Military and Strategic Journal
Issued by the Directorate of Morale Guidance at the General Command of the Armed Forces
United Arab Emirates
Founded in August 1971

2020-01-08

Expodefensa Presents the Latest in Security and Defence

The seventh edition of Expodefensa, a leading international defence expo in Latin America, known for showcasing frontline innovations and technological developments on land, air and naval domains, was held in Corferias, Bogota from December 2 to 4.
 
Held on a 10,000 sq m area, the exhibition saw participation of 251 exhibitors from 26 countries, including Germany, Czech Republic, Turkey, Lithuania, Thailand, Bulgaria and Italy. 
 
Expodefensa hosted several pavilions in 2019: Spain, Brazil, France, United Kingdom and the United States.  Sixty official delegations and 120 delegates from 24 countries visited the show.  Spain, as the guest country, had 12 companies including Aertec, Escribano E&M, Everis ADS, Hisdesat, Hispasat, i-4S, Indra, Instalaza, ITP aero, Navantia, Sener Aerospace, Tecnobit and Wilson Walton. More than 13,000 visitors came to the show. 
 
The opening ceremony was attended by the Vice-President of Colombia, Martha Lucía Ramírez Blanco, Colombian Minister of Defence and military delegations from Land, Naval and Air Forces of Colombia as well as delegations from Latin American countries.
 
For the first time in the history of Expodefensa, the Special Forces of the Colombian armed forces performed a live demonstration showcasing their abilities to execute counter-terrorism operations in urban areas.
 
Expodefensa 2019 attendees discovered technological solutions of the industry, exchanged experiences and business ideas with suppliers and participated in workshops and conferences covering topics such as remote systems, road map for space development in Colombia, and discussed an intelligence approach in the fight against drugs, satellite video surveillance and others. 
 
Carlos Holmes Trujillo, Minister of National Defence, Colombia, said “The fair had become a place to learn about advances in science, technology and innovation”. Ángel Olivares Ramírez, Secretary of State for Defence, Spain said: “This region  has been an international technology reference for more than 35 years and we share the challenges facing the Colombian defence.” 
 
The exhibitors were upbeat about the results after participating at the expo. Daniela Torres, Saab communications manager, said he had high level meetings with clients with positive results while Sebastián Catolfi-Salvoni, responsible for Business Development at HisdeSAT, the manufacturer and operator of the PAZ satellite said the expo put him in touch with many potential customers and in addition the company could work with the Ministry of Defence on its earth observation satellite, PAZ. 
 
Exhibitor Highlights 
At Expodefensa 2019, exhibitors presented a wide range of military and security equipment including mobile artillery, maintenance and spare parts market for vehicles, helicopters, airplanes and boats, air defence and very short, short and medium-range anti-drones, tactical networks, satellite segments for communications, combat drones, defence textiles and more.
 
Saab’s Mobile Defence System
Saab demonstrated the integration of RBS 70 NG very short-range air defence (VSHORAD) mounted on the roof of an armoured vehicle to provide a mobile air defence system.
 
Another advantage of this mobile air defence system is that the launcher can be quickly deployed on the ground on a tripod as the land version of the original RBS70 NG system. According to Saab, the mobile RBS70 NG weapon station can be easily integrated into new combat vehicles and also to existing armoured vehicles offering a high mobility air defence system.
 
The RBS70 NG system can destroy targets within the maximum distance of 8,000 m and altitude of 5,000 m. It can be integrated with Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) interrogator to identify friendly targets.
 
Leonardo and Codaltec to Work Together
Leonardo and Codaltec signed a Memorandum of Understanding under which the two organisations will work together to identify potential projects and business opportunities in Colombia. 
 
As part of the agreement, the companies will promote air defence systems, C4I solutions, cyber security and national infrastructure protection systems. 
 
Leonardo and Codaltec will evaluate collaboration opportunities and working structures for identified Colombian programmes in accordance with customers’ requirements. They will also define and develop strategies for cooperative work, which can meet the requirements of potential clients in-country. Codaltec is a Colombian high tech company and research centre. 
 
iXblue’s Modern Unmanned Surface Vessel 
iXblue presented its DriX autonomous Unmanned Surface Vessel (USV) for Naval Forces that can be used to perform Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) and Mine Warfare (MW) missions. Launched over a year ago on the civilian market, iXblue’s Unmanned Surface Vessel (USV), DriX, proved to be a real game-changer and has already conducted many successful operations ranging from subsea positioning to bathymetry missions. The defence community soon identified DriX as a real asset, which would bring added value on the battlefield while keeping crews out of harm’s way.
 
The USV can be deployed beyond the horizon by naval forces to perform a range of maritime operations in both coastal and shallow waters by keeping the crew in safer environments. It can operate independently or as part of a group.
 
Jankel Fox and Hunter 4x4 Tactical Vehicles 
Jankel from the United Kingdom presented Fox and Hunter 4x4 tactical vehicles tailored for Latin America military and security forces.  Jankel showcased its Fox in Long-Range Patrol Vehicle (LRPV) version and the Hunter, a 4x4 light protected vehicle specially designed for security and police forces.
 
The Fox family is based on the chassis of Toyota light commercial vehicle, with custom improvements and automotive upgrades made by Jankel. The Fox LRPV (Long-Range Patrol Vehicle) has been designed for reliability and performance over long-range missions. Using one of the world’s most reliable base platforms, the LRPV is built for manoeuvrability and supportability, making it ideal for a number of roles including surveillance, reconnaissance, fire support, force protection, convoy support and urban operations.
 
The Hunter is a 4×4 protected vehicle designed and manufactured by Jankel to be used as a personnel carrier for security and police forces. It can be configured to perform a wide range of missions such as internal security, counter-terrorism, patrol mission, escort, Special Forces operations, and law enforcement.
 
The Hunter protected vehicle is based on the rugged Toyota land cruiser platform. It can accommodate a total of eight people with commander and driver at the front and six individual anti-mine blast seats at the rear.
 
Colombia and Spain to Jointly Develop Male UAV
Airbus from Spain and CIAC (Corporación de la Industria Aeronáutica Colombiana) from Colombia decided to work together to develop a new generation of drone under the name of SIRTAP (Sistema RPAS Táctico de Altas Prestaciones) based on the Atlante MALE (Medium-Altitude Long-Endurance) UAV (Unmanned Ground Vehicle).
 
The goal of SIRTAP programme is to have a new drone system that can enter service with the Armed Forces of Colombia and Spain in 2023. The new development is based on the Atlante UAV, designed in Spain, and could respond to the operational needs of the Colombian and Spanish Armed Forces in terms of performance and tactical use.
 
With this new drone, Colombia and Spain will have a Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) unmanned aerial system (UAS) able to perform strategic and tactical missions as well as Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance (ISTAR) missions. 
 
AM General Offers Full Range of Humvees
AM General offered its full range of Humvee tactical vehicles family for Latin American armed forces at Expodefensa 2019. The high-mobility multipurpose wheeled vehicle (Humvee) is a tactical vehicle designed and produced in the United States by AM General.
The Humvee is one of the most popular tactical vehicles in the world, and AM General is expanding with increased international sales of the vehicle and the need to modernise and maintain more than 160,000 Humvees still employed by the U.S. armed forces, including the National Guard.
 
AM General is a leader in the design, engineering, manufacturing, and support of Light Tactical Vehicles. More than 60 nations employ the iconic Humvees. 
 
MBDA Presents Possible Upgrade Solutions 
MBDA, a world leader in the development and manufacturing of missile systems, presented possible upgrade solutions for the Almirante Padilla-class frigate of Colombian Navy with VL-MICA or SeaCeptor (CAMM) air-defence missile systems as well as air-to-air missile solutions for the next fighter aircraft of Colombian Air Force.
 
Colombian Air Force is seeking to replace the ageing Kfir fighter aircraft. For this project, there are three potential competitors including Saab Gripen, Eurofighter Typhoon, and American F-16 Block 50. Meteor is an active radar-guided beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile developed by MBDA. Meteor offers a multi-shot capability against long-range manoeuvring targets, jets, UAVs and cruise missiles in a heavy electronic countermeasures (ECM) environment with range well in excess of 150 kilometres.  
 
MBDA can also upgrade Almirante Padilla-class frigate with VL-MICA or SeaCeptor (CAMM) air-defence missile systems. The VL MICA system deploys the unique MICA missile, which is the only missile in the world equipped with two, interoperable, state-of-the-art seekers (Imaging IR or active RF), providing superior features to counter all types of threat (anti-ship missiles, aircraft, helicopter, PGMs, smart bombs, etc). 
 
SeaCeptor is the next-generation, ship-based, all-weather, air defence weapon system. Through the use of new advanced technologies, SeaCeptor provides complete protection against all known and projected air targets. 
 
Indumil Unveils Demining Robot
Colombian company Indumil unveiled its new “PRM” demining Unmanned Ground Vehicle (UGV) specially designed to perform neutralisation of improvised explosive devices, land mines or non-detonated ammunition. The PRM robot is fully designed and manufactured in Colombia by the company using the experience and the know-how of former Colombian soldiers.
 
The Indumil PRM robot is based on a rigid chassis fitted with caterpillar tracks and features a modular design for the integration of additional sensors and equipment based on the mission requirement.
 
The PRM robot is capable of carrying a maximum payload of 80 kg, while the total weight of the robot is 90 kg, which includes the weight of two batteries. The PRM manipulator arm is designed to pick hazardous and dangerous objects. It is capable of lifting 20 kg of weight near to the platform and 5 kg of weight in the extended position.
 
Saab’s Gripen E in Bid to Replace Colombia’s Kfir 
Saab offered its single-seat and dual-seat Gripen fighters to replace Kfir combat aircraft fleet of Colombian Air Force.
 
In 1989, the Colombian government had bought a batch of 12 ex-IAF Kfir C.2s and one TC.2, which were delivered to the Colombian Air Force (FAC) in 1989–1990. Saab will offer 12 single-seat Gripen Es and three dual-seat Gripen Fs. Gripen E/F is part of the Gripen E-series and a new fighter aircraft system. Developed to counter and defeat advanced future threats, the E-series is for customers with more pronounced threats or wider territories to secure. The E-series has a new and more powerful engine, improved range performance and the ability to carry greater payloads. It also has a new AESA-radar, InfraRed Search and Track system, highly advanced electronic warfare and communication systems together with superior situational awareness.
 
Gripen E/F has weapons for all types of missions, from guided glide bombs for precision engagement with low collateral damage, to long-range and agile air-to-air missiles and heavy anti-ship armaments. Additionally, the aircraft has an inherent precision strike and stand-off capability.
 
The single-seat Gripen E is equipped with a 27 mm Mauser BK27 gun. This can be used in air-to-surface attacks against land and sea targets and is suitable for air policing missions. Gripen E/F can also carry pods and sensors for reconnaissance and special missions. Saab expects competition from Lockheed Martin and its F-16 Block 70 Fighting Falcon and Eurofighter Typhoon.
 
Otokar Considers Transfer of Technology to Make Armoured Vehicles
Otokar promoted its full range of armoured vehicle and offered transfer of technology and local manufacturing business models for land system requirements of its Latin-America customers at Expodefensa 2019.
 
In addition to promoting its full range of armoured vehicles, the Turkish company provided information about its flexible business model, which incorporates technology transfer and the local-made production of armoured vehicles.
 
Serdar Görgüç, Otokar’s General Manager said, “We are willing to evaluate the transfer of technology and local manufacturing projects where Otokar has a proven track record.”
 
For many years, Otokar developed, designed, and manufactured different types of wheeled including vehicles 4x4 Ural, Cobra, Cobra II, etc.,  as well as tracked vehicles including the Tulpar family. The Tulpar is designed as a multi-purpose tracked armoured vehicle platform offering a high level of ballistic and mine protection.
 
The Tulpar IFV (Infantry Fighting Vehicle) offers superior firepower to support new-generation main battle tanks in the battlefield and also for providing fire support for infantry.
 
Spain Focuses on Latin America
Latin America is one of the two foreign policy focuses of Spain, the other being the European Union. For the Spanish government, Latin America is an important region largely due to the strong ties between the two. Spain does not trade with Latin America by large volume, but nevertheless maintains a very strong economic presence in the region.
 
The Colombian defence industry is expected to register steady growth over the next five years due to the rise of both external and internal security threats, along with the stabilisation of the economy. Colombia exhibits a complex security environment due to the presence of various extremist armed rebel forces. And in that context Expodefensa is of strategic importance to the nation.
 
Reference Text/Photo:www.expodefensa.com.co,www.codaltec.com,www.cogesevents.com,www.leonardocompany.com,www.saabgroup.com

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