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Next-Generation Simulation Solution Wins Backing from European Commission

Sunday, October 22nd, 2023

Coordinated and led by Rheinmetall, the FEDERATES consortium, which stands for Federated Ecosystem of European Simulation Assets for Training and Decision Support, has been selected by the European Union for €30 million in funding. The European Commission has picked the consortium to implement a prototype service-oriented innovative solution for distributed synthetic training and decision support.

The “distributed synthetic simulation environment” draws on a multitude of different simulation resources which, though spatially separate, are linked in a common network infrastructure. The objective here is to enable joint utilization of the resources of EU member states in a networked digital ecosystem, comparable to NATO’s Modelling and Simulation as a Service (MSaaS) architecture.

For the nations of the EU, distributed simulation and training are important prerequisites for preparing and qualifying their troops as thoroughly as possible for today’s complex military operations with increasingly sophisticated systems and equipment.

The consortium intends to integrate and jointly use existing resources of member states such as simulators and training systems as well as advanced technologies like artificial intelligence, cloud technologies and virtual reality in simulated environments for ground, sea, air, space and cyberspace operations.

FEDERATES will support the joint procurement and bundling of simulation resources as well as the formation of a new marketplace for corresponding services. This will result in improved availability and shorter construction times, culminating in lower costs, greater access to training and faster development of future solutions.

Comprising 32 companies from 14 EU member states and Norway, FEDERATES stands for robust, comprehensive European cooperation. It encompasses small and medium-sized businesses as well as large corporations, research facilities and universities. FEDERATES relies on their complementary areas of expertise and experience in simulation and training systems as well as integration and cooperation with military users.

In its role as coordinator, Rheinmetall Electronics of Germany will support the FEDERATES project as part of a core team, consisting of Thales (France), Leonardo (Italy), Indra Sistemas (Spain) and HM EI (Hungary). It will foster adherence to the technical and contractual obligations between the European Commission and all participating parties.

More information on the results of the call for the submission of proposals relating to the European Defence Fund in 2022 can be found at: defence-industry-space.ec.europa.eu/funding-and-grants/calls-proposals/result-edf-2022-calls-proposals_de

Disclaimer: This project is being co-financed by the European Union. The content of this press release reflects solely the views of the author; the European Commission assumes no responsibility for subsequent use of the information it contains.

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Huneed Technologies Signs MOU to Supply Flat Panel Array to GA-ASI

Saturday, October 21st, 2023

SAN DIEGO – 19 October 2023 – During a ceremony at ADEX (Seoul International Aerospace & Defense Exhibition) on Oct. 18, 2023, General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Huneed Technologies for the Korean company to produce a flat panel array for GA-ASI’s Lynx® and Eagle-Eye Multi-mode Radar systems. The Lynx radar is used on several models of GA-ASI’s line of Unmanned Aircraft Systems, including the MQ-9A Reaper and MQ-20 Avenger®, while Eagle-Eye is featured on MQ-1C Gray Eagle Extended Range (ER) and 25M models. Huneed’s flat panel array technology will be incorporated into a new common radar antenna subsystem for GA-ASI’s radar products.

Huneed Technologies, a global aerospace and defense company that specializing in tactical communication and avionics equipment, has been a long-time partner of GA-ASI. In 2022, Huneed was contracted to supply Circuit Card Assemblies for GA-ASI’s line of unmanned aircraft. Huneed signed its first MOU with GA-ASI in 2017, and in 2021 the MOU was renewed.

“Huneed is Korea’s leading defense and aviation company with a long track record of establishing successful business relationships with a number of global OEMs in the aerospace industry. Huneed possesses advanced processes and production capabilities to join our global supply chain, and we appreciate Huneed’s long-term partnership,” said Jaime Walters, vice president of International Strategic Development at GA-ASI.

GA-ASI is manufacturer of UAS operated by the U.S. and international partners as an intelligence-gathering and strike-capable asset. GA-ASI has delivered more than 1,000 unmanned aircraft since its founding in 1992 and its aircraft have flown over 8 million hours. GA-ASI’s newest and most advanced aircraft, the MQ-9B SkyGuardian® and SeaGuardian®, are tailored to meet the multi-domain and multi-environmental needs of its customers.

Huneed’s Chairman Eugene Kim said: “Unmanned technology is crucial for global security, safeguarding pilots while improving battlefield monitoring. Partnering with GA-ASI showcases Huneed’s capabilities, and we are dedicated to demonstrating excellence in our contributions.”

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North Carolina and North Dakota Police Chiefs and Federal Firearms Licensees Indicted for Conspiracy to Illegally Acquire Machineguns and Other Firearms

Friday, October 20th, 2023

Baltimore, Maryland – A federal grand jury has returned an indictment charging five defendants with a conspiracy to illegally acquire machineguns and other regulated firearms. Charged in the indictment, which was unsealed yesterday are: Sean Reidpath Sullivan, age 38, of Gambrills, Maryland; Larry Allen Vickers, age 60, of Charlotte, North Carolina; James Christopher Tafoya, age 45, of Albuquerque, New Mexico; Matthew Jeremy Hall, age 53, of Four Oaks, North Carolina; and James Sawyer, age 50, of Ray, North Dakota.

The indictment was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Erek L. Barron; Special Agent in Charge Toni M. Crosby of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (“ATF”) Baltimore Field Division; Special Agent in Charge Thomas J. Sobocinski of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), Baltimore Field Office; Special Agent in Charge Kareem A. Carter of the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation (“IRS-CI”), Washington, D.C. Field Office; and Inspector General Joseph Y. Cuffari of the Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General (“DHS OIG”).

According to the 26-count indictment, Hall and Sawyer were Chiefs of Police in Coats, North Carolina and Ray, North Dakota, respectively. Sullivan was the owner and operator of Trident, LLC, located in Gambrills, Maryland, and was also an Intelligence Analyst with the Department of Homeland Security Investigations. Sullivan and Trident were Federal Firearms Licensees (“FFLs”) and Special Occupational Taxpayers (“SOTs”), which allowed them, in certain circumstances, to possess, import, manufacture, and deal in fully automatic firearms (machineguns) and other regulated firearms. Tafoya and Vickers owned and operated firearms related businesses in New Mexico and North Carolina and were also FFLs and SOTs.

The indictment alleges that, beginning in at least June 2018 through at least March 2021, the defendants conspired to acquire machineguns and/or other restricted firearms, such as short-barreled rifles, by falsely representing that the firearms would be used for demonstration to law enforcement agencies, including the Coats Police Department and the Ray Police Department. The indictment further alleges that Hall, Sawyer, and other conspirators signed law letters with no expectation that the weapons would ever be demonstrated to their respective law enforcement agencies.

The defendants allegedly intended to impermissibly import into the United States and resell the machineguns and other firearms for profit or to keep for their own use and enjoyment. Sullivan allegedly submitted the false law letters to the ATF seeking to import the machineguns and other restricted weapons. Once the firearms were received, Sullivan allegedly kept some of the machineguns and other restricted weapons and transferred some of the weapons to Vickers, Tafoya, and other conspirators.

In addition to the indictment, Larry Vickers pleaded guilty yesterday to participating in the conspiracy to import and obtain machineguns and other restricted firearms and admitted that he received some of the imported machineguns and other weapons. As detailed in his plea agreement, Vickers kept some of the machineguns and other restricted weapons in his personal collection and transferred other machineguns and restricted weapons to other FFLs and third parties. Vickers also pleaded guilty to a conspiracy to violate U.S. sanctions against a foreign firearms manufacturer between July 2014 and March 2021, in the Southern District of Florida.

Vickers faces a maximum sentence of five years in federal prison for conspiracy to violate federal law regulating firearms and a maximum of 20 years in federal prison for conspiracy to violate the International Emergency Economic Powers Act. U.S. District Judge Julie R. Rubin has not yet scheduled sentencing for Vickers.

If convicted, Sullivan, Tafoya, Hall, and Sawyer face a maximum sentence of five years in federal prison for conspiracy to violate federal law regulating firearms and for each count of false statements related to submission of a law letter. Sullivan and Tafoya face a maximum of five years in federal prison for each count of unlawful importation of a firearm and for each count of making a false statement in records maintained by FFLs. Sullivan also faces a maximum of 10 years in federal prison for unlawful possession of unregistered machineguns and 10 years in federal prison for using criminal proceeds to conduct financial transactions. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Sullivan and Tafoya have already had an initial appearance U.S. District Court in Baltimore and were released pending trial. Hall and Sawyer are expected to have an initial appearance at a later date.

An indictment is not a finding of guilt. An individual charged by indictment is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty at some later criminal proceedings.

United States Attorney Erek L. Barron commended the ATF, the FBI, the IRS-CI on behalf of the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau and DHS-OIG for their work in the investigation. Mr. Barron thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys P. Michael Cunningham and Christine Goo, who are prosecuting the case and recognized Trial Attorneys Menno Goedman and Sean O’Dowd of the Justice Department’s National Security Division and Criminal Division, respectively, for their work on the Vickers guilty plea.

Posted in Industry, LE, Press Release | 16 Comments »

Cobalt Kinetics Equipped Lubbock P.D. S.W.A.T. Wins TTPOA 2023 SWAT Competition

Friday, October 20th, 2023

October 20th, 2023: Cobalt Kinetics, a manufacturer of exquisitely designed (and expertly built) American Masterpiece firearms and accessories; is proud to announce the First-place win of the “Cobalt equipped” Lubbock, TX Police Departments’ S.W.A.T. team at the TTPOA 2023 SWAT Competition (Oct 5th- 8th 2023). The Lubbock, TX team rose to first place and claimed their victory at the end of the grueling competition all whilst running their (departmentally purchased) 12.5” CK-Pro rifles. The team has also adopted the 14.5” CK-SPR Elites for the Sniper Team/ Section.

“We could not have been more excited to learn that the 1st place rifle sponsor for the competition was Cobalt, especially since our SWAT team just went to all Cobalt Rifles. It just felt like it was meant to be.”

– Jasper Koenig (Lubbock, TX P.D. SWAT)

The Lubbock SWAT team is one of many satisfied adopters of the Cobalt Kinetics platform/s and have quickly noticed how the implementation of (properly designed) equipment allows them to commit to their daily tasks with ease. The Cobalt LE/ GOV division also provides Lifetime Warranty on the platforms, Lifetime Warranty on duty barrels, and Officer Involved Shooting insurance (duty platform swap until it is released from evidence) on all department contract platforms. If you (and your department) would like to book an in-house demo with our LE sales team, please make sure to reach out to us (Sales@CobaltKinetics.com). Your team will quickly be able to see the first-hand benefits of swapping your department over to the “Cobalt Advantage”.

For more information on Cobalt Kinetics and their products go to www.CobaltKinetics.com

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GM Defense and Anduril Announce Teaming Agreement

Tuesday, October 17th, 2023

WASHINGTON, D.C. — GM Defense LLC, a subsidiary of General Motors (GM), and Anduril Industries, Inc. announced a teaming agreement, establishing a framework to collaborate on defense program capture activities. The team is focused on delivering autonomy solutions, battery electrification and other new propulsion technologies, as well as those integrating the full range of Anduril technologies onto GM Defense mobility solutions.

During the Association of the U.S. Army tradeshow in Washington, D.C. both companies showcased variations of the proven and fielded Infantry Squad Vehicle. GM Defense had a four-seat Multi-Mission and Logistics ISV equipped with Anduril loitering munitions. Anduril hosted GM Defense’s nine-Soldier ISV, currently fielded to the U.S. Army’s 82nd and 101st Airborne Divisions, in addition to Lattice, Anduril’s sensor, network, and system-agnostic open software platform, for land systems command and control.

“GM Defense has a strong strategic alignment with Anduril as we are both focused on bringing disruptive new technologies into the defense and government marketplace to deliver innovative solutions for our customers,” said Steve duMont, GM Defense president. “We feel this is a powerful team, and together we can make a strong offering for key U.S. defense programs while assessing other global opportunities.”

With experience in ground vehicle autonomy, sensing, vehicle safety systems and connected vehicle fleet analytics, GM Defense develops solutions based on the advanced technologies of its parent company, General Motors, that help advance warfighter capabilities with some of the most advanced technologies available on the commercial market.

Anduril is a leading provider of advanced defense technologies, artificial intelligence, autonomous systems and integrated defense solutions. “We are thrilled to be working with GM Defense to produce new capabilities for land systems. Advanced software for mission-level autonomy can transform ground systems, and GM Defense will be a critical teammate to deliver next-generation land systems for warfighters around the world,” said Anduril Industries CEO, Brian Schimpf.

For the latest GM Defense news, please visit www.GMDefenseLLC.com and follow GM Defense on LinkedIn.

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Vista Outdoor Enters into Definitive Agreement to Sell Sporting Products Business to Czechoslovak Group for $1.91 Billion

Tuesday, October 17th, 2023

ANOKA, Minn.–(BUSINESS WIRE)– Vista Outdoor Inc. (NYSE: VSTO) (“Vista Outdoor”), the parent company of 41 renowned brands that design, manufacture and market sporting and outdoor products to consumers around the globe, today announced a definitive agreement to sell its Sporting Products business to Czechoslovak Group a.s. (“CSG”) for an enterprise value of $1.91 billion in an all-cash transaction subject to customary closing conditions. This transaction represents the next step in Vista Outdoor’s plan to split the company into separate entities, which was previously announced on May 5, 2022.

CSG is a leading industrial technology holding company, operating within five strategic business segments, including defense, aerospace, ammunition, mobility and business. CSG is 100% owned and led by Michal Strnad, who has transformed it into a leading Czech industrial group with a strong international footprint. CSG employs more than 10,000 people worldwide and it owns and manages a diverse portfolio of industrial and trade companies across the defense and civil sectors.

“This is an important strategic step for our company in creating value through separating our Outdoor Products and Sporting Products segments,” said Gary McArthur, interim CEO of Vista Outdoor. “The previously announced plan to separate our businesses has positioned us to execute seamlessly on this transaction, which we believe is the best path to maximize value for our stockholders, while better positioning Sporting Products and Outdoor Products for future success.”

“We are confident that CSG is a great home for our leading ammunition brands,” said Jason Vanderbrink, CEO of Sporting Products. “The company is fully committed to our iconic American brands and expanding our legacy of U.S. manufacturing, support for military and law enforcement customers, and investments in conservation and our hunting and shooting heritage. We are excited to work closely with the CSG team as we enter this next phase and position our brands for long-term success.”

Added Michal Strnad, CEO of CSG, “Jason and the Sporting Products leadership team have a strong heritage of delivering high quality products, and we are pleased to welcome them to the CSG family of companies as we partner to support their next chapter. We look forward to building on the company’s success in delivering innovative, quality products and are confident in the long-term value we can create together. We are committed to expanding their legacy of U.S. manufacturing and providing resources to accelerate their growth.”

Transaction Details

The transaction values the Sporting Products business at an enterprise value of $1.91 billion, on a cash-free, debt-free basis with a normalized level of working capital, and is supported by $1.11 billion of fully committed debt financing with the remaining amount funded by CSG. The valuation is approximately 5x enterprise value to Sporting Products FY24 EBITDA, including estimated standalone costs. To effect the transaction, Vista Outdoor will separate its Outdoor Products business from its Sporting Products business, and CSG will merge one of its subsidiaries with Vista Outdoor (holding only the Sporting Products business), with current public stockholders of Vista Outdoor receiving shares of Outdoor Products (recently rebranded as Revelyst) and approximately $750 million in cash in the aggregate. This will be treated as a taxable sale of a stockholder’s Vista Outdoor shares for the Outdoor Products shares and cash consideration they receive in the merger, allowing stockholders to recover tax basis and recognize built-in gain and loss in their Vista Outdoor shares. Relative to a divestiture of Sporting Products as an asset sale, this structure has corporate level tax of approximately $50 million versus approximately $380 million for a divestiture as an asset sale and allows for the tax-efficient return of cash to stockholders.

The transaction is expected to close in calendar year 2024, subject to approval of our stockholders, receipt of necessary regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions.

Upon closing, Vanderbrink will remain CEO of the Sporting Products business and the U.S. headquarters will remain in Anoka, Minnesota. In connection with the transaction, the company’s approximately 4,000 employees who represent four factories and the consumer brands CCI, Federal, HEVI-Shot, Remington and Speer will continue their heritage of community and conservation support through local and national organizations.

Outdoor Products

Upon completion of the sale of the Sporting Products business to CSG, Vista Outdoor’s Outdoor Products business will become Revelyst, Inc. (“Revelyst”), an independent publicly traded company trading on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker “GEAR.” Revelyst will leverage meticulous craftsmanship and cross-collaboration across its portfolio of category-defining brands. Brands include Fox, Bell, Giro, CamelBak, Camp Chef, Bushnell, Simms Fishing, Foresight Sports, Bushnell Golf and more. Eric Nyman will continue as CEO of Outdoor Products and become the CEO of Revelyst upon transaction close.

Leadership Update

Joining Vanderbrink on the leadership team at Sporting Products will be Al Kerfeld, CFO; Jeff Ehrich, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary; and Mark Kowalski, Controller and Chief Accounting Officer. Andy Keegan, currently vice president and interim CFO of Vista Outdoor, plans to join Revelyst as CFO.

For full financial disclosure, visit news.vistaoutdoor.com/newsroom/press-releases/press-release-details/2023/Vista-Outdoor-Enters-into-Definitive-Agreement-to-Sell-Sporting-Products-Business-to-Czechoslovak-Group-for-1.91-Billion

Posted in Industry, International, Press Release | 10 Comments »

Bushnell Returns as Presenting Sponsor for 11th Annual GAP Grind PRS Pro/Am

Saturday, October 14th, 2023

Largest Precision Rifle Match in Nation Sponsored by Bushnell for Over a Decade

OVERLAND PARK, Kan. – October 12, 2023 – Bushnell®, an industry leader in performance optics, was proud to once again serve as title sponsor for the 11th annual GA Precision/Bushnell Elite Tactical “GAP Grind” Pro/Am. The annual precision rifle match drew more than 350 shooters from across the country and around the globe who traveled to Tennessee to compete in this unique two-person team long-range competition.

Bushnell has served as a presenting sponsor of the match for over a decade, and has been a longtime supporter of PRS competitions. Through its high quality long-range optics and numerous professional shooters, Bushnell and Elite Tactical™ have become trusted names in the precision shooting world. For 2023, the company continues to introduce purpose-built optics that long-range shooters can count on, such as the new Match Pro ED 5-30X56 riflescope and Match Pro ED 15×56 binoculars.

“We always look forward to attending the GAP Grind,” said Carlos Lozano, Bushnell brand manager. “There’s no other shooting event like it in the world, and we love how it provides an opportunity for so many new people to experience long range shooting. Bushnell has always been focused on finding new ways to grow the shooting sports and the continued success of the GAP Grind speaks for itself.”

On Friday, Bushnell hosted two side stages before the main match began, providing an opportunity for competitors, range officers and volunteers to test out the brand’s latest optics. At the side stages, attendees were able to test out the new Bushnell Match Pro ED riflescope and Match Pro ED binoculars in a modified .22LR course of fire and then test their pistol skills with the new RXM 300 Reflex Sight.

Not only were Bushnell employees on-site throughout the weekend participating in and supporting the match, but Bushnell also contributed several match awards to various competitors and participants. Among these awards were the Deserving Amateur, Deserving Range Officer and Top Sportsman.

Bushnell wishes to congratulate all the shooters who took part in the match and looks forward to joining them again next year at the K&M Precision Rifle Training Shooting Complex in Finger, Tennessee.

For more information on the GAP Grind and to see full results, visit precisionrifleseries.com.

For more information on Bushnell Elite Tactical or to see their full lineup of optics, visit Bushnell.com.

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NIOA Begins Boxer Ammunition Production

Thursday, October 12th, 2023

NIOA has begun ammunition production for the Army’s next-generation armoured Boxer vehicle, marking a significant milestone for munitions manufacturing in Australia.

The company will produce 40,000 rounds of medium calibre training ammunition at the Commonwealth Government-owned NIOA-operated plant in Benalla, Victoria for the Boxer Combat Reconnaissance Vehicle (CRV) which is being made in Queensland by Rheinmetall.

Minister for Defence Industry Pat Conroy (centre) with GWEO Chief AVM Leon Phillips (left) and members of the NIOA team at the Benalla facility…and (below) the 30mm projectiles coming off the line, bound for testing in the Boxer combat vehicle’s cannon.

It comes as the Minister for Defence Industry, Pat Conroy announced a $220 million investment in munitions production at Benalla and another government-owned contractor-operated (GOCO) factory at Mulwala in regional New South Wales.

Minister Conroy and Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance (GWEO) Enterprise Chief AVM Leon Phillips OAM toured NIOA’s Benalla operation last Friday (Eds: October 6) as the first batch of 30mm projectiles was being prepared to roll off the line.

A key recommendation of the Defence Strategic Review was to replenish GWEO stocks and to establish sovereign missile and munition manufacturing facilities in Australia.

“Improving Australia’s ability to manufacture the munitions our defence force needs is not only critical to meeting the strategic challenges we face as a nation, it will also support local industry and well-paid, skilled local jobs,” Minister Conroy said.

“The Mulwala and Benalla munition factories underpin Australia’s ability to develop critical propellants, explosives and munitions for the Australian Defence Force.”

NIOA Australia and New Zealand CEO Ben James welcomed the Government’s investment in domestic munitions production.

“This will further support Australia’s growing defence industrial base and comes at an exciting time as we ramp up production of the Boxer ammunition at Benalla,” he said.

“NIOA’s $12m investment at Benalla reflects our commitment to work with Government and Defence in delivering sovereign capability and local jobs.

“We have a highly qualified and professional team at Benalla who have worked exceptionally hard to reach this key milestone in sovereign munitions manufacture.”

The NIOA tenancy at Benalla maintains the Commonwealth’s capabilities for the manufacture of primary energetics, pyrotechnics, medium calibre, mortar and tank ammunition, hand grenades, fuzes, primers, along with various laboratory test facilities.

The company recently completed work recapitalising 120mm tank ammunition for the Australian Army’s M1A1 Abrams tank fleet.

www.nioa.com.au

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