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Bundeswehr Contracts with Rheinmetall for Several Hundred Thousand Artillery Shells; Order Worth Around €1.3 Billion

Tuesday, July 18th, 2023

The need to replenish stores of ammunition caused by the war in Ukraine is resulting in major artillery ammunition contracts for Rheinmetall. 


The German Bundeswehr has just issued a large-volume order for service and practice artillery ammunition worth around €1.3 billion, including value added tax. Two contracts to this effect have now been signed at the Federal Office for Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support (BAAINBw) in Koblenz. 
Rheinmetall has been awarded a new framework contract for the supply of 155mm artillery ammunition, while an existing framework contract has been expanded. In all, the scope of delivery encompasses several hundred thousand shells of various types, including fuses and propelling charges. Set to run until 2029, the new framework contract represents potential order volume of around €1.2 billion, including VAT. 

Furthermore, the Bundeswehr has expanded an existing framework agreement for DM121 ammunition. In addition to the framework contract cited above, this represents order volume of around €137 million, once again including VAT. The volume of the existing framework contract thus increases from €109 million to a total of €246 million, including VAT. 
Featuring insensitive characteristics, the DM121 high-explosive shell is used for training and exercise purposes. 

The first call-offs for service and practice ammunition from the framework contract cited above came as soon as the contract was signed. Delivery of shells worth €127 million (including VAT) is due take place shortly. 

Ever since its foundation over 125 years ago, Rheinmetall has been a reliable partner of the artillery corps. Even today, the pressing and drawing process invented by company founder Heinrich Ehrhardt is used for producing modern artillery barrels. Rheinmetall’s family of artillery ammunition includes, among other ordnance, the high explosive DM121, the DM125 smoke/obscurant shell, the DM121 SMArt search-fused round (jointly developed with Diehl Defence), as well as the RH68 practice version and the range-optimized RH1901 and RH1902 smoke/obscurant shells. The Group’s product portfolio also encompasses the versatile Assegai family of 155mm artillery ammunition made by Rheinmetall Denel of South Africa. It includes insensitive munitions (IM), conventional high  explosive (HE) rounds, as well as smoke/obscurant, illumination, infrared illumination, and other shells. With its boat tail (BT) and base bleed (BB) configurations, the Assegai family displays a ballistic equilibrium, ensuring that the entire ammunition spectrum can be used at its maximum effective range of approximately 40 kilometres. Under the framework contract, the Bundeswehr will be introducing the tried-and-tested Assegai ammunition family.  

The latest orders underscore once again Rheinmetall’s technological lead as a developer and producer of ammunition in Europe. Furthermore, the framework contracts will help to assure a secure supply of ammunition to the armed forces of Germany and other NATO nations, enabling better planning of production processes and optimum utilization of capacity. Moreover, thanks to assured long-term production of various types of ammunition during the lifetime of the contract, resulting in availability at short notice, the framework contract also offers logistical advantages to other 155mm artillery users. For Rheinmetall, the framework agreement means a basic level of capacity utilization at its ammunition production plants for years to come. 

Jolly Vihar 23 Enhances US, Hungarian Air Forces Interoperability

Monday, July 17th, 2023

PÁPA AIR BASE, Hungary (AFNS) —

The 56th Rescue Squadron and the 56th Rescue Generation Squadron assigned to Aviano Air Base, Italy, are participating in the bilateral training exercise Jolly Vihar 23-2 at Pápa Air Base, Hungary June 26 through July 7.

Exercise Jolly Vihar is aimed to enhance the U.S. and Hungarian forces’ ability to conduct integrated combat search and rescue scenarios and perform maintenance operations. This exercise benefits the 56th RQS and 56th RGS along with NATO ally and partner nations by enhancing interoperability while learning each other’s techniques, strategies and procedures.

“The purpose of exercise Jolly Vihar for the 56th Rescue Squadron is terminal employment,” said U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Kayleigh Jones, 56th RQS special missions aviator instructor. “This is a great time for aircrew to practice factor threat analysis because we never know what squadron or unit we’re going to be working with. The more we integrate, the better we can facilitate personnel recovery across Europe.”

Three U.S. Air Force HH-60G Pave Hawks flew to Pápa Air Base for Jolly Vihar. During the two-week exercise, a large portion of the training was live fire and search and rescue missions. Airman assigned to Aviano AB and Pápa AB act as red cells during the search and rescue missions. Red cells are role players whose purpose is to present problems that the aircrew must solve as a team.

A Norwegian flight medic responds to a survivor during exercise Jolly Vihar at a training range near Pápa Air Base, Hungary, June 28, 2023. Search and rescue missions covered a large portion of exercise Jolly Vihar and role players acted as survivors needing to be recused by the aircrew. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Synsere Howard)

Norwegian forces on each aircraft fulfill the role of a pararescue team. Their job is to help to mitigate threats and safely recover red cells with information relayed to them and the aircrew. According to Jones, working with the Norwegian forces improves cohesion with the knowledge learned from one another. This can also be applied to real-world situations.

“We’re out here working with NATO allies and partner nations such as the Norwegians and the Hungarians,” Jones said. “We’re working on interoperability and learning their techniques and procedures while sharing ours with them.”

According to Jones, there are a lot of moving pieces in an exercise of this magnitude. The mission cannot be accomplished without other agencies, such as maintenance personnel, aviation resource managers, communications technicians and aircrew flight equipment specialists.

“These personnel are essential to making sure this exercise is executed safely and efficiently,” Jones said.

Jolly Vihar aims to advance and support rescue capability in U.S. European Command and NATO. Training with NATO allies and partners in exercises like Jolly Vihar strengthens partnerships, reduces tensions between nations and helps address potential conflicts before they start.

“We’re trying to build this network to increase our partner building capabilities,” Jones said. “We can’t do this alone.”

By Airman Synsere Howard, 31st Fighter Wing Public Affairs

Luminae Paid To Raid Hoodie

Sunday, July 16th, 2023

Pretty straight forward, the Luminae Paid to Raid Hoodie is exactly what the name says, a hoodie with a logo.

Get yours at www.luminae.co.uk/Shop/Luminae-Paid-To-Raid-Hoodie.

Helikon-Tex – Foxhole Bag

Friday, July 14th, 2023

The new Foxhole bag from Helikon-Tex kind of reminds me of an update to the old USGI NBC Bag for carrying your MOPP suit.

Although this isn’t quite as big, it’s more versatile and includes a roll top and compression bungees. You can also wear it as a bag or waist pack and is compatible with MOLLE/PALS.

www.helikon-tex.com/pl_pln/tb-foh-nl-torba-foxhole

Arctic Technical Gear – MODSAW Pouch

Friday, July 14th, 2023

From the great white north comes Arctic Technical Gear and their newly MODSAW Pouch.

Featuring interchangeable flaps, four or three molle column mounting and internal velcro internal divider. Both flaps feature velcro or ITW QASM buckles. Molle/PALS slots on sides and bottom. Fits a 200rnd M249/C9 box, a 2 qt soft canteen or two 1L Nalgene bottles.

$65 USD: Modified SAW Pouch including webbing strap and QASM.

$20 USD: Full width flap

$25 USD Split flap w/ add on QASM

$10 USD: Velcro Divider

Available in MC, RG, CB and Black.

All components are Berry compliant including Squadron laminate and ITW buckles. However, these are made in Canada making them TAA compliant.

www.arctictechnicalgear.com

Brigantes Partner with Asolo to Modify the Highly Popular Fugitive GTX Boot for Military End-Users

Friday, July 14th, 2023

On-the-soldier equipment specialists, Brigantes, have collaborated with leading outdoor footwear manufacturer, Asolo, to develop a custom-modified boot, designed specifically for the military. A hugely popular choice with the hiking community, known for its impressive durability, water resistance and comfort, the Fugitive Tactical GTX is now available for immediate order through Brigantes. Purchase them here.

Established in 1975, Italian bootmaker Asolo is famed for pioneering the very first Gore-Tex lined mountain boot – an innovation which entirely revolutionised the outdoor footwear market. Priding themselves on their commitment to finding ‘the perfect balance between

tradition, quality and innovation’, Asolo’s range of technical outdoor footwear is consistently well received within the outdoor community. A brand known for its delivery of durable, high-performance shoes which stand the test of time, Asolo’s range also promises comfort and agility, ensuring that there need be no compromise for their customers.

Whilst long held in high regard within the armed forces community and a popular choice for military personnel serving in a range of operational environments, Asolo’s collaboration with Brigantes represents their first foray into custom-designed footwear specifically for military users.

With its robust durability, high-tech fabrication and superior grip in varied terrain, the original Fugitive GTX has already seen a lot of popularity amongst military personnel, which comes as no surprise. Made from a combination of 1.6-1.8mm water-resistant suede and high tenacity nylon, with a GORE-TEX performance comfort lining and an Asolo rubber outsole, the original model also features a high-tenacity nylon upper and a rubber toe cap for added comfort and protection.

The new custom-made Fugitive Tactical GTX features all of the performance and durability of the original model whilst incorporating some key enhancements. The primary differences are a new tactical colourway and an alternative lacing system for safer use with climbing ropes for military personnel. Technical key features of this model also include:

– Wider fit
– Outsole with self-cleaning lugs
– Fully laced eyelets all the way up
– Duo Asoflex technology – Two elements are bonded together to improve comfort and fit, the first element is constructed of a stiff material to provide the structure, and the second element is constructed of a softer material for shock absorption.

These carefully considered enhancements position the custom Fugitive GTX as a brilliant choice for military customers. Durability, enhanced grip and support with high-tech weather resistance and breathability unite with comfort and long-term wearability in challenging terrain, whilst the new custom colourway and lacing system offer the necessary practicality and security for armed forces personnel.

Graham Smith, Product Director at Brigantes, commented:

“Working with the Asolo team on this project has been great. The long-established Fugitive has seen use across various environments and units. Working together, Asolo and Brigantes have produced a version that is more suitable to the tactical space and brings a genuine, high-quality solution for the end users.”

The custom-designed Fugitive Tactical GTX is available for immediate order through Brigantes. If you would like to discuss your requirements with a member of their team, get in touch today.

Want to see the Fugitive Tactical GTX for yourself? Brignates are exhibiting at DSEI in London in September, where they’ll be showcasing their scope of core capabilities and product categories. Learn more about DSEI.

Romania Orders Polaris DAGOR Ultralight Tactical Vehicles

Tuesday, July 11th, 2023

Minneapolis – July 11, 2023 – Polaris Government and Defense has been awarded a contract to provide its DAGOR ultralight tactical vehicle to Romania. More than 50 of the off-road and internally transportable vehicles will deliver enhanced tactical mobility to Romanian Armed Forces for current and emerging threats. Romania, a NATO member country, will receive the vehicles via the U.S. government’s foreign military sales (FMS) program, which seeks to build up forces and allies around the world, most recently with an emphasis in the European Command (EUCOM). The contract also includes upfit and spare parts for the vehicles as well as operator and maintenance training, which will be conducted in-country by Polaris field service representatives.

Interoperability is critical in today’s conflicts, and the Polaris DAGOR provides platform commonality to the special mission community, with customers around the world including U.S. forces, Canadian Special Operations Forces Command (CANSOFCOM), multiple European militaries and additional global forces. Polaris military vehicles have become force multipliers for expeditionary forces by extending mission range while mitigating operator fatigue and increasing mission readiness and capability.

Proven and reliable DAGOR ultralight tactical vehicles provide exceptional off-road mobility, payload and transportability – carrying warfighters and their gear, for a total payload of up to 4,000 pounds (1,814 kilograms). DAGOR uses a readily available commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) driveline, controls and components like a diesel/JP8 engine selected for its ideal combination of power, weight and size.

The DAGOR has a flexible and modular design that allows it to fulfill numerous missions and be reconfigured with shifting environments and evolving threats. The open design of the cargo bed maximizes loading space, flexibility and access for mission-essential equipment. An increased ride height – even at full payload – provides better obstacle clearance and improves off-road mobility.

DAGOR’s unique design and use of commercial components allows for ease of operation, maintenance and sustainment in support of combat operations. DAGOR can also be rapidly deployed and maintains airdrop, sling-load and internal tactical air transportability on CH-47 and CH-53 helicopters as well as internal transport aboard C-130 Hercules.

Polaris delivers a unique offering to Romanian Armed Forces – the company’s expertise in off-road mobility produces military vehicles that are designed for austere environments, allowing Romanian warfighters to travel through harsher off-road conditions at full payload at a faster pace than any other vehicles in this class. Romanian Armed Forces also have Polaris MV850 all-terrain vehicles and MRZR turbo diesel ultralight all-terrain vehicles.

Arctic mobility is also crucial for expeditionary and special operations forces and these specialized teams around the world turn to Polaris and its snowmobiles and modified tactical vehicles. An Arctic Mobility Package is now available for the MRZR Alpha. The fully enclosed cab and tracks expand the environments the MRZR Alpha can operate in and increase an already wide range of terrain for which it is well-suited. Polaris Snowmobiles can extend the reach of the operators in environments that would usually take days to cover on foot. Snowmobiles are an invaluable tool in deep snow and snow-covered mountainous terrain, which is normally a challenge for large-scale military movements. Titan and Pro-RMK snowmobiles have been modified to include blackout drive, IR light, winch kit and tow hitches – further increasing the ability to navigate treacherous terrain and reach remote areas efficiently.

Polaris designs and manufactures the most capable light tactical military vehicles available today with technology development and insertion for the battlefield of tomorrow. No one knows light off-road mobility like Polaris. Polaris light tactical vehicles – the MV850, MRZR turbo diesel, Alpha and DAGOR – support more than 50 military forces which is a testament to the capability gap these vehicles fulfill. These platforms provide unmatched off-road capability while also being intuitive to operate, simple to maintain, highly transportable and easy to globally support.

Helikon-Tex x Rhodesian Camo

Tuesday, July 11th, 2023

Discover the history of camouflage with Helikon-Tex and Rhodesian Camo. It’s an extraordinary pattern that originates directly from the classic camouflage used by the British Special Forces during World War II. Today, it is almost unavailable in modern clothing. That’s why Rhodesian Camo from Helikon-Tex is a real treat for camouflage and military apparel enthusiasts.

Rhodesian Camo not only offers an iconic design, but it also has excellent masking properties, making it ideal for woodland environments. It is a perfect choice for survivalists and military enthusiasts alike.

Rhodesian Camo is a unique camouflage – few brands produce clothing in this pattern, making it a standout choice even in urban settings. It’s a rare opportunity to add something that will truly set you apart from the crowd to your wardrobe.

Our range of products in Rhodesian Camo also includes shorts, perfect for summer trails. Every piece has been designed with the highest standards of quality and functionality, meeting the expectations of demanding users.

Don’t wait – join the ranks of those who appreciate exceptional quality and immerse yourself in the history of iconic camouflages with our Rhodesian Camo. Explore the full range of products and order online at www.helikon-tex.com.

Helikon-Tex – 40 years of Journey to Perfection.