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Light Hybrid Vehicles in the Portfolio: Rheinmetall Acquires Dutch Startup REEQ

Monday, March 18th, 2024

Rheinmetall has acquired the Dutch startup REEQ, thereby expanding its vehicle portfolio to include innovative light hybrid vehicles. At the beginning of March 2024, the technology group’s Dutch subsidiary Rheinmetall Defence Nederland B.V., which is part of the Vehicle Systems Division, acquired 100% of the shares in the Dutch start-up REEQ. Rheinmetall is thus expanding its portfolio of lightweight tactical vehicles and also taking the step towards hybrid technology with a fully electric drivetrain in a military vehicle. Both parties have agreed not to disclose the purchase price.

With its vehicles, REEQ has developed a new generation of mobility that combines tactical transport with a mobile energy source (microgrid) and is fully prepared for autonomy. The technology was developed and is produced in the Netherlands.

Currently, REEQ’s vehicle portfolio consists of an Unmanned Ground Vehicle (UGV), a side-by-side buggy and a quad, all three with exactly the same fully electric drive train. Through the acquisition of REEQ, Rheinmetall is able to serve the Dutch and European market in the field of light tactical mobility, both manned and unmanned, in combination with a microgrid solution. Rheinmetall’s industrial strength and the innovative power of a start-up complement each other. Within the Rheinmetall Group, REEQ retains its status as a start-up in the field of development. The further development and series production of these vehicles will also take place in the Netherlands.

With this acquisition Rheinmetall is responding to the many calls from Dutch politicians and defense leaders to contribute with industrial strength and specialization to the operational user and strengthening of the defense industry. With the development and production from the Netherlands, the strategic autonomy and the Dutch position in the field of military electrification and autonomy in the international defense industry has also been strengthened.

Located in the city of Ede, Rheinmetall Defence Nederland B.V. is part of the Vehicle Systems Division and is a wholly owned subsidiary of Rheinmetall Landsysteme GmbH. Rheinmetall AG is one of the world’s leading technology enterprises.

REEQ is a Dutch start-up and has been in existence since 2018. In that year REEQ carried out a first innovation project regarding electromobility in the military sector on behalf of the Dutch Ministry of Defence. In later years, REEQ has developed further in this field of experience.

American Rheinmetall Vehicles Conducts Live-Fire Demo and Continues to Deliver Autonomous Ground Vehicles to the U.S. Marine Corps for Testing, Training, and Deployment

Friday, March 15th, 2024

American Rheinmetall Vehicles (Sterling Heights, MI) and Rheinmetall Canada have successfully conducted a live-fire capability demonstration for the U.S. Marine Corps (USMC) in Fort Clinton, Ohio to highlight the unique capabilities of the Rheinmetall Mission Master SP autonomous, unmanned ground vehicle (A-UGV) paired with the Fieldranger Remotely Controlled Weapon Station (RCWS). This armed variant of the Rheinmetall Mission Master SP provides Marines a variety of remote operated capabilities including armed reconnaisance, sentry over watch, fire support, flank security, screening capability, and more. Having completed numerous test and evaluation events with the Mission Master SP, American Rheinmetall Vehicles continues to deliver ground-breaking advancements in A-UGV systems to the USMC. It first made deliveries to the USMC in early 2023, and several follow-on orders for A-UGVs are proceeding in 2024. The platforms have the potential to substantially enhance the way Marines fight. 


Mission Master SPs furnished by American Rheinmetall Vehicles were also extensively tested by the USMC during the Talisman Sabre Exercise (TS23) in Queensland, Australia, in summer 2023 and as part of the Apollo Shield exercise at Marine Corps Base, Twentynine Palms, California, in fall 2023, both in support of Marine Corps Warfighting Lab (MCWL) evaluations. The Mission Master SPs’ participation supported MCWL’s one year, crawl-walk-run, bilateral effort to test equipment capabilities and evaluate tactics, techniques, and procedures of Infantry squads equipped with A-UGVs. Tasks the Mission Master SP A-UGVs took on during the exercises included casualty evacuations (CASEVAC), resupply missions, fully autonomous road marches reaching ranges up to 50 kilometers, and operating in Military Operations in Urban Terrain (MOUT) environments. Feedback from the Marines and their Commanders drove A-UGV design modifications and solidified the benefits of A-UGVs among Marines.

In December 2023, American Rheinmetall Vehicles received an order to manufacture and deliver six Mission Master SPs which are slated for delivery to III Marine Expeditionary Force (MEF) to support further training and evaluation. Four of the Mission Master SPs will support 3rd Battalion, 4th Marines, who will be the first unit to conduct pre-deployment work-ups and deploy with the A-UGVs.


“Bringing the capabilities of the Mission Master SP A-UGV to today‘s Marines gives me great pride in knowing that lives will be saved and Marines will be better prepared for battle,“ said Mike Brooks, Gunner (CW05) USMC Ret., and Director of Business Development for American Rheinmetall Vehicles. 

“MCWL’s experimentation with state-of-the-art autonomous systems exemplifies our commitment to harnessing innovative technologies that enhance our tactical capabilities, ensuring our Marines are better equipped, more agile, and always a step ahead on the battlefield,” stated Maj Steven Atkinson, Robotics & Autonomy and Artificial Intelligence Branch Head for the Science and Technology Division of the Marine Corps Warfighting Laboratory. 

Rheinmetall PATH A-kit: A platform-agnostic, next-generation system that brings autonomous mobility to any vehicle 

Each of Rheinmetall’s Mission Master SP A-UGVs uses the Rheinmetall PATH autonomy kit (A-kit), a navigation system developed by Rheinmetall Canada that enables fully autonomous movement and mission planning for vehicles. It can be rapidly added onto existing legacy vehicles or integrated into the latest next-generation platforms. It is a core element of Rheinmetall’s exceptional Mission Master family of autonomous vehicles and combines advanced sensors, technology leading algorithms, and real-time data analysis to allow vehicle platforms to maneuver autonomously in a wide range of operating environments. Fielded and tested on this family of vehicles, but also a wide array of other platforms, the PATH A-kit is a mature, proven technology that stands out from the competition providing a high degree of autonomous mobility. 

American Rheinmetall Vehicles is leveraging the PATH A-kit technology to supply program specific vehicle solutions for the U.S. Army’s Common Tactical Truck program and XM30 program. 
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www.rheinmetall.com/arv 

Unmanned and Unmatched.

Artillery Ammunition for Spanish Army: Rheinmetall Wins €208 Million Order

Wednesday, March 13th, 2024

The Spanish government has commissioned Rheinmetall, the world’s largest manufacturer of artillery ammunition, to supply a total of 94,200 155mm rounds. The framework agreement concluded for this purpose has a volume of around €208 million. The artillery rounds are to be delivered to the Spanish army between the end of 2024 and the end of 2025, with a two-year extension option.

The ammunition now ordered is already being used by the Spanish customer; this is the second framework agreement. The new order emphasises Rheinmetall’s reliability as a partner to the Spanish army for the supply of key products.
The ER02A1 high-explosive (HE) projectiles have a maximum range of 30 kilometres in the boat-tail (BT) variant and almost 40 kilometres in the base-bleed (BB) variant. The latter has a special device at the base of the projectile. This heats the air generated by the projectile itself in its trajectory, thus reducing drag and increasing the maximum range.

The latest contracts in the field of 155mm artillery ammunition underline Rheinmetall’s leading technological position in European ammunition development and production. Framework agreements with various NATO member states secure the supply of artillery ammunition.

It was only on 12 February 2024 that the symbolic ground-breaking ceremony for a new plant was held in Unterlüß, Lower Saxony, in the presence of German Chancellor Olaf Scholz. The plant will produce explosives and components for rocket artillery as well as artillery ammunition in particular. On 18 February 2024, Rheinmetall and a Ukrainian partner company signed a memorandum of understanding that will also enable the production of artillery ammunition in Ukraine in the future.

Alcon Celebrates 15 Years of Dedicated Defence Braking Success

Wednesday, March 13th, 2024

Alcon Components Ltd, the highly acclaimed UK-based brake and clutch company, is celebrating the key milestone of 15 years since supplying their first fully designed for Defence caliper. The company has deep roots in the highest echelons of motorsport and performance automotive that have been extended, over time, to include multiple other specialist sectors. As well as a considerable 25(+) years in defence and
security, Alcon has also effectively diversified into aerospace ground support, agriculture, mining, emergency services, leisure off-road, light commercial, off-highway and electric vehicles.

Having been supplying heavy duty brake kits for armoured vehicles to companies such as Jankel and Jaguar Land Rover since the 1990’s, the very first bespoke Alcon defence project was an iron caliper solution for Ricardo started in August 2008. Alcon were asked to provide prototype calipers for a modified RWMIK Land Rover that was going to be demonstrated to the UK MoD that October. Alcon designed, manufactured, and
tested a six-piston aluminium billet caliper within six weeks that was used on the demonstrator vehicle. They received an order for production components in November 2008, which allowed the company to tool up for their first production iron caliper, delivered in early 2009.

This project was shortly followed by an order from Supacat to improve the Jackal braking system that had become overmatched by the addition of heavy armour systems, to meet increasing threats in Afghanistan. This project included iron calipers, braking discs, and friction pads. The iron caliper range is now firmly embedded into the Alcon offering across multiple applications, alongside their aluminium high performance and motorsport ranges.

Alcon’s journey into the defence and security sector has been split across three different strategic approaches: off-the-shelf kits for companies armouring SUVs; bespoke braking solutions for OEMs; and the
supply of braking solutions to established axle manufacturers who sell into defence and the off-highway vehicle markets (amongst others). Across all three areas, Alcon’s defence and security business has grown 500% in the last 2 0 years and their specialist vehicle division now delivers around 20% of Alcon’s total annual revenue, on average.

Since the first bespoke Defence project was delivered in 2008, Alcon’s defence and security customer base has grown steadily to include over 15 defence vehicle OEM’s with bespoke Alcon braking solutions including BAE, QinetiQ, Patria and Supacat. On the kit side, Alcon has sold off-the-shelf kits to over 50 armouring companies including JLR, Babcock, Jankel, UTAC and many others, for vehicles including Toyota, Ford,
General Motors, Jeep, Lexus, Land Rover, Mercedes, Nissan, Chrysler (Dodge/RAM) and Skoda. Axle customers have included AxleTech, BASE, SISU and PRM Newage with the heaviest single caliper having been designed for AxleTech (now Cummins) weighing 27kg each. Vehicle weights range from 1,500kg to 60,000kg and applications range from heavily armoured tracked vehicles to lightweight side-by-side ATVs plus, everything in between.

Jonathan Edwards, Group Sales Director at Alcon said: “Working in defence and security makes us
exceedingly proud as we know that the improvements in performance and safety that our braking systems deliver, help to save the lives of those operating in dangerous and harsh environments with militaries and NGO’s. In the last 25(+) years, we’ve worked with over 80 different defence and security customers and in that time, we’ve manufactured and delivered tens of thousands of brake components for this sector.

The transition from aluminium to iron calipers in 2008 was a pivotal move for us as it has since opened up wide-ranging opportunities in specialist areas other than defence”. He added: “We’ve absolutely proven ourselves to be the place to come to for bespoke or off-the-shelf braking solutions that increase performance, reduce weight, improve safety, and reduce through-life costs. Today’s celebration of success is a proud moment for me and for the entire team. I thank all our defence and security customers for trusting in us and we look forward to continuing to deliver our ongoing growth plans in this important marketplace”.

Gingers Tactical Gear – TOTEM Pouches

Tuesday, March 12th, 2024

I met a great crew of young men from Poland who are building some awesome gear. They’ve got a whole line of cool stuff but I wanted to show you their new TOTEM pouches.

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Offered in 5.56, 7.62, and 9mm versions, they feature injection molded inserts.

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Fixed PALS webbing has been replaced with a stiff mounting surface which together with dedicated mounting straps ensures stable mounting. I’ve never seen anything quite like it.

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The integrated PALS slots not only give the TOTEM pouches their name, but also enable stacking of pouches. Additionally, the bottom of the pouch is partially open, preventing moisture from collecting inside.

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The Tegris mounting plates are ambidextrous and the rifle TOTEM pouches can be mounted vertically or horizontally, while the pistol pouches can be mounted vertically or at 45 degrees.

Available in 7 colors and made in Poland from American materials.

gtg.com.pl/en/shop

Saab Starts Construction of New Carl-Gustaf Factory in India

Sunday, March 10th, 2024

Saab has today marked the start of the construction of its new Carl-Gustaf® manufacturing facility in India with a ground breaking ceremony. The factory will be located in the state of Haryana.

After receiving approval of 100% foreign direct investment, Saab has established a new company, Saab FFVO India Pvt Ltd, which will fully own the new manufacturing facility and produce the Carl-Gustaf M4 weapon.

“I am proud to start constructing our first facility outside Sweden for Carl-Gustaf, a product that has a long history with the Indian Armed Forces. We look forward to starting production of our excellent product, now engineered and made in India”, says Görgen Johansson, Senior Vice President and Head of Saab’s business area Dynamics.

“Today is an important milestone for Sweden and India. Saab’s factory will be the first foreign fully-owned defence production facility in India. It is a testament to the strong bilateral relationship between our countries,” says Håkan Jevrell, State Secretary for Foreign Trade, Sweden. 

The facility is being built in the state of Haryana at the MET City at Jhajjar. The state has a strong industrial base of good potential partners and skilled employees.

Saab will partner with Indian suppliers and will fully meet the requirements of “Make in India” for the systems manufactured in the facility. At the new factory, Saab will deploy complex technologies including the latest sighting technology and advanced carbon fibre winding to manufacture Carl-Gustaf M4 for the Indian armed forces, and components which may be included in other users’ systems. 

The Carl-Gustaf system has been in service with the Indian Army since 1976 and is established as the main shoulder launched weapon in the Indian Armed Forces.

Saab Signs Major Contract for Carl-Gustaf with Poland

Friday, March 8th, 2024

Saab has today signed a contract with the Polish Ministry of Defence’s procurement authority for delivery of the Carl-Gustaf® M4 weapon, ammunition and training equipment. The order value corresponds to SEK 12.9 billion and the contract period is 2024-2027. The order is expected to be booked by Saab before the end of Q2 2024.

“I am proud of our close relationship with the Polish Armed Forces and that Saab can continue to strengthen Poland’s ground combat capability and national defence with our world-leading Carl-Gustaf system,” says Saab’s CEO and President Micael Johansson. 

The contract is expected to be effective by the end of Q2 2024, subject to the fulfilment of certain external conditions.

Saab’s Carl-Gustaf is a man-portable, multi-role weapon system with a wide range of ammunition types, making it suitable for a variety of tasks.
Read more: www.saab.com/products/carl-gustaf.

GM Defense’s ISV Completes United Arab Emirates Armed Forces Summer Trials

Thursday, March 7th, 2024

GM Defense’s Infantry Squad Vehicle completes grueling off- and on-road tests across complex terrain

WASHINGTON, D.C. — GM Defense LLC, a subsidiary of General Motors (GM), announced its Infantry Squad Vehicle (ISV) completed the 2023 UAE Armed Forces Summer Trials hosted by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) General Maintenance Corps. Held over several days, Summer Trials evaluates whether vehicles can meet the technical and tactical needs of UAE Armed Forces and other regional countries. The UAE continues its evaluation post-vehicle exercise to officially recognize completion status. The ISV received certification of completion stating the vehicle successfully passed Summer Trials following both phases of evaluation.  

GM Defense’s ISV completed all phases of the Summer Trials, which included traveling nearly 2,000 kilometers across highways, sand dunes, soft sand tracks and rocky walls. The phases, which include continuous driving with maximum payload capacities, are designed to test vehicle capability in rugged combat conditions, including extreme climate and diverse terrain. In addition to the mobility trials, the ISV completed the Maintenance Trial, which included two days of field repairs testing, and maintenance and recovery evaluation to help potential customers assess ease of repairs and sustainability.

“This was GM Defense’s first time sending a vehicle to UAE Summer Trials, and our successful completion is a testament to the strength of our ISV and to the expertise and dedication of our team,” said Steve duMont, GM Defense president. “Through completion of all phases, we’ve demonstrated that we can successfully leverage the advanced technologies of our parent company, General Motors, to deliver a highly capable off-road vehicle that can meet the needs of defense and government customers in the UAE and throughout the region. Our Summer Trial achievements are a key step forward in our planned growth in the region as we seek to offer the ISV and its variants to this important customer base.”

“Our completion of Summer Trials is a tremendous accomplishment for the ISV program and will give defense and government customers in the region great confidence in the capabilities GM Defense can deliver to meet mission requirements,” said Bradley Watters, vice president of International Business Development. “I was on the ground with other ISV team members, supporting the vehicle as it traveled in deep soft sand, hard-packed surfaces and over rocks, successfully completing eight consecutive days of testing in extreme heat (132 degrees Fahrenheit/56 degrees Celsius). Completing all phases of the mobility and maintenance trial will help open the doors to new growth in the Emirates.”

The completion of UAE Summer Trials follows GM Defense’s announcement of a signed cooperative agreement with Tawazun Council at the International Defence Exhibition and Conference in February 2023. The agreement facilitates business with the shared objective of delivering efficient and advanced solutions to military, security and government customers from the UAE and across the region in key technology areas of integrated vehicles; power and propulsion — including fuel cell and power generation; and autonomy and connectivity. For the latest GM Defense news, please visit www.GMDefenseLLC.com and follow GM Defense on LinkedIn.