May 2023 | Soldier Systems Daily Soldier Systems Daily

Archive for May, 2023

KWESST To Feature “Ready now” Rapid, Agile Tactical Digitization at CANSEC 2023, May 31-June 1, Ottawa, Canada to More Than Thirty Visiting Countries

Tuesday, May 30th, 2023

Integration and exploitation of digital information at the tactical edge including

• Team Awareness Kit (TAK) integration

• Tactical Digital Fires System (TDFS)

• Command and Control On The Move (C2OTM)

• Next-generation Battlefield Laser Detection System (BLDS)

• Portable multi-function Electro-Magnetic Spectrum Operations (EMSO) device

Ottawa, Ontario–(May 29, 2023) – KWESST Micro Systems Inc. (TSXV: KWE) (TSXV: KWE.WT.U) (NASDAQ: KWE) (NASDAQ: KWESW) (“KWESST” or “the Company”) today announced that at CANSEC 2023, May 31stand June 1st, Ottawa, it will be featuring its capability to rapidly integrate and exploit digital information for the dismounted and mounted soldier, includingTeam Awareness Kit (TAK) integration,Tactical Digital Fires System (TDFS)andCommand and Control On The Move(C2OTM), all vital aspects of soldier modernization for survivability and effectiveness on the battlefield of today and tomorrow.

“KWESST is a key enabler of rapid digitization at the tactical edge as NATO forces everywhere ready themselves for the modern battlefield,” said David Luxton, Executive Chairman of KWESST. “This entails integration of sensors and soldiers into theTAK(or any) battlefield management system for shared real-time situational awareness among and between partner forces at the level of the dismounted and mounted soldier, including video feeds from drones and other Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) assets.”

Other featured capabilities will be KWESST’s modernTactical Digital Fires System (TDFS)that extends digitization to indirect fire weapons like mortars for rapid deployment and precision fire, with no modification to weapons or ammunition, all integrated into TAK, as KWESST has done for the U.S. Marine Corps.

Modern warfare also requires small, mobile distributed command centres for survivabilityvs.large, fixed headquarters of the kind seen in the Afghanistan conflict. KWESST’sCommand and Control on The Move(C2OTM) software-based solution can quickly integrate disparate third-party communications equipment into a common system on the fly, as recently demonstrated to the Canadian Armed Forces. KWESST has various initiatives like this in play now with NATO nations.

Survivability on the modern battlefield also requires Electronic Warfare PhantomTM(EW)at the tactical edge. KWESST’s “Phantom”TM Electro-Magnetic Spectrum Operations (EMSO) device provides multi-function capability as a portable tactical EMSO device a portable electronic decoy, spectrum analyser, jammer, and EW trainer.

This kind of digitization capability also bridges KWESST’s counter-threat systems like its advancedBattlefield Laser Detection System(BLDS) to counter the growing threat of weaponized lasers and laser designators against ground personnel. BLDS detects, identifies, and locates all variants of lasers in the battlefield for mounted or dismounted forces. KWESST is currently delivering this system to an overseas NATO customer and is in discussions with another major NATO country to integrate BLDS into an electro-optical armored vehicle package for near-term deployment.

These are capabilities available from KWESST today for affordable, future-proof rapid land force modernization projects, leveraging KWESST’s agile expert team of systems, software, mechanical and electrical engineers, as well as military veterans. For more information, please visit www.kwesst.com.

Posted in CANSEC, International, Press Release | Comments Off on KWESST To Feature “Ready now” Rapid, Agile Tactical Digitization at CANSEC 2023, May 31-June 1, Ottawa, Canada to More Than Thirty Visiting Countries

Saab Selects Tulmar as North American Production Partner for Multispectral Camouflage Systems

Tuesday, May 30th, 2023

Tulmar Safety Systems, a leading supplier of military ground vehicle systems sub-components, has been selected by Saab AB to provide the North American production of Saab’s Barracuda family of multi-spectral camouflage systems.

Henning Robach, the Head of Business Unit Saab Barracuda, emphasized, “Expanding our capacity to manufacture advanced camouflage products is not our sole objective. We sought a partner who could meet our stringent standards for product quality while upholding our core values of equality and environmental responsibility. This partnership enables us to better serve our North American and global customers as we enhance our overall production capacity.”

Tulmar has 30+ years in the field of design and manufacture of engineered textile solutions for military ground vehicle systems such as US Marine Corps LAV-25, US Army Stryker, Canadian Army LAV and TAPV, among others and is trusted by numerous OEMs and systems integrators as a supply chain partner that can be relied upon to deliver quality on time. This collaboration presents exciting opportunities for knowledge and innovative exchange between the two companies and countries.

Patrick Tallon, President and Chief Executive Officer at Tulmar Safety Systems, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “Our partnership with Saab aligns perfectly with our core engineering and production strengths and offers new avenues for growth. As we prepare for the production of MCS, we are already witnessing the benefits of this Swedish-Canadian collaboration.”

US Marine Corps combat veteran and Tulmar’s Director of Defense Business Development Matt Fisher added “Contemporary combat operations such as the Russo-Ukrainian and Nagorno-Karabakh conflicts highlight the importance of survivability inside a contested area through the application of a ‘hard to find—hard to kill’ approach. The goal being to defeat the enemy’s ability to detect your forces through a combination of a light footprint, mobility & maneuver, signature management, and deception. Saab’s Barracuda multi-spectral camouflage systems give allied forces a competitive edge on the current and future battlefield and we are honored to be chosen as their North American production partner.”

As the world’s leading supplier of advanced camouflage systems, Saab’s Barracuda product family includes Mobile Camouflage Systems (MCS) for on-the-vehicle on-the-move capability, Ultra-lightweight Camouflage Screen (ULCAS) static nets, and on-the-body Soldier Systems for comprehensive multispectral signature management. Saab’s Barracuda Multi-Spectral Camouflage product family utilize advanced blends of pigments, coatings, and textiles, enabling effective signature management within the electromagnetic spectrum for armoured fighting vehicles, artillery positions, tactical command posts, logistical staging areas, troop/materiel concentrations, and dismounted troops reducing detection by up to 90%. These customizable solutions can counter sensors designed to detect within the ultraviolet, visual, near infrared, short-wave infrared, thermal infrared, and radar spectrum bandwidths.

Posted in Camo, Industry, International, Press Release | Comments Off on Saab Selects Tulmar as North American Production Partner for Multispectral Camouflage Systems

AFSOC Uses Video Game–Like Simulation Training, Adds Realistic, World-Wide Value

Tuesday, May 30th, 2023

HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. —

Imagine you’re at home, playing your favorite online warfighting video game with friends from different parts of the country –each with a different contribution to the overall effort. Your goal? Mission success!

After eight months of planning and mission rehearsal, all five U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) components did just that for the first time in conjunction with the 16th annual Air Force Special Operation Command (AFSOC) hosted Emerald Warrior exercise.

Connected virtually across six separate geographic locations, SOF participants “gamed” using a mix of local, distant, and virtual players. Specifically, the players included an AC-130J (constructive) and MQ-9 crew from Hurlburt Field, MQ-9 and CV-22 crews from Cannon AFB, a MH-60 crew from the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment and three groups of Joint Terminal Attack Controller’s from Naval Special Warfare, Marine Special Operations Command and Joint Special Operations Command.

The objective was to capture and collect all information from a person of interest to eliminate a threat against the U.S. and our allies within a constructed virtual environment.

“This was a USSOCOM initiative we were able to turn into a reality and yet another pathfinding step towards SOF components being able to fully exercise in a distributed mission operation (DMO) network,” said Mr. Bill Spicer, Emerald Warrior virtual planner.

The AFSOC Air, Space and Information Operations directorate, or A3, and EW planners led the effort from the 492d Special Operations Wing Operations Center and aircraft simulator facilities.

“Future technology continues to challenge current training capabilities with the introduction of virtual reality, augmented reality, and mixed/extended reality, “said Lt. Col. Heather Demis, C-146 pilot and DMO chief of readiness training. “While there are rigorous cyber security requirements and minor occasional technical issues between software and hardware compatibility, once connected, the simulators allow for streamlined joint and combined interoperability.”

These devices can be connected across the world to ensure the warfighter can train, exercise and implement tactic, techniques and procedures (TTPs) in any environment to prepare for real-world events and missions.

“The future of DMO events will include extended reality for any AFSOC platform in a network exercise through the newest AFSOC Emulator System which is currently projected to be on network for Bold Quest, a joint staff test and evaluation event,” said Demis.

With this notable success, AFSOC hopes to continue to push the envelope for DMO with more participation worldwide across not only SOF units but also allies and partner nations in training our warfighters to succeed on any battlefield.

“Now that we are in the era of strategic competition, we must adapt and look for opportunities to innovate and transform to remain the most capable, most lethal Air Force in the world,” said Demis. “And with wins like DMO…. that’s exactly what AFSOC is doing.”

By 2d Lt Cassandra Saphore, AFSOC Public Affairs

Posted in Air Force, Guest Post, SOF | Comments Off on AFSOC Uses Video Game–Like Simulation Training, Adds Realistic, World-Wide Value

Infinity Tool Modular Straps

Monday, May 29th, 2023

Infinity Tool Modular Straps by Modl Outodoorsare a wearable attachment system so that you always have them handy. Flexible, stretchy, and grippy. What’s more, the buckle will attach to the holes in the strap allowing you to connect as many as needed.

Offered in 2, 4, 8, and 16-packs in 8″ or 16″ lengths.

www.modloutdoors.com/products/infinity-tool

Posted in Gadgets, Load Carrying | Comments Off on Infinity Tool Modular Straps

Savior – H.P.C Rack Tabletop Gear Stand

Monday, May 29th, 2023

Savior’s new H.P.C. Rack will hold your Helmet and Plate Carrier right on a desk or tabletop.

It stands 29.5″ high and is offered in RAL 8000 Tan, Olive Drab Green, SW Gray, or Obsidian Black powder coat finished steel frame.

www.saviorequipment.com/products/hpc-rack

Posted in Armor, Helmets | 9 Comments »

Honor Our Fallen This Memorial Day

Monday, May 29th, 2023

I’ve often seen a quote which is used to describe our Vietnam Veterans, “All Gave Some, Some Gave All,” but I think it’s an appropriate epitaph for all of our nation’s fallen service members, no matter what era they served, nor what took them from us.

Enjoy the day, but take a moment to honor and remember our brothers and sisters. Death takes some on the battlefield. It takes others in more insidious ways, sometimes long after the battle is done.

Posted in Memorial | Comments Off on Honor Our Fallen This Memorial Day

AOC FTU Augments Austere Challenge 2023

Monday, May 29th, 2023

RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany – The 505th Training Squadron sent air operations center subject matter experts to Ramstein Air Base to support U.S. European Command’s execution of exercise Austere Challenge 2023 from May 5 – 12 to practice coordinating a response to a fictional major crisis.

The exercise brought together military and civilian personnel from EUCOM forces and its components to contribute virtually across Europe in the weeklong command post exercise. U.S. Army Europe-Africa, U.S. Marine Corps Forces Europe/Africa, U.S. Naval Forces Europe, and U.S. Air Forces in Europe-Africa participated alongside an additional 11 North Atlantic Treaty Organization, or NATO, partner nations.

Building on the augmentation the 505th Command and Control Wing provided to U.S. Air Forces in Europe following the unprovoked invasion of Ukraine by Russia in February 2022, the 505th Training Squadron continues to provide training, advising, and assistance to support 603rd AOC execution.

“As an instructor in our systems administration course, my job is to ensure our students are prepared to manage and perform defensive cyber operations in support of combatant commander priorities,” said Master Sgt. Donald Keefer, 505th TRS systems flight chief, Hurlburt Field, Florida. “The lessons learned from this exercise, and the operational experience I received, will directly impact the 1,600 students we graduate annually here at the 505th Training Squadron and send to air components around the world.”

In addition to cyber defense expertise, the 505th Training Squadron also sent personnel with expertise in combat airspace and command and control battle management operations. As the AOC Formal Training Unit, the 505th Training Squadron routinely sends subject matter experts to support air components during exercises and real-world contingencies.

The intent of Austere Challenge 2023 was to prepare ready forces, validate strategic access, exercise deterrence principles, and integrate and synchronize with the NATO alliance.

“The expertise we have in this squadron is unmatched. We routinely leverage opportunities to participate in combatant command exercises to better prepare the joint force, allies, and partners to execute large-scale combat operations,” said Lt. Col. Jason Gossett, 505th Training Squadron commander. “Additionally, participating in these events ensures our instructor cadre remain proficient in operating the AOC Weapon System.”

The 505th Training Squadron is responsible for preparing graduates to operate the AOC Weapon System, graduating more than 1,600 joint and coalition personnel annually. Additionally, the squadron teaches 13 initial qualification courses in the weapon system, including an Integrated Air and Missile Defense Course, a Joint AOC C2 Course, and an academic instructor course. Graduates from the 505th Training Squadron serve in all combatant commands.

By Deb Henley

505th Command and Control Wing

Public Affairs

Posted in Air Force, Guest Post | Comments Off on AOC FTU Augments Austere Challenge 2023

The Mystery Ranch Honor Pack Is Key To Healing For Station Foundation Participants

Sunday, May 28th, 2023

There are times when we can use what we do best to create impact, to create meaning, and to create something bigger than a backpack. This was one of those times. We are incredibly proud to support the Station Foundation and recently completed these special HONOR PACKS for their program participants.

In their programs, they honor their Fallen Warriors with a sacred ritual. Each night, they gather on the edge of the wilderness while carrying a large river rock in their MR packs. These rocks are hand-picked along the Gallatin River. Some are plain, others are adorned to honor those they hike for.

Together, they hike in silence to a memorial built stone by stone, standing as a symbol of the weight they all carry inside and the courage it takes to leave it behind.

“For the past ten years, the sons and daughters of our fallen Special Operations Warriors have come to The Station Foundation to heal and grow beyond tragic loss. It’s here, in the beautiful backcountry of Montana, where we come together to honor the Fallen, celebrate their legacies, and guide their children into the lives they are destined to live. These are special kids who answer their calling and discover authentic healing in a community that chooses never to forget.

Throughout this powerful journey, one special partner shows up every year: MYSTERY RANCH. The MYSTERY RANCH family has quietly supported our Gold Star Students for over a decade and continues to find special ways to say ‘we care’ in the Special Operations Community.

This ‘HONOR PACK’ elevates the lives of those quiet professionals who left us too early, and who are missed dearly. It reminds us of the costs of war and the things we carry home. Most of all, the HONOR PACK carries the weight through our wilderness until we are ready to put it down.

MYSTERY RANCH has always been there when we needed them. We’ve relied on their packs in combat and now depend upon their love on our journey home. This pack is a symbol of strength, hope, and of life beyond war. It is a testament to great people showing up to make a difference. We may Never Forget– MYSTERY RANCH has our backs.”

– Kevin Stacy, Station Foundation Founder & Executive Director

Posted in Advertiser, Guest Post, Memorial | Comments Off on The Mystery Ranch Honor Pack Is Key To Healing For Station Foundation Participants