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Record Order for Rheinmetall: Bundeswehr Orders up to 6,500 Military Trucks – Value up to €3.5bn

Saturday, July 13th, 2024

Rheinmetall has been given the largest order in the company`s history concerning logistic vehicles by the Bundeswehr. The framework-contract was now signed in Koblenz and incorporates the delivery of up to 6,500 military trucks, valued up to €3.5bn incl. VAT.

After the budget committee of the Federal German Parliament had approved funding on 26 June 2024, the contract with Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles (RMMV) was signed on 1 July 2024 by the President of the BAAINBw, Annette Lehnigk-Emden and the Management of RMMV. A first call-off for over 610 vehicles, valued at €312m incl. VAT is imminent, of which 250 trucks are to be delivered in 2024. The financing of this call is mainly based on the special funds of the Bundeswehr. Rheinmetall AG will book the order in the third quarter of 2024 of the current fiscal year.

This framework-contract allows the Bundeswehr to flexibly order further quantities of already introduced unprotected transportation vehicles UTF 5t and UTF 15t-trucks for seven years. In addition to that, a new vehicle category will be introduced via the framework-contract: the 4×4 UTF 3.5t. It has a maximum of identical parts to the UTF family.

“The framework-contract is an essential contribution to a fast fulfillment of demand by the logistic forces of the Bundeswehr”, states Michael Wittlinger, Chairman of the management of Rheinmetall Military Vehicles GmbH. “The standardized vehicle family and the uniformity with vehicles of other beneficiary nations establish the HX-vehicles as the main logistic vehicles within NATO and set a standard for interoperability and logistic efficiency within the Alliance. Once again, this order reflects our leading role in the global market for logistic vehicles.”

“The extremely short period of four months from the invitation to tender to the signature of the contract underlines once more that the turning point for procuring logistic trucks has been introduced”, says Armin Papperger, CEO Rheinmetall AG. “We are thankful for the trust in the products of Rheinmetall.”

Already, the Ungeschützte Transportfahrzeug (UTF)-family has been contributing significantly to the performance of logistic units of the Bundeswehr. In July 2017, the Bundeswehr placed an order at Rheinmetall MAN for the delivery of the new family “UTF military all-terrain with 5t and 15t load capacity categories”. The UTFs are a show-case project which, especially within the procurement, has opened new ways. This was the first time that flexible framework agreements with large quantities have been concluded. Since 2017, more than 6,000 HX vehicles will be delivered to the Bundeswehr by the end of 2024, together with the swap-body loader systems (Wechselladersystem or WLS) and 70t tractor units. A large proportion of the added value at WLS and UTF – over 75 percent – is created in Germany.

UTF and WLS are based on the robust HX-family of RMMV. From the beginning, it was designed for military use and is characterized by high mobility, also in heavy terrain. The large world-wide distribution of the HX-vehicle family offers major advantages concerning interoperability and logistics, especially with respect to multinational missions. In addition to Germany, the user group currently includes the UK, Australia, New Zealand, Norway, Sweden, Austria, Hungary, Singapore, Slovenia, Denmark and Ukraine. The newly placed order highlights the high acceptancy of the tried-and-tested HX-vehicles of which about 20,000 are already in use world-wide.

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G3 Systems Wins Overseas Construction Works Contract for Security Improvements for British Embassy in Luanda, Angola

Friday, July 12th, 2024

G3 Systems Limited, the British company with over 20 years of operationally proven expertise in designing and producing deployable containerised solutions and providing infrastructure support to military and government organisations in remote locations across the globe, has just started construction works to improve the facilities and security of the British Embassy in Luanda, Angola.

The contract, awarded following a competitive tendering exercise, is a mix of demolition, refurbishment, new build andsecurity improvement works estimated to take 15 months. The project involves a number of complex elements that will have a significant benefit to the location including drainage remedial works, installation of a sewage treatment facility, updating and installing new M&E systems and extensive repairs, improvements and construction of security features for the compound. In addition to the specified construction works, G3 Systems will also be seeking to complete a number of local sustainability/charity projects to support the local community.

Nick Rose, Managing Director G3 Systems said, “This is another superb example of how G3 Systems are able todeliver high quality complex construction projects in remote and challenging locations. We have years of experience in supporting military operations overseas and I am very pleased that we are now able to use that hard earnt expertise to support UK national interests elsewhere in the world. It is also very rewarding for the team to be helping the local community and improving sustainability by effectively recycling and repurposing valuable materials.”

Posted in Contracts, International, Press Release | No Comments »

US Army Announces Terrestrial Layer System – Brigade Combat Team (TLS BCT) Manpack Contract Award

Tuesday, July 2nd, 2024

ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND, MD – The U.S. Army Contracting Command – Aberdeen Proving Ground (ACC-APG) recently awarded a contract to Mastodon Design LLC in the amount of $99,991,845 for the procurement, training, and fielding of the Terrestrial Layer System – Brigade Combat Team (TLS BCT) Manpack system.

“The efforts to demonstrate, test, and rapidly procure a COTS-based product significantly accelerated the procurement timeline and will result in early capability to the field starting this year. The TLS BCT Manpack is a mature, well-adopted system that will make a significant contribution to winning the Electromagnetic Spectrum (EMS) fight,” said Ken Strayer, Project Manager Electronic Warfare and Cyber (PM EW&C). After successful prototyping and operational demonstration with Soldier touch points, the TLS BCT Manpack program received approval to transition into Middle Tier Acquisition (MTA) Rapid Fielding with a first unit issued planned in 2024.

The TLS BCT Manpack system is a tailorable, modular, terrestrial capability that allows the integration of Signals Intelligence (SIGINT) and Electromagnetic Warfare (EW) collection, processing, exploitation, reporting, and effects capabilities within the SIGINT Collection Team (SCT) and Electromagnetic Warfare Team (EWT) elements. It provides the Brigade Combat Team (BCT) Commander a tactical advantage with a robust state-of-the-art mobile EW capability for Multi-Domain Operations (MDO). The fully configurable system can conduct radio frequency (RF) surveying, signals collection and direction-finding operations, electromagnetic attack and force protection operations, and EMS visualization and scanning/surveying operations.

Posted in Army, Contracts, EW, Press Release, Sensors | No Comments »

Sweden Joins as Latest User of Milrem Robotics’ THeMIS UGV

Thursday, June 27th, 2024

Sweden has officially joined the growing list of countries aiming to adopt robotics to boost their defence capabilities by purchasing the THeMIS Unmanned Ground Vehicle (UGV) by Milrem Robotics, the world’s leading robotics and autonomous systems developer.

The THeMIS Cargo, equipped with MIFIK—Milrem’s Intelligent Functions Kit, which enables autonomous mobility—will be used for trials and experimentations by the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration, the Swedish Defence Research Agency (FMV), and the Swedish Armed Forces.

The contract was signed at Eurosatory 2024 by Brigadier General Jonas Lotsne, Director of Land Systems at FMV and Sverker Svärdby, managing director of Milrem Robotics Sweden, in the presence of the Swedish Chief of Army, Major General Jonny Lindfors.

“We are proud to welcome Sweden as the latest user of the THeMIS UGV. Our collaboration will ensure that the Swedish forces are equipped with the most advanced robotic systems available, enhancing their operational effectiveness,” said Svärdby.

The THeMIS UGV is renowned for its versatility, reliability, and advanced technological features. Although purchased as a cargo version for supply delivery, the vehicle can be adjusted to perform casualty evacuation, reconnaissance, and combat missions by integrating third-party technologies.

The integration process will involve rigorous training for Swedish military personnel to ensure seamless operation and maintenance of the vehicle. Additionally, Milrem Robotics will provide ongoing support and updates to ensure the system remains at the forefront of technological advancements.

Sweden’s decision to adopt the THeMIS UGV represents a forward-thinking approach to modern warfare, embracing innovation to stay ahead in an increasingly complex security landscape.

Posted in Contracts, International, Press Release | No Comments »

GM Defense Provides Battery Electric Technology for Future Military Platforms

Wednesday, June 26th, 2024

WASHINGTON, D.C. — GM Defense, a subsidiary of General Motors, is providing commercial battery electric technology in support of the University of Texas at Arlington (UTA) Pulsed Power and Energy Laboratory (PPEL) and Naval Surface Warfare Center Philadelphia Division (NSWCPD). The project, Evaluation of Electric Vehicle Batteries to Enable Directed Energy (EEVBEDE), is funded by the Operational Energy Innovation office of the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD), through its Operational Energy Capability Improvement Fund (OECIF). UTA PPEL will evaluate the technology to understand current capabilities of commercial automotive batteries under dynamic discharge and charge scenarios. The team’s evaluation of the technology will help provide pathways and options for domestically supplied energy storage for future use in military platforms.

GM Defense is leveraging GM’s Ultium Platform propulsion architecture, for evaluation and testing. The Ultium Platform can deliver power, range and scale beyond any previous GM hybrid or extended range EV technology. Modular and scalable, the Ultium Platform can use different chemistries and cell form factors, making it adaptable to changing needs and new technology insertions as they become available. Utilizing the battery technologies of its parent company, GM Defense can help solve the DoD’s energy and energy storage challenges. The work performed in this new effort will provide insights into the performance and design considerations when batteries are used in more dynamic, high-power operations than would be faced by more typical applications. OECIF support plays a key role in the development of new power and energy technologies, which provide the DoD with advanced capabilities and help prevent power and energy from being a limiting factor.

“The Department of Defense can benefit from billions of dollars in GM investments to develop and manufacture transformative battery technologies,” says Steve duMont, president of GM Defense. “These technologies offer significant potential to enhance operational capability, whether at the tactical edge or on installations throughout the world. GM Defense welcomes the opportunity to support this important project and to help transition our global defense and government customers.”

“We are excited to work with GM Defense to test the Ultium Platform to determine its potential for use in future warfighting applications. PPEL has a long relationship with the DoD and the Office of Naval Research for testing the limits of batteries used in high power applications, and we are in a unique position to evaluate this technology and make recommendations for future use cases,” said David Wetz, a professor of electrical engineering at UTA and director of the PPEL.

“As a Carnegie R-1 university, UTA is committed to working with industry to better develop and understand the potential of new technology. This collaboration between PPEL, GM Defense and the DoD will not only improve our nation’s military capabilities, but also adds to our workforce development efforts producing next generation engineers who will solve our nation’s complex problems,” said Peter Crouch, dean of UTA’s College of Engineering.

GM Defense previously announced its participation in the Defense Innovation Unit’s Jumpstart for Advanced Battery Standardization (JABS) project. Similar to EEVBEDE, JABS is designed to evaluate and test high voltage battery systems to optimize commercial technologies. GM Defense provided a prototype of a battery system based on GM’s Ultium Platform for the project. Under the same contract, GM Defense demonstrated mission power capabilities by integrating a high-voltage battery pack into a light tactical utility vehicle. Key learnings from JABS will help inform the integration requirements of future battery electric defense solutions. To learn more about GM Defense projects, visit www.gmdefensellc.com or follow us on LinkedIn.

Posted in Contracts, Power, Press Release | No Comments »

HENSOLDT Supplies German Armed Forces with Spotter 42 Observation Optics

Thursday, June 20th, 2024

Wetzlar (Germany)/Paris (France), 19 June 2024 – Following the delivery of the first batch last year, solution specialist HENSOLDT is now equipping the German Armed Forces with 90 additional Spotter 42. The enhanced Spotter complements HENSOLDT’s Spotter 60, which are already in use in the troops, and replaces a predecessor model.

Compared to the Spotter 60, the magnification range of the Spotter 42 starts at six times instead of twenty times. The Spotter 42 is therefore optimised for use with night vision and thermal imaging attachments (NSV and IRV). The result is a significant improvement in observation capability in restricted visibility conditions.

“The optical performance of the Spotter 42 is outstanding. It represents a milestone in the compact observation optics device category with its large field of view, high edge-to-edge sharpness and brilliant image quality across the entire magnification range of 6-42x,” explained the responsible Sales Manager Josef Reif.

The observation optics have become more compact thanks to a modified optical concept. The result is a high magnification range with low initial magnification while simultaneously reducing the weight. The Spotter 42 complies with Bundeswehr specifications and features steplessly adjustable reticle illumination as well as an integrated laser filter that compensates for the magnification-related increase in radiance of harmful laser radiation without noticeably impairing the visual transmission values.

The accessories include a long mounting rail with a Picatinny profile on both sides, allowing attachments of different heights to be used. Additional mounting rails on the device enable the attachment of various additional devices such as target pointers or rangefinders. “The initial feedback from users has been more than positive,” added Josef Reif. The Spotter 42 enhances the night combat capability of snipers by increasing their ability to observe in restricted visibility, thus making an important contribution to increasing the combat readiness of the German armed forces. The Spotter 42 was very well received by users and procurers from the military authorities of European nations at EnforceTac 2024 in Nuremberg and will be offered as a series device. In a further expansion stage, it will receive additional functional additions in the future that will expand its area of use.

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Quantum Systems Equips the Romanian Ministry of Defence with Vector systems

Tuesday, June 18th, 2024

Munich, 17.06.2024 – Quantum Systems, the Munich-based manufacturer of dual-use reconnaissance drones that use multi-sensor technology to collect data for government agencies and commercial users, is pleased to announce that it has been awarded a significant contract to supply the Romanian Ministry of Defence (MoD) with its advanced Vector unmanned aerial systems (UAS).

The contract, valued at aproximately 18.4 million EUR was finalized on May 14, 2024, and will span over a period of 36 months. This marks a significant step in enhancing the capabilities of the Romanian Armed Forces with state-of-the-art UAS technology. Romtehnica S.A., the purchasing authority, has contracted Quantum Systems to supply these advanced systems to the Romanian Armed Forces, who will utilize them in various operations across the region.

Meeting the Romanian MoD’s requirements

The decision criteria for the contract were heavily weighted towards quality. Quantum Systems’ Vector UAS was selected based on its superior range, flight autonomy, sensor quality, and robust warranty terms, along with a competitive pricing structure.

The vertical take-off and landing capable drone type Vector provides the Romanian MoD with a market-available tactical reconnaissance system meeting requirements in terms of range, flight time and sensor capability. The Vector enables precise reconnaissance and has a flight duration of up to three hours. The integrated ‘Raptor’ combi-sensor is equipped with an optical and an infrared camera, enabling day and night operations in all climates and under challenging environmental conditions.

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Army Leverages Army SBIR and xTech Prize Competitions to Secure AI Pipeline

Saturday, June 15th, 2024

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Army Small Business Innovation Research and xTech Programs collaborate with artificial intelligence innovators to find and scale solutions across the Army. Led by the Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Acquisition, Logistics and Technology, Army SBIR and xTech prize competitions support a secure, Army-ready AI pipeline.

In March 2024, Mr. Young Bang, ASA(ALT) principal deputy, announced the ASA(ALT) AI Implementation Plan, that kicked off with a 100-day sprint. The plan aims to deliver a single, coherent approach to AI across the Army, aligning multiple, complex efforts within 100 and 500-day execution windows, and establishes the baseline to continuously modernize AI and contributing solutions as technologies rapidly evolve.

The Army SBIR and xTech Programs’ initiatives are at the forefront of these efforts to drive digital transformation and deliver required AI capabilities across the Army.

As the 100-day window concludes this summer, the Army is outlining a plan that leverages the outcomes of the 100-day sprint to adopt industry solutions without competing with commercial vendors. However, there are inherent risk factors associated with the adoption of AI solutions.

“Some of the obstacles include looking at and understanding AI risks such as poison data sets, adversarial attacks and trojans,” Bang said. “Developing AI in a controlled, trusted environment owned by the Army or Department of Defense can make addressing these risks easier.”

Bang and his team have prepared an initial AI Layered Defense Framework called #DefendAI to help tackle the risks associated with third-party algorithms, while helping to operationalize industry AI technologies. His team is looking to collaborate across industry and academia to evolve the framework and prioritize capability exploration and implementation in support of Army programs, such as Project Linchpin, which is building an operational pipeline of trusted AI solutions.

Initiated by Program Executive Office Intelligence, Electronic Warfare and Sensors, Project Linchpinaligns with Bang’s AI risk evaluation efforts. Bharat Patel, Project Linchpin-Sensor AI product lead, noted that the program aims to deliver commercial capabilities to the Army by applying fundamental concepts such as test and evaluations, and adopting an AI risk framework.

“It’s your infrastructure, it’s your standards, it’s your governance, it’s your process. All those areas are things that we’re taking on, because that’s how you can tap into the AI ecosystem and that’s how you deliver capabilities at scale,” Patel said.

ASA(ALT) is progressing with the AI Implementation Plan and its alignment to Project Linchpin to prepare the Army for AI at scale. As these initiatives ramp up, the Army SBIR and xTech Programs are strategically focused on leveraging excellence in the private sector to speed up the Army’s broad adoption of AI.

Army SBIR’s AI funding

The Army SBIR Program collaborates with small businesses and Army customers to align innovative solutions with Army priorities. It awards more than $350 million annually to reinvigorate the Army’s technology ecosystem, and is prioritizing and funding cutting-edge AI solutions.

The program has invested nearly $102 million in active AI projects in fiscal year 2024, distributed among approximately 75 small businesses across the country, and aims to align small businesses with the Army’s larger AI pipeline through funded AI initiatives.

In FY24, Automated Detection and Prevention solutions received $30 million in Army SBIR investments, representing 29% of the program’s AI and machine learning portfolio by the number of awards. Within this framework, the Army categorizes technologies as automated systemic-based controls that stop threats and predict the next attack for improved prevention.

There are currently 20 active Army SBIR Automated Detection and Prevention awards with organizations such as PEO IEW&S; PEO Simulation, Training and Instrumentation; and Army Test and Evaluation Command.

Army SBIR investments in FY24 have directly supported Army programs such as Project Linchpin, with two awards made in FY24 and 16 additional planned to start in FY25. The Joint Program Executive Office Armaments and Ammunition also recently leveraged $48 million in Army SBIR funding to modernize munitions manufacturing processes using AI.

Looking forward to FY25, Army SBIR’s AI/ML portfolio is projecting upwards of $105 million in AI funding. Six AI-focused solicitations are slated for release this summer, which will comprise approximately $55 million of the FY25 funding. Several of the solicitations, which include an AI/ML open topic solicitation, align to Project Linchpin thrust areas, amongst other potential Army transition partners.

xTech’s scalable AI

In late 2023, Bang requested that Dr. Matt Willis, the director of Army Prize Competitions and Army SBIR Program, and his team leverage xTech prize competitions to scale AI. This led to the launch of xTechScalable AI in December 2023, which sought innovative AI solutions from U.S.-based small businesses with scalable solutions to defend against adversarial AI threat vectors.

Leveraging prize competition authorities, xTech offers cash prizes along with opportunities for participants to receive direct feedback on their solutions, plus mentorship and networking opportunities with Army customers to help accelerate their unique AI solutions towards Army capabilities. xTech competition winners find themselves well-positioned to compete for follow-on contracts, such as Army SBIR awards.

xTechScalable AI was not the first competition aligning AI with Army needs. Earlier in the year, the xTechPrime competition funded two Army SBIR contract awards to inform Project Linchpin pipeline tools and services, totaling almost $4 million.

The xTechScalable AI competition is following a similar track, offering up to $370,000 in cash prizes and $8 million in follow-on Army SBIR contract awards for critical AI solutions. Through these competitions, 150 small businesses received exposure and feedback from Army customers and experts, and introductions to follow-on contract opportunities to continue the development of their AI solutions for the Army.

“xTech is a valuable mechanism for identifying and nurturing scalable, commercial AI solutions to strengthen the Army’s security framework,” Willis said. “Paired with ASA(ALT)’s vision, we can operationalize AI to enhance data accuracy and combat cybersecurity threats.”

xTechScalable AI 2 launched in March 2024 and focuses on identifying small businesses with game-changing technologies that can feed into Project Linchpin’s operational AI pipeline. The competition offers up to $603,000 in cash prizes and opportunities post-competition to submit proposals for a Phase I or Phase II Army SBIR contract valued at up to $250,000 and $2 million, respectively.

xTech will host the finals at the Association of the United States Army Annual Meeting and Expo in October. Additionally, xTech will hold more AI-focused competitions in the coming year, including several AI-focused Technical Grand Challenges.

Commercial vendors and small businesses have made quick progress in developing and implementing AI capabilities. As part of ASA(ALT)’s AI Implementation Plan and the upcoming 500-day execution window, Army SBIR and xTech are adopting AI solutions and preparing them for operational use in a secure, government-owned environment.

“Army SBIR and xTech are committed to strategically investing in areas where we can leverage the excellence of the private sector and transition technologies to Army programs such as Project Linchpin,” Willis said. “We have the funding and processes in place to drive industry collaboration and investment opportunities for these large-scale Army efforts.”

About the programs

The Army SBIR Program offers Phase I contract opportunities to U.S.-based small businesses showing commercial viability, feasibility and technical merit. It also offers Phase II and Direct to Phase II contracts to vendors with mature technologies meeting Phase I qualifications.

The Army SBIR Program releases contract opportunities on an ad-hoc basis to address current and expected Soldier needs. The program will promote new contract releases via solicitation announcements and email. For more information, please visit the Army SBIR website.

Established in 2018, the Army xTech Program offers prize competition opportunities for entities including nontraditional vendors direct exposure to Army laboratories, program executive offices, program managers and end-users. Participants receive feedback from Army DoD stakeholders and have access to training, mentorship and networking, and opportunities to win non-dilutive cash prizes.

For current and upcoming competitions, visit the xTech website.

By Anna Volkwine, Office of Army Prize Competitions and Army SBIR Program

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