Christopher F Foss

United Kingdom

Writer at Shephard Media

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Articles

CTAI’s 40mm cannon gains new A3B airburst round for UAV defence

1 week ago | shephardmedia.com | Christopher F Foss

KNDS France and Thales have teamed to develop another application for the CTAI for their 40mm Cased Telescoped Armament System (40 CTAS). This weapon is installed in the latest version of their RapidFire air defence system which is an integrated system carried on the rear of a 6x6 or 8x8 truck to where it is required. On arrival, four legs are extended to the ground to allow the truck to drive away and and the legs are then withdrawn until system is deployed on the ground.
Bids in for Canadian Bv206 replacement

1 week ago | shephardmedia.com | Christopher F Foss

Bids for the Canadian Domestic Artic Mobility Enhancement (DAME) programme, the replacement for the currently deployed Swedish BAE Systems Hägglunds Bv206 all-terrain vehicles (ATV) were submitted on 16 June 2025. According to a Canadian Government release total value of the DAME programme is between C$250 million (US$152 million) to C$499 million, depending on how many are required. Under the plan first delivery would occur in 2029/2030 with final delivery in 2031/2032.
Canada unveils plans for mobile artillery

1 month ago | shephardmedia.com | Christopher F Foss

The Canadian artillery is to get a range of new equipment which will not only have more mobility but will enable targets to be engaged with greater accuracy at extended ranges and with greater effect. Details of this major programme were revealed at the Defence IQ Future Artillery Conference held in London, UK, under Chatham House rules.
German MARS III tests Kongsberg NSM

1 month ago | shephardmedia.com | Christopher F Foss

KNDS Deutschland has successfully tested its MARS III (Multi-domain Artillery Rocket System Third Generation) in Norway in the coastal defence role, sources have revealed to Shephard. MARS is a German designation for its 38 M270 Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) weapons. During a virtual conference held in May 2021, the head of Germany’s BAAINBw procurement office stated that the German Army plans to fund a mid-life upgrade for its fleet of the MARS weapon.
Germany to increase artillery capability

1 month ago | shephardmedia.com | Christopher F Foss

The German Army now has a road map to increase its artillery capability over the coming years according to a speaker at Defence IQ's Future Artillery Conference conference, held in London, UK, under Chatham House rules. At the height of the Cold War, the Germany Army fielded some 1,200 tube artillery systems including 155mm/39 cal M109 tracked self-propelled (SP), 155mm/39c al FH-70 towed weapons and some 400 artillery rocket systems (ARS).
International consortium bids for Spanish 6x6 cavalry scout vehicle requirement

1 month ago | shephardmedia.com | Christopher F Foss

An international consortium has been formed to bid for a future Spanish Army requirement for a 6x6 cavalry scout vehicle. The bid consists of two Spanish companies, TSD and Groupo Oesía, as well as two foreign companies in FNSS Savunma Sistemleri from Turkey and Belgium’s John Cockerill Defense. TSD has built more than 15,000 vehicles for the home and export markets, while Groupo Oesia has extensive experience in areas such as digital transformation and navigation.
GDELS unveils Nemesis 155mm SPG at FEINDEF

1 month ago | shephardmedia.com | Christopher F Foss

General Dynamics European Land Systems (GDELS) has unveiled the 155mm/52 cal tracked self-propelled (SP) artillery system Nemesis at the International Defence & Security Exhibition (FEINDEF) in Madrid, Spain. The system is based on the GDELS ASCOD (Austrian Spanish Co-Operative Development) chassis which is currently deployed in the infantry fighting vehicle (IFV) role by Austria (as the Ulan) and Spain (as the Pizarro).
Technology transfer: how well does it work?

2 months ago | shephardmedia.com | Christopher F Foss

The ‘grip and grin’ photo opportunity with cooperation agreements on the table is a staple at defence shows as large companies look for a way into smaller markets or countries with large requirements looking to grow their own industrial base. While many sales of new AFVs still involve old-school off-the-shelf purchases, many countries also require the technology transfer element.
British Army’s commitment to L118 105mm light gun may be death knell for Light Fires Platform

2 months ago | shephardmedia.com | Christopher F Foss

The effort to replace the British Army’s 105mm L118 Light Gun may have come to an end with a source telling Shephard that there are no longer plans to replace the gun with the LFP being developed by Dstl. The LFP had already progressed to the construction of a Technology Demonstrator Platform (TDP) which was subsequently completed and tested which included a number of innovative features.
FAMOUS all-terrain vehicle demonstrated with 20mm cannon

Mar 24, 2025 | shephardmedia.com | Christopher F Foss

The Patria FAMOUS ATV has been demonstrated fitted with the KNDS-France P20 protected weapon station (PWS) during trials in Lapland, showing the expanded capability of the platform, especially in snow conditions. The P20 is officially called the Multirole Lightweight Vehicle Armament by KNDS France and is fitted with an unstabilised KNDS France pintle mounted 20M621 gas operated cannon.