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Archive for the ‘Contracts’ Category

Thales Defense & Security Inc. (TDSI) Awarded DIU Contract for Family of Advanced Standard Batteries (FAStBat)

Monday, February 19th, 2024

The U.S Defense Department’s Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) awarded Thales Defense & Security, Inc. (TDSI) a contract to develop and deliver a prototype family of Small Tactical Universal Batteries (STUB). The delivery of the STUB prototype is part of the DIU Family of Advanced Standard Batteries (FAStBat) initiative, one of the Army’s latest approaches to develop a standard family of batteries.

A standard family of batteries is needed to help reduce the service’s logistical burden and simplify the number of batteries that operational units must carry to power network and other systems. The STUB batteries have an innovative common USB-C Power Delivery (PD) interface and higher capacity NanoGraf cells, which facilitates battery charging by leveraging COTS chargers and reduces battery type inventories required throughout the Joint Services. TDSI’s focus will be on making the STUB batteries a successful program by focusing on key performance areas of thermal, power conversion efficiency, and ultra-low electromagnetic emissions, in order to meet stringent and demanding radio receive and transmit requirements.

The contract, awarded by Defense Innovation Unit (DIU), is one of the many efforts aiming to accelerate the adoption of leading commercial technology throughout the military. DIU’s FAStBat initiative helps meet the National Blueprint for Lithium Batteries 2021-2030 objective to develop form-fit-function battery standards for defense, electric vehicles, and grid applications as well as a 2030 objective to meet critical defense battery demand.

As part of the DIU contract order, TDSI will build hundreds of prototype batteries by 2025, using design, manufacturing and test processes already employed to support the AN/PRC-148 radio family of batteries.

“With expertise spanning more than 60 years, Thales Defense & Security, Inc. is a global leader in the development and manufacture of combat-proven, tactical communications equipment including batteries and chargers. We have successfully delivered over 300,000 integrated handheld radios and over 1,000,000 batteries to the Department of Defense (DOD). We are proud to have been awarded this contract by DIU and are certain this strong partnership will continue.”

MIKE SHEEHAN, PRESIDENT & CEO, THALES DEFENSE & SECURITY, INC.

TDSI’s extensive experience and knowledge in radio and battery design throughout decades gives the company a strong advantage in STUB battery design and delivery. The TDSI effort will pave the way for STUB batteries to benefit soldiers, the acquisition community, and the personal logistics community, allowing them to focus on their missions.

www.thalesdsi.com

Saab Receives Order for RBS 70 NG from Canada

Friday, February 16th, 2024

Saab has received an order from the Government of Canada for the short-range air defence system RBS 70 NG. The order value is approximately CAD 227 million (SEK 1.8 billion) with deliveries starting during 2024.

The order includes all necessary equipment to operate the RBS 70 NG, including firing units, missiles, transport vehicles, training and support. Following a competitive procurement process, Saab’s offer was chosen to meet the urgent operational requirement for Canada’s Soldier Portable Air Defence System Program. Through this programme, Saab will provide long term air defence support to the Canadian Armed Forces, with a specific focus on their Enhanced Forward Presence in Latvia. As part of its offer, Saab has committed to creating Canadian content through its local office and Canada-based partners and suppliers.

“We are pleased to deliver our proven and efficient air defence solution RBS 70 NG, which is a critical capability for nations in the current environment”, says Saab’s President and CEO Micael Johansson.

RBS 70 NG is a short-range air defence system manufactured by Saab. It is characterised by its unjammable laser-beam guidance and auto-tracking technology. Saab has RBS 70 NG customers globally, including Brazil, the Czech Republic and Latvia.

NFM France, Cooneen Protection Ltd and Partners Awarded Major Contract by French MOI

Friday, February 16th, 2024

NFM Group and Cooneen Protection Ltd are proud to announce a landmark con-tract awarded by the French Ministry of Interior (MOI). The consortium, with NFM France SAS acting as the representative, alongside Cooneen Protection Ltd and NFM Production Sp. z o.o. has been selected to supply Individual Bulletproof Vests 2022 (GPB-I) and tactical vest for various French security forces.

NFM Group and Cooneen Protection Ltd take immense pride in being entrusted with the responsibility of providing state-of-the-art protective gear to France’s protectors. This achievement underscores our joint commitment to protecting those who safeguard French communities, and we are proud to contribute to their safety with our products.

The objective of the tender was to provide advanced protective gear for the Police Nationale, Gendarmerie Nationale, Gendarmerie Maritime, French Customs, Security and Defense Cooperation Directorate, and Penitentiary Administration.

“The solution is a combination of protection and modularity thanks to the combination of products including the tactical vest: it is scalable which leads to being fully compliant with the users need to accomplish all aspects of their daily missions,” says Johann Le Cunff Managing Director NFM France.

The contract includes two lots:

• Lot 1: Supply of a substantial quantity of Individual Bulletproof Vests and Tactical Vests, specifically designed for female operators.

• Lot 2: Supply of a significant number of Individual Bulletproof Vests and Tactical Vests, tailored for male operators.

The contract entails the delivery of up to 511,350 concealment vests and 415,596 tactical vests, catering to both male and female operators, over a period of four years.

The French Ministry of Interior (MOI) is at the forefront of a pioneering initiative within the protective gear sector, as demonstrated by their latest requirements set out in two distinct lots. It is particularly noteworthy that the French MOI has acknowledged and catered to the specific needs for female operators’ protective gear.

“In Lot 1, they have established an industry-leading approach by requesting a comprehensive range of body armour, distinctly designed for the unique requirements of female personnel. This progressive move reflects a profound understanding of the importance of comfort, fit, and protection in crafting gear for female end-users,” says Neville McIlwrath, Business Support Director at Cooneen Protection Ltd.

Lot 2, with its focus on male operators, ensures all personnel are equally outfitted with the highest standards of protection. Collectively, these lots underscore our dedication to fulfilling the diverse requirements of the French MOI, while showcasing our ability to innovate and adapt in a rapidly evolving industry.

“NFM and Cooneen are honoured to be part of this visionary development initiated by the French MOI. Our contribution to supplying these bespoke products not only meets a critical need but also marks our participation in a significant shift towards inclusivity and innovation in protective gear,” says Johann Le Cunff.

COMMITMENT TO QUALITY AND COLLABORATION

NFM France and Cooneen Protection Ltd. came together in a unique collaboration to provide an innovative and leading solution to the requirements of the French MOI. Both companies who are leaders in their respective markets worked closely together to develop and submit a winning solution to both female and male body armour requirements established by the French MOI.

“We were excited by the prospect of working with NFM in this unique arrangement. Our collaboration highlights the value of combining specialized skills and industry-leading expertise, and we look forward to the successful delivery of the contract,” says Neville McIlwrath.

NFM France’s commitment to local expertise is also clearly demonstrated through our strong engagement with leading French raw material suppliers.

“The contract highlights our strong collaboration with leading French raw material partners and underscores NFM’s commitment to incorporating first-choice French materials in our product composition, showcasing our pride working with top-tier local suppliers,” says Johann Le Cunff.

This contract with the French MOI marks a significant milestone for both NFM Group and Cooneen Protection.

“This partnership not only reinforces our commitment to supporting those who protect us but also strengthens NFM’s position as a major player in France,” says Johann Le Cunff.

“Cooneen are pleased to have been selected to continue to supply vital body armour products to the French MOI and look forward to further developing our position in the French market,” says Neville McIlwrath.

WhiteFox Awarded $1M Phase I of a Multi-Phase Drone Defense Contract to Fortify South Asia’s Critical Infrastructure

Friday, February 9th, 2024

Enhancing Regional Security: Pioneering Airspace Management Solutions to Counter Emerging Drone Threats

SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif., – WhiteFox Defense Technologies, a globally recognized leader in advanced airspace management and counter-drone defense solutions, recently secured a significant $1 million contract. This milestone agreement, marking the first phase of a comprehensive multi-phase project, is aimed at bolstering the safety and protection of vital infrastructure and lives in South Asia. Amidst the rising global concern over drone-related threats, this contract highlights WhiteFox’s unwavering dedication to deploying cutting-edge technology for ensuring worldwide airspace security and safety.

In recent years, the use of drones for malicious purposes has escalated, posing significant risks to critical infrastructure, national security, and public safety globally. The proliferation of drone technology has made it increasingly accessible, leading to its misuse for surveillance, unauthorized data collection, and disruptive activities. This volatile situation underscores the urgent need for effective drone defense systems.

L.R. Fox, Chief Executive Officer of WhiteFox, stated, “This contract marks a significant milestone in our mission to create a safer world. The growing threats posed by rogue drones require advanced solutions, and WhiteFox is at the forefront of delivering these essential technologies. Our DroneFox NS system is uniquely designed to provide comprehensive protection against unauthorized drones, ensuring the safety of critical infrastructure and the public.”

Manu Srivastava, Chief Revenue Officer of WhiteFox, added, “The implementation of our DroneFox NS system in South Asia is a testament to our global reach and the effectiveness of our solutions. We are committed to customizing and integrating our technology to meet the specific needs of our clients, ensuring enhanced drone detection and protection for vital installations and events.”

WhiteFox will be providing a customized DroneFox NS system, an RF-based technology adept in detecting, locating, identifying, and classifying drones. The system offers several safe drone mitigation options and is designed for increased capability, durability, and mobility. This contract will focus on:

– Customization and integration of DroneFox NS systems for advanced drone detection and protection.

– Efficient integration of customized DroneFox NS to achieve enhanced drone detection within the specified area.

– Ensuring seamless data storage and management capabilities.

DroneFox NS has been proven ideal for protecting Critical Infrastructure, Airports, Border Surveillance, Prisons, and provides base and force protection. Its versatility and effectiveness make it a crucial asset in countering the growing drone threats.

www.whitefoxdefense.com

Persistent Systems Awarded $5.1 Million Contract to Supply MPU5 Radios to Air Mobility Command

Thursday, February 8th, 2024

Networking solutions to support Air Mobility Command’s Contingency Response Groups

Persistent Systems (“Persistent”), a leader in mobile ad hoc networking (MANET), announced today that it was awarded a $5.1 million contract by the U.S. Air Force to supply its Air Mobility Command with more than 280 MPU5 handheld MANET radios and 10 integrated sector antennas.

The MANET technology will enable the Air Mobility Command ‘s 621st and 821st Contingency Response Groups to quickly react to international situations that, in line with the service’s Agile Combat Employment (ACE) concept, require the U.S. Air Force to set up foreign airstrips, amass fuel and other resources, and coordinate aircraft landings with host countries.

“Our MPU5s deliver robust, secure, broadband line-of-sight and beyond-line-sight communications,” said Adrien Robenhymer, Persistent’s VP of Business Development for Air Force and Intelligence Community Programs, “and they do so without Air Force personnel having to rely on third-party infrastructure, which is key in a contested environment.”

The Air Mobility Command personnel currently employ old, walkie-talkie radios that cannot share video and still imagery or use geospatial awareness programs like ATAK. These limitations mean that “first-in” Contingency Response Groups operate in a slower, more plodding fashion when trying to set up runways. Likewise, relying on only audio can lead to planning errors.

The MPU5 radio runs the robust, self-forming, self-healing Wave Relay® MANET. With this adaptable, high-throughput network, users with MPU5s can seamlessly share voice, video, text, GPS and sensor data in a true peer-to-peer fashion. The radio also has a Cloud Relay™ capability which connects the line-of-sight MANET to beyond-line-of-sight LTE and SATCOM.

Working in conjunction with the MPU5s, the easy-to-erect Integrated Sector Antennas extend the Wave Relay® MANET over a massive geographic area.

“Persistent’s MANET products extend the enterprise to the tactical edge and allow full situational awareness even in austere environments,” Robenhymer said. “Beyond AMC and ACE, we see this technology have strong applications for the U.S. Department of Defense’s Joint All-Domain Command and Control, or JADC2, concept.”

Persistent Systems plans to deliver a full complement of MPU5 MANET radios and Integrated Sector Antennas to the Air Force in January.

Saab Receives Order for AT4 from NATO Support and Procurement Agency

Wednesday, February 7th, 2024

Saab has received an order for the anti-armour weapon AT4 from the NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA). The order value is approximately EUR 63 million (approximately SEK 700 million) and deliveries will take place 2026-2027. The order was booked in Q4 2023.

“Our AT4 stands out on the market as a highly sought-after and effective support weapon. We are honoured that the NSPA has trusted our products once again, and they can feel confident that they have a leading single-shot weapon that is robust and reliable,” says Görgen Johansson, head of Saab’s business area Dynamics.

The AT4 series comprises a selection of easily manoeuvrable, lightweight, and disposable weapons designed for straightforward operation by a single soldier. Capable of countering tanks, heavy combat vehicles, and threats within structures and fortifications, the AT4 also serves to safeguard fixed installations, supply points, and other critical assets. Read more about AT4: www.saab.com/products/at4

Gentex Corporation Announces Agreement to Supply Helmets and Headborne System Accessories to New Zealand Defence Force

Tuesday, February 6th, 2024

CARBONDALE, PA, February 6th, 2024– Gentex Corporation, a global leader in personal protection and situational awareness solutions for defense forces, emergency responders, and industrial personnel, announced today, that it has agreed to supply Ops-Core FAST Ballistic headborne systems, accessories and supporting spare parts to the New Zealand Defence Force in a multi-year program.

Through our Australian and New Zealand distribution partner Spearpoint Solutions & Technology Pty Ltd, Gentex Corporation will supply the FAST SF Helmet System, AMP Communications System and associated accessories and spare parts to the New Zealand Defence Force Soldier Personal Protective Equipment Program, primed by Australian Defence Apparel – New Zealand.

“The decision by the New Zealand Defence Force demonstrates the superior performance of the Ops-Core range of headborne systems and reinforces the commitment of the New Zealand Defence Force to equip its personnel with the utmost in integrated helmet systems” said Tom Short, Vice President of Sales for Gentex. “Through Spearpoint Solutions & Technology, our partner in Australia and New Zealand, the agreement to supply New Zealand’s front-line troops will ensure they are well equipped for all current and future operations.”

Andrew Jiear, CEO of Spearpoint, said “Spearpoint is pleased to be working with our established partners to deliver world-class solutions from Gentex, to New Zealand’s Soldier Protective Equipment Program through Australian Defence Apparel – New Zealand. This is a comprehensive solution that we are actively seeking to replicate for other militaries in the Region going forward.”

Bundeswehr Awards Rheinmetall Contracts for Production and Supply of 40mm Automatic Grenade Launcher Ammunition – Order Worth Around €30 million

Monday, February 5th, 2024

The German Bundeswehr has placed two separate orders with Rheinmetall for production and supply of 40mm ammunition for automatic grenade launchers. Rheinmetall will thus be supplying tens of thousands of programmable 40mm x 53 Airburst Munition (ABM) DM131 service cartridges. This order is worth around €29.5 million, including value added tax. The Bundeswehr has also placed an order for around 200,000 rounds of 40mm x 53 Üb DM158 practice ammunition, worth around €7.18 million, once again including VAT. Delivery of the ammunition is to be complete in 2024. 

A one-stop shop for 40mm systems, Rheinmetall is one of the world’s leading suppliers of ammunition, weapon systems and fire control and aiming technology. Rheinmetall’s 40mm x 53 high-velocity ammunition can be fired from any standard 40mm automatic grenade launcher. The rounds attain a maximum velocity of more than 240 m/s and have a maximum effective range of 2,200 metres. The Group’s wide assortment of cartridges in this segment includes the just-ordered programmable 40mm x 53 ABM. Because the rounds can be timed to detonate in the air, it is possible to engage troops taking cover behind walls, etc. The 40mm x 53 ABM, which the Bundeswehr refers to as the DM131, is qualified for use by the German armed forces. Other NATO armed forces have this advanced munition in their inventories as well. 

Developed and qualified in accordance with the latest standards, the ammunition types now on order are unequalled worldwide in terms of combat effectiveness and precision. Moreover, the design status of the two cartridges fully corresponds to the stipulations contained in the European directive covering the Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH).