AFV News from around the Web

Another installment of AFV news from around the web.  Click in the headline to go to the full article.

Defense News – Indian Army’s tank modification proposals could delay induction by 7 years

NEW DELHI — The Indian Army is seeking major structural and design changes in the homegrown Arjun Mk-2, but the state-owned Defence Research and Development Organization says the “changes” could take up to seven years, causing a delay in the induction schedule.   The service wants DRDO to redesign the hull, the turret structures and use newer material to reduce the tank’s weight. The Arjun Mk-2 currently weighs about 68.6 tons, compared to the 62-ton Arjun Mk-1 tank currently in operation with the Army. The Mk-2 version’s weight makes it inappropriate for operations in the semi-developed sector of the western front bordering Pakistan where tank battles would take place, according to an Indian Army official.

Defense News – Rostec to swallow Russia’s premier battletank maker

MOSCOW — Russia’s largest state-owned defense industry holding, Rostec, is set to become even larger. The company has announced plans to take ownership over UralVagonZavod, a subsidiary of the Tractor Plants Concern specializing in military vehicles like tanks and other armored platforms, according to a statement provided to Defense News.  Rostec is an umbrella corporation founded in 2007 to begin consolidating and reforming disparate elements of the Russian defense and high-technology base. It is run by Sergey Chemezov, who is reportedly a close friend of President Vladimir Putin. Under Chemezov’s charge, Rostec has taken about two-thirds of Russia’s defense industry under its wing.

Business Insider – The US Army wants dummy Russian tanks so it can practice blowing them away

The US Army just put out an invitation for bids on building a modification for Humvees to make them look like Russian T-72 tanks.  The invitation for bids states that the mods will help the Army simulate realistic battle scenarios in training. The solicitation also mentions MILES/TESS quite a few times, suggesting the fake tanks will be likely used for Multiple Integrated Laser Engagement System/Tactical Engagement Simulation System — the military’s version of laser tag.

Marine Times – Marine makes history as Corps’ first female tank officer

In another first for the Marine Corps, 2nd Lt. Lillian Polatchek graduated at the top of her class from the Army’s Armor Basic Officer Leaders Course, making her the Corps’ first female tank officer.  “I’m just sort of looking at it as another Marine graduating from this course,” Polatchek described her accomplishment in a Defense Department video. She will now serve with the 2 nd Tank Battalion at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina.  Polatchek’s graduating class contained 67 students, five of whom were Marines, a Defense Department news story says.

IHS Jane’s 360 – Poland relocates Leopard 2A5 tanks to the east

The Polish Ministry of National Defence (MND) has decided to relocate two of its newest tank battalions from the country’s western border to strengthen units stationed in the east.  The Leopard 2A5 MBTs of the 34th Armoured Cavalry Brigade (part of the 11th Armoured Cavalry Division) based in Zagan have been moved to the 1st Tank Brigade (part of the 16th Mechanised Division) based in Wesola: a city close to Poland’s capital, Warsaw. While the first tanks began arriving at the beginning of April, the training of drivers, gunners, and commanders has been under way in Wesola since January.

IHS Jane’s 360 – Australia receives six more HERCULES armoured recovery vehicles

Australia has received six additional BAE Systems M88A2 HERCULES armoured recovery vehicles (ARVs) from the United States, bringing to 13 the number of such vehicles in service with the Australian Army (AA).  Minister for Defence Industry Christopher Pyne said in a statement on 20 April that the delivery of the vehicles marks an important milestone for the AA as the ARVs are “critical to ensuring the safe and effective operation” of Australia’s M1A1 Abrams main battle tank (MBT) capability.  Valued at more than AUD58 million [USD44 million], the six new HERCULES will support armoured units based in Darwin and Townsville as well as operator and maintenance training at Puckapunyal and Bandiana in Victoria, said Pyne.