In 2019, the Hirtenberger Group sold its defense division Hirtenberger Defence to the Hungarian state-owned company HDT Defence Industries. What has changed as a result? What new opportunities are there and what future topics are the company focusing on? An interview with Managing Director Carsten Barth.
Mr. Barth, Hirtenberger’s Defence division was sold in 2019. To what extent did this change of ownership have an impact on day-to-day business?
Almost none. We have not been integrated into any group structures, there have been no restructurings or staff changes, we still operate independently and autonomously from Austria and our business area is still the same. For the future, however, we are naturally hoping that the change of ownership will provide positive impetus for our further development. We had already planned a number of things in this regard in recent months, but due to the coronavirus situation, we are not yet as far along as we would like to be.
With the new owner, there should also be opportunities on the Hungarian market, right?
Definitely. We now have a completely different standing there and of course we hope that sales opportunities will also arise for us as part of Hungary’s massive modernization and renewal program. I assume that we will also build up production and manufacturing capabilities there in the medium to long term and I am confident that Hungary’s strong position in NATO will also create synergies and opportunities for us beyond that.
What is Hirtenberger Defence’s current order situation like?
Very good for this year, next year and the year after. The difficulty currently lies more in the processing. Due to the coronavirus, it is difficult to carry out acceptance shootings, for example, which unfortunately leads to unplanned delays and postponements in some cases.
Your company recently landed an order from the French armed forces for 120 M6 C-640 Mk1 command mortars and 18,000 rounds of 60 mm ammunition(Militär Aktuell reported). What other contracts have been concluded in recent months?
Several major tenders are currently underway, for example in Germany (note: this involves the planned procurement of around 160 mortar systems and 25,000 cartridges as initial equipment in 60 mm caliber), but also in other countries. We have received an order from New Zealand for the complete 81 mm mortars, we will be preparing the complete 120 mm mortar ammunition for the German armed forces in the coming years, we are supplying ammunition to the UK and we have also supplied 120 mm light ammunition to the German armed forces. However, the most exciting order is probably the one from France that you mentioned.
In what way?
It’s not just about supplying ammunition and weapons, but about further developing the system (a lightweight “makeshift bipod” is to be developed for the M6 C-640 Mk1, among other things) and digitizing it, including qualification and introduction. This establishes us there in a dimension that is very long-term.
Keyword digitalization: To what extent is this already an issue for mortars?
This is one of our major topics for the future, as it allows customers to integrate the mortar into their digital environment or battle management systems. It also increases the range of applications for command mortars, as they can also be used for indirect fire. With our “Mortar Digital Aiming Solution” (MDAS for short), we have sold the Swiss Army a digital aiming device for 81 mm mortars, which makes it possible to set up and aim independently of aiming circles and periscopes and even without GPS data. There is nothing comparable from any other supplier and we are also noticing great interest from existing and new customers. The product is ready, available for the entire fleet of our 81 and 120 launchers and we will start series production in the middle of next year.
What are other future topics?
In the course of digitalization, we also see opportunities in the area of training and simulation. We are currently developing our own app for this purpose, which will not only make it easier for our customers to practice on a daily basis, but also to prepare for special situations and specific missions. With the GRAM (Grid Aiming Mode, digital aiming device for command mortars), we have also developed a technology that allows command mortars to be deployed faster, more precisely and indirectly. This electronic aiming device can also be retrofitted to older systems. Another topic is increasing the performance of HE ammunition …
Is it about more explosive power and performance?
Exactly. That’s what the customer wants, also for logistical reasons. If I can achieve the same effect with less ammunition, resources are freed up for other issues. With our Confrag technology, we have very good arguments in this regard. Vehicle-supported launchers with a larger caliber are also becoming increasingly important.
Like the semi-automatic 120 mm grenade launchers (SRAMS) sold by Hirtenberger together with ST Engineering?
Yes, Denmark is currently introducing a similar Israeli system on its Piranha vehicles, the French are also involved and we also see potential in many other countries. The advantage is that SRAMS can be fitted to existing vehicles – including off-road vehicles – and therefore represent a good and cost-effective alternative to self-propelled artillery.
What future prospects do you see for the mortar factory in general?
Very large. Indirect fire has been almost neglected in recent years. In view of the current threat situation, there is a great need to catch up, especially in NATO countries, but also in Asia and North America – on both the artillery and mortar side. This will certainly increase the importance of mortars.
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