Germany has unveiled its first new tank in 40 years, which it claims will be a game changer on the modern battlefield.
The KF-51 tracked vehicle, also known as the Panther, created a stir when it was revealed on the first day the Eurosatory arms fair being hosted in Paris this week.
Dusseldorf-based manufacturer Rheinmetall says the high-tech design will set new standards in "lethality, protection, reconnaissance, networking and mobility".
The design is a major upgrade on Germany's older Leopard 2 tank — itself modelled on the US-Army's M1 Abrams — which first came into service with the German army in the early 1980s.
With an operational weight of just 59 tonnes, the lightweight tank is highly mobile and has a maximum operating range of about 500 kilometres.
The tank uses a rapid-fire 130mm smoothbore gun as its main armament. Rheinmetall claims the gun has a “50 per cent longer kill range” than the older 120mm gun, which it replaces.
The KF-51 also includes a 12.7mm coaxial machinegun which complements the main weapon and can deal with threats from drones and lighter-armoured targets. A second 7.62mm machinegun can be remotely operated from inside.
The official launch of the design is timely as European militaries look to boost their capabilities following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Earlier this week, defence experts said Nato needed a “massive hike in defence spending”.
Manufacturers point to the tank's newest features, including an outward-facing digital camera which gives the crew 360-degree visibility without exposing themselves to enemy fire.
In addition, the tank can operate four quadcopter drones to assist with local reconnaissance. A drone launcher in the tank can also launch Hero 120 loitering munitions with 4-kilogram warheads that can strike nearby targets.
Moscow has suffered staggering losses of equipment during the conflict, due in part to Ukraine's use of modern weaponry such as the US-made Javelin and Swedish-designed NLAW anti-tank missiles.
The new Panther tank is said to have an intelligent defence system that can thwart missiles fired at the thin roof armour — a critical vulnerability in both Russian and Western-made tanks.
Kyiv claims that it has destroyed or captured nearly 1,500 tanks and more than 3,000 lighter vehicles since the start of the conflict. Russia's dwindling fleet of tanks means it has already resorted to sending older, Soviet-era armour to the war zone, including the T-62 main battle tank.
THE LIGHT
Director: Tom Tykwer
Starring: Tala Al Deen, Nicolette Krebitz, Lars Eidinger
Rating: 3/5
Company name: Play:Date
Launched: March 2017 on UAE Mother’s Day
Founder: Shamim Kassibawi
Based: Dubai with operations in the UAE and US
Sector: Tech
Size: 20 employees
Stage of funding: Seed
Investors: Three founders (two silent co-founders) and one venture capital fund
WHAT IS A BLACK HOLE?
1. Black holes are objects whose gravity is so strong not even light can escape their pull
2. They can be created when massive stars collapse under their own weight
3. Large black holes can also be formed when smaller ones collide and merge
4. The biggest black holes lurk at the centre of many galaxies, including our own
5. Astronomers believe that when the universe was very young, black holes affected how galaxies formed
Haircare resolutions 2021
From Beirut and Amman to London and now Dubai, hairstylist George Massoud has seen the same mistakes made by customers all over the world. In the chair or at-home hair care, here are the resolutions he wishes his customers would make for the year ahead.
1. 'I will seek consultation from professionals'
You may know what you want, but are you sure it’s going to suit you? Haircare professionals can tell you what will work best with your skin tone, hair texture and lifestyle.
2. 'I will tell my hairdresser when I’m not happy'
Massoud says it’s better to offer constructive criticism to work on in the future. Your hairdresser will learn, and you may discover how to communicate exactly what you want more effectively the next time.
3. ‘I will treat my hair better out of the chair’
Damage control is a big part of most hairstylists’ work right now, but it can be avoided. Steer clear of over-colouring at home, try and pursue one hair brand at a time and never, ever use a straightener on still drying hair, pleads Massoud.
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
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More from Neighbourhood Watch:
The five pillars of Islam
Day 1 results:
Open Men (bonus points in brackets)
New Zealand 125 (1) beat UAE 111 (3)
India 111 (4) beat Singapore 75 (0)
South Africa 66 (2) beat Sri Lanka 57 (2)
Australia 126 (4) beat Malaysia -16 (0)
Open Women
New Zealand 64 (2) beat South Africa 57 (2)
England 69 (3) beat UAE 63 (1)
Australia 124 (4) beat UAE 23 (0)
New Zealand 74 (2) beat England 55 (2)
Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis
Jetour T1 specs
Engine: 2-litre turbocharged
Power: 254hp
Torque: 390Nm
Price: From Dh126,000
Available: Now
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if you go
The flights
Etihad and Emirates fly direct to Kolkata from Dh1,504 and Dh1,450 return including taxes, respectively. The flight takes four hours 30 minutes outbound and 5 hours 30 minute returning.
The trains
Numerous trains link Kolkata and Murshidabad but the daily early morning Hazarduari Express (3’ 52”) is the fastest and most convenient; this service also stops in Plassey. The return train departs Murshidabad late afternoon. Though just about feasible as a day trip, staying overnight is recommended.
The hotels
Mursidabad’s hotels are less than modest but Berhampore, 11km south, offers more accommodation and facilities (and the Hazarduari Express also pauses here). Try Hotel The Fame, with an array of rooms from doubles at Rs1,596/Dh90 to a ‘grand presidential suite’ at Rs7,854/Dh443.
Poland Statement
All people fleeing from Ukraine before the armed conflict are allowed to enter Poland. Our country shelters every person whose life is in danger - regardless of their nationality.
The dominant group of refugees in Poland are citizens of Ukraine, but among the people checked by the Border Guard are also citizens of the USA, Nigeria, India, Georgia and other countries.
All persons admitted to Poland are verified by the Border Guard. In relation to those who are in doubt, e.g. do not have documents, Border Guard officers apply appropriate checking procedures.
No person who has received refuge in Poland will be sent back to a country torn by war.
