洛克希德·馬丁公司的高機動性火箭炮系統（HIMARS）在生産鑒定試驗階段已經發射了180枚多管火箭炮系統（MLRS）減程訓練火箭彈（RRPR）和一枚ATACM S Block I型導彈，證明了低速初始生産（LRIP）型HIMARS可以適應最快的作戰節奏和發射完整的MLRS彈藥系列。

　　HIMARS從2003年11月開始系統生産鑒定試驗，包括成功發射了MLRS M26型火箭彈，ATACMS Block IA導彈，ATACMS Block II導彈和制導型MLRS火箭彈。最近，美國陸軍在阿拉斯加寒區試驗中心的試驗中，HIMARS在極端寒冷的條件下成功發射了6枚制導型MLRS火箭彈。另外，還在2003年11月18日演示了系統用C-130運輸機空運的可部署性。儘管系統的初始作戰試驗與評估（IOT&E;）將從2004年9月開始，一直持續到12月，但事實上當3門HIMARS樣炮在伊拉克戰爭中成功使用時，系統的最終試驗就已經開始了。

　　據外電報道，韓國新的軍用直升機專案即將公佈其計劃，從而引起了美國和歐洲供應商的激烈競爭，力圖成爲該計劃的合作夥伴。

　　韓國航宇工業公司執行副總裁兼總經理表示，韓國政府打算在3月16日左右正式發佈有關該多用途直升機的要求、時間進度和方案徵詢書。該項計劃的目標是要替換400-500架直升機，包括UH-1通用直升機隊、AH-1攻擊直升機和MD-500直升機。該計劃將由韓國航宇工業公司、國防研製局（國防軍事機構）和政府主管的韓國航宇研究所領導。長期目標是設計由15000磅（6810千克）級的通用和攻擊直升機系統組成的高度通用機隊。

Canberra tightens U.S. army ties
By Grant Holloway, CNN Sydney
Wednesday, March 10, 2004 Posted: 0428 GMT (1228 HKT)

The Abrams tank in operation in Iraq.

SYDNEY, Australia (CNN) -- Australias military alliance with the United States has drawn ever closer following a decision by Canberra to buy nearly 60 Abrams tanks from the U.S.

The second-hand Abrams battle tanks -- which cost $415 million (Aust. $550 million) -- will replace the Australian armys ageing fleet of German-built Leopard tanks.

Importantly, the Abrams tanks will give the Australian defense forces greater operational compatibility with the U.S. military.

The tanks, which will not be operation until 2007, will be based in the city of Darwin on Australians northern coast.

Australia and the U.S. have had a close military alliance for more than 50 years under the ANZUS treaty and conduct frequent, large-scale joint military exercises.

Australian defense forces have also been involved closely with U.S. military operations in both Iraq wars and in Afghanistan.

Prime Minister John Howards conservative coalition government has also joined the U.S. Joint Strike Fighter program to develop a new-generation fighter aircraft and has committed to playing a role in the controversial U.S. missile defense shield project.

The decision to purchase replacement tanks recognizes the modern threat from the proliferation of shoulder-fired anti-armor weapons that our forces may encounter on their missions in the future, Australian Minister for Defense Robert Hill said in a statement Wednesday.

Hill said one of the advantages in choosing the Abrams over other tanks was the package included training systems and the opportunity to use state-of-the-art U.S. simulators.

The Abrams tanks have been criticized by some military observers as being too heavy for use in the Pacific region, particularly in areas where Australian troops have been recently deployed, such as the Solomon Islands and East Timor.

But this criticism was dismissed by the Chief of the Army, Lieutenant-General Peter Leahy at a media conference Wednesday.

He said the new tank would give Australian forces the ability to match what threat might develop and it gives us an ability to make sure that our soldiers have the combat weight to ensure that they can achieve their mission without undue risk.

Leahy said the current Leopard tanks were becoming very, very vulnerable to threats from rocket-propelled grenades and improvised explosive devices.

The Abrams is the U.S. armys most advanced battle tank and can reach speeds of 66 kilometers per hour (41 mph).

It carries four crew and has a level of protection for soldiers from nuclear, biological and chemical threats.

M1 ABRAMS CHOSEN AS AUSTRALIAN ARMYS REPLACEMENT TANK

The Government will equip the Australian Army with a fleet of 59 United
States M1A1 Abrams Integrated Management main battle tanks to replace the
ageing Leopards, Defence Minister Robert Hill announced today.
The project cost is about $550 million.
The Abrams tanks are significantly more capable than the current tank and
will contribute to the Army becoming more lethal in future close combat.
The Government accepted Defences advice that the Abrams is the best
capability and the best value for money with the lowest risk of the three
replacement tank options examined.
Senator Hill said the new tanks would be introduced into service from 2007
and would be based with 1st Brigade in the Northern Territory.
The tanks will be used by the Army to provide increased firepower,
mobility and survivability for our soldiers on the battlefield, Senator
Hill said.
They will also improve the Armys network centric warfare capability,
supporting the development of a networked combined arms approach to
operations - where armour, infantry, artillery, aviation and engineers work
together to support and protect each other.
The Abrams can reach speeds of up to 66km/h on Australian roads and up to
48 km cross country with a cruising range of up to 480kms, carrying four
crew and ammunition. Each tank is equipped with a 120mm smooth bore cannon
as its primary weapon and a 50-calibre machine gun for the tank commander
in addition to two 7.62mm machine guns. They are capable of firing an
advanced kinetic energy Tungsten penetrator against vehicles and a
multi-purpose round for infantry support. They have also been designed to
provide a level of protection for soldiers from nuclear, biological or
chemical threats.
Senator Hill said that the Abrams, with an approximate combat weight of 63
tonnes, was only around 500kg heavier than its competitors. It can be
deployed throughout the region using existing naval vessels and
infrastructure. The introduction of new amphibious ships from 2010 will
give the Army unprecedented mobility and deployability throughout our
region and beyond.
In addition to the tanks, extra refueling, recovery and transport support
vehicles, training simulators and an integrated logistic support package
will be acquired from the United States. All these elements of the
capability are included in the purchase price. Australian industry is
expected to be involved in the provision of through-life support for the
Abrams.
The decision to purchase replacement tanks recognises the modern threat
from the proliferation of shoulder-fired anti-armour weapons that our
forces may encounter on their missions in the future, Senator Hill said.
The new tanks will not only ensure that the Army can defend Australian
territory but it will also provide additional firepower and protection to
ensure deployed forces achieve rapid success while minimising friendly
casualties.

FACT SHEET

STRATEGIC RATIONALE FOR THE ACQUISITION OF A NEW TANK

* The thinking underlying the decision to purchase the Abrams M1A1 reflects
the same strategic rationale which the Government outlined in the Defence
2000 White Paper.
* That white paper stated that the Government would ensure that our land
forces will have the combat weight they need to achieve their missions
without undue risk.
* Todays decision follows through on the Governments commitment and is
aligned with existing strategic policy as expressed in the White Paper.
* A wide range of extremely lethal, concealable, high technology weapons
are becoming available to our potential adversaries. These weapons can be
carried, concealed and operated by one person. They are cheap and accessible.
* This means that, even when we do not expect to meet major opposition
(such as in peacekeeping or evacuation operations), our soldiers can
encounter, without warning, highly lethal weapons of a standard that simply
did not exist a few years ago.
* It would be entirely irresponsible of the Government to send Australias
young men and women into harms way without giving them adequate protection
and the means to achieve their missions.
* Capable tanks provide this capability. Independent scientific studies
have shown that, where capable tanks are present, they reduce friendly
casualties by a factor of six, and almost double the chance of mission
success. Because of their precision firepower and excellent sensor systems,
they also reduce casualties to innocent bystanders and prevent collateral
environmental damage.
* The current tank is becoming increasingly vulnerable to a proliferation
of sophisticated anti-armour weapons and clearly we couldnt continue with
it in that threat environment on the battlefield.
* The Government has accepted the Chief of Armys argument that combined
arms teams, including capable infantry, tanks, armoured vehicles,
artillery, Special Forces and other elements, are essential for the Army to
fulfil its role.

FACT SHEET

THE M1A1 ABRAMS INTEGRATED MANAGEMENT MAIN BATTLE TANK

* During operations in Iraq the M1A1 clearly demonstrated it has the
necessary firepower, mobility and survivability to achieve dominance on the
battlefield as part of a combined arms team.

* The M1A1 demonstrated its effectiveness in Iraq on many occasions. In
one instance an M1A1 took a direct hit to the ammunition storage area, all
of the rounds inside were detonated, however the crew survived and carried
on with their mission.
* Australian Warrant Officer Joe Day who was serving on exchange with the
US Marine Corps 1st Light Armoured Reconnaissance Battalion during
operations in Iraq commented that from his observations the M1A1 was the
king of the battlefield and that light armour and infantry couldnt
survive without tanks and guns.

* Warrant Officer Day also saw an M1A1 take a direct hit from an Iraqi T-
62 and then continue on and destroy the enemy tank.

* The motor and transmission on the M1A1 performed so well in Iraq on the
very long drives through difficult terrain that the US Tank Automotive and
Armaments Command are not planning any further work on trying to extend
the transmission hours as they do not need it.

* The M1A1 AIM vehicle that Australia will procure will not be equipped
with either Depleted Uranium armour or munitions. The armour on offer is
of an advanced composite design, which is in accord with our capability
requirements.

* The new tank will fire an advanced kinetic energy Tungsten penetrator
against vehicles and a multi-purpose round for infantry support. The tank
is powered by a gas turbine engine, the AGT-1500. Gas turbine engines,
including the AGT-1500, are truly multi-fuel. They offer excellent
power/weight ratios compared to diesel engines.

* They have a very good cold-start capability (unlike a diesel), with
smooth torque and low vibration (an advantage for crews and sensitive
onboard systems). The gas turbine motor is also substantially quieter than
a traditional diesel tank engine ( like that in a Leopard 1). Additional
tactical refuelling trucks to provide fuel for the tanks in the field are
included in the $A550m package.

* Outside of the US Army and US Marine Corps the M1A1 is operated by Egypt,
Saudi Arabia and Kuwait.

The M1A1 AIM tank was selected for the following reasons:
* The M1A1 AIM has the best overall survivability of the options
considered. It offers battlefield proven protection for its crews.
* The M1A1 AIM in Australian service will be very similar to the remainder
of the large user community. It is part of a large fleet with stable, known
operating costs, which will be in service beyond 2020.
* They will be configured as part of a fleet of 3,500 similar vehicles
across the world. These particular vehicles will be very similar to over
2,500 vehicles operated by the US to at least 2020.
* The M1A1 AIM has the best potential to support network centric warfare.
It offers a proven integrated and highly capable radio and battlespace
management system.
* The M1A1 AIM is assessed to have the least technical acquisition risk as
the vehicle type and configuration for Australian service is already in
production. It is a proven design, which is already in contract.
* The M1A1 AIM is the right tank for Australian service. It is a highly
survivable and affordable vehicle, with excellent potential for network
centric warfare. The M1A1 provides the best value for Commonwealth dollar
with low production and technical risk.
* The Foreign Military Sales (FMS) offer for the M1A1 includes, spares,
training, support vehicles, Armoured Recovery Vehicles, simulation systems,
radios and ancillary equipment as part of the overall package.
* The M1A1 that ADF will procure are essentially remanufactured vehicles.
They have been returned to a zero miles zero hours condition. This will
provide substantial cost benefits in comparison to purchasing new vehicles.
* The M1A1 Abrams weighs less than 63,000 kilograms (<63 tonnes) when fully
combat laden. This is only slightly heavier than the Leopard 2 and is
lighter than the Challenger takes that were considered. All three tank
options that were considered are within 1000 kg of each other in combat
configuration. In transport configuration the M1A1 will weigh around 59-60
tonnes.
* Additional Heavy Equipment Transporters and trailers will be procured
under Project Land 121.
* The crane that loaded tanks in Darwin would be capable of doing the same
for M1. We have an ongoing discussion about strategic rail transport in
Australia and the issue of appropriate rolling stock will continue to be
discussed.

Media contacts
Catherine Fitzpatrick (Senator Hill)
02 6277 7800 0405 351 245

Defence Media Liaison
02 6265 3343 0408 498 664

　　□連魯軍

　　據英國《防務系統日報》2月17日報道，美國洛－馬公司研製的“海馬斯”高機動性火箭炮系統（HIMARS）將在2004年9∼12月進行初始作戰試驗與評估。但事實上已有3輛“海馬斯”在去年伊拉克戰爭期間露了臉，而且作戰試驗是成功的。

　　“海馬斯”體現了美國陸軍有關“重型部隊應變輕一些，而輕型部隊應變重一些”的原則以及陸軍發展戰略中強調攻擊能力的思想，自然受到美國陸軍部的賞識。之後，美國海軍陸戰隊也喜歡上“海馬斯”了，因爲海軍陸戰隊有不再使用口徑大於155毫米火炮的決定，又要獲得理想支援火力，而現役迫擊炮構成的火力範圍有限。

　　1999年12月“海馬斯”進入開發階段，先在第18空降軍炮兵部隊進行實驗。在美軍2002年舉行的“千年挑戰”演習中，參演的3輛“海馬斯”在兩周的演習期間可用性達97％，超過了工業部門的預期。首次部隊裝備計劃在2005財年第二季度開始。“海馬斯”系統的生産有可能突破750輛。

　　“海馬斯”具有機動性能高、火力性能強、通用性能好等特點。它與M270“ 鋼雨”的最大區別是底盤由履帶式改爲輪式。這應該是在“斯特賴克”裝甲車之後美陸軍減重的又一重大舉措。它提高了“海馬斯”的機動性能，可以迅速部署到履帶式火箭炮系統所無法到達的戰區。它採用6×6的5噸卡車底盤，車重減輕到 10噸，可用C－130空運；而M270AI重量近20噸，只能用更大的C－141和C-5空運。

　　“海馬斯”火箭炮系統能爲部隊提供24小時全天候的支援火力。它可以發射 GMLRS制導型火箭彈。GMLRS是全球定位系統GPS制導的一種彈藥，其彈體上加裝了 GPS慣導元件，而且在導彈前端安裝有小型鴨式翼，既提供了基本的飛行靈活性，又提高了系統精確度。GMLRS是一種低成本的精確制導武器，能增強打擊效率和提高火箭炮射程範圍，使“海馬斯”爲作戰部隊提供火力支援的範圍從32公里擴展至70公里，如果使用“陸軍戰術導彈系統”，將具有打擊300公里以外目標的能力。

　　“海馬斯”在設計上具有很強的通用性，發射彈藥通用性強，可攜帶6枚火箭彈或1枚“陸軍戰術導彈系統”，能夠發射目前和未來多管火箭炮系統的所有火箭和導彈。分系統互換性強。“海馬斯”的火力控制系統、電子及通訊裝置可以與 M270AI發射平臺互換。

Inside The Army
March 15, 2004
Pg. 1

Army To Transfer Four Armored Gun Systems To 82nd Airborne Division

The Army last week approved the transfer of four M8 Armored Gun Systems from contractor storage facilities to the 82nd Airborne Division at Ft. Bragg, NC, sources say, marking the first time the vehicles will be used by the service since the program was terminated in 1996.

Proposed in the 1980s as a lightweight combat vehicle that could fit aboard a C-130, the AGS was canceled as the Army struggled to pay for other priorities. Contractor United Defense LP, which fought the cancellation decision, has five M8 AGS vehicles in stock -- four in York, PA, and one in San Jose, CA.

The 18th Airborne Corps at Ft. Bragg recently passed along an 㺸perational needs statement?to Army Forces Command that spells out the division𠏋 need for a rapidly deployable vehicle with firepower that could be dropped from an aircraft (Inside the Army, Feb. 16, p1). The Army𠏋 operations and plans office, or 䥲-3,?has been reviewing the requirement with Training and Doctrine Command.

TRADOC completed its analysis on Feb. 19, and the G-3 approved the needs statement on March 8, authorizing transfer of the existing vehicles to the 82nd Airborne Division, sources say. By press time (March 11), the Army had not released a copy of the approval documents.

According to one source, officials made it clear in the documents that the transfer in 忛o way should be construed as support for an AGS program.?Instead, it is an attempt to meet the immediate requirement with an interim solution and allow the division to begin developing and refining tactics, techniques and procedures.

The unit expects to receive the vehicles by the end of March, the source said.

Rep. Robin Hayes (R-NC), a member of the House Armed Services Committee whose district includes Ft. Bragg, said he is pleased with the decision, but does not want the transfer to be misconstrued as a move to revive the terminated program.

孏o be clear, I am not endorsing one system over another,?Hayes told ITA in a March 12 statement. 𨧻 simply believe that, if these existing AGS are combat-worthy, then they should be fully utilized while we await the future technologies that are already in production.

岞y priority on this matter is simple -- what can we do to help our soldiers in the field the fastest??he added. 𨧻f our soldiers can utilize these existing systems, then I want these systems in Baghdad rather than in a manufacturing facility in Pennsylvania.?P>Hayes asked the Army last December to provide him information on the matter, including how much the transfer would cost and whether spare parts are available to maintain the gun systems. Last week, a spokesman for Hayes said the congressman was told government and contractor costs are estimated at approximately $1 million for one year of support for AGS.

The funding, however, is not as much of a concern to the Army as the availability of parts for a system that was terminated eight years ago. Sources say UDLP can sustain the systems for a limited amount of time, but many of its components are now obsolete or unavailable. Supporting the system beyond one year poses high risk, sources said.

Herb Muktarian, a spokesman for UDLP𠏋 ground systems division in York, said the systems are ready to go.

㜁e have not received any official requests from the Army regarding AGS, but the four AGS vehicles stored in York remain in excellent condition and we𠆫e ready to provide support if asked to do so,?Muktarian said.

Maj. Rich Patterson, a spokesman for the 18th Airborne Corps, said officials at Ft. Bragg have been notified and are assembling the necessary manning documents, additional equipment and training plans, 𢘛ith the intent to integrate the AGS into division operations as soon as possible.?P>The vehicles will go to the 1st Battalion of the division𠏋 17th Cavalry Squadron, Patterson said. AGS will provide its assault teams 𢘫obility, firepower and shock effects?within the 𡞫rop zone,?he added.

𨧻t gives us a capability we could deploy if we need it,?Patterson said.

AGS features a 105 mm cannon, an ammunition autoloader and options for armor protection.

The division𠏋 requirement for an air-droppable platform has existed at least since the 1990s, when the division disbanded one of its battalions -- the 3rd Battalion of the 73rd Armored Regiment, which was equipped with an aging armored reconnaissance vehicle called the Sheridan. At the time, service officials thought other capabilities would become available to the paratroopers once the M551 Sheridan was retired.

When the division deactivated the armored battalion in 1997, however, then-Army Chief of Staff Gen. Dennis Reimer had already terminated AGS, which had been regarded as the Sheridan𠏋 replacement. Eliminating AGS freed more than $1 billion over the service𠏋 outyear funding plan -- money that was badly needed for other cash-strapped programs, officials said at the time.

Two years after the program was canceled, service officials said they continued to review options for all light forces that wanted more firepower. Vehicles reviewed included AGS, the Marine Corps?Light Armored Vehicle, the Pandur lightweight vehicles used by the Kuwait National Guard and a variant of the M113 armored personnel carrier (ITA, Oct. 4, 1999, p1; Sept. 27, 1999, p1).

That effort, however, went nowhere, and the 82nd Airborne Division resubmitted its request for such a vehicle, eventually attracting Hayes?attention.

尞et𠏋 find out as soon as possible if AGS can serve effectively as a short-term solution for an immediate operational need,?Hayes told ITA last week.

-- Anne Plummer

London Financial Times
March 22, 2004
Pg. 2

Russian-Built Tanks To Protect S Korean Border

By Andrew Ward

Communist North Korea will face a stark reminder that the cold war is over
later this year when the capitalist South deploys Russian-built tanks in
frontline positions for the first time.

North Korea previously had a monopoly on Russian military equipment on the
Korean peninsula, stemming from its cold war alliance with the Soviet Union.
South Korea, meanwhile, has until now relied mostly on US military
technology.

But South Koreas ministry of defence has announced that about 30
Russian-made T-80U tanks would join its forces along the border with the
North before the end of this year.

South Korea received the tanks as part-payment for Russias Dollars 2.24bn
(Euros 1.8bn, Pounds 1.2bn) of debts to the country. Russias supply of
tanks to Seoul reflects the growing diplomatic, military and economic
isolation of North Korea as the world seeks to halt the states development
of nuclear weapons.

While Russia and China maintain friendly ties with Pyongyang, both countries
have become more interested in their growing economic relations with wealthy
South Korea.

For North Korea, the prospect of a former ally supplying arms to its enemy
is made more galling by the fact the Souths Russian-made tanks are much
more modern than its own.

The T-80U tanks to be introduced by South Korea are among the most advanced
Russian-built fighting vehicles, equipped with laser guidance equipment and
capable of travelling at up to 70km an hour.

In contrast, North Koreas most sophisticated tanks - the T-62 - are based
on 1960s Soviet technology. The country even still operates the T-34, used
by Russia in the second world war.

North Korea used to rely on Russia and China to keep its armed forces strong
enough to deter the US-backed South. But since the cold war ended, the
military support has stopped and the poverty-stricken state cannot afford
new equipment.