Our friends at Spartan.AT are offering a fun tip of the hat to the German language version of “The Enemy Is Listening.”
“Der Feind Hört Mit” dates back to at least World War Two where the slogan was placed on propaganda posters as well as affixed to the front of radios. This is an DDR (East German) National Volks Armee version of the Soviet Cold War-era R104M radio. Check out the engraving at the top.
Get your patch at shop.spartanat.com/products/feind-hort-mit-der-patch
The Canadian government has awarded Rheinmetall a major order for the production of 85 heavy recovery vehicles to the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) as part of the Enhanced Recovery Capability (ERC) project. The five-year purchase agreement, worth $325 million CAD (around €215 million), includes vehicles, recovery equipment and other modifications. The first deliveries are scheduled for 2027. A supplementary $28.9 million CAD (around €20 million) multi-year in-service support contract has also been awarded to Rheinmetall.
Serving as prime contractor, Rheinmetall Canada will replace the CAF’s heavy logistic vehicle wheeled recovery fleet with 85 HX 8×8 trucks, each equipped with a heavy towing and recovery module. This will provide the CAF with enhanced capabilities to effectively recover and tow their latest generation of heavier armoured and logistical vehicles. The new HX heavy recovery vehicles also provide additional capabilities, such as an integrated rotary crane that can be used for container handling and for other crane work.
Rheinmetall HX: a best-in-class, combat-proven flagship
Purpose-built for military end users and characterized by high mobility, reliability, and durability, the HX represents a long-term solution for Canada. It will provide logistic support to combat forces anywhere on the battlefield, even in the most stringent conditions. The HX recovery truck will also offer a high level of protection, significantly increasing soldiers’ survivability and mission success.
In terms of maturity, Rheinmetall’s flagship has been reliably serving military customers in the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Germany, Norway, Denmark, Sweden, Slovenia, Singapore, and Japan in a variety of operational scenarios, from domestic disaster relief and humanitarian support, to combat operations in harsh operating battlefield environments encountered in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Mali. This international distribution of HX trucks brings major advantages when it comes to interoperability and logistics among NATO partners.
The ERC team: world-leading partners offering a unique solution
The ERC project team will be led by Rheinmetall Canada, a leading system integrator in the defence and security industry. Rheinmetall Canada will be supported by Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles, a German-Austrian world-leading logistic vehicle manufacturer; Miller Industries Towing Equipment, a premier supplier of towing and recovery equipment located in the United States; and Rotzler Holding, a leading manufacturer of hydraulic winches and winch systems based in Germany with operations in Canada.
“Together, this strong team will provide a sophisticated best-in-class recovery solution that will enable the CAF to fulfil its tasks in support of Canadian national interests. This vehicle is an extraordinary system which will meet Canada’s needs for decades to come. Moreover, Canada is now joining an elite group of operators of the HX recovery platform and will benefit from other nations’ experience with the system.” stated Pietro Mazzei, President and CEO of Rheinmetall Canada.
“We are very grateful to be able to welcome Canada as a new member of the HX user group,” stated Michael Wittlinger, CEO of Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles. “With the heavy recovery vehicle, the HX fleet is now prominently represented on the North American continent for the first time. Our mission-proven vehicle family is increasingly becoming the backbone of the logistics forces of NATO and allied nations.”
Significant industrial and economic benefits for Canada
The benefits of the ERC project will be felt across Canada: it will create high-tech career opportunities at both Rheinmetall Canada and its Canadian suppliers, in addition to generating a number of valuable investments throughout the country. With over 1,5 billion Canadian Dollars in Industrial Technological Benefits (ITB) and Industrial and Regional Benefits (IRB) credited since the company was founded just over 35 years ago, Rheinmetall Canada is one of the leading companies for delivering ITBs, IRBs, job creation, and economic growth to Canada.
SAN DIEGO – 13 November 2024 – General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) logged another aviation milestone on Nov. 12, 2024, when its Gray Eagle STOL aircraft took off from a South Korean warship and landed at a ground base – the first-ever such mission for an aircraft of this type. Working with our GA-ASI’s in-country partner, Hanwha Aerospace, Gray Eagle STOL launched from the South Korean navy’s amphibious landing ship Dokdo underway at sea off the coast of Pohang, South Korea. The Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) then flew to Pohang Navy Airfield and landed normally.
Gray Eagle STOL – which stands for short takeoff and landing – is the only medium-altitude, long-endurance aircraft of its kind with the ability to operate from large-deck warships such as amphibious ships and aircraft carriers, as well as short and unimproved fields on land. The test with the South Korean military further validates the aircraft’s capability and versatility.
“We applaud the South Korean navy for its foresight in examining the unique capability of GE STOL for its fleet. This demonstration illustrates the ability of the GE STOL to safely operate on many types of aircraft-capable ships, which opens myriad new ways our allies can use this UAS to support multi-domain naval operations,” said GA-ASI CEO Linden Blue.
Hanwha Aerospace is engaged with General Atomics to support national defense with proven, state-of-the-art technology suited for a multi-domain warfare environment, contributing to global security alongside allied nations in response to rapidly growing threats.
“The demonstration is a crucial step in verifying how the GE STOL can contribute to defense capabilities, and I am honored to witness this alongside the Republic of Korea Navy, to whom I extend my deepest gratitude for conducting the test,” said Hanwha Aerospace CEO and President Jae-il Son. “Hanwha is fully committed to making bold investments, fostering collaboration, and providing steadfast support in the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) business.”
The Ministry of National Defense for the Republic of Korea is initially evaluating GE STOL for its ability to meet its emerging military requirements. South Korean navy, army and other officials were asked to evaluate Gray Eagle STOL and supported the test.
“The demo highlighted the versatility of STOL aboard a warship, in the Dokdo, designed not for fixed-wing aircraft but solely for helicopters. Gray Eagle STOL’s flight proves that navies can add significant new capability without costly major modifications to their existing warships,” said South Korean Chief of Naval Operations, Admiral Yang Yong-mo.
Gray Eagle STOL is highly common with the classic Gray Eagle aircraft, substituting a different engine, wings, control surfaces and landing gear. Gray Eagle STOL is General Atomics’ name for the production variant of the historic aircraft demonstrator known as Mojave.
In November 2023, GA-ASI and Mojave performed a demonstration of STOL takeoff and return landing aboard an aircraft carrier in an event with the UK Royal Navy’s HMS Prince of Wales, which is smaller than a typical U.S. aircraft carrier at 932 feet long (284m) and 240 feet wide (73m). The Dokdo class is considerably smaller than the Prince of Wales, only 653 feet long (199m) and 102 feet wide (31m).
The long-awaited Agilite Sub-Zero™ Plate Carrier is live. It is built to set a new standard in slick plate carriers and includes numerous patented new features that give superior comfort and functionality including a new patented expansion system that makes one-size-fit-all body types.
Every Sub-Zero™ comes with the Agilite modular, elastic cummerbund included that is the most modular of its type on the market. Its unique design allows you to switch between velcro flaps, quick release buckles or first spear tubes quickly and easily, on either side. It is designed to give covert operators and vigilant civilians superior comfort and features in an extremely low profile rig.
See the video showing all its unique features here:
For details of the Berry-Compliant version or Government quotes contact govsales@agilitegear.com or visit: agilitegear.com/products/sub-zero-plate-carrier.
FULDA, GERMANY (13.11.2024)
In a recent interview, Nejc Zavrl, Group Director of Marketing at Mehler Systems, shared insights into the goals, challenges, and achievements resulting from a significant strategic realignment within the company.
As 2023 came to a close, Mehler Systems underwent a pivotal restructuring and rebranding initiative aimed at streamlining the Group’s presence and enhancing its impact in global markets. This effort established Mehler Systems as the new umbrella brand, incorporating Mehler Protection—a newly integrated entity—alongside the specialised brands UF PRO and Lindnerhof.
Q: What prompted the company restructuring andrebranding?
A: The brand restructuring was driven by a strategic need to unify and strengthen our Group identity. Overtime, our individual brands—Mehler Vario System, Mehler Law Enforcement, Mehler Engineered Defence, UF PRO, and Lindnerhof—each developed strong market presences and distinct identities. However, this independence led to fragmentation, limiting our ability to present a coherent and unified image to the market.
Our main goal was to create a robust umbrella brand that embodies our ambition to become a world leader in ballistic protection, tactical clothing, and carrying systems. We aimed to bring together the strengths of each sub-brand while maintaining their unique market positions under a unified system.
This alignment fosters better internal collaboration, reduces redundancies, and helps us present a stronger, unified face to our clients and partners worldwide.
Q: How did the restructuring and rebranding process unfold?
A: The journey began with a comprehensive analysis of our Group’s brand architecture, market positioning, and the potential synergies between our brands. We examined both internal perspectives and external market data to identify gaps and opportunities. The goal was to understand how our individual brands—Mehler VarioSystem, Mehler Law Enforcement, Mehler Engineered Defence, Mehler Protective System, UF PRO, and Lindnerhof—could be better aligned under a unified strategy.
With this information, we defined clear objectives: unification of identity, structured brand hierarchy, and closer integration of acquired brands. This strategic groundwork established the foundation for the MehlerSystems umbrella brand and guided all subsequent steps in the process.
The next phase involved developing a cohesive brand identity for Mehler Systems and defining how each sub-brand would fit within the new framework. This included creating a distinctive visual identity for Mehler Systems and Mehler Protection, covering elements like the logo, colour schemes, and brand patterns that would convey innovation, quality, and precision.
We then defined the roles of Mehler Protection, UF PRO, and Lindnerhof within this new hierarchy. Mehler Protection was positioned as the unified brand for our various protection divisions, consolidating Mehler VarioSystem, Mehler Law Enforcement, Mehler Engineered Defence, and Mehler Protective System under one cohesive offering. UF PRO and Lindnerhof maintained their unique identities but were endorsed as “Part of Mehler Systems.” Additionally, we refined the visual identities of UF PRO and Lindnerhof to align more closely with the new brand identity.
Internal alignment was a critical step. We organised a series of workshops, meetings, and communications to ensure all employees understood the rationale behind the restructuring and how the new visual identity would support our strategic goals. Transparent communication was key here, as we wanted to address questions, ease any concerns, and inspire confidence in the new direction.
This included the development of resources and guidelines to help employees adapt to the new brand architecture, from updated email domains and signatures to social media strategies and customer communication protocols. The rebranding guide offered insights into the new brand structure, core values, and how each individual’s contributions aligned with our overarching goals.
We timed the rebranding rollout to coincide with one of our most important trade shows—Milipol —where we showcased the new brand visuals to the larger public for the first time. We launched new websites for Mehler Systems and Mehler Protection, integrated existing product information, and introduced our unified visual identity across digital channels. All social media channels, websites, and marketing materials were updated to reflect the new brand identities, with Mehler Protection’s digital presence replacing individual sites for Mehler Vario System, Mehler Law Enforcement, and Mehler Engineered Defence.
During this stage, we emphasised clear messaging to our customers, focusing on the benefits of the unified brand, including a more integrated product offering and a simplified customer journey.
Q: With Mehler Protection now integrating multiple divisions, how does this impact product offeringsand services?
Mehler Protection now integrates several previously independent divisions, including Mehler Vario System, Mehler Law Enforcement, Mehler Engineered Defence, and Mehler Protective System. This integration has allowed us to present a comprehensive and unified portfolio of protection solutions under one brand. Customers now have a single point of reference for all their needs in ballistic protection, whether it’s for personal body armour, carrying systems, or platform protection.
Operationally, this integration has streamlined ourproduct offerings and marketing efforts. Instead of presenting products through fragmented channels, we now offer a more holistic range under the Mehler Protection brand, which simplifies the customer journey and increases efficiency in how we deliver solutions. By consolidating our divisions, we also create opportunities for cross-innovation between units, further improving thequality and variety of our products.
Q: How did you develop the new visual identity for Mehler Systems?
When defining our visual identity, we focused on two key concepts: “precision“ and “systems“. All companies within our Group design and manufacture products that protect the lives of service members, and “precision“ is crucial in our design and manufacturing processes. Moreover, our companies don’t just create individual products; they develop complete systems that works seamlessly together to provide maximum protection and functionality.
Our design agency proposed an innovative concept: starting the visual presentation with a grid, symbolizing the essence of precision. From this grid, we developed a pattern representing separate elements that coalesce into a “system.” These elements form an “M” for”Mehler,” which, combined with the wordmark, creates the complete Mehler Systems logo.
The visual identity also incorporates various patterns that evolve from the original grid. These patterns not only serve as a distinctive visual identifier for Mehler Systems but also act as visual connectors between the umbrella brand and its sub-brands.
The pattern system can be applied to all our communication touch points, including products. On products, it doesn’t only serve as visual recognition for the Group but can also provide added functionality. For instance, we can incorporate no-slip or anti-abrasion features in the shape of the pattern on the products.
The rationale behind our visual identity development also guided us in crafting our slogan: “When Precision Matters.” We aim for our Group to be recognised for creating precision-engineered systems that servicemen and women can depend on in critical situations. We believe this slogan aptly captures our commitment to excellence.
In essence, we’ve created more than just a new logo, typography, and color scheme. We’ve developed a comprehensive brand system that enables us to communicate our Group and sub-brands effectively and distinctively.
Q: Did you anticipate the multiple awards our newvisual identity received this year?
A: Our objective with the new visual identity was never about winning design awards—it was to accomplish our core business goals by creating a cohesive and impactful brand system. However, it is certainly flattering to see industry professionals recognise the hard work and dedication behind this project. Winning prestigious awards like the Red Dot Design Award and recognition from the Art Directors Club is a testament to the strategic choices we made. These acknowledgments reinforce that we’re not only meeting our internal goals but also setting new standards in design and branding within our industry.
It’s also a testament to how fortunate I am to work with such a talented and dedicated internal team, as well as competent external partners, who made this all possible.
Q: How has the market responded to the rebrandingafter one year?
A: Establishing Mehler Systems as a unified brand has significantly increased recognition, building trust and reinforcing our credibility as a comprehensive provider in protective systems and tactical equipment.
This unification has brought our sub-brands closer together while preserving their individual identities. It enables us to leverage each sub-brand’s strengths and communicate our shared values of quality, innovation, and reliability to our customers. They now better understand that we’re all part of the same Group and can expect consistent dedication to excellence across our brands.
About Mehler Systems:
Mehler Systems Group is an international and global leader dedicated to exceptional ballistic protection and tactical-gear solutions for law enforcement, the military, and special forces.
The Mehler Systems Group is home to the brands of Mehler Protection, Lindnerhof, and UF PRO. Mehler Protection is known for its body and platform armour solutions, UF PRO is an expert in top-tier tactical garment systems, while Lindnerhof stands out for its innovative carrying solutions and tactical equipment.With a presence in over 40 countries, Mehler Systems has established itself as a leader, known for its innovation and dedication to raising the bar in the industry over the past four decades. For more information about Mehler Systems, please visit mehler-systems.com
About Nejc Zavrl:
Nejc Zavrl serves as the Group Marketing Director at Mehler Systems, overseeing the marketing and brandstrategies across the organization. He began his careeras Head of Marketing at UF PRO, where he establisheda strong brand presence in tactical clothing. Following UF PRO’s acquisition by Mehler Systems, Zavrl moved into a group-level role, focusing on the alignment and coordination of brand activities across the entire Mehler Systems portfolio. His work ensures consistency and strategic focus within the group’s diverse marketing initiatives.
The strengthened cooperation between Rheinmetall and SAR satellite company ICEYE, announced in September 2024, is already bearing fruit. To meet Ukraine‘s urgent demands for SAR satellite reconnaissance capabilities, Rheinmetall and Ukraine, supported by the German government, signed a contract. The agreement further increases the SAR data and other support Ukraine has been receiving from ICEYE during the war.
Since early October 2024, Ukraine receives new satellite images taken by ICEYE’s SAR (Synthetic Aperture Radar) satellites, under the collaboration between Rheinmetall and ICEYE. This provision will supplement further reconnaissance data obtained by other sensors and provide the basis for decision-making and operational planning by the Ukrainian armed forces. The collaboration includes dedicated satellite capacity and constellation access, which allows the capacity of the entire ICEYE satellite fleet to be utilized. Since 2018, ICEYE has launched 38 satellites for ICEYE’s and its customers’ use.
SAR satellites offer the advantage over conventional satellites that they can generate high-resolution images regardless of weather conditions or time of day. These are very detailed and make even the smallest objects on the earth’s surface identifiable. This can bring decisive advantages for the armed forces in terms of surveillance, target acquisition, reconnaissance or their own positioning on the battlefield.
In June 2024, the Düsseldorf-based technology group announced its participation in the world’s largest fleet of radar reconnaissance satellites. In September 2024, Rheinmetall and ICEYE had further intensified their cooperation. In the course of this, Rheinmetall had secured exclusive rights to market the SAR (Synthetic Aperture Radar) satellites to military and government end users in both the German and Hungarian markets.
ICEYE has been working closely with the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine to support and help Ukraine in building space defence capabilities. In August 2022 ICEYE announced a contract with the Serhiy Prytula Charity Foundation to provide the Government of Ukraine with ICEYE’s SAR satellite imaging capabilities with one of ICEYE’s SAR satellites designated for the Government of Ukraine’s use over the region. ICEYE also provides access to its constellation of SAR satellites, allowing the Ukrainian Armed Forces to receive radar satellite imagery on critical locations. In July 2024, ICEYE and the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine signed a Memorandum of Cooperation outlining partnering to strengthen Ukraine’s space defence capabilities.
Milrem Robotics, the world’s leading robotics and autonomous systems developer, has established a subsidiary in Finland and opened an office in Helsinki. This strategic move significantly expands the company’s presence in the Nordic region and reinforces its commitment to supporting defence and security partners across Europe.
“Establishing an office in Helsinki is a natural progression for Milrem Robotics as we continue to grow our footprint in Europe,” said Kuldar Väärsi, CEO of Milrem Robotics. “Finland’s advanced tech ecosystem and strong defence industry make it an ideal location for us to innovate and collaborate with key partners. We look forward to contributing to the local economy and bringing cutting-edge robotic solutions to the region.”
Currently, the Helsinki office employs 10 skilled professionals specializing in sales, robotics engineering and project management, including EU defence projects.
“We plan to significantly expand our Finnish workforce in the coming years, aiming to tap into the country’s rich pool of technological talent,” added Kimmo Laine, Managing Director of Milrem Robotics Finland.
The new Helsinki office will focus on program management, research and development initiatives, enhancing the company’s ability to provide its clients with state-of-the-art unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs). Milrem Robotics has a history of successful collaborations across Europe, including supplying its flagship THeMIS UGVs to several defence forces and participating in key research projects on autonomous warfare systems.
By expanding into Finland, Milrem Robotics aims to strengthen partnerships with Finnish defence institutions and contribute to developing innovative solutions tailored to the needs of the Finnish Defence Forces.
Milrem Robotics’ solutions are currently part of robotics programs in 19 countries worldwide, with Sweden and Japan being the latest to join its user group. The company’s systems also assist Ukrainian soldiers in the war with Russia.
Milrem Robotics is the world’s leading robotics and autonomous systems developer and systems integrator, with offices in Estonia, Finland, Sweden, the Netherlands, Poland, the US, and the UAE. The company is known for its THeMIS Unmanned Ground Vehicle (UGV), Type-X Robotic Combat Vehicle (RCV), and MIFIK I—the autonomous functionalities kit.
The company is also renowned for successfully completing the European Defence Industrial Development Programme (EDIDP) project iMUGS, which focused on developing a modular and scalable architecture for hybrid manned-unmanned systems.
NEWINGTON, N.H., (November 8, 2024) – SIG SAUER, Inc. is excited to announce a joint venture with Nibe Defence and Aerospace Limited to advance small arms and ammunition manufacturing operations in India. This new partnership will support India’s ‘Make in India’ initiative, underscore both entities commitment to the region and bolster SIG SAUER’s role as the primary provider for India’s defence needs.
“SIG SAUER is meeting the increased international demand for our products by solidifying key partnerships across the globe,” began Ron Cohen, President, SIG SAUER. “This important new alliance in India serves to meet that demand in one of the most significant regions for growth in the coming decades. The joint venture with Nibe Defence gives SIG an expanded presence, greater customer engagement, and new collaboration opportunities to meet India’s growing needs.”
Officials from Nibe Defence joined representatives from SIG SAUER and the Chief of Defence Staff of the Indian Armed Forces for an official signing of a Memorandum of Understanding in Pune, India on November 6, 2024.
As part of the “Make in India” initiative by the Government of India to accelerate the domestic manufacturing industry, the collaboration between Nibe and SIG SAUER will strengthen India’s defence capabilities while reinforcing India’s commitment to self-reliant defence manufacturing.
The Government of India, Ministry of Defence first awarded SIG SAUER a contract for the SIG716 in 2019 for 72,400 rifles. The successful fielding and overwhelming soldier acceptance led to a follow-on award for an additional 73,000 rifles.
“SIG SAUER is excited to partner with Nibe Defence, a proven leader in India’s defence sector, as the primary provider for India’s defence needs,” concluded Cohen.
