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Archive for the ‘Contracts’ Category

LMT Defense and SWISSLOXX AG Secure Significant Swiss Armed Forces Small Arms Contract

Tuesday, February 25th, 2025

Eldridge, Iowa – February 23, 2025 – LMT Defense, in partnership with SWISSLOXX AG, is proud to announce the award of a significant contract to supply small arms to the Swiss Armed Forces. The contract, for rifles in various calibers, will primarily focus on the 5.56 x 45 NATO caliber, type classified as the Sturmgewehr 25. This prestigious award underscores both companies’ dedication to delivering precision, reliability, and innovation to one of the world’s most demanding military organizations.

Meeting the Swiss Standard of Excellence

The Swiss Armed Forces are renowned for their rigorous procurement processes, reflecting the nation’s unwavering commitment to quality and precision. LMT Defense and SWISSLOXX AG were selected based on the exceptional performance, durability, and accuracy of their proposed small arms, a testament to the companies’ shared commitment to exceeding the highest defense requirements.

Innovation and Performance in Every Detail

LMT Defense and SWISSLOXX AG continually push the boundaries of small arms technology. Their weapons are:

Engineered for Precision: Optimized components ensure consistent accuracy and performance.

Built for Durability: Proven to withstand harsh conditions and rigorous testing.

Designed for Reliability: Innovative features minimize malfunction risks and maximize mission readiness.

A Partnership for the Future of Defense

“We are honored to support the Swiss Armed Forces with our advanced small arms solutions,” said Karl Lewis, President of LMT Defense. “This contract reflects our commitment to quality and innovation and strengthens our successful partnership with SWISSLOXX AG.”

UK Special Forces To Renew Contract With Colt Canada

Monday, February 24th, 2025

The United Kingdom’s Ministry of Defence (MoD) has announced its intention to award contract Colt Canada with a contract for the supply of C8 rifle spares and accessories, according to a tender notice published on 19 February 2025.  The contract will run for an initial two-year period, with options to extend for a further three years.  The contract covers essential components for the C8 rifle platform, a widely used firearm among UK specialist military units.

According to the MoD, the contract will “provide C8 Rifle Spares and Accessories for a period of 2 years with 3 option years”, ensuring continued support and maintenance of these critical weapons.  The contract is expected to run from 8 August 2025 to 7 August 2027, with potential extensions based on operational requirements.  The MoD has confirmed that the contract will be awarded without prior publication of a competitive tender, citing technical reasons under Regulation 16(1)(a)(ii) of the Defence and Security Public Contracts Regulations (DSPCR) 2011. The justification states:

“It is considered that the award of the contract without prior publication of a contract notice in the UK e-notification service (as required by the relevant legislation) is lawful in accordance with Regulation 16(1)(a)(ii) of the DSPCR 2011 for technical reasons.”

The MoD argues that Colt Canada Corporation is the only supplier capable of fulfilling this requirement, due to its “significant niche expertise, technical ‘know-how’ and acquired specific experience to source quality spares and manage the supply chain / delivery process.”

The Colt Canada C8 is designated as the L119A1/A2 in British service, is primarily used by the United Kingdom Special Forces (UKSF) and certain specialised units which include:

Special Air Service

Special Boat Service

Special Reconnaissance Regiment (SRR)

Special Forces Support Group (SFSG)

Pathfinder Platoon (16 Air Assault Brigade)

43 Commando Royal Marines

Royal Military Police Close Protection Unit

The Colt Canada L119/A2 gained fame through media coverage of the rapid tactical response conducted by SAS operator Christian Craighead during the 2019 Al Shabab terror attack in Nairobi Kenya.   Craighead worked with local Kenyan forces to engage Al Shabab terrorists and rescue hostages being held in the DusitD2 hotel complex, earning him the nickname ‘Obi Wan Nairobi’ and reinforcing the solid reputation of Colt Canada’s C8 as being the carbine of choice for some of the world’s most prestigious Tier 1 SOF units.

HENSOLDT is Developing the ODAEON Optical Detection System for the Bundeswehr

Monday, February 24th, 2025

Innovative capability demonstrator protects combat vehicles by automatically detecting enemy optics.

Oberkochen, Germany, 17. February 2025 – Sensor solutions provider HENSOLDT has been awarded a contract by the Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support (BAAINBw) to develop an innovative capability demonstrator for optical detection. The product, called ODAEON, is designed to revolutionise the capability for automated reconnaissance of enemy optical systems on the battlefield and will be developed in cooperation with BAAINBw.

The design phase of the project has already begun, after the first customer acceptance (concept review) was successfully completed in December 2024. The contract, which runs until the end of 2026, is worth 17.6 million euros.

The aim of the development is a demonstrator at technology readiness level six (TRL6), which is to be tested by BAAINBw from 2026. The innovative solution enables real-time detection, reporting and display of optical reconnaissance systems, such as enemy drones and optical target acquisition systems, to the crew. This represents a decisive time advantage.

ODAEON is based on the proven technology of the MUSS Jammer Head 2 (MJ2). The next step in the development of this advanced technology will be to enable the detection and analysis of enemy optics. Further protective functions, such as jamming and dazzling, can be added in subsequent development stages. Jamming interferes with electro-optical systems by means of targeted interference signals, while dazzling oversaturates optical systems such as cameras and target acquisition devices with strong light pulses. Both methods increase the protection of vehicles by effectively impairing enemy reconnaissance and target acquisition.

Multi-sensor approach: integration into existing systems

As a multi-sensor system, the series version of ODAEON will feature interfaces to existing systems and further sensory means to reduce possible false alarms. In a further step, the fusion of ODAEON and MUSS technologies is planned to ensure comprehensive protection. HENSOLDT is thus pursuing the strategic goal of consistently combining reconnaissance, situational awareness and self-protection in order to offer the user highly integrated systems with the corresponding added value.

“With ODAEON, we are responding to a central requirement of modern battlefields: The ability to detect threats from enemy optical systems at an early stage and to protect combat vehicle crews in real time using automated warning systems,” explains Dr. Oliver Rudow, Head of the “Survivability” product line at HENSOLDT. “This is a further step in equipping our armed forces with innovative technologies that not only increase their effectiveness but also improve their safety.”

Spectra Group Announces the Award of a Contract to Supply Troposcatter COMET to the Irish Defence Force

Friday, February 21st, 2025

Spectra Group (UK) Ltd, the specialist provider of secure voice, data and satellite communications systems, has announced a contract award to supply the Irish Defence Force with Comtech’s Troposcatter Compact Over-the Horizon Mobile Expeditionary Terminals (COMET). Spectra Group acquired the global distribution rights to supply Comtech’s Troposcatter Family of Systems (FoS) in February 2024 (less USA, Canada and Mexico which Comtech retains). This procurement is the next in a series of overseas sales under this agreement. The Irish Defence Force has procured a number of COMET systems, with more systems and the associated training and support package in the pipeline, including aspirations to deploy the new Troposcatter on the Move (TOTM) enhancement; more news on this exciting new capability coming soon. Spectra Group is attending EnForce Tac in Booth 7-360 showcasing their specific communication capabilities, including GENSS. Troposcatter COMET will also be on display at the JK Defence booth (10-521).

Tropospheric scatter is a communications capability that uses the Troposphere (up to about 13km altitude) to provide high bandwidth communications. It is satellite independent and works in a GPS/GNSS denied environment, so is suitable for use in a Peer-on-Peer conflict/Multi Domain Integration. Troposcatter inherently has very low latency and can provide huge bandwidth, enabling analysis and manipulation of large data, which combined with its low operating cost makes it suitable for strategic and tactical headquarters. In the past, Troposcatter technology required large power-hungry equipment unsuitable for expeditionary or manoeuvre warfare. However, modern technology and significant development by Comtech has revolutionised the size, weight and power of the Troposcatter Family of Systems, of which, COMET is the smallest and most lightweight.

COMET is specifically designed for rapid deployments and mobile operations, delivering high bandwidth (5-60Mbps) and long-range connectivity (70km+) while operating efficiently with just 10 Watts of power—currently the only low-power Troposcatter system available. The COMET system uses a single 1-metre dish and the COMTECH CS67Plus Modem capable of up to 210Mbps, which takes the IP stream and directly converts to two RF outputs in the range 4.4-5Ghz to provide two frequencies, amplified by Dual 10W GaN amps (Dual LNA on the receive path). This allows for dual frequency/polarisation diversity that compensates for any fading/multi-path effects and ensures low latency (typically 9-20mS). In suitable conditions, the bandwidth, range and data transfer speeds can be much greater than specified. The COMET system is simple, intuitive, and easy to set up and does not require the use of vulnerable and expensive satellites. It has been developed to be man-portable and the whole system can be established and operational within 15 minutes. The COMET system comes packed in two small cases (25kg each) that can be transported on civilian aircraft if required.

Michael Davies, Business Development Manager at Spectra Group said: “This is a continuation of what we hope to be many procurements under our Troposcatter global distribution agreement with Comtech. We have been working closely with the Irish Defence Force for some time to find suitable solutions to their strategic communications challenges and help meet their national defence commitments. With many NATO countries already operating Troposcatter systems, COMET is the perfect solution for its reliability, capacity, deployability and interoperability both on the land and for maritime vessels.”

spectra-group.co.uk

Rheinmetall Celebrates the Completion of the LAND 121 Program – Over 3,500 HX Trucks Delivered

Friday, February 21st, 2025

On 20 February 2025, Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles Australia (RMMVA) celebrated the successful conclusion of the LAND 121 Phase 3B/5B program together with the Australian Department of Defence. The Final Acceptance ceremony took place at Rheinmetall’s Military Vehicles Center of Excellence (MILVEHCOE) in Queensland. The Australian Defence Force procured its fleet of logistics vehicles based on the proven HX truck as part of the LAND 121 project. Over 3500 vehicles were delivered on time and within budget. RMMVA is the largest supplier of military logistics vehicles for the Australian Army.

The Final Acceptance Ceremony marks the successful completion of a just over ten-year procurement program on time and on budget. A total of 3,580 medium and heavy military logistics trucks and 3,165 modules and protected cabs have been delivered. The Australian HX fleet includes recovery vehicle, transporter, self-loading hook-lift, fuel truck, tractor and tipper configurations. Testing and verification was carried out at the Australian Automotive Research Centre (AARC) near Anglesea, Victoria.

Michael Wittlinger, Chief of Staff of Rheinmetall AG and Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles Australia Pty Ltd.: “The HX truck is the workhorse of the Australian Army and provides the Australian Defence Force with outstanding capabilities. The entire workforce of Rheinmetall Defence Australia and Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles Australia is grateful to have successfully completed the project together with the Commonwealth of Australia.”

“The first HX trucks procured under the LAND 121 Phase 3B/5B program entered service more than ten years ago. Since then, the HX truck has proven to be a mainstay for the Australian supply force.”

“These vehicles are the logistical backbone of the Australian Army, transporting troops, food, water and other equipment throughout Australia,” said Wittlinger.

“The HX trucks are built in the Austrian capital of Vienna by Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles. Final assembly of the Australian fleet was undertaken at Rheinmetall Defence Australia in south-east Queensland, and supported by our team members in Victoria and Queensland.”

With the procurement process complete, Rheinmetall is transitioning to support and sustain the HX fleet, utilising a national network of partners and suppliers.

“Our team of Field Service Representatives follow the members of the Australian Army with the HX trucks to all corners of Australia to ensure the reliability and serviceability of the vehicle fleet,” Mr Wittlinger said.

More than 20,000 RMMV HX trucks are in service with various NATO member and partner nations, providing crucial logistical capabilities and mobility for complex missions. Australia is part of an international HX user family that includes New Zealand, Germany, the United Kingdom, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Austria, Singapore and Canada.

The extremely robust HX trucks are military-off-the-shelf systems. They are powered by a six-cylinder in-line diesel engine. The maximum weight can be up to 41,000 kilograms. The vehicles can operate in temperatures ranging from -32° Celsius to +49° Celsius and can traverse water depths of more than 1.5 metres. Possible variants include: integrated and automated load handling system, swap body, crane, container carrier, recovery vehicle, tractor, tanker, tipper, system carrier and artillery system.

Galvion Announces the Receipt of Middle Eastern Orders for 35,000 Helmets, at IDEX 2025

Monday, February 17th, 2025

Galvion, a world leader in the design and manufacture of innovative head systems, power and data management solutions, and integrated soldier systems, is excited to announce the receipt of several recent orders from the Middle Eastern region for a total of 35,000 Baltskin® helmet systems. This announcement coincides with the IDEX exhibition taking place in Abu Dhabi, UAE, 17-21 February 2025. At the event, Galvion will be exhibiting at booth 14-C31.

The 35,000 head systems ordered are split between two of Galvion’s Batlskin® helmet platforms: the Baltskin VIPER® and Baltskin PDxT™ variants. Galvion’s PDxT geometry was recently introduced to their commercial helmet portfolio under the name Batlskin Hellbender™. Galvion is unable to disclose specific details related to all orders received, however a trusted regional partner of Galvion’s is amongst the most recent customers that has placed orders for over 100,000 helmets in the last 10 years for use by Armed Forces and security services in the region.

Galvion’s Batlskin VIPER® A1 Special Edition is a high-cut ACH shaped aramid helmet. The Special Edition system was specifically developed for a regional customer in coyote brown, with a custom camo helmet cover and a bespoke helmet bag. Elsewhere in the region, further orders were received for Galvion’s Batlskin PDxT™ helmet. The PDxT platform is battle-proven, with multiple variants in service across international helmet programs. The unique geometry features an ACH- front with smooth ear transition and a ridged back, offering structural rigidity, increased rear ballistic protection and improved impact protection. Both helmet systems on order feature Galvion’s customizable, comfort-fit Modular Suspension System (MSS). The MSS retention system is designed to maximize comfort, stability, air circulation, and protection during long periods of wear.

Alex Hooper, Vice President Strategic Markets at Galvion, said: “Galvion has a long history of supporting our Middle East customers, and we have developed a series of trusted partnerships in the region over many years. These most recent orders are a testament to our successful relationships in the area, and further evidence of Galvion’s global position as the head system provider of choice.” Hooper added: “We’re excited to be able to make this announcement at IDEX, where we are exhibiting the full breadth of our capabilities. This includes our portfolio of head systems, as well as our expanded Nerv Centr® power and data management solutions, which are ideally suited to remote and austere environments with low power availability. We see a significant opportunity for military clients in the region to benefit from our advanced, integrated soldier systems, and we look forward to further supporting our allied Armed Forces across the Middle East.”

Barrett Firearms Secures MRAD Contract with Colombian National Army

Thursday, February 13th, 2025

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. – Barrett Firearms Manufacturing, Inc., is proud to announce that the Colombian National Army has awarded the company its largest international military contract for the acquisition of the MRAD (Multi-Role Adaptive Design) sniper rifle and AM338suppressors. Deliveries of the systems are scheduled to begin in the summer of 2025. 


The Colombia Contract MRAD rifle in OD Green paired with a Leupold Mark 5HD optic. 

The contract includes MRAD rifles chambered in 7.62x51mm and .338 Lapua Magnum, paired with the AM338Suppressor and Leupold Mark 5HD optics. This adoption marks a pivotal step in the Colombian military’s efforts to standardize its precision rifle systems with a modular, multi-caliber, modern solution. Barrett’s MRAD rifles were selected following their proven success in special forces and army deployments worldwide, having earned a reputation for unparalleled performance and adaptability. 

“We are deeply honored to have secured this new contract with our professional customers in Colombia,” said Cooper Thompson, Barrett’s Director of International Sales. “This collaboration is a monumental moment for us, as this contract sets our record for the largest single acquisition of MRAD systems from any international military end user to date. We look forward to reinforcing our already successful relationship with the Colombian military, and we anticipate overwhelming success and growth together.” 

This milestone reflects Barrett’s ongoing commitment to supporting international defense forces and expanding its presence internationally. The adoption of the MRAD platform will enhance the Colombian National Army’s capabilities, providing state-of-the-art precision and modularity to meet the demands of modern military operations. 

For more information, please visit www.barrett.net.

VKTR Industries LLC Announces Delivery of New Rifles to the Blount County, TN Sheriff’s Department

Monday, February 10th, 2025

VKTR Industries, a manufacturer of premier piston driven AR-15 rifles and accessories, is proud to announce the selection and subsequent delivery of new VK-1 rifles to the Blount County, Tennessee Sheriff’s Department SWAT Team.

VKTR Industries VK-1 11.5 inch rifles, kitted with the VKTR Combat Match Bolt and HUXWRX Flow 556K suppressors were chosen to outfit the SWAT Team.  

“We are extremely excited to support this customer.” said Eric Luley, the National Sales Manager for VKTR.  “We have built out a great package for the crew and are proud to support them over the life of the program.”

Some of the benefits of the suppressed VK-1 system are:

Greatly reduced toxic blowback to the face, because of the patented piston system and HUXWRX suppressor.  This will result in a safer overall product for officers.

Combat Match Bolt- tested for extreme durability and reduces wear rates overall.

Truly ambidextrous controls, allowing the officers to manipulate the rifle from either hand.

22.5 degree long advanced bolt carrier cam path which reduces muzzle rise and provides for easier follow up shots.

A cleaner, cooler system that is easier for the end user to clean and maintain.

Law Enforcement agencies and commercial customers are quickly learning the overall benefits of the VK-1 piston system and recognizing VK-1 difference.

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.