AFV News from around the Net

Here is a round up of AFV related news stories.  As always, click on the title link to go to the full article.

Defense News – Poland Wants to Play in Franco-German Tank Program

WASHINGTON – Poland is interested in teaming with Germany and France on a new tank production, an industrial tie-up that could boost the local defense sectors of all three nations.  Polish Defense Minister Antoni Macierewicz told Defense News in a July 22 interview that his nation is focused on developing closer industrial ties with European nations as a way to grow its local industry. Macierewicz highlighted a number of programs, including discussions with the two NATO powers on a ground vehicle.

Russia Beyond the Headlines – Nicaragua receives a batch of Russian T-72B1 tanks

Nicaragua has received a batch of Russian T-72B1 main battle tanks (MBT), according to a source in the Russian defense industry.  “About 20 T-72B1 MBTs were delivered to Nicaragua in June 2016. The remaining tanks are supposed to be supplied by the year-end. The Latin American country is planned to receive a total of 50 T-72B1 tanks,” the source said.  He added that the T-72B1 MBTs would likely be issued to the mechanized infantry brigade named after General Augusto Sandino. The unit is stationed near the country`s capital, Managua. “The tanks will significantly beef up the Nicaraguan Armed Forces` combat capabilities,” the source emphasized.

The North Africa Post – Algeria Receives 67 Russian T-90 Tanks

Algeria is reinforcing its land forces with the acquisition of 67 T-90 tanks from its traditional arms supplier, Russia, a purchase that many observers see as a response to the Moroccan order of 200 US Abrams tanks.  Part of a 200 T-90 order concluded in 2014, the delivery of the 67 tanks took place in July, a Russian military industry source told TASS news agency.

Jane’s IHS – Brazilian Navy looks to modernise light tanks, buy wheeled vehicles

The Brazilian Navy is considering upgrades for its SK-105A2S Kürassier light tanks, and to purchase 4×4 and 6×6 armoured vehicles for its Marine Corps (CFN), a navy spokesperson told IHS Jane’s.  Projects to modernise the tanks and to obtain wheeled armoured vehicles are currently undergoing a study phase and a concept and budget feasibility analysis, the spokesperson said.

Breaking Defense – Paladin Howitzer Lacks Fire Protection: DoD IG

WASHINGTON: One of the Army’s most successful weapons programs is now under fire over safety shortfalls. The Automatic Fire Extinguisher System (AFES) in the upgraded M109A7 Paladin artillery vehicle “did not protect the entire howitzer crew compartment during fire survivability testing,” the Department of Defense Inspector General reports today. DoD IG says this safety system must be fixed before the vehicle is fielded and potentially faces enemy fire.