The top tweets were chosen from influencers as tracked by GlobalData’s Influencer Platform, which is based on a scientific process that works on pre-defined parameters. Influencers are selected after a deep analysis of the influencer’s relevance, network strength, engagement, and leading discussions on new and emerging trends.

Top tweets on land warfare in January 2021

1. Military Times’ tweet on replacement of SAW and M4

Military Times, a website covering military news and information, shared an article on the US army’s plans to replace the M4 carbine and Squad Automatic Weapon (SAW) for soldiers, marines, and special operators. The article noted that Sig Sauer, General Dynamics and Textron Systems were selected to compete for building a replacement for the weapons under the Next Generation Squad Automatic Weapon project.

The first weapons prototype test was conducted in September 2020 and next is scheduled for February 2021. The army is expecting to select one among the three companies to build next generation SAW by October 2021 and begin fielding to various combat teams by October 2022.

Additionally, the army has also selected two companies, L3 Technologies and Vortex Optics, to compete for the fire control to be mounted on the new weapons system.

Username: Military Times

Twitter handle: @MilitaryTimes

Retweets: 15

Likes: 82

2. Army Recognition’s tweet on Operational Fires programme

Army Recognition, an online magazine dedicated to the land, the air and the naval forces, shared an article on the launch of the Operational Fires (OpFires) programme. The influencer noted that Lockheed Martin and US Defence Advanced Research Projects Agency partnered to develop an innovative ground launched system with an advanced booster ensuring delivery of variety of payloads and ranges, under the programme.

The article noted that Lockheed will develop and demonstrate a novel ground-launched system that is capable of penetration into modern enemy air defences using hypersonic boost glide weapons and engage critical time sensitive targets rapidly and precisely.

Username: Army Recognition

Twitter handle: @ArmyRecognition

Retweets: 33

Likes: 45

3. Military.com’s tweet on AFRICOM commander’s reassurance to troops

Military.com, a website providing news and information about the military, shared an article on Army General Stephen Townsend, the AFRICOM commander, reassuring troops regarding stability in the country following the pro-Trump mob takeover of the Capitol building. He ordered the troops to remain focused on their duty, as expected by the American people.

Townsend issued the statement even as AFRICOM continues to withdraw 700 to 800 US troops from Somalia following withdrawal orders issued by Trump. He added that neighbouring countries will continue to support Somalia despite the troop withdrawal.

Username: Military.com

Twitter handle: @Militarydotcom

Retweets: 12

Likes: 36

4. UK Defence Journal’s tweet on Nagorno-Karabakh conflict

UK Defence Journal, a website covering British and international defence news and events, shared an article on how Azerbaijan achieved victory over Armenian forces during the recent war in Nagorno-Karabakh. The article noted that drone technologies played an important role in the victory and offered important lessons for the UK.

The article noted that TB2 drones developed by Turkey were used to destroy Armenian armour. These drones are capable of loitering over enemy positions and can help military commanders to withstand more attrition.

Username: UK Defence Journal

Twitter handle: @UKDefJournal

Retweets: 15

Likes: 32

5. Stars and Stripes’ tweet on Iran being prepared to respond to US military pressure

Stars and Stripes, a site providing news and information on the US military, shared an article on top commander of Iran’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard, Gen. Hossein Salami, stating that the country is ready to respond to any pressure from the US military. Tensions between the two countries remained high during the former President Donald Trump’s administration.

The US army carried out a drone strike in Baghdad in January 2020 that killed Revolutionary Guard Gen. Qassem Soleimani, following which Iran launched a missile strike on a US military base in Iraq injuring hundreds of soldiers. Gen Soleimani noted that the attack by US army violated international law.

Username: Stars and Stripes

Twitter handle: @starsandstripes

Retweets: 17

Likes: 27