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137th SOW Hosts CANSOFCOM Aircrew for MC-12W Training

Saturday, December 18th, 2021

Members of the Canadian Special Operations Forces Command (CANSOFCOM) participated in the first-ever Manned Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) Fundamentals Course held by the 137th Special Operations Group (SOG), Aug. 2-Oct. 25, 2021, at Will Rogers Air National Guard Base, Oklahoma City.

The Canadian aircrew and American instructors collaborated to develop tactics, techniques and procedures (TTPs) for operations with the MC-12W that the CANSOFCOM aircrew could use to further develop a training syllabus for their aircraft.

“The training gained here will be invaluable to developing TTPs and bringing our new aircraft into the service,” said Canadian LCol François Lavertu, Commanding Officer of 427 Special Operations Aviation Squadron. “We are grateful for U.S. Special Operations Command, Air Force Special Operations Command and the 137th Special Operations Wing’s support and training provided to our troops.”

The program covered both air and ground training, incorporating tactical air control party experience with the Canadian aircrew’s exposure to ground tactics, bringing squadrons from around the base together, including: the 185th Special Operations Squadron, the 146th Air Support Operations Squadron, the 137th Special Operations Support Squadron, the 285th Special Operations Intelligence Squadron and the 189th Intelligence Squadron.

“One of the unique aspects of the courses offered by the 137th SOG is the focused integration of MISR with close air support (CAS) through our MISR management course,” said U.S. Air Force Maj. Karl Hurdle, security cooperation director with the 137th Special Operations Group. “This exposes aircrew to the ground perspective of operating in a two-dimensional battlespace.”

For the aircrew, this perspective helps them understand the platform and how it integrates into a bigger picture.

“This is my first exposure to helping bring a major capability online, and we worked as a team to learn new skillsets and apply them to future roles,” said a CANSOFCOM training participant.

This collaboration is part of the Canadian aircrew’s initial operational training, bringing two years of planning to fruition.

“The 137th Special Operations Wing is uniquely postured to aid in training having stood up our own program under AFSOC less than five years ago,” said U.S. Air Force Maj. Korey Larson, operations officer for the 137th SOG, Detachment 1. “With a two-week academic phase and three flying phases, our expert instructors in both the ground and air provided these aviators with perspective on the mission that other wings are not able to do without outsourcing the training. To my knowledge, the 137th Special Operations Wing is one of the only ones that has both a MISR squadron and an air support operations squadron assigned and collocated, making for much more effective operators with this enhanced integration.”

With six NATO partner nations participating in various training programs hosted by 137th Special Operations Wing units this year, the training marked a new addition to the already extensive training catalogue. Squadrons from around Will Rogers ANGB worked in concert to create a multi-functional and international battlespace to develop effective training for these aviators.

“The CANSOFCOM aviators had backgrounds in multiple fixed- and rotary-wing aircraft, which allowed for great feedback to our instructor cadre on the course, and we will implement many of the recommendations that they provided for any future training with foreign partners,” said Larson. “Sharing our unique program and honing training with this iteration will allow the wing to have lasting effects on both partner force and United States Combined Operations throughout the world.”

Story by TSgt Brigette Waltermire

137th Special Operations Wing Public Affairs

Posted in Air Force, Guest Post, International, SOF, Training | 2 Comments »

HENSOLDT Strengthens Exchange with Science Institutions

Monday, December 13th, 2021

Research projects at the University of Ulm provide insights into the digital “radar of the future”.

Taufkirchen/Germany, December 9th, 2021 – Sensor solution provider HENSOLDT is strengthening its cooperation with institutions from science and research. In a presentation at the HENSOLDT site in Ulm, scientists of the Institute for Microwave Technology at the University of Ulm presented the results of four research projects that HENSOLDT will incorporate into the further development of its product portfolio.

“The pace of technology development in electronics and sensor technology is increasing all the time,” says Dr Jürgen Bestle, Chief Technology Officer at HENSOLDT. “That’s why it’s extremely important for a sensor house like HENSOLDT to stay in close contact with research and absorb new findings.”

The work, supervised by professors Christian Waldschmidt and Christian Damm and commissioned by HENSOLDT, investigated various aspects of so-called next-generation “digital radars”. “Fully digital front-ends and multi-static radar systems that can be realised with them will expand the possibilities for sensing in the same way as the introduction of AESA radars has done in the last 10 to 20 years,” the participating experts from HENSOLDT’s development division are convinced.

The project cooperation with the University of Ulm, which started in 2021, is part of a comprehensive initiative within which HENSOLDT works together with research institutes, universities and colleges, evaluates further cooperation opportunities and supports young scientists in establishing a network in industry.

At HENSOLDT’s Ulm site, around 2,500 employees are involved in the development and production of complex safety electronics, including radars, electronic protection systems and high-frequency electronics. The majority of employees are engineers and technicians, and around 120 young people are currently undergoing training.

www.hensoldt.net

Posted in Industry, International, Press Release, Research, Sensors | Comments Off on HENSOLDT Strengthens Exchange with Science Institutions

Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles Completes Handover of HX 8×8 Heavy Recovery Vehicles to New Zealand Defence Force

Sunday, December 12th, 2021

Rheinmetall is pleased to announce the official handover of three HX 8×8 Heavy Recovery Vehicles to the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) at an official ceremony on November 25th 2021 at the Trentham Military Camp in Wellington, New Zealand.

Colonel Ben Bagley, Director of Land Domain for NZDF attended the ceremony to accept handover of the vehicles from Marty Roelofs, New Zealand Manager at Rheinmetall.

Mr Gary Stewart, Managing Director Rheinmetall Defence Australia, had planned to personally attend this ceremony to mark its importance however was hampered by COVID travel restrictions.

“Although it is very disappointing not to be back in New Zealand for this important event marking the joint achievement of the handover of the HX 8×8 Heavy Recovery Vehicles, we are still very proud of this milestone,” Mr. Stewart said.

“The HX 8×8 Heavy Recovery Vehicle is another example of our commitment to providing sustainable design, development and manufacturing that delivers world leading products and services to the NZDF.”

“Delivery of this enhanced recovery capability, complementing the already delivered Medium-heavy Operational Vehicles fleet, in the midst of global COVID challenges is a testament to the relationship between Rheinmetall and the NZDF.”

The successful delivery of the vehicles to the NZDF provides the New Zealand Army with important new capabilities, with the HX 8×8 Heavy Recovery Vehicles having enhanced recovery and mobility capabilities specifically developed to meet the current and future operational needs of the NZDF.

The purchase of the HX 8×8 adds to the in-service medium and heavy operational vehicle fleet with NZDF. The Medium-heavy Operational Vehicles (MHOV) fleet which was supplied by Rheinmetall has had significant use already with NZDF, in training, operations and disaster relief both in New Zealand and offshore.

The HX 8×8 Heavy Recovery Vehicles delivered to the NZDF are the first in the world to use the Integrated Armoured Swap Cabin which allows easy configuration of the vehicles to suit the operational need. Rheinmetall will also provide a dedicated training team to conduct initial training on the vehicle with the NZDF.

At just 2.55 metres wide, the HX 8×8 Heavy Recovery Vehicle allows greater accessibility and operates exceptionally in difficult terrain with an ability to cross ditches of 1.4 metres wide and cross flooded areas of 1.5 metres in depth, as well as scale gradients of up to 60 per cent and side slopes of 30 per cent.

The HX 8×8 Heavy Recovery Vehicle is also able to operate in a range of radically different environments, operating in cold conditions as low as -32°C and in hot conditions all the way up to 49°C.

Posted in Advertiser, International, Mobility, Press Release | Comments Off on Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles Completes Handover of HX 8×8 Heavy Recovery Vehicles to New Zealand Defence Force

Mustang Survival Announces Acquisition of the Government & Commercial Marine Business of Stearns

Thursday, December 9th, 2021

Lafayette, CA – Mustang Survival®, the North American brand known for innovative solutions for the most demanding marine environments, is excited to announce the acquisition of the Government & Commercial Marine business of Stearns®. The deal deepens Mustang Survival’s product offering for those that live beyond land to protect our freedoms, and those that work on the water to put food on the table for their loved ones.

The products will be amalgamated into the Mustang Survival Branded assortments of Life Jackets, Personal Flotation Devices & Life Saving Appliances. Complementing Mustang Survival’s already rich and high-quality offerings in these segments, the depth and breadth provided by merging the Stearns® products establishes Mustang Survival as the dominant trusted industry leader in commercial marine performance products.

Commenting on the announcement, Mustang Survival President, Jason Leggatt, highlights the importance of the Brand’s continued commitment to its Government & Professional consumers. “Mustang Survival exists to deliver confidence and the ultimate experience on the water for those that work, serve, or for recreation. We are obsessed with protecting and enhancing the performance of Government and Professional consumers because they use the products constantly and prove the durability and excellence of a great product solution. These markets are truly where steel sharpens the steel. In addition to the obvious growth this provides for us in core markets, the deal is extra exciting because many of the products acquired will be made onshore in our owned North American manufacturing sites”.

Mustang Survival’s CEO, Andrew Branagh, who oversees the Wing Group including Mustang Survival and her sister companies, has been expanding the Wing Group’s power and presence with acquisitions aligned to its values and mission.

“The Wing Group is deeply embedded with top-tier Government and Professional users across the family of companies. Stearns® represented an incredible opportunity for Mustang Survival to be increasingly relevant to this strategic and valued customer base of ours. I am incredibly proud of how everyone in our company continues to demonstrate the entrepreneurial spirit of a little company, while we have grown immensely during the last 8 years”.

Mustang Survival is currently working to transition the acquired product lines into its operations and will work with customers and suppliers to develop a smooth business transition. The acquired product lines and intellectual property will be branded Mustang Survival going forward and will be showcased and sold via Mustang Survival’s valued reseller partners, the Mustang Survival website, and all customer service will be handled by Mustang Survival teams.

photo: Corey Craig

Posted in Industry, International, Maritime, Press Release | Comments Off on Mustang Survival Announces Acquisition of the Government & Commercial Marine Business of Stearns

Bundeswehr Orders New AGDUS Passive Systems from Rheinmetall for Combat Training Centre

Wednesday, December 8th, 2021

Rheinmetall is supplying new simulation technology for the German Army’s Combat Training Centre. Earlier this year, the Federal Office for Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support (BAAINBw) awarded Rheinmetall a procurement contract for 440 state-of the-art “Training Device, Duel Simulator (AGDUS), Passive Vehicle” systems. The contract is worth a figure in the upper single-digit million-euro range. Delivery begins in 2021 and is scheduled to be complete by December 2023. The order underscores once again the great expertise of Rheinmetall in the field of training, simulation and especially live simulation.

By simulating the effects of weapons fire, the laser-supported Training Device, Duel Simulator (AGDUS) enables highly realistic combat training. It consists of sensors on the vehicle that receive laser signals; the central electronics; and a display and control unit. The systems enable highly realistic combat training through precise determination of the simulated hit location and a detailed damage simulation based on vehicle-specific damage models. All data and facts concerning the laser-based engagement are relayed in near-real time to the exercise control cell, where the results of hits are depicted optically.

The AGDUS passiv version used up till now is a cable-based system. In the new version, the “AGDUS passiv” vehicle target system features a wireless connection to the central electronics. The connection to the sensor modules necessary for detection relies on radio transmission. Furthermore, the equipment now includes a roof sensor that enables detection of hits from shots fired from above, e.g. from rooftops.

The sensor modules can by arrayed and expanded in accordance with specific training requirements. Encompassing the so called casualty model which calculates the consequences of a hit for crew and vehicle, the connection between the sensors and the central electronics features a short-range radio transmission system. This is based on a proprietary solution from Rheinmetall involving a multi-frequency process to assure stability of training. The signals are bundled and transmitted simultaneously via two or more radio links (frequency diversity). To assure the required stability, the transmitter and receiver operate in parallel, thus avoiding breaks in transmission.

The updated AGDUS passiv features state-of-the-art sensors and detectors that are among the most sensitive on the market today. Their high sensitivity guarantees reliable detection under adverse weather conditions like fog, even at extended ranges of engagement – a major plus in all types of training operations.

Posted in Advertiser, International, Training | Comments Off on Bundeswehr Orders New AGDUS Passive Systems from Rheinmetall for Combat Training Centre

Savotta Wishes Finland a Happy Independence Day!

Monday, December 6th, 2021

Finland’s Savotta posted this to social media and it’s simply awesome. Totally worth a share here.

Hyvää itsenäisyyspäivää Suomi!

A large part of our work, and the very existence of our company, is strongly connected to the independence of Finland. Savotta was founded in the 50’s to make gear for the lumber industry, which at the time employed a huge amount of people cutting down trees in the vast woodlands of Finland to pay war reparations to the Soviet Union and to rebuild our nation after the wars.

It didn’t take long for Savotta to start making gear for the Finnish Defence Forces as well. And oh how we have made our share of that stuff over the years. This work continues today, quite actively, and we intend to keep it that way.

Finland’s independence is a lot more than wars and such, but those things are also in reality a big part of it. Without independent Finland Savotta probably wouldn’t exist at all. So thank you all who have done and keep on doing their part to ensure the well-being and sovereignty of our people!

PS: The Finnish M05 snow camouflage suit worn by Matti the Horse here is our own custom piece, not available for public sales unfortunately.

Posted in As Seen On Instagram, International, Morale | 1 Comment »

Raytheon ELCAN Teams with Leonardo Germany to Deliver Main Combat Sights to the Bundeswehr

Monday, December 6th, 2021

ELCAN Specter DR dual-role sight will be a vital component of the optronic system for infantry missions

Raytheon ELCAN, a Raytheon Technologies subsidiary, and LEONARDO Germany, a Leonardo SpA subsidiary, were awarded a contract for 107,929 sights to provide the main combat sight (HKV) for the German Armed Forces. Leonardo Germany is the prime contractor to the BAAINBw and will provide in-country support.

The ELCAN Specter DR 1-4x is a combined reflex and telescopic sight allowing soldiers to see close up or far away with a single sight. The sights chosen by the Bundeswehr will have a bullet-drop compensator, or BDC, etched reticle and a Picatinny/STANAG rail integrated into the housing with an ambidextrous, easy-to-use, throw lever to switch instantly between magnifications. The sights have an integrated laser filter to help keep soldiers safer on the battlefield.

“The Specter DR dual-role sight is Canadian technology and battle-proven with forces across NATO,” said Mike Lewis, rifle sights mission area lead for Raytheon ELCAN. “The variable magnification and durability of the Specter is a great advantage for the German Armed Forces.”

Deliveries started in the third quarter of 2021.

www.raytheonintelligenceandspace.com/capabilities/products/elcan-specter-sights

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

Milrem Robotics Led iMUGS Consortium Demonstrates Deployment of Unmanned Systems

Friday, December 3rd, 2021

The iMUGS Consortium, in charge of a 32,6 MEUR project developing the European standard unmanned ground system (UGS), demonstrated how defence forces can use tactical 4G/5G communications networks and UGS’ equipped with ISR and signal intelligence payloads, jammers, acoustic sensors, and various other technology to conduct missions.

The demonstration that was performed in September in Latvia, was led by LMT, a member of the integrated Modular Unmanned Ground System (iMUGS) consortium, with the support of the project coordinator Milrem Robotics and featured an ensemble of different technology.

Latvian National Armed Forces used two Milrem Robotics’ THeMIS Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGV) during two scenarios to display the benefits of teaming up manned units with unmanned systems.

One THeMIS UGV was equipped with an Intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) payload, Signal Intelligence antenna (SIGINT) provided by The Electronic Communications Office of Latvia, Rheinmetall’s Rapid Obscuring System (ROSY) Smoke Grenade Launcher, Bittium’s Vehicular Software Defined Radios (Tough SDR Vehicular), and FN Herstal’s deFNder Light Remote Weapon Station (RWS). The RWS integration was part of the demonstration, but not of the iMUGS project itself.

The second THeMIS, used as a mule for transporting the squad’s equipment, was equipped with Rantelon’s Improvised Explosive Device (IED) Jammer and Bittium’s Tough SDR Vehicular.

The units and UGVs used Bittium’s tactical communication network TAC WIN combined with LMT’s commercial 4G and a tactical 5G-SA bubble provided by Bittium and Cumucore.

In addition, Krauss-Maffei Wegmann’s (KMW) Dingo infantry mobility vehicle was used as the command centre from where UGVs were operated in Line of Sight (LOS) and Beyond the Line of Sight (BLOS) mode using Bittium’s SDR radios and to where the ISR and Signal Intelligence sensor feed was relayed and incorporated into LMT’s Battle Management System Viedsargs.

“The displayed scenarios showed that unmanned systems, enhanced with innovative communication systems and various defence technology, can be used for collecting and sharing tactical information, improve situational awareness, decrease troops physical load, and increase force protection,” explained Kuldar Väärsi, CEO of Milrem Robotics.

”For the first time ever, in a special network, a tactical network was connected with a stand-alone 5G network. This allowed communication between units and robots, as well as collecting information from sensors and placing this information into LMT’s Battle Management System “Viedsargs”,” said Ingmars Pukis, Vice President and Member of the Management Board of LMT.

Additional equipment used in the demonstration included: SRC Brasa’s NATRIX UGV used for CASEVAC, high-speed First-Person View drone, Vertical Take-off, and Landing UAV STAR, and a gunshot detection and source recognition audio sensor by Riga Technical University (RTU).

The iMUGS project was launched in 2020 to develop a modular, cyber secure and scalable architecture for hybrid manned-unmanned systems. Its goal is to standardize a Europe-wide ecosystem for ground platforms, command, control and communication equipment, sensors, payloads, and algorithms. Addressed operational challenges include enhanced interoperability, increased situational awareness and faster decision-making.

The system will use an existing UGV – Milrem Robotics’ THeMIS – and a specific list of payloads.

The project’s progress is displayed during six demonstrations. „So far Milrem Robotics and LMT Innovations have set the bar very high. Which means we have some great things to wait for as the main results of the iMUGS projects are yet to be seen,“ said Martin Jõesaar from the Estonian Center for Defence Investments, the representative of the participating Member States in the iMUGS Project. The next demonstration will take place in Q1 of 2022 in Finland.

iMUGS is a cooperation between 13 parties: Milrem Robotics (project coordinator), Bittium, Diehl Defence, dotOcean, GMV Aerospace and Defence, Insta Advance, Krauss-Maffei Wegmann, Latvijas Mobilais Telefons (LMT), NEXTER Systems, Royal Military Academy of Belgium, Safran Electronics & Defense, Sol.One and Talgen Cybersecurity.

Watch the Demo 2 Scenarios here:

Posted in International, Press Release, Robotics | 1 Comment »