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Archive for the ‘International’ Category

Chemring – Norwegian Feasibility Study moves to Second Stage

Saturday, June 28th, 2025

Chemring’s 2025 interim results announcement, published on 3 June, provided an update on the joint feasibility study between the Norwegian Government and Chemring Nobel, Chemring’s Norwegian subsidiary. This study, which commenced in October 2024, was initiated to assess the feasibility of an additional new production facility to significantly increase the production of military explosives, which are crucial to multiple NATO missile and munitions systems.

The first phase of this co-funded feasibility study investigated the geographic location, infrastructure requirements and environmental considerations of building a new production facility.

Chemring is pleased to announce that the Norwegian Government has confirmed that the study will now progress to its second phase. This concept selection phase will determine the size of the facility, along with the commercial arrangements, and is expected to be finalised next year.

Michael Ord, Chief Executive of Chemring, commented:

“We are delighted that the Norwegian Government has confirmed that this important study will continue to the next phase. This decision is a further indicator of the critical need to rapidly increase capacity across the European defence industrial base.

“This decision is further evidence of Chemring delivering its strategy of delivering growth through a combination of organic investment and bolt-on acquisitions in high-priority defence and national security markets.”

www.chemring.com

GA-ASI Announces Investment in Dutch Technology Innovator Arceon

Friday, June 27th, 2025

Selection Follows Successful Pitch During Blue Magic Netherlands Event

SAN DIEGO – 26 June 2025 – General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) announces an investment in another Dutch business, Arceon, following the inaugural Blue Magic Netherlands (BMN) event held in November 2024. GA-ASI is a global leader in unmanned aircraft systems and related mission systems.

GA-ASI selected Arceon following a compelling pitch they made during the BMN event and after detailed business and technology discussions with GA-ASI and GA’s affiliates, General Atomics Energy and General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems. Arceon joins Emergent Swarm Solutions and Saluqi Motors as companies receiving investment from GA-ASI following the BMN event.

Arceon is revolutionizing high-performance ceramic composites through their innovative, fast, scalable, and cost-effective melt infiltration process. Their cutting-edge Carbeon carbon-ceramic components — engineered for applications such as nozzles, nozzle extensions, leading edges, nose caps, and airframes — are tailored to meet the increasing and rigorous demands of the space and defense sectors.

“We are honored to collaborate with General Atomics in advancing hypersonic development. This milestone marks our official entry into the U.S. defense sector, presenting an extraordinary opportunity to demonstrate our technology on a global stage. We look forward, with great anticipation, to the journey ahead,” said Rahul Shirke, founder and CEO of Arceon B.V.

“We’re excited to be working with Arceon,” said Brad Lunn, managing director for GA-ASI. “Their technology could have a broad range of applications for GA, from high-temperature engine exhaust materials to hypersonics and fusion containment.”

At the Blue Magic investment and innovation conference in the Netherlands last November, GA-ASI and its partners heard pitches from innovative Dutch companies about the important technologies they are developing. The event was organized collaboratively between GA-ASI, the Dutch Ministry of Defense, the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs, Brainport Development in Eindhoven, and Brabant Development Agency (BOM). GA-ASI is delivering eight MQ-9A aircraft to the Royal Netherlands Air Force (RNLAF).

GA-ASI is continuing to work with the Dutch government and Dutch industry in supporting the growth of technology innovation in the Netherlands and anticipates holding its second BMN event in Eindhoven later this year. The company hosted its first Blue Magic event in 2019 in Belgium, with subsequent events held in 2020, 2021, and 2023.

First Success for Rheinmetall Ermine – Dutch Ministry of Defence Orders 20 Manned/Unmanned Ground Vehicles for Ukraine

Friday, June 27th, 2025

The Dutch Ministry of Defence has, on behalf of the Ukraine Task Force, signed a contract with the Ede-based subsidiary Rheinmetall Defence Nederland B.V. to supply 20 Ermine vehicles. The Minister of Defence signed the contract with Rheinmetall on the 24th of June during the NATO Industry Summit in The Hague.

The variants now ordered are manned/unmanned ground vehicles. These are to be delivered to the Ukrainian armed forces, strengthening their capability for casualty evacuation near the frontline. The vehicles are to be delivered in 2026. In this configuration, a cooperation with other Dutch companies like DEMCON defense & security systems B.V. & Abiom Communication Systems (ACS) B.V. has been set up as a force multiplier. This national cooperation among industry and MoD will further develop knowledge and capabilities for the Armed Forces of the Nether­lands and Ukraine. Quote by Coen van Leeuwen, CEO of Rheinmetall Defence Nederland B.V.: “We are grateful for the trust in our capacities. Ermine is an innovative and capable solution for the modern battlefield.”

The Ermine (Hermelin) family of small vehicles represents a new generation of mobility, combining tactical transport with a mobile energy source (microgrid). Operational creativity is at the core Ermine’s design. Its features enable it to act as an effective force multiplier. 

The modular Ermine family currently consists of an UGV, a side-by-side buggy and a quad. Various 4×4 and 6×6 variants are available. All vehicles are based on the same diesel-electric hybrid drivetrain and base platform. This gives the Ermine maximum modularity with unrivalled agility. Thanks to the hybrid technology, up to one ton of payload, and a range of more than 1,000 kilometres are possible, depending on the vehicle’s configuration. Up to four Ermine vehicles can be transported by cargo helicopters such as the CH-47 or CH-53. 

This contract marks the first significant milestone for the Ermine and will, by supporting the Ukraine armed forces, also boost the defence industry in the Netherlands. 

INVISIO Secures SEK 145 Million Order for Dismounted Soldier Systems

Friday, June 27th, 2025

INVISIO has received a significant order from a new European customer for its dismounted soldier systems. Deliveries are to be completed during 2025.

The order covers INVISIO’s personal communications systems providing a market leading hearing protection and seamless communication capabilities. The order, which includes the new INVISIO X7 in-ear headset, INVISIO Control Units and intelligent cables, has a value of approximately SEK 145 million.

The recently launched INVISIO X7 in-ear headset sets a new standard for usability, offering market-leading hearing protection combined with exceptional comfort, easy insertion, and crystal-clear communication—even in the most demanding environments.

INVISIO’s control units enable users to manage all aspects of communication, accommodating both individual preferences and mission-specific requirements—core elements of the solution delivered to this customer.

Lars Højgård Hansen, INVISIO CEO, said: “This is another substantial order for our dismounted soldier systems. We are very pleased that our solutions are re-affirmed once again as meeting the very high expectations of users operating in the most critical and challenging conditions and that we can add another important customer to our network.”

invisio.com

UF PRO Expands Tactical Belt Line with New Waist/Flex V-Buckle Belt

Friday, June 27th, 2025

KOMENDA, SLOVENIA (26.06.2025)

UF PRO expands its range of tactical accessories with the introduction of the Waist/Flex V-Buckle Belt, designed for seamless integration with its Waist/Flex compatible pants.

Its standout feature is a magnetic Fidlock V-Buckle that allows for fast, effortless, one-handed opening, even in stressful or physically demanding scenarios. The design ensures a secure hold without compromising comfort or mobility.

Enhanced breathability and ergonomic shaping prevent pressure points, while removable plastic reinforcements give wearers the flexibility to adjust the belt’s rigidity based on their needs, whether for high-mobility tasks or extended periods of wear.

Compatible exclusively with select UF PRO pants—suchas the  P-40 Urban Gen.2 Pants, P-40 Blu-Flex Jeans, P-40 Mark I Range Pants, P-40 Ranger Shorts, Striker X Gen.2 Combat Pants, and Striker TT Combat Pants—the Waist/Flex V-Buckle Belt ensures a tailored fit through UF PRO’s Waist/Flex system.

This launch follows the recent release of the Waist/FlexBelt and highlights UF PRO’s commitment to offering professionals more choice with practical, field-ready solutions.

For more product details, visit: ufpro.com/int/accessories/waist-flex-vbuckle-belt

Supacat Asia Pacific Signs a New Strategic Alliance Agreement with ISTEC Services Limited

Thursday, June 26th, 2025

Supacat Asia Pacific, a leading provider of specialist defence vehicles and support solutions has just signed a new strategic alliance agreement with ISTEC Services Limited, a British company with 36 years of operationally proven experience in the design, manufacture, supply and support of complex weapon integration solutions for military platforms, to collectively enhance regional defence and security solutions.

Supacat Asia Pacific welcome ISTEC to Supacat Asia Pacific Global Partners which is a partnership that leverages the strengths of the global supply chain and enables more comprehensive solutions to be offered to better serve regional customers. This strategic alliance brings together Supacat Asia Pacific’s proven expertise in high-mobility defence platforms and ISTEC Services’ specialised technical capabilities with weapon mounting solutions for military use across land, sea and air platforms, thus creating a powerful combination to enhance capability for military, law enforcement and security organisations throughout the region.

ISTEC has over 20 years of expertise providing Supacat UK with weapon mount solutions across the Jackal fleet supporting Urgent Operational Requirements for the UK Ministry of Defence. This strategic alliance ensures that Supacat Asia Pacific can also leverage ISTEC’s expertise to collectively deliver superior integrated defence solutions, whilst expanding their combined technical capabilities and market reach in a competitive defence sector.

Anne Quelch Director of ISTEC Services, added: “We are excited to form a strategic alliance with Supacat Asia Pacific and join their Global Partners, whose reputation for innovation and quality aligns perfectly with our commitment to excellence. This collaboration will enable us to deliver enhanced value to our customers while expanding our service capabilities.”

Bruce Tait Managing Director of Supacat Asia Pacific commented: “ISTEC Services represents a significant step forward in our regional strategy. This partnership is in addition to our existing mount suppliers which we will continue to support. It provides additional comprehensive offering to the customers across all environments, by combining our strengths, we can offer our customers more comprehensive solutions and superior support throughout the Asia Pacific region.”

DroneShield Receives All-Time Record $61.6m European Counter-Drone Military Contract

Thursday, June 26th, 2025
  • A package of three standalone follow-on contracts of $61.6m for European military
  • Biggest contract in DroneShield history, greater than the entire 2024 revenue
  • Delivery is expected during Q3 2025 with payments in Q3 and Q4 2025
  • DroneShield is establishing a European manufacturing and assembly facility to support the region’s growing defence demand
  • Europe represents over $1.1bn across 55 active pipeline opportunities, making it one of DroneShield’s largest markets

DroneShield (ASX:DRO) is pleased to announce it has received a package of three standalone follow-on contracts for $61.6 million from its privately owned in-country European reseller that is contractually required to distribute the products to a European military customer. The contract is for handheld detection and counter-drone systems and associated accessories. DroneShield expects to deliver all equipment throughout Q3 2025, with cash payment expected in Q3 and Q4 2025.

This is the biggest single order in DroneShield’s history and is larger than the company’s entire revenue for 2024 ($57.5m).  Importantly, DroneShield’s recent production and inventory holding expansion means that this order is expected to be fully delivered within the quarter.

Oleg Vornik, DroneShield CEO, commented: “In succession to the $32.2 million repeat order announced on 14 April 2025 for another customer, DroneShield products are now being purchased in material quantities. The scale and frequency of orders has been increasing as leading Military customers are moving from testing hardware to broader rollouts. DroneShield is well placed to meet the increasing demand.”

Pictured: DroneShield Immediate Response Kit

This major contract aligns with DroneShield’s broader expansion across Europe. DroneShield is significantly investing to expand its operations in the region, supporting domestic defence programs such as the €800 billion ($1.4 trillion) ReArm Europe Plan / Readiness 2030.

In general, the ReArm Europe Plan / Readiness 2030 will:

  • Boost EU defence spending through fiscal flexibility and loans,
  • Reinforce industrial and procurement autonomy across the EU region, and
  • Mobilise private investment and support for Ukraine.

In line with the broader increase in military spending across the EU, DroneShield is establishing a European Centre of Excellence focused on manufacturing and assembly; research and development; drone testing; and training. This will be DroneShield’s first European manufacturing and in-house assembly facility outside of Australia, creating a second production line for key hardware with at least 65 per cent European industry content for certain regional sales.

Europe is currently one of DroneShield’s largest geographical segments, with over A$1.1 billion across 55 of active pipeline opportunities. The new manufacturing capabilities are expected to qualify the company for further procurement programs, increasing both scale and frequency of European-based orders.

In line with the aims of the ReArm Europe Plan, DroneShield continues to support Ukrainian frontline operations with rapid upgrades to counter evolving drone threats, a process enhanced through its Sydney-based development and collaboration hub.

Oleg Vornik, DroneShield CEO, commented: “Establishing a robust European supply chain to support equipment sold in the region will strengthen sovereign capability, Meanwhile, our experienced Australian software development team continues to deliver critical updates addressing emerging threats, both in Ukraine and globally. Our expanded team in Europe, combined with growing manufacturing output in Australia, ensures DroneShield is well positioned to meet the rising demand from both existing and new defence partners.”

Exports accounted for 91 per cent of DroneShield’s Australian production in 2024, underlining the global relevance of its technologies as Australia itself ramps up defence investment under the Future Made in Australia initiative. With national defence spending forecast to double to $100 billion by FY34, DroneShield remains focused on delivering cutting-edge sovereign defence capabilities in support of both Australian interests and those of its allies.

The latest Investor Presentation is available at droneshield.com/investor-relations or by clicking the image below.

Galvion’s European Production Hub in Poland is Formally Opened by the Ambassador of Canada to the Republic of Poland

Thursday, June 26th, 2025

Galvion, a world leader in the design and manufacture of innovative head systems, power and data management solutions, and integrated soldier systems, has announced the formal opening of their Production Hub in Poland by Her Excellency, Catherin Godin, the Ambassador of Canada to the Republic of Poland, at a ceremony held on 23rd June 2025. The facility represents a major investment that has significantly strengthened Galvion’s regional support and service strategy. With both production and support capabilities fully operational, Galvion is now able to serve their widespread European and NATO customers from a geographically aligned centre of excellence.

First announced in September 2023 and declared fully operational in April 2025, this major investment was driven by Galvion’s ongoing successes in NATO and the wider European regions. The opening event was held at the new Gdansk facility, with guests including HE Ambassador Godin, the Marshal of the Pomeranian Voivodeship, Mieczys?aw Struk and other VIPs, customers, partners and selected media, attending the milestone celebration. The event included a formal opening ceremony, followed by factory tours. Guests were able to interact with live models wearing helmets from across Galvion’s broad program portfolio, see Galvion’s product and systems on display, as well as get a glimpse into Galvion’s cutting-edge Warfighter Lab, with a demonstration that showcased work being done with Human Machine Interface through simulated Augmented Reality.

Following recent consecutive program awards from key European nations, including a NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) framework contract, Galvion is expecting to have close to 2 million helmets in service across NATO and other European countries by the end of 2026. Galvion’s new Gdansk facility currently employs over 70 specialists and houses helmet finishing and assembly capabilities, in addition to critical support, maintenance, refurbishment, upgrade and training operations. The Gdansk location was chosen following a comprehensive search and assessment period, and the functionality of the facility is expected to expand through 2026 and beyond, supporting Galvion’s full product and solutions portfolio. Galvion’s existing core facilities in Canada and the USA will continue to design, develop, manufacture and service domestic, regional, and key global programs, customers, production and support requirements.

Mieczys?aw Struk, Marshal of the Pomeranian Voivodeship said: “Galvion’s presence confirms that our region is not only a hub for modern business services, but also a place that offers growth opportunities for companies across a wide range of sectors – including those critical to European security. Investments in the defence industry strengthen the region’s economic potential by creating high-quality jobs and attracting advanced technological expertise. As a regional government, we are consistently building conditions that support the successful implementation of such projects.”

Her Excellency, Catherine Godin, Canadian Ambassador to Poland said: “Galvion’s expansion in Poland marks a significant milestone—one that the Government of Canada is proud to support. This facility is not only a testament to Galvion’s innovation and leadership in protective solutions, but also a powerful symbol of the deepening partnership between Canada and Poland. By contributing directly to the safety of those who serve and to the resilience of our collective defence systems, this investment reinforces our shared commitment to security and collaboration. The Embassy of Canada and the Trade Commissioner Service look forward to supporting Galvion’s continued growth in Poland and across the region.”

Jonathan Blanshay, founder and Executive Chairman at Galvion said: “This is a very proud moment for the entire Galvion organization. A lot of time, energy and resources are required to build a1facility from the ground up in a new country, and I am grateful for the dedication of the global Galvion team, as well as the support from our local and regional partner network, so many of whom celebrated this milestone with us.” He added: “It’s a particular honour to have HE Ambassador Godin and Marshal Struk on site to formally open the facility, representing both the proud Canadian foundation of the company and the exciting future growth that our Polish operations pave the way for. We’ve now got facilities and networks across four countries, with a team of over 500 employees. Reflecting on our 23-year history, this stands out as a meaningful and deeply gratifying moment for me.”