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Kecskemét International Air Show: Rheinmetall showcases state-of-the-art systems for today’s armed forces

Saturday, August 28th, 2021

This year, from 28 to 29 August, the Hungarian armed forces are hosting the International Air Show at Kecskemét air force base for the first time since 2013. It centres on the ongoing modernization of the Hungarian military. As one of Hungary’s most important partners, Rheinmetall will be on hand at the event to tell about its current projects and products. These include:

• The Lynx KF41 family of fighting vehicles: Hungary is the first NATO and EU member state to select Rheinmetall’s newly developed infantry fighting vehicle. A total of 218 Lynx systems have been ordered, most of which will be built in Hungary. The Lynx infantry fighting vehicle combines high mobility and lethality, modularity, survivability, networkability and future viability, making it a true standout.

• The StrikeShield active protection system. StrikeShield is the third and newest generation of Rheinmetall’s Active Defence System (ADS) technology, a special variant of a hard-kill APS system. The ADS is a distributed system in which the sensors and countermeasures are integrated into the contours and architecture of the entre vehicle. Among other advantages, the lowest emissions in the electromagnetic spectrum as well as the fastest, most secure and most reliable reaction times in ambush and multiple hit scenarios set the StrikeShield apart from the competition. The Hungarian military has selected StrikeShield for its fleet of Lynx IFVs.

• The HX 8×8 heavy load transporter: Made by Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles (RMMV), the HX 8×8 semi trailer tractor is powered by an eight-cylinder, 680 HP diesel engine. This gives the high-mobility, all-wheel-drive truck a top speed of 89 km/h and lets it handle gradients of 60 percent. The technically permissible gross train weight comes to around 130 tonnes. A military-off-the-shelf series of products, RMMV’s HX vehicle family is designed for maximum mobility even in the most difficult conditions. Over 15,000 of these vehicles are in service worldwide.

• Air defence: High-mobility ground-based air defence systems are gaining new importance now that NATO armed forces are once again focusing on national and alliance defence. Rheinmetall’s Skyranger systems, armed with 35mm or 30mm automatic cannon as well as other effectors, can be mounted on wheeled or tracked armoured vehicles like the Boxer or Lynx.

• The Mission Master family: Robotics is already changing the face of the modern battlefield. Designed to serve as a weapons platform, Rheinmetall’s unmanned Mission Master SP (Silent Partner) vehicle is already being evaluated by various armed forces around the globe. As recently as June 2021, Rheinmetall unveiled a new member of its Mission Master family – the Mission Master XT. Specially engineered to operate in extreme terrain and to carry heavy loads, the new AUGV will be on view for the first time at a tradeshow in Europe.

In digitizing the modern military, Rheinmetall sets exceptionally high standards, drawing on its expertise as a maker of soldier systems, sensors, effectors as well as its networking and C4I system capabilities. Here, the Düsseldorf-based high-tech specialist for security and mobility continues to extend its lead in the soldier systems field with solutions like the Gladius 2.0.

In the training and simulation domain, too, Rheinmetall is a global leader, making a crucial contribution to enhancing the effectiveness and readiness of modern armed forces and law enforcement agencies. Information on this as well as weapon and ammunition systems for scalable, threat-commensurate firepower and innovative, networkable sensors for applications on land, at sea and in the air round out the array of capabilities on display. We look forward to seeing you at the Kecskemét International Air Show!

Posted in Advertiser, International, Press Release, Tradeshow | Comments Off on Kecskemét International Air Show: Rheinmetall showcases state-of-the-art systems for today’s armed forces

ARKTIS Adds PenCott-GreenZone To Its Roster of Camouflage Patterns

Thursday, August 26th, 2021

“ARKTIS” is a legendary brand name within the UK and northern/western European military and law enforcement sectors. Originally founded in the town of Exeter in Devon by a former Royal Marine officer in 1985, the brand is now owned by Francis Dinsmore Ltd., a 230 year old textile producer in Northern Ireland.

ARKTIS was one of the very first companies that catered specifically to the needs of special operations forces, as well as regular units deployed on specialized operations – such as peacekeeping and patrolling. It could in fact be said that ARKTIS was one of the founding fathers of the revolution in military gear that we have seen develop over the past 25-30 years.

No company or brand survives by resting on its laurels though, and ARKTIS has always been known for innovating and making things that are better made and more attuned to the needs of end-users than standard options. This extends right down to the fabric that ARKTIS constructs its combat garments from. ARKTIS uses a tough, nIR-compliant, 50/50 poly-cotton ripstop fabric that is specially woven, printed, and DWR treated for them by Dinsmore.

Among various solid colors and camouflage patterns, ARKTIS is now manufacturing a range of their garments and headgear in the PenCott-GreenZone pattern. Officially licensed by Hyde Definition Ltd., ARKTIS GreenZone® camo garments are already in use protecting UK Police teams on special rural surveillance operations. A range of GreenZone items can also now be purchased by ARKTIS wholesalers and dealers – and also through the ARKTIS commercial webstore for individual purchasers.

PenCott-GreenZone was developed through years of independent research by Dom Hyde in the UK, and has been successfully proven as an amazingly effective camouflage pattern by users all around the world since its introduction to the market in 2011. The PenCott pattern geometry is so effective because it combines superior shape disruption as well as the illusion of 3D depth through texture matching techniques in a hybrid combination of omnidirectional micro, midi, and macro fractal elements.

See more about the whole family of PenCott patterns at www.pencottcamo.com and view the full range of ARKTIS GreenZone garments at www.arktis.co.uk.

Posted in Camo, International, Materials, Press Release | 3 Comments »

XS Sights Partners with Ferkinghoff International for European Distribution

Monday, August 23rd, 2021

Fort Worth, TX (August 23, 2021) – XS® Sights is pleased to announce its partnership with Ferkinghoff International for distribution of XS products throughout Europe. XS’s tritium day/night sights are excellent upgrades for hunting and tactical sport shooting and military and law enforcement agencies looking to increase the visibility of their sights in low light. XS’s popular ghost ring sights for lever action rifles and shotgun ghost ring sights for hunting applications will also be available through Ferkinghoff.

“Our goal has always been to expand to the European Union. After nearly two years of exploring potential partners, Ferkinghoff International stood out as an outstanding choice,” said Tanya Gorin, Vice President of Sales for XS Sights. “Ferkinghoff’s customer-centric values and passion for the firearms industry align perfectly as an extension of Team XS. We are thrilled to work with another like-minded, family-owned business to bring XS into the EU market.”

Over the years, Ferkinghoff International has grown from a small German retail business into a major European distributor, specializing in bringing U.S. products to the European firearms community.

“We are exceptionally happy for the opportunity to partner with XS Sights,” said Andrea Ferkinghoff, CEO of Ferkinghoff International. “The proud Texan family-owned business with its proven sighting solutions is an outstanding partner to supply innovative sights, rails, and accessories of the highest quality to the EU market. Moreover, the family values, attention to detail, and great American craftsmanship reflect everything we can wish for in a fruitful partnership.”

Posted in Industry, International, Optics, Press Release | 1 Comment »

Sneak Peek – Tardigrade Tactical PALS Waist Panel

Wednesday, August 18th, 2021

Tardigrade Tactical has developed a prototype for a PALS compatible waist panel for mounting pouches unto. It will eventually be made it different sizes.

www.tardigradetactical.com

Posted in International, Load Carrying, PALS | 5 Comments »

US, Colombian Army Paratroopers Successfully Conclude DFE Bilateral Exercise

Tuesday, August 17th, 2021

TOLEMAIDA AIR BASE, Colombia – U.S. and Colombian army paratroopers concluded a bilateral airborne training exercise July 30 with a demonstration of the tactical capabilities of the Colombian Army’s elite special forces unit, the Lanceros, at Tolemaida Air Base in Colombia.

The six-day U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) and U.S. Army South bilateral Dynamic Force Employment exercise allowed for the rapid deployment of U.S. troops within the SOUTHCOM area of responsibility to respond to crises and support partner nations in the Western Hemisphere.

Over the course of the week, the two armies collectively trained on day and night airborne operations, a tactical field training exercise, medical evacuation procedures, a combat water survival course and engaged an obstacle course at the Lancero School.

The Lancero School was established by U.S. Army Ranger, and recent Medal of Honor recipient, then-Capt. Ralph Puckett, who earned gallantry for his combat during the Korean War.

Brig. Gen. William L. Thigpen, U.S. Army South commanding general, and Gen. Eduardo Enrique Zapateiro, Colombian army commander, observed the paratroopers take part of the combined airborne jump on the first day of the exercise.

“General Thigpen and I are in the field today, working hard to develop this training and be completely interoperable,” Zapatiero said. “We are going to put in practice all the distinct skills and capabilities that make a great soldier.”

The trip to Colombia marked Thigpen’s first to an Army South partner nation since his assumption of command on June 30, 2021, and provided him an opportunity to see firsthand the operational and tactical capabilities of the Colombian army.

“We want to thank both General Zapateiro and the Colombian Army for hosting us,” Thigpen said. “This Dynamic Force Employment is critical in demonstrating readiness with the U.S. and Colombian Army.”

As SOUTHCOM’s Joint Forces Land Component Command, Army South conducts security cooperation operations and activities with partner nation Armies in the SOUTHCOM area of responsibility in order to strengthen regional security and counter threats in support of a networked defense of the homeland. Through previous agreements at the conclusion of staff talks between the two armies, Army South staff planned, coordinated, synchronized and executed the DFE; with the 82nd Airborne Division serving as the operational unit of the exercise.

U.S. Army jumpmaster and platoon sergeant for Charlie Company, 2nd Battalion, 501st Parachute Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Sgt. 1st Class Joseph Capen reflected on the efficiency of the Colombian paratroopers with whom he trained and jumped.

“One of my favorite things to see was how similar their military and our military operate,” Capen said. “Another thing was, from a technological standpoint, is they don’t utilize the newest and most advanced equipment, but they are still very proficient in how they operate tactically. It was neat to see.”

The positive impression of the Colombian military echoed throughout the ranks of U.S. paratroopers who took part in the exercise, as they were impacted by the various training events and cultural exchanges during the week.

At the closing ceremony, Lt. Col. David Webb, 2-501st Battalion commander, expressed his gratitude and respect for the military participants from the Colombian army who took part in the Dynamic Force Employment exercise.

“The Colombian military is the best partner force that I’ve worked with in 18 years,” Webb said. “I pray for peace, but I’m always ready for war. If I do have to fight a war, I would be proud to serve with each and every one of you.”

By Joshua Taeckens

Posted in Army, Guest Post, International, Parachuting | Comments Off on US, Colombian Army Paratroopers Successfully Conclude DFE Bilateral Exercise

The “Fuchs” Success Story Goes On: Major Contract for Rheinmetall – International Partner Orders Material kits for Fuchs/Fox 2 Wheeled Armoured Vehicles Worth €250 Million

Thursday, August 12th, 2021

An international partner has placed a follow-up order with Rheinmetall to supply material kits for the Fuchs/Fox 2 wheeled armoured vehicle. This new order, which also encompasses an initial supply of spare parts, is worth around €250 million. Delivery will take place during the 2021-2023 timeframe, with production to be carried out in the partner’s country. This major order underscores the long-lasting nature of this successful strategic partnership.

The order is particularly important for the Group’s Kassel plant, birthplace of the tried-and-tested 6×6 vehicle. Last year marked the fortieth anniversary of the Fuchs armoured transport vehicle’s entry into service with the German Bundeswehr.

To date, some 1,600 Fuchs vehicles have been built. The armoured forces of numerous nations rely on various versions of the vehicle, which, among other things, can be configured as an armoured personnel carrier, a mobile command post, a field ambulance or for an NBC detection and reconnaissance role. The German Bundeswehr has fielded multiple versions of the Fuchs 1 ever since 1979, deploying over a hundred of these vehicles in Afghanistan and elsewhere. Its successor, the Fuchs 2, is an advanced version of the vehicle, featuring, among other things, a larger fighting compartment, a more powerful engine, an updated chassis, improved protection, and a digital electrical system.

Furthermore, the Bundeswehr is also modernizing part of its Fuchs 1 fleet. The latest version of the vehicle – the Fuchs 1A8 – offers substantially better protection against mines and improvised explosive devices compared to earlier models; it also features enhanced protection against ballistic threats. Among the principal modifications found in the 1A8 are structural changes to the hull; new seats and seat suspension systems in the fighting compartment decoupled from floor of the hull; reinforced wheel housings, doors, and window mountings; and additional external storage bins and reinforcement of the vehicle exterior. In total, the Bundeswehr inventory includes around 940 Fuchs vehicles, 272 of which are the current version 1A8.

Furthermore, Rheinmetall now offers an even more advanced version of the vehicle, the 1A8 Plus, which includes a new powerpack, a new transfer case, an improved steering system, and a monitor and camera vision system. This makes the Fuchs 1A8 even more manoeuvrable in off-road terrain and more ergonomic to operate. Legacy vehicles can be upgraded to 1A8 status, while newly built Fuchs 1A8 vehicles are available now as well.

Posted in Advertiser, Contracts, International, Press Release | Comments Off on The “Fuchs” Success Story Goes On: Major Contract for Rheinmetall – International Partner Orders Material kits for Fuchs/Fox 2 Wheeled Armoured Vehicles Worth €250 Million

Government of Canada Announces Contract for Combat Boots for Canadian Armed Forces

Monday, August 9th, 2021

Sherbrooke, Quebec – Public Services and Procurement Canada

Through Strong, Secure, Engaged, the Government of Canada is modernizing its military equipment to support the Canadian Armed Forces and keep Canadians safe.

On behalf of the Honourable Anita Anand, Minister of Public Services and Procurement, and the Honourable Harjit Sajjan, Minister of National Defence, the Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, today announced the awarding of a contract worth nearly $7 million to manufacturer Royer of Lac-Drolet, Quebec, to produce pairs of general-purpose combat boots and nylon laces for the Canadian Armed Forces.

“As a result of a competitive procurement process, we are proud to award this contract to Canadian supplier Royer and provide our troops with the best possible made-in-Canada equipment to carry out their work.”

The Honourable Anita Anand
Minister of Public Services and Procurement

The contract, awarded through an open, fair and transparent competitive process by Public Services and Procurement Canada, will see the delivery of an additional 40,000 pairs of boots and 100,000 pairs of laces to Canadian Armed Forces supply depots in Edmonton, Alberta, and Montréal, Quebec, by February 2023. The general?purpose boots are designed to provide enhanced foot protection and comfort for Canadian troops during operations conducted in ambient temperatures ranging from 0°C to 25°C.

“It is essential that the members of our Canadian Armed Forces have the equipment they need to fulfill their commitment to serving Canadians at home and abroad. By providing quality combat boots through this contract, we are ensuring that our members are well equipped to do the important work we ask of them.”

The Honourable Harjit Sajjan
Minister of National Defence

The contract for the general-purpose combat boots is expected to maintain 25 Canadian jobs and create 5 new jobs.

“Through this contract, we will not only provide superior quality boots to the members of our Armed Forces, but also create jobs and economic benefits directly in our community.”

The Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau
Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food

The boots will be made entirely in Canada at the factories of manufacturer Royer in Lac-Drolet and Sherbrooke, Quebec.

The contract includes an option to order, if needed, an additional 67,500 pairs of boots over the next 5 years, for a potential total of 107,500 pairs.

Posted in Boots, Contracts, Guest Post, International | 7 Comments »

Ghosthood Light-Belt

Sunday, August 8th, 2021

The Ghosthood Light-Belt is available from Germany’s Triple Action. Made from a Cordura laminate, the belt is 40mm wide around most of the circumference of your waist except where it narrows to narrower nylon webbing at the front for a lower profile and use of a 20mm SR buckle.

It’s offered in Stone Grey (above) or CONCAMO Green (below) in three sizes (see site for sizing). Both color options are IRR compliant. At 30 to 35 g depending on length, this is not a Battle Belt, but rather a simple trouser belt which can be worn under load carriage systems.?

www.tripleaction.de/ghosthood-light-belt-guertel

Posted in Clothing, International, Load Carrying | Comments Off on Ghosthood Light-Belt