I use a number of general assumptions in my Vision EDU Forces 2045. Worked out in this page!
Last update: 16-03-2023 21:30
– New EDU standards for calibers and ammunitions. Creating own standard which has some advantages, like creating an big internal EU weapons and ammunitions market and so better able to protect the EU industry and so also more control on weapon expors of EU member states.
– Reworked the brigades and batallions/regiments general structures and equipment lists. Now own material list for the brigade.
– Squad back from 10>12 members again, seeing more tasks&equipment (like using drones) and more complex threat picture (also by drones). For example in an IFV it stays 4+8 but crew and infantry group all members of the squad. Or in 2 smaller armoured patrol cars the squad splits to 1+5. Tank crew stays on 4 (minimum for basic operation) but 2 additional soldiers support the crew from another location (vehicle or building/container) like operating the drones or giving extra target, geographical or other useful information.
– Working on changing information of main vehicle variants and tasks and units in the land forces based on the latest (re)design of my MGCS concept. Also changes in other weapons standards like introducing a 144mm gun-howitzer as both the main weapon of the tank and SP howitzer variants of the MGCS. The MGCS variant with the CT36 36mm cannon will besides as infantry fighting vehicle (IFV) also be used..in almost the same configuration..as an air defence SHORAD variant. This also based on my lessons learned. Because with the influx and already dominant role for observation but also (kamikaze) attack of all kinds and sizes of drones above the combat zone, specific weapon systems&vehicles..such as SP artillery howitzers and air defence SHORAD vehicles are increasingly and better ‘hunted down’ and destroyed and made inoperable. This has a visibly great(er) effect on the course of battle. As for example the SHORAD systems&vehicles play an important role after all in defence against precisely these drones. So on the battlefield, it is in my opinion increasingly important that vehicle&weapon system variants are less distinguishable from each other. Besides this I also increasingly see tanks also providing remote fire support to fighting infantry units like artillery does normally and SP artillery howitzers deliver more often direct horizontal ground fire in support of the infantry. So I advocate to combine both tasks, tank and artillery SP howitzer, in the same vehicle configuration. Although still divide the primary tasks into the specific units that remain for that purpose. So that there is no overload for the crews of both tasks and the training can be focused on both. However there can be overlap on the battlefield or exchange of tasks according to the situation.
– Several small changes and adjustments. For example on the EDU Defence Standards Reference system (EDSTAR). Still some planned as a result of my own ‘lessons learned’ of observing an analysing the still ongoing horrific and ugly (no longer proxy) war in Ukraine in the middle of our Europe!! With..again..disastrous consequences for country, region and world, Like also happened after illegal invasions, forced regime changes and occupations of Afghanistan in 2001 and Iraq 2003..as part of the same policies and projects of the same warmongering vile neo-nationalistic US and it’s buddy UK and some other supportive countries-governments and also organisations like NATO (now again, and for an treacherous anti-EU reason!!). So many did learn totally nothing from this and now deliberatly started/start or supported/support new (cold) wars of these same countries!!..un-be-lievable!!!
– Correction EDU Naval Forces. 16>12 frigates Eng + 0>6 corvettes. 8>12 frigates Spain.
– Squad 10>8. IFV 2+10 > 4+8 and changed design ‘my ideal future tank&IFV’.
– Including anti-drone interceptors air-defence units/system.
– IFV 2+10 > 4+8 and changed design ‘my ideal future tank&IFV’.
– Included EUropean programmes for combat and (heavy) transport helicopters.
– CT 30mm LR on the (Sea/Land) Protector RWS&APPS will become 40mm AGL (fixed combi system replacing the now commonly used 12.7mm heavy machine guns in addition to the now influxing active protection system/APSs and smoke canister protection launchers. Looks a bit like this Arquus Hornet RWS).
– Change in recce vehicles types in my brigade set up in Land Forces.
– Correction squad set-up. Still 10 members but crew for vehicles separated from squad again. So 4 members crew in battle tanks and in IFV&APC. All working in two tandem seat armoured modules.
– Changes size of naval units and air squadrons with extra reserve.
– In 2045, NATO will no longer exist. Even though it now thinks to be alive again because of the conflict in Ukraine after the French president Macron recently called NATO brain death..now the EU seems to become brain death after taking a wrong turn. But this is an apparent phase..just like the earlier claimed NATO successes of its missions in Kosovo and Afghanistan and Iraq and Libya and Syria..and so now Ukraine. The organisation took the wrong turn by collaborating with US and UK and their sympathisers in their egocentric nationalistic project against Russia..and the EU(!!). And will, unlike the EU, not be able to come back and recover from that.
– rotation scheme naval vessels and crews.
– Changes in numbers of naval forces.
– Exit 2043, now snapshot 2045, 100 years after end of WO2. More symbolic for Europe as a whole.
– MCMV’s naval forces split into larger ocean and smaller coastal/inland waterways variant.
– KMW APVT IFV for Marines out, replaced by standard IFV with adaptations.
– Including Russia, Belarus, Georgia and Armenia.
– Changes numbers fighters EDU air forces.
– Squadron size helicopters and UCAV.
– 3>4 platoons every company. More vehicles.
Index -
- In General
- Part 1 – Land forces
- Part 2 – Naval forces
- Part 3 – Air forces
- Part 4 – Gendarmerie forces
In General
GENERAL MAIN TASKS
The grounds for deployment of the armed forces are listed in Article XX of the Constitution. In connection with this, three main tasks of the armed forces can be distinguished, namely:
- Protection of the integrity of the own and the allied (EU
and NATO) territory; - Promotion of the international legal order and stability;
- Supporting civil authorities in law enforcement, disaster relief and humanitarian assistance, both nationally and internationally.
GENERAL AMBITION LEVEL
An ambition level has been formulated based on the main tasks, the safety analysis and the available financial resources.
The Xxxxxx armed forces will contribute to the following:
- The protection of the own and allied (EDU
and NATO) territory if necessary with all available means; - An active contribution to the integrated foreign policy of the [NAME COUNTRY]. This includes:
– high-quality and technologically advanced military contributions to international operations in all parts of the spectrum of violence. The focus will be more on defensive and deterrent operations. However, where necessary one can also take offensive action.
– Contribute to an integrated, comprehensive approach in which various departments, international organizations, non-governmental organizations and (local or regional) businesses play a role. In this context, the 5D approach is used: Diplomacy, Defense and Development, Disaster Relief and Data.
- A contribution to the ambition level of the European Union and EDU. In this context, the armed forces will continue to contribute to the collective defense and response capacities of the European Union, the EDU Battlegroups;
A contribution to NATO’s level of ambition. In connection with this, the armed forces will continue to make a contribution of varying size to the NATO Response Force (NRF);- Participation (continuous) in an operation in the higher part of the spectrum of violence with xx battalions, xx special force operation group, xx combat aircraft, xx mixed group (combat) helicopters, xx MALE RPAS UCAVs and or a maritime task force of different ships;
- Simultaneous participation for a longer period of time in a maximum of [xx] operations in the lower part of the spectrum of violence with task groups of battalion size or, in air operations and maritime operations, their equivalents;
- Acting in land operations as lead nation at brigade/Division level and, together with other countries, at army force level, in maritime operations as lead nation at task group level and in air operations with contributions at equivalent level;
- The execution of special operations, including evacuation operations and counter-terrorism operations;
- Provision of international emergency assistance at the request of civil authorities.
- Participation in police missions, including those of the European Gendarmerie Unit, with officers and units and in small-scale civil-military missions;
- Provision of (para) military experts for the education, training and advice of security organizations in other countries;
- Contributing to the safety of society within the boundaries of the country, under civilian authority. This concerns in particular:
– the execution of national tasks, such as border control, including the Coast Guard;
– military assistance with the criminal enforcement of the rule of law as well as the maintenance of public order and security, such as with special assistance units and the deployment of the EOD explosives disposal;
– (para) military assistance in the fight against disasters.
Defence budget : 2% GDP. No more, no less!
Why is 2% GDP defense budget needed?!
ELECTRONIC AND CYBER WARFARE
Electronic and Cyber warfare is a serious task area for the armed forces and a large Cyber and Electronic Warfare Command operating within the central organisations and units in the separate forces.
Primarily, this is defensively oriented. All weapon systems, but also control and ICT systems and networks that are linked to it, are protected by this command. However, this command also becomes capable of carrying out electronic and cyber attacks in order to disrupt or flatten an opponent’s systems and the like. This either as a deterrent or as a way to complicate the warfare of an opponent.
There is close cooperation with allies within a common Cyber and Electronic Operations Force EDU Staff. This umbrella staff is housed in HQ in [Place name?] in [Country name?]. This leads to a close form of cooperation in the field of operations, education, training, logistics and maintenance. However, all countries remain sovereign with regard to the political decision to deploy their electronic and cyber units and resources. The Commander EDU Cyber and Electronic Operations Force is the head of this staff.
EDU DEFENCE STANDARDS REFERENCE SYSTEM (EDUSTAR)
Simular to today’s NATO STANAG system. For today’s EU known as EU-EDA launched European Defence Standards Reference system (EDSTAR). EDSTAR as the successor of the earlier European Handbook for Defence Procurement (EHDP). The creation of the EUropean Defence Union (EDU) as the military element of the EU in my Strategic vision EU 2045 therefore makes EDSTAR to EDU Standards Reference system (EDUSTAR).
So these are EDUSTAR standards in all kinds of categories. However, this does not mean that these products and designs must also be produced by the EUropean manufacturer whose product or design has obtained the EDUSTAR standard label. That is not the case. Cooperation and the benefits of economies of scale in production and so longer production lines are encouraged within the EU-EDU. But they can also be produced under licence in the EU-EDU member states themselves by their own local companies. Strict controls are in place to ensure that the preferred EDUSTAR product or design manufacturer and possibly its country of establishment do not deliberately undermine or frustrate this important opportunity.
Some possible EDUSTAR standards I wish&advocate myself:
– EDUSTAR standard service rifle cartridge for EDU forces: 6.0x24mm. Developed towards cased telescoped ammunition (CTA).
– EDUSTAR standard pistol for EDU forces: (FN) Six-Zero NG pistol 6.0x24mm. (picture example latest model FN Seven-Five MK3 MRD and some accessoires, also my artist’s impression for combination with FN40GL adapter frame/stock)
– EDUSTAR standard service rifle for EDU forces: (FN) P60 NG 6.0x24mm with the standard short barrel+silencer and grenade launching module and bayonet. Also longer barrels and special ammunition for also squad sharpshooters. (Picture example artist’s impression of FN’s P90, with longer barrel variant, silencer and some accessoires..)
– EDUSTAR standard 36mm grenades, 36x36mm LV (36 mm low velocity) and 36x48mm HV (38mm high velocity).
– EDUSTAR standard low velocity grenade launcher (FN) FN36GL EGLM. Also be used by law enforcement services. Also in adapter frame/stock in combination with their service weapon (my proposal and artist’s impression). Also non-lethal munitions available. (Picture example latest model FN40GL MK2 model and also my artist’s impression of combination with Five-SeveN standard pistol connected to adapter frame/stock)
– EDUSTAR standard 12.0×48 mm for heavy machine guns.
– EDUSTAR standard mortar systems in the 72mm light, 144mm medium and 288mm heavy version.
– EDUSTAR standard CT36 36mm cannon for IFV and SHORAD.
– EDUSTAR standard 72mm gun on naval ships.
– EDUSTAR standard 144mm gun-howitzer for tanks, SP artillery and also on naval ships.
Land forces
STRUCTURE MAIN BATTLE UNITS
Division, brigade, batallion, company, platoon and squad..
A division consists of generally 3 brigades and HQ and support units. A brigade consists of 4 combined arms battalions/regiments and HQ and support units. Each combined arms battalion/regiment consists of 3 (combined) arms companies, HQ and support units. Each (combined) arms company consists of 3 arms platoons, HQ and support unit. Each arms platoon consists of 4 arms squads, HQ and support unit. Each soldier in an infantry squad of 12 soldiers has a specialisation, doubled by second soldier:
– 2 squad (assistent-)leaders with pistol+service rifle-carabine+GL;
– 2 drivers/mobility specialists with pistol+service rifle-carabine+GL
– 2 communication specialists with pistol+service rifle+GL;
– 2 Observation/Navigation specialists with pistol+service rifle-carabine+GL and UAV/UGV;
– 2 Enginering/Demolition&EOD specialists with pistol+service rifle+GL;
– 2 Medicial specialists with pistol+service rifle+GL.
Besides these basic personal weapons other weapons can be caried and used, like ATGWs or MANPADS or a medium 80mm mortar.
Special operation forces use the same kind of squad setup. But also more of each other’s specialisations are being mastered to make the SF squad more resilient.
Permanent crew members of (armoured) vehicles..or helicopters and planes..are generally armed with a pistol+service rifle (basic short barrel)+GL.
In a medium/heavy infantry fighting vehicle/IFV the crew of maximum (2×2 driving&fighting team) and 8 infantry form a collective (squad-)team operating and fighting together. An Air Mobile Ranger or Marines Raider squad of 12 soldiers can operate from helicopter, transport plane, LCP/USV or landing craft on foot or with their own vehicle(s) (say Eagle V 6×6 APC) when using them for higher mobility on land. Using smaller vehicles (say Eagle V 4×4 armoured patrol car) the squad is split in two.
This 1:2 crew vs infantry members ratio seems more unfavourable than most current ones (seeing lengthy&heated discussions about this topic). But the threat picture has in my opinion increased to such an extent with the arrival of drones and small light missiles, that the vehicles need to be better allround protected..so also anti-air/drone..besides still supporting the infantry group. That requires imo the expansion of the IFV crew to 4 members and keep it at 4 crewmembers in new tanks/MBT’s. So I disagree with the development and advocacy to less.
In addition, with an ageing population and often tight labour market, we will have to recognise that fewer people are suited to the physically and mentally demanding profession of an infantry soldier. Besides the fast growing number of digital sensors and fighting systems in and outside the vehicle ask for more and more capabilities and skills.
And even more important there..to keep the carrying weight of the already overloaded foot soldier (also a lengthy&heated discussion) as low and bearable as possible, as many of the (extra) functions and tasks as possible need imo to be performed from the vehicle or vehicles or locations elsewhere. So that imo too justifies a (permanently) larger vehicle crew. Although a lower minimum crew needed to operate the vehicle..say 2…so another 2 (crew)members of the 4 of a..say..IFV..can dismount.
Mechanized, Marine, Airmobile and Mountain Brigades
Each brigade consists of a :
– HQ/support battalion with
– 2 Combined HQ platoons;
– Electronic and cyber warfare company;
– 4 Reconnaissance squadrons;
– 4 Combined arms battalions/regiments (details see below);
– 3 with mechanised, 2 with marine and 1 with air mobile brigade artillery batterie(s) with:
— 4x self-propelled 144mm gun-howitzers (SPGH)
— 4x multiple launch rocket systems (MLRS);
— 4x self-propelled 288mm heavy mortars (SPHM);
— 4x SHORAD SP air defence systems;
– Engineer battalion;
– Logistics battalion;
– Maintenance battalion;
– Medical battalion.
– Initial Military Formation Centre (provides the practical training for the brigade’s recruits);
And with the Airmobile, Marine and Mountain Brigades also a :
– Helicopter Aviation Regiment (details see Air Forces below).
A rough estimate of the vehicles of all support units of the brigade :
= +/- 18 with mechanised, 12 with marine and 6 with airmobile&mountain brigade armoured variants on MGCS chassis (heavy/medium) (12/8/4 in units + 6/4/2 education&reserve);
= +/- 48 armoured reconnaissance vehicles (medium) with mechanised, 24 medium 24 light with marine and 12 medium and 36 light with airmobile&mountain brigade (32/24/16 in units + 16/12/8 education&reserve) (medium like FV101 Scorpion&FV107 Scimitar, new model?, …. Light like Wiesel 2, LuWa, ….);
= +/- 18 with mechanised, 12 with marine and 6 with airmobile&mountain brigade self-propelled 144mm gun-howitzers (SPGH) (12/8/4 in units + 6/4/2 education&reserve);
= +/- 18 with mechanised, 12 with marine and 6 with airmobile&mountain brigade multiple launch rocket systems (MLRS) (12/8/4 in units + 6/4/2 education&reserve);
= +/- 18 with mechanised, 12 with marine and 6 with airmobile&mountain brigade self-propelled 244mm heavy mortars (SPHM) (12/8/4 in units + 6/4/2 education&reserve);
= +/- 18 with mechanised, 12 with marine and 6 with airmobile&mountain brigade SHORAD SP air defence systems (12/8/4 in units + 6/4/2 education&reserve);
= +/- 72 with mechanised, 48 with marine and 24 with airmobile&mountain brigade armoured vehicles support variants (heavy) (48/32/4 in units + 24/16/8 education&reserve) (like Boxer or Griffon, Piranha, Pandur, Freccia ..) (part UGV/OPV);
= +/- 48 with mechanised, 48 with marine and 48 with airmobile&mountain brigade armoured vehicles support variants (medium) (32/32/32 in units + 16/16/16 education&reserve) (like EagleV 6×6 or Serval, LMV 6×6, ..) (part UGV/OPV);
= +/- 24 with mechanised, 48 with marine and 72 with airmobile&mountain brigade armoured vehicles support variants (light) (16/32/48 in units + 8/16/24 education&reserve) (like EagleV 4×4 or VBAE, LMV, VAMTAC, ..) (part UGV/OPV);
= and +/- same total number in heavy and medium trucks, light utility vehicles, motorbikes and trailers.
The different combined arms battalions/regiments are :
Mechanized combined arms battalion/regiment
Each battalion consists of a :
– HQ/Support company with;
— 2 Combined HQ platoons;
— Electronic and cyber warfare platoon;
— Medical platoon;
– 4 Reconnaissance squadrons;
– 3 combat companies;
— 3 Combined arms companies with 2 platoons with each 4x heavy/medium battle tanks/MBT’s (35-50t) and 2 platoons with 4x heavy/medium infantry fighting vehicles/IFV’s (30-45t);
– 3 Artillery batteries with:
— 4x self-propelled 144mm gun-howitzers (SPGH)
— 4x multiple launch rocket system (MLRS);
— 4x self-propelled 144mm medium mortars (SPMM);
— 4x SHORAD SP air defence systems;
– Engineer company;
– Logistics company;
– Maintenance company.
A rough estimate of the vehicles of all support units of the mechanized combined arms battalion :
= +/- 36 heavy/medium battle tanks (24 in units + 12 education/reserve) (like MGCS, NGCS, Leopard2, Leclerc,..);
= +/- 36 heavy/medium IFV’s (24 in units + 12 education&reserve) (like Puma, Warrior, VBCI, IFV variants MGCS, ..);
= +/- 54 armoured variants on MGCS chassis (heavy/medium). 36 ARV and 18 engineer (24/12 in units + 12/6 education&reserve);
= +/- 48 armoured reconnaissance vehicles (medium) (32 in units + 16 education&reserve) (like FV101 Scorpion&FV107 Scimitar, new model?, ….);
= +/- 18 self-propelled 144mm gun-howitzers (SPGH) (12 in units + 6 education&reserve);
= +/- 18 multiple launch rocket systems (MLRS) (12 in units + 6 education&reserve);
= +/- 18 self-propelled 144mm medium mortars (SPMM) (12 in units + 6 education&reserve);
= +/- 18 SHORAD SP air defence systems (4 in units + 2 education&reserve);
= +/- 72 armoured vehicles support variants (heavy) (48 in units + 24 education&reserve) (like Boxer or Griffon, Piranha, Pandur, Freccia ..) (part UGV/OPV);
= +/- 48 armoured vehicles support variants (medium) (32 in units + 16 education&reserve) (like EagleV 6×6 or Serval, LMV 6×6, ..) (part UGV/OPV);
= +/- 24 armoured vehicles support variants (light) (16 in units + 8 education&reserve) (like EagleV 4×4 or VBAE, LMV, VAMTAC, ..) (part UGV/OPV);
= and +/- same total number in heavy and medium trucks, light utility vehicles, motorbikes and trailers.
Marine combined arms battalion/regiment
Each battalion consists of a :
– HQ/Support company with;
— 3 combined HQ platoons;
— Electronic and cyber warfare platoon;
— Medical platoon;
– 4 Reconnaissance squadrons;
– 3 Combat companies;
— 2 Combined arms company with 2 platoons with each 4x medium/heavy battle tanks/MBT’s (35-50t) and 2 platoons with 4x medium/heavy infantry fighting vehicles/IFV’s (25-40t);
— 1 Raider company with (when not on foot or vessel/LCVP or helicopter) 4 platoons with each 4x wheeled 4×4/6×6 APCs (10-20t);
– 2 Artillery batteries with:
— 4x self-propelled 144mm gun-howitzers (SPGH)
— 4x multiple launch rocket systems (MLRS);
— 4x self-propelled 144mm medium mortars (SPMM);
— 4x SHORAD SP air defence systems;
– Engineer company;
– Logistics company;
– Maintenance company.
A rough estimate of the vehicles of all support units of the marine combined arms battalion :
= +/- 24 medium/heavy battle tanks (16 in units + 8 education&reserve) (like MGCS, NGCS, Leopard2, Leclerc,..);
= +/- 24 medium/heavy IFV’s (16 in units + 8 education&reserve) (like Puma, Warrior, VBCI, IFV variants MGCS, ..);
= +/- 24 light wheeled APC’s (16 in units + 8 education&reserve) (like EagleV 6×6, VBMR Serval, ….);
= +/- 36 armoured variants on MGCS chassis (medium/heavy).. 24 ARV and 12 engineer (16/8 in units + 8/4 education&reserve);
= +/- 24 armoured reconnaissance vehicles (medium) (16 in units + 8 education&reserve) (like FV101 Scorpion&FV107 Scimitar, new model?, ….);
= +/- 24 armoured reconnaissance vehicles (light) (16 in units + 8 education&reserve) (like Wiesel 2, LuWa, …);
= +/- 12 self-propelled 144mm gun-howitzers (SPGH) (8 in units + 4 education&reserve);
= +/- 12 multiple launch rocket systems (MLRS) (8 in units + 4 education&reserve);
= +/- 12 self-propelled 144mm medium mortars (SPMM) (8 in units + 4 education&reserve);
= +/- 12 SHORAD SP air defence systems (4 in units + 2 education&reserve);
= +/- 48 armoured support variants (heavy) (32 in units + 16 education&reserve) (like Boxer or Griffin, Piranha, Pandur, Freccia..) (part UGV/OPV);
= +/- 48 armoured support variants (medium) (32 in units + 16 education&reserve) (like BVS10 successor) (part UGV/OPV);
= +/- 48 armoured vehicles (light) (32 in units + 16 education&reserve) (like EagleV 4×4 or VBAE, LMV, VAMTAC, ….) (part UGV/OPV);
= and +/- same total number in medium and light trucks, light utility vehicles, motorbikes and trailers.
Airborne and mountain combined arms battalion/regiment
Each battalion consists of a :
– HQ/Support company with;
— 3 Combined HQ platoons;
— Electronic and cyber warfare platoon;
— Medical platoon;
– 4 Reconnaissance squadrons;
– 3 Combat companies;
— 1 Combined arms company with 2 platoons with each 4x medium/heavy battle tanks/MBT’s (35-50t) and 2 platoons with 4x medium/heavy infantry fighting vehicles/IFV’s (25-40t);
— 2 (Airborne or Mountain) Ranger companies with each (when not on foot or transport plane or helicopter) 4 platoons with each 4x wheeled 4×4/6×6 APCs (10-20t);
– 1 Artillery battery with:
— 4x self-propelled 144mm gun-howitzers (SPGH)
— 4x multiple launch rocket systems (MMLRS);
— 4x self-propelled 144mm medium mortars (SPMM);
– 4x SHORAD SP air defence systems;
– Engineer company;
– Logistics company;
– Maintenance company.
A rough estimate of the vehicles of all support units of the airborne and mountain combined arms battalion :
= +/- 12 medium/heavy battle tanks (8 in units + 4 education&reserve) (like MGCS, NGCS, Leopard2, Leclerc,..);
= +/- 12 medium/heavy IFV’s (8 in units + 4 education&reserve) (like Puma, VBCI, IFV variants MGCS and NGCS..);
= +/- 48 light wheeled APC’s (32 in units + 16 education&reserve) (medium/light like EagleV 6×6, Serval, ….);
= +/- 18 armoured variants on tank chassis (medium/heavy)..12 ARV and 6 engineer (8/4 in units + 4/2 education&reserve);
= +/- 12 armoured reconnaissance vehicles (medium) (8 in units + 4 education&reserve) (like FV101 Scorpion&FV107 Scimitar, new model?, ….);
= +/- 36 armoured reconnaissance vehicles (light) (24 in units + 12 education&reserve) (like Wiesel 2, LuWa, …);
= +/- 6 self-propelled 144mm gun-howitzers (SPGH) (4 in units + 2 education&reserve);
= +/- 6 multiple launch rocket systems (MLRS) (4 in units + 2 education&reserve);
= +/- 6 self-propelled 144mm medium mortars (SPM) (4 in units + 2 education&reserve);
= +/- 6 SHORAD SP air defence systems (4 in units + 2 education&reserve);
= +/- 24 armoured vehicles support variants (heavy) (16 in units + 8 education&reserve) (like Boxer or Griffin, Piranha, Pandur, Freccia..) (part UGV/OPV);
= +/- 48 armoured vehicles support variants (medium) (32 in units + 16 education&reserve) (like EagleV 6×6 or Serval, LMV 6×6, or BvS10 successor for mountain ….) (part UGV/OPV);
= +/- 72 armoured vehicles support variants (light) (48 in units + 24 education&reserve) (like EagleV 4×4 or VBAE, LMV, VAMTAC, ….)(part UGV/OPV);
= and +/- same total number in medium and light trucks, light utility vehicles, motorbikes and trailers.
Special forces SF/Commando battalion/regiment
Each battalion consists of a :
– HQ/Support company with;
— 2 Combined HQ platoons;
— Electronic and cyber warfare platoon;
— Medical platoon;
– 4 Reconnaissance squadrons;
– 3 Combat companies;
— 3 combined arms companies with 4 SF/Commando groups/platoons;
– Engineer company;
– Logistics company;
– Maintenance company.
A rough estimate of the vehicles of all support units of the SF/Commando battalion :
= +/- 48 light wheeled APC’s (32 in units + 16 education&reserve) (medium/light like EagleV 6×6, VBMR Serval, ….);
= +/- 12 armoured engineer variant (light) (8 in units + 4 education&reserve) (medium/light like EagleV 6×6, VBMR Serval, ….);
= +/- 48 lightly armoured reconnaissance vehicles (light+) 32 in units + 16 education&reserve) (like vector, LiV Serval, Sherpa light, MB G280, RWIMK Landrover, LRV 400, EINSA Neton, ….);
= +/- 48 armoured vehicles support variants (medium) (32 in units + 16 education&reserve) (like EagleV 6×6 or Serval, LMV 6×6, or BvS10 successor for mountain ….) (part UGV/OPV);
= +/- 72 armoured vehicles support variants (light) (48 in units + 24 education&reserve) (like EagleV 4×4 or VBAE, LMV, VAMTAC, ….)(part UGV/OPV);
= and +/- same total number in medium and light trucks, light utility vehicles, motorbikes and trailers.
MAIN GROUND COMBAT SYSTEM (MGCS) AND VARIANTS
What the Main Ground Combat System (MGCS) that France, Germany and Italy are jointly developing will look like is still unknown now in February 2023. Therefore..for now or as an alternative..I am posting here my own favorited MGCS design, based on the UDES 17 and my own knowledge, understanding and insights on this topic. I do not pretend it is a very realistic model, but it also gives indications of the lessons I myself learn(ed) as an observer from the (grim) conflicts and wars around the world in the last 4 decades..also involving tanks and other armoured vehicles and their crews. My MGCS design, based on the earlier Swedish UDES 17 tank concept has a number of variants based on the same model/chassis. With often only changes in armament or the use of the available spaces in the vehicle (like those for the magazines).
The MBT variant of ‘my MGCS’ has a crew of still 4 (two driving&fighting teams in 2 crew protected modules). A crew of 4 is in my opinion still needed..even while using an autoloader..seeing the growing number of tasks for the crew. Like besides using drones itself, it also has to fight enemy drones of all shapes and sizes that threaten it and the units and soldiers it helps to protect. So also the growing need for better situational awareness and protection. Besides the maintenance tasks and watch duties that were and are always there when tank and crew are in or out of combat. That is also why, for example, the French with their 3-crew Leclerc tank supplement the tank-unit with extra personnel for those tasks.
So a crew of 4 in two tandem seat armoured modules in both sides of the vehicle chassis. Which resemble the tandem cockpits of a number of combat helicopters. Both modules are internally interconnected and also towards an entrance/exit door in the back of the chassis. All 4 crewmembers are able from their positions to or drive the tank or work the observation&targeting systems or UAV&UGV’s and/or firing the weapons on board.
Above my sketch version 2.0 of my MGCS MBT&Howitzer variant model by redesigning the former Swedish UDES 17 model on the left.
The MGCS MBT has a weight of +/- 35t in its basic loaded and crewed configuration. So it is air transportable by an A400M+ and larger transport plane. And +/- 50t with all the extra armour installed. The MGCS is designed to accommodate armour in 2 protection classes which are wholly or partly interchangeable.
The tank has a hybrid engine in the front of the chassis, which powers the electrically driven drive wheels. It fields an advanced semi-active suspension system, which allows for individual control of every bogie on the tracks. This attitude control function can tilt the chassis or lower the overall height. This allows it to “sit”, “stand” and “kneel”, as well as “lean” towards one side or a corner. “Sitting” gives the tank a lower profile and offers superior handling over roads. “Standing” gives the vehicle higher ground clearance for maneuverability over rough terrain. “Kneeling” augments the angular range in which the tank’s gun barrel can elevate and depress.
It also has an advanced track system, for maintaining optimum tension through all maneuvers and dramatically reduces the chance of throwing a track even in the most extreme situations. It is also designed to maintain optimal track tension while the vehicle is maneuvering to minimize the excessive load on the track and prevent the track from peeling off the road wheels. The tracks are made of reinforced rubber.
The MGCS MBT variant is armed with turretless smoothbore 144mm gun-howitzer for case telescoped (CT) 144mm ammunition. Which, when the gun is raised from its down base position, can rotate ↺360 degrees and by itself move +20 degrees up and -10 degrees down. Also using the advanced semi-active suspension system of the chassis this can further increase to 30 degrees up and 15 degrees down. It has an autoloader with a ready to fire magazine of 8 rounds CT 144mm ammunition (and one round in the chamber). This mount magazine can be connected to an additional two magazines (12 rounds CT 144mm each) in the rear sides of the chassis for reload, with the gun mount in forward and in downward base position. Both gun magazine and chassis magazines can be reloaded from outside automatically by a special supply vehicle or by hand.
Coaxial a CTA 6.0x24mm MG. Also an internal 72mm mortar for support infantry and close protection. On the gun-magazine top a (by me proposed and named a) Land Protector RWS&APPS remotely weapon system with a 36mm AGL and integrated active/passive protection system (APPS). In the back of the chassis on the outer sides of both magazines left and right of the entrance/exit door a click-in-/click-out VLS is positioned for a mix of light ATGM&SAMs (or a combined missile?!) and light UCAVs. Which can be (dis)connected by the crew or outside soldiers for use away of the vehicle.
The spaces of the two magazines in the chassis can when one or both removed also be used to transport personal in emergency or special missions. Access and exit for both crew and transported personal through a clamshell door in the middle of the back of the vehicle.
The chassis is the basis for more variants. Also an medium/heavy infantry fighting vehicle (IFV) with a crew of again 2×2 and an infantry group of 8 soldiers (squad of 12). The MGCS IFV has a weight of +/- 30t in its basic loaded and crewed configuration. So it is air transportable by an A400M+ and larger transport plane. And +/- 45t with all the extra armour installed. The MGCS is designed to accommodate armour in 2 protection classes which are wholly or partly interchangeable. of 8. But same armour protection level as the MBT and also same secondary armaments. The weight also differs, IFV loaded +/- 30t and with maximum armour level 45t. With a crew of 2×2 plus an infantry group of 8 soldiers (together a squad of 12). Access and exit for both crew and transported personal through a clamshell door in the middle of the back of the vehicle.
Above my sketch version 2.0 of my MGCS IFV variant model
With only the 144mm gun-howitzer replaced by a CT36 36mm cannon and smaller magazines..so enough space for an infantry group of 8 soldiers and their arms and equipment. The gun, when it is raised from its down base position, can rotate ↺360 degrees and by itself move +26 degrees up and -13 degrees down. Also using the advanced semi-active suspension system of the chassis this can further increase to +36 degrees up and -18 degrees down. It has an autoloader with a ready to fire magazine of …. CT 36mm rounds ammunition (and one round in the chamber). This mount magazine can be connected to the additional two magazines (….x CT 36mm rounds each) in the rear sides of the chassis for reload, with the gun mount in forward and in downward base position. Both gun magazine and chassis magazines can be reloaded from outside automatically by a special supply vehicle or by hand.
Coaxial a CTA 6.0x24mm MG. Also an internal 72mm mortar for support infantry and close protection. On the gun-magazine top a (by me proposed and named) Land Protector RWS&APPS remotely weapon system with a 36mm AGL and integrated active/passive protection system (APPS). In the back of the chassis on the outer sides of both magazines left and right of the entrance/exit door a click-in-/click-out VLS is positioned for a mix of light ATGM&SAMs (or a combined missile?!) and light UCAVs. Which can be (dis)connected by the dismounted infantry for use away from the vehicle.
And also a 144mm SP artillery gun-howitzer (SPGH), a SHORAD air defence, a recovery, an engineer and some other variants are designed on this same MGCS base chassis.
For example the SHORAD (named by me a) RAPIDFire LAnd NG air defence variant. The vehicle looks very much like the MGCS IFV variant. Has also the CT36 36mm cannon but on the gun mount sides also pannels of an advanced AESA radar system which information is being connected to the integrated combat system of the vehicle. Also with now larger ammunition magazines in the chassis for more CT 36mm ammunition..as there is no need for transporting an infantry group. But like the MGCS MBT variant the spaces of one of two of the magazines in the chassis can when removed and also be used to transport personal in emergency or special missions. Access and exit for both crew and transported personal through a clamshell door in the middle of the back of the vehicle.
Looks like the MGCS IFV Variant (SHORAD variant sketch in the making…)
The gun, when it is raised from its down base position, can rotate ↺360 degrees and by itself move +26 degrees up and -13 degrees down. But by also using the advanced semi-active suspension system of the chassis this can further increase to +36 degrees up and -18 degrees down. It has an autoloader with a ready to fire magazine of …. rounds of CT 36mm ammunition (and one round in the chamber). This mount magazine can be connected to an additional two magazines (….x CT 36mm rounds each) in the rear sides of the chassis for reload, with the gun mount in forward and in downward base position. Both gun magazine and chassis magazines can be reloaded from outside automatically by a special supply vehicle or by hand.
Coaxial a CTA 6.0x24mm MG. Also an internal 72mm mortar for support infantry and close protection. On the gun-magazine top a (by me proposed and named a) Land Protector RWS&APPS remotely weapon system with a 36mm AGL and integrated active/passive protection system (APPS). In the back of the chassis on the outer sides of both magazines left and right of the entrance/exit door a click-in-/click-out VLS is positioned for a mix of light ATGM&SAMs (or a combined missile?!) and light UCAV/Drone Interceptors. Which can be (dis)connected by the crew or outside soldiers for use away from the vehicle. Also another launch system/box that allows (anti-drone Interceptor) drones to be launched and recovered.
The crew of 4, in its important air defence task..especially given the now much-needed combat against the highly used and also threatening drones of all shapes and sizes..can with the deployment of these (anti-drone Interceptor) drones get assistance from its supporting unit from another location or vehicles. Then the vehicle is only used for launching and (when not a kamikaze engagement) possible recovery of the drones.
MISSION TIME
Personal. Not 6 but 4 months. So 4×4 cycle of 4 months.
>>Work-up>mission>recuperation>maintenance><
And 1 on/3 off before a new mission.
Material can last longer and more cycles. Then rotating personal uses and/or maintain the same material.
Naval forces
(Example EDU Naval Forces 2045)
CV(N): +/- 72.000t – mix of max 72 fighters, helicopters, VTOL UAV’s and AEW&Tankers;
LHA: +/- 36.000t – mix of max 36 helicopters and VTOL UAV’s;
LHD: +/- 18.000t – mix of max 18 helicopters and VTOL UAV’s.
NAVAL TASK FORCES EDU
- 6 Carrier Task Groups (2 operational at any time) of : 1 aircraft carrier, 2 destroyer/frigate air defence, 3 frigates ASW, 2 submarine SSK, 2 AOR vessels.
- 6 Amphibious Task Groups (2 operational at any time) of : 1 LHA, 2 LHDs, 2 destroyer/frigate air defence, 3 frigates ASW, 2 submarines SSK, 2 AOR vessels.
- 24 Patrol Task Groups (8 operational at any time) of : 1 destroyer/frigate air defence, 3 frigates ASW, 2 submarines SSK, 1 AOR vessel.
- 12 Ocean Mine Countermeasures Task Groups (4 operational at any time) of : 4 Ocean MCM vessels.
Mostly in different and smaller formations, part in maintenance and other part working-up.
OPV MEDIUM UNMANNED SURFACE PATROL VESSEL
– 1 with destroyer, frigate, corvette.
OPV MEDIUM UNMANNED SURFACE SUPPORT VESSEL
– 2 with fleet support ships and 1 with LST.
CANNON/SAM/LASER CIWS
- RAPIDFire NG CIWS (AESA radar, 1x CT36 36mm cannons, a light SAM VLS and a laser system CIWS). Discussed above for the land variant.
MISSION-TIME
For personal. Not 6 but 4 months. So 4×4 cycle of 4 months.
>>Work-up>mission/operational>recuperation>maintenance><
And 1 on/3 off before a new mission.
Material can last longer and more cycles. Then rotating personal uses and/or maintain the same material. Like a frigate that can stay 8 months away from its homeport and using a rotating 2 crew-model.
(An example)
Air forces
(example EDU Air forces 2045)
SQUADRON-SIZE
– 16 (+8 maintenance, testing, reserve) for fighters, attack, transport and VTOL UCAV/OPV medium helicopters and trainers.
– 8 (+4 maintenance, testing, training, reserve) or less for transport, AEW and tanker planes and MALE (VTOL) UCAV’s.
– 16 (+8 maintenance, testing, reserve) for VTOL UCAV/OPV helicopter medium (H160M, AW139M, ..)
– 24 (+12 maintenance, testing, reserve) for VTOL UCAV/OPV helicopter light (AWHero, V200 Skeldar, S100, VRS700, and successors)
HELICOPTER AVIATION REGIMENT
A regiment for every airmobile, mountain and marine brigade.
– 16 (+8 maintenance, testing, reserve) attack helicopters;
– 16 (+8 maintenance, testing, reserve) recce/utility OPV helicopters/large VTOL UCAV;
– 24 (+12 maintenance, testing, reserve) medium VTOL UCAV;
– 16 (+8 maintenance, testing, reserve) medium transport helicopters (NH90, AW101, future replacement);
– 12 (+6 maintenance, testing, reserve) heavy transport helicopters (Chinook, future replacement).
NAVAL ATTACK HELICOPTER ASW/ASuW
– 4 on aircraft carrier
– 4 on LHA
– 2 on LHD
– 1 on DD/FF ASW
– 1 on DD/FF AD
– 1 on corvette
RESUPPLY TRANSPORT HELICOPTER
– 2 on AOR (+ 1 training&reserve)
VTOL UCAV/OPV HELICOPTER MEDIUM (H160M, AW139M, ..)
– 16+8 for every airmobile, mountain and marine brigade.
– 3 for every naval and air force base
– 3 for aircraft carrier
– 3 for LHA
– 3 for LHD
– 1 for AOR
– 1 for DD, FF and corvette
VTOL UCAV/OPV HELICOPTER LIGHT (AWHero, V200 Skeldar, S100, VRS700, and successors)
– 24+12 for every mechanised, airmobile, mountain and marine brigade.
– 3 for every naval and air force base
– 6 for aircraft carrier
– 6 for LHA
– 3 for LHD
– 2 for AOR
– 2 for DD, FF or corvette
MISSION TIME
Personal. Not 6 but 4 months. So 4×4 cycle of 4 months.
>>Work-up>mission>recuperation>maintenance><
And 1 on/3 off before a new mission.
Material can last longer and more cycles. Then rotating personal uses and/or maintain the same material.
EUropean programme for light combat- and transport helicopter
Replacement for H145M, H160, AW159, AW139, KA60 and other light transport helicopters within the EDU.
Crew 2+2 and 12 fully equipped soldiers. Crew in both variants in side by side cockpit configuration and both armed with nose-mounted turret with CT 36mm cannon and back turret with a 36mm AGL besides an assortment of external missiles that can be mounted on the stub wings. The combat helicopter variant has more ammunition and a larger propellant supply.
(image model based on this artist’s impression Airbus X3).
EUropean programme for medium combat- and transport helicopter
Replacement for Tiger, Apache, Mangusta, AH-1, NH90, UH-60, EH101, Mi17, Cougar and other medium transport helicopters within the EDU.
Crew 2+2 and 24 fully equipped soldiers. Crew in both variants in side by side cockpit configuration and both armed with nose-mounted turret with CT 36mm cannon and back turret with a 36mm AGL besides an assortment of external missiles that can be mounted on the stub wings. The combat helicopter variant has more ammunition and a larger propellant supply.
(image artist’s impression for medium and heavy variant based on Airbus X3).
EUropean programme for heavy transport helicopter
Replacement for helicopters like CH-47 Chinook and CH-53 Stallion.
Crew 2&2+48 fully equipped soldiers.
Gendarmerie forces
….
MISSION TIME
Personal. Not 6 but 4 months. So 4×4 cycle of 4 months.
>>Work-up>mission>recuperation>maintenance><
And 1 on/3 off before a new mission.
Material can last longer and more cycles. Then rotating personal uses and/or maintain the same material.
WORKED OUT ARMED FORCES OF A COUNTRY BASED ON THESE ASSUMPTIONS
Future (today still fictional but prefered and advocated by me) country ‘The Netherlands 2045‘ (in Dutch)..or with still seperately countries the Netherlands, Belgium and Luxembourg working very close together as Benelux Union with the “Benelux Armed Forces 2045”..with Strategic Vision Armed Forces The Netherlands 2045 (in Dutch)
RONALD JH ELZENGA 