Eurosatory 2024, one of the world’s leading trade shows for defense technology, was not only the venue for impressive hardware and innovative solutions this year, but also provided a platform for important debates about the future of the industry. A panel of high-profile speakers addressed the topic of green defense and shed light on the challenges and opportunities involved in creating a more sustainable defense industry. With Dorothee Frank (cpm Defense Network) as moderator, experts from the worlds of industry, the military, and politics discussed the urgent question of how armed forces can improve their carbon footprint without compromising their operational readiness.

Two Wars, One Challenge

Sascha Brüning, Vice President Business Development and Sales at VINCORION, a leading supplier of military power systems, opened the discussion with an urgent appeal, saying: “We are in the midst of two wars: one is raging in Ukraine, the other is a global battle against climate change. Both conflicts present us with immense challenges and require decisive action.”

Brüning emphasized that the defense industry plays a key role in overcoming these challenges. “We have to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels in order to strengthen our strategic autonomy and at the same time do our part to combat climate change. At the same time, we must not forget that sustainable technologies can also improve our military capabilities.”

12590 12590 In his keynote speech, Sascha Brüning called for decisive action for green defense.

An Action Plan for the Post-2030 Landscape

Dr. Constantinos Hadjisavvas, project officer at the European Defence Agency (EDA), underlined the urgency of the issue. “The EU and NATO have recognized that we need to prepare our defense systems for the post-2030 landscape. We need an action plan to get our armed forces fit for this new reality.” The defense industry must fit into a future in which, for example, electric vehicles and renewable energies will be the norm in the civilian sector.

Hadjisavvas outlined a comprehensive approach that encompasses 23 different fields of action – from the development of low-emission vehicles and aircraft to the use of artificial intelligence for more efficient logistics. “It’s not just about improving individual technologies, but about a fundamental change in the way we think. We have to view sustainability as an integral part of our defense strategy.”

Tactical Advantages and New Business Models

Daniel Zeitler, Head of Product Management at VINCORION, explained on the panel that sustainability and tactical superiority don’t have to be mutually exclusive. “Modern energy systems are more flexible, scalable, and can also be supplemented with solar power. Through the use of battery storage systems and efficient energy management alone, we can reduce fuel consumption by up to 40 percent, giving the armed forces a decisive advantage in operations.”

Zeitler explained how modern energy systems can reduce the burden on logistics, extend deployment times, and increase tactical flexibility. “Our hybrid power solutions for the Patriot air defense system and the new tactical energy systems for the German Armed Forces are two prime examples. They enable the troops to operate more independently of fossil fuels and to use electricity from the grid or renewable sources wherever possible.”

12590 12590 Colonel Robert Šipec and Raphael Danino-Perraud provided insights into the practical implementation.

Long-Term Planning and International Collaboration

Colonel Robert Šipec from the Slovenian Ministry of Defense emphasized the importance of long-term planning. “We are procuring equipment that will be in use for decades. Spare parts also need to be available after 2050. Climate change doesn’t stop at political borders, which is why international collaboration is essential.”

Šipec emphasized that Slovenia has already taken concrete steps to make its armed forces more sustainable. “We’ve introduced a comprehensive energy management system, renovated our buildings to make them more energy efficient, and are increasingly focusing on renewable energies. We are also working closely with both the industry and academia to develop and test new technologies.”

Raphael Danino-Perraud from the French Ministry of Defense added: “Energy efficiency is not only a question of cost, but also of strategic autonomy. We must reduce our dependence on fossil fuels in order to safeguard our operational capabilities.”

Danino-Perraud presented the French initiatives to decarbonize the armed forces, including the development of hybrid vehicles, the use of biofuels, and research into new propulsion technologies. “We are convinced that green defense is not only possible, but also necessary to ensure the long-term security of France and Europe.”

12590 12590 Daniel Zeitler and Dr. Constantinos Hadjisavvas see sustainability as an integral part of defense strategy.

The Role of Industry and Politics

The panelists agreed that the transformation to a greener defense requires a joint effort by the industry, the military, and policymakers. The industry must develop innovative technologies and offer viable solutions. The military must clearly define its requirements and integrate the new technologies into its operational concepts. And policymakers must create the framework for this transformation by establishing appropriate funding programs and supporting international collaboration.

Can an Army Operate with Different Energy Sources?

The panel also addressed critical questions about green defense, for example the view from the audience as to whether armies could really operate with different energy sources without compromising their operational capability, or whether or not even more fossil energy sources are essential. The experts responded with different perspectives:

Colonel Šipec emphasized the importance of careful planning: “Every military operation requires a precise analysis of the available resources and the specific requirements. If we want to use different energy sources, we need to ensure that we have the necessary infrastructure and logistics to use them efficiently.”

Danino-Perraud pointed out that the French army had already gained experience with the use of different energy sources. Zeitler emphasized the role of the industry in the development of interoperable systems: “We work closely with the armed forces to ensure that our energy systems are compatible with different energy sources. For example, we are developing intelligent control systems that optimize the combination of diesel, batteries, and solar power.”

At the end of the panel discussion, Sascha Brüning summed things by noting: “Some say that the use of environmentally friendly equipment weakens armies. But I’m convinced that it is the other way around. The eco-friendly transformation of the armed forces will prove to be a major advantage.”

The Bottom Line: A New Era Is Dawning

The discussion at Eurosatory proved that green defense is more than just a trend. It is a paradigm shift in security policy that offers both environmental and military benefits. Although it does present great challenges, the opportunities are even greater. It is the dawn of a new era for the defense industry, where sustainability and innovation go hand in hand.

The experts agreed that green defense is not only possible, but also necessary to guarantee Europe’s security over the long term. The path there will require close collaboration between the industry, the military, and policymakers. But experts from the armed forces and industry are certain that the journey will pay off – because green defense is not only an investment in combating climate change, but also in the future of security.

12590 12590 The bottom line: Collaboration between industry, the military, and policymakers is needed.

Medienkontakt:
Florian Hanauer
PR-Manager
VINCORION Advanced Systems
Feldstraße 155
22880 Wedel
Tel. 04103 60 – 2250
Mail: florian.hanauer@vincorion.com

Paris. At the Eurosatory trade show in Paris, the German technology company VINCORION officially presented its new GTD chaser^v weapon stabilization system as ready for large-scale production.

The stabilization technology GTD chaser^v ensures that the gun in modern armored vehicles such as the LEOPARD 2 and the Puma always remains precisely aligned with the target, even at high speeds and when moving over rough terrain. The product’s modular design supports innovative system architectures such as the Leopard 2 A-RC 3.0 presented at the trade show.

“With GTD chaser^v, the gunner can precisely engage their targets, even under the most difficult conditions – maximizing the probability of a first hit,” said Sascha Brüning, Vice President Business Development and Sales at VINCORION, at the presentation of the system at the trade show in Paris.

Preconfigured Modules for a Wide Range of Applications

The GTD chaser^v system is based on preconfigured and prequalified components and modules and offers a number of advantages, such as its ability to be adapted to the needs of the user and the configuration of the vehicle. The core components and modules are fully ready for large-scale production – enabling them to be adapted to new vehicles extremely quickly, such as the latest generation of the LEOPARD 2. Those who opt for the system benefit from a future-proof architecture that can be upgraded quickly and cost-effectively at any time.  Furthermore, data-based maintenance and optimized obsolescence management also reduce life cycle costs.

“With the GTD chaser^v electronics and the corresponding innovative drive systems, it is possible to build unmanned turrets for main battle tanks that are extremely powerful, offer enormous safety benefits for the crew, and can fire three shots in just ten seconds thanks to the additional integration of an autoloader,” said Brüning, explaining the possibilities offered by GTD chaser^v.

Drive System, Stabilization, and Power Electronics

“At VINCORION, we manufacture numerous important components for the LEOPARD 2: the turret and gun drives, the gun’s aiming and stabilization system, and the power electronics,” said Brüning. The generator for the tank’s approximately 1500 hp diesel engine also comes from the company.

VINCORION has acquired important contracts as part of the latest orders for main battle tanks – for example, 54 LEOPARD 2 A8 tanks will be delivered to NATO partner Norway. This will be the first time that GTD chaser^v stabilization technology is used in large-scale production. Further deliveries for Germany and partner countries are already confirmed in the order pipeline, translating to more than 120 system deliveries over the next three years, accompanied by numerous other options and opportunities on the market.

System Constantly Compensates for Vehicle Movements

The unparalleled precision offered by the electronic and mechanical systems in GTD chaser^v can only be achieved with a fast-reacting drive motor for the turret and gun, noted Daniel Zeitler, Head of Product Management at VINCORION. Highly complex control technology and software process, interpret, and use the data from the position and movement sensors. According to Zeitler, the precise interaction of sensor technology, data processing, drive electronics, and the drives is crucial: “This allows the large mass of the turret and, in particular, the barrel to be controlled precisely and at maximum speed. The system needs to continuously and directly compensate for vehicle movement and recoil from the shot in order to precisely aim at the target.”

This is achieved by the power electronics that VINCORION supplies for the tanks. “A lot of computing power, sensors, and energy are required to make the tank’s gun turret rotate and the weapon elevate and lower,” noted Zeitler. That is why the company is convinced that it is supplying a gun aiming and stabilization system that can be considered the best in the world. But VINCORION components are not only found in the LEOPARD 2 – VINCORION technology can also be found in the Puma’s electronic and mechanical systems, which enable a firing angle of minus 10 to plus 45 degrees. This also applies to the Panzerhaubitze 2000.

Technical Background: Details of the GTD chaser^V Product Family

The GTD chaser^v product family has a wide range of applications in light and heavy combat vehicles. It includes a variety of drive systems – from spindles to spur gears – for the mechanical interfaces. It is designed to be reliable and cost-optimized over the entire life cycle. “This gives it the edge that our customers value,” explained Zeitler.

The system is optimized for use in a military environment. It is also equipped with a redundant emergency drive that can be operated either mechanically or electrically. Highlighting the advantages of the system, Brüning noted that: “Our product has low life cycle costs. Its extreme reliability and low maintenance requirements reduce TCO.”

More about the GTD chaser^V System in the Keynote

“With the new modular GTD chaser^v system kit, VINCORION is ready for every requirement and challenge related to future aiming and stabilization systems, especially with regard to new developments for main battle tanks from the major OEMs,” emphasized Dennis Hunold, Senior Product Manager. This is also demonstrated by customer KNDS’ upgrade program for the LEOPARD 2 to unmanned turret technology and design.

“The overall concept can only be implemented at all thanks to the use of a revolutionary weapon storage system, suitable drives, and the high-performance electronics from GTD chaser^v. Weight and size are significantly reduced. The crew is protected in the best possible way, whereby the effectiveness of the main battle tank against targets is maximized,” stressed Hunold.

12541 12541 Kajetan von Mentzingen, VINCORION CEO (M), presents the new weapon stabilization at Eurosatory 2024 with Sascha Brüning, Vice President Business Development and Sales (R) and Daniel Zeitler, Head of Product Management.

Further information is available from VINCORION or at Eurosatory. In his keynote speech “How to Innovate the Stabilization of Future Tank Weapons,” Dennis Hunold will explain the functionality and possibilities offered by the GTD chaser^v system in detail. His presentation will take place on Thursday, June 20 at 4 p.m. on the “Exhibitors Corner” stage in Hall 6.

Media Contact:

Florian Hanauer
PR-Manager
VINCORION Advanced Systems
Feldstraße 155
22880 Wedel
Tel. 04103 60 – 2250
Mail: florian.hanauer@vincorion.com

Technology Company Delievers Energy Supply

Switzerland has ordered five Patriot™ air and missile defense systems from U.S. manufacturer Raytheon as the Swiss air defense solution under the “Air 2030” program. The power supply for the systems is being provided by the technology company VINCORION, based in Wedel near Hamburg, Germany.

VINCORION is proud to provide the power supply for one of the world’s best air defense systems, as it has again been proven in the Ukraine recently. “This provides the Patriot system with a stable, reliable and battle proven power supply for the radar and fire units”, Stefan Stenzel, CEO of VINCORION, affirms.

Self-Sufficient Radar Operation

The order includes “EPP radarV” (“Electric Power Plants”) units that supply power to the radar system and 15-kilowatt power generators that will be supplied for the Patriot launcher. The order further includes frequency converters rated at 150 kilowatts and converters rated at two times 15 kilowatts each. This allows to power the Patriot System without any CO2 emissions directly from the public grid. In this configuration, the generators remain as back-up power source. “Security and military superiority depend on reliable radar operation that is self-sufficient at all times,” emphasizes Stefan Stenzel. VINCORION manufactures the power supply for Patriot at its site in Altenstadt, Bavaria.

In June of 2021, the Swiss Government announced its intent to purchase the proven Patriot™ system for its ground-based air defence, selected as the preferred solution after evaluation as part of the competitive BODLUV GR Air2030 tender.

Modernizing the Patriot system’s energy supply

Patriot is an air and missile defense system consisting of radars, command and control, and interceptor missiles. It can detect, identify, and engage cruise missiles, drones, advanced fighter aircraft and other airborne threats.

VINCORION is consistently working on modernizing the energy supply. To this end, the company is developing new hybrid solutions. These can reduce fuel consumption and thus lead to lower operating costs. This is because lower emissions mean lower consumption of resources – and help reduce the number of personnel who have to be deployed for refueling operations, for example. However, there are no compromises in terms of performance.

The Patriot system is the basis for an integrated air and missile defense system for 18 nations. In Europe, the system’s customers include Germany, Spain, Greece, the Netherlands, Poland, Sweden and Romania. VINCORION has been a supplier to Patriot for 30 years.

Media Contact:
Florian Hanauer
PR-Manager
VINCORION Advanced Systems
Feldstrasse 155
22880 Wedel
Germany
Tel. 04103 60 – 2250
Mail: florian.hanauer@vincorion.com

Picture source header (Patriot Unit of the German Armed Forces): JLBvdWOLF / Alamy Stock Foto