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Ukrainian firm develops handheld variant of AGS-17
By Reuben F. Johnson, Kiev - IHS James Defence Weekly - 14-Oct-16
RE: http://www.janes.com/article/64605/u...iant-of-ags-17 (click the link to see the weapon)

Go to the site for a picture of this weapon.
(Kiev-based Precision Systems has developed the RGSh30: a handheld version of the Russian-made AGS-17 30 mm automatic grenade launcher. Source: Reuben Johnson)

Kiev-based company Precision Systems has developed a new, handheld version of the Russian-made KBP AGS-17 30 mm automatic grenade launcher, which was displayed for the first time at Ukraine's AviaSvit/Arms and Security show, held in Kiev from 11 to 14 October.

Speaking to IHS Jane's at the show, company officials said this handheld variant, designated the RGSh30, was developed "in order to create a grenade launcher that could respond to the needs of Ukrainian units and special forces operating in the Donbas". They added that this smaller and more portable derivative of the Russian model has the virtue of being able to be carried and operated by small, manoeuvrable groups of combatants. Despite its small size and reduced barrel length, the RGSh30 is reported to have an effective range of 1,600 m.

The weapon has a small clip that holds just five VOG-17 30 mm grenades in comparison with the 30-round magazine of the AGS-17, but the "concept of this weapon is to be able to fire small numbers of rounds to disable a BTR [Russian-made armoured personnel carrier] or other armoured vehicles at close quarters. It has the advantage over the Russian design in that it does not have to be mounted on a pylon in a fixed location but can be carried around just like an assault rifle," said a company representative.

Precision Systems decided to develop the new weapon from conventional materials so that it would be economical to produce and easy to repair. The company has also said it is looking to develop an entire line of similar weapons that would fire either 20, 25, 30, or 40 mm grenade rounds. The Russian-made 40 mm GP-25 grenade launcher, which attaches to a Kalashnikov assault rifle, is one of the more popular infantry grenade launchers, and Precision Systems says it sees the possibility of taking part of this market away from Russian producers.

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Infantry Weapons
IA to induct Excalibur as interim assault rifle
Rahul Bedi, New Delhi and Neil Gibson, London - IHS Jane's Defence Weekly

The Indian Army (IA) plans to temporarily induct locally developed Excalibur assault rifles into service until it shortlists a 7.62x39 mm rifle for import over the next few years, sources told IHS Jane's on 24 October.

Officials said the IA recently asked the state-run Ordnance Factory Board (OFB) to supply an unspecified 'large number' of prototype Excalibur rifles to conduct simultaneous testing at various locations around the country to hasten the Excalibur's induction.

"Keeping procurement delays in mind, the army has opted to provisionally employ Excalibur for its infantry and specialised counter-insurgency units, which desperately need an assault rifle," military analyst Lieutenant General Vijay Kapoor (retd) told IHS Jane's .

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Weapons
BAE Systems anticipates US Navy's APKWS contract to boost production numbers
RE: http://www.janes.com/article/64815/b...uction-numbers
Geoff Fein, Washington, DC - IHS Jane's Defence Weekly (21 Oct 2106)

Key Points
The company has been producing upwards of 2,500 units annually
An initial delivery under a new ID/IQ contract will be for more than 20,000 systems
BAE Systems has been awarded a new contract for its Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS) laser-guided rockets that is likely to boost the company's production numbers beyond current rates.

Under a new USN ID/IQ, BAE Systems will deliver more than 20,000 APKWS. The system transforms a standard unguided 2.75-inch (70 mm) munition into a precision laser-guided rocket. (BAE Systems)
Under a new USN ID/IQ, BAE Systems will deliver more than 20,000 APKWS. The system transforms a standard unguided 2.75-inch (70 mm) munition into a precision laser-guided rocket. (BAE Systems)

The indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity (ID/IQ) contract could eventually be worth upwards of USD618 million, a significant milestone for the programme, David Harrold, director of precision guidance solutions at BAE Systems, told IHS Jane's on 19 October. "It speaks to the tremendous demand that is out there across all four services," he said.

Until now the company had been working on 1- to 2-year full-rate production contracts that were renegotiated every year, for annual quantities in the range of 1,500-2,500 per year, Harrold said.

Under the US Navy contract, awarded on 7 October, BAE Systems' first ID/IQ will be in excess of 20,000 units, Rachel Guill, APKWS programme director for BAE Systems, told IHS Jane's . "We are starting to build these units [the week of 17 October]," she said. "Contractually our first deliveries are not due until the second quarter of next year but we are anticipating early delivery."

Harrold said he expects demand for APKWS will significantly increase over time as more international militaries take notice of APKWS use by the US Air Force (USAF) on its F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft.

BAE Systems has received a number of signed letters of request (LoRs), although none have come from international F-16s fleets, Harrold noted.

"The more it becomes clear the USAF is using it prolifically the more international F-16 fleets are going to get interested. That is a huge opportunity for us," he said.

APKWS requires no modifications to the rocket, launch platform, or launcher system, and it allows militaries to use existing infrastructure and munitions investment with minimal effort and training, BAE Systems said in a statement.

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