Russia tests UAV identification system...

Today's world military (April 23) has the following content: Russia tests "friend-foe" UAV identification system, many European countries jointly purchase DM22 anti-tank mines, Czech Republic chooses Israel's situational awareness system.

* Russia tests UAV identification system "friend or foe"

Bulgarian Military reported that Russia's Rostec corporation announced the testing of a new UAV identification system with an ultra-light weight of only 90g.

The system, designed to distinguish between friendly and unfriendly (“friend-foe”) UAVs, is expected to reshape how UAVs operate in military and civilian operations. The concept relies on a coded radar signal reflector that confirms the aircraft’s identity.

Russian soldiers operate a UAV. Photo: War on the Rocks

Bulgarian Military assessed that Russia's application of the above technology is aimed at solving a modern challenge: the increase of unmanned aerial vehicles, which are smaller in size, more numerous and more difficult to track than traditional aircraft. In particular, this technology is very useful in the context of the Russia-Ukraine conflict , where UAVs play a central role.

The device is designed to be mounted on a UAV. It communicates with ground stations using proprietary identification protocols of Russian military aviation to distinguish “friendly from hostile” targets. It is capable of analyzing UAVs flying at altitudes of up to 5km and distances of 100km, marking a significant step forward in Moscow’s efforts to protect its airspace in a world increasingly dependent on UAVs, Rostec said.

Rostec stressed that the device's light weight and minimal power consumption make it versatile and suitable for use with a wide range of UAVs. The corporation plans to launch the first batch of devices by the end of this year.

* Many European countries jointly buy DM22 anti-tank mines

Germany, Latvia and Norway have signed a multilateral agreement for the joint purchase of DM22 anti-tank mines, Army Recognition said. The initiative reflects Europe’s growing efforts to consolidate its defense procurement, in line with both NATO and the European Union (EU) guidelines.

This trilateral arrangement allows participating countries to access DM22 anti-tank mines through a German framework contract, avoiding separate negotiations with the manufacturer. That approach was initiated by Germany in 2023, when Berlin awarded its KNDS Deutschland a framework contract for the optional production of at least 123 Leopard 2A8 main battle tanks—a mechanism that directly benefits the Netherlands, the Czech Republic, and Lithuania.

A German army unit trains with DM22 anti-tank mines. Photo: The Armourers Bench

Notably, Germany decided to restart production of DM22 anti-tank mines by the end of 2023 after a hiatus of more than two decades, to replenish its stockpile after Berlin provided a significant amount of aid to Ukraine.

The DM22 operates as an anti-tank grenade launcher, equipped with an active infrared sensor system (SAPIR). The mine is activated when the fiber optic cable is broken, the explosive will create a concave beam 40m away, aiming at the vehicle's side to penetrate the armor several dozen centimeters thick.

* Czech Republic chooses Israeli situational awareness system

According to The Defense Post , Czech technology company Retia has selected the EdgeSA situational awareness system from Axon Vision (Israel) for the Pandur armored personnel carrier.

The selection follows a comprehensive evaluation process and is part of a broader collaboration between the two parties to integrate modern electronic systems into a range of other European armoured vehicles.

Pandur armored personnel carrier. Photo: Frag Out! Magazine

The EdgeSA system uses artificial intelligence (AI) to provide early warning of battlefield threats to the crew, enhancing real-time awareness. It combines data from multiple sensors to automatically detect targets and optimize decision-making. The system has a modular design, allowing it to integrate seamlessly with legacy and next-generation military equipment.

Pandur is an armored personnel carrier originally researched and developed by the Austrian company Steyr-Daimler-Puch, and is currently being jointly produced by many companies in Austria, the Czech Republic and Spain. The vehicle has an empty weight of 22 tons, is 7.4m long, 2.7m wide and 2.1m high, has a range of 700km, and can be transported by C-130 transport aircraft. The vehicle has a crew of 2 and can carry up to 12 soldiers with full equipment. If equipped with a turret, the vehicle can only carry 6 soldiers. The vehicle body is made of welded steel with standard armor that can withstand armor-piercing bullets from 7.62mm to 14.5mm.

MINH ANH (synthesis)

* Today's World Military column on the People's Army Electronic Newspaper sends readers the latest information on world military security and defense activities in the past 24 hours.

Source: https://baodaknong.vn/quan-su-the-gioi-hom-nay-23-4-nga-thu-nghiem-he-thong-nhan-dang-uav-dich-ta-250280.html