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Archive for the ‘International’ Category

European Defence Strenghens By MKU’s Expanding Presence

Sunday, August 11th, 2024

MKU, a leading global defence and homeland security company that specialises in developing and manufacturing ballistic protection solutions and optronics solutions for defence and law enforcement agencies, reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to empowering defence and law enforcement agencies across Europe.

The company has established a strong presence in Europe over the past four decades, fostering significant partnerships and collaborations. The company has supplied advanced ballistic solutions to various European forces, including 25,000 ballistic plates to Spain’s border police, over 1,000 body armours to the Estonian police force, NIJ 0108.01 Level III and NIJ Level III/IV ballistic shields to police forces in Norway and Sweden respectively and platform armouring solutions that shielded numerous German army containers.

MKU Limited’s strategic collaborations, customer-centric approach, and cutting-edge solutions have positioned the company at the forefront of empowering European defence and law enforcement agencies. By addressing the specific requirements of local forces and collaborating closely with military personnel, the company contributes to strengthening Europe’s security infrastructure and ensures the safety and protection of frontline personnel. MKU also has a cooperation and development agreement with French Major Thales to co-develop and market optronic devices and F90 close quarter battle (CQB) rifles internationally. The alliance envisages manufacturing of optronics equipment, including weapon sights, night vision goggles, hand-held thermal imagers and thermal infrared sensor engine for soldier systems, and other image intensification and thermal imaging systems for soldiers and platforms.

“WE HAVE BEEN BUILDING AND NURTURING STRONG RELATIONSHIPS IN EUROPE OVER THE LAST FOUR DECADES,

stated Mr. Neeraj Gupta, Managing Director at MKU. “Europe is an early adopter of new technology, and the European countries are constantly modernising their forces. We remain dedicated to providing innovative solutions to them and building a safer future.” With an unwavering commitment to research and development, rigorous testing processes, and state-of-the-art manufacturing capabilities, MKU delivers superior-quality solutions that meet the highest standards of performance and reliability.

MKU’s dedication to quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction has positioned them as a trusted partner for European defence and law enforcement agencies. Through their continuous efforts, the company is revolutionising the security landscape and ensuring a safer future for European forces and the communities they serve.

Looking ahead, MKU is committed to further strengthening its footprint in Europe through strategic investments in research and development, collaborations with leading European defence companies, and the expansion of its product portfolio. The company is actively exploring opportunities to co-develop next-generation ballistic and optronic solutions that address the evolving needs of European defence and law enforcement agencies.

www.mku.com

Support for Ukraine: Rheinmetall Receives Follow-Up Order for the Delivery of Eight Additional Forward Surgical Team Stations

Friday, August 9th, 2024

The Ukrainian Ministry of Defence has commissioned Rheinmetall to deliver eight additional Forward Surgical Team stations (FST) for the country`s armed forces. The order is part of the strengthening initiative (“Ertüchtigungsinitiative”) of the Federal Government of Germany. The delivery is expected to begin in 2024 and to be completed by end 2026. The order comprises eight turnkey-ready systems, equipped with highly modern medical technology, among it an x-ray-container, an operating theatre and a unit for intensive care on the standard of a modern hospital. For transporting each rescue unit, Rheinmetall also delivers a mobile component consisting of three HGVs from Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles (RMMW) including the trailers. The order is valued in a medium double-digit million Euro range.

Armin Papperger, CEO of Rheinmetall AG: “The medical care facilities from Rheinmetall are highly mobile, very fast operational and quality-wise on the highest standard. The newly placed order underlines that our first deliveries to the Ukraine concerning medical technology have proven their worth. We are happy to play an important part in supporting the Ukrainian Forces also with our medical aid”. 

In addition to the delivery of FST rescue units, is also envisaged give appropriate Ukrainian personnel a one week’s training in Germany. Already in September 2023, Rheinmetall had handed-over a mobile field hospital (NATO-Role-2-Standard) with 32 beds for patients, of which eight are for intensive care, to Ukraine. Also in this case, ten Ukrainian soldiers underwent a two-week training regarding assembly and disassembly as well as transportation and operation of the hospital. Two rescue units of the current order will be delivered by Rheinmetall end of 2023 and beginning of 2024.

The FSTs are container-based rescue units for mounted operations. They consist of six containers each. Five of which are connected to each other while in operation and have a reception, respectively a triage-area, an x-ray-shelter, a surgery preparation, a surgery-shelter as well as an intensive care unit. The support container with a power generator and water tanks can keep the system in service independently for at least 48 hours. Concerning the production of these systems, Rheinmetall cooperates with renowned German manufacturers from the medical technology sector.

The FSTs are intended for use on the front-line. There life-sustaining measures can be carried out on severely injured troops within a very short time, and the patients can be stabilized.

US, Colombian Armies Enhance Interoperability During Airborne Infiltration Exercise HYDRA III 2024

Friday, August 9th, 2024

FUERTE MILITAR DE TOLEMAIDA, Colombia — Nestled in the heart of Colombia’s Andes mountain range, approximately 75 miles south of Bogota, roughly 300 soldiers from the U.S. and Colombian armies forged partnerships during the bilateral airborne infiltration exercise, Hydra III 2024, held from July 28 to August 1, 2024, in Fuerte Militar de Tolemaida, Colombia.

A U.S. Army South-led exercise, HYDRA 24, formerly known as Dynamic Force Employment, is an agreed-to-action between the partner nations and the third iteration of its kind.

Participating units included the 2nd Battalion, 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division; the Colombian Army Battalion of Counter Narcotics; the 7th Special Forces Group, the 1st Security Forces Assistance Brigade and support personnel from the ARSOUTH command.

“It is no secret that around the globe it is growing more important with each passing month and year that while we are experts in some aspects we have so much to learn from our partners around the world,” said U.S. Army Maj. Adam Amor, 2nd Battalion, 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment operations officers and lead officer in charge of the 82nd Airborne Division paratroopers participating in HYDRA 24.

“The reality is in today’s battlefield partner force integration is the standard, it isn’t just a one-off opportunity and it is not just something we only do for training exercises but everywhere that we go around the globe we are going to be shoulder to shoulder with another partner nation,” said Amor.

The exercise aimed to enhance the technical, procedural and interoperability between Colombian and U.S. paratroopers. This demonstrates the U.S. Army’s ability to rapidly and strategically employ forces in the U.S. Southern Command area of responsibility.

For many of the paratroopers, it was their first time integrating and interacting with a partner force.

“I was very impressed that everybody was able to expand and work out the language barriers to make the operations a success, in addition to some of our ad hoc translators who stepped up to help integrate with our partners,” said Amor.

“We also learned that we have different methods of executing higher operations and battle tracking across the area, but our paratroopers could easily integrate with their partners even despite the language,” said Amor.

Amor stressed the importance of learning to synchronize planning efforts to facilitate battlefield operations anywhere in the world.

With a focus on pre-deployment operations, HYDRA 24 allowed U.S. Army Soldiers to enhance their agility in a new training domain alongside partner forces. This collaboration further improved interoperability and prepared them for success in competition, crisis and conflict.

“The Colombian Counter Narcotics Battalion 1 has a specific mission and we also have a specific mission set with a global focus,” said Amor. “Because of this we were able to share lessons with airborne operations and learn how they execute operations that may be more localized using different types of aircraft and different types of jungle movements.”

Amor added that he was impressed with the initiative of the Colombian Army’s company commanders and appreciated their hospitality and capabilities, which facilitated the exercise.

“The Colombian Army is currently working on becoming interoperable with other armies worldwide. This exercise represents a significant step forward in that process,” said Colombian Army Lt. Col. Bayardo Pena, senior observer and operations officer in charge for the Colombian Army.

“The U.S. Army has been supporting us for many years. The fact that we are conducting this exercise is going to strengthen and increase our partnership for the future,” said Pena.

Pena stressed the importance of both armies being able to conduct the planning process, execution of the maneuver, understand each other’s doctrine, and execute an exercise.

“The U.S. Army has a world standard in terms of doctrine and it is going to help us standardize our processes too,” said Pena. “I am proud of our soldiers and how they conduct themselves with other armies like the U.S.”

The U.S.-Colombia partnership remains one of the most vibrant and mutually productive relationships in the Southern Hemisphere. SOUTHCOM and U.S. Army South bilateral exercises aim to demonstrate the United State’s commitment to the region and its citizens.

The exercise culminated in a distinguished visitor day, foreign airborne wing exchange ceremony and remarks from the U.S. Army South Commanding General, Brig. Gen. Phil Ryan.

“Today’s event goes beyond just tactical and operational interoperability, although that is crucial, what truly matters is the human connections formed between all of you,” said Ryan during the foreign wing exchange ceremony. “These bonds are key to safeguarding our shared values of democracy and human rights, and to preserving our way of life in the Western Hemisphere.”

Prior to the exercise, the two armies synchronized tactics, techniques and procedures, medical and communication rehearsals to ensure seamless integration throughout the combined training exercise and the multinational airborne assault.

“Our goal is to enhance our interoperability so we can operate seamlessly together as one multinational force whenever needed,” said Ryan. “Embrace this shared experience and remember that, despite our different backgrounds and languages, we are united by your common identity as paratroopers – Defense and Fraternity!”

By MAJ Nadine Wiley De Moura

Rheinmetall to Acquire Majority Stake in Resonant Holdings of South Africa

Thursday, August 8th, 2024

Rheinmetall is to expand its plant engineering portfolio by acquiring a majority stake in the business of Resonant Holdings (Pty) Ltd, a leading South African specialist in plant engineering for chemical applications. An agreement to this effect has now been signed. Rheinmetall Waffe Munition GmbH will hold 51% of the shares in a newly formed joint venture Rheinmetall Resonant South Africa, and the current Resonant Holding shareholders will possess the remaining 49%. The company to be founded expects an annual sales potential of more than EUR 100 million.

The parties have agreed not to disclose the purchase price. The transaction and the final company name are still subject to customary regulatory approvals.

The planned acquisition is Rheinmetall’s response to the growing global demand in the ammunition sector and the resulting customer requirements for the construction of corresponding production facilities. Rheinmetall is therefore significantly expanding its existing capabilities in ammunition production by vertically integrating further competences, thus positioning itself even more robustly for the independent planning, construction and operation of production facilities for the manufacture of chemical products such as propellant powder and explosives.

Resonant Holdings employs around 150 people and brings proven experience and outstanding expertise in designing and constructing specialised plants. This includes production facilities for chemical and explosives products. Resonant’s leading expertise complements Rheinmetall’s plant engineering capabilities, particularly in the fields of chemical, energetic, and explosives technology, industrialization, and manufacturing. This expands Rheinmetall’s ability to offer a comprehensive range of services, including the design, construction and commissioning of state-of-the-art plants tailored to the specific needs of our global partners.

At the same time, the partnership offers Resonant a strong global reach, industry expansion and access to new markets.  The combined expertise of both entities will drive innovation and efficiency, delivering unparalleled value to customers. Rheinmetall aims to preserve the company’s existing technology and workforce.

The planned acquisition of Resonant Holdings underscores Rheinmetall’s dedication to expanding its technological capabilities and delivering state-of-the-art solutions to its partners. This strategic acquisition of the controlling stake ensures that Rheinmetall remains at the forefront of innovation in the engineering and defence industries, providing unparalleled expertise and comprehensive solutions.

ONE9 Welcomes Davin Michaelis as Senior Technical & Tactical Advisor

Wednesday, August 7th, 2024

If “Innovation is a Special Operation”, ONE9’s team just got a whole lot stronger.
ONE9 is thrilled to announce the appointment of Davin Michaelis as Senior Technical and Tactical Advisor. Michaelis, a recently retired US Special Mission Unit (SMU) Sergeant Major, brings unparalleled expertise and experience to the team.

Throughout Michaelis’ twenty-one deployments, he distinguished himself at the highest level of strategic military operations including leadership roles in three presidentially approved operations. Known for his exceptional leadership, strategic acumen, and operational excellence he has demonstrated his prowess in some of the most challenging environments and operations globally. His deep and extensive experience in national security, intelligence, and special operations sets him apart as a leader of the highest pedigree.

In his new role at ONE9, Michaelis will be based in Warsaw, Poland. He will provide a unique and invaluable lens to target, validate, and provide deep tactical and technical diligence to help guide ONE9’s investment and innovation priorities. His strategic vision and tactical expertise will be instrumental in advancing ONE9’s initiatives and ensuring the highest standards of performance and innovation.

“I’ve been tracking ONE9 for a while now, and am proud to join a firm who contributes as much to national security in their private sector capability as we did when we were in uniform,” Michalis said.

“Davin is no joke, and I am deeply humbled to have gained the trust of a leader with Davin’s character, curiosity and mission focus,” said Glenn Cowan, Founder and Managing Partner of ONE9. “As ONE9 expands our presence globally, it is critical to align with our most important allies”. Cowan went on to say, “At ONE9 we equate venture capital to a special operations mission and since our former Units fought together, it’s a natural fit to expand our shared vision and culture to build one of the most impactful investment and innovation firms focused on national security.” His unparalleled experience and leadership will be a tremendous asset as we continue to drive forward our mission and expand our capabilities.”

UK Soldiers Test Next Generation Body-Worn Technology

Sunday, August 4th, 2024

Cutting-edge data visualisation tools, integrated sensors, and live intelligence feeds are all connected within a single system known as the Future Integrated Dismounted Soldier Vision or FIDSV.

The helmet includes integrated power and data feeds, enhanced audio, a universal Heads Up Display (HUD) interface, and a mounted strobe alert system to identify friend or foe. A head-mounted night vision system (HMNVS) can also be used with enhanced digital night vision and injectable imagery capabilities.

The next generation of body-worn technology has been put through its paces by UK soldiers, bringing a modernised advantage to the battlefield. The aim of the trials is to integrate available technology into wearable tech for soldiers, advancing battlefield awareness and allowing faster tactical decision making

Story via NATO

Photos courtesy of UK Ministry of Defence / © Crown copyright 2024

Sneak Peek – Platatac DPDU S.A.S. Gore Fighter Fabric Windproof Smock

Thursday, August 1st, 2024

Coming Soon! Platatac DPDU S.A.S. Gore Fighter Fabric Windproof Smock. They are re-releasing these as they sold out almost instantly last time. The first 50 to go will get a free set of our DPDU Gulf War Iraq Playing Cards. This jacket is absolutely mad, and will sell out fast, so don’t sleep on your size when they drop!

Ceremonial Handover in Hungary: Rheinmetall Takes Over Ammunition Factory in Várpalota, Hungary, After Completion

Wednesday, July 31st, 2024

On 29 July 2024, the Duesseldorf-based technology group Rheinmetall celebrated the official takeover of its new state-of-the-art 30mm ammunition factory in Várpalota, Hungary.

The ceremony took place in presence of the Hungarian Minister of Defence Kristóf Szalay-Bobrovniczky and the CEO of Rheinmetall AG, Armin Papperger. 

The new production facility in Várpalota is a significant milestone in Rheinmetall’s expansion strategy. It underlines the company’s commitment in providing up-to-date technologies to support the defence capabilities of its partners. The factory is designed to produce 30mm ammunition for the KF41 Lynx infantry fighting vehicle (IFV), which will be built in Zalaegerszeg and delivered to the Hungarian armed forces. The Várpalota factory will start production in October 2024. Furthermore, ammunition for battle tanks and artillery as well as igniters will be among the products manufactured in Várpalota in a second phase. In the final expansion stage, the company site will cover a total of around 150 hectares.

In his opening speech, Armin Papperger highlighted the importance of the new factory for Rheinmetall and the site in Hungary: “The opening of this state-of-the-art ammunition factory in Várpalota is a clear signal to our commitment concerning innovation and quality. This facility will not only strengthen the defence capabilities of our global partners and in Hungary, but will also contribute to the economic development of the region.”

In his address, Hungarian Defence Minister Szalay-Bobrovniczky emphasised the strategic importance of the cooperation with Rheinmetall, and stressed the joint efforts in strengthening the national security and defence industry.

The new factory in Várpalota is equipped with the latest technology and will create more than 200 jobs in the region, making an important contribution to the local economy. The establishment of the Lynx IFV and other Lynx models also strengthens the development of the Hungarian defence industry. Rheinmetall is thus continuing its tradition of contributing to global security through technological innovation and close partnerships.