Abstracts » Military and naval science

Broken taboos

Article Abstract:

Germany has steadily reduced the size of its armed forces to an actual strength of roughly 320,000 in 2000 because of an improving international security climate. However, the German defense budget has been so dramatically pared that it has had a negative impact on defense investment at a time when the Bundeswehr requires new equipment, and provoked criticism from NATO members and US Defense Sec William Cohen. The German government is presently debating the future size of the Bundeswehr and the length of military service.

Legislative Bodies, Armed Services

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Joint eyes in the sky

Article Abstract:

France and Germany will develop an independent joint military satellite system, which may become the basis for a larger European reconnaissance alliance. France will contribute its Helios 2 infrared optical satellite system while Germany will put in its SAR-Lupe all-weather synthetic aperture radar satellite system into the joint reconnaissance program. The SAR-Lupe consists of four to six satellites having synthetic aperture radars that use passive antennas with reflectors.

Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Manufacturing, Military Communications Satellites

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King of the battlefield

Article Abstract:

The French Caesar is the latest generation of artillery systems to be commissioned into service in the French Army. The Caesar is a 155-mm, 52- caliber artillery piece mounted on a 6 X 6 truck chassis combining the advantages of traditional self-propelled and towed artillery, but without the considerable bulk and weight of these traditional artillery systems. It can be put into battery, shoot six shells up to 42 km and be taken out of action in three minutes.

Military Armored Vehicle, Tank, and Tank Component Manufacturing, Self-Propelled Guns & Parts, Tracked

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