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GA-ASI Adds NIDV and NATO DIANA to Blue Magic Netherlands Agenda

Monday, September 30th, 2024

Dutch Industry Encouraged to Register Online to Propose Technology Pitches for Nov. 19 Innovation and Funding Conference

SAN DIEGO – 26 September 2024 – General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) has added Raymond Knops, Chairman of the Dutch Industry Foundation for Defence and Security (NIDV), and Thomas McSorley, General Counsel for NATO DIANA (Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic), to a growing list of speakers and panelists on the agenda for the first-ever Blue Magic Netherlands (BMN) event being held on November 19, 2024. Other companies participating in GA-ASI’s BMN event include Brainport Development, Brabant Development Agency (BOM), SPACENED, and Lockheed Martin Ventures.

“We’re excited to launch this event in the Netherlands, which will bring together the best of Dutch industry and innovation,” said Brad Lunn, Managing Director of Strategic Finance at GA-ASI. “We are already engaged with companies who have contacted us to pitch their capabilities for possible inclusion in Blue Magic and open up funding opportunities.”

Dutch businesses that would like to pitch their technology and capabilities at BMN 2024 are encouraged to register on the event website by no later than Oct. 28, 2024.

Blue Magic Netherlands will be held in Eindhoven, a city known as a global technology hub. BMN will bring together Dutch startups, universities, government officials, aerospace leaders, and representatives from other high-tech industries, who will see technology advancements within the Dutch technology ecosystem and connect qualified partners with funding opportunities to support next-generation dual-use solutions.

GA-ASI has organized several successful Blue Magic events in the past and is bringing that same concept to the Netherlands. Areas of focus for BMN 2024 will be artificial intelligence/machine learning, autonomy, advanced materials, sensors, advanced manufacturing, and space. GA-ASI delivered its MQ-9A Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) to the Royal Netherlands Air Force (RNLAF) in 2021 and recently announced an increase in the total order of MQ-9As in its service to eight.

Posted in Contracts, International, NATO, Press Release, UAS | Comments Off on GA-ASI Adds NIDV and NATO DIANA to Blue Magic Netherlands Agenda

Rheinmetall Wins Mid-Double-Digit Million Euro Order for Mortar Ammunition for International NATO Customer

Monday, September 30th, 2024

An international NATO customer has placed an order with Düsseldorf-based technology group Rheinmetall for the production of mortar shells for the NATO partner’s armed forces. The value of the order, which was booked at the beginning of the third quarter of 2024, corresponds to a volume in the mid double-digit million euro range.

In total, a six-digit number of mortar shells of various types will be manufactured by Rheinmetall Expal Munitions S.A.U., Spain. The order also includes various additional services as part of the product launch.

Delivery of the ammunition is scheduled to begin in summer 2025 and be completed in summer 2026.

The order underlines Rheinmetall’s expertise in the production of state-of-the-art steep-fire weapons in the field of mortar ammunition.

Posted in Ammo, Contracts, International, Press Release | Comments Off on Rheinmetall Wins Mid-Double-Digit Million Euro Order for Mortar Ammunition for International NATO Customer

Rheinmetall Defence Australia Builds on National Maintenance Capability

Sunday, September 29th, 2024

Rheinmetall, one of the largest Defence prime contractors in Australia, is building on the success of the existing Maintenance and Support Partnership established with RGM Maintenance Townsville for the Medium Heavy Capability by joining with Defence prime contractor, Supacat, to ensure a maintenance footprint across Australia.

Nathan Poyner, Managing Director, Rheinmetall Defence Australia, said the signing of the deed of agreement in 2022 was the first step in providing original equipment manufacturer supported maintenance in regions where the vehicles are located.

“These new strategic partnerships aim to reduce total cost of ownership to the Commonwealth and bring ongoing secure jobs, training and sovereign industrial capability to the regions.”

“The deed brings together both organisations of working in region on the Medium Heavy Capability services for logistic vehicles as part of the Australian Defence Force’s Land 121 program, at RGM premises in Townsville.”

“Recently, Rheinmetall has added two additional partners, RGM Maintenance Darwin and Supacat Perth, a world leading design and technology organisation specialising in high mobility defence vehicles.”

“These partnerships grow Rheinmetall’s ability to support the Commonwealth of Australia and allied nations, in regions where HX logistic vehicles are located with specialist expertise through the deployment of Field Service Representatives (FSRs) and assistance from technical experts.”

“The agreements allow our partners to provide value-for-money light and medium grade repairs and FSR supported heavy grade repair where the vehicles are located with OEM support.”

“Rheinmetall also gains valuable insights in to how vehicles are performing by utilising these existing trade repair relationships,” Mr Poyner added.

Mr Poyner said that representatives from both organisations participated in a course delivered by Rheinmetall trainers at facilities in regional Victoria on the HX platform focussing on systems, documentation and the associated diagnostic tools across all vehicle variants from the 40M to the 45M Heavy Recovery.

Bruce Tait, Supacat Managing Director, said, “We are delighted to continue to expand our relationship with Rheinmetall to include supporting the HX logistics vehicles from our Support Centre in Perth.”

“Rheinmetall’s training and support program means that we are confident of being able to support the Rheinmetall vehicles with the same responsiveness and competency that we apply to our own vehicles. Our focus remains on continuously evolving the capability and availability of Army’s vehicle fleets as it transitions to a literal and amphibious force,” Mr Tait said.

RGM Maintenance Business Development Manager, Mick Ferguson, said RGM had heavy vehicle operations throughout Queensland and the Northern Territory and has a 20+ year history of service provision to the ADF.

“RGM’s support to Rheinmetall reduces maintenance lead times for the ADF’s Land 121 fleet in region, putting vehicles back in the hands of ADF operators sooner,” Mr Ferguson said.

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Mehler Protection Demonstrates Advanced Safety Gear at DVD 2024

Tuesday, September 24th, 2024

FULDA, GERMANY (24.09.2024)

At DVD 2024 held at UTAC Millbrook in the UK, Mehler Protection showcased its advanced body and platform armour ballistic solutions. Attendees explored a variety of protective gear designed to ensure safety and comfort for military and law enforcement personnel.

As a premier event for defence industry professionals, equipment and support teams, and users of land equipment, DVD plays a key role in equipping and supporting the UK’s Armed Forces.

Mehler Protection’s booth featured a wide range of ballistic protection solutions, including the 3D-printed armoured sensor case, which highlights advancements in platform protection, along with solutions for both civilian and military vehicles.

A standout feature was the M.U.S.T. system, recognisedfor its versatility and robust safety features. Specifically designed for high-risk environments, the M.U.S.T. system offers reliable protection for military and law enforcement personnel. The booth also displayed an extensive selection of protective gear, including hard- and soft-ballistic panels, tactical vests, plate carriers, and helmets, all crafted to provide optimal safety and comfort under demanding conditions.

“As the premier UK trade show for the land equipment sector, DVD provided Mehler Protection with the perfect platform to showcase our latest solutions in body and platform armour,” says Jamie Macefield, Technical Sales Manager for the UK and Ireland at Mehler Systems.

For more information on upcoming events, please visit Mehler Systems’ event website.

Posted in Additive Manufacturing, Armor, Helmets, Industry, International, Press Release | Comments Off on Mehler Protection Demonstrates Advanced Safety Gear at DVD 2024

Smarter Technologies IoT Solutions Support UK Defence Estates to Better Manage On-Base Water Hygiene

Monday, September 23rd, 2024

Smarter Technologies, the leading British provider of Internet-of-Things (IoT) solutions, has completed stage one of a rolling programme to support health and safety compliance at His Majesty’s Naval Base (HMNB) Portsmouth. Working closely with the base infrastructure team, the new legionella risk management capability is one of several innovative digital solutions implemented by Smarter Technologies at the dockyard, aimed at improving operational outcomes for the Royal Navy, effectively and efficiently. Across a range of functions, the combination of IoT data capture and cloud computing has made transformative empirical evidence available to Portsmouth’s operational and strategic decision-makers. The team will be at DVD (18/19 September) to discuss this and their other IoT solutions.

The latest capability has revolutionised the management of water hygiene, which is a key factor for health and safety at any organisational premises. Responsibility is governed by statutory legislation and strictly enforced, and it includes the control of water-borne bacteria, such as legionella, which can cause Legionnaires’ disease. Careful and persistent management is required to ensure that water systems function compliantly, and that legionella is controlled. It is particularly important, and made more difficult, in mixed estates with aging infrastructure and spaces that are used irregularly, which are common features of many Defence facilities.

Targeting the historic Wardroom at HMNB Portsmouth as a potential at risk accommodation block, Smarter Technologies has positioned IoT sensors strategically around the building’s water system, to monitor the temperature at which it is stored and distributed, in real-time, and enable HSE- recommended temperatures to be pro-actively maintained. They have also installed automated flushing units at key outlets. These ensure periodic and programmable water flows, to contain the risk of stagnation and the growth of legionella. Data captured by these edge devices is passed to Smarter Technologies’ secure cloud platform via “Orion”, a proprietary LPWAN (low powered wide area communications network), which is optimised for large and complex estates by its combination of range, structural penetration and bandwidth. The captured data is presented back to the user in “SmarterView”, an intuitive, secure, web-based user interface where programmable alerts and notifications can be created, trends can be viewed and reports compiled.

With Smarter Technologies’ IoT solution installed in this potential risk space, HMNB Portsmouth has been able to assure water hygiene much more effectively and far more efficiently. Legionella is consistently suppressed at safe levels, emerging risks are identified and addressed immediately to avoid actionable events, time spent on manual temperature checks and flushes has been slashed, and the automated system provides an auditable record of due diligence.

Fubara Pepple, Head of Strategic Asset Management at Portsmouth, said, “We have worked closely with Smarter Technologies to ensure any potential risk to water supplies is identified at an early stage therefore making it much easier to keep our people safe.”

Mark Read, Chief Executive of Smarter Technologies Group said, “We’ve been delighted to work so closely with the HMNB Portsmouth team. They understand the value that our Orion systems can bring and have embraced the use of targeted technology innovation.”

Posted in International, Press Release, Sustainment | Comments Off on Smarter Technologies IoT Solutions Support UK Defence Estates to Better Manage On-Base Water Hygiene

Laser Weapons: Rheinmetall and MBDA Germany Sign Cooperation Agreement

Monday, September 23rd, 2024

Rheinmetall and MBDA Deutschland have decided to continue their successful cooperation in the field of laser weapons.

The aim is to bring a joint maritime product to the market within the next five to six years, which opens up new possibilities, particularly in relation to drone defence on ships. Both companies are convinced that their complementary skills in the field of laser weapon technology will enable them to successfully develop a military laser weapon system. The companies have now concluded a corresponding cooperation agreement.

Most recently, a laser weapon demonstrator from Rheinmetall and MBDA Germany was integrated on the German Navy’s frigate 124 “Sachsen” from June 2022 to September 2023. During this on-board trial, the demonstrator performed impressively in more than 100 test shots.

Posted in Disruptive Tech, Industry, International, Press Release, weapons | Comments Off on Laser Weapons: Rheinmetall and MBDA Germany Sign Cooperation Agreement

Sons of Liberty Gun Works Exports Over $1 Million in Premium Firearms and Parts to Poland, Empowering Citizens and Promoting Shooting Sports

Monday, September 23rd, 2024

SAN ANTONIO TEXAS – 20SEPT2024 – Sons of Liberty Gun Works (SOLGW), a leading manufacturer of high-quality firearms and parts, is thrilled to announce a groundbreaking export initiative to Poland, delivering over $1 million USD in cutting-edge rifles and components. SOLGW partnered with Jammas PL as an exclusive premium retailer. This significant shipment underscores SOLGW’s commitment to ensuring the safety and enjoyment of shooting sports for Polish citizens.

As a trusted name in the firearms industry, Sons of Liberty Gun Works has a reputation for excellence and innovation. The latest shipment includes a diverse array of top-tier products, such as the M4-L89 Broadsword Rifle, L89 Short-Barreled Rifles (SBRs), MK10 Heavy Rifles, EXO-3, and Patrol Q. Additionally, SOLGW is providing a comprehensive suite of parts designed for performance and reliability, including Bolt Carrier Groups (BCGs), L2S Triggers, and Quick Safeties.

“We are proud to support the Polish community by providing them with the best firearms and parts available on the market,” said Kyle Grothues, Chief Executive Officer at Sons of Liberty Gun Works. “Our mission is to empower responsible gun ownership and enhance the shooting sports experience for enthusiasts in Poland. This export is a testament to our dedication to quality and safety.”

The export to Poland not only bolsters the local shooting sports community but also reinforces the idea of responsible gun ownership. SOLGW believes that access to high-quality firearms is essential for personal safety and the enjoyment of recreational shooting.

With this substantial investment, Sons of Liberty Gun Works is paving the way for future collaborations and partnerships within Poland, aimed at fostering a safe and thriving community of shooting sports enthusiasts.

For inquiries regarding international sales, please contact:

International Sales Contact:

Chuck Courtney

Email: chuck@solgw.com

Director of Sales and Business Development:

William Phebus

Email: william@solgw.com

For more information about Sons of Liberty Gun Works and their extensive range of products, please visit www.solgw.com

For Polish sales, visit targetzone.eu.

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The Future of Logistic Autonomy Demonstrated

Sunday, September 22nd, 2024

As part of Rheinmetall’s commitment to the UK and drive to support the British Army a Logistic Autonomy Demonstration was recently held Millbrook Proving Ground, Bedfordshire, UK, showcasing world-leading autonomous technology ready for integration to deliver greater logistic flexibility on the battlefield. The autonomous leader-follower technology was demonstrated live to our guests, using Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicle’s (RMMV) HX trucks and Polaris 4×4 MRZR vehicles, illustrating the versatility that the advanced technology can provide in a variety of environments.

The leader-follower technology is readily available to be integrated on existing vehicles and for the next-generation of vehicles. It will be a critical enabler for future force capabilities, and support interoperability between the nations that adopt the kit. The use of a HX truck proves how easily compatible the technology is with many existing trucks in service with NATO countries. The technology enables future force logistics with less soldiers, moving greater volumes, at day and at night.

For the demonstration, a RMMV HX truck was fitted with the ‘leader’ kit, and three following vehicles were fitted with both ‘A’ and ‘B’ kits. This enabled them to wirelessly connect to the convoy autonomously, with the functions of the vehicles operating remotely. Our guests saw both the HX trucks and MRZR vehicles cross tarmac roads, prepared tracks and off-road areas in densely wooded terrain, move over steep gradients and navigate numerous bends while seamlessly connected. This revealed the resilience of the advanced autonomous system’s capability in a range of environments, and demonstrated how this advanced technology can provide dispersed logistics with diverse vehicle types. The reduction in the number of personnel required to deliver effective logistics by using the leader-follower technology also significantly reduces the risk involved.

In the recent European Land Robot Trial 2024 (ELROB) competition, the Rheinmetall InterRoc team won first place in the “Automated Convoy” category. The combination of HX truck and integrated PATH autonomy kit demonstrating Rheinmetall technology.

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