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Rheinmetall Taking Part in EU Project for Sustainable Forward Operating Bases

Wednesday, February 15th, 2023

Rheinmetall is participating in the INDY project, a part of the EU Green Deal. The project is supported by the European Defence Fund. INDY stands for Energy Independent and Efficient Deployable Military Camps. The aim is to present EU member states with options for efficient operation of energy systems in forward operating bases.

For Rheinmetall, the contract is worth a figure in the low single-digit million-euro range.

Today, forward operating bases are almost entirely dependent on fossil fuels. However, new technological approaches can remedy this situation. The results of the INDY study are to provide a basis for the development and use of new energy sources; the control of resources; and optimization of requirements of forward operating bases by the end of 2024.

Rheinmetall is part of an international project team from 13 European countries. The team is pooling expertise with the objective of achieving independence from fossil fuels, drawing on military and civilian EU projects as well as national projects of the member states.

Rheinmetall aims not only to make a direct contribution to improved energy security in military operations, but also to support the energy transition and the shift to renewable energy sources for forward operating bases.

Responsible for developing mobile deployable mission solutions since 2019, Rheinmetall Project Solutions GmbH brings together the Group’s full range of resources and capabilities for mission support. The company also seeks to provide customers with long-term support for their missions through specific services.

Dr Deniz Akitürk, managing director of Rheinmetall Project Solutions GmbH, is proud to be involved in this project: “A significant improvement in energy ratios can also be achieved for military operations. Optimizing energy efficiency during deployed operations places special demands on technology. We look forward to using our skills and experience to support our customers’ sustainability goals.”

Posted in International, Press Release, Sustainment | Comments Off on Rheinmetall Taking Part in EU Project for Sustainable Forward Operating Bases

Kromek Leads a Technology Showcase and Seminar at the Royal Academy of Engineering

Tuesday, February 14th, 2023

Kromek, the radiation detection specialists, has hosted its annual seminar and future concepts showcase at the Royal Academy of Engineering in London. A group of international experts presented and discussed the options for the future deployment of detection systems to help make the world a safer place.

One of the most important conclusions reached was that better decisions are made when decision makers have access to accurate, timely, meaningful data. This was amply illustrated by the fascinating talk and discussion led by Dr Vincent Tang from Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), who was the Programme Manager of the US SIGMA programme, which built a data provision and analysis network system. The fascinating session was backed up by a lively discussion on the utility and deployment of the SIGMA Network and the need to provide robust, deployable and effective modern detectors. Such detectors must have the capability to rapidly provide useable data that can be processed into formats decision makers can use without difficulty.

The counterpoint to this was an equally fascinating presentation of the impact the War in Ukraine has had on the radiation detection system in that country. This session showed the utility of the deployability, sensitivity and effectiveness of the Kromek Radiation detection systems. Dr Oleg Voitsekhovych, Head of the Environmental Monitoring Department of the Ukrainian Hydrometerological Institute in Kyiv joined the seminar by zoom and his colleague Matthew Wrigley, Head of Operations in Ukraine for Hala, was present in person. They elaborated on the efforts to rebuild and develop the system in Ukraine. Some of the current system has been rendered useless by hazards of the war and Russian activity, while some of it is nearly obsolete. They also briefed the audience on the challenges of keeping the system operational in the light of the proximity to conflict areas of both the Chernobyl and Zaporizhzhia nuclear plants and the irresponsible behaviour by the Russians in such dangerous sites.

There was a specific session on Kromek’s suite of radiation detectors, including the launch of its newest static node detector, the Static Note R, which is equipped with both cellular and satellite connectivity for enhanced endurance in remote or high-hazard situations. It has sufficient power for a seven-day period and has a built-in full-spectral capability. Additional enhancements to existing detectors were also unveiled, including the new languages capability for the handheld D5 RIID.

Kromek’s demonstration of its radiological capabilities was backed up by a presentation on biological detection. Here, the rapid advances in the capability and deployability of Kromek’s multi sequencing rapid biological detector was a key point of the discussion and was given weight by the fact that the system is designed to be deployed against health pandemics as well as war-fighting agents.

Dr Arnab Basu, Chief Executive of Kromek said: “We were delighted to host a global panel of experts to discuss the importance of radiation detection and resilience in a time of conflict. The war in Ukraine has heightened public awareness of the genuine risks of a radiological incident and the need for national programmes for detection and resilience.

Posted in CBRNE, International, Press Release, Sensors | Comments Off on Kromek Leads a Technology Showcase and Seminar at the Royal Academy of Engineering

US Embassy in India Visits Indian Navy Station Operating Leased MQ-9

Sunday, February 12th, 2023

SAN DIEGO – 07 February 2023 – The Indian Navy has been operating General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) manufactured MQ-9 Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) under lease for over two years. Recently, Senior Staff from the U.S. Embassy of India visited the operating location.

The U.S. Embassy Staff were familiarized with the ongoing operation by a tour of the GA-ASI facilities set up within the Indian Naval Station by Indian Navy personnel. The U.S. Embassy Staff were briefed by the Indian Navy about the capabilities of the remotely piloted aircraft and its various sensors, their roles in aiding Indian Navy surveillance tasking, maintenance, and logistical support.

Dr. Vivek Lall, Chief Executive, General Atomics Global Corporation, stated, “GA-ASI is proud to be associated with the Indian Navy in this unique mission. The visit by Staff of the U.S. Embassy in India to witness MQ-9 operations from an Indian Naval Base, highlights the close synergy between our two countries in building credible defense cooperation for achieving and maintaining peace in the Indian Ocean Region.”

Mr. Raghavan Srinivasan, Commercial Attaché, U.S. Embassy New Delhi said, “We were truly impressed by the collaboration we witnessed between the Indian Navy and GA-ASI. The MQ-9 is a proven ISR platform, and the Indian Navy has deployed it to its full potential. The camaraderie between the Indian Navy personnel and GA-ASI crew is evident, despite the tempo of operations and pressures of long-range maritime surveillance.”

GA-ASI manufactures the world’s most advanced RPAS, which are equipped with cutting-edge technology and are operated by a complex ground system of interconnected control stations and operational centers. The MQ-9s are supplied to India by GA-ASI as part of a Company-Owned, Company-Operated (COCO) lease agreement. GA-ASI is the world’s leading manufacturer of RPA systems, radars, and electro-optic and related mission systems solutions. MQ-9s are operated by the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Italy, the Netherlands, and Spain. GA-ASI’s newer variant has been acquired by the UK and on order for Belgium. SeaGuardian® recently began operations in support of the Japan Coast Guard.

www.ga-asi.com

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Templar’s Gear – CPC-LP

Sunday, February 12th, 2023

In response to popular demand, Templar’s most affordable plate carrier has been updated to generation 4.

TG-CPC-LP (Low Profile) GEN4 that can hold 25x30cm hard ballistic inserts.

– 3d updated design to be in line with other Gen4 products.

– A standard set includes plate bags (front/back), shoulder pads, and an elastic cummerbund with three pouches inside.

– Harness and cummerbund are adjustable (Velcro).

– Front panel is modular and accept wide variety of placards.

– Back panel allows to install dedicated zip-on panels.

– Increased adjustment of cummerbund fits medium to large sizes.

– Made of Cordura 500D and a durable Cordura 500D-based laminate. Both fabrics are IRR treated.

Proudly Made in Poland

Weight: 600g

MSRP: 140 Euros

www.templarsgear.pl

Posted in Armor, International, Press Release | 4 Comments »

Teaming for Tactical Drones: Rheinmetall and AeroVironment Join Forces to compete for NATO Special Forces Project

Friday, February 10th, 2023

Rheinmetall and AeroVironment, an American unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) manufacturer, have teamed to take part in a NATO special forces project. Group subsidiary Rheinmetall Technical Publications GmbH and AeroVironment have applied to participate in a procurement programme for a small UAS intended for special operations and infantry applications.

The system must be capable of operating in all conditions and environments, quick to deploy, hand launchable, have a maximum weight of ten kilos, and an operating range of 30 kilometres.

Rheinmetall and AeroVironment are ideally suited for developing and putting forward a compelling solution. AeroVironment is an industry leader in the design, development and production of unmanned aircraft systems. Its PumaTM 3 AE UAS is in operation with armed forces around the world, while its modular concept offers the optimum platform for a small UAS for special forces.

A certified aviation technology company, Rheinmetall Technical Publications is a systems house for tactical drones. Benefiting from decades long experience, Rheinmetall has the necessary expertise to introduce, support, and adapt drone systems to meet customer specifications.

Posted in International, Press Release, SOF, UAS | Comments Off on Teaming for Tactical Drones: Rheinmetall and AeroVironment Join Forces to compete for NATO Special Forces Project

SH Defence, DA-Group and FORCIT Defence Signed a Multiparty Memorandum of Understanding to Develop the Use of the CUBE for Launching, Laying and Storing Sea Mines

Friday, February 10th, 2023

SH Defence, Denmark; DA-Group and FORCIT DefenceOY AB, both located in Finland, have signed a multiparty Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to corporate and jointly explore the potential in the development of launching, laying, and storing sea mines designed by and manufactured by DA-Group and FORCIT, such as but not limited to the BLOCKER and TURSO sea mines, into the Containerized Multi-Mission Module system called The Cube™ System.

The cooperation will be based on SH Defence’s modular mission concept, The Cube™ System with associated handling equipment, and will include design and conception; supported with DA-Group patented modular SUMICO naval minelaying concept.

Lars Gullaksen, Area Sales Director, SH Defence, said: “The Cube™ System from SH Defence is rapidly becoming the standard within modularization of maritime mission capabilities for naval, coastguard, and SAR vessels around the world, especially within NATO and around the Baltic Sea. Hence our motto The Cube – changing the game at sea.

Modern naval vessels must be capable of carrying out different missions and roles both in peacetime and wartime. Therefore, the easy and rapid exchange of capabilities is an increasing requirement for new buildings and the retrofit of naval vessels.”

He continued: “The Cube™ System, currently available with more than 300 different payloads from approximately 160 vendors, offers a flexible and cost-efficient solution that enables reconfiguration of a vessel in only a few hours.

This partnership with DA-Group and FORCIT allows us to jointly develop the multi-mission capabilities and expand the portfolio of payloads to include the most modern sea mines for the adaptability of both Scandinavian, NATO, and other foreign navies.”

Kristian Tornivaara, Chief Business Officer at DA-Group Defence and Aerospace, said: “We are excited to start the collaboration with SH Defence. They are now taking real action and provide world navies the future proof modular solution for naval minelaying. We have been working with sea mines and mission modularity for years and we have seen the need for such a system. This is also the reason for SUMICO patent, which now can be utilized in Cube System to enhance navies’ operational capabilities and flexibility.”

Hannu Hytti, Executive Vice President, Forcit Defence, said: “Forcit Defence has been developing and manufacturing modern naval mines since 1988. Recent developments in the security environment have emphasized the importance of sea denial and naval mine capabilities. With this partnership with SH Defence and DA Group we are able to provide world class full spectrum naval capabilities for maritime defence.

Posted in International, Maritime, Munitions, Press Release | Comments Off on SH Defence, DA-Group and FORCIT Defence Signed a Multiparty Memorandum of Understanding to Develop the Use of the CUBE for Launching, Laying and Storing Sea Mines

Emirates Defense Technology (EDT), a Leading UAE Integrator, Joins Forces with Steadicopter to Supply Rotary Unmanned Aerial Systems in the UAE and Other Specific Market Segments

Wednesday, February 8th, 2023

The two companies will join forces and offer, a lightweight unmanned robotic helicopter that meets various challenges faced by HLS, military forces and law enforcement agencies.

8 February 2023. EDT – a leading UAE-based integrator for comprehensive defense solutions, and Steadicopter – a leader in the Rotary Unmanned Aerial Systems (RUAS) industry, are joining forces regarding the supply of Steadicopter’s advanced rotary tactical unmanned aerial systems. The two companies will adapt Steadicopter’s RUAV products to meet the emerging requirements of various customers within the UAE and other specific market segments.

“As EDT continues to serve its customers with innovative, novel, unique, tailor-made solutions, we had scouted Steadicopter and its Eagle family – a platform of solutions which fits synergistically with other solutions manufactured in the region,” says Mohamed Bin Jabr Al Suwaidi, Owner & CEO of EDT. “We found that Steadicopter’s systems, which are used by various armed forces around the world and have already been operationally proven in various missions, meet the highest standards and needs of our customers. We are proud to launch them in the UAE, using both companies’ strengths and relevant accumulated experience, and anticipate that this will be a long-term cooperation that will cater to the needs of various defense and HLS organizations. We continue to prioritize investments and partnerships that meet current and future needs.”

“We thank EDT for expressing confidence in the unique and proven systems developed by Steadicopter,” says Noam Lidor, VP Sales, Marketing & Business Development at Steadicopter. “We believe that, together, we will be able to provide comprehensive solutions for various end users. At the upcoming IDEX exhibition in Abu Dhabi, we will for the first time present the Black Eagle 50H in its new configuration, for the benefit of intelligence missions in challenging environmental conditions, and the protection of land and sea borders.”

Steadicopter’s Eagle family delivers exceptional, unprecedented, proven solutions for a wide range of military, HLS and civilian applications. The Eagle family provides full-featured solutions for any in-field requirement, enabling vertical take-off and landing and steady hovering, with advanced mission sensor suites for day and night operation. Weighing only ~20 kg as a platform, each model has the capacity to carry additional batteries for longer flights, heavier payloads and more.

The Black Eagle 50H is the first ever hybrid-powered unmanned helicopter. With a maximum takeoff weight of 50 kg, the system can carry multiple payloads, and is capable of up to five hours of flight time – extremely high endurance when compared to other VTOL platforms when carrying such heavy payloads. This enables high performance and maximum operational flexibility for various applications, such as military, low intensity conflict, law enforcement, search & rescue, cyber security, intelligence, offshore rigs and strategic infrastructure protection, high-end maritime missions and civilian applications.

Posted in Industry, International, Press Release, UAS | Comments Off on Emirates Defense Technology (EDT), a Leading UAE Integrator, Joins Forces with Steadicopter to Supply Rotary Unmanned Aerial Systems in the UAE and Other Specific Market Segments

NIOA Unveils New Australia-NZ Executive Team

Tuesday, February 7th, 2023

NIOA’s new CEO for Australia and New Zealand, Ben James, has announced his executive team with a commitment to double down on world-class support to the company’s sporting, defence and law enforcement customers.

Mick Ahern CSC, formerly NIOA’s Lethality Program Director, is the new General Manager of Weapons & Munitions, heading up a raft of new appointments which also includes Owen Paulson as General Manager of Operations.

Mr Paulson joins NIOA after an extensive career including global security operations, expansive program management and strategic leadership roles in addition to a key role in support of the Queensland Reconstruction Authority following the devastating floods of 2010-11.

Mick Ahern, who has had a lead role in NIOA’s delivery of Tranche 1 of the LAND159 Program, will take on the position of General Manager, Weapons & Munitions, for the company’s Australia and New Zealand division.

The NIOA Australia and New Zealand leadership team, effective 2 February 2023 is:

Mick Ahern, General Manager, Weapons & Munitions

Brad Johnson, General Manager, Sporting

Fraser Winskill, General Manager, New Zealand

Rudi Bekker, General Manager, Engineering

Owen Paulson, General Manager, Operations

Ferdi Kluever, Director – Bids & Proposals

Shane Huby, General Manager, Commercial

Garth Jones, Chief Financial Officer

Mr James said the appointments underlined the capability within NIOA to deliver excellence as Australasia’s largest privately-owned supplier of munitions to the defence, law enforcement and sporting markets.

“This is a 50-year-old, family-owned business that has been built on foundations of hard work, trust and delivering outstanding results for our customers and partners,” he said.

“The leadership team we have assembled across NIOA Australia and New Zealand possesses the knowledge, capacity and expertise to continue to deliver the world-class service and support for which NIOA is known.

“It will be important that we look for synergies across the NIOA Group to ensure we are best harnessing resources and capacity to serve our domestic and international markets.

“I want to double down on our efforts to deliver world class support to our sporting, defence and law enforcement customers.”

NIOA Australia is the largest supplier of non-guided munitions to the ADF delivering Australia’s future family of 155mm artillery munitions, the medium calibre munitions for the LAND 400 Rheinmetall Boxer Combat Reconnaissance Vehicle, Australia’s mortar capability as well as select munitions for the Abrams tank and more than 50 other strategic munitions.

The company is delivering the first tranche of the Australian Army’s LAND 159 Lethality System Program to modernise ADF weapon systems.

The Australian operations include management of a significant portion of the Australian Government-Owned, Contractor-Operated (GOCO) munitions manufacturing facility at Benalla in Victoria and delivery of key Defence munitions programs.

NIOA has had a long-standing presence in New Zealand through its support of the New Zealand Defence Force and New Zealand police, supplying various key weapons systems, tactical equipment and munitions.

In April 2022, the company acquired Auckland-based Sportways Distributors, expanding its operations to bring an enhanced product range to the New Zealand sporting and hunting community.

The appointments follow changes to NIOA’s organisational structure to better align with its growth strategy and geographical expansion.

This included a new group structure encompassing NIOA Australia, NIOA New Zealand, the Australian Missile Corporation, joint venture company Rheinmetall NIOA Munitions and newly acquired Barrett Firearms (USA).

Posted in Industry, International, Press Release | 3 Comments »