APC

Tool

Mapping Chinese and Russian Military and Security Exports to Africa

Military weapons exports and private military and security contractors are important tools for projecting a country's influence around the world. How have China and Russia employed these tools across Africa in recent years?

Tool

Where Has China Sent Weapons and Security Contractors?

China exported weapons to 38 countries from 2018 to 2021. It also exported private security contractors to protect and secure its interests in other countries, such as mining facilities and ports. A map of the exports shows China's expansive influence across Asia and Africa and into Latin America.

Report

Opportunities for European collaboration in armoured vehicles

RAND Europe examined the scope for collaboration between European states in armoured vehicles (tracked, wheeled and protected transport vehicles) throughout their life-cycle, in support of the European Defence Agency (EDA).

Report

Addressing Ballistic Glass Delamination in the Marine Corps Tactical Vehicle Fleet: Implications for Resourcing and Readiness

Delamination of ballistic glass impairs driver visibility and affects the readiness of Marine Corps tactical vehicles. To address this issue, RAND researchers estimate costs and vehicle availability under various repair and replacement scenarios.

Report

The Abilities of the British, French, and German Armies to Generate and Sustain Armored Brigades in the Baltics

This report assesses the current capacity of Britain, France, and Germany to generate armored units for a hypothetical deployment to the Baltics. Could they muster a full brigade each? How quickly could they do that, and for how long?

Report

Assessing Tracked and Wheeled Vehicles for Australian Mounted Close Combat Operations: Lessons Learned in Recent Conflicts, Impact of Advanced Technologies, and System-Level Implications

We assess trade-offs between tracked and wheeled combat vehicles by exploring lessons learned from conflict in various parts of the world, the implications of advanced technologies, and system-level implications of the different classes of vehicles.

Report

Reimagining the Character of Urban Operations for the U.S. Army: How the Past Can Inform the Present and Future

Provides a historical analysis of how militaries have deployed light and mechanized infantry with armored forces during close urban combat, to identify the comparative advantages and costs of this warfighting approach and lessons learned.

Report

Comparing U.S. Army Systems with Foreign Counterparts

To address possible capability gaps in its systems, the U.S. Army should examine options for countering long-range rockets, support research and development in robotics, consider approaches to lighten the loads for infantrymen, and examine the need for a new specialized manned reconnaissance aircraft.

Report

Enhancing Army Airborne Forces

U.S. Army airborne forces could play a pivotal role in key missions in the future, particularly against hybrid threats and in anti-access environments. However, they face serious threats that could become more severe. To overcome these new threats, the airborne force will need new capabilities.

Commentary

Destroy ISIL's Heavy Weapons and Vehicles: Level the Playing Field

More than any other option, employing air power decisively to deny ISIL the ability to use its armor and artillery has the potential to immediately and dramatically shift the battlefield balance against it.

Report

Understanding Why a Ground Combat Vehicle That Carries Nine Dismounts Is Important to the Army

Explains why is it important to the Army that any new infantry fighting vehicle be capable of carrying no fewer than nine soldiers who can be available for dismounted operations.

Report

Heavy Armor in the Future Security Environment

Through an examination of adversary capabilities in recent conflicts, the author explores whether heavy brigade combat teams are justified as a prominent component of the future U.S. Army.

Report

U.S. Combat and Tactical Wheeled Vehicle Fleets: Issues and Suggestions for Congress

Congress requested a study to assess the challenges in fielding U.S. ground combat and tactical wheeled vehicle fleets, including discussion of requirements; capability gaps; technology, operational, and business risks; and recommended actions.

Research Brief

Results from the Congressionally Mandated Study of U.S. Combat and Tactical Wheeled Vehicle

Congress requested a study to assess the challenges in fielding U.S. ground combat and tactical wheeled vehicle fleets, including discussion of requirements; capability gaps; technology, operational, and business risks; and recommended actions.

Report

In the Middle of the Fight: An Assessment of Medium-Armored Forces in Past Military Operations

This monograph presents a qualitative assessment of the performance of medium-armored forces in 13 past conflicts that span the range of military operations. The accompanying analysis is designed to help inform U.S. Army decisions about fielding medium-armored forces in the future. The case histories yielded three major insights.

Report

Reactive Armor Tiles for Army and Marine Corps Armored Vehicles: An Independent Report to the Department of Defense and the United States Congress

This independent report on the results of a congressionally mandated study of reactive armor (RA) tiles for U.S. Army and Marine Corps armored vehicles was submitted to Congress in April 1999.

Report

An Exploration of Integrated Ground Weapons Concepts for Armor/Anti-Armor Missions

Summarizes the results of an analytic exploration of future armored vehicle designs. It focuses on the design of light and heavy anti-armor vehicles.

People

Scott Boston