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Archive for the ‘International’ Category

DSEi 21 – Ulbrichts Rifle Series Helmets

Wednesday, September 15th, 2021

Austria’s Ulbrichts has introduced a new helmet in their Rifle series which can defeat 7.62 x 39 steel core rounds.

This helmet is rated VPAM-6 HVN2009. It is available with night vision shroud and rails as seen here are can be had stripped down. The dial at the rear is to adjust the helmet for a proper fit (48-62). Not only does the helmet stop the projectile but their liner is instrumental in dealing with the kinetic energy of the 7.62 x 39 threat reducing it from 2000 joules to far below 25 joules, preventing lethal brain trauma.

BCB Exhibiting New Patrol Ration Cooking System at DSEi

Wednesday, September 15th, 2021

BCB International will be exhibiting at DSEI London 2021, where they will launch the newest product in the FireDragon range.

BCB International has been innovating and creating lifesaving products since 1854, when Dr Brown developed a cough medicine that was distributed to the British troops in the Crimean War, suffering in the trenches.

BCB International is a family-owned business and in 1949 Dr Browns Cough Bottle, or BCB Ltd was bought by Deryck Howell. In 1979, Andrew Howell developed the company further and set up BCB International which focused on designing and manufacturing survival equipment.

The company’s driving force, CANEI: Continuous and Never-Ending Innovation, sparked an array of unique survival products including shark repellent, first aid kits, ballistic protective underwear, dubbed ‘Blast Boxers’, camouflage cream and floating body armour.

FireDragon was created in 2015 by Andrew Howell to replace the toxic Hexamine blocks after two soldiers passed away from the fumes. FireDragon is a toxin free, eco-friendly, gel fuel which was taken on by the UK MOD in 2016 and is now used as their primary fuel source in the field.

The newest product in the range, the Patrol Ration Cooking system is an ultralight weight (20grams) cooker which will use varying sizes of the FireDragon, that are now available from 9 gram to 14 to the 28-gram fuel blocks.

The new cooking system is bespoke to the individuals requirements as needed by the user. Each set can include all non-food items such as water purification tablets, spork, waste bag, cooking handle, and toothpicks etc.

Due to the non-toxicity of FireDragon, the fuel can be packed within the ration kit, alongside food with no harmful effects.

As well as being eco-friendly and toxin free, FireDragon burns cleanly and can light even when wet to ensure it can be used in even the most extreme of conditions.

This year, BCB International’s primary focus shifted to develop lifesaving equipment in the battle against the Coronavirus, including an anti-bacterial and anti-viral hand sanitiser, among other protective equipment. Dr Browne’s has come out of retirement and is now the leading product in their Anti-COVID range as 80% proof hand sanitiser. BCB has been working 24/7 since March 2020, working closely with the NHS, police and, with governments around the world, suppling them with their essential PPE needs as well as donating PPE supplies around the world.

Today, BCB International supplies to mainly government departments (including the MoD, police and MoJ) and blue-chip companies in the defence and marine markets in 52 countries worldwide, with 40% exports. BCB’s retail and humanitarian sectors also continue to grow, building relationships directly with consumers and countries who need to survive in the extremes and when affected by natural disasters.

BCB International will be exhibiting a range of their products at DSEI, including but not limited to; camouflage nets, Blast Boxers, Floating Armour Torso System (otherwise known as FATS) and the boat stopping system. FireDragon demonstrations and samples of our Hand Sanitiser can be found by visiting the BCB International stand H2-600.

Saab’s Next Generation Combat Boat on the Thames

Tuesday, September 14th, 2021

Travelling for the first time outside of its native Sweden Saab’s Combat Boat 90 NG (CB90), a new generation of this fast assault craft, has toured the Thames visiting London landmarks.  The combat boat will be shown from 14-17 September at the DSEI exhibition taking place at ExCeL London.


Photo: Jamie Hunter

Building on the previous generation of more than 250 boats operating worldwide, the CB90 Next Generation (CB90 NG) features new capabilities. Designed to swiftly transport marines and other forces, CB90 NG is renowned for the ease by which troops can rapidly get on-shore and depart again, be it a beach or an awkward, elevated rocky shore. Depending on the mission, CB90 NG can take on different roles such as to search for threats, share intelligence, rapidly deploy troops and attack the enemy. CB90 NG includes a new combat management system and sensors for surveillance, ballistic protection, as well as further improved stealth, manoeuvrability and speed. By providing amphibious forces with multi-mission capabilities, CB90 NG is an even more potent means by which to project force from the sea.

“It’s great to have CB90 NG here in London on its first visit outside of Sweden.  We are proud of our combat boat and the capability it offers to our partners, and feel privileged to show it off to Londoners on the Thames today,” said Magnus Lewis-Olsson, Chairman of Saab UK.

CB90 NG has potential applications with specialist military units such as the Royal Marines Future Commando Force and the Littoral Strike Groups. The example of CB90 NG seen on the Thames and shown at DSEI this week was recently delivered to the Swedish Navy, with the designation Docksta CB 90HSM. It is representative of how CB90 Next Generation is customised to meet a customer’s requirement, and DSEI gives armed forces the chance to see and learn more about this adaptability in person.

The exceptionally fast and agile combat boat has a top speed well beyond 40 knots and can carry up to 21 amphibious troops with full equipment.  Additionally it can be armed with large calibre machine guns, a MK19 grenade launcher, naval mines and depth charges, as well as Saab’s own Trackfire (a remote weapons station that enable weapons to fire with superb accuracy whilst the boat is on the move).

CB90 Next Generation will put on displays twice-daily as part of DSEI’s waterborne demonstrations outside the main hall. Saab is welcoming visitors to DSEI to come along to where the craft will be docked on the Royal Docks to see CB90 NG for themselves.

For over 40 years Saab’s relationship with the UK has empowered defence and security personnel, shared technological developments and helped to keep Britain safe. As a pioneer of innovation, Saab is committed to developing leading-edge technologies and capabilities that drive interoperability and provide the UK with the upper-hand over challenges and adversaries. Saab UK’s collaboration seeks to bring together the best of British and Swedish engineering.

Watch video of the CB90 in action here.

Spectra Group Receives Another SlingShot Order from Major European Customer

Monday, September 13th, 2021

Spectra Group, the specialist provider of secure voice, data and satellite communications systems, has received an order for their SlingShot satellite communications system from an undisclosed European ministry of defence. The order is for specialist use by troops currently deployed on remote operations globally. This announcement coincides with DSEI taking place in London 14-17 September where Spectra Group will be exhibiting on stand H6-107.

Spectra Group’s SlingShot system is unique in that it can be integrated with in-service UHF and VHF tactical communications radios to extend the range from 30km to 1000(+) km on the move, in all conditions. By integrating SlingShot and Inmarsat’s L-TAC satellite service with in-service radios, the deployed troops have immediately gained communications capability that would otherwise not be available. In addition to Beyond Line of Sight (BLOS) voice, SlingShot includes a data capability supporting critical applications such as situational awareness tools; GPS tracking; reporting and other data messaging without the requirement for ground-based line-of-sight rebroadcasting infrastructure. Enabling an extension of the in-service radios with the robust SlingShot system also means that troops do not need to carry both VHF radios (for line-of-sight) and UHF TACSAT radios (for strategic rear link). With SlingShot, a single radio can carry-out both functions. Finally, the small omni-directional antennas utilised with SlingShot provide manpack, land, sea and air platforms, with real-time Comms on the Move (COTM) rather than Comms on the Pause, as experienced with traditional TACSAT systems.

In March 2021, the British Armed Forces announced that they had equipped regular Army units with Spectra Group’s SlingShot system, as they deploy on Operations and Exercises, to enable tactical satellite communications across the area of operations. At the time, Major General Jonathan Cole, Director of Information and CIO of the British Army, said: “SlingShot is a fantastic addition to our communications inventory, delivering vital capability to deployed troops. Of particular note is the fact that the training burden is minimal as the system is effectively a ‘bolt-on’ to our current BOWMAN radios. SlingShot is a game-changer in allowing our troops to operate at reach without the additional requirement to deploy more troops to provide rebroadcast capability when operating at Battle Group level and below. I am delighted to be working with Spectra on the fielding of such an important capability”.

Simon Davies, CEO of Spectra Group, said: “We are very pleased to receive yet another order from a European specialist user group. We have seen SlingShot become a battle-winning capability used by Special Forces across the globe, but we’re delighted to see our SlingShot system now being procured for use on operations by this new customer for the first time”. He added: “The beauty of SlingShot is that it can be “plugged into” any in-service tactical radio system. Numerous Armed Forces, including the British Army, are leading the way with this kind of approach to the integration of SlingShot but we’re now seeing other global forces, including the USA, adopt a similar strategy to meet every Beyond Line Of Sight communications scenario”.

HENSOLDT Supplies Radio Reconnaissance System to NATO Countries

Friday, September 10th, 2021

Comprehensive situation picture through mission-proven COMINT technologies

Taufkirchen/Germany, 10 September 2021 – The sensor solution provider HENSOLDT is supplying a mobile system for tactical radio reconnaissance to two NATO countries. A corresponding order worth a two-digit million Euro sum has now been signed.

The system for monitoring and analysing enemy radio traffic includes digital broadband receivers, compact direction finders and high-performance software for real-time signal evaluation. The core elements of the system are integrated into armoured vehicles or designed to be portable so that troops can be supported directly in the theatre of operations and detect threats at an early stage.

“Responsive and accurate analysis and classification of radio traffic is essential for a complete tactical picture of the situation,” says Celia Pelaz, Chief Strategy Officer and Head of the Spectrum Dominance Division at HENSOLDT. “Our mobile and robust system provides the assurance that troops can rely on the support of the most powerful COMINT techniques in the field.”

HENSOLDT has been active in the electromagnetic spectrum dominance market for decades. The company has developed COMINT and ELINT sensors and provides integrated systems capable of reconnaissance and jamming to the German Armed Forces and other NATO countries. 

HENSOLDT’s Sensor Solutions at DSEI 2021

Thursday, September 9th, 2021

London, 9th September 2021 – Sensor solutions specialist HENSOLDTpresents its broad range of sensor technologies in the Air, Maritime, Land and Security domains at DSEI 2021. HENSOLDT is excited to announce the expansion of its portfolio and will be showcasing a product launch event on Wednesday 15th September. For more information, please visit HENSOLDT at ExCel London, booth No. H2-405.

In the Maritime domain, HENSOLDT will exhibit the SharpEye range of 2D navigation radars and Integrated Navigation Bridge System (INBS). These systems are used extensively by the UK Royal Navy and Royal Fleet Auxiliary. HENSOLDT will also be presenting a range of multi-sensor optronic masts for submarines, and a new 3D naval surveillance radar, the name of which is due to be announced at a product launch event on Wednesday 15th September.

In the Land domain, HENSOLDT will present its advanced armoured vehicle solutions, including innovative Optronics systems such as MUSS – Multi-functional Self-protection System, alongside SETAS – See Through Armour System. HENSOLDT’s impressive portfolio of advanced active and passive radar sensors for the Land domain are represented by the TRML-4D air defence / weapon location radar, and the ground-breaking TwInvis passive radar. HENSOLDT will also feature portable battlefield radar solutions such as its SPEXER 360 and 600 products, which are designed to provide excellent performance in all weather conditions. Alongside HENSOLDT’s system level technologies, there will be a selection of weapon sights on show.

In the Air domain, HENSOLDT will present its airborne multi-mission surveillance radar PrecISR, along with other HENSOLDT sensors such as the ARGOS II electro-optical gimbal, which can be seamlessly integrated into the new Xplorer Mission System. Helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft are protected by the Airborne Missile Protection Suite AMPS, whilst the modular Kalaetron electronic warfare system provides warning against radar threats, but can also be used for strategic Signals Intelligence in an enhanced configuration. Also, on display is HENSOLDT’s Mode 5-capable IFF portfolio together with avionics equipment such as crash recorders and tactical data links.

In the Security domain, we are focusing on our innovative suite of software solutions which are to include the CxEye Command and Control (C2) Software and Open Source Intelligence (OSINT) systems.

Revision Awarded Contract by Swedish Armed Forces to Deliver Eye Protection Systems

Thursday, September 9th, 2021

Essex Junction, Vermont (September 10, 2021) – Revision Military has been awarded a contract with the Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) of Sweden for Military Protective Eyewear Systems (MPES) for a total validity period of seven (7) years.  The contract was signed in June 2020 and initial product deliveries started to arrive in Sweden in August 2021. The MPES includes rigorous specifications and customization requirements to suit the needs of the Swedish Armed Forces – including ballistic eyewear, low profile goggles, full coverage goggles, universal prescription carrier and ballistic laser protective lenses to protect against a variety of laser hazards. Revision partnered with CRD Protection, a privately held Swedish company specializing in protective products, to pursue and secure a contract award with the FMV and assist with contract execution.

“Our team is thrilled to be partnered with the Swedish Armed Forces for their MPES contract”, said Revision CEO, Amy Coyne.  “We believe that the FMV has taken a forward-thinking, holistic approach to eye protection, choosing a suite of products and accessories to cover the wide variety of threats their soldiers may face, including advanced laser protection which has proven to be an increasing threat around the globe. We are honored that the FMV chose Revision.”  

Each product was customized to meet FMV requirements, including the national emblem of Sweden, the Three Crowns on the brow of each eyewear frame. The FMV chose three eyewear platforms for the contract along with the following accessories:

• Sawfly®R3 Eyewear System: the next generation of the battle-proven, legacy Sawfly eyewear, featuring upgraded temple arms to improve fit, comfort and retentions, and a revised brow design for improved helmet integration.

• Bullet Ant® Goggle System:  a dual lens goggle system offering high-impact protection in a slim profile design.

• Wolfspider® Goggle System: streamlines size, weight and design for comfort and equipment compatibility without compromising on full coverage ballistic protection.

• Prescription (Rx) Carrier:  universal Rx Carrier compatible with SawflyR3, Bullet Ant and Wolfspider, offering a singular solution for correction vision.

• LazrBloc® ballistic and laser protective lenses allow for easy integration of protection against laser hazards into eyewear systems.

FragOut Magazine Issue #34

Wednesday, September 8th, 2021

Contents include:

– Merkava Mk4 MBT
– ZSSW-30/RCTS-30
– Terrorism: Made in Poland
– SPKP: Warsaw Police SWAT
– MAPA Tactical
– New uniforms of POLSOF
– Fabryka Broni GROT 5.56 vs. 7.62
– Direct Action Bearcat

Read it online here.