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- Thread starter John A Silkstone
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Nordics
"Finland, Norway and Sweden enhance their trilateral military operations cooperation"
We are living in unpredictable times with new challenges and threats contributing to a sense of uncertainty in our societies. We are witnessing an increasingly challenging security situation both globally and in our neighborhood. In addition to the current Covid-19 pandemic and hybrid influencing, we should remember that other security threats persist. Together, we have a responsibility to maintain peace and stability in our region. In order to meet our common responsibility for the security in our region, we must continue to strengthen our capabilities to act together.
In 2018, a new vision for the Nordic defence cooperation (NORDEFCO) was signed. The guiding aim of the vision is that the Nordic countries will improve their defence capability and cooperation in peace, crisis and conflict. We, the defence ministers of Finland, Norway and Sweden, on the 23 September signed a trilateral Statement of Intent which aims to enhance our operational cooperation. This will also support the aim of the NORDEFCO vision.
The new Statement of Intent outlines our common ambition to be able and ready to conduct coordinated operations in crisis and conflict. In order to fulfil this ambition, we will have discussions based on common security concerns in the region. The aim is to be able to coordinate present and future national operations plans. To realize this aim we will establish a strategic planning group among the countries. Exercises and table top exercises will support this work. We will also explore possibilities for common operations planning in certain areas.
One possible outcome from this enhanced cooperation is coordinated operations planning in areas of common concern, for example the northern parts of Finland, Norway and Sweden. We foresee an improved interoperability between our armed forces that enable common military action, if separately so decided. In the spirit of Nordic cooperation, Denmark and Iceland will be informed on a regular basis as the cooperation proceeds.
We are also developing solutions for efficient security of supply in times of peace, crisis or war. Finland, Sweden and Norway have concluded an annex concerning security of supply to the Nordic Agreement concerning Cooperation in the Defence Materiel Area. The annex is a legally binding treaty and entered into force on 11 June.
...
www.government.se
Statement itself
"Finland, Norway and Sweden enhance their trilateral military operations cooperation"
We are living in unpredictable times with new challenges and threats contributing to a sense of uncertainty in our societies. We are witnessing an increasingly challenging security situation both globally and in our neighborhood. In addition to the current Covid-19 pandemic and hybrid influencing, we should remember that other security threats persist. Together, we have a responsibility to maintain peace and stability in our region. In order to meet our common responsibility for the security in our region, we must continue to strengthen our capabilities to act together.
In 2018, a new vision for the Nordic defence cooperation (NORDEFCO) was signed. The guiding aim of the vision is that the Nordic countries will improve their defence capability and cooperation in peace, crisis and conflict. We, the defence ministers of Finland, Norway and Sweden, on the 23 September signed a trilateral Statement of Intent which aims to enhance our operational cooperation. This will also support the aim of the NORDEFCO vision.
The new Statement of Intent outlines our common ambition to be able and ready to conduct coordinated operations in crisis and conflict. In order to fulfil this ambition, we will have discussions based on common security concerns in the region. The aim is to be able to coordinate present and future national operations plans. To realize this aim we will establish a strategic planning group among the countries. Exercises and table top exercises will support this work. We will also explore possibilities for common operations planning in certain areas.
One possible outcome from this enhanced cooperation is coordinated operations planning in areas of common concern, for example the northern parts of Finland, Norway and Sweden. We foresee an improved interoperability between our armed forces that enable common military action, if separately so decided. In the spirit of Nordic cooperation, Denmark and Iceland will be informed on a regular basis as the cooperation proceeds.
We are also developing solutions for efficient security of supply in times of peace, crisis or war. Finland, Sweden and Norway have concluded an annex concerning security of supply to the Nordic Agreement concerning Cooperation in the Defence Materiel Area. The annex is a legally binding treaty and entered into force on 11 June.
...
Startpage
Statement itself
Barter
www.timesofisrael.com
Jerusalem, Rome finalize defense trade: Italian choppers for Israeli missiles
Under major deal first announced last year, Israeli Air Force to receive 12 training helicopters in exchange for Spike anti-tank missiles and chopper simulators
www.timesofisrael.com
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Switzerland:
Swiss voters backed the government’s plan to spend up to 6 billion Swiss francs ($6.46 billion) on new fighter jets in a surprisingly close referendum that was won with a 50.1% majority, Swiss television reported on Sunday.
Approving funding in the binding referendum would let the government decide next year among the Eurofighter from Airbus , the Rafale from France’s Dassault, Boeing’s F/A-18 Super Hornet, or the Lockheed Martin F35-A Lightning II.
The aircraft would replace Switzerland’s aging fleet of 30 F/A-18 Hornets, which will go out of service in 2030. ($1 = 0.9284 Swiss francs) (Reporting by Michael Shields; Editing by Alison Williams)
https://www.reuters.com/article/swi...65-bln-purchase-of-fighter-jets-idUSZ8N2GN008
Swiss voters backed the government’s plan to spend up to 6 billion Swiss francs ($6.46 billion) on new fighter jets in a surprisingly close referendum that was won with a 50.1% majority, Swiss television reported on Sunday.
Approving funding in the binding referendum would let the government decide next year among the Eurofighter from Airbus , the Rafale from France’s Dassault, Boeing’s F/A-18 Super Hornet, or the Lockheed Martin F35-A Lightning II.
The aircraft would replace Switzerland’s aging fleet of 30 F/A-18 Hornets, which will go out of service in 2030. ($1 = 0.9284 Swiss francs) (Reporting by Michael Shields; Editing by Alison Williams)
https://www.reuters.com/article/swi...65-bln-purchase-of-fighter-jets-idUSZ8N2GN008
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Germany has announced the cancellation of her heavy transport helicopter replacement programme for up to 60 "germanised" Boeing CH-47F or Sikorsky CH-53K, citing budgetary concerns. Observers believe that the manufacturers refused to sell the intellectual property in their product – a precondition to a nationally autonomous maintenance management – at a price Berlin deems reasonable. (Source, German)
Not good, not good at all.
A subject for which the Swiss government needs an army of engineering experts, military strategists and lawyers, I hasten to add. Representative democracy does have its place.
Not good, not good at all.
I'll just go ahead and say it: democracy can go too far. The average voter knows jackshit about that subject.
A subject for which the Swiss government needs an army of engineering experts, military strategists and lawyers, I hasten to add. Representative democracy does have its place.
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Finland
A criminal military trial surrounding the alleged intentional freezing of eight conscripts at a 2018 training session, began at Kanta-Häme
District Court on Monday.
The conscripts were allegedly ordered to remove their outer clothing and shoes and forced to stand in the snow for a long time.
Some of the conscripts suffered minor injuries from exposure to the cold and required a visit to the doctor.
If found guilty, the defendants could face fines.
Three of the defendants were career military officers while the remaining 18 were Pori Brigade conscripts. The role of the career soldiers was to oversee the training drills.
Most of the defendants denied the allegations of wrongdoing during the pre-trial investigation and claimed that higher-ranking officers were present at the time.
The incidents allegedly took place during the Air Force's final exercises in Halli in 2018.
Some of the conscripts were also allegedly ordered into a hole in the ice on the shore of a lake.
Conscripts allegedly forced to stand in snow without outerwear, shoes
The eight alleged victims were conscripts of the Pori Brigade.
yle.fi
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If I facepalm any harder I am going to give myself a concussion:
TLDR of the article; Germany's MOD is forced to put a moratorium on the acquisition of new assault rifles by Haenel due to H&K putting in a complaint over potential violation of patents by Haenel. H&K filed the complaint at the federal antitrust agency forcing the ministry to put a hold on the purchase of 120.000 rifles (along with future options) from Haenel. The acquisition process along with the alleged patent violations is now under review.
TLDR of the article; Germany's MOD is forced to put a moratorium on the acquisition of new assault rifles by Haenel due to H&K putting in a complaint over potential violation of patents by Haenel. H&K filed the complaint at the federal antitrust agency forcing the ministry to put a hold on the purchase of 120.000 rifles (along with future options) from Haenel. The acquisition process along with the alleged patent violations is now under review.
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Von der Leyen already did her best to kill the BW, but once AKK is done the Ouagadougou Boy Scouts will be a threat to Germany. But as long as female officers will get their own ranks and each barracks will get a loo for people who can‘t decide about their gender everything will be fine!
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Finland,
Oct. 9 (UPI) -- The U.S. State Department approved a $12.5 billion purchase on Friday by Finland for 64 F-35 fighter planes and associated munitions and equipment.
The approval, a statutory notification to Congress, follows an April request by the Finnish Defense Ministry to buy the planes through the Defense Security Cooperation Agency, the U.S. Defense Department agency responsible for foreign military sales.
Although Finland is aligned with western military powers and not with its neighbor, Russia, it is not a NATO member.
The list of ordered equipment includes the planes, made by Lockheed Martin; two spare engines; and an assortment of bombs, missiles, electronic warfare and navigational systems, training and support.
www.upi.com
The statement with interesting list:
Same for Super Hornets
Including approval for 200 JASSM-ER missiles.
Note, this is just approval to buy, doesn't mean this is what Finland buys (that decision is made next year).
Oct. 9 (UPI) -- The U.S. State Department approved a $12.5 billion purchase on Friday by Finland for 64 F-35 fighter planes and associated munitions and equipment.
The approval, a statutory notification to Congress, follows an April request by the Finnish Defense Ministry to buy the planes through the Defense Security Cooperation Agency, the U.S. Defense Department agency responsible for foreign military sales.
Although Finland is aligned with western military powers and not with its neighbor, Russia, it is not a NATO member.
The list of ordered equipment includes the planes, made by Lockheed Martin; two spare engines; and an assortment of bombs, missiles, electronic warfare and navigational systems, training and support.
Finland approved to buy 64 F-35s in $12.5B deal - UPI.com
The U.S. State Department approved a $12.5 billion purchase on Friday by Finland of 64 F-35 fighter planes and associated munitions and equipment.
www.upi.com
The statement with interesting list:
Same for Super Hornets
Including approval for 200 JASSM-ER missiles.
Note, this is just approval to buy, doesn't mean this is what Finland buys (that decision is made next year).
Last edited:
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I think it would be crucial. FiAF currently trains with Norway and Sweden through CBT in almost weekly basis. Infrastructure cooperation could fall in to that "enhanced security of supply", mentioned few posts back.
Next question is that when Hawks become old in next decade, does it make sense for Finland to have that kind of fleet of jet trainers?
Next question is that when Hawks become old in next decade, does it make sense for Finland to have that kind of fleet of jet trainers?
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This not being the first such post of yours, I'm not quite sure what's the matter with you to be honest. Not only do you overdramatise, you're also dropping your accusations at the wrong door.
Or maybe you're jumping the gun, giving credence to a press that's been describing Haenel only ever as a sinister "Arab" armoury or, alternatively, as some sort of Nazi conglomerate, going so far as to suggest that machine carbine and not assault rifle was official Nazi terminology?
Maybe that's got something to do with the fact that H&K's spokesperson, Marco Seliger, used to be Germany's preeminent defence journalist for a decade?
The BAAINBw is an autonomous organisation; it has to be for procurement law neutrality. It doesn't take orders from the minister.
Neither is it its job to provide documentation the contending companies must provide themselves. Both H&K and Haenel were required to demonstrate their product was free from defects of title. This they did. Haenel believes they're not violating Magpul's patents, as is their prerogative. H&K says they do. Now it's the BAAINBw's job to dive into the issue. That's what they're there for.
And H&K has been knowing of this patent dispute since when – since yesterday, I presume? They'd held this ace up their sleeve in case they'd lose. It's commercial partisanship to the highest of levels, with a press surprisingly eager to participate.
Anyways, this isn't a scandal; it's a hard-fought competition, and good on them for trying to make sure the law is followed to the letter. The only people trying to paint it so are opposition politicians like that Tobias Lindner (yeah, let's ask the pacifist party for military expertise) and the aforesaid media who've been Haenel-haters ever since they heard the company's roots go back to the StG44.
Do you know anything further or links about the Magpul patents discussed?
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Right now, there's just a rumour that Haenel copied parts of Magpul's magazine. I don't quite see where the issue lies. It's a weapon with a magwell engineered to accept standardised magazines of all stripes and colours.
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Finland:
The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Finland of F-35 Joint Strike Fighter aircraft with air-to-air missiles and air-to-ground precision guided munitions and related equipment for an estimated cost of $12.5 billion. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today.
The DoS not only approved a potential F-35 sale, but also the sale of the F/A-18EF Super Hornet. The Super Hornet package, which is worth an estimated $14.7 billion, includes 50 single-seat F/A-18E jets, eight double-seated F/A-18Fs and 14 EA-18G Growlers, which is the electronic attack variant. The package also includes 166 F414-GE-400 engines for the dual-engine fighter, Sniper targeting pods, AN/APG-79 radars, AN/ALR-67(V)3 electric warfare countermeasures receiving sets, and Next Generation Jammer Midband and advanced electronic attack kits for the EA-18G. The potential sales paved the way for the nation to purchase American jets should either Boeing or Lockheed Martin win its ongoing fighter competition.
https://www.dsca.mil/major-arms-sal...hter-aircraft-air-air-missiles-and-air-ground
The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Finland of F-35 Joint Strike Fighter aircraft with air-to-air missiles and air-to-ground precision guided munitions and related equipment for an estimated cost of $12.5 billion. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today.
The DoS not only approved a potential F-35 sale, but also the sale of the F/A-18EF Super Hornet. The Super Hornet package, which is worth an estimated $14.7 billion, includes 50 single-seat F/A-18E jets, eight double-seated F/A-18Fs and 14 EA-18G Growlers, which is the electronic attack variant. The package also includes 166 F414-GE-400 engines for the dual-engine fighter, Sniper targeting pods, AN/APG-79 radars, AN/ALR-67(V)3 electric warfare countermeasures receiving sets, and Next Generation Jammer Midband and advanced electronic attack kits for the EA-18G. The potential sales paved the way for the nation to purchase American jets should either Boeing or Lockheed Martin win its ongoing fighter competition.
https://www.dsca.mil/major-arms-sal...hter-aircraft-air-air-missiles-and-air-ground
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Update:
Heckler & Koch accuses Haenel of violating both Magpul's patents and H&K's own. Strangely enough, the magazines supplied with the MK556 aren't even produced by Haenel but by Oberland Arms, a company serving as Magpul's partner for the Central European market. I can't wrap my head around how as a business partner they could have possibly been violating their patents with impunity (as is alleged).
Furthermore, H&K says that Haenel has violated their "over the beach"-patent, a breech block modification allowing a rifle to function even when filled with water. It has emerged that H&K initiated a lawsuit against Haenel back in August. They allege Haenel coppied the HK416's breech block for their CR223 – the semi-automatic older brother of the MK556.
However, the HK416 and the MK556 were both designed by the same man, Robert Hirt; he now works for Caracal, the company that owns Haenel. And as far as I can tell H&K doesn't even enjoy protection by that patent anymore. Registered as DE 20 2006 007 925 U1, it expired in June 2016.
What a clusterfuck.
Heckler & Koch accuses Haenel of violating both Magpul's patents and H&K's own. Strangely enough, the magazines supplied with the MK556 aren't even produced by Haenel but by Oberland Arms, a company serving as Magpul's partner for the Central European market. I can't wrap my head around how as a business partner they could have possibly been violating their patents with impunity (as is alleged).
Furthermore, H&K says that Haenel has violated their "over the beach"-patent, a breech block modification allowing a rifle to function even when filled with water. It has emerged that H&K initiated a lawsuit against Haenel back in August. They allege Haenel coppied the HK416's breech block for their CR223 – the semi-automatic older brother of the MK556.
However, the HK416 and the MK556 were both designed by the same man, Robert Hirt; he now works for Caracal, the company that owns Haenel. And as far as I can tell H&K doesn't even enjoy protection by that patent anymore. Registered as DE 20 2006 007 925 U1, it expired in June 2016.
What a clusterfuck.
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Finland:
Infantry soldiers’ night combat and target acquisition capability becomes enhanced by new Finnish equipment.
Minister of Defence Antti Kaikkonen has authorised the Finnish Defence Forces’ Logistics Command to sign an agreement on the acquisition of night combat equipment and target acquisition devices from the Finnish company Senop Ltd.
The first phase of the procurement process involves soldiers’ helmet-mounted night vision devices and target acquisition devices for mortar companies. The agreement also includes a procurement provision for the acquisition of weapon-mounted laser sights
- This new generation of night vision equipment to be acquired is world-class in operating capability and developed by the Finnish Defence Forces in cooperation with Senop Ltd. The project allows the infantry night combat capability to reach a new level which in turn affects training, combat tactics and techniques. As a result, the infantry will have the capability in operating efficiently and effectively in all visibility conditions. It is also remarkable that we sustain this type of high-technology competence in Finland that guarantees security of supply and secures operating capability during times of crisis, Inspector of Infantry, Colonel Rainer Peltoniemi notes.
Soldier’s night vision device is a light and compact night vision device mounted on the soldier’s helmet that together with the red dot sight and new laser sight of the assault rifle enables mobile combat in all visibility conditions.
Laser sights are used for aiming the soldier’s assault rifle in the dark when the use of red dot sight is not applicable. In addition, the laser sights are well adapted for purposes of target designating for other weapons and assisting as tactical C2 tools.
Target acquisition device is meant for target acquisition and forward observation. The device with its software allows for firing solution determination, mortar orienting and laying for direction independent of GPS satellite location as well as increasingly fast and accurate target acquisition in all conditions and at all times.
The products will be supplied by the end of 2021 and fielded from 2022 onwards.
The estimated total value of the current acquisition including the value added tax is over EUR 13 million. The estimated total value of the five-year additional procurement provision including VAT is up to circa EUR 209 million.
maavoimat.fi
Defence Forces to buy light single-shot anti-tank weapons manufactured in Finland
Minister of Defence Antti Kaikkonen has authorised the Defence Forces Logistics Command on 09 of October to sign a contract with Nammo Lapua Oy to procure light 66 KES 12 (new variant of M72 Law) single-shot anti-tank weapons and training weapons.
The procurement is part of the national defence development programme, which aims at improving the Army combatants’ anti-tank capabilities. Almost all equipment is armoured on the modern battlefields. The procurement will ensure that all Army troops will have the capacity to destroy light armour targets.
Infantry soldiers’ night combat and target acquisition capability becomes enhanced by new Finnish equipment.
Minister of Defence Antti Kaikkonen has authorised the Finnish Defence Forces’ Logistics Command to sign an agreement on the acquisition of night combat equipment and target acquisition devices from the Finnish company Senop Ltd.
The first phase of the procurement process involves soldiers’ helmet-mounted night vision devices and target acquisition devices for mortar companies. The agreement also includes a procurement provision for the acquisition of weapon-mounted laser sights
- This new generation of night vision equipment to be acquired is world-class in operating capability and developed by the Finnish Defence Forces in cooperation with Senop Ltd. The project allows the infantry night combat capability to reach a new level which in turn affects training, combat tactics and techniques. As a result, the infantry will have the capability in operating efficiently and effectively in all visibility conditions. It is also remarkable that we sustain this type of high-technology competence in Finland that guarantees security of supply and secures operating capability during times of crisis, Inspector of Infantry, Colonel Rainer Peltoniemi notes.
Soldier’s night vision device is a light and compact night vision device mounted on the soldier’s helmet that together with the red dot sight and new laser sight of the assault rifle enables mobile combat in all visibility conditions.
Laser sights are used for aiming the soldier’s assault rifle in the dark when the use of red dot sight is not applicable. In addition, the laser sights are well adapted for purposes of target designating for other weapons and assisting as tactical C2 tools.
Target acquisition device is meant for target acquisition and forward observation. The device with its software allows for firing solution determination, mortar orienting and laying for direction independent of GPS satellite location as well as increasingly fast and accurate target acquisition in all conditions and at all times.
The products will be supplied by the end of 2021 and fielded from 2022 onwards.
The estimated total value of the current acquisition including the value added tax is over EUR 13 million. The estimated total value of the five-year additional procurement provision including VAT is up to circa EUR 209 million.
Pimeätoimintakyky uudelle tasolle -
Defence Forces to buy light single-shot anti-tank weapons manufactured in Finland
Minister of Defence Antti Kaikkonen has authorised the Defence Forces Logistics Command on 09 of October to sign a contract with Nammo Lapua Oy to procure light 66 KES 12 (new variant of M72 Law) single-shot anti-tank weapons and training weapons.
The procurement is part of the national defence development programme, which aims at improving the Army combatants’ anti-tank capabilities. Almost all equipment is armoured on the modern battlefields. The procurement will ensure that all Army troops will have the capacity to destroy light armour targets.
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Finland, Latvia and Patria
Finland, Latvia and Patria Land Oy have signed a product development agreement on a common armoured vehicle system. The agreement is related to the Letter of Intent signed by the countries last spring.
The purpose of the product development agreement is to develop, in line with the common requirements of the countries, the prototype Patria 6x6 vehicle manufactured by Patria Land Oy to a common armoured vehicle platform, with an armoured personnel carrier and a command and control vehicle. The agreement makes it possible to build a comprehensive approach to develop common maintenance, logistics, training solutions or product development packages.
A joint product development organisation guides and supervises the work, with Finland acting as the lead country. The product development phase will last until the end of 2021 and, after concluding the product development agreement, Finland and Latvia will be able to start negotiations on possible serial procurements. The first deliveries could take place in 2021. A completely different agreement will be negotiated on possible serial procurements.
Finland, Latvia and Patria Land Oy have signed a product development agreement on a common armoured vehicle system. The agreement is related to the Letter of Intent signed by the countries last spring.
The purpose of the product development agreement is to develop, in line with the common requirements of the countries, the prototype Patria 6x6 vehicle manufactured by Patria Land Oy to a common armoured vehicle platform, with an armoured personnel carrier and a command and control vehicle. The agreement makes it possible to build a comprehensive approach to develop common maintenance, logistics, training solutions or product development packages.
A joint product development organisation guides and supervises the work, with Finland acting as the lead country. The product development phase will last until the end of 2021 and, after concluding the product development agreement, Finland and Latvia will be able to start negotiations on possible serial procurements. The first deliveries could take place in 2021. A completely different agreement will be negotiated on possible serial procurements.
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As part of its Army 4.0 reforms, the German Army has announced that its reserves – mere replacement holding formations at the present time – will regrow in terms of equipment and training to their active sister units' level. Additionally, the units assigned to the Franco-German Brigade will reflag as a full brigade in its own right. (Source, German)
I wonder what these plans will spell for the Franco-German Brigade. A brigade in a brigade sounds weird. Or could it be their intention to create a national brigade parts of whom double as the German contributions to the FGB?
I wonder what these plans will spell for the Franco-German Brigade. A brigade in a brigade sounds weird. Or could it be their intention to create a national brigade parts of whom double as the German contributions to the FGB?
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