* On May 13, Argentine Defense Minister Jorge Taiana oversaw the firing tests and adjustments of the systems installed on the TAM 2CA2 tank at the Magdalena Tank Shooting Range. The goal of the tests was to verify the modernization of the new systems on this upgraded version.
MilitaryLeak said that the TAM modernization project, the main armored weapon of the Argentine Army, adds advanced systems to the TAM 2CA2 version to improve combat capabilities at all times and fire more accurately thanks to an advanced digital fire control system.
The Argentine Defense Minister expressed satisfaction with the modernization process. Speaking after the inspection, Jorge Taiana said he hoped to end the year with some tanks modernized and ready to join combat units.
“This modernization will allow us to have state-of-the-art armored vehicles, suitable for both exercises and combat,” Taiana stressed.
The TAM is a medium tank in service with the Argentine Army. It was developed by a team of German and Argentine engineers, based on the German Marder infantry fighting vehicle chassis. The TAM met the Argentine Army's requirement for a modern, light, fast tank with enough firepower to defeat contemporary armored threats. The new tank's firepower requirements were met with Rheinmetall's 105 mm (4.13 in) Rh-105-30 main gun. This gun was produced in Argentina as the FM K.4 Modelo 1L.
* The Palestinian Islamic Jihad armed group in the Gaza Strip has agreed to a ceasefire with Israel from 10pm on May 13 (2am on May 14).
Reuters quoted Egypt's Al-Qahera News TV channel as saying that Egypt, the country that played a mediating role in this ceasefire, called on all parties to comply with the agreement.
According to the agreement, both sides will comply with the ceasefire, which includes stopping the targeting of civilians, destroying houses, and stopping the targeting of individuals immediately when the ceasefire comes into effect.
The militant group Islamic Jihad confirmed the ceasefire. Group spokesman Dawoud Shehab said the group accepted Egypt’s announcement and “will abide by it as long as Israel abides by it.” There was no immediate confirmation from Israel of the deal.
Even as the ceasefire was being finalized, fighting continued. Air raid sirens blared as far as the outskirts of Tel Aviv. The Israeli military said it had hit six operational headquarters of the militant group Islamic Jihad.
Israel launched its latest wave of airstrikes early Tuesday, saying they targeted commanders of the Islamist group. In response, the Iran-backed group fired more than 1,000 rockets, sending Israelis fleeing into bomb shelters.
During the five-day operation, Israel killed six senior commanders of the militant Islamic Jihad group and destroyed several military facilities. According to AP , in the five days of fierce fighting, 33 Palestinians, including at least 13 civilians, were killed. Two people in Israel were killed by rocket fire.
The militant Islamic Jihad group has consistently rejected coexistence with Israel and preached its destruction. Top ministers in Israel's religious nationalist government have ruled out any state sought by Palestinians in territories captured by Israel in the 1967 Middle East war.
The AP reports that tensions could quickly escalate next week when Israel holds a controversial march through a main Palestinian street in Jerusalem's Old City.
* India's first C295 tactical transport aircraft completes maiden flight
The milestone was announced by aircraft manufacturer Airbus, according to TheDefensePost . The three-hour test flight to evaluate the performance of various systems on the aircraft was conducted in Spain.
“With the Indian Air Force (IAF) becoming the largest operator of the C295 in the world, this programme demonstrates our commitment to improving the operational capabilities of the IAF,” said Airbus official Brice Dumont. The flight is a significant achievement for the “Make in India” aerospace programme, Dumont said.
The first C295 tactical aircraft is expected to be delivered to New Delhi this September. Currently, Indian Air Force pilots are being trained in Spain to prepare for the official deployment of this aircraft.
In 2021, the Indian government placed an order for 56 Airbus C295 airlifters, worth $2.5 billion. These aircraft will replace the Indian Air Force's aging AVRO fleet.
Under the deal, Airbus will deliver 16 aircraft assembled in Spain. The remaining 40 will be assembled by Tata Advanced Systems in India to boost local production.
In addition to purchasing the aircraft, India is also investing $500 million in performance-based lifecycle support for the aircraft. “This program will significantly contribute to the development of the Indian military industrial ecosystem, from manufacturing to assembly, testing, delivery and maintenance throughout the entire lifecycle of the aircraft,” Airbus said.
The C295 is designed to support logistics operations in locations that are inaccessible to heavy transport aircraft. It can carry up to 71 military personnel or 50 paratroopers. It can also be used for medical evacuation, disaster response and maritime patrol.
With the current order, India becomes the 35th C295 operator in the world.
Today's World Military column on the People's Army Newspaper sends readers the latest information on world military security and defense activities in the past 24 hours.
MAI HUONG (performed)
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