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.

Jane’s 360 – BAE Systems takes aim at Czech Army requirement with CV90

BAE Systems Hägglunds displayed two examples of the CV90 (Combat Vehicle 90) infantry fighting vehicle (IFV) – with one of these being an unmanned turret-equipped model shown for the first time in public – at IDET 2017 in Brno, Czech Republic.  The company has integrated Kongsberg’s MCT-30, with this being the first unmanned turret to be fitted by BAE Systems Hägglunds to a CV90 hull. To accommodate the internal crew and stowage arrangements dictated by an unmanned turret option, the base CV90 all-welded steel hull is raised slightly, with periscopes fitted to provide enhanced situational awareness for the gunner and commander. It is understood that other unmanned turrets can be integrated if required.

Business Insider – The US is looking at a major tank upgrade, but a weapon to counter it is already out there

The US Army is considering various systems to better shield tanks and armored vehicles from RPGs, antitank missiles, and other enemy fire.  But the latest version of the RPG, a staple in the arsenals of Russia and other forces, may already be a step ahead of the active-protection systems the US may soon adopt.  The Pentagon has purchased active-protection systems to test out on Abrams tanks and Bradley and Stryker armored vehicles, and may even mount them on lighter vehicles, like the successor to the Humvee, according to a report from Scout Warrior.

UPI – China deploys new tank in Tibet, near India border

June 12 (UPI) — China deployed its latest military tank, the Xinqingtan, in an area of Tibet near the Indian border.  Chinese news site Guancha reported Monday Beijing is increasing military buildup in Tibet in a show of force designed to deter the Indian military.  An integrated brigade of the People’s Liberation Army in Tibet deployed an unidentified number of the new tanks, according Chinese state-owned television network CCTV.  Guancha stated the Xinqingtan’s technology and firepower is “far more advanced” than the Russia-made T-90S tanks deployed by India.

Jane’s 360 – Argentine Army announces armour upgrade programmes

The Argentine Army plans to overhaul, modernise, and expand its armoured and transport vehicle fleets, according to Brigadier General Federico Sidders, chief of the service’s Directorate of Plans, Programmes, and Budget.    The plans are part of a wider effort that includes buying a new assault rifle, antitank and air defence weapons, and other equipment, Brig Gen Sidders said earlier this month.  He said overhaul and upgrade programmes are being established for 400 TAM medium tanks and derivatives – including VCTP infantry combat vehicles and VCA 155 mm self-propelled guns – as well as 400 M113 armoured personnel carriers and derivatives.

Daily Pakistan – Video allegedly shows Iranian missile tanks rolling towards Pakistani border

On Saturday, a video emerged that appears to show Iranian tanks and missile carriers being moved to the country’s eastern borders including the one with Pakistan, sparking fears of skirmishes.  The footage – thought to be filmed this week – was shared by Peykeiran with the caption: “Iran’s military movements, displacement of dozens of tanks, armoured personnel carriers, missiles and equipment to the Mirjaveh and eastern borders of Iran.”

Popular Mechanics – These ISIS-Fighting Philippine Tanks Are Clad in DIY Wooden “Armor”

New pictures from the fighting between Philippine government forces and guerrillas aligned with the Islamic State show armored vehicles with ad hoc wood armor. The images of the Philippine Army Cadillac Gage V-150 armored car, circulated on Twitter, show it covered with discarded ammunition crates and salvaged wood. The wooden armor is supposed to protect it from man-portable anti-tank weapons— another image showed a RPG-2 rocket-propelled anti-tank grenade launcher captured from ISIS troops.