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Archive for the ‘International’ Category

Rheinmetall Modernizes Multi Sensor Platforms for the Norwegian Air Force – Upgrade to MSP600digital

Tuesday, January 3rd, 2023

Rheinmetall has signed a contract with the Norwegian Defence Material Agency / NDMA to modernize the Multi Sensor Platform MSP500.

The total value of the order is in the low double-digit million-euro range. The framework contract covers replacement of the old MSP500 system supplied in 2002 as well as the associated simulators with the more powerful MSP600digital sensor system. The installation of the new systems starts in summer 2025.

The Multi Sensor Platforms slated for modernization form part of the Norwegian air defence system – the National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System, or NASAMS). They are integrated into NASMS batteries. Purged of obsolescent features, the MSP600digital is the performance-enhanced, HD-capable, digital successor of the MSP500 and MSP600 sensor platforms used by various armed forces worldwide.

The MSP600 digital system is based on the MSP600 system, which is in service with many navies, coastguards and other military and civilian users. The four-axis stabilized platform controls an electro-optical sensor package, consisting of a state-of-the-art thermal imager (day/night vision), a high-precision laser rangefinder and a high-resolution HD colour daylight camera.

British Dyer and Printer Pincroft, Makes Strategic Move for Business Growth

Tuesday, January 3rd, 2023

Adlington, United Kingdom: Pincroft, a commission textile dyer, printer and finisher, based in the UK, has announced the strategic appointment of Louise Sheridan as the company’s new Business Development Manager, as part of the business’ growth plan for the coming years.

With an extensive career in textiles spanning almost 20 years, Louise’s experience includes nonwovens, contract upholstery and technical textiles with her last role at Waxman Fibres focusing on the technical and business development of flame retardant and antistatic fibres for PPE covering the UK and mainland Europe.

Louise says: “I am very excited to Join the Pincroft team where with my experience of the industry I aim to maximise sales and new business development for all aspects of commission services, including pre-treatment, dyeing, printing and finishing of textiles.

“With Pincroft being a world leader in camouflage printing with a wealth of expert talent, my immediate focus will be on sharing this expertise and know-how with new and existing customers in the defence and military sectors.

Pincroft’s Managing Director, Mike Collins, adds: “The appointment of Louise as our Business Development Manager is a great step forward for the company’s growth plan in the coming years, where we focus on maximising the market’s knowledge of our vast 130 years of expertise in commission dyeing, printing and finishing of fabrics.”

Gripen E Now in Operation with Brazilian Air Force

Wednesday, December 28th, 2022

The Brazilian Air Force (FAB) held a ceremony on 19 December at the Anápolis Air Base (BAAN) marking the beginning of operational activities of the Gripen E fighters (referred to as Gripen F-39 in Brazil) by the First Air Defense Group (1st GDA).

This important customer milestone follows the flight test phase in Brazil that started in September 2020 with the arrival of the test aircraft in the country, and which were conducted at the Gripen Flight Test Center (GFTC) located at the Embraer plant in Gavião Peixoto.

“The start of operational activities with Gripen E by the Brazilian Air Force (FAB) is an extremely important day. It marks the beginning of a new operational era for FAB but also is the result of years of hard work done in partnership with the Air Force and with our Brazilian industry partners: Embraer, AEL Sistemas, Akaer, Atech, and our own subsidiaries in Brazil,” said Saab’s President and CEO Micael Johansson.

At the event two Gripen fighters made a presentation flight led by FAB pilots Lieutenant Colonel Gustavo Pascotto, Commander of the 1st GDA, and Lieutenant Colonel Ramon Lincoln Santos Fórneas. The Brazilian pilots carried out their training with Gripen E in Sweden. They also practiced for today’s flight on the mission trainers, which are installed at the Anápolis Air Base.

In November, Saab achieved the certification necessary for the military use of Gripen E, which attests that the aircraft has met certain airworthiness and flight safety requirements which was an important step prior to operational activities with the FAB. This was granted by both the Swedish and Brazilian military authorities, represented by the Swedish Military Aviation Safety Inspectorate (FLYGI) and the Industrial Fostering and Coordination Institute (IFI) in Brazil. The joint certification reflects the synergy obtained through the technical cooperation between the two authorities in each country.

“Brazil now has one of the most advanced fighters in the world. This is currently the most extensive ongoing technology transfer programme in Brazil and it is definitely the largest one ever done by any Swedish company, bringing to the Brazilian defence industry the knowledge to develop, produce, test and maintain an advanced supersonic fighter. We are very proud to be a strategic partner to Brazil,” concluded Johansson.
 

Rampart Range Day and Training Week 2023

Wednesday, December 28th, 2022

We’ve received additional information on the expansion of Rampart Range Day to include training sessions during the week.

New for 2023, Rampart is launching Rampart Training Week – an exclusive opportunity for Law Enforcement and Military personnel to participate in training and earn factory certifications after Rampart Range Day and Expo on May 30th 2023 in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.

Rampart Training Week 2023 offers qualified personnel an exclusive, private opportunity to advance their capabilities, improve readiness and develop new skills. Learn from world-class subject matter experts and industry-leading manufacturers. Courses have limited space, so register now.

Aimpoint MRDS for Law Enforcement Duty Use – Pistol (FREE)

Aimpoint RDS for Law Enforcement Duty Use – Carbine (FREE)

ASP Restraint Instructor Course (FREE)

First Responser Bleeding Control / Stop The Bleed Certification (FREE)

Incorporating Less Lethal Platform into Front Line Operations – 40mm / 12GA (FREE)

GLOCK Certified Armourer’s Course (FREE)

Colt Canada Armourer’s Course ($1119)

Most of the courses are free, and additional flight and hotel discounts are available. 

Rampart Range Day and Training week are not open to the public, only active military, law enforcement and corrections personnel acting in a tactical capacity may attend. 

Learn more or apply to attend Rampart Training Week 2023 here: rampartcorp.com/training-week

Learn about Rampart Range Day and Expo 2023 here: rampartcorp.com/rampart-range-day

Templars Gear Astrolabe – Admin Pouch for Smartphone or GPS Device

Tuesday, December 27th, 2022

From Poland’s Templars Gear comes the Astrolabe, an admin pouch for End User Devices

Constructed from durable PE plastic covered with laminated cordura, this PALS compatible pouch is designed to mounted to the chest.

The front panel is covered with laser cut PALS cells (4×4) and loop Velcro for additional morale patches or identification.

templarsgear.pl

GSCI Advanced Photonics to Launch PVS-14 Augmented Reality Module at Enforce Tac

Tuesday, December 27th, 2022

First of its kind, Augmented Reality module for the most popular PVS-14 night vision monocular – MTAR™-HUD. Available for demonstration at Enforcetac(10.0-306) and IWA (3-113) in March, 2023.

It is not just a tool, but also a necessity – hundreds of thousands of Night Vision Monoculars which are currently in service can now be transformed in-field, without any tools, to provide vital information to the operator. The MTAR™-HUD offers on-screen features such as GPS, Compass, Rangefinder, as well as a Video Recorder and much more to give the operator the ultimate tactical advantage, and removing many of the traditional night vision device limitations. 

Highly desired by military, law enforcement and other professionals – the Multi-Task Augmented Reality night vision monocular attachment heads-up display (MTAR™-HUD)  is finally debuting on the global market.

For the past 30 years, GSCI Advanced Photonics has become well knows as one of the few manufacturers of high end optical-electronic equipment with truly unique features. End use law enforcement customers who were selected for the trial of the newly developed MTAR™-HUD have said it is “simply a game changer”, allowing you to transfer your basic night vision monocular into an all-in-one observation, detection, and augmented reality reconnaissance device.

For more information please reach out to the sales team at GSCI Advanced Photonics via gsci@gsci.net

www.gsci.net/mtar-hud

Finland Places Order for Saab’s RBS 70 Missiles

Monday, December 26th, 2022

Saab has received an order from Finland regarding missiles for the RBS 70 ground-based air defence system. The order value is approximately SEK 800 million and deliveries will take place 2023-2026.

The order includes Saab’s latest version of the RBS 70 missile, Bolide, which enables engagement with airborne armored targets and drones. The missile will be used with Finland’s current RBS 70 systems, which have been in use in the country for more than 15 years. In Finland the system is referred to as ITO05 and ITO05M (Ilmatorjuntaohjus 05).

“We are proud to continue contributing to Finland’s air defence capability with our future-proof Bolide missile, which can be used against a wide range of threats,” says Görgen Johansson, head of Saab’s business area Dynamics.   

Saab’s portfolio of short-range, ground-based air defence missile systems includes the RBS 70 and the latest version, RBS 70 NG. The RBS 70 has an impressive track-record on the market with more than 1,600 launchers and over 18,000 missiles delivered to 19 nations. 

NFM Group Acquires Hexonia GmbH in Germany

Monday, December 26th, 2022

NFM Group has acquired all the shares of the company Hexonia GmbH in Germany. This acquisition makes NFM Group a leading European company in protective equipment and combat clothing.

LARGEST ACQUISITION TO DATE FOR THE NFM GROUP

Dialogue with Hexonia commenced at the end of 2021 and a large amount of time has been spent during the acquisition process. This acquisition is NFMs’ most significant to date, so considerable resources were used to establish an agreement in a satisfactory way.

– The acquisition gives us a significant position in Germany which is a large and important European market for NFM Group. We have worked with Hexonia for several years, and therefore know the company well, says Walter Øverland, Group CEO of NFM Group.

The acquisition will significantly increase NFM Group’s total production capacity, enabling access to new technology, and new markets. The goal is to protect those who protect us with the best products and services available in the market.

STRONGER TOGETHER

There are significant synergies within production, technology, and expanded market access. The added capacities and Hexonia’s proven track record in the German market will strengthen NFMs’ capability to provide the best possible solutions for our highly valued clients on a global level. This acquisition will make NFM Group a leading European company within our industry.

– It will be both demanding and exciting to develop NFM Group further with Hexonia as a part of our company. In total, we will be close to 1,000 employees after the acquisition, and in 2023 the turnover is expected to exceed 200 MEUR. With the current security situation in Europe, we probably won’t be unemployed anytime soon, concludes Øverland.

IN TOTAL, WE WILL BE CLOSE TO 1,000 EMPLOYEES AFTER THE ACQUISITION, AND IN 2023 THE TURNOVER IS EXPECTED TO EXCEED 200 MEUR.

Walter Øverland, Group CEO of NFM Group

HEXONIA LEADERSHIP

Hexonia will continue in its current operating form, led by Sabine Alberts and Nils Toverud as Managing Directors of Hexonia. Nils is Chief Business Officer in NFM Group and representative of the shareholder.

Sabine Albert, who has been managing Hexonia for several years together with the founder, Gerd Hexels, has played an essential part in developing Hexonia into the solid company it is today.

– Through the acquisition process, I have had the pleasure of getting to know Hexonia and its skilled and committed employees. Hexonia plays a crucial role in protecting German soldiers through their products, and we will reinforce this importance by building additional industrial presence and expertise. Germany is currently carrying out a significant modernization of its defence with an investment fund of 100 B€, and therefore Hexonia faces the possibility of strong growth, according to Toverud.

– Hexonia is a textile technology leader, developing and manufacturing combat clothing and helmet systems. In addition to maintaining the position as a solid supplier in the German market, we look forward to being able to offer their unique products outside Germany as well, concludes Toverud.

The acquisition was formally completed in Nettetal on the 16th of December, together with all of the Hexonia staff.