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True Velocity, FN America Announce Global Manufacturing Partnership On Lightweight Medium Machine Gun

Saturday, June 22nd, 2024

FN AMERICA’S MACHINE GUN MANUFACTURING PROWESS BOLSTERS TRUE VELOCITY’S INNOVATIVE WEAPON SOLUTION TO BRIDGE BATTLEFIELD PERFORMANCE GAP

GARLAND, Texas, June 18, 2024 — Texas-based ammunition and weapon system manufacturer TV Ammo, Inc. (“True Velocity”) and FN America, LLC (“FN America”), a global leader in the development and manufacture of military small arms, have announced a strategic licensing and manufacturing partnership for the production of True Velocity’s .338 Norma Lightweight Medium Machine Gun for U.S. and Allied military units.

The partnership positions FN America as a primary manufacturer of True Velocity’s .338 Norma machine gun, a recoil-mitigated weapon system designed to provide warfighters with range and terminal performance similar to that of the century-old .50-caliber M2 machine gun in a lightweight, functional profile comparable to that of the ubiquitous M240 machine gun also manufactured by FN America.

“True Velocity’s .338 machine gun will change the battlefield for our warfighters. We are thrilled that FN will join with us so we can equip U.S. and Allied militaries with this combat advantage,” said True Velocity President and Chief Intellectual Property Officer Craig Etchegoyen. “It very quickly became clear that FN is a world-renowned, reliable, and respected manufacturer of innovative machine guns, and we’re excited for them to join our mission.”

A lightweight machine gun solution chambered for the .338 Norma cartridge has been a focal point of requirements emerging from the U.S. Department of Defense and Allied militaries in recent years. In March 2024, the United States Department of Defense selected True Velocity’s .338 Norma Lightweight Medium Machine Gun for continued evaluation in a military program aimed at fielding a weapon system that would bridge the performance gap between the .50-caliber M2 machine gun and the M240 machine gun chambered for 7.62x51mm NATO. The combination of True Velocity’s recoil-mitigated .338 Norma Lightweight Medium Machine Gun and its advanced, lightweight composite-cased ammunition provides a turn-key combat solution capable of enhanced controllability, maximized maneuverability, and extreme precision at extended range.

“FN America is extremely excited to partner with True Velocity on this effort to deliver the next medium machine gun to the U.S. military,” said Mark Cherpes, President and CEO for FN America, LLC. “Both companies share that drive and desire to innovate and deliver game-changing technology to the warfighter. This has produced a really great team environment on this effort.”

Incorporating proprietary “impulse-averaging recoil mitigation” technology, True Velocity’s .338 Norma machine gun delivers a 300-grain projectile with enhanced range and precision, while optimizing controllability and maintaining a profile similar to that of the M240 belt-fed machine gun, which is chambered for the smaller, less energetic 7.62x51mm cartridge.

“True Velocity’s lightweight medium machine gun submission is the product of more than a decade of continued innovation and rigorous evaluation,” said True Velocity Senior Executive Vice President of Sales Kevin Sims. “This weapon system delivers unprecedented tactical and operational capabilities to our American warfighters. The sooner we bring it to the battlefield, the better.”

Schiebel Opens Facility in France

Friday, June 21st, 2024

Vienna, 20 June 2024 – The Schiebel Group is strengthening its European footprint by establishing Schiebel Aéronaval SAS in Toulon, France.

The CAMCOPTER® S-100 has been in service with the French Ministry of Armed Forces since 2012. In order to more closely support this successful partnership and meet the operational requirements of the Armed Forces in case of major engagements, Schiebel has established a company in France, situated close to its customer, in Toulon. The new Schiebel entity will provide localised support for the French Navy’s fleet of S-100 within the framework of a 5-year contract DMAé (Direction de la Maintenance Aéronautique) awarded to Schiebel at the end of 2023.

Schiebel Aéronaval SAS will house a production and repair facility to conduct the assembly and maintenance of the S-100 systems for the French Navy and other customers. The new Schiebel company will also have a training department to train operators and maintenance technicians.

Furthermore and significantly, the entity is intended to become the main European production and payload integration site for the evolving CAMCOPTER® S-300.

Schiebel Aéronaval SAS embeds itself into the French Aerospace industrial network, works closely with other local French companies and is expected to generate many employment opportunities in the Toulon area.

“We are extremely proud to count France, renowned for its emphasis on strategic autonomy, among the CAMCOPTER® S-100 users. Opening a facility in Toulon not only enables us to serve the French Navy better, but also to be closer to our French industrial partners and benefit from the advantages of the region, including direct access to the sea. We are more than excited about the new opportunities this important step will bring“, said Lubos Sramek, CEO of Schiebel Aéronaval SAS.

Wilkie Announces Strategic Partnership with Ocean State Innovations (OSI)

Friday, June 21st, 2024

Lowell, MA – Wilkie Technical Textiles, a global leader in advanced technical textile solutions, is delighted to announce a significant strategic partnership with Ocean State Innovations (OSI). OSI, renowned worldwide for its exceptional textile solutions, quality, and service, will now serve as the primary liaison for a variety of Wilkie America products manufactured in Lowell, MA. Wilkie America has unique capabilities for applying a broad range of polymer coatings onto textile substates for military, medical, workwear, automotive, and heat protection fabrics. Wilkie America draws on the expertise of the wider Wilkie group for spinning, weaving, and finishing of base fabrics.

This collaboration marks a pivotal step in our journey towards growth and progress, leveraging the combined strengths of Wilkie and OSI to enhance our service offerings and deliver superior textile solutions to our valued customers.  

Key Benefits of the Partnership:

Enhanced Service and Quality: OSI’s commitment to outstanding quality and service aligns perfectly with Wilkie’s mission to provide locally manufactured advanced textile solutions. This partnership will ensure that our customers continue to receive the highest standards of products and services.

Innovation and Product Development: Wilkie and OSI are mutually dedicated to product innovation and improvement. Drawing on our global knowledge pool and development resources, we look forward to working with existing and new customers to develop the next era of advanced technical textiles.

Primary Liaison for Wilkie America Products: Moving forward, Ocean State Innovations will be the main point of contact for a variety of Wilkie products manufactured in Lowell, MA. This streamlined communication channel is expected to improve efficiency and customer satisfaction.

This partnership exemplifies our shared commitment to pioneering cutting-edge solutions and delivering unparalleled service in the textile industry.

We look forward to a prosperous future together and appreciate your continued support as we embark on this exciting new chapter.

A representative from the OSI team will reach out to you shortly to discuss how this partnership can benefit you. In the interim, should you have any queries or require further information, please do not hesitate to contact Bryan Boulis directly at OSI via email at Bryan.Boulis@1947llc.com or by phone at 508-801-3685. Jim Lauer will stay on as President of the Lowell facility and can be contacted at jim.lauer@wilkieamerica.com or by phone at 847-257-2337.

Blue Force Gear to Attend 2024 NSSF Range-Retailer Business Expo: Celebrating 20 Years of Innovation in Load Carriage

Friday, June 21st, 2024

West Palm Beach, FL – 7/9/2024 – Blue Force Gear (“BFG”), a leading manufacturer of tactical gear for military, law enforcement, and civilian markets, announces its participation in the 2024 NSSF Range-Retailer Business Expo (“RRBE”), taking place July 10th -11th, in West Palm Beach, Florida.

This year marks a significant milestone for BFG – 20 years of dedication to developing and delivering the industry’s most trusted load carriage systems. From the very beginning, BFG has set the standard for performance and durability, earning the respect and loyalty of countless military and law enforcement professionals around the world.

“For two decades, Blue Force Gear has been driven by a relentless pursuit of innovation,” says Ashley Burnsed, CEO. “We take immense pride in serving those who put their lives on the line every day, and we remain committed to providing them with the gear they need to operate at peak efficiency.”

BFG’s commitment extends beyond the battlefield. The company recognizes the importance of supporting the needs of commercial and civilian customers who share a passion for preparedness and functionality. At the expo, BFG will showcase its extensive line of products, including:

Products:

• Slings and Hardware

• Plate Carriers and Split-Front Chest Rigs

• TKN Medical Line and Load Carriage Pouches

Visit BFG at Booth #505 to:

• Meet the BFG team!

• Learn about their latest product offerings

• Discuss solutions for your specific needs

• Celebrate 20 years of excellence in load carriage

Rheinmetall and Anduril Industries Join Forces to Develop the Most Sophisticated Military C-sUAS System

Thursday, June 20th, 2024

Paris, 19 June 2024 – The Düsseldorf-based technology group Rheinmetall and the US company Anduril Industries signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) during Eurosatory in Paris, one of the world’s leading trade shows for defence and security. Under this collaboration, Rheinmetall and Anduril will work together to design, develop, and produce new layered Counter small Unmanned Aerial System (C-sUAS) air defense systems. The scope of this collaboration is primarily to address European markets first.

These C-sUAS systems will combine Rheinmetall’s command and control system, Skymaster, and high-power guns with Lattice and open, modular and scalable hardware components including Anduril’s Sentry Tower, Wisp sensors and Anvil, its autonomous interceptor. By combining the unique capabilities of both companies, an unmatched layered solution for C-sUAS will be offered. Overall, the MoU aims to bring together the complementary skills of these two leading companies.

Oliver Dürr, CEO of Rheinmetall Air Defence AG: “This cooperation will showcase the most innovative C-sUAS system – combining the strength of Rheinmetall military capabilities and the edge cutting development speed of Anduril. I am absolutely confident that this combination will address the future needs of our clients and that we shall bring the right solution at the right time on the market.”

Greg Kausner, Anduril’s SVP of Global Defence states: “The pace of warfare is accelerating at the speed of technology development. Global defence forces must face a rapidly evolving set of threats from both emerging unmanned systems and legacy manned platforms. Air defence systems require a layered approach that is flexible, adaptable and rapidly deployable. Anduril’s partnership with Rheinmetall will bring an innovative, software-defined and hardware enabled C-sUAS system to our customers to ensure they stay one step ahead of the drone threat.” For more than a century, Rheinmetall has delivered high-power air defence guns and systems globally, providing unmatched firepower. Anduril, a global defense technology company, has developed a growing family of low-cost autonomous weapons systems all powered by its AI-enabled, interoperable Lattice software platform. 

This cooperation will enable both companies to fulfill the strategic ambition to jointly develop and implement a systematic approach covering a wide sensor and effector mix. Ranging from diverse hard kill effectors to non-lethal effectors to gun missiles and state of the art active and passive detection sensors. The system will increase the survivability dramatically and allow new strategic and operational advantages.

The New and Improved LINDNERHOF Website is Live

Thursday, June 20th, 2024

LENGGRIES, GERMANY (19.06.2024)

We are excited to announce the launch of Lindnerhof’s updated website, designed to provide a user-friendly experience with improved navigation and functionality while allowing customers to see the extensive product portfolio.

This launch marks a significant milestone in Lindnerhof’s ongoing commitment to excellence.

Discover Lindnerhof’s Enhanced Online Presence

The website now offers comprehensive and up-to-date information about the company, including its history and core values. It showcases the extensive Lindnerhof product portfolio, highlights upcoming trade shows, features new product announcements, news, podcasts, and more.

Integrated Brand Identity

The refreshed design reflects the updated company branding, now aligned with the umbrella brand Mehler Systems and its renowned sub-brands, Mehler Protection and UF PRO.

Showcasing Lindnerhof’s Product Range

The product portfolio is now more effectively showcased on the website, categorised into carrying systems, modular pouches, tactical belts, tactical clothing, and accessories. Visitors can explore the latest additions to Lindnerhof’s range of tactical gear and equipment, complete with key features, product images, and videos for a comprehensive viewing experience.

Explore the Updated Website

We invite you to explore Lindnerhof’s updated website and experience the new look and features. Visit Lindnerhof’s website to see how they continue to innovate and deliver quality tactical gear and solutions.

France Removes Ban on Israeli Companies Participating in EUROSATORY, Ban on Individuals Still In Place

Wednesday, June 19th, 2024

Israeli firms were barred from attendance in the first few days of this week’s EUROSATORY defense exhibition in Paris. The decision to ban them was made by the French government in late May, causing quite a stir within international elements of the armaments industry, affecting 74 companies set to attend the bi-annual event.

The Macron government enacted the ban after calls for a cease-fire in the conflict with HAMAS were ignored by Israel.

Last week, Bobigny District Court expanded the rule to include not only firms but individual citizens of Israel, including diplomats and other government representatives. Although COGES, the show organizer has appealed this decision, they were forced to provide this document to potential Israeli attendees.

The ban on companies was overturned yesterday by the Paris Commercial court which found it to be discriminatory, declaring a suspension of, “the execution of the measures adopted against the Israeli companies whose stands were prohibited at the EUROSATORY 2024 exhibition, until the closing date of the exhibition.” The case was filed by the France-Israel Chamber of Commerce but unfortunately does not address the ban on individual attendance.

It is unclear at this point if any Israeli firms will bother to show up at EUROSATORY, which continues this week, considering the late action by the court. It is also a question as to whether the individuals who man those booths would be allowed to enter.

Join Direct Action at Eurosatory 2024

Saturday, June 15th, 2024

Direct Action®, a leader in high-end tactical gearmanufacturing, is proud to confirm its attendance atEurosatory 2024, the premier international event showcasingdefense and security technology and innovation. Thisparticipation underscores Direct Action’s commitment to superior quality and advanced products in the military and public safety sectors.

Why Visit Direct Action® at Eurosatory?

With European roots and a global influence, Direct Action® isrenowned for tactical expertise derived from modern combatexperience. The brand epitomizes exceptional understandingof special forces’ needs, delivering products characterized by meticulous craftsmanship and stringent quality standards.

 

Experience Tactical Excellence Firsthand

At Eurosatory 2024, Direct Action® offers exclusive gearconfiguration presentations led by distinguished former JW GROM operator ?wiru. These live demonstrations willhighlight the versatility of Direct Action’s gear configurations, showcasing the adaptability of our acclaimed plate carriersystems. Sessions will run daily on demand, reflecting our’Individual-as-a-System’ philosophy, which enablescustomized mission-specific gear solutions. Former GROM member – Puwal, will also share his experience regarding the use of our gear during combat operations.

 

Unveiling the Latest in Tactical Gear

Visitors to the Direct Action® booth (C296, Hall 5B) willdiscover the latest advancements in tactical gear, including the introduction of the new Multicam Tropic color. In addition, we will showcase our new products, providing an exclusivelook at cutting-edge equipment designed to meet the rigorousdemands of military operations. Another attraction will be the robot EOD PIAP Fenix, exemplifying our commitment to integrating advanced technology with tactical gear.

 

Mark Your Calendars

We invite you to join us for this unparalleled opportunity to enhance your operational capabilities with Direct Action’s® state-of-the-art tactical gear solutions.

Event Details:

Date: June 17-21, 2024

Booth: C296, Hall 5B

Location: Paris, France

For more information, visit: eu.directactiongear.com.