January 2024 | Soldier Systems Daily Soldier Systems Daily

Archive for January, 2024

Bundeswehr Procuring Medium-Calibre Ammunition for Puma Infantry Fighting Vehicle; Order Worth a Triple-Digit Million-Euro Figure

Saturday, January 20th, 2024

The German Bundeswehr has contracted with Rheinmetall to produce and supply medium-calibre ammunition for the Puma infantry fighting vehicle. A call-off from an existing framework agreement, the order encompasses several hundred thousand rounds of 30mm x 173 DM21 service ammunition. The order is worth over €350 million, including value added tax. Once perfect functionality has been demonstrated, delivery will begin this year and continue through to 2027.

On 30 November 2022 the budget committee of the German Parliament approved a bill for the large-scale procurement of 30mm medium-calibre ammunition. Awarded back in December 2022, the framework contract for the supply of medium-calibre ammunition for the Puma infantry fighting vehicle worth up to €576 million. Follow-up call-offs are therefore expected. A first call-off of DM21 automatic cannon ammunition under the existing framework contract was already issued in late 2022. Furthermore, a call-off for 2023 followed in mid-2023.

The Puma infantry fighting vehicle is armed with a Rheinmetall MK30-2/ABM, specifically designed to fire airburst ammunition. Combining a high rate of fire with cutting-edge ammunition technology, the MK30-2/ABM is an uncompromisingly excellent, extremely reliable weapon system, perfect for engaging ground, air and maritime targets.

Rheinmetall is a vital supplier of ammunition for the Bundeswehr’s Puma infantry fighting vehicles. The Group produces and supplies two main types of 30mm x 173 service ammunition: the KETF DM21 (airburst) and the KE DM33 (armour-piercing) as well as the DM58 practice round. Developed and qualified in line with the latest standards, they are unrivalled worldwide in terms of reliability, lethality, penetrating power and precision.

Extremely reliable programming of the KETF DM21 – the abbreviation stands for Kinetic Energy Time Fuse – enables the Puma to engage larger soft targets and semi-hard area targets. The KE DM33 belongs to the new generation of subcalibre Armour Piercing Fin Stabilized Discarding Sabot – Tracer (APFSDS-T) ammunition. Its penetrator punches through modern armour even at remarkably small angles of impact and at long engagement ranges. Thanks to these two types of service ammunition, the Puma can successfully take on a wide spectrum of armoured, semi-hard, soft point and area targets.

Posted in Ammo, Contracts, International, Press Release | Comments Off on Bundeswehr Procuring Medium-Calibre Ammunition for Puma Infantry Fighting Vehicle; Order Worth a Triple-Digit Million-Euro Figure

ArtArmor: London’s First Public Art Exhibition That Saves Lives in Ukraine

Friday, January 19th, 2024

19th to 31st January 2024 (11am to 5:45pm, Monday to Saturday)

*Open Call for U.K. Artists To Turn Armour into Art*

Pictured left to right: Invite to exhibition showing painted armour plate, orthodox style ‘spiritual icon’ painted plate, soldiers wearing NP Aerospace body armour in Ukraine, President Zelenskyy signing one of the plates.

A unique art exhibition showing armour that has saved the lives of Ukrainians is heading to London for the first time to the High Commission of Canada Gallery on Trafalgar Square from 19th to 31st January 2024.

The ArtArmor exhibition in the U.K. is a charity initiative organised in partnership with Ukraine For Heroes, NP Aerospace, the High Commission of Canada and the Embassy of Ukraine in the U.K. to highlight the vital importance of ongoing support to Ukraine from countries around the world1.

ArtArmor is a collection of 50 body armour plates, from manufacturers including NP Aerospace, that have been worn by Ukrainians and saved their lives by stopping bullets. Each plate returned from the frontline has been transformed into iconic pieces of art by talented Ukrainian artists or children to tell their story of war. The exhibition has so far toured Poland, Germany and Sweden and is heading to the U.K. just one month before the second anniversary of the invasion of Ukraine.

The exhibition is the brainchild of Ukrainian Member of Parliament Oleksandr Kovalchuk, Founder of ArtArmor and the charity ‘Ukraine for Heroes’2. Kovalchuk noted that “ArtArmor gets to the heart of what is going on in our country and expresses the thoughts of our brave and creative people. The terrifying marks from bullets and shrapnel that these plates stopped in battle tells the story of the ongoing war in Ukraine better than words. Countries like the U.K., Canada and the U.S. have done a huge amount to support the frontline with lifesaving kit and we extend our gratitude.”

Following the exhibition, the ArtArmor team will hold an art auction aimed at raising funds to purchase additional protective equipment for the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Thereby, their mission of art saving lives will be realised. They are also looking for U.K. artists to get on board with the initiative by turning further armour plates into pieces of art.

His Excellency The Honourable Ralph E. Goodale, PC, High Commissioner for Canada in the United Kingdom, said: “The High Commission of Canada in the U.K. is proud to present this unique exhibition in its Canada Gallery, a dedicated gallery space in the heart of London. I can think of no better place to showcase body armour plates turned into iconic pieces of art that saved the lives of Ukrainian soldiers – literally. Canada deeply admires the bravery and courage of Ukrainians who are fighting to defend their independence and freedom, and we will continue to work closely with our Allies and partners to help Ukraine defend its sovereignty and security. I look forward to welcoming many visitors to this exquisite exhibition in support of Ukraine.”

James Kempston, CEO of NP Aerospace, said: “As a key supporter to Ukraine3, collaborating with ArtArmor, the High Commission of Canada and the Ukraine Embassy to the U.K. is an absolute honour. It enables us to highlight the amazing job that companies from around the world are doing to support the frontline but also helps ArtArmor to bring the plates to auction, in order to give them a second chance to save lives.”

1. Since February 2022, Canada has committed over $2.4 billion in military assistance donations to Ukraine. The UK is also a significant donor having committed £4.6bn in military assistance to Ukraine so far, including £2.3bn in 2022 and a commitment to match that funding in 2023

2. Charity Foundation ‘Ukraine for Heroes’ has delivered humanitarian support to de-occupied territories during the conflict equating to approximately 10 million USD

3. NP Aerospace is a key supporter to Ukraine, having supplied 150,000 body armour plates and other lifesaving kit such as ballistic helmets since the war started.

Posted in Armor, International, Press Release | 13 Comments »

KGM Technologies Welcomes Firearms Industry Veterans Bill Bracken and Sean Murphy

Friday, January 19th, 2024

Peachtree Corners, GA — January 18, 2024 — KGM Technologies is excited to announce the addition of two accomplished sales and marketing professionals to the team. Bill Bracken joins as the Director of Government Business Development, while Sean Murphy takes on the role of Director of Sales & Marketing. Both hires bring extensive expertise in the firearms industry, further reinforcing KGM Technologies’ commitment to innovation, excellence, and growth.

Bill Bracken is a seasoned business development professional with a deep understanding of government business and international nuances and opportunities. His fifteen years of experience in sales and business development, combined with his passion for products, make him a valuable addition to KGM Technologies. As Director of Government Business Development, Bill will play a pivotal role in identifying and cultivating new business opportunities and partnerships as well as developing government business.

Sean Murphy brings over twelve years of experience in sales, marketing, and training within the firearms and outdoor industry. He has a proven track record of building brand awareness, fostering strong customer relationships, and successful product development and marketing. As Director of Sales & Marketing at KGM Technologies, Sean will lead the company’s initiatives to expand its presence and reach within the marketplace.

Both Bill Bracken and Sean Murphy will work closely with KGM Technologies’ Founder, Kyle Grob, to drive the company’s vision forward. Kyle Grob stated, “We are thrilled to have Sean and Bill join our team. Their wealth of experience and deep industry knowledge will be instrumental in achieving our growth objectives and delivering exceptional products to our customers.”

For more information about KGM Technologies, please visit www.kgm-tech.com.

Visit the KGM Technologies booth at SHOT Show, Booth 74320.

Posted in Industry, Press Release, Suppressors | Comments Off on KGM Technologies Welcomes Firearms Industry Veterans Bill Bracken and Sean Murphy

Bolger & O’Hearn to Sponsor ATA Military Division Booth at Shot Show, Jan. 22 & 23, in Las Vegas

Friday, January 19th, 2024

(Fall River, Mass., USA, Jan. 18, 2024) The team from Bolger & O’Hearn will be onsite January 22 & 23, 2024, at the annual Shot Show in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA, Booth 52133 in the show’s Supplier Showcase.

B&O is a co-sponsor of the Advanced Textiles Association’s Military Division booth at Shot, which is located on Level 5 in the Palazzo Ballroom at the Venetian Hotel/Sands Convention Center.

The Supplier Showcase offers manufacturers a two-day sneak peak of products and technologies that add valuable performance and functional characteristics to apparel and gear developed for the military, hunting, and law enforcement industries.

Kelly Murphy, Co-President of Bolger & O’Hearn and Mohan Rao, B&O’s Technical Director for Textile Innovations, will be on hand to discuss new chemistries B&O has developed that enhance the lifespan and functional performance for hard working gear and apparel. This includes Shell-Tech Free M325 SC1 & F3 — High Performance, PFAS-free Water-Repellents, and Shell-Tech Dual Action, a Repel & Release technology that adds oil repellency, water repellency and soil release to textiles in a single application.

B&O is a member of the ATA’s Military Division and the Association’s Emerging Technologies Council.

“Our high-performance products are manufactured in the USA and have been developed to meet the technical textile industry’s growing demand for fabric finishes that offer new levels of protection and durability,” said Murphy. “Our customers are asking for both and we are committed to meeting that demand.”

You can learn more here about the Shot Show Supplier Showcase!

Posted in Materials, Press Release, SHOT Show | Comments Off on Bolger & O’Hearn to Sponsor ATA Military Division Booth at Shot Show, Jan. 22 & 23, in Las Vegas

VKTR Industries LLC. to Sponsor Quantified Performance Events throughout the 2024 Match Season

Friday, January 19th, 2024

VKTR Industries, a manufacturer of premier piston driven AR-15 rifles, is proud to announce a Champion Level sponsorship in 2024 with Quantified Performance. Quantified Performance is a known leader in the precision semi-automatic rifle match community. VKTR will be a sponsor throughout 2024, with opportunities to get hands on the new VK-1 rifle at events throughout the year. Prizes will be available at matches including complete rifles, upper receivers, and accessories packages.

VKTR will be sponsoring or attending the following events:

Match sponsor of A Day at Peacemaker event held on March 16th at the Peacemaker National Training Center in West Virgina. This match will include precision gas gun competitors from throughout the Eastern United States. Participants will have the opportunity to get hands on the new VK-1 rifle, and opportunities to win some amazing VKTR products.

VKTR will also be the match sponsor of A Day in the Arena event held on June 8th, at the Arena Training Facility in Blakely, Georgia.

VKTR will have a station set up with stage guns and complete rifles on the prize table at the Shoot Fast, Shoot Far, series finale on October 26th and 27th 2024. This event will be the culminating event of the season and will have participants from all over the country.

“We are excited to sponsor these events with Quantified Performance. QP competitive events typify a situation where a competitor can come in with a 16-inch factory 5.56 general purpose rifle, set up with solid optic, and be highly competitive.”, said Eric Luley, the Sales Manager for VKTR Industries. “We want to support the shooters at these type of precision gas gun and carbine events throughout the country.”

Information on VKTR Industries rifles, dealer programs, or law enforcement sales can be found at www.VKTRind.com or email Eric Luley at eluley@vktrind.com.

Information regarding the Qualified Performance series of events can be found at quantifiedperformance.com .

Posted in Industry, Press Release, Shooting Sports | Comments Off on VKTR Industries LLC. to Sponsor Quantified Performance Events throughout the 2024 Match Season

Spuhr AB Introduces RD/RDF Series

Friday, January 19th, 2024

Löddeköpinge, Sweden (January 19, 2024) – Spuhr i Dalby AB (Spuhr®) is introducing the RD™/RDF™ Series of red dot mounts at the 2024 SHOT Show in Las Vegas.

Mr. Ulf Nilsson, CEO, says, “The RD and RDF series was a customer-prompted project, where a European military unit requested a mounting solution for the Aimpoint® Micro™ T-2 and the Aimpoint® 3XMag-1™ – but with a weight constraint not previously achieved by any manufacturer. We [Spuhr®] rose to the challenge and won the contract.”

The RDF series features a lightweight mount with a two-position removable magnifier yoke. The yoke is locked into the mount but can be removed completely with a simple push of a button. This patented solution provides a minimum of weight – just a mere 189 grams/6.7 oz for the mount with the magnifier yoke.

The RDF series also allow an optional Picatinny rail (SKU A-0229) to be attached to the front of the mount, for the attachment of an illuminator, as well as an optional rear iron sight.

The first model in the RDF series is the RDF-20225K, which has an optical height over rail of 57 mm/2.25” (as indicated by the model number). The RDF-20225K will be followed by the RDF-20291K, which will have a height of 74 mm/2.91”.

In addition to the RDF series, Spuhr® is also launching the RD series of lightweight red dot mounts without the magnifier yoke. Available heights are 39 mm/1.53”, 42 mm/1.65”, 49 mm/1.93”, 57 mm/2.25”, and 74 mm/2.91”. The 57 mm and 74 mm height RD mounts are also compatible with the optional Picatinny illuminator rail.

As always, quality has been a priority, where the mount does not feature any sharp while featuring the same high quality black anodizing known from all Spuhr products.

www.spuhr.biz

Posted in Optics, Press Release, Weapon Accessories | 1 Comment »

New for SHOT Show 2024 – Holosun IRIS

Friday, January 19th, 2024

Holosun is proud to announce the all-new IRIS.

The IRIS (Integrated Rifle Infrared System) is an ultra compact, class IIIr visible green aiming device with a coaxial mounted class 2m IR laser and IR illuminator for use with night vision devices. IRIS features an ergonomic slider to dial in the IR illuminator between flood and spot. A new electronic selector switch toggles between visible, IR pointer, IR illuminator, or IR pointer & illiuminator with LED indicators for current mode. IRIS is powered by a CR123 battery and is activated either from the top-mounted fire button or using the compatible, industry standard remote switch.

TECH & FEATURES:

– IR Pointer and Illuminator with VCSEL laser

– New Compact Housing Design

– Quick Adjustable Focus IR Illuminator

– Coaxial Laser Mechanism

– Intensity Selector Switch

– Mode Button w/LED Indicator

SPECS:

– IPX8 Certified Waterproof

– Battery: CR123A

– Dimension: 3.2 x 1.97 x 1.34 in

– Weight: 6.35 oz

– 7075 T6 Aluminum Housing

– Travel Range ± 50 MOA

– 0.5 MOA Windage and Elevation Adjustment Per Click

MSRP: Pricing and availability to be announced at SHOT Show.

Posted in Lights, SHOT Show | 3 Comments »

High Speed Gear Products Group Unveils New Products and New Branding at SHOT Show 2024

Friday, January 19th, 2024

SWANSBORO, N.C. – January 19, 2024 – The year 2024 marks the 25th anniversary of High Speed Gear as a brand and also the first year that the company debuts at SHOT Show 2024 as High Speed Gear Products Group. The company brings together a powerhouse of industry-leading tactical gear, holsters, and related accessories.

Most know the High Speed Gear brand for its world-famous product, The TACO® Magazine Pouch. To celebrate the 25th anniversary of High Speed Gear, the brand is launching the Gen 2 TACO line. This evolution of the world-renowned TACO demonstrates High Speed Gear’s dedication to continued innovation, quality, enhanced functionality, and durability.

BlackPoint Tactical, typically known for their high-end concealment holsters, is excited to announce an addition to their family of back-country products, the Bando holster. The Bando Holster is built in collaboration with Bushcraft and Survival expert, Kevin Estela. This platform offers end users an innovative way to carry .22 caliber survival or plinking pistol when in the backcountry, all without interfering with your standard EDC holsters.

Comp-Tac is proudly representing one of the largest OEM partnership portfolios for holster manufacturers in the industry. The brand continues to support the Competition Shooting community with exciting news on the horizon.

Crucial Concealment, one of the fastest growing concealment brands in the US, is excited to preview their newest innovation in the COVERT holster series, the Universal Light Holster. This holster solves what has been a pain-point in the industry for decades, SKU count. This newest holster variation will accommodate a variety of popular modern pistols equipped with the TLR-7, TLR-1 or X300 models at launch with plans to offer additional models thereafter. This product fills a need for both end users and dealers, simplifying the market and slashing SKU count for light compatible holsters.

In addition to groundbreaking product releases, High Speed Gear Products Group is proud to present an expanded and upgraded booth display. The new booth design and expanded gallery not only reflects the group’s commitment to a dynamic and engaging presence but also provides attendees with an immersive experience into the world of all four brands’ cutting-edge tactical gear.

“We have so much to show the world as High Speed Gear Products Group this year on our 25th anniversary. Together, our family of brands offer industry-leading gear for Law Enforcement Professionals, Members of our Armed Services, Competitive Shooters and responsibly armed citizens needing the highest quality holsters for carrying concealed.” said Allison Mitchum, Director of Sales and Marketing at High Speed Gear Products Group. “Our logos may have changed this year but our commitment to our customers remains the same. Our team is looking forward to showcasing our newest products and engaging with our customers and industry partners at SHOT Show 2024.”

SHOT Show attendees are invited to visit the High Speed Gear Products Group booth (# 75707) to see new products and connect with team members from all four brands.

For more information about High Speed Gear Products Group, please visit hsgibrands.com.

Posted in Advertiser, Press Release, SHOT Show | Comments Off on High Speed Gear Products Group Unveils New Products and New Branding at SHOT Show 2024