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Emirates Defense Technology (EDT), a Leading UAE Integrator, Joins Forces with Steadicopter to Supply Rotary Unmanned Aerial Systems in the UAE and Other Specific Market Segments

Wednesday, February 8th, 2023

The two companies will join forces and offer, a lightweight unmanned robotic helicopter that meets various challenges faced by HLS, military forces and law enforcement agencies.

8 February 2023. EDT – a leading UAE-based integrator for comprehensive defense solutions, and Steadicopter – a leader in the Rotary Unmanned Aerial Systems (RUAS) industry, are joining forces regarding the supply of Steadicopter’s advanced rotary tactical unmanned aerial systems. The two companies will adapt Steadicopter’s RUAV products to meet the emerging requirements of various customers within the UAE and other specific market segments.

“As EDT continues to serve its customers with innovative, novel, unique, tailor-made solutions, we had scouted Steadicopter and its Eagle family – a platform of solutions which fits synergistically with other solutions manufactured in the region,” says Mohamed Bin Jabr Al Suwaidi, Owner & CEO of EDT. “We found that Steadicopter’s systems, which are used by various armed forces around the world and have already been operationally proven in various missions, meet the highest standards and needs of our customers. We are proud to launch them in the UAE, using both companies’ strengths and relevant accumulated experience, and anticipate that this will be a long-term cooperation that will cater to the needs of various defense and HLS organizations. We continue to prioritize investments and partnerships that meet current and future needs.”

“We thank EDT for expressing confidence in the unique and proven systems developed by Steadicopter,” says Noam Lidor, VP Sales, Marketing & Business Development at Steadicopter. “We believe that, together, we will be able to provide comprehensive solutions for various end users. At the upcoming IDEX exhibition in Abu Dhabi, we will for the first time present the Black Eagle 50H in its new configuration, for the benefit of intelligence missions in challenging environmental conditions, and the protection of land and sea borders.”

Steadicopter’s Eagle family delivers exceptional, unprecedented, proven solutions for a wide range of military, HLS and civilian applications. The Eagle family provides full-featured solutions for any in-field requirement, enabling vertical take-off and landing and steady hovering, with advanced mission sensor suites for day and night operation. Weighing only ~20 kg as a platform, each model has the capacity to carry additional batteries for longer flights, heavier payloads and more.

The Black Eagle 50H is the first ever hybrid-powered unmanned helicopter. With a maximum takeoff weight of 50 kg, the system can carry multiple payloads, and is capable of up to five hours of flight time – extremely high endurance when compared to other VTOL platforms when carrying such heavy payloads. This enables high performance and maximum operational flexibility for various applications, such as military, low intensity conflict, law enforcement, search & rescue, cyber security, intelligence, offshore rigs and strategic infrastructure protection, high-end maritime missions and civilian applications.

Posted in Industry, International, Press Release, UAS | Comments Off on Emirates Defense Technology (EDT), a Leading UAE Integrator, Joins Forces with Steadicopter to Supply Rotary Unmanned Aerial Systems in the UAE and Other Specific Market Segments

NIOA Unveils New Australia-NZ Executive Team

Tuesday, February 7th, 2023

NIOA’s new CEO for Australia and New Zealand, Ben James, has announced his executive team with a commitment to double down on world-class support to the company’s sporting, defence and law enforcement customers.

Mick Ahern CSC, formerly NIOA’s Lethality Program Director, is the new General Manager of Weapons & Munitions, heading up a raft of new appointments which also includes Owen Paulson as General Manager of Operations.

Mr Paulson joins NIOA after an extensive career including global security operations, expansive program management and strategic leadership roles in addition to a key role in support of the Queensland Reconstruction Authority following the devastating floods of 2010-11.

Mick Ahern, who has had a lead role in NIOA’s delivery of Tranche 1 of the LAND159 Program, will take on the position of General Manager, Weapons & Munitions, for the company’s Australia and New Zealand division.

The NIOA Australia and New Zealand leadership team, effective 2 February 2023 is:

Mick Ahern, General Manager, Weapons & Munitions

Brad Johnson, General Manager, Sporting

Fraser Winskill, General Manager, New Zealand

Rudi Bekker, General Manager, Engineering

Owen Paulson, General Manager, Operations

Ferdi Kluever, Director – Bids & Proposals

Shane Huby, General Manager, Commercial

Garth Jones, Chief Financial Officer

Mr James said the appointments underlined the capability within NIOA to deliver excellence as Australasia’s largest privately-owned supplier of munitions to the defence, law enforcement and sporting markets.

“This is a 50-year-old, family-owned business that has been built on foundations of hard work, trust and delivering outstanding results for our customers and partners,” he said.

“The leadership team we have assembled across NIOA Australia and New Zealand possesses the knowledge, capacity and expertise to continue to deliver the world-class service and support for which NIOA is known.

“It will be important that we look for synergies across the NIOA Group to ensure we are best harnessing resources and capacity to serve our domestic and international markets.

“I want to double down on our efforts to deliver world class support to our sporting, defence and law enforcement customers.”

NIOA Australia is the largest supplier of non-guided munitions to the ADF delivering Australia’s future family of 155mm artillery munitions, the medium calibre munitions for the LAND 400 Rheinmetall Boxer Combat Reconnaissance Vehicle, Australia’s mortar capability as well as select munitions for the Abrams tank and more than 50 other strategic munitions.

The company is delivering the first tranche of the Australian Army’s LAND 159 Lethality System Program to modernise ADF weapon systems.

The Australian operations include management of a significant portion of the Australian Government-Owned, Contractor-Operated (GOCO) munitions manufacturing facility at Benalla in Victoria and delivery of key Defence munitions programs.

NIOA has had a long-standing presence in New Zealand through its support of the New Zealand Defence Force and New Zealand police, supplying various key weapons systems, tactical equipment and munitions.

In April 2022, the company acquired Auckland-based Sportways Distributors, expanding its operations to bring an enhanced product range to the New Zealand sporting and hunting community.

The appointments follow changes to NIOA’s organisational structure to better align with its growth strategy and geographical expansion.

This included a new group structure encompassing NIOA Australia, NIOA New Zealand, the Australian Missile Corporation, joint venture company Rheinmetall NIOA Munitions and newly acquired Barrett Firearms (USA).

Posted in Industry, International, Press Release | 3 Comments »

Rohde & Schwarz UK signs Armed Forces Covenant

Monday, February 6th, 2023

Formalized commitment builds on track record of understanding and flexible employment of former service members and support for charitable activities.

London, February 6, 2022 – Rohde & Schwarz UK has confirmed its commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant (AFC), a UK government initiative to support ex-services staff, at a signing held during the company’s recent board meeting in London.

“About 20% of the Rohde & Schwarz UK workforce have formerly served in the armed forces and contribute strongly to our organization’s culture as well as business performance,” Frank Mackel, Vice President Sales Europe at Rohde & Schwarz, said. “Signing the AFC creates a platform for us to extend our engagement in new ways including support for service spouses and partners as well as armed forces charities.”

Lieutenant Commander Russ Haines RN, Relationship Manager (South), a member of the Ministry of Defence (MoD) team at the signing, commented: “Historically, Rohde & Schwarz has demonstrated its’ commitment to fairness for armed forces staff and we are delighted that this is now formalized through the signing of the AFC.”

Fltr: LtCdr Russ Haines of the Royal Navy and Frank Mackel, Vice President Sales Europe at Rohde & Schwarz, signing the AFC. (Image: Rohde & Schwarz)

“Entering civilian employment can be tough for service leavers, despite the outstanding skills and personal qualities they have to offer,” Andrew Gibbs, South East Regional Employer Engagement Director with the MoD Reserve Forces and Cadets Association, added. “We appreciate Rohde & Schwarz’ support for our desire to ease their transition and we look forward to enjoying a productive and enduring connection.”

The AFC is a flexible framework that organizations can customize according to their available resources and the needs of any ex-service staff employed. Rohde & Schwarz’ commitment includes supporting the employment of veterans and recognizing military skills and qualifications in recruitment, as well as supporting the employment of service spouses and partners. There is also support for employees who are members of the reserve forces or engaged with cadet organizations, and for armed forces charities and events such as the Poppy Appeal Day and remembrance activities.

In addition to the terms of the AFC, Rohde & Schwarz supports initiatives, such as the Forces Family Jobs website and the MoD’s Career Transition Partnership.

The company has close links with the armed forces and employs many veterans. Stephen James, who began the initiative to sign the covenant, is a former naval officer and now Secure Communications Business Development Manager at Rohde & Schwarz UK. He concluded by stating: “I would like to thank everyone here and in the MoD organizations who have helped facilitate signing the AFC. As an armed forces reservist, I have received considerable help including granting of time away, when needed, to fulfil my responsibilities.”

Posted in Industry, International, Press Release | 2 Comments »

SK Customs Donates Collectible Firearms Set for NWTF’s 50th Anniversary

Sunday, February 5th, 2023

HAYMARKET, VA – February 3, 2023 – SK Guns®, the Nation’s only limited-edition, series-driven production manufacturer, is thrilled to showcase a new collectible firearm set to celebrate the National Wild Turkey Federation’s 50th Anniversary through the SK Customs division and the SK Gives Back initiative.

SK Customs recently donated two sets of custom designed and laser engraved Henry® Golden Boy Silver .22LR and a new model Smith & Wesson® 1911 chambered in 45ACP to be auctioned off during the NWTF’s annual Convention and Sport Show, Feb. 15-19, 2023, in Nashville.

The package is sold as a set and will be featured during the Grand National Live Auction on the evening of Saturday, Feb. 18 and on the NWTF’s Online Hunt Auction throughout the weekend.

“We’re proud to support the NWTF and their mission of conserving wildlife habitat and preserving our hunting heritage across the country,” said Simon Khiabani, owner and founder of SK Guns. “We’re honored to be a partner of the NWTF’s celebration with this limited-edition set of firearms and to showcase our commitment to the NWTF’s mission.”

Features of the NWTF’s 50th Anniversary Commemorative Set

Henry® Golden Boy Silver

• 22 LR

• 20” barrel

• American walnut stock

• Turkey tracks leading up to the NWTF’s 50th anniversary logo and over to the opposite side reflecting the next 50 years forward

• A longbeard is incorporated on the right side of the receiver which begins a similar “Uniquely Custom” turkey feather scroll leading up to a 24k Gold laser engraved image of two gobblers

• The left side shares a continuation of the feather scroll showing two wild turkeys in flight

• An arrow using turkey feathers for fletching points toward the 50th anniversary logo on top of the receiver

• “Healthy Habitats. Healthy Harvest.” is featured on the handguard as a reminder that the NWTF and its volunteers and partners are making sure the future of the wild turkey stays strong for years to come

• 50NWTF001 of 200 and 50NWTF50 of 200

New Model Smith and Wesson® 1911

• Chambered in 45ACP

• 5” barrel

• Turkey tracks and the NWTF’s 50th anniversary logo are engraved into the American walnut grips

• A longbeard is incorporated on the right slide which begins a similar “Uniquely Custom®” turkey feather scroll leading up to a 24k Gold laser engraved image of two gobblers.

• The left slide shares a continuation of the feather scroll showing two wild turkeys in flight

• An arrow using turkey feathers for fletching points toward the 50th anniversary logo on top of the receiver and barrel

• The serrations on the 1911 are uniquely embellished with the NWTF’s logo, never seen before on any collectors 1911 firearm

• Numbered 001 of 200 and 50 of 200

Each collector will receive the matching numbers in the set.

“In 2020, we saw an immense need in giving back to organizations and programs that support shooting sports, our hunting heritage, and who make a difference in the lives of others, so we started the SK Gives Back initiative,” said Khiabani. “It’s vital that we, as an outdoor community, support organizations devoted to enhancing personal growth and development opportunities in the firearm and outdoor industry, such as the NWTF.”

Since 1973, wild turkey populations have risen from 1.3 million to more than 6 million, and the NWTF has conserved or enhanced more than 22 million acres of wildlife habitat, invested more than $500,000 in conservation and outreach efforts, and invested more than $8 million in wild turkey research. Over the next 50 years, the NWTF will drive wildlife conservation, forest resiliency and robust recreational opportunities throughout the U.S. by working across boundaries on a landscape scale.

Convention visitors are encouraged to stop by booth #725 in the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center during the NWTF’s annual Convention and Sport Show for a first-hand look at the unique guns from SK Customs® series, the SK Bespoke Collection® and more.

To learn more about SK Guns®, and SK Customs®, and to order your NWTF 50th Anniversary Set, visit skguns.com.

Posted in Charity, Firearms, Industry, Press Release | Comments Off on SK Customs Donates Collectible Firearms Set for NWTF’s 50th Anniversary

Bridgford to Exhibit at CSAAA

Friday, February 3rd, 2023

St-Laurent, QC (Canada) (Feb 2023) – Bridgford Foods Corporation, a ready to eat pocket sandwich line of products distributed exclusively for the Canadian first responders’ market by Hudson Supplies Inc, will be at CSAAA this February 12 & 13 at Calgary Telus Centre in Calgary AB Canada with choice of tasting:

Pepperoni Pizza

French Toast

Apple Turnover

Mexican wBeef Wrap

BBQ Beef

About Bridgford

Bridgford Foods Corporation is a family-controlled business, which is currently traded on the NASDAQ and traces its roots back more than 90 years to 1932 in San Diego, CA. Uniqueness, high quality, and consistency of products have been the main objectives of Bridgford Foods Corporation.

The principal product lines include frozen bread doughs; frozen fully baked breads, rolls and buttermilk biscuits; frozen micro-ready sandwiches and meal kits; sliced lunch meats, beef jerky and meat snacks as well as shelf-stable dry and semi-dry sausage products. Bridgford Foods Corporation is headquartered in Dallas, TX and has a plant in Chicago, IL, one plant in Anaheim, CA, Statesville, NC and has two additional facilities in Dallas, TX. Bridgford presently employees over 500 people and their products are sold in all fifty states, Canada, and several overseas locations.

The Shelf-Stable Ready to Eat Pocket Sandwich line was originally developed for the United States Military as combat feeding rations for the “Troops On-The-Go”. The Military required a product which had a three-year shelf-life and tasted great on day one or day 1,095. The product was originally tested with the United States Marines during an operation in Fallujah. The product scored exceptionally well and received one of the highest acceptance scores of any new product introduction. The product is currently being incorporated into the “First Strike Ration”, which is being provided to our Military’s Special Operations Forces when they carry out missions in a “Hot Zone”. The entire product line of sandwiches, pizza, and wraps are proudly produced at the Bridgford Statesville, NC production facility. Our ingredients are all sourced from the USA.

The Shelf-Stable Ready to Eat Pocket Sandwiches is produced under a grant of inspection with the USDA/FSIS. The facility is SQF certified and is inspected by the USDA/AMS, FDA, NCDA, VETCOM and a handful of other agencies. All of the meat and poultry is purchased from USDA facilities within the USA and are BSE tested.

The Bridgford Ready to Eat Items weigh 4.4-oz or 3.1-oz, depending upon the variety. No refrigeration is required, and the product has a three-year shelf-life from date of manufacturing if maintained at 80 degrees of less. The Sandwiches can be stored consistently at 100 degrees for six months. The product’s shelf-life is attained by a combination of packaging and formulation. The Ready to Eat Sandwiches are a great food solution for the outdoor enthusiast, whether you are camping, hiking, boating, fishing, etc.

It is also a great solution for household emergency kits as well as for disaster preparedness or disaster relief efforts.

Bridgford currently offers several varieties of sandwiches like BBQ Beef, BBQ Chicken, Sweet & Spicy Chicken, Italian Style, Filled French Toast, Cinnamon Bun, Blueberry, Cherry, and Apple Turnover. Three varieties of plain sliced bread, White, Whole Wheat and Multigrain. Pepperoni and plain Cheese Pizza Slices. BBQ Pork and Mexican style beef and cheese wraps. On average, the sandwiches provide 300 calories per serving and provide 10 to 12 grams of protein.

The Bridgford Ready to Eat Sandwiches was designed to be eaten straight from the pouch; simply tear the pouch open at the tear notches, remove the sandwich, and eat. The sandwiches may also be heated using an MRE/Flameless Heater; immersing the unopened pouch in boiling water for approximately six minutes or if you have access to electricity, removing the sandwich from its pouch and microwaving on high for 20 to 30 seconds or heating in a toaster oven at 350 degrees for 8 to 10 minutes.

Posted in Industry, International, Press Release, Tradeshow | 14 Comments »

SK Guns Names Peter Grillone Chief Creative Officer

Friday, February 3rd, 2023

HAYMARKET, Va. – February 1, 2023 – SK Guns®, the Nation’s only limited-edition, series-driven production manufacturer of collectible firearms, has officially named Peter Grillone as Chief Creative Officer. Grillone will be responsible for leading a team of designers, historians and copywriters on the rapid growth of the SK brand.

“We’re thrilled to announce Peter as our new chief creative officer,” said Simon Khiabani, owner and founder of SK Guns and SK Customs. “Peter brings a wealth of talent as one of the most published media creators in the firearms industry. With his unique style and extensive experience in photography and creative services, I have no doubt he will contribute greatly to the growth of SK Guns and SK Customs.”

Prior to joining SK Guns®, he served as the commercial photographer for a variety of brands in the firearm industry such as Wilson Combat and Nighthawk Custom. With experience in providing creative direction for these brands, Grillone has established himself as one of the top firearm photographers. He is now able to use his past experiences and talented creative eye to manage the creative team at SK Guns.

“I’m extremely honored to serve as CCO of SK Guns,” said Grillone. “These limited-edition, custom firearms continue to create a huge impact on the industry as they illustrate the rich history of historical events, influential leaders, rituals, places and more. I’m excited to use my experience to tell each gun’s unique story and help our creative team continue to grow.”

To learn more about SK Guns®, and SK Customs®, visit skguns.com.

Posted in Industry, Press Release | Comments Off on SK Guns Names Peter Grillone Chief Creative Officer

Mesa Precision Arms Rebrands to Pure Precision

Friday, February 3rd, 2023

For Immediate Release – Grand Junction CO – Manufacturer of fine firearms and accessories, Mesa Precision Arms, announces it will rebrand as Pure Precision effective February 1st, 2023. Rebrand will coincide with an expansion of the manufacturing capabilities and a new line of actions, stocks, and metallic components.

Operating as Mesa Precision Arms since 2017, the name change is necessary to better differentiate company branding within the industry and to create a better foundation of growth. The timing of this name change strategically supports the company’s rapidly expanding footprint and vertical integration of manufacturing capabilities. It is important for Mesa Precision Arms customers to realize that Pure Precision comprises the same people who will continue to manufacture the same (or better) quality products for many years to come.

“As we started expanding our footprint into other aspects of manufacturing and services provided, it became clear that a name to better represent our trajectory was essential. We will always hold Mesa Precision and the Mesa mountains from which it was born close, but Pure Precision is the culmination of who we are. The new brand will represent us well going forward”, said John Hakes, CEO of Mesa Precision Arms.

Companies under the Pure Precison brand:

Pure Precision Rifles
Pure Precision Composites
Pure Precision Finishes

The Pure Precision launch will be kicked off with a precision rifle bundle giveaway which will include a complete light weight Carbon Ascent rifle chambered in 6.5 PRC with Proof carbon fiber barrel, Pure Precision Altitude stock, Trigger Tech Special trigger, and Nightforce NX8 2.5-20x50mm scope provided by The Battalion. To enter the sweepstakes click the link below:

6.5 PRC Ascent Rifle Giveaway

New website is: www.PurePrecision.com

Posted in Industry, Press Release | Comments Off on Mesa Precision Arms Rebrands to Pure Precision

FirstSpear Friday Focus: OEM Spotlight – Aquila International

Friday, February 3rd, 2023

In this week’s Friday Focus, we’re introducing the American Made, Berry Compliant Multi-Mission Duffle, a tailored solution developed by Aquila International (AQI) and FirstSpear OEM program.

The Multi-Mission Duffle is a mil spec, versatile pack/bag engineered to provide improved capability and increased durability in a multitude of operations. AQI’s intent was to create a bag for military, agency, and law enforcement units to utilize in a variety of mission sets: active shooter go-to kit, medical pack and patrol sustainment bag. The 6/12™ panels on the front and back exterior allow the operator to attach quick access, mission-determinant pockets to the bag and works exceptionally well with any combination of FirstSpear 6/9™, 6/12™ and traditional MOLLE and Pals pocket systems.

The Multi-Mission Duffle features four, stow-capable, FirstSpear 2” Tubes® Buckles on the top and bottom of the bag, providing attachment points for padded shoulder straps for improved mobility and operational capability. This feature allows the operator to quickly configure the duffle into a sling carried pack (utilizing the top Tubes® Buckles) or backpack (utilizing the bottom Tubes® Buckles) and allows for quick unbuckling when ditching the bag is necessary.

Ample exterior storage is provided for quick access to items both, small and large. The storage capabilities of the Multi-Mission Duffle are well thought out, considering both functionality, easy access, and necessity. The top cover provides convenient storage for shoulder straps when transitioning between handle, backpack and sling carry mode configurations. It’s also a great place to shed and stow a layer when you’re on the move.

(Pictured with: 4 M4 magazines, smoke grenade, sniper veil, 50ft 550 cord, standard issue military boots, jeans, FirstSpear Vertical Entry Belt with Unpadded Assault Belt Sleeve, Stratton Flannel shirt – L, FirstSpear Operator Gloves, FIrstSpear Technical Woobie – XL, 3 t-shirts, and 3 FirstSpear Boot Super Socks.)

The interior of AQI’s Multi-Misison Duffle is loaded with storage options and capabilities. Multiple sleeves along the wall can hold a large volume of items requiring organization, including a padded laptop/large tablet sleeve and lanyard with HK hook. The large main compartment is spacious and durable. If the operator requires more flexibility, an interior panel accommodates additional pocket attachment to include Ragnar.

Check out Aquila International to learn more about their capabilities and contracting solutions.

Visit FirstSpear to find America’s premier tactical gear and equipment.

Posted in Advertiser, FS Friday Focus, Guest Post, Industry, Load Carrying | 1 Comment »