XC3 Weaponlight

Archive for the ‘Industry’ Category

Chemring Announces Long-Term Supply Agreement and Contract Award

Monday, June 10th, 2024

Chemring is pleased to announce that its Norwegian subsidiary, Chemring Nobel, has signed a 15-year partnering agreement with Northrop Grumman for the supply of HMX energetic material used in its missile programmes. This agreement, which reflects the increasing desire of our customers to move to long-term partnering agreements, builds on the two companies’ long-standing relationship and supports Northrop Grumman’s efforts to expand its munitions manufacturing production in response to growing customer demand.

As part of this agreement, Chemring also received a delivery order from Northrop Grumman, valued at $83m, for the supply of HMX. Deliveries under this order will commence in FY26 and will be made over the following three years, with all work being carried out at Chemring Nobel’s facility at S?tre, Norway.

Michael Ord, Chief Executive of Chemring, commented:

“These awards, which illustrate the long-term and valued relationship that we enjoy with Northrop Grumman, support our decision to invest in increasing the capacity of our three energetics businesses over the medium-term, and reinforces Chemring’s position as a key supplier to NATO.”

NP Aerospace Acquires the Assets of Jankel Armouring Limited

Monday, June 10th, 2024

NP Aerospace, the global vehicle integrator and armour manufacturer, has today announced the acquisition of certain assets of Jankel Armouring Limited – in administration.

Jankel Armouring Limited entered administration on 27 February 2024 and Alvarez & Marsal Europe LLP were appointed as Administrators. NP Aerospace has now acquired assets which include Jankel Armouring Limited’s intellectual property, patents and inventory and the right to transfer, assign and/or novate existing contracts. The acquisition will allow NP Aerospace to integrate a globally proven and successful vehicle product and support line into their already strong portfolio, which will now include Jankel Armouring Limited’s tactical vehicles, civilian armoured vehicles (CAVs), armour technologies, seating systems and through life support services.

Having received UK National Security and Investment Act (NSIA) approval, NP Aerospace can formally engage with key customers, including the Belgian MoD (BeMOD) and UK Ministry of Defence (UK MoD) regarding the delivery of former Jankel Armouring Limited contracts. With an existing pedigree of successful defence vehicle production, integration and support activities, NP Aerospace is ideally positioned to deliver on customer requirements, bringing production programs through to successful conclusion, onshore in the UK.

NP Aerospace has been successful in securing talent from the original Jankel Armouring Limited staff including pivotal engineers and critical executives with the required knowledge of the acquired assets. In addition, it is expected that the acquisition will create and/or sustain around 60-70 skilled jobs. The acquisition does not include any aspect of, or formal relationship with the US based Jankel business, including Jankel Tactical Systems and does not include any liability to former creditors, which sits in the hands of the joint administrators, Alvarez and Marsal.

James Kempston, NP Aerospace CEO, commented: “The announcement of the acquisition of Jankel Armouring Limited’s assets marks a significant phase of growth for the company, creating additional value for customers through new business synergies.” He added: “Our immediate priority is to push forward with existing customer contracts and deliver successful programmes to a global customer base. Beyond that, this announcement is good news for the defence industry, enabling continuation of capability, products and supply, whilst enhancing a very strong global defence export line, under the NP Aerospace brand”.

Mike Denny, Joint Administrator, Alvarez & Marsal Europe LLP, commented: “The completion of the sale of certain assets of Jankel Armouring Limited to NP Aerospace will provide continuity to its customer base and create new opportunities for some of its skilled workforce. We are confident that the business will thrive under the ownership of NP Aerospace”.

Rheinmetall and MBDA Sign Agreement to Integrate the Small Anti Drone Missile into the Skyranger 30 and Other Military Platforms

Sunday, June 9th, 2024

To close the existing capability gaps in mobile defence against drones at short range, Rheinmetall Electronics and MBDA Deutschland signed a corresponding Letter of Intent (LOI) at ILA 2024. The companies intend to integrate MBDA’s Small Anti Drone Missile (SADM) into the Skyranger 30 and other Rheinmetall military vehicles. Utilising Enforcer technologies, this new guided missile offers an effective solution against small and medium-sized drones providing a high hit probability at long stand-off distances. For its part, the 30mm cannon on the Skyranger 30 offers highly efficient, mobile defence against airborne threats by combining firepower, intelligent sensor technology and high mobility at shorter ranges. This means that the two weapons complement each other perfectly. 

The Letter of Intent aims at a long-term cooperation for the integration of the missile into the Skyranger 30 and other military vehicles as well as the development, production and integration of a launcher onto various turret systems and Rheinmetall’s digital system architecture. 

On the MBDA stand at ILA, location G3/001, the missile is displayed on the turret of the Skyranger 30 system.

Thomas Gottschild, Managing Director of MBDA Germany: “The current conflicts have clearly shown that drone defence is one of the key challenges for armed forces. In order to provide the best possible solution, we are joining forces and building on our partnership with Rheinmetall and their turret solutions to close capability gaps in drone defence with the help of our Small Anti Drone Missile.”

Timo Haas, Chief Digital Officer von Rheinmetall: “As the prime contractor for the Skyranger 30 system in Germany, the Small Anti-Drone Missile is an ideal and logical addition to the capabilities of Rheinmetall’s systems and vehicles. We are working in advance and are already creating the conditions for the industrial set-up in order to quickly implement the customer’s decisions.”

Rheinmetall Pressing Ahead with F-35A project: AERO-Bildungs GmbH Commissioned with Technical Training for Production Mechanics

Saturday, June 8th, 2024

Rheinmetall is pressing ahead with its F-35A programme. The technology group has commissioned AERO-Bildungs GmbH to provide technical training for the production mechanics for the centre fuselage section of the F-35A in Weeze.

AERO-Bildungs GmbH is a partner specialised in the field of technical training within the aviation sector. The mid-sized family business located in Oberpfaffenhofen in Bavaria will assist with planning of the training and the implementation of basic technical training. This shall enhance the knowledge and skills initially learnt at Northrop Grumman in the USA not only to be applied in Weeze, but also to be passed on to other employees in the same quality, thus enabling a transfer of knowledge. In cooperation with experienced Rheinmetall trainers, a dedicated training and competence center is being set up in Weeze to ensure sustainable knowledge building and ongoing employee qualification.

The commissioning of AERO-Bildungs GmbH as of April 2024 is the first step towards further integrating German companies into the F-35A delivery and supply chain for the Weeze site. It underlines the Duesseldorf-based technology group’s commitment to increasing German added value within the programme.

Rheinmetall has been commissioned by Northrop Grumman to produce at least 400 centre fuselage sections for the F-35A fighter aircraft in 2023. Extensive infrastructure measures are currently underway in Weeze, North Rhine-Westphalia, near the Dutch border. The aim is to complete the production facility in spring 2025 and then start production in summer 2025.

About Rheinmetall Aviation Services:
Rheinmetall Aviation Services GmbH (RAS), based in Bremen, was founded at the beginning of 2019 for strategic cooperation with Sikorsky in the Heavy Transport Helicopter (STH) procurement project. RAS has been working in close cooperation with the German Air Force at three different airfields since 2021/2022. RAS is seamlessly integrated into the German Air Force’s organisational structure and successfully takes over support, maintenance and repair of the CH-53G fleet.

Another important milestone was achieved in 2023 when RAS, in cooperation with Northrop Grumman and Lockheed Martin, entered into the production of centre fuselage sections for the F-35A. With an investment volume in the three-digit million euro range, Rheinmetall is currently building a state-of-the-art factory at the Weeze site in North Rhine-Westphalia for the production of at least 400 F-35A centre fuselage sections for the German Air Force and allied nations.

A new era in the air dimension will begin for Rheinmetall with the completion of the factory by the end of the first quarter of 2025 and the subsequent start of production and delivery of the first centre fuselage sections as of the first quarter of 2027.

Lockheed Martin and Rheinmetall Expand Strategic Collaboration

Friday, June 7th, 2024

Lockheed Martin, the global aerospace and deterrence company, and Rheinmetall, a leading international systems provider for security technology, have signed a new collaboration memorandum of understanding (MoU) at ILA Berlin. The two companies aim to collaborate in areas including land, air and naval forces as well as in simulation and maintenance. Specifically, this includes rocket artillery systems, laser weapon systems, simulation and training for land vehicles and helicopters, short-range air defence (SHORAD) and other areas of cooperation.

Speaking at the signing event, Ray Piselli, vice president International at Lockheed Martin, said: “Today’s MoU marks a further step in the development of Lockheed Martin’s maturing relationship with Rheinmetall and will deliver business opportunities for both companies internationally. I’m excited by the opportunities ahead which will sustain German jobs, boost exports and enhance the country’s technical skills base well into the future.”

Dennis Goege, vice president for Central and Eastern Europe at Lockheed Martin, added: “This signing today builds on successful cooperation such as the German F-35 program or the GMARS rocket artillery system. It is a logical step for us to take our collaboration with Rheinmetall to a new strategic level which will strengthen our enduring relationship with German and European industries.”

Armin Papperger, CEO of Rheinmetall AG: “We are pleased to take the next step in our proven cooperation with our US partner Lockheed Martin. Both companies have specific capabilities and technological expertise that complement each other perfectly. It is our declared goal to serve our customers from this ambitious partnership with cutting-edge technology that combines the best of both companies.”

Lockheed Martin has been a partner to the German industry for over 50 years and continues to strengthen these partnerships by working with companies like Rheinmetall that possess highly advanced technical capabilities. As part of the international F-35 supply chain, Rheinmetall will soon start the production of up to 400 F-35 center fuselages. The Düsseldorf-based technology group is thus creating at least 400 direct jobs for highly qualified workers in Weeze (North Rhine-Westphalia).

In 2023, Rheinmetall and Lockheed Martin teamed up to develop GMARS, a two-pod multiple rocket launcher system designed to meet the growing demand for long-range rocket artillery. If selected by the Bundeswehr, this system would bring significant workshare to the German industry.

Lockheed Martin will continue to explore additional industrial participation opportunities. These partnerships with German industry create jobs in manufacturing, sustainment, training, research, and development.

Rheinmetall is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of ammunition, land systems and defence electronics. The construction of the F-35 centre fuselage factory in Weeze also marks the Group’s entry into the ultra-modern military aerospace industry.

Tomahawk Performance Expands European Distribution in Sweden with MP-SEC International

Friday, June 7th, 2024

Nashville, Tennessee – June 2024 – Tomahawk Performance is pleased to announce MP-SEC International as new exclusive channel partner in Sweden.

“We are extremely proud to partner with MP-SEC International. They have established an exceptional track record built on trust and years of exceptional service to those on the front lines who fight to ensure our collective safety and global stability. Working with the MP-SEC International is imperative to our growth in a key market,” says Marc Elbaz, Tomahawk Performance CEO.

“This collaboration marks a significant milestone in advancing the accessibility of cutting-edge gear to those serving in a hostile environment with high operational and technical requirements,” says Max Gidhagen, MP-SEC Int’l VP of Government Sales.

Partnering with MP-SEC International allows Tomahawk Performance to expand the range of support to military and law enforcement personnel and supply protective layering systems to Europe. Product currently available in Sweden through MP-SEC.

Tomahawk Performance designs technical apparel and gear to maximize mobility and enhance performance during the mission. For more information, please contact the Tomahawk Performance team.

contact@tomahawkperformance.com 

info@mp-sec.com

Elevated Silence Renews Tier 1 Sponsorship of American Suppressor Association

Thursday, June 6th, 2024

“Ensuring law-abiding firearms owners can purchase, possess, and use suppressors is not only logical but crucial for our nation,” said Jim Hood, Founder and CEO of Elevated Silence.  “ASA’s dedication makes this a reality, and we are honored to stand behind Knox and the team. We are committed to exceeding expectations and encourage others in the industry to join us in advocating for our industry and defending our Second Amendment rights.”

Elevated Silence’s journey to create the perfect suppressor began with gun enthusiast and businessman Jim Hood’s realization: if you can’t buy it, build it. This led to the founding of Elevated Silence, where Jim pioneered a multi-chamber technology that efficiently redirects gas away from the bullet as it travels through the suppressor. This innovation minimizes any impact on bullet trajectory and stability, resulting in consistently accurate performance across a wide range of calibers and weapon systems.

Knox Williams, President and Executive Director of ASA, expressed his excitement about the ongoing partnership by stating, “Elevated Silence’s support for the American Suppressor Association’s mission is truly exceptional. As a Tier 1 sponsor for the second year running, they are demonstrating their unwavering commitment to the cause. Jim and his team manufacture world-class suppressors and have set high standards for the industry We look forward to continuing our collaboration and achieving tremendous successes together.”

Galvion Responds to U.S. Attorney’s Office District of Vermont Settlement

Thursday, June 6th, 2024

Newport, Vermont (June 2024) In response to the recent press release issued by the Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont, Galvion wishes to provide the following statement.

Galvion has fully cooperated with the government’s investigation of this matter and is thankful to have reached a resolution. This situation dates back to the period of 2016-2019 and relates to the country of origin of some textile components within the Modular Suspension System (MSS) liner replacement kits that did not fully comply with the Berry Amendment. Galvion would like to stress that the pads and overall liner systems fully complied with and met all the testing specifications required by the U.S. Military. The MSS kits presented no safety concerns for the warfighter.

Since its major divestiture and corporate re-structuring in 2019, Galvion has built a new and robust compliance program and upholds a strong commitment to continuous improvement across the organization. Galvion remains an active supplier to the U.S. Military.

Todd Stirtzinger, CEO of Galvion said: “This settlement resolves a situation from years ago related to Berry Amendment textile materials, and Galvion has the compliance processes in place today to ensure this cannot happen.” He added: “Galvion is a team of passionate people who are dedicated to supporting our American warfighters, as well as those of our wider global allies. We want to put this historical matter behind us and focus on engineering the systems that enhance the performance and survivability of those who are on the front lines.”