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Archive for the ‘International’ Category

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.

IWI Announces Additional Procurement of the Micro-TAVOR (X95) Assault Rifle by the Israel Defense Forces

Tuesday, September 7th, 2021

The decision, in accordance with the IDF spokesperson, was made as part of the IDF’s annual work plan

Israel, 07 September, 2021. IWI – Israel Weapon Industries – a member of the SK GROUP (founded by Mr. Samy Katsav), and a worldwide leader in the production of combat-proven small arms for governments, armies, and law enforcement agencies around the world is proud by the additional procurement of the Micro-TAVOR assault rifle by the IDF, to be in service by infantry units.

The decision was made as part of the IDF’s complete annual plan, taking under consideration significant parameters such as adaption to the forces’ missions in the modern battlefield, compliance between acting duty forces and reserve and more.

Designed for militaries, law Enforcement agencies, and special forces, the Micro-TAVOR (X95) was developed in close cooperation with elite units of the IDF, and was tailored to their specific requirements. Incorporating advanced technology enabling the conversion between calibers within minutes, special ops can use the same weapon platform for a wide array of scenarios, for mission success.

With an outstanding effective range of more than 500 meters, the Micro-TAVOR was created to deal with modern terror threats, as well as urban and open area combat – all in one mission. Exceptionally reliable in even the harshest weather conditions, the Micro-TAVOR complies with the most stringent NATO standards for small arms, including environmental standards. Combat-proven by many police and armed forces around the world, it is the standard Israel Defense Forces (IDF) rifle.

According to Ronen Hamudot, Exe. VP Marketing and sales: ” The TAVOR family has been in use by various units of the IDF for the past 15 years. This announcement by the IDF for further procurement is yet another evidence for the TAVOR’s high performance and reliability in the field”.

The Micro-TAVOR is a designed by users’ platform. IWI’s engineers are still serving as reserve in the IDF, hence like all IWI’s products, the Micro-TAVOR was designed and developed according to their own experience in the field. We are very proud of this ongoing long-term cooperation with the IDF, and the Micro-TAVOR being once again the weapon of choice.

Hamudot adds, “IWI works closely with its worldwide customer base, providing solutions that are designed to meet their specific needs.” He goes on to say, “The Micro-TAVOR is one of the most popular weapons of its category in the world – a success based on its exceptional effectiveness and reliability. We continue to develop a range of new configurations and applications in order to ensure its effectiveness in the widest possible range of situations and field requirements.”

For the IDF’s formal statement go here.

Expodefensa 2021 – Less Than Three Months Left Before the Event of Reference for the Entire Latin American Continent

Tuesday, September 7th, 2021

The 7th edition of Expodefensa is coming soon. It’s an unmissable event in the agenda of the international Security and Defense community, gathering exhibitors from five continents and high-level visitors. This year Expodefensa will take place in physical format from 29th of November to 1st of December 2021 in a perfectly bio-safe environment.

The threats facing the states of South America, beyond the defense issues themselves, namely drug trafficking, criminal organizations, migratory flows, cyber-attacks, natural and industrial disasters, the protection of centers exploitation of energy resources but also the new challenges raised by the Covid-19 pandemic, are present in development all over the world. In this way, the appropriate solutions of services and equipment offered at the event are of crucial interest both to the states of South America and to other countries in the world.

Expodefensa exhibition presents to professional visitors and Official delegations from all continents and particularly from Latin America and the Caribbean, new equipment and the latest technological innovations offered by international and Colombian companies to face all these issues. 

Today, three months before the exhibition opening, organizers have already registered companies from 17 countries and 4 continents. Some of them like Brazil, France, Israel, Spain, Turkey, or the USA will present their offer in national pavilions.

Among first registered exhibitors Expodefensa is glad to welcome Airbus SAS – Aselsan – CIAC – Cotecmar – Damen Shipyards – Elbit Systems LTD – General Dynamics Land Systems – Hensoldt – Indumil – Lacroix – MBDA – Navantia – Otokar – Rafael Advanced Defense Systems LTD – SAAB – Sikorsky / Lockheed Martin – Theon Sensors, … 

The 7th edition of Expodefensa will take place in the maximum safety and strictly respecting Colombian government sanitary rules. CORFERIAS, the event’s venue is bio-safe. It’s certified by Bureau Veritas with the international SAFEGUARD label, and with the biosafety certification CHECK-IN certificate issued by the Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Tourism of Colombia.

ACTinBlack Launches THE14

Monday, September 6th, 2021

ACTinBlack Europe S.à r.l, is very excited to be releasing the latest addition to the ACTinBlack family: THE14.

A dedicated team, specialized in electronics, mechanics and optics have developed the robust monocular THE14. Thanks to the continuous feedback from the company’s partners and end users, ACTinBlack has rethought night vision monoculars with a more modern approach of all aspects of a monocular.

THE14 Monocular combines lightweight materials to create the lightest PVS-14 type compatible monocular at 9 oz / 255g while still using standard 18mm image intensifier tubes. At no compromises in functionality it features manual gain, automatic flip up shut-off, IR illuminator, low battery indicator highlight cut-off while still utilize the same control pattern.

Furthermore, THE14 has a 66ft / 20m for 2h submersion rating which is tested for every single housing to ensure quality.

The monocular can be mounted to combat helmets or weapons, which enables night vision capabilities to daytime optical sights.

THE14 is certified to the MIL-STD-810G for environmental, drop and other relevant criteria.

THE14 is fully compatible to all PVS-14 type accessories, optics and image intensifier tubes making it a new standard for monocular night vision systems without requiring a replacement of existing accessories.

www.actinblack.com