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HENSOLDT Develops SIGINT Pod Demonstrator for Eurodrone

Sunday, January 22nd, 2023

Latest technologies enable compact design for signals intelligence

Taufkirchen/Germany, 20 January 2023 – Sensor solutions provider HENSOLDT is developing sensor equipment that can be integrated into a pod to give the recently commissioned Eurodrone a signals intelligence (SIGINT) capability. The sensor technology for reconnaissance of radio and radar signals is based on a combination of the latest technologies in digitisation, electronic beam steering and metallic 3D printing, some of which HENSOLDT has already developed in its “Kalaetron” product family. The contract for the implementation and testing of a SIGINT demonstrator worth approximately 15 million euros has now been awarded by the Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support (BAAINBw).

“From our experience with other SIGINT projects and our own technology programmes, we are in a position to offer a flexible SIGINT solution for the Eurodrone that can be integrated into a pod, but can also be used networked with other platforms,” says Christoph Ruffner, Head of the Spectrum Dominance & Airborne Solutions Division at HENSOLDT. In addition to the sensor suite itself, HENSOLDT is also developing a system architecture for integrating the SIGINT capability into the future mission system of the Eurodrone as part of this contract.

The “Kalaetron” product family is already being used in self-protection and signals intelligence systems by the German Armed Forces, among others. On its own initiative, HENSOLDT has already demonstrated its communications reconnaissance capabilities (C-ESM) in ground and flight tests. The core elements of the system are a fully digitalised, broadband receiver, an electronically controllable antenna and a condensed structure of the electronic components that was only made possible by metallic 3D printing. In combination, these elements allow the SIGINT equipment to be incorporated into a compact pod system that can be easily integrated into flying platforms, but also scaled for sea and land applications.

Posted in Aviation, International, Press Release, Sensors | Comments Off on HENSOLDT Develops SIGINT Pod Demonstrator for Eurodrone

Rheinmetall Wins Contract for Regenerating Bundeswehr’s Modular Medical Equipment

Friday, January 20th, 2023

Germany’s Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support (BAAINBw) has contracted with Rheinmetall for the conversion of modular medical equipment (MSE).

Worth a figure in the mid-single-digit million-euro range, the order will be complete by December 2023.

MSE containers comprise a family of modular ambulance facilities manufactured by Zeppelin Mobile Systeme. In the 1970s, various user states procured rescue station, rescue centre light, rescue centre and emergency hospital variants, which are now undergoing a comprehensive overhaul.

MSE rescue centres and field hospitals are used in Bundeswehr areas of operation. Individual systems are designed for special tasks such as the generation and supply of medical gases in the equipment supply container, or GVC. In deployed operations, the technical and medical equipment of the GVC supports the adjacent operating theatre. The container systems are CSC-classified, stackable and thus suitable for transport on container ships. The systems and their equipment are adapted in terms of scope and functionality.

Responsible for mobile deployable mission solutions, Rheinmetall Project Solutions GmbH has been pooling resources and capabilities for mission support since 2019. Rheinmetall AG created the company to handle services and projects for mission support. It provides customers with long-term mission support via specific services.

Dr. Deniz Akitürk, managing director of Rheinmetall Project Solutions GmbH, is proud of the new project: “Rheinmetall Project Solutions GmbH, in association with Rheinmetall Zeppelin Mobile Systeme, delivers comprehensive mission support. In addition to the construction and operation of forward operating bases, we also bundle protection and surveillance capabilities as well as medical expertise for our customers. As a system provider, we are pleased to be supporting the regeneration of medical equipment. In future, we could be modernizing a further 350 accommodation containers.”

The order underlines Rheinmetall’s high level of competence in mission support for the German Bundeswehr in the medical domain.

Posted in Advertiser, Contracts, International, Medical, Press Release | Comments Off on Rheinmetall Wins Contract for Regenerating Bundeswehr’s Modular Medical Equipment

Noble Biomaterials Expands It’s Noble Defense Technology to Military Applications in Eastern Europe

Thursday, January 19th, 2023

Noble’s multi-spectral shielding and antimicrobial technology supports modern era of warfare

SCRANTON, PA. (January 10, 2023) — Noble Biomaterials, creator of conductive energy textiles and advanced antimicrobial systems, announces today that its Noble Dfense™ technology is expanding into European countries as the war in Ukraine continues and combat troop demands become increasingly technical.

Noble Biomaterials has been a major supply partner to the United States military for over two decades. Noble’s Dfense™ technology has recently been adopted by government agencies in Israel, Asia, The United Kingdom, and now the product portfolio is expanding to Eastern European countries as the conflict in Ukraine continues.

“Noble Dfense™ has proven highly effective in mission-critical military and aerospace applications,” said Joel Furey, Founder and Chief Commercial Officer at Noble Biomaterials. “Noble Biomaterials has spent years developing multi-spectral energy management systems for security and protection. Whether the objective is to transfer energy, shield energy, or add antimicrobial technology, our portfolio of products embeds capabilities that provide a measurable combat advantage for U.S. forces and our allies.”

Noble Dfense™ products include fiber, fabric, and foam textiles used in soft or hard surfaces for fixed and mobile applications. Commercial products include apparel fabrics, tents, shelters, tapes, wallpapers, and medical devices. Noble Dfense™ was originally developed to permanently mitigate bacteria build-up. The silver technology quickly transitioned into solutions in EMI/RFI shielding, thermal and electrical conductivity, IR signature, biometric monitoring, and static control.

Noble Biomaterials is a registered FDA medical device facility, an essential sole-source technology supplier of medical components to the US military, and a US EPA–registered antimicrobial manufacturer. Noble products are EPA, FIFRA, BPR, and CE conforming.

The silver technology used in Noble Dfense™ provide a mechanical antimicrobial benefit that removes bacteria on fabric. The technology is permanent and never washes out of the fabric. Noble Dfense™ uses passive and active mitigation systems with the ability to counter directed energy attacks in fixed and mobile locations. The technology utilizes proprietary material technology that scatters and shields energy waves by reducing the power of the wave up to 100dB. This level of protection, deployable within soft and hard surface applications, is far above industry commercial standards and is currently utilized by the U.S. Department of Defense and Department of State.

Noble Dfense™Conductive Material from Noble Biomaterials

For more information on Noble Biomaterials and to view their full range of fabric applications, please visit www.noblebiomaterials.com.

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Capacity Building for Ammunition Production: Foundation Stone Laid at New Rheinmetall Ammunition Factory in Várpalota, Hungary

Wednesday, January 18th, 2023

The foundation stone has been laid for the new Rheinmetall plant in Várpalota, Hungary, where ammunition for various systems will be produced by the joint venture Rheinmetall Hungary Munitions in cooperation with the Hungarian state. Production of 33mm-medium-calibre ammunition for the Lynx infantry fighting vehicle now being manufactured at the Rheinmetall plant in Zalaegerszeg is scheduled to start in 2024.

In a second phase, production capacity will be expanded and the product range widened to include other ammunition types.

A longstanding strategic partner of Hungary, Rhein¬metall AG will then be able to produce ammunition for the Leopard 2 tank and PzH 2000 self-propelled howitzer at the Várpalota plant. Both of these systems are used by the Hungarian Army. Part of the production is earmarked for the Hungarian armed forces, with some products destined for export.

Full production capacity will be reached in 2025. In addition, Rheinmetall also plans to conduct R&D in Várpalota.

The Group is thus systematically expanding its ammunition production capacity. It recently announced the acquisition of Spanish ammunition maker Expal, which will double its manufacturing capacity in this domain.

Rheinmetall also produces ammunition in Germany, Italy, Switzerland, South Africa, and Australia.

Rheinmetall is an important partner of Hungary, helping the country to achieve its strategic goals and develop its national defence industry. With this plant, Rheinmetall will be able to meet Hungary’s future ammunition needs as well as the growing demand for ammunition from Germany’s other partner countries. In addition to capital expenditure in Várpalota, Rheinmetall has been investing in extra production capacity and a development centre in Zalaegerszeg, where vehicle systems like the Lynx infantry fighting vehicle are being developed and produced, as well as in Szeged.

Furthermore, Rheinmetall announced in May 2022 that it would set up a joint venture with the 4iG Plc and the Hungarian state-owned company HM Electronics, Logistics and Property Management Plc (HM EI Zrt.) to drive forward the digitalisation of the Hungarian armed forces and selected NATO member states. Rheinmetall thus continues to expand its position in Hungary as a capable partner of the Hungarian armed forces. The core objective of the cooperation is to promote digitalisation of the Hungarian armed forces and other NATO countries in Central and Eastern Europe and to develop and supply the necessary digital equipment.

When it is complete, the factory in Várpalota will employ about 200 people. More workers will be needed as the plant grows.

“We need employees in our team with experience in production, quality assurance, purchasing, warehousing and logistics, plant maintenance and administration. We are also specifically looking for professionals who are trained and experienced in handling explosives and ammunition”, declares plant CEO Michael Krebs.

Posted in Advertiser, Ammo, Industry, International, Press Release | Comments Off on Capacity Building for Ammunition Production: Foundation Stone Laid at New Rheinmetall Ammunition Factory in Várpalota, Hungary

NIOA Group Announces Purchase of Barrett Firearms

Monday, January 16th, 2023

Australia’s NIOA Group has just announced the acquisition of Barrett Firearms. NIOA partnered with Barrett to provide anti-material rifles to the Australian Defence Force and in October of last year, NIOA named Barrett a key sub-contractor. Seen below is Sam Shallenberger (President, Barrett) and Rob Nioa (Group CEO, NIOA).

This signals the transition of founder Ronnie Barrett, a legend in the US small arms industry who developed a family of .50 anti-material rifles and other precision firearms including the US Mk22 Advanced Sniper Rifle.

Below is their press release.

NIOA acquires US manufacturer Barrett Firearms

Australian defence contractor NIOA has expanded its global reach with the 100 per cent acquisition of the industry-leading rifle design and manufacturing company, Barrett Firearms.

In announcing the deal, NIOA Group CEO Robert Nioa said the two family-owned companies came together out of a shared commitment to quality, innovation, loyalty, and mission.

NIOA Group CEO Robert Nioa has announced the company’s acquisition of US rifle maker Barrett Firearms.

“NIOA’s association with Barrett dates back to 2008. We have been inspired by the story of Barrett and admire what Ronnie, Chris and the family have built over more than four decades,” Mr Nioa said.

“It’s been a story of hard work, perseverance, and purpose culminating in the delivery of critical capability for the men and women of the US military and its allies around the world as well as exceptional products to law enforcement agencies and civilian markets.

“Together we share the same mission – combining our expertise and family business values will ensure Barrett carries on building the finest products in the world.’’

Mr Nioa confirmed the company would continue to operate under the Barrett brand as a separate division within the NIOA Group alongside NIOA Australia, NIOA New Zealand, the Australian Missile Corporation and the group’s investment in joint venture company Rheinmetall NIOA Munitions.

All management and staff at the Murfreesboro manufacturing facility in Tennessee have been retained and production will continue as normal. Over time it is expected that manufacturing activities in Murfreesboro will be further expanded.

Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Mr Nioa also announced two key leadership appointments – current Barrett President Sam Shallenberger has been promoted to the role of Chief Executive Officer while long-serving Barrett Chief Operating Officer Bryan James becomes President.

Ronnie and Chris Barrett will provide ongoing support as executive advisers to Barrett and the NIOA Group.

Barrett founder Ronnie Barrett said: “Today marks the beginning of a new chapter in the Barrett story. Rob and the NIOA team have great respect for the legacy Barrett has created as the leader in long range precision rifles. It’s reassuring to know Barrett will be in good hands with a family-owned company that is focussed on manufacturing and delivering world-class firearms and munitions to a global network.”

The Barrett acquisition marks an exciting next chapter for NIOA as the company’s entry to the US market where it has long-standing trusted relationships with American companies such as Vista Outdoors, Leupold, General Dynamics, Northrup Grumman, and the Winchester-operated Lake City ammunition plant.

Posted in Industry, International, weapons | 13 Comments »

DroneShield Protects Brazil Presidential Inauguration

Monday, January 16th, 2023

DroneShield is pleased to advise its DroneGun Tactical™ counterdrone/C-UAS system has been used in the inauguration ceremony for the president-elect of Brazil, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, held at the Cathedral of Brasilia.

Lula da Silva, a 77 year-old who already served as Brazil’s president from 2003 to 2010, is taking the Presidential office for the third time.

Presidential security has used DroneGun Tactical™ to take down four suspicious drones that were heading towards the President at the inauguration event.

Tens of thousands of people have attended the ceremony.

A security agent walks with DroneShield’s DroneGun Tactical™ next to the presidential Rolls-Royce that was used by President-elect Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva at his inauguration ceremony in Brasilia, on January 1, 2023 (Photo by CARL DE SOUZA / AFP)

DroneShield has expanded into the Brazil market in mid 2021, when it has received a formal approval from Anatel, the Brazilian National Telecommunications Agency responsible for issuing the concession of new radio frequencies, for deployment of its devices. Following the approval, the Company has now sold a quantity of its DroneGun Tactical™ units to Brazilian Government.

DroneShield CEO, Oleg Vornik, commented: “Brazil is a key South American market for DroneShield, and we are pleased to see deployment of our systems in the country at the highest level, which is expected to flow down to further systems being utilised in Brazil, as counter-UAS requirements continue to rapidly grow.”

Brazil media coverage of the DroneGun Tactical™ at the Presidential inauguration (credit: Globo)

Posted in International, Press Release, UAS | 9 Comments »

Thermal Sighting Systems For The UK Army’s General Purpose Machine Gun (GPMG)

Friday, January 13th, 2023

Precision Technic Defence Limited are proud to announce the award of multiple 7-year contracts by the UK Ministry of Defence to supply and support a range of thermal weapon sights for the GPMG weapon platform. A total of three separate Framework contracts to supply sights for the Army’s GPMG Fleet have been placed by the Dismounted Close Combat project team. The contracts have the scope to provide capability to all branches of the UK Ministry of Defence.

“We are extremely proud to have been selected to supply this capability to UK Ministry of Defence. For us as a company it’s a big milestone to have been awarded with contracts of this scale and significant value. We have worked closely with our industry partners to bring together a battle winning solution which will increase lethality and survivability of UK personnel on the battlefield,” says Bill Chapman, Managing Director at Precision Technic Defence Ltd.

ptdefence.co.uk/home

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Rheinmetall Wins Triple-Digit Million-Euro Contract for Explosives Factory in Várpalota, Hungary

Friday, January 6th, 2023

The Hungarian state is building a new explosives plant to produce RDX (Research Department eXplosive) at its site in Várpalota, Hungary. Rheinmetall Denel Munition Pty (Ltd) from South Africa is supplying the necessary plant technology. Under the contract signed on 15 December 2022, a new plant will be built and operated by a joint venture consisting of Rheinmetall and N7 Holding, a state-owned Hungarian enterprise.

The contract is worth a figure in the low three-digit million-euro range.

Now that the planning phase is complete, the project will start in 2023, so that production can begin by 2027. The explosives produced in the new plant can be used for artillery, tank, and mortar ammunition, among other things. The contract covers the supply of plant engineering, technology, and process know-how as well as the associated documentation, training, and all activities necessary to achieve full-scale production.

The project is a strategic investment by Hungary in cooperation with Rheinmetall in response to the shortage of explosives resulting from strong demand for ammunition in Europe and NATO. At the same time, it promotes Europe’s independence from overseas imports in this sector.

Once completed and taken over by the Hungarian state, Rheinmetall AG will be the primary customer for the explosives produced by the plant.

Posted in Advertiser, International, Munitions, Press Release | Comments Off on Rheinmetall Wins Triple-Digit Million-Euro Contract for Explosives Factory in Várpalota, Hungary