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Saab Signs GlobalEye Support Contract with UAE

Thursday, January 25th, 2024

Saab and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Ministry of Defence have signed a contract and Saab has received an order regarding in-service support for the GlobalEye Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) solution. The order value is approximately USD 190 million with a three-year contract period that runs until 2026.

The contract includes maintenance and logistics support, as well as training services.

“This agreement solidifies Saab’s role in ensuring that GlobalEye remains mission-ready. We look forward to further strengthening our partnership with the UAE Air Force and Air Defence and providing long-term local support,” says Carl-Johan Bergholm, head of Saab’s business area Surveillance.

GlobalEye is an advanced multi-domain AEW&C solution with an array of active and passive sensors that provide long-range detection and identification of objects in the air, at sea and over land.

By providing real-time information to units in air forces, armies and navies, GlobalEye enables enhanced situational awareness of the surrounding areas and early detection of threats.

Posted in Aviation, Contracts, International, ISR, Press Release | Comments Off on Saab Signs GlobalEye Support Contract with UAE

Saab Receives Order from Sweden for Mobile Short-Range Air Defence

Monday, January 22nd, 2024

Saab has received an order for its Mobile Short Range Air Defence (MSHORAD) solution from the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV). The contract period is 2024-2026 and the order value is approximately SEK 300 million. Saab booked the order in the fourth quarter 2023.

FMV and the Swedish Armed Forces will use the acquired solution for two configurations, both integrated on the BvS10 armoured vehicle, to further define Sweden’s future mobile air defence requirements.

“We are proud that our Swedish customer has chosen to use Saab’s mobile short range air defence solution for this purpose. Our advanced solution is truly mobile, providing crucial protection for forces on the battlefield,” says Görgen Johansson, head of Saab’s business area Dynamics.

Saab’s MSHORAD is a vehicle-integrated solution that can identify, counter and neutralise air threats, including UAVs and armoured helicopters, quickly and effectively. The system consists of a mobile radar unit, based on the Giraffe 1X radar and a mobile firing unit, based on RBS 70 NG, all connected with Saab’s ground-based air defence command and control solution, GBAD C2.

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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

Birdie for the Bundeswehr: Rheinmetall Awarded €50 Million Order for Infrared Decoys

Tuesday, January 16th, 2024

The Bundeswehr has awarded Rheinmetall a substantial order for decoy flares for protecting aircraft. The German military can now procure over 470,000 decoys from Rheinmetall’s tried-and-tested Birdie product line. Covering the period December 2023 to December 2029, the contract is worth nearly €50 million.

Birdie is an acronym standing for “Bispectral Infrared Decoy Improved Efficiency”. Marketed by Rheinmetall Waffe & Munition GmbH of Fronau, these infrared decoys, or ‘flares’, are ejected from helicopters, transport planes and jets to distract oncoming infrared-homing guided missiles. The flares simulate the heat signature of exhaust gases emitted by the aircraft engine.
The current contract specifies delivery of two different Birdie products: IR-Birdie 118 BS and IR-Birdie 218 BS. Both are already in service with the Bundeswehr, which refers to them as “Decoy, Aircraft, DM189A1, PT” and “Decoy, Aircraft, DM169A1, PT”, respectively.

Owing to the current security situation, aircraft self-defence has come sharply back into focus again. Decoys are one way of accomplishing this. Among other things, these include pyrotechnic flares, i.e., products designed to distract infrared search head-equipped surface-to-air missiles (SAM) and air-to-air missiles (AAM). Other techniques include chaff for thwarting enemy radar, and smoke-obscurant munitions such as Rheinmetall’s fast-acting ROSY smoke screen.

Posted in Aviation, Contracts, International, Press Release | Comments Off on Birdie for the Bundeswehr: Rheinmetall Awarded €50 Million Order for Infrared Decoys

US Army Selects Strike Industries Cable Management System for Next Generation Squad Weapon (NGSW) Program

Wednesday, January 10th, 2024

Las Vegas, Nevada — Strike Industries is proud to announce that its Cable Management System® (CMS) has been selected by the United States Army for use in the Next Generation Squad Weapon (NGSW) Program (in use beginning 2024). We are very excited and honored for the opportunity to contribute to the US Military. This significant achievement represents a milestone for our company and a testament to the quality and innovation of our products.

Our CMS is a meticulously crafted ecosystem in development since 2018. Engineered to solve the cable conundrum stemming from flashlights, lasers, and other weapon electronics, our CMS does more than just hold cables. It ingeniously stores excess cable within the weapon accessories and guides the cable’s direction seamlessly.

We have developed over 20 CMS products which include handguards, rail covers, vertical grips, angled grips, picatinny mounted, M-LOK mounted accessories, and several more parts. To date, Strike Industries has received multiple issued patents for these products with more patents pending.

Within our CMS product line, three products were chosen after a rigorous evaluation and selection process that included extensive testing which included other companies’ products as well — to ensure who would meet the highest standards of performance, reliability, and security required by the US military:

Strike Multidirectional Picatinny Rail Cover w/ Cable Management

M-LOK Cable Management Covers (Long)

M-LOK Cable Management Covers (Short)

Image provided by US Army during testing.

Key benefits and features of these Cable Management System® products:

-Enables users to organize and store excess wire from weapon lights or any other cabled accessories.

-Aesthetic top rail cover protects hand or thumb from picatinny rail’s sharp edges while providing more control and comfort over the front end of the weapon platform.

-M-LOK covers serve in organizing wires and mitigating heat from the barrel.

-Come in a short version which is about the length of one M-LOK slot (1.57”).

-Come in a long version which is about the length of two M-LOK slots (3.14”).

For more information about the Strike Industries Cable Management System® or to see our entire CMS catalog, please visit our website at www.strikeindustries.com/products/ar/upper-parts/accessories/cms

Posted in Contracts, Press Release, Weapon Accessories | 14 Comments »

Aspetto Delivers Industry-Leading K9 Modular Vest System to the Norwegian Armed Forces

Monday, January 8th, 2024

The Norwegian Defence Material Agencies’ 15-year project seeking a tailored Modular K9 System has come to a conclusion in 2023. Upon delivery of the versatile system, Aspetto supplemented users with training and familiarization of the new kit, stimulating new and vital capabilities K9 Handlers will develop for the future.

Counter-IED operations remain a necessary tool in today’s war and continue to evolve through each conflict. With the guidance of Norwegian K9 Handlers and Leaders, team Aspetto and partners, Visual Engineering and Recon K9, developed a drop kit system that solved mission critical requirements.

This mesh-enabled TM-K9 solution emphasizes versatility across the various K9 verticals as the mission requires. GPS, IR, Thermal, and Audio functionalities allow users to communicate, locate, and gather valuable data in operation with the Military Working Dog.

The highly regarded tech is paired with Recon K9s DT alpha, ensuring proper fitment across various K9 breeds ranging in size and shape. This roping-rated vest is used globally in special operations.

The global solutions provider, Aspetto, will support Norway for years to come with its wide range of K9 products through several strategic partnerships. Aspetto invests and focuses on highly technical solutions like this to push the industry’s boundaries and ultimately protect our end users and their allies.

Aspetto has extended its global footprint to 38 countries with strategies to strengthen such partnerships and increase collaboration between nations.

Aspetto will exhibit the K9 MVS at SHOT show this month in Las Vegas. Stop by Booth #41250. Additionally, they will schedule meetings in their Venetian suite throughout SHOT – contact: ross.whitehead@aspettoinc.com for an appointment.?

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Government of Canada Orders the MQ-9B SkyGuardian RPAS from GA-ASI

Thursday, December 21st, 2023

SAN DIEGO – 19 December 2023 – The Government of Canada has signed a contract to purchase a fleet of MQ-9B SkyGuardian® Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) from General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI). The order includes the associated Certified Ground Control Stations and support equipment from GA-ASI. The first delivery is expected in 2028.

The SkyGuardian RPAS is interoperable with Canada’s domestic missions and its continental defence missions through NORAD, as well as with Canada’s closest allies – including the Five Eyes Alliance (FVEY) and NATO – for seamless integration with current and future Canadian defence, civil air, and ground assets.

“Canada’s vast territory and complex terrains, including in the Arctic, require a cost-effective multi-mission RPAS solution that can endure long periods on station, fly in harsh weather environments, and safely operate in all airspaces,” said Linden Blue, CEO of GA-ASI. “MQ-9B SkyGuardian delivers those critical capabilities. GA-ASI and Team SkyGuardian Canada are honored by this opportunity to become a key partner to Canada for the very long term in delivering these no-fail defence and security outcomes.”

Team SkyGuardian Canada is a coalition of leading Canadian businesses – including CAE, MDA Ltd., and L3Harris Technologies – that are working with GA-ASI on MQ-9B development, delivery, and sustainment. Canada’s investments in the RPAS Project and Team SkyGuardian Canada are a direct reflection of Canada’s vested domestic interest in pursuing leading-edge RPAS technologies.

GA-ASI has had a long, successful, and proud history with Canadian industry that continues to grow. Nearly every system that GA-ASI has delivered throughout its more than 30-year history has contained some level of Canadian content, including sensors, propulsion equipment, and training/simulation systems and services. CAE, MDA Ltd., L3Harris, and GA-ASI are committed to delivering the world’s premier RPAS capability to Canada while creating domestic economic benefits and work opportunities.

MQ-9B is the next generation of RPAS, delivering exceptionally long endurance and range, with auto takeoff and landing under SATCOM-only control, and will be able to operate in unsegregated airspace using the GA-ASI developed Detect and Avoid system. First customer deliveries of MQ-9B began in 2022 to the U.K. Royal Air Force, and contracts have been signed with Belgium and the U.S. Air Force, in support of Special Operations Command. The Japan Coast Guard is currently operating the MQ-9B for maritime operations, which the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) also selected for its Medium-Altitude, Long-Endurance (MALE) RPAS Trial Operation Project. MQ-9B has additionally supported various U.S. Navy exercises this year, including Northern Edge, Integrated Battle Problem, and Group Sail.

“We look forward to working with our Team SkyGuardian Canada partners to deliver our industry leading RPAS for Canada’s dynamic mission requirements. GA-ASI is the world leader in reliable, cost-efficient, and sustainable remotely piloted aircraft systems. These aircraft perform advanced interoperable and systems-of-systems operations for our valued customers around the world – all at a fraction of the carbon footprint impact as traditional manned systems performing similar missions,” added Blue.

Posted in Contracts, Press Release, UAS | Comments Off on Government of Canada Orders the MQ-9B SkyGuardian RPAS from GA-ASI

Rheinmetall Wins Follow-Up Order from Vienna: Austrian Army Procuring More Trucks – Potential Additional Sales of Over €300 Million

Thursday, December 21st, 2023

Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles (RMMV) has just scored another significant sales success in Austria, winning a request for tenders for a further lot of logistic vehicles for the Austrian Army. A corresponding enlargement of the existing framework agreement with Bundesbeschaffung GmbH (BGG) of Vienna, the Austrian procurement organization, envisages delivery of up to 300 trucks, primarily from the HX family of vehicles. The expanded contract for the newly won lot runs for 48 months and offers the possibility of flexible call-offs of vehicles with an aggregate value of over €300 million.
In spring 2023, Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles won all six military lots in a request for tenders for a total of 23 lots of trucks. The resulting framework contract runs for seven years and envisages delivery of up to 1,375 vehicles from RMMV’s HX, TGS and TGM series. Order volume could be as high as €525 million. For Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles, the award of an additional lot brings the framework contract volume to over €825 million.

The expansion of the framework agreement concluded just last spring forms part of a comprehensive modernization of the Austrian Army, whose “Build-up Plan 2023” calls for substantial investment in the country’s military capabilities. Improving the mobility of forces in the field is a key element of the plan, reflected in the now well-endowed BBG framework agreement.

Austrian defence minister Klaudia Tanner recently visited the RMMV plant in Vienna’s Liesing district, where she praised the work of the Viennese staff: “I’m impressed by the professionalism of the work being done here. And I’m very glad that the Austrian armed forces have such a reliable partner as RMMV at their side.”

“The expansion of the framework agreement with Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles GmbH is another strong sign that the Austrian Army is modernizing, but this applies all the more so to the Austrian economy”, declares Michael Wittlinger, managing director of RMMV. We’re proud not only of our Vienna plant’s contribution to Austrian value added, but also of being able to enhance the resilience, autarky and sustainment of the Austrian Army.”

The Austrian Army has been a very good customer of RMMV for many years, with vehicles from the company’s TGM, TGS und HX lines successfully in service. Under the new framework agreement, the first half of 2023 witnessed an order of 850 TGM trucks with a double cabin and swap body build-on system as well 15 HX81 armoured recovery vehicles, including an 8-axle trailer. Furthermore, HX trucks with a three-sided tipper build-on and rear crane are slated for delivery in the next few years, as are TGS 8×8 vehicles with a Palfinger hook system. At the end of 2021, moreover, the Austrian Army placed an order with RMMV for exchangeable integrated armoured cabins. These can be mounted on existing HX vehicles in very short order in line with operational requirements.

RMMV is a joint venture company in which Rheinmetall AG holds a 51% stake, with the remaining 49% held by MAN Truck & Bus SE.

Posted in Contracts, International, Mobility, Press Release | Comments Off on Rheinmetall Wins Follow-Up Order from Vienna: Austrian Army Procuring More Trucks – Potential Additional Sales of Over €300 Million