Christopher F Foss

United Kingdom

Writer at Shephard Media

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Articles

British Army’s commitment to L118 105mm light gun may be death knell for Light Fires Platform

1 week 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

1 month ago | 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.
Patria adds 120mm mortar system to 4x4 truck

1 month ago | shephardmedia.com | Christopher F Foss

The Patria 120mm TREMOS has been demonstrated integrated onto the rear of a compact SISU 4x4 truck complete with roll over protection. TREMOS was developed by Patria as a private venture, and a key feature of the system is that it can be installed on any flatbed with twist-locks so that the TREMOS baseplate can be locked in position for travelling and firing. The twist-locks meet ISO (international Standards Organisation) requirements, which are used by most civilian and military applications.
Patria unveils new 155mm artillery system with Ukraine war in mind

1 month ago | shephardmedia.com | Christopher F Foss

Finland’s Patria has completed a prototype of the ARVE 155mm/52cal self-propelled (SP) artillery system based on a Finnish SISU E13TP 8x8 cross-country chassis. Patria regards the ARVE as a low-risk programme as it combines two proven elements. The system consists of the SISU chassis with a forward control cab mated with the upper part of the Patria 155mm GH52 APU; the latter is currently deployed by the Finnish Defence Forces (FDF).
Sweden to receive production Archer howitzers next year with capability expected in 2030

1 month ago | shephardmedia.com | Christopher F Foss

The first examples of new BAE Systems Bofors 155mm/52cal Archer self-propelled howitzers (SPH) for Swedish Artillery are undergoing qualification trials and the first production examples will be delivered in the second quarter of 2026. These and other details of the ongoing programme were revealed at the Omega Future Indirect Fire conference held in Bristol, UK.
Poland working to increase artillery capability

1 month ago | shephardmedia.com | Christopher F Foss

The Polish Army is seeking more range from its SP artillery and artillery rocket systems (ARS), according to a Polish official speaking at the Omega Indirect Fires Conference held in Bristol, UK, last week. Poland is also phasing out older systems.
EMOC 120mm lightweight mortar system targeted at British Army requirement

1 month ago | shephardmedia.com | Christopher F Foss

Escribano Mechanical & Engineering (EM&E) group displayed its 120mm mortar carrier system (EMOC) for the first time in the UK at Omega Future Fires conference in Bristol, UK. The presentation of the system is significant as the British Army has a requirement for a 120mm Hinge Mortar and this EMOC is one of the competitors. Others include the Elbit Systems UK with the Sling and STK Engineering (teamed with Babcock) with the Ground Deployed Advanced Mortar System.
FNSS wins Turkish vehicle order which could be worth more than $7.5 billion

1 month ago | shephardmedia.com | Christopher F Foss

Turkey’s FNSS has won a contract worth up to US$65 million from the TLF for 25 Pars Alpha 8x8 armoured vehicles, which could ultimately be for more than 2,000 vehicles worth more than US$7.5 billion, the company has claimed. The first order under the New Generation Light Armoured Vehicle (NGLAV) programme is for anti-armour squad vehicles and armoured recovery variants (ARV).
IDEX 2025: Hyundai Rotem highlights advanced features of K2 MBT

2 months ago | shephardmedia.com | Christopher F Foss

For any potential sales to the Middle East, Hyundai Rotem is studying a K2ME version, which will have several improvements to allow it to operate in the high temperatures encountered there. A Hyundai Rotem spokesperson told Shephard that there were no plans for Middle Eastern trials of the current K2 MBT, and the vehicle will return to South Korea after the show. The MBT’s main armament comprises a 120mm L55 smoothbore gun, supported by a 7.62mm co-axial machine gun (MG).
IDEX 2025: Uzbekistan sets out AFV credentials with family of new designs

2 months ago | shephardmedia.com | Christopher F Foss

Major defence exhibitions always unearth upgraded versions of older armoured fighting vehicles (AFVs) designed to extend their operational lives as new technology emerges. But sometimes contractors use an event such as IDEX to launch a complete new family of AFVs. This year Havztez Defense of Uzbekistan showed two new armoured personnel carriers (APC), the Arslon 6x6 and Arslon 8x8, as well as an artillery system.