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Archive for September, 2024

BAE Systems Awarded $4 Million from DARPA for Tactical Autonomy Program

Thursday, September 12th, 2024

Artificial Intelligence Reinforcement (AIR) program to advance autonomous air combat

MERRIMACK, N.H., Sept. 10, 2024 — The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) has awarded BAE Systems’ (LON:BA) FAST Labs™research and development organization a $4 millioncontract for Phase 1 of the Artificial Intelligence Reinforcements (AIR) program.

To overcome the fast-paced and uncertain environment that is inherent to air combat and presented a challenge for autonomous agents, the DARPA AIR program aims to advance dominant tactical autonomy for beyond visual range air combat missions. Autonomy solutions will be developed and demonstrated on F-16 testbeds.

“Generating reliable, consistent air combat performance requires a vast amount of data and rapid, robust testing cycles,” said Michael Planer, scientist and principal investigator at BAE Systems’ FAST Labs. “Using machine learning, we will train the models used to make dynamic decisions – ensuring that the Artificial Intelligence (AI) pilot is tested and trusted by human pilots.”

Under the AIR contract, BAE Systems will use machine learning (ML) to innovate simulation models of existing sensors, electronic warfare systems, and weapons within dynamic and operationally representative environments. ML techniques will also capture the underlying physics of aerial maneuvers and systems. The company will then create the processes needed to rapidly design, test, and deliver future iterations of AIR software products.

Work on the AIR program, which is part of BAE Systems’ autonomy portfolio, will take place in Arlington, Virginiaand Burlington, Massachusetts.

Barrett Announces New .416 Barrett Precision Ammunition

Thursday, September 12th, 2024

Murfreesboro, TN – Barrett Firearms Manufacturing Inc. is proud to announce the release of a new precision line of ammunition for its renowned .416 Barrett cartridge. Specifically developed for extreme long-range target engagement, the .416 Barrett precision ammunition offers unparalleled ballistic performance for the most demanding shooting environments.

Utilizing Hornady™ 500 gr A-Tip® Match projectiles, this new line of .416 Barrett ammunition is crafted with the highest quality components to ensure exceptional results. The advanced design boasts a low drag coefficient, allowing users to experience consistent sub-MOA precision while engaging targets beyond 2,500 yards.

“This ammunition has been engineered to meet the needs of long-range precision shooters who demand the highest level of accuracy and performance,” said Bryan James, President of Barrett. “With its unmatched ballistic capabilities, the .416 Barrett is the ultimate solution for those looking to push the boundaries of extreme long-range shooting.”

barrett.net

 

Allen-Vanguard Receives Significant Follow-on Order of SCORPION ECM Systems for a NATO Ally

Thursday, September 12th, 2024

Allen-Vanguard, a global leader in providing customized solutions for defeating Radio Frequency (RF) based terrorist and extremist threats, is pleased to report it has received a significant follow-on order for SCORPION Electronic Counter Measure (ECM) systems, accessories and spares from the NATO ally it supplied 68 systems to at the beginning of the year.

The follow-on order is for over 30% more of the hugely versatile SCORPION ECM manpack system, which is man portable, can be vehicle mounted or even protect static locations from both R-CIED and UAS threats, both of which have been prolific during recent campaigns in both Europe and the Middle East. With its flexible, modular architecture and wide range of power options, antenna configurations and carriage systems SCORPION is highly suitable for a myriad of protection tasks. It is a hybrid, full spectrum system with extensive threat band coverage giving it superior usability which, combined with advanced technologies, makes SCORPION a very powerful response to present and future RCIED & Drone threats.

As with the previous order, Allen-Vanguard will provide various support services including Train the Trainer packages to ensure that end users are fully equipped, trained and prepared to deploy this vital life-saving capability with full operational autonomy. In line with Allen-Vanguard’s philosophy of developing a full sovereign capability for their clients, the T3 package will ensure that the end user can train and evaluate their own personnel on the SCORPION hardware both now and into the future.

Allen-Vanguard’s Business Development Director, Stuart Wilson, said “I think it is testament to both SCORPION’s excellent capabilities and the support that we at Allen-Vanguard provide for our customers that we have received this significant follow-on order before we have even finished the full deployment of the original order. We will continue to work in partnership with the end users to ensure this invaluable protection capability is fully embedded and supported to deliver the best possible protection for their troops.”

FN Adds Manual Safety Option to Reflex Series, Begins Shipment of High Power Stainless Models

Thursday, September 12th, 2024

(McLean, VA — September 12, 2024) FN America, LLC is expanding its highly popular micro compact pistol line by adding a manual safety option to the FN Reflex™ and Reflex MRD 9mm pistols. The FN Reflex set a new standard in the world of everyday carry when it was released in 2023, combining class-leading capacity, trigger feel and pull weight, with great ergonomics and accuracy.

The Reflex series is one of the most innovative and easy to shoot concealed-carry options available, featuring a light and crisp 5-pound, single-action-only (SAO) fire control, optics-ready capabilities and a cold hammer-forged barrel for enduring accuracy. The addition of the manual safety option gives more customers a reason to consider the FN Reflex and Reflex MRD.

“The Reflex has been overwhelmingly positive for FN since being introduced in 2023, with customers appreciating the crisp trigger and compact size, which combine to make the pistol very easy to shoot,” said Chris Johnson, Senior Product Manager for Pistols at FN America, LLC. “The addition of the Reflex with manual safety creates more options for buyers. Some prefer concealed-carry pistols with an external safety lever, as it gives them more control of the operation of their pistol, which can lead to more comfort and confidence for some users.”

The ambidextrous manual safety will be available on both the standard Reflex and Reflex MRD configurations, in both black and flat dark earth (FDE) finishes.

“The concealed-carry 9mm pistol category continues to be the fastest growing pistol segment in our industry as more and more people are taking their personal protection seriously,” said Chris Cole, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for FN America, LLC. “As the first micro compact handgun to solve the tradeoffs for accuracy, deep concealment and capacity, the Reflex gives customers a choice that embraces future-forward concealed-carry technology. And now, customers who prefer a manual safety no longer have to compromise.”

Originally launched in April of 2023, the FN Reflex is a slim, one-inch-wide micro compact that puts 27 rounds at the ready with the included 11-round and 15-round magazines. With its advanced ergonomics and stippled frame texture, concealed carriers have unmatched control over recoil in an extremely small pistol. A revolutionary fire control group with an internal hammer produces the best trigger feel in a micro compact pistol. Paired with the cold hammer-forged barrel and optics-ready slide, the FN Reflex is a highly accurate micro compact pistol that is incredibly easy to shoot and conceal.

“What sets Reflex apart results from FN’s approach to development,” said John Ryan, Director of Product Management for FN America, LLC. “Our team studied the impacts of user interface and ergonomics on the overall shooting experience as an important part of this project. The result is a slim one-inch-wide micro compact pistol that fits comfortably in the hand, with an easy-to-rack slide and excellent trigger. The use of multifaceted texturing anchors the gun to your hand during fire. And the overall low bore axis of Reflex further reduces felt recoil, making this incredibly small pistol easy to conceal, control and shoot accurately.”

Additionally, the company announces that the FN High Power in stainless-steel finish is shipping in limited quantities to FN-authorized distributors and retailers. Today’s FN High Power is a tastefully modernized pistol with the styling of the classic Hi-Power. Released in 2022, the pistols feature key upgrades to the original design like the modern disassembly and takedown method, 17-round capacity, oversized ejection port optimized for today’s ammunition and much more.

To learn more about FN’s extensive pistol line-up from the micro-compact FN Reflex to the full-sized, steel-framed FN High Power,  please visit fnamerica.com/pistols. To purchase an FN pistol, find an FN dealer near you at fnamerica.com/find-a-dealer

Kratos Design Group Ruggedized Scout Mount for MLOK

Thursday, September 12th, 2024

The Kratos Design Group Ruggedized Scout Mount for MLOK is designed specifically for the Modlite family of weapon-mounted lights and are compatible with all lights that use the Surefire Scout Light mounting pattern like the M600 & M300. Other lights such as Arisaka 300, 600 & 18650 series lights, Olight Odin and Streamlight Protac Rail Mount HL-X are compatible as well.

The KDG Scout Mount places the light at a 45 degree angle from the rail and brings the light closer to the handguard.

Machined from 7075 aluminum with a Type 3, Class 2 Hardcoat anodized finish available in Black, FDE & OD Green. The mount weighs 0.5 oz (16 grams)

Recessed Lug Support: Unlike many mounts that rely solely on screw tension, the KDG Scout Mount is designed with recesses that provide additional support to the mounting lugs. This three-sided support structure increases the mount’s durability in the event of impacts to the light.

The mount is reversible and can be mounted at various locations along the rail. When oriented upwards, the light can be placed at 1:30 or 10:30. When oriented downwards, the light can be placed at 4:30 or 6:30. An alternative mounting position also allows certain lights to be used in conjunction with a BE Meyers MAWL on the same side.

Included Hardware: The package includes all necessary components for attaching your light and securing the mount to an MLOK rail system. Please note that a T25 Torx and 3/32” Hex driver (not included) are required for installation.

Hardware Specifications

  • Light Body Screws: 8-32 thread, 5/16” length, with a 3/32” Hex drive, offering 120,000 psi tensile strength and a Class 3A thread fit.
  • MLOK Screws: 10-24 thread, 1/2” length, with a T25 drive, providing 140,000 psi tensile strength.
  • MLOK Nuts: Precision machined in the USA, treated with a black nitrided finish for enhanced durability.

Compatibility:

Modlite:

PLH, PLHv2, OKW

Surefire:

M300A, M300B, M300C, M300V, M312, M322, M312V, M313V, M322V,, M612, M622, M603V, M612V, M622V, M600B, M600C, M600P, M600U, M600V, M600DF

Streamlight:

Protac Rail Mount 1, Protac Rail Mount 2, HL-X

Arisaka:

300, 600, 18650 Series

Cloud Defensive:

REIN

Olight:

Odin

The Kratos Design Group Ruggedized Offset Scout Mounts are available directly from Kratos or at any of their dealers.

Karan Rai Assumes CEO Role at Revision Military

Thursday, September 12th, 2024

Industry Veteran and Strategic Leader Takes the Helm of Revision Military

Essex Junction, Vermont (for immediate release) – Revision Military Ltd. (Revision), a world leader in purpose-built ballistic and laser eye protection for military and tactical use, is proud to announce that Karan Rai will assume the role of Chief Executive Officer (CEO) effective immediately.

Karan, a seasoned industry veteran, brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record to the position.  Karan has been Revision’s Chairman of the Board for the past five years and his transition to take on the CEO responsibilitiesensures a smooth leadership transition for the Company.

Karan is the founding partner of ASGARD Partners, a lower middle market private equity firm. Prior to founding ASGARD, he was the President of ADS, Inc., a leading specialty distributor and supply chain solutions provider for all branches of the U.S. Department of Defense. During his time at ADS, Karan was instrumental in leading the company’s turnaround and driving growth via strategic initiatives and M&A activity.

“I am thrilled to take on the role of CEO at Revision,” said Karan. “I have been intimately involved with the Company for the past five years as an active board member, which provides us a high level of comfort with the leadership transition.  I am inheriting one of the best leadership teams in the industry and look forward to working with them to take our Company to the next level by consistently delivering the highest quality and most innovative products. Given the Company’s focus on quality, product innovation, exceptional customer service, and always on time delivery, Revision is well-equipped to maintain its status as an industry leader for years to come.”

“The board is excited for the next stage of growth under Karan’s steadfast leadership and dedication to our customers,” added John Darguzas, Principal at Merit Capital and board member. “We are committed to supporting Revision in reaching its full potential by delivering the highest quality products that keep our customers safe in harm’s way. On behalf of the board, we want to thank Amy Coyne, the previous CEO of Revision, for her passion and dedication over the past five years. We wish her the best of luck in her new role at Noble Supply & Logistics.”

www.revisionmilitary.com

GAO Issues Summary of Armed Overwatch Reports

Thursday, September 12th, 2024

Last week the Government Accounting Office released “Special Operations Forces: Summary of Armed Overwatch Reports” which summarizes a series of previous reports on USSOCOM’s offer to acquire and field the OA-1K aircraft which they have selected for the Armed Overwatch role. This summary includes data from a restricted report entitled “Special Operations Forces: DOD Should Reassess Its Need to Acquire Armed Overwatch Aircraft, GAO-24-106993C, September 4” which is based on a classified study.

The initial plan was to field 75 of the AT-802U Sky Warden aircraft to conduct Close Air Support, precision strike; and Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance missions. The aircraft were to be operated by Air Force Special Operations Command and organized into five squadrons, four operational and one for training.

But based on a GAO report from last December, DoD directed SOCOM to justify their planned number of 75 aircraft and they have since dropped the number to 62, almost a full squadron’s worth of capability, but have claimed it is due to budgetary realities and not Congressional direction. To be sure, USSOCOM is a very expensive aviation force, but they haven’t had a dedicated ground attack capability, aside from AC130 gunships, since the Vietnam war.

Congress is still shrill about the program, under some sort of impression that we aren’t going to conduct anymore low intensity conflicts in the future. DoD has the same notion, relegating anything short of major theater war to just “countering violent extremist organizations.” This remains short sighted and requires systems intended for Large l-Scale Combat Operations (aka war) to be expended against threats which they are way overmatched against.

From the summary report:

RELEVANT GAO WORK

GAO issued two reports on the Armed Overwatch program and identified issues to support decision-makers in Congress and the Department of Defense.

Analysis of needs. GAO found in December 2023 that SOCOM did not complete analyses of its operational needs to justify its purchase of 75 Armed Overwatch aircraft. SOCOM reduced that amount to 62 aircraft in March 2024, but as of September 2024 had not completed these analyses.

Plans for divested aircraft. SOCOM plans to divest two ISR platforms. Subsequently, some personnel and resources from the platforms will be used to support Armed Overwatch. However, GAO found that SOCOM has not taken steps to plan for, or add, critical ISR capabilities provided by soon-to-be divested aircraft. Also, SOCOM has not addressed risks associated with the loss of these capabilities if the new aircraft does not provide them.

Operational challenges. Special operations commands identified logistical and operational challenges that could inhibit SOCOM’s ability to effectively deploy and operate the aircraft as intended. Users said that the Armed Overwatch aircraft may not meet their mission needs because of these challenges.

Based on these reports, GAO made seven recommendations to the Department of Defense to address challenges that face the Armed Overwatch program.

Of the seven recommendations, DoD has concurred on one and partially concurred on the other six.

Meanwhile, the Armed Overwatch program continues to slip to the right while we remain engaged with violent extremists around the world.

Australian Defence Apparel (ADA) Unveils DFNDR: The Next Generation of Military Body Armour and Load Carriage Systems

Thursday, September 12th, 2024

Melbourne, Australia—Australian Defence Apparel (ADA), a leader in protective solutions for Defence personnel, has announced the unveiling of DFNDR®, its revolutionary new brand of body armour and load carriage systems. The launch will take place at the upcoming Land Forces Expo, which will be held at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre from 11-13th September 2024.

DFNDR® systems are designed to be highly adaptable and customisable, making them suitable for a wide range of users, missions, and environments. With a strong emphasis on human factors engineering and informed by data-driven insights on soldier systems, the DFNDR® series ensures that soldiers can easily adjust their wearables to meet the unique demands of any situation.

The most significant advantage of DFNDR® systems is their unparalleled flexibility. These systems can seamlessly transition from a lightweight plate carrier to a fully up-armoured tactical system without requiring soldiers to carry excessive or complex equipment, minimising cognitive burden.

“DFNDR® represents a significant leap forward in tactical gear design,” said Chris Dixon, Chief Executive Officer of ADA. “We’ve combined over a century of battlefield experience with cutting- edge materials, rigorous testing, and data-driven intelligence to create a system that empowers soldiers to perform at their best in any environment.”

DFNDR® is the result of ADA’s unwavering commitment to innovation and soldier-centric design.

By pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in tactical gear, ADA equips the modern soldier with the tools they need to face the challenges of the 21st-century battlefield.

Visit the ADA stand at the Land Forces Expo to experience DFNDR® firsthand. Show highlights at ADA’s stand E218 also include the launch of both DFNDR® and ENFORCR® (newly launched brand for law enforcement gear), introduction to the best-in-breed global tactical brands, and view the award-winning ENFORCR® Ghost Glove™.

Special show highlights

Special show highlights include free CMBT Aminolyte™ Energy Drink for visitors and limited-edition Frank Green Camo Coffee Cups at ADA’s stand E218.