Safran adds MINEO targeting sensors to the mix in Land 8116
The MINEO direct fire support system will be integrated with AS9 Huntsman self-propelled howitzers (pictured) for the Australian Army. (Image: HDA)
Hanwha Defense Australia (HDA) is receiving 32 MINEO direct fire support systems (DFSSs) from Safran Electronics & Defense Australasia (SEDA) for the Land 8116 Protected Mobile Fires programme in Australia.
An A$5 million ($3.21 million) contract was announced during the Land Forces 2022 event in Brisbane on 4-6 October.
Phase 1 of Land 8116 Protected Mobile Fires will see the Australian Army receive 30 AS9 Huntsman 155mm SPHs and 15 AS10 ammunition resupply vehicles from Hanwha.
The MINEO DFSS medium-range targeting sensor ‘forms an integral part of the weapon system on the Huntsman vehicles’, said Patrice Provost, CEO of SEDA.
Hanwha already includes MINEO in the Indian and Norwegian K9 SPH programmes. The sight blends colour and thermal imaging with a laser rangefinder in a single compact unit with a low optical signature and patented motionless colour day zoom for line-of-sight stability.
Other subcontractors to HDA on Land 8116 Phase 1 include Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace (with the Odin fire control system) and Australian firm EOS (providing its R400 remote weapon station).
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Land Warfare
-
Dronebuster product line and production capability expanded
DZYNE Technologies, the maker of Dronebuster counter-uncrewed aerial system (C-UAS) devices, has announced plans to expand production and released details on a new version of the system. This follows the release of an all-in-one kit system earlier this year.
-
Ireland plans for radar capability in 2026
The Irish Government has previously outlined ambitious plans, the furthest reach of these being the possible purchase of fighter aircraft to provide a capability the country’s defence force currently doesn’t have. A more advanced procurement effort for a primary radar is being fast tracked.
-
US Army LTAMDS enters production phase
LTAMDS was approved in multiple flight trials and assessments.
-
Technology transfer: how well does it work?
Technology transfer is trumpeted by many companies as a way to tap into new markets, win contracts and expand supply and manufacturing capability. It is often used in the area of armoured fighting vehicles (AFVs) and these requirements are a way to see how – and if – they work.
-
The challenge of making the inflatable illusion and training centre
Faking aircraft, yanks and vehicles has a storied history through the previous century but there are others uses for inflatable systems such as more detailed and classified military equipment and training structures.
-
Singapore’s DSTA and Sweden’s FMV to collaborate on land systems
New agreement between Singapore’s DSTA and Sweden’s FMV signals deepening cooperation on land systems, with potential focus on counter-UAS and mobile air defence solutions.