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Wednesday, November 29th, 2023Research Consortium Led by Finland-based VTT and Lockheed Martin Will Develop Signals Intelligence Technologies Benefiting the Global Defence Industry
Tuesday, November 28th, 2023The aim of the cooperation project is to develop methods and technologies for radar and communication signal detection and classification on a modern battlefield, filled with emitters with low-probability of interception and detection signals. The framework agreement, signed on November 21, initiates long-term cooperation between Lockheed Martin, the Finnish research community, and the Finnish industry, creating relationships that benefit all parties. The agreement is connected to Finland’s procurement of the F-35 fighter jets.
ESPOO, Finland (November 22, 2023) Research consortium led by VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland and Lockheed Martin have finalised a frame agreement for indirect industrial cooperation. Other members of the consortium are defence and technology company Patria, Harp Technologies, a Finnish SME active in space, defence, and remote sensing technologies, and two leading, innovative Finnish universities: Aalto University and the University of Tampere.
Finland is a leading nation of digital technologies. The state-owned VTT, founded more than 80 years ago during World War II to develop the most advanced technologies and products in the world, has previously developed ground-breaking satellite signal technology for the European Space Agency ESA, resulting in the world’s first 75 GHz signals that could ease clutter on the radio waves in the future.
“The purpose of the project is to combine the expertise and technological strengths of different parties, creating highly developed solutions and advanced new expertise that can be applied to the needs of the international defence industry, and to the products of next-generation electronic reconnaissance,” says Sauli Eloranta, Director of Safe and Connected Society Research Area at VTT.
For Finland, the project will also help strengthen the security of supply concerning the country’s own technological expertise and talent. The project will, e.g., help draw new students to study and work with the subject of digital defence technologies, creating a pathway for the new professionals to join both national and international defence industry companies over time.
Through indirect industrial cooperation initiatives, Lockheed Martin will build and benefit from industry partnerships with Finnish companies, universities and colleges, offering opportunities and new avenues to develop and strengthen the cooperation far into the future.
“The cooperation is a significant step for VTT and Finland at large. We are very keen on assessing additional future cooperation opportunities with Lockheed Martin. The technology cooperation offers us an opportunity to continue to develop our strong expertise in defence technologies and to increase cooperation with other defence industry actors,” concludes Eloranta.
The project is expected to last three years. Lockheed Martin and VTT are also looking to sign another framework agreement for a second project focusing on millimeter-wave passive imaging radiometer development during 2023, with the work aiming to start in 2024.
Colt CZ Group Offers to Buy Vista Outdoor
Tuesday, November 28th, 2023Just before Thanksgiving Day, Colt CZ Group offered to buy Vista Outdoor for ~$1.74 billion ($30 per share). Colt CZ currently also owns a 2.4% equity stake in Vista.
As you may recall, Vista announced last month that Czechoslovak Group had offered to purchase the sporting elements of the business which deal with ammunition, for $1.91 billion.
Once the sale is completed, the remaining outdoor products group would be renamed Revelyst.
By Eric Graves
Editor
NIOA Announces Picatinny Arsenal Tenancy
Tuesday, November 28th, 2023The NIOA Group has taken up a tenancy at Picatinny Arsenal in New Jersey as it looks to strengthen allied supply of critical munitions.
Picatinny Arsenal in New Jersey, USA, where NIOA will take up a tenancy in a strategic move aimed at supporting allied defence capabilities. Photo credit: US Army Corps of Engineers
NIOA Group CEO Robert Nioa said the company’s expansion into the United States Army’s Joint Centre of Excellence for ammunition and weapons demonstrated its commitment to play a key role in armaments supply to the US Army and its allies.
Picatinny Arsenal has a workforce of more than 6000 military, government and civilian personnel.
It includes key organisations such as Joint Program Executive Office Armaments and Ammunition (JPEO A&A), Project Manager Soldier Lethality and Combat Capability Development Command Armaments Center (DEVCOM-AC).
The move “inside the wire” at Picatinny signals NIOA’s intent to expand its reach in the US beyond the recent 100 per cent acquisition earlier this year of Tennessee-based Barrett Firearms.
Barrett is a key supplier to the US Army and Special Operations Command, with active contracts for its MK 22 Multi-Role Adaptive Design (MRAD) precision sniper rifle, and the M107A1 .50cal semi-auto anti-material rifle.
Mr Nioa said the tri-lateral AUKUS security agreement had underscored the growing importance of trans-Pacific partnerships between Australian defence companies and the US.
This was highlighted recently by calls from Dr. William LaPlante, United States Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment, for greater co-production, co-development and co-sustainment of weapons with close allies.
“Picatinny Arsenal is a vital US hub for defence innovation and collaboration,” Mr Nioa said.
“This strategic expansion comes at a crucial time and demonstrates NIOA’s long-term broader objective to strengthen allied defence capabilities.
“By establishing a stronger presence at Picatinny, NIOA hopes to facilitate closer collaboration with US government agencies to accelerate our contribution to global security.”
As well as its ownership of Barrett, NIOA has long-standing relationships with American companies such as General Dynamics, Northrup Grumman and Winchester through their operation of the Lake City ammunition plant, each of which also have tenancies at Picatinny.
The NIOA Group’s US-based Advisory Board members include a former commander of Picatinny Arsenal, Brig. Gen. (Ret) Alfred Abramson as well as former US Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment, the Hon. Ellen Lord.
NIOA’s Team at Picatinny includes Doreen Chaplin, who was previously the First Assistant Program Executive Office Ammunition and Daniel Napolitano, who was previously Program Manager Combat Ammunition Systems (CAS) Director of International Programs.
About the NIOA Group…
• The NIOA Group includes NIOA Inc [USA], NIOA Australia, NIOA New Zealand, the Australian Missile Corporation, Barrett Firearms [USA)] and joint venture company Rheinmetall NIOA Munitions.
• Established in 1973, NIOA is a global firearms, weapons and munitions company with operations in the USA, Australia and New Zealand and distribution covering more than 75 US State Department approved countries around the world.
• NIOA is a major tenant at the Australian government owned, contractor operated (GOCO) munitions facility at Benalla in Victoria where it is currently manufacturing 120mm munitions for the Abrams tank along with 30mm and 35mm cannon ammunition.
• The company is a joint venture partner with Rheinmetall of Germany in the Rheinmetall NIOA Munitions 155mm artillery forging facility in Maryborough, Queensland, delivering key munitions for US allied nations.
Aegis Kinetic Group Vertex 1.5 Plate Carrier
Saturday, November 25th, 2023
We are pleased to announce that Aegis Dynamics has rebranded as Aegis Kinetic Group (AKG). This change symbolizes our continuous focus since our origins in 2022 – creating unique products that increase operator efficiency and move the equipment industry forward. Our commitment to serving you, our customers, has never been more solid. We would not be here if not for the generosity and support of some truly brilliant members of this community, and we are determined to pay it forward in every way we can.
On the topic of evolution, we are also pleased to unveil our flagship product: The Vertex 1.5 Plate Carrier and Operating System. The Vertex Operating System has undergone three years of quiet development, iteration, and field testing, made better by lessons learned and user feedback received on V1. Redefining the boundaries of lightweight, scalable, maritime-ready plate carriers, the Vertex is what you make it – literally.
Made from water-resistant 500D Cordura laminate, the Vertex can adjust to any S/M plate variant using Velcro OneWrap adjustment tabs and a FIRSTSPEAR 6/12® plate backer (L/XL coming soon). The Vertex can augment existing S/M slick plate carriers for increased capability and collapses for packing in a rucksack, duffel bag, or cargo pocket. Ballistic plates are top-loaded into the Front and Rear panels of the Vertex, and the reinforced bottom ensures plate security during wear. An open design encourages immediate drainage during maritime and over-the-beach operations. The Vertex also features native wire routing beneath the carrier’s surface, sewn-in shock cord lashing points and mounting options for PTTs, and integrated, removable FIRSTSPEAR TUBES® Buckles for mounting third-party cummerbunds. The Vertex 1.5 Plate Carrier will launch alongside other system components (Shoulder Straps, MOLLE Placard, Packable Cummerbund) during our Black Friday Sale on November 24th, 2023, at noon MST. Additional components, such as removable Front and Rear Load Frames and various pouches, will be released periodically throughout 2024.
The Vertex Operating System is designed and manufactured in the U.S.A. from Berry Compliant laminate and thermoplastic materials. For MIL/LE sales, email sales@aegiskineticgroup.com. Unit-specific customizations can be made on request.
AXL Advanced + V•XV CONCEPTS Merger Announcement
Wednesday, November 22nd, 2023
It all started backstage at a concert where a deal would be negotiated that would lead to VXV and AXL joining forces.
Since duals to the death were outlawed in 1859, both teams chose a modern solution to decide who would acquire the other.
After winning 4 out of 7 games of Russian Roulette UNO™, AXL is honored to announce that VXV Concepts has been acquired by AXL Advanced, with all VXV Concepts employees joining the AXL team.
VXV Concepts will continue to operate as its own brand through VXVconcepts.com, with all the resources AXL offers.
Both teams are excited about the future and look forward to releasing innovative products in 2024!
Please note that VXV Concepts products are currently built to order and will transition to in-stock like AXL offers in early 2024. Product and order questions can be directed to support@VXVconcepts.com or support@AXLadvanced.com
OSCF, Remington Ammunition and Arkansas Game and Fish Commission Join Forces to Thank HATS
Sunday, November 19th, 2023
Charleston, SC – November 16, 2023 – The Outdoor Stewards of Conservation Foundation (OSCF), Remington Ammunition and the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission are informing and thanking America’s 60+ million active HATS (Hunters, Anglers, Trappers and Shooters) for being primary funders of land, fish and wildlife conservation in the U.S. This collaboration also highlights the significant contributions made by the firearms and ammunition industry to wildlife conservation efforts in the country.
OSCF has developed a video series entitled ‘Connecting with Conservation,’ where they collaborate with industry manufacturers and state agencies. The latest video showcases a visit to the Remington Ammunition factory in Lonoke, Ark., giving viewers an inside look at ammunition manufacturing, sharing how ammunition companies like Remington have helped pave the way for to contribute to the Pittman-Robertson Act to support the work of wildlife agencies, and thanking outdoors men and women for their role in conservation.
“It is past time that HATS understand, and get credit for funding conservation in America,” said Outdoor Stewards of Conservation Foundation’s Executive Director Jim Curcuruto. “By contributing $3.6 billion each year, there is no doubt that HATS are leading the way supporting conservation and we appreciate Remington Ammunition and Arkansas Game and Fish for helping to give credit where credit is due.”
In the early 1900s, as numerous wildlife species faced the threat of extinction or decline, the firearms and ammunition industry recognized the need for action. They approached Congress, urging the imposition of an excise tax on the sale of firearms and ammunition to support wildlife conservation. This initiative led to the passing of the Pittman-Robertson (P-R) Act in 1937, now known as Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration. The P-R Act ensures that revenues generated from these excise taxes are allocated to state wildlife agencies, enabling them to fund conservation projects, hunter education programs and the operation of archery and shooting ranges.
“AGFC wants to thank partners like Remington and other firearm and ammunition manufacturers for their continued support of conservation through Pittman-Robertson funds,” said AGFC Director Austin Booth. “These funds directly support new ranges, recreational shooting sports programs, hunter education and represent a significant source of our funds for public land access in Arkansas. It also contributes to habitat management that benefits wild places and wild things in The Natural State.”
Over the past 76 years, this partnership between hunters, sport shooters and the firearms and ammunition industry has become the largest contributor to wildlife conservation and public access to natural resources in America. To date, more than $7 billion has been collected from manufacturers and made available to states for their conservation efforts.
“Remington has been giving back to conservation through hunting and shooting since the 1960s,” said Remington Ammunition’s Director of Marketing Joel Hodgdon. “As one of the first payees of the Pittman-Robertson Act, Remington is proud to continue supporting wildlife conservation and the preservation of our natural heritage.”
This ‘Connecting with Conservation’ video was produced with the support of The Murray Road Agency. Funding for this project is provided by the Multistate Conservation Grant Program (F23AP003940), a program supported with funds from the Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Program and jointly managed by the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
GALLS Named to Newsweek’s “America’s Greatest Workplaces 2023”
Wednesday, November 15th, 2023This award recognizes GALLS® impact and commitment to promoting equality and diversity, offering competitive compensation and benefits, fostering a culture open to new ideas, encouraging career development, and enabling work-life balance.
Lexington, Ken. (November 2023) – GALLS®, the nation’s leading supplier serving America’s public safety and military professionals, has been recognized as one of “America’s Greatest Workplaces 2023” by Newsweek and Plant-A Insights Group. This honor emphasizes the company’s commitment to promoting equality and diversity, offering competitive compensation and benefits, fostering a culture open to new ideas, encouraging career development, and enabling work-life balance.
Newsweek partnered with Plant-A Insights, a provider of market research, to complete an independent study at companies with 1,000 or more employees in the United States. Respondents were asked about a broad range of key drivers of employee satisfaction, including company image, corporate culture, working environment, work-life balance, training and career progression, compensation and benefits, sustainability awareness, and proactive management of the diverse workforce.
“In such a competitive job market, it can be tough for employers to stand out to attract top talent, so this recognition is a true testament to the value GALLS places on employee satisfaction. Our company culture is at the core of GALLS’ success, and we continue strengthening our efforts to create a healthier and happier workplace. Earning a 5-star score in ‘America’s Greatest Workplaces for 2023’ survey, we are well on our way,” Mike Fadden, CEO at GALLS, said.
“How do you find a great workplace—one that treats employees respectfully, pays them fairly, provides training and advancement opportunities, and supports a healthy work-life balance? Newsweek and market-data research firm Plant-A Insights are proud to introduce ‘America’s Greatest Workplaces 2023,’ highlighting companies that are committed to offering a positive working environment,” remarked Nancy Cooper, Global Editor in Chief, at Newsweek.
Visit the website for more information at www.galls.com and on Facebook.
