Colt

Archive for the ‘International’ Category

« Older Entries

Safran Selected to Supply MOSKITO and SHARPCROW Observation Systems for the Bundeswehr

Tuesday, September 8th, 2026

As the prime contractor of the Infanterist der Zukunft program on behalf of the Bundeswehr, Rheinmetall Electronics has placed a major order with Safran Electronics & Defense, building on the long-standing and successful collaboration between the two companies. Under this contract, Safran Electronics & Defense will deliver a significant volume of optronic systems, including over a thousand MOSKITO systems and several hundred SHARPCROW systems to equip the Bundeswehr’s medium and heavy infantry forces.

?As part of this program, Safran Electronics & Defense has been selected to provide advanced portable observation systems that enable German infantry forces to better understand their environment, detect and identify targets, and quickly share critical information on the battlefield.

The MOSKITO is a compact, lightweight multifunction observation system combining day and night vision, laser range-finding and precise target geolocation. It enables rapid detection, identification and localization of targets across a wide range of operational environments.

The SHARPCROW is a handheld electro-optical observation system integrating thermal imaging, low-light imaging, a direct optical day channel, target location capabilities and digital reporting functions. Together, these features provide enhanced situational awareness and support faster, more informed tactical decision-making.

“This new order underscores the Bundeswehr’s confidence in our technologies and in our ability to equip the modern soldier with the advanced capabilities required for today’s land operations. We are proud that these systems will be manufactured in Germany by Safran Electronics & Defense, further strengthening our partnership with the Bundeswehr and the German defense industry.” said Marzell Schiller, CEO of Safran Electronics & Defense Germany.

The Bundeswehr is accelerating the modernization of its dismounted forces through additional procurements under the proven Infanterist der Zukunft (“Infantryman of the Future”) soldier system. As the German Armed Forces’ flagship infantry modernization program, Infanterist der Zukunft aims to enhance soldiers’ effectiveness, survivability, command and control, mobility and endurance by equipping them with advanced, digitally connected capabilities.

Posted in Advertiser, Contracts, International, Optics, Press Release | No Comments »

ORIGIN and WITU Unveil BLAZE with Latest Version of Warhead at MSPO

Tuesday, September 8th, 2026
  • Latvia’s ORIGIN is introducing its autonomous counter-drone interceptor BLAZE at MSPO with the latest version of a directional fragmentation warhead developed by Poland’s WITU (Wojskowy Instytut Techniczny Uzbrojenia).
  • The module was engineered by WITU specifically for BLAZE and the demands of modern counter-drone operations, combining a focused effect against aerial targets with multiple layers of mechanical, electronic and software-controlled safety.
  • The warhead carries a NATO stock number, making BLAZE the first NATO-codified interceptor drone available with a STANAG-compliant warhead module.
  • ORIGIN is scaling manufacturing partnerships across Europe to meet growing demand from NATO countries.

RIGA, Latvia & KIELCE, Poland (8 September 2026) –  ORIGIN, the Latvian defence technology company, and Poland’s Military Institute of Armament Technology (WITU, Wojskowy Instytut Techniczny Uzbrojenia) are introducing BLAZE, an autonomous counter-drone interceptor, with the latest version of a directional fragmentation warhead, at MPSO in Kielce. WITU designed the warhead specifically for ORIGIN’s BLAZE, combining a focused effect against aerial targets with multiple layers of mechanical, electronic and software-controlled safety. The module carries a NATO stock number, making BLAZE the first NATO-codified interceptor drone available with a STANAG-compliant warhead module.

The BLAZE warhead is a compact directional high-explosive fragmentation module built specifically for intercepting unmanned aerial threats. Rather than adapting an existing munition, WITU engineered the warhead from the outset as an integral part of BLAZE. Weighing 700 grams, it directs a concentrated pattern of high-velocity steel fragments toward the target, delivering the required effect while keeping the interceptor light and agile.

WITU designed and built the Electronic Safe and Arm Device (ESAD), the electronic system that governs how and when the warhead activates. The explosive charge, directional fragmentation package, electronically controlled fuze and mechanical safety mechanisms are combined within a single precision-engineered module. The warhead remains safely disarmed until defined flight conditions are met, can be armed and disarmed repeatedly in flight, and automatically returns to a safe state if an engagement is cancelled, allowing BLAZE to return and land. It initiates at a precisely controlled moment during the terminal intercept.

Col. Piotr Ruli?ki, Head of the Center for Ballistics and Unmanned Systems at the Military Institute of Armament Technology (WITU), said: “The ESAD we built for ORIGIN’s BLAZE meets the same safety and standardisation requirements we apply across our work for the Polish armed forces. We designed it from the ground up for counter-drone engagements, with the safety and control features that mission demands. Partnering with ORIGIN lets our expertise support allied NATO forces, which is a good example of how Polish and Baltic industry can build on each other’s strengths.”

Beyond the WITU partnership, ORIGIN has partnered with several electronics manufacturers with operations across Europe to scale up production of BLAZE interceptors to meet growing demand from NATO countries. In line with the interceptor’s modular design, this lets end users take on a larger share of their own supply chain where that suits their procurement needs. 

Origin’s BLAZE interceptor will be showcased at WITU’s stand (booth number: 2-E08) at MSPO in Kielce, Poland from 8 to 11 September 2026. 

Posted in International, Munitions, Press Release, Tradeshow | No Comments »

Edgar Brothers Collects the Keys to Its New Headquarters and National Defence Manufacturing & Innovation Centre

Monday, September 7th, 2026

Macclesfield, Cheshire — 3 September 2026

Edgar Brothers has collected the keys to its new headquarters and National Defence Manufacturing & Innovation Centre (NDMC). Fit-out of the building will now begin.

The purpose-built 70,000 sq ft facility is eight miles from the current Macclesfield site. Operations will continue there while the new building is fitted out, with the full move due to be completed in Q1 2027.

The NDMC supports the firm’s plans for continued growth in contracting and distribution, whilst allowing for moves in to manufacturing, testing, education and training. That means British jobs and a stronger UK industrial base as the company enters its 80th year.

“Proud day today as we picked up the keys to our new Edgar Brothers NDMC and Headquarters. There’s still plenty of work ahead to turn it into the finished product, but it feels fitting that as we move into our 80th year we now have a place that will be as impressive as our history. On a personal level, it feels real now. I couldn’t be prouder of every member of the team who has played a massive part in getting us here. Roll on 2027!”

IAN GORDON, MANAGING DIRECTOR, EDGAR BROTHERS

edgarbrothers.com

Posted in Advertiser, Industry, International, Press Release | 1 Comment »

VG-Standard Connectivity Solutions at DVD 2026

Saturday, September 5th, 2026

~ WireMasters to highlight resilient supply chains and solutions for defence manufacturers ~

Military interconnect specialist WireMasters will showcase its portfolio of VG-standard wire, cable, connectors and harness components at DVD 2026, the UK’s flagship defence exhibition for land equipment on September 16-17, at UTAC Millbrook. The company will engage with defence manufacturers, systems integrators and procurement professionals to discuss the evolving connectivity requirements of modern military platforms.

As defence procurement programmes continue to evolve, manufacturers are under growing pressure to secure reliable supplies of mission-critical interconnect components throughout lengthy procurement cycles.

At DVD 2026, WireMasters will highlight its portfolio of VG-standard wire, cable, connectors, heat shrink tubing and other harness components. Developed to meet German military (VG) specifications, these products provide standardised and compatible, connectivity solutions for defence vehicle electrical systems, helping improve interoperability, reliability and long-term maintainability across military platforms.

Combined with its extensive inventory and established supplier network, WireMasters helps customers improve component availability and minimise supply chain disruption. By working with multiple approved market leading manufacturers, the company provides greater flexibility while helping safeguard programmes against shortages and fluctuating lead times.

“Customers are looking for suppliers that can offer dependable stock availability, stable pricing and confidence that the components they need will be there when they are needed most,” said Darren Scott, sales executive at WireMasters. “By maintaining stock and working with multiple approved manufacturers, we’re helping customers build greater resilience into their supply chains.”

WireMasters expects discussions at the exhibition to explore how the growing adoption of uncrewed systems is reshaping defence requirements and creating new opportunities for suppliers of specialist interconnect solutions. As these technologies evolve, resilient supply chains and trusted supplier relationships will remain essential to supporting future military capability.

Visitors to DVD 2026 can meet the WireMasters team at Stand C3-D06 to discuss current and future defence projects, explore its portfolio of VG-standard interconnect solutions and learn how the company’s supply chain expertise can help strengthen resilience across defence procurement programmes. To learn more about WireMasters’ defence capabilities, visit its website.

Posted in Industry, International, Manufacturing, Press Release, Tradeshow | No Comments »

GM Defence Establishes UK Presence and Appoints Simon Gray to Support British Defence Ambitions

Friday, September 4th, 2026

New UK-based team will strengthen customer engagement, industrial partnerships and delivery planning for Team LionStrike

GM Defence today announced the appointment of Simon Gray as Director Business Development to strengthen the company’s commitment to the United Kingdom, and support its defence priorities and sovereign capability. GM Defence is a member of Team LionStrike, alongside partners BAE Systems and NP Aerospace, to compete for the UK Ministry of Defence’s Light Mobility Vehicle (LMV) programme.

Based in Andover, Gray will lead GM Defence UK’s engagement with the UK Ministry of Defence, British Armed Forces and industry partners. He also supports GM Defence’s wider NATO and European defence activities, including delivery planning and through-life support for Team LionStrike.

Team LionStrike—a partnership of GM Defence, BAE Systems and NP Aerospace—is pursuing the UK Ministry of Defence’s Light Mobility Vehicle (LMV) programme, which will modernise the British Army’s light mobility fleet. GM Defence serves as OEM vehicle supplier and engineering authority, bringing proven commercial vehicle platforms, global engineering and manufacturing scale, and a worldwide parts and service network.

“Establishing a dedicated UK presence is an important milestone in GM Defence’s long-term commitment to the United Kingdom,” said Steve duMont, President and CEO of GM Defense.

“Our local team will help us work more closely with the Ministry of Defence, our industry partners and the communities where we operate, ensuring we can provide responsive, reliable and sustainable support.”

Gray brings nearly 20 years’ UK Defence leadership experience, specialising in procurement, rapid acquisition and programme delivery. He has managed multi-million-pound projects spanning mobility platforms, military vehicle integration and uncrewed ground systems.

Experienced in translating operational requirements into executable solutions, Gray combines deep defence procurement expertise with a strategic, innovation-led approach and is a trusted adviser to senior military leaders and global stakeholders.

“GM Defence has a unique opportunity to contribute to the future of British military mobility,” said Gray. “I’m pleased to join the team at this important stage and look forward to working with our UK partners to deliver practical, scalable and long-term capability for the British Armed Forces.”

Posted in Industry, International, Mobility, Press Release | No Comments »

Svenska Aerogel’s Customer Launches Fire-Resistant Coating Tailored for the Marine Industry

Wednesday, September 2nd, 2026

Svenska Aerogel’s (“the Company”) customer, a European manufacturer of paints and coatings, is launching a new industrial and fire-resistant coating for the marine industry. The Company’s aerogel material enhances the coating’s fire performance, thereby contributing to increased safety onboard vessels. The coating is intended for use on interior surfaces, such as walls and ceilings.

The customer’s product has been developed for commercial shipping and meets the applicable requirements set by the International Maritime Organization (IMO). The maritime sector is subject to stringent safety requirements, driving demand for fire-protective solutions. Such solutions play an important role in limiting the spread of fire and protecting structures and escape routes.

“We are pleased to see our material, Naerogel®, being used in a product that addresses a clear market need and, above all, contributes to increased safety for people onboard,” says Tor Einar Norbakk, CEO of Svenska Aerogel.

The fire-resistant coating will be sold on a project-by-project basis, and the customer has begun its sales activities.

Posted in International, Maritime, Materials, Press Release | No Comments »

Mehler Protection Unveils Active Close-Range Counter-UAV System for Ships at SMM 2026

Tuesday, September 1st, 2026

KÖNIGSLUTTER, GERMANY (1 September 2026)

At SMM 2026, Mehler Protection is set to unveil SCILT NAVAL, a new active counter-UAV system developed specifically to protect ships from close-range threats.

The threat posed by unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) is evolving: Recent conflicts have demonstrated that even heavily armed warships can be vulnerable to small, low-cost drone systems deployed in large numbers. While modern naval forces have powerful air defence systems capable of engaging threats at long range, significant challenges remain when it comes to close- and very-close-range protection. This is particularly true in ports, when navigating confined waterways such as canals, during amphibious operations, aboard landing craft and at fixed maritime installations.

SCILT was developed specifically for this immediate threat zone, where large-scale air defence systems and formation-level counter-UAV solutions may no longer able to respond effectively.

It serves as an active last line of defence for individual vessels, bridging the gap between passive protection and large-scale air defence. The system is designed to counter small UAVs, including FPV drones, one-way attack systems and loitering munitions, and can engage both individual threats and multiple simultaneous attacks at close range.

Effectors, sensors and operating controls are integrated directly on board. The sensor suite includes electro-optical systems and additional close-range sensors for threat detection and to support operational decision-making. In its initial configuration, the system operates with a human in the loop. Further automation is planned as certification requirements and operational procedures permit.

The system uses three alert levels – detection, approach and engagement – and utilises commercially available shotgun calibres as effectors. Compared with the land-based version,

SCILT NAVAL offers a greater effective range and automatic reloading. Its effectors run the gamut from fragmentation to armour-piercing variants.

SCILT can be integrated into existing C2 and sensor systems. Where no suitable interface is available, the system can also operate autonomously using its own detection and engagement chain. Additional control and display units can be installed at multiple locations inside the vessel, giving the crew access to situational information and system controls where required.

SCILT has been developed over a period of approximately 18 months. A series of 48 tests examined factors including external and terminal ballistics, firing safety and fragment distribution, along with maritime environmental effects such as salt spray, corrosion, vibrations and wave impact. The results were used to determine the optimum effective range and effector configuration.

SCILT expands Mehler Protection’s existing portfolio of platform armour solutions for land, air and sea. The company provides protection solutions for helicopters, land vehicles and naval systems and is a key supplier to several German Navy vessels currently under construction.

Further information on Mehler Protection’s platform armour solutions: mehler-protection.com/platform-armour

Posted in C-UAS, International, Maritime, Press Release | No Comments »

Saab Receives Order for RBS 70 NG from Finland

Monday, August 31st, 2026

Saab has signed a contract and received an initial order from The Finnish Defence Forces Logistics Command for deliveries of the RBS 70 NG air defence solution. The order value is SEK 1.2 billion.

The new contract also enables Finland to place additional future orders for the RBS 70 NG as well as training, spare parts and maintenance equipment.

“We are proud to continue supporting Finland’s Defence Forces and contributing to keeping the nation’s skies safe. With RBS 70 NG, Finland will receive a state-of-the art short-range air defence capability to effectively meet evolving aerial threats,” says Görgen Johansson, head of Saab’s business area Dynamics.

The Finnish Defence Forces has been a user of the previous version of RBS 70 since 2008. The latest generation, RBS 70 NG, features the unjammable laser-guided missile while also adding a range of new capabilities, such as an automatic target tracker and built-in night capability which further increase hit probability and enhance operational use. 

Posted in Contracts, International, Munitions, Press Release | No Comments »

« Older Entries