development of a Radio Frequency Directed Energy Weapon (RFDEW) system. This technology aligns with the recent increase in defense spending, aiming to position the UK's defense industry at the forefront.

The RFDEW system offers the ability to detect, track, and neutralize a wide range of threats across land, air, and sea. With a current operational range of 1 kilometer and ongoing development pushing for further extension, the system disrupts or damages critical electronic components of enemy vehicles through targeted radio waves. This can bring down drones or disable other electronic systems, effectively stopping them in their tracks.

One of the most compelling aspects of the RFDEW system is its cost-effectiveness. Compared to traditional missile-based air defense systems, the RFDEW offers a significant advantage. At a mere 10 pence per shot, it provides a highly economical solution for tackling dangerous drone swarms with immediate effect. Additionally, the system's high automation level allows for single-person operation, reducing manpower requirements.

RFDEW technology can be mounted on a variety of military vehicles and uses a mobile power source to produce pulses of Radio Frequency energy in a beam that can rapidly fire sequenced shots at individual targets or be broadened to simultaneously engage all threats within that beam.

The advanced technology is being developed by a joint team from the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) and Defence Equipment & Support (DE&S), working with UK industry under Project Hersa. The next steps for RFDEW is undergoing extensive field testing with British soldiers over the summer.

Source: Forecast International
Associated URL: https://dsm.forecastinternational.com/2024/05/16/uk-developing-drone-killing-radio-weapon/

LONDON - The British Navy will be introducing a half dozen new amphibious warfare ships into service in the coming decade.

In a press release issued on May 14, the Navy noted that the MoD has entered the concept phase for the project that will deliver as many as six Multi Role Support Ships (MRSS), capable of deploying Royal Marines for special missions.

The MRSS are to replace the HMS Albion and HMS Bulwark by 2033-2034.

"MRSS will be extremely versatile warships, able to deploy on a wider variety of operations, and designed to carry vehicles, aircraft, insertion craft and a broad range of uncrewed systems for complicated missions," the Navy statement noted. "They will also be able to act as primary casualty receiving ships, providing urgent medical care to British forces wherever they are deployed."

The statement also quoted MRSS program director Commander Alex Allen as saying, "Adaptability and flexibility will be central to the Multi Role Support Ship design, as will interoperability with our NATO allies."

Defense Secretary Grant Shapps provided insight into other naval programs as well this week at the First Sea Lord’s Sea Power Conference. He noted that the service’s Type 26 and Type 31 frigates will receive a ‘land strike capability’ in the future, pointing to the situation in the Red Sea, in particular, as impetus.

Five Type 31s are on order for the Navy, with two already laid down. The first Type 26 frigate, Glasgow, launched in December 2022.

Source: Royal Navy
Associated URL: https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/2024/may/14/20240514-six-new-amphibious-warships-to-be-built-for-royal-marines-operations