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AFSOC Selects MQ-9B Skyguardian for UAS Family of Systems Concept

Tuesday, March 7th, 2023

GA-ASI to Deliver Three Aircraft to First U.S. Customer

SAN DIEGO – 06 March 2023 – General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. is proud to announce a new contract with U.S. Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) to provide three MQ-9B SkyGuardian® remotely piloted aircraft systems to its first U.S. customer.

AFSOC’s acquisition of MQ-9B builds on more than 20 years as a GA-ASI partner and more than 14 years flying the MQ-9A Reaper, operating more than 40 aircraft in harsh environments around the world.

MQ-9B will feature a key role in developing AFSOC’s new Adaptive Airborne Enterprise (A2E) concept, which envisions AFSOC projecting air power for special operations forces from beyond the horizon, using a family of large UAS and expendable, small UAS from permissive to denied environments.

“We’re very excited to continue our great partnership with AFSOC well into the future,” said David R. Alexander, president of GA-ASI. “MQ-9B is the ideal platform for inserting air-launched effects into potentially hostile environments. The MQ-9B’s combination of range, endurance, reduced manpower footprint, and overall flexibility will make it a true centerpiece of AFSOC’s future family of advanced UAS systems.”

MQ-9B represents the next generation of UAS, having demonstrated airborne endurance of more than 40 hours in certain configurations, automatic takeoffs and landings under SATCOM-only control, as well as a GA-ASI-developed Detect and Avoid System, among other upgrades. Its development is the result of a company-funded effort to deliver a UAS that can meet the stringent airworthiness certification requirements of various global military and civil authorities.

MQ-9B has garnered significant interest from customers throughout the world. After the UK Ministry of Defence selected MQ-9B SkyGuardian for its upcoming Protector program, the Belgian Ministry of Defense signed a contract for SkyGuardian. The Japan Coast Guard is currently operating MQ-9B in the SeaGuardian® configuration, which the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) also recently selected for its Medium-Altitude, Long-Endurance (MALE) RPAS Trial Operation Project beginning in April.

Posted in Air Force, Contracts, Press Release, SOF, UAS | Comments Off on AFSOC Selects MQ-9B Skyguardian for UAS Family of Systems Concept

SOG Sponsors AKTI’s “Carry With Confidence” Knife Giveaway

Tuesday, March 7th, 2023

Cody, WY – SOG Knives & Tools, a supporter of the American Knife and Tools Institute (AKTI) for more than 20 years, is hosting a knife giveaway in March, helping to reinforce AKTI’s mission of educating and informing the public about the value of carrying knives.

In 2023, AKTI will celebrate 25 years as the leading, cohesive voice of the knife industry and advocate for the knife community. Industry members like SOG will spearhead knife giveaways throughout the year to help amplify AKTI’s message. The nonprofit provides valuable information for knife owners to carry and use their knives and edged tools with confidence by providing accurate laws and other valuable information. It advocates to remove or clarify knife laws so individuals can use and enjoy the tool they choose for the task at hand.

The SOG giveaway is free to enter and will be held for two weeks – March 6-20. One winner will be chosen for a grand prize package that includes a folding knife, a multi-tool, and a fixed-blade knife. The prize package is valued at more than $500. To enter, click here.

“We’re incredibly fortunate to have the leading brands in the knife industry step up and assist in promoting our mission,” said Mark Schreiber, President of CRKT and President of AKTI. “While we celebrate our 25th anniversary year, these giveaways are one way for us to stay engaged with the knife community that supports our advocacy and education work.”

Other giveaways are planned this year, as is the annual Free to Carry auction that features an outstanding mix of production and custom knives.

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Saab Receives Carl-Gustaf Ammunition Order from Lithuania

Friday, March 3rd, 2023

Saab has received an order from Lithuania’s Defence Materiel Agency for Carl-Gustaf® ammunition. The order value is SEK 145 million and deliveries will start during 2024.

The order is placed within a framework agreement initially signed between Saab and the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration, which allows Lithuania, together with Latvia and Estonia, to place orders for Carl-Gustaf M4 weapons and ammunition during a ten-year period.

“We are pleased to receive an additional order from Lithuania and are ready to continue to deliver our world-leading ground combat capabilities to the customer,” says Görgen Johansson, head of Saab’s business area Dynamics.

Proven to deliver results on the battlefield, the Carl-Gustaf provides the effectiveness soldiers need. The wide range of ammunition types available for Carl-Gustaf makes it flexible and able to handle any situation on the battlefield, whether it is to destroy an armoured vehicle or structure, or illuminating the battlefield during night-time operations.

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U.S. Army Selects AeroVironment JUMP 20 Medium Unmanned Aircraft System to Enter Future Tactical Unmanned Aircraft System (FTUAS) Program Increment 2

Thursday, March 2nd, 2023

• AeroVironment is the only company to secure an award for all FTUAS program increments, including FTUAS Increments 0,1 and now 2

• Increment 2 is the final phase of the U.S. Army’s FTUAS program competition to select a replacement for the RQ-7B Shadow UAS

The JUMP 20 is shown conducting flight tests and maneuvers on February 25-26, 2021, at Fort Benning, Georgia during the Future Tactical Unmanned Aircraft System (FTUAS) Rodeo. (Photo: Courtesy asset of the U.S. Department of Defense attributed to Mr. Luke J. Allen). The appearance of U.S. DoD visual information does not imply or constitute DoD endorsement.

ARLINGTON, Va., March 1, 2023 – AeroVironment, Inc. (NASDAQ: AVAV), a global leader in intelligent, multi-domain robotic systems, today announced it was selected by the United States Army on Feb. 28, 2023, to move forward in the Future Tactical Unmanned Aircraft System (FTUAS) program.

AeroVironment’s JUMP 20 will compete with several other vendors in the FTUAS Increment 2 multi-phased effort which will allow the Army to select the best system for its needs. Ultimately, FTUAS Increment 2 aircraft will be fielded to Brigade Combat Teams (BCTs) throughout the Army, replacing the long-serving RQ-7B Shadow UAS.

During the early stages of what would become the U.S. Army’s FTUAS program, AeroVironment’s JUMP 20 demonstrated superior competitive performance and was awarded the FTUAS Increment 1 contract to develop a prototype system to field to one Brigade Combat Team (BCT). Its success throughout the demonstrations led to AeroVironment’s contract award for FTUAS Increment 0, in which the U.S. Army fielded the JUMP 20 into an additional Army BCT within the United States Army Europe. AeroVironment is the only company awarded the FTUAS contract for all three program increments.

“The AeroVironment JUMP 20 is the most mature and capable solution in its class,” said Gorik Hossepian, AeroVironment’s vice president and product line general manager for medium unmanned aircraft systems. “We will continue to work closely with the U.S. Army to ensure we meet their performance needs both today for an all-environment aircraft system and in the future as requirements evolve to meet changing battlefield demands.”

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Rheinmetall Supplying Ukraine with Automated Reconnaissance Systems – Order in the Two-Digit Million-Euro Range

Wednesday, March 1st, 2023

At the behest of the German government, Rheinmetall is supplying Ukraine with automated reconnaissance systems. These are primarily used for monitoring large areas of terrain with as few personnel as possible. Rheinmetall is cooperating in this project with the Estonian company DefSecIntel. Known as the SurveilSPIRE, these reconnaissance systems consist of mobile surveillance towers with day and night-capable camera equipment, autopiloted mini drones and a control system. The scope of delivery also includes transport vehicles. The order is worth a figure in the double-digit million-euro range. Delivery has already commenced.

Made by Estonia’s DefSecIntel, the SurveilSPIRE surveillance towers can be loaded onto trailers and quickly transported to their area of operation. Assembly requires three personnel; operation is fully automated. The system includes wireless links (4G and Starlink) for video transmission to a mobile command post. Solar panels enable sustained operation without power cables or a fuel source. The system relies on autopiloted reconnaissance drones that conduct patrols and mission-specific flights. This enables inspection of detected threats and lets the operator initiate necessary countermeasures.

Rheinmetall is already taking part in several projects in support of Ukraine. On behalf of the German government, for example, Rheinmetall subsidiary Zeppelin Mobile Systeme GmbH is supplying Ukraine this year with a turnkey field hospital. Moreover, along with other defence materiel to help it repel the Russian invasion, Ukraine is taking delivery of 26 brand new high-mobility HX swap-body trucks.

Furthermore, Rheinmetall is a partner in multiple multilateral “Ringtausch” transactions. This procedure, developed by the German government, is designed to support the Ukrainian war effort in cooperation with Germany’s European neighbours and NATO partners. Here, NATO member nations transfer Soviet-era equipment to Ukraine in exchange for surplus Western-made systems.

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Tulmar Receives $2.68M Contract Award for Tactical Flotation Systems

Wednesday, February 22nd, 2023

Tulmar Safety Systems is pleased to announce that they have received a $2.68M contract award for solicitation number W8482-230492/A by the Canadian Department of National Defence for the supply of 2,000 Tactical Life Preserver Units (LPUs) and ancillary accessory items to the Royal Canadian Navy.

‘We are honored that the men and women of the Royal Canadian Navy’s Tactical Operations Group, Naval Boarding Parties, and Naval Security Teams can put their trust in Tulmar to safeguard them while conducting operations’ says Matt Fisher, Director of Defense Business Development for Tulmar. Since its founding in 1992, Tulmar has became a leading supplier of maritime and aviation survival and life support equipment to defense and tactical law enforcement organizations around the world.

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Beretta USA Delivers Sako TRG M10 Rifles to NYPD Emergency Service Unit

Wednesday, February 22nd, 2023

Accokeek, MD (February 21, 2023) – Beretta USA, a member of the BDT – Beretta Defense Technologies alliance, announced the delivery to NYPD of several Sako TRG M10 multi-caliber sniper systems to support the mission of its Emergency Service Unit (ESU). Beretta USA will also provide armorer training.

“It has been a privilege to work with such an outstanding team of professionals to develop the best configuration for their needs”, said Stefano Itri, Vice President of International Sales & BDT USA, “Beretta USA is honored to support the NYPD in its critical mission to guarantee the daily safety of the New York City community for the coming years.”

“We are honored that the NYPD, the world renowned law enforcement agency, has selected our rifle to meet its exacting requirements”, said Raimo Karjalainen, CEO of Sako Ltd., manufacturer of the rifles, “the US market is extremely demanding, and we are proud that our products continue to excel in the service of its professionals”.

Born from the needs of US special operation forces, the M10 is Sako’s latest iteration of its legendary TRG family, offering mission specific configurability and true multi-role capability in a single weapon system. It is a bolt-action, manually operated, magazine-fed, sniper weapon that can be set-up in hundreds of configurations due to it modular design and integrability with after-market components. Providing sub-MOA out-of-the-box accuracy from its cold hammer forged stainless steel barrel, the rifle features a precise yet robust two stage trigger, completely adjustable in both pull-weight and position.

For more information on the Sako TRG M10 and the complete line of Sako defense products, visit DEFENCE & LAW ENFORCEMENT | SAKO

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US Army Announces Joint Light Tactical Vehicle Follow-on Production Award

Tuesday, February 21st, 2023

DETROIT ARSENAL, Mich. (Feb. 9, 2023) – The Army announced today the award of a requirements contract with five base ordering years plus five one-year optional ordering periods to AM General LLC for estimated Joint and Foreign Military Sales (FMS) production of up to 20,682 Joint Light Tactical Vehicles (JLTVs) and up to 9,883 JLTV Trailers. The total contract value is $8.66 billion. This competitive follow-on production contract has been part of the JLTV acquisition strategy from the beginning and focused on a best value determination that includes retaining the capability of the JLTV today, while ensuring that it can be upgraded in the future with the latest technologies.

The JLTV follow-on contract strategy was designed to provide a fair and competitive environment, while ensuring the Army obtained a premier manufacturer that delivers the highest quality, most capable, and affordable tactical vehicle in the world.

The JLTV follow-on contract request for proposal, in accordance with the Army Climate Strategy, sought to incentivize offerors to propose fuel efficiency technologies that targeted on-the-move fuel economy improvements and anti-idle capability in support of optimizing combat effectiveness. The JLTV A2 design is the first tactical wheeled vehicle with baseline architecture utilizing lithium-ion batteries, which is a key enabler for anti-idle capability.

Effective competition is the critical element for controlling cost and maximizing buying power for the government. The JLTV engagement strategy with industry has been very successful in establishing executable timelines, adding mature technology insertions, and providing transparency throughout the process to allow contractors to make individual business decisions.

“One of the key strategies of the JLTV program from its earliest days was to leverage competition to control cost and maximize buying power for the government,” said Brig. Gen. Samuel L. “Luke” Peterson, program executive officer, Combat Support & Combat Service Support. “From the start of production, the government procured the data rights to the JLTV Technical Data Package from the original equipment manufacturer, which the program leverages to conduct future production competitions and control the platform’s configuration and vehicle price well into the future. These government-held data rights permitted the program to compete this follow-on production contract with much better control of the production configuration and cost.”

To ensure the JLTV follow-on production contract was robustly competitive, the government focused on rigorous communication with its industry partners. This consistent communication strategy included prior notifications to the current contractor that future contracts were intended to be competitive. The original JLTV contract was awarded in August 2015 to Oshkosh Defense, and the Technical Data Package option was ordered shortly thereafter.

“Our industry partners are essential to ensure we deliver critical, advanced technology and capabilities like the JLTV to our warfighters,” said Brig. Gen. David Walsh, commander of Marine Corps Systems Command. “We look forward to partnering with AM General to build upon this proven platform and ensure our warfighters have the latest in vehicle technology.”

Since August 2019, Joint Program Office JLTV actively engaged the light tactical wheeled vehicle industrial base. The feedback received from market research was instrumental in framing the acquisition plan, which was approved by the Army Acquisition Executive in November 2020. The plan:

Focused on and extended the presolicitation period

Provided multiple draft Request for Proposal releases that sought feedback to shape the solicitation and eliminate barriers

Provided lease vehicles to provide a deeper level of understanding for the nonincumbents

Released both the JLTV A1 and A2 Technical Data Packages to provide competitive balance

Enabled multiple static displays and one-on-one sessions with government subject matter experts

Provided a responsive Q&A forum, resulting in active industry engagement (more than 400 questions submitted and corresponding responses.)

The JLTV Family of Vehicles, an Army-led joint program with the U.S. Marine Corps, closes capability gaps in the light tactical vehicle fleets. JLTVs can perform multiple mission roles and are designed to provide protected, sustained, networked mobility for personnel and payloads across the full range of military operations. The JLTV brings increased protection and performance to the fleet; minimizes ownership costs by maximizing commonality, fuel efficiency and reliability; and maintains effective competition throughout its life cycle. Commonality of components, maintenance procedures, training, etc., between vehicles is expected to be inherent in Family of Vehicle solutions across mission variants to minimize total ownership cost.

The JLTV program has been lauded as a model of successful acquisition. It has received two David Packard for Acquisition Excellence Awards as well as Department of Defense Should-Cost and Innovation Awards.

By Sam Tricomo, Program Executive Office Combat Support & Combat Service Support

Posted in Army, Contracts, Guest Post, Mobility | 2 Comments »