Lon May 18, 2022 Lone Star Future Weapons filed a protest of SIG SAUER’s Next Generation Squad Weapon Contract award.
So far there are no details on the basis of the protest but it has caused an immediate stop work order on the program which has a very aggressive schedule.
The Slovenian government, represented by the European procurement organization OCCAR, and ARTEC, a consortium of Krauss-Maffei Wegmann (KMW) and Rheinmetall, have signed a contract for the delivery of 45 BOXER wheeled vehicles in four different variants.
The volume of the order amounts to EUR 281.5 million. Delivery of the BOXER vehicles is scheduled to begin in 2024 and be completed in 2026.
Now that EU and NATO member Slovenia has joined the BOXER program, it has six user states.
Modular vehicle – versatile and proven in operation
The BOXER is a highly protected 8×8 wheeled vehicle. Its modular architecture allows a diversity of variants like no other vehicle system. So far, approximately 1,500 vehicles in twenty different versions are under contract in the four NATO member states Germany, the Netherlands, Lithuania and the United Kingdom. NATO partner state Australia has opted for the BOXER as well.
ARTEC GmbH was founded in 1999 and is a joint venture between Krauss-Maffei Wegmann GmbH & Co. KG, Rheinmetall Landsysteme GmbH and Rheinmetall Defence Nederland B.V. The company coordinates series production and serves as the point of contact for all export issues relating to the BOXER.
Official handover ceremony for new palletized load-handling system and delivery of 3,000th Unprotected Transport Vehicle
The Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles success story continues. At a ceremony in Munich, Michael Wittlinger, Chairman of the Management Board of Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles GmbH, and Armin Papperger, Chairman of the Executive Board of Rheinmetall AG, together with the Head of the Land Support Division of the German federal procurement authority Bundesamt für Ausrüstung, Informationstechnik und Nutzung der Bundeswehr (BAAINBw), First Director at the BAAINBw Jan Gesau, officially handed over the key for the new generation of palletized load-handling system to the German Armed Forces – represented by the Commander of the Bundeswehr Logistics Command and General Bundeswehr Logistics, Major General Gerald Funke, Brigadier General Frank Schmitz, Head of the Planning Department at the Joint Support Service Command and Brigadier General Dr. Thomas Czirwitzky as representative of the German Army Office.
A further cause for celebration was the delivery of the 3,000th Unprotected Transport Vehicle, or UTF. The fact that the logistics vehicles are a showcase project in which politics, the armed forces and industry work together successfully was also expressed by the presence of other high-ranking visitors from politics, the Bundeswehr and partner companies. Among others, the Bavarian State Minister of the Interior, Joachim Herrmann, the Deputy Chairman of the Defence Committee of the German Bundestag, Henning Otte, as well as Karsten Klein MdB, Chairman of the Budget Committee, and Bernhard Loos MdB from the Economic Committee took part in the ceremony.
In June 2020 the Bundeswehr entered a framework agreement with Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicle Systems (RMMV) for the supply of up to 4,000 palletized load-handling systems. The framework agreement runs until 2027. Known in German as “Wechselladersysteme”, or WLS, these palletized load-handling systems are mounted on RMMV’s successful family of HX military trucks ensuring high commonality to the already fielded Unprotected Transport Vehicles, or UTFs. The prime feature of the WLS is the hook loader, developed by the Hiab company. This means that the flatracks in use with the Bundeswehr can be picked up and set down on almost any terrain without the need for additional handling equipment. Alternatively, the vehicles can also transport an interchangeable flatbed or a container via the standardised 20-foot ISO interfaces.
A large share of the Bundeswehr’s WLS trucks feature a protected cabin. The protected WLS will substantially enhance the survivability, sustainment capability and tactical flexibility of the logistic formations of the German Federal Armed Forces.
The WLS is a critically important component of NATO’s Very High Joint Readiness Task Force VJTF 2023, which the Bundeswehr will be furnishing. In March of this year, instruction began for military drivers in the first protected WLS.
For several years now, the Unprotected Transport Vehicle family has been contributing to the operational effectiveness of the German Bundeswehr’s logistic formations. In July 2017 the Bundeswehr contracted with Rheinmetall MAN to supply its new “UTF mil gl in den Zuladungsklassen 5t und 15t” family of unprotected trucks capable of carrying payloads of 5 and 15 tonnes.
“The UTF is a showpiece project that paved the way for new procurement methods,” says Michael Wittlinger. “It was the first large-volume flexible framework agreement. Financed by the German government’s pandemic recovery package, additional vehicles were called-off and delivered. By the beginning of May, 3,000 vehicles had been transferred to the customer – almost a thousand more than envisaged in the original framework agreement for delivery by 2024. RMMV is therefore well ahead of schedule in this project.”
Armin Papperger also emphasised the high importance of the WLS and UTF for the company in his speech. “Both projects from the field of logistics vehicles are closely interwoven, not only from a technical point of view. They are among our lighthouse projects. WLS and UTF show how defence programmes can be carried out in exemplary fashion. This success is the result of close cooperation built on mutual trust between the German parliament, the armed forces and the defence industry – for which great thanks are due to all those involved!”
A large portion of the value added in the WLS and UTF projects – over 75 percent – is generated in Germany. In close coordination with the Bundeswehr, RMMV has boosted its UTF capacity to 1,000 vehicles per year. Against the background that logistical transport capacities are likely to increase further and more vehicles will be needed, the production capacity for the Bundeswehr will be further expanded. RMMV is also moving to greatly increase delivery capacity for WLS trucks. Rheinmetall MAN thus remains a strong, efficient and reliable partner of the Bundeswehr, capable of meeting its delivery commitments even under extremely difficult circumstances, as demonstrated during the coronavirus pandemic and the Ukraine crisis.
Both the WLS and UTF are based on RMMV’s robust HX vehicle family. Designed for military use right from the start, they display outstanding mobility even in tough terrain. The wide distribution of the HX vehicle family around the world brings major advantages when it comes to interoperability and logistics. Among other countries, the circle of user nations now includes the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Norway, Sweden, Austria, Hungary and Denmark. In cooperation with the armed forces of Germany and other partner nations, RMMV is eager to write new chapters in the success story surrounding the company’s tried-and-tested HX vehicles.
Saab has received an order from the Danish Ministry of Defence Acquisition and Logistics Organisation (DALO) for the multi-role, man-portable Carl-Gustaf® M4 weapon, making Denmark the 15th customer for the M4 version. Deliveries will take place in 2022.
The recoilless Carl-Gustaf M4 weapon increases tactical flexibility. Built to satisfy future requirements, it is compatible with advanced fire control devices and prepared for specialised ammunition, putting advanced technology at forces’ fingertips.
“We are ready to supply Denmark with Carl-Gustaf M4. The user-focused design of the Carl-Gustaf M4 will ensure the Danish forces that they will have what they need, when they need it,” says Görgen Johansson, head of Saab’s business area Dynamics.
The Danish Armed Forces has been using Carl-Gustaf, which is designated Dysekanon in the country, since the 1970s.
PEORIA, Ariz. – On Monday, April 25, Jason Beck, Founder and CEO of TYR Tactical and the Danish Ministry of Defense (DALO) signed a historic contract worth $200,000,000.00 ($200M). The contract will provide each soldier in the Danish military the most state-of-the-art body armor system in existence.
This agreement will have an impact of more than 100 advanced manufacturing jobs for TYR Tactical, which is headquartered in the City of Peoria. This allows for higher economic growth and greater employment opportunities in the west valley spanning the next decade.
“We have spent decades building strong relationships locally, nationally, and ones that span the globe. We have had the honor to serve the Danish Military for over 10 years with our life saving products and been extremely proud of how we have designed and manufactured the best in the world. Our Danish friends have been incredible partners in innovation, working with us to protect those who protect us. Their commitment to providing the world’s best protection for their military personnel is incredible. With this historic signing, we are thrilled to continue our long-term partnership with the Danish military, and our friendship with the Danish people. Today is a day of celebration that we share with our friends from Denmark, the entire TYR family, and our incredible employees whose commitment to 100% quality control results in saving lives,” said Jason Beck, CEO.
One hundred percent of the tactical gear that Denmark will receive will be manufactured in Peoria, Arizona.
Manassas, Virginia – Aimpoint, the originator and worldwide leader in reflex sighting technology, has been awarded a new contract for supply of the Aimpoint® FCS13RE Fire Control Systems to the U.S. Military. The system is currently being deployed as the primary Fire Control on the M3E1 MAAWS lightweight 84mm Carl-Gustaf produced by SAAB Dynamics for use by the U.S. Army, U.S. Marine Corps, and U.S. Special Operations Command.
The FCS13RE is a direct view, Dynamic Universal Reflex Sight, which utilizes an integrated laser range finder and ballistic computer to give the gunner an aiming point corrected for range, type of munition, terrain angle, and environmental conditions. In addition to the 84mm Carl-Gustaf, the system can also be utilized on other weapons including the AT4, 40mm high velocity grenade launchers (Mk19, Mk47, and GMG), .50 caliber heavy machine guns (M2), and the M134D Minigun. The FCS13RE provides an extremely high probability of first round hits on both stationary and moving targets during day and night. The system can be enhanced with a magnifier, a thermal imager, and is compatible with all generations of military night vision.
“We are proud that the Aimpoint Fire Control System was the selected optic for the MAAWS weapon platform.” said Thane Smith, Professional Sales Director at Aimpoint Inc. “The FCS13RE has a proven hit probably of over 90% for the max effective range of the Carl Gustaf weapon system and is also capable of mounting to various crew-served weapons. Aimpoint will continue to produce the highest quality weapon optics that increase lethality and survivability of our service members.”
For more information on the Aimpoint FCS13RE or any other Aimpoint product, visit the company’s webpage: www.aimpoint.com/products/product-series/fcs-series
The Department of Defense has posted this announcement:
Sig Sauer Inc., Newington, New Hampshire, was awarded a $4,500,000,000 firm-fixed-price contract for the manufacture and delivery of the XM5 Next Generation Squad Weapon Rifle, the XM250 NGSW Automatic Rifle and the 6.8 Common Cartridge Family of Ammunition, as well as accessories, spares and contractor support. Bids were solicited via the internet with two received. Work locations and funding will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of April 18, 2032. U.S. Army Contracting Command, Newark, New Jersey, is the contracting activity (W15QKN-22-D-0008). (Awarded April 19, 2022)
NEWINGTON, N.H., (April 20, 2022) – SIG SAUER is honored to be awarded the Next Generation Squad Weapons System (NGSW) Contract by the U.S. Army after a rigorous 27-month testing and evaluation process.
“The U.S. Army is taking a bold step toward command of the 21st century battlefield and SIG SAUER is immensely proud to be the selected provider for this historic revolution in infantry weapons. The fielding of the SIG SAUER Next Generation Squad Weapons System will forever change the dynamic of military engagement for America’s warfighters with American innovation and manufacturing,” began Ron Cohen, President and CEO SIG SAUER, Inc.
The SIG FURY Hybrid Ammunition (6.8 Common Cartridge), SIG-LMG (XM250), SIG MCX-SPEAR Rifle (XM5) and SIG SLX Suppressors meaningfully advance soldier weapons technology to meet the emerging requirements of the U.S. Army.
The SIG 6.8×51 FURY Hybrid Ammunition uses a patented lightweight metallic case designed to handle pressures higher than conventional ammunition, resulting in dramatically increased velocity and on-target energy in lighter weapons.
The SIG-LMG lightweight belt-fed machine gun and SIG MCX-SPEAR Rifle are purpose-built to harness the energy of the SIG FURY 6.8 Common Cartridge Ammunition enabling greater range and increased lethality while reducing the soldier’s load on the battlefield. Both the SIG-LMG and MCX-SPEAR deliver significant weapon and technology advancements to the soldier and provide a solution for battlefield overmatch in comparison to the current M249 and M4/M4A1.
The U.S. Army’s procurement of the NGSW System marks the beginning of an era where combat weapons are coupled with a suppressor as standard issue equipment. The SIG SLX Suppressors are designed to reduce harmful gas backflow, sound signature and flash. SIG SLX Suppressors feature a patented quick detach design for easy install and removal.
“We commend U.S. Army leadership for having the vision to undertake this historic procurement process to deliver a transformational weapon system to our warfighters. This award is the culmination of a successful collaboration between SIG SAUER and the U.S. Army, and we look forward to the continuing partnership,” concluded Cohen.
SIG SAUER is a company that is driven by innovation and we are proud to offer the advancements of the NGSW System in the SIG 277 FURY Hybrid Ammunition (the commercial variant of the SIG 6.8×51 FURY Ammunition round), SIG MCX-SPEAR Rifle, and the SIG SLX Series of Suppressors available to the consumer. For more information about these products visit sigsauer.com.
