DefenceTalkChina will optimize the size and structure of the army, adjust and improve the proportion between various troops, and reduce non-combat institutions and personnel, according to a decision of the Communist Party of China (CPC) published Friday. The decision, which is on major issues concerning comprehensively deepening reforms, was approved at the close of the […]https://www.defencetalk.com/china-to-optimize-army-size-structure-49670/

DefenceTalkThe Army displayed energy-efficient technologies in the Pentagon courtyard that are used or being developed to make Soldiers more effective on the battlefield. The G-4 Operational Energy team hosted the event Nov. 14, showcasing technologies such as a rigid wall shelter, an Integrated Soldier Power/Data System, generators and portable solar panels. Army leaders who toured […]https://www.defencetalk.com/army-showcases-energy-efficient-technologies-for-warfighters-49663/

DefenceTalkDenel Land Systems and Patria have signed an agreement regarding Patria AMV 8×8 armoured wheeled vehicle serial production and delivery to South Africa. The agreement includes 238 vehicles, out of which 5 pre-series vehicles have already been delivered during the development phase. The first 16 serial vehicles will be assembled by Patria in Finland, Hämeenlinna. […]https://www.defencetalk.com/denel-and-patria-sign-agreement-on-armoured-wheeled-vehicles-to-south-africa-49648/

DefenceTalkThe Indonesian Ministry of Defence has contracted with the Rheinmetall Group of Düsseldorf to supply it with tracked armoured vehicles, logistical support and ammunition worth roughly €216 million. The contract, which was signed in December 2012, now comes into full force following the successful completion of all legal formalities. Along with 103 thoroughly overhauled and […]https://www.defencetalk.com/indonesia-orders-tracked-armoured-vehicles-from-rheinmetall-49632/

DefenceTalkInnovations meant to improve Soldiers’ quality of life during deployments — while saving lives, fuel, water and money — were on display here Nov. 5, at the Army Base Camp Integration Laboratory. The Army Base Camp Integration Laboratory, or BCIL, hosted its second annual “Base Camp Resource and Energy Efficiency Day.” Situated on 10 acres […]https://www.defencetalk.com/energizing-base-camps-of-the-future-49613/

DefenceTalkTechnologies are being developed and tested that enable Soldiers to focus more on mission and less on logistics and resupply, said Katherine Hammack, assistant secretary of the Army for Installations, Energy and Environment. Hammack was referring to the Base Camp Systems Integration Laboratory, or B-CIL, at Fort Devens, Mass. There, new technologies have been spinning […]https://www.defencetalk.com/lab-improving-combat-capability-by-developing-more-energy-efficient-systems-49588/

DefenceTalkWherever Soldiers go, shelters must go, too. These shelter systems must not only protect and provide comfort; they must also be as energy efficient as possible. Every time a base camp needs fuel delivered, that camp and its warfighters are exposed to vulnerabilities. That’s why a group of shelters were sent to the Southwest Asia […]https://www.defencetalk.com/nsrdec-deploys-energy-efficient-tents-for-testing-49539/

DefenceTalkBAE Systems received a contract worth up to $688 million from the U.S. Army to begin Low-Rate Initial Production (LRIP) of the Paladin Integrated Management (PIM) program. The PIM is a significant upgrade of the M109A6 Paladin Self-Propelled Howitzer, restoring space, weight, and power-cooling, while providing growth potential for emerging technologies. “The award is a […]https://www.defencetalk.com/bae-systems-to-begin-production-of-paladin-integrated-management-49537/

DefenceTalkFor years, route clearance patrols have helped keep the streets of Afghanistan safe from improvised explosive devices. U.S. Army combat engineers scour the country every day looking for IEDs, not just to ensure safe travel for military convoys, but also to protect the Afghan citizens who use the roads as well. But the day of […]https://www.defencetalk.com/adding-more-tools-to-counter-improvised-explosive-device-toolbox-49527/

DefenceTalkDespite budget cuts, furloughs, sequestration, continuing resolutions, ongoing changes in force structure, and a government shutdown, both the Army and Marine Corps are committed to buying the same amount of Joint Light Tactical Vehicles they initially set out to purchase. The JLTV is designed to replace the Humvee, and to bring additional capability to both […]https://www.defencetalk.com/despite-budget-crunch-jltv-purchase-plans-remain-unchanged-49505/