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Archive for the ‘International’ Category

Saab Receives NLAW Order from the UK

Thursday, December 8th, 2022

Saab has reached an agreement with and received an order from the United Kingdom Ministry of Defence for the Next Generation Light Anti-Tank Weapon system (NLAW). The order value is approximately SEK 2.9 billion and deliveries will take place 2023-2026.

NLAW is a shoulder-launched, anti-tank guided missile system that attacks the tank from above.

 “Demand is increasing for anti-tank systems such as NLAW. We look forward to further strengthening our close relationship with the UK and are proud to continue delivering our proven and trusted anti-tank capability,” says Saab’s President and CEO Micael Johansson.

NLAW combines the simplicity of light anti-armour weapons with the advantages of heavy, crew-operated guided missile systems. With NLAW, a single soldier can take out a heavily-protected modern main battle tank at ranges between 20 and 800 metres.

Milrem Robotics to Deliver 14 THeMIS UGVs to Ukraine in Cooperation with KMW

Saturday, December 3rd, 2022

The leading European robotics and autonomous systems developer, Milrem Robotics, and the German defence company Krauss-Maffei Wegmann (KMW) have signed a contract to deliver 14 THeMIS unmanned ground vehicles (UGV) to Ukraine.

Of the 14 vehicles, seven will be configured for casualty evacuation (CASEVAC) and are scheduled to be delivered by the end of this year. The other seven, to be delivered in the second quarter of 2023, will be configured for route clearance with payloads from the French defence manufacturer CNIM Systèmes Industriels.

The effort is being funded by the German Ministry of Defence.

“Casualty evacuation and route clearance are two labour-intensive activities that require the engagement of several people who remain in constant threat of enemy fire. Automating these tasks with unmanned vehicles alleviates that danger and allows more soldiers to stay in a safe area or be tasked for more important activities,” explained Captain (res) Jüri Pajuste, Defence R&D Director at Milrem Robotics.

Milrem Robotics delivered one CASEVAC THeMIS to a Ukrainian charitable organization earlier this year that has proven to be a valuable asset.

“The deployment of the THEMIS UGV to Ukraine means that the Ukrainian forces can increase the safety of their soldiers and let the UGVs handle tasks that are an immediate threat to humans. That is the ultimate purpose of robotic systems. Milrem Robotics is proud to be able to contribute to Ukraine’s fight against the aggressor,” said Kuldar Väärsi, CEO of Milrem Robotics.

“This important project gives evidence of our common ability to provide advanced technology to Ukraine. We are determined to support Ukraine with protective and lifesaving equipment. The fast delivery of 14 THeMIS UGVs proves that KMW and Milrem are partners you can rely on,” said Ralf Ketzel, CEO of KMW.

THeMIS is a multi-mission unmanned ground vehicle with an open architecture that enables it to be rapidly configured from having a transport function to being weaponized, performing ordnance disposal or supporting intelligence operations according to the nature of the mission.

The THeMIS UGV is already part of different programs in 16 countries, including eight NATO members: Estonia, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, the UK, and the US.

DroneShield and XRG Partner for Extended Reality Training

Friday, December 2nd, 2022

DroneShield is pleased to advise it has teamed with xReality Group Ltd (ASX:XRG) (XRG) to provide eXtended Reality (XR) based counterdrone/C-UAS training solutions.
 
XR includes Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR) and Mixed Reality (MR). It combines physical and digital simulation across the enterprise, defence and consumer markets.

The XR category for military and law enforcement is growing rapidly with the market predicted to grow US$16bn in 2027

XRG’s subsidiary “Operator Tactical Solutions” develops immersive planning, rehearsal and training solutions for the military and law enforcement markets, across local and international markets. XRG is led by Wayne Jones, who prior to establishing XRG was a highly decorated Patrol Commander with the Special Air Service Regiment. Additional information about XRG can be found at xrgroup.com.au.

As part of the launch, XRG will be promoting the training solution at the I/ITSEC 2022 Exhibition in Orlando Florida, taking place November 28th – December 2nd. Additional information about the event can be found at www.iitsec.org.

A video showing some of the highlights of the XR-based counter-UAS solutions can be seen here: 

DroneShield CEO, Oleg Vornik, commented: “As the counterdrone industry continues to rapidly grow and develop, evidenced by significant use of small drones by both side in the Ukraine war, there is an emergent need for counterdrone tactics and training packages for the system operators. As the global leader in the C-UAS sector, DroneShield is well placed to provide the training.

“We are excited to partner with XRG, who have deep experience in defence and law enforcement eXtended Reality training, and work in partnership with our customers to tailor design packages to meet their operational requirements.”

XRG CEO, Wayne Jones, added: “Today’s battlefield is evolving quickly making it difficult for front line defenders to be prepared for all situations. Operator’s solutions are enabling defence and law enforcement to rapidly train for these new situations in realistic, virtual environments. We are pleased to be able to add cutting-edge XR-based Counter Drone training programs to Operator’s product offering, in partnership with the C-UAS market leader, DroneShield.”

LMS Gear x Red Beard Tactical – Loden Green Flannel

Friday, December 2nd, 2022

In conjunction with Red Beard Tactical, Last Man Standing Gear is introducing a Loden Green version of their popular flannel shirt.

Manufactured from 150 g/m Cotton fabric made by one of the oldest weavers in Portugal, it features slotted buttons.

Here are some shots of the four pockets and three sunglass loops:

Coming soon from Last Man Standing Gear.

Sneak Peek – M&M Enterprises Caps

Thursday, December 1st, 2022

Show you’re a member of the Syndicate. Working in conjunction with Australia’s own Papa Nui Cap Co, M&M Enterprises will soon offer the very caps adopted by the 245th Bomb Group stationed in Pianosa, Italy.

These quality caps feature fabric obtained through the Syndicate and presented in the classic Air Corps cut.

Mehler Vario System Group Opens Second Plant at FULDA Production Site

Tuesday, November 29th, 2022

FULDA, GERMANY (November 28, 2022)—Mehler Vario System, European market leader in ballistic protection and carrying systems with five subsidiaries worldwide, today announced the opening of a 26,000-square-meter production facility, now the second such plant at its Fulda site.

The company said its new plant—which represents a significant expansion of the company’s production capacity—was opened in response to increased global demand for ballistic protection equipment.

Construction of the new facility and outfitting it with state-of-the-art production systems required a capital investment in the eight-figure range, Mehler Vario System revealed.

The new plant is expected to introduce 200 new jobs to the Fulda area, bringing to 500 the total number of local Mehler Vario System employees. Earlier this year, a recruitment campaign called “Guaranteed Secure Jobs” was initiated by the company. Many positions were filled but others remain vacant; those still available include production assistants, machine and warehouse operators, supervisors, administrators, and more—with the added enticement of opportunities aplenty for career development and advancement.

Another enticement is the location itself. Mehler Vario System is situated a short distance from thriving downtown Fulda, served by an excellent public transportation system and other attractive amenities that contribute to making it a desirable environment for workers.

“The opening of the new plant is an important milestone on the growth path along which our group of companies is journeying,” said Thomas Homberg, CEO of Mehler Vario System Group.

Homberg—who also serves as managing director of Mehler Vario System GmbH, which he heads together with Dr. Mario Amschlinger—added that the entire group is committed to production capacity expansion in order to “further strengthen our position as a leading supplier of ballistic protection systems and at the same time, as a member of the Fulda community, to create new jobs that help make our local economy more sustainable.”

www.m-v-s.com

Climate Neutrality by the Year 2035: Rheinmetall Contributes to Reducing Climate-Damaging CO2 Emissions with Photovoltaics

Sunday, November 27th, 2022

The technology enterprise Rheinmetall AG has taken a further step on the path to achieving climate neutrality by 2035, its stated goal. Thanks to the Group’s strong commitment and the support of local authorities, last summer a large solar power plant was successfully installed on the roofs of factory halls at Rheinmetall subsidiary Pierburg SA in Abadanio, Spain.

The 1,635 solar modules installed on the roof are now producing solar power. Annual output is expected to be in the region of 730,000 kWh. According to company calculations, this sustainably generated energy will cut the plant’s climate-harmful CO2 emissions by 175 tons annually.

For the past twelve years, the company has been systematically pursuing a long-term action plan in Spain to reduce its climate footprint, having conducted its first energy audit in 2009. Ever since, the company has done its utmost to be an efficient producer while simultaneously protecting the environment and reducing emissions. Over the years, in addition to the latest installation, the company has successfully implemented measures that have also enhanced the efficiency and sustainability of other industrial processes. These include the introduction of a geothermal exchange system, the insulation of pipes, automatic control systems for fan heaters, automatic compressed air control systems and compressed air systems for leak detection, LED technology and intelligent lighting systems (KNX), as well as coolant filtration and briquetting systems.

This year, the plant has won acclaim from various private and public sector bodies for its commitment and ongoing successful implementation of measures to optimize the reduction of CO2 emissions. In 2014 Pierburg in Spain received special recognition from the Energy Department of the Basque Government, and a year later its energy management system was recognized for good practice as part of the EFQM award. And in 2016 the plant won special recognition from the CEBEC, the confederation of the most important companies in the Province of Bizkaia.

Backfill Activity: Rheinmetall Supplies Marder Infantry Fighting Vehicles to Greece

Friday, November 25th, 2022

As part of another backfill activity commissioned by the German government, Rheinmetall is supplying Marder 1A3 Infantry Fighting Vehicles to Greece. The first units of these Marder Infantry Fighting Vehicles were presented as part of the parade of the Hellenic Armed Forces on the occasion of the national holiday on October 28th in Thessaloniki.

The Hellenic Armed Forces, for their part, are giving Infantry Fighting Vehicles of Soviet design and other military equipment for support to Ukraine and are receiving Marder 1A3 Infantry Fighting Vehicles in exchange. In addition to the delivery of the Infantry Fighting Vehicles, an ammunition package, an integrated service package including training services and a spare parts package will also be provided by the Bundeswehr and Rheinmetall. Deliveries should be completed by the end of 2023.

The vehicles provided are overhauled Marder 1A3 from former Bundeswehr stocks. These Marder 1A3s have been repaired at Rheinmetall Landsysteme GmbH at their own expense since spring 2022 at the Unterlüß site so that they are ready for immediate use. The first vehicles were loaded on October 11 at the Rheinmetall site in Unterlüß and transported to Greece.

The Marder Infantry Fighting Vehicle, which was developed for the German Armed Forces and is still in use, is one of the most proven weapon systems of its kind in the world. The vehicle was modernized several times in the course of its use and its combat value increased.

The backfill activity is a procedure developed by the German government to support Ukraine in its efforts against the Russian invasion in cooperation with its European neighbours and NATO partners. NATO partners hand over equipment from former Soviet production to the Ukraine and receive available systems from Western production in return. Rheinmetall is already involved in ring exchanges with the Czech Armed Forces as well as with the Slovak Armed Forces, here with Leopard 2A4 main battle tanks.