Derived from the Euroflir 410 architecture, the Euroflir 610 is a 25-inch airborne optronic system that is vital for the European MALE UAV’s ISTAR missions (intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition and reconnaissance). The Euroflir 610 will provide unparalleled observation and target designation performance at any time of day or night and in severely degraded weather conditions, thanks to its multispectral telescope, line-of-sight stabilization and precise target geolocation.

The program led by the Organization for Joint Armament Cooperation (OCCAR) will provide 20 systems representing over 60 MALE RPAS aircraft for France, Germany, Italy and Spain. The start of the first Eurodrone prototype manufacturing with the Euroflir 610 is planned for 2024.

Source:  www.safran-group.com/pressroom/safran-s-euroflir-610-optronic-observation-system-chosen-european-male-rpas-2022-11-21

Of the 14 vehicles, seven will be configured for casualty evacuation (CASEVAC) and are scheduled to be delivered by the end of this year. The other seven, to be delivered in the second quarter of 2023, will be configured for route clearance with payloads from the French defence manufacturer CNIM Systèmes Industriels.

The effort is being funded by the German Ministry of Defence.

"Casualty evacuation and route clearance are two labor-intensive activities that require the engagement of several people who remain in constant threat of enemy fire. Automating these tasks with unmanned vehicles alleviates that danger and allows more soldiers to stay in a safe area or be tasked for more important activities," explained Captain (res) Juri Pajuste, Defence R&D Director at Milrem Robotics.

Milrem Robotics delivered one CASEVAC THeMIS to a Ukrainian charitable organization earlier this year that has proven to be a valuable asset.

"The deployment of the THEMIS UGV to Ukraine means that the Ukrainian forces can increase the safety of their soldiers and let the UGVs handle tasks that are an immediate threat to humans. That is the ultimate purpose of robotic systems. Milrem Robotics is proud to be able to contribute to Ukraine's fight against the aggressor," said Kuldar Vaarsi, CEO of Milrem Robotics.

"This important project gives evidence of our common ability to provide advanced technology to Ukraine. We are determined to support Ukraine with protective and lifesaving equipment. The fast delivery of 14 THeMIS UGVs proves that KMW and Milrem are partners you can rely on," said Ralf Ketzel, CEO of KMW.

THeMIS is a multi-mission unmanned ground vehicle with an open architecture that enables it to be rapidly configured from having a transport function to being weaponized, performing ordnance disposal or supporting intelligence operations according to the nature of the mission.

The THeMIS UGV is already part of different programs in 16 countries, including eight NATO members: Estonia, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, the U.K., and the United States.

Source:  MILREM Robotics
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The Scorpion program is intended to achieve nothing less than a complete transformation of the French Army's light tactical vehicle, armored reconnaissance vehicle, and wheeled armored personnel carrier inventories over the course of the next several decades.

The MoD has designated these two new concepts the Griffon Multi-Role Armored Vehicle (VBMR) and Jaguar Reconnaissance and Combat Armored Vehicle (EBRC). The VBMR family of vehicles will consist of two primary variants: a heavy 24.5-ton 6x6 model and a light 10.0-ton 4x4 version.

Although the Army had initially hoped to begin implementation of the Scorpion program several years earlier, budgetary considerations owing to the implementation of domestic austerity measures ultimately compelled the MoD and government to reduce both the scale and pace of Scorpion procurement.

On February 12, 2018, Florence Parly, France's minister of the armed forces, awarded an estimated $1.5 billion contract to the team of Nexter and Texelis for the development, production and servicing of Light VBMR troop carrier armored vehicles. The Military Planning Law covering the years 2019 through 2025 forecasts a fleet of over 2,000 Light VBMRs by 2030, including 689 slated for delivery by 2025.

The Light VBMR will replace the French Army's M11 VBL and the PVP light protected armored vehicle. While the VBL and PVP tactical vehicles will remain important assets for the French Army for the immediate future, the ubiquitous VBL will soon enter the twilight stage of its lengthy deployment with the French Army.

Although domestic French deployment of VBL series vehicles will wane over the next several decades, the vehicle is likely to remain a staple on the international export market for many years to come.

In the near term, a modest level of demand on the export market should sustain the VBL's production line.

The VBL's affordable unit cost, suitability for both conventional military and law enforcement roles, and admirable service history make it an appealing option, particularly for customers in the developing world seeking to expand or modernize their mechanized inventories.

However, new-build VBL production will soon exhibit a fairly steep and rapid reduction, owing primarily to the vast quantities of surplus VBL vehicles that will become available for export as the French Army retires its active stocks in favor of the VBMR.

Source:  FI Report, M11/Vehicule Blinde Leger
Author: D. Lockwood, Weapons Systems Analyst