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Archive for the ‘International’ Category

Rheinmetall Resonant South Africa (Pty) Ltd Established

Tuesday, June 3rd, 2025

Rheinmetall has established a new subsidiary, Rheinmetall Resonant South Africa (Pty) Ltd. Upon receiving approval from the relevant authorities, Rheinmetall Waffe Munition GmbH now holds a 51% stake in the newly founded joint venture Rheinmetall Resonant South Africa (Pty) Ltd. The joint venture takes over almost all of the assets of Resonant Holding and its subsidiaries. The remaining 49% is held by the existing shareholders of Resonant Holding. The new company expects sales potential of more than €100 million per year. The parties have agreed not to disclose the purchase price.

With the establishment of the new subsidiary, Rheinmetall is further expanding its range of services to create additional production capacity. This is Rheinmetall’s response to the growing global demand for ammunition. The in-depth vertical integration positions the Group even stronger in terms of independent planning, construction and operation of production facilities for chemical precursors such as propellants and explosives.

Rheinmetall Resonant South Africa (Pty) Ltd employs around 150 people and offers proven experience and outstanding expertise in the design and construction of specialised plants. This includes production facilities for chemical and explosive products. Resonant thus complements Rheinmetall’s plant engineering business, particularly in the areas of chemical, energy and explosives technology, industrialisation and manufacturing.

Extrema Ratio Knives – Misericordia

Monday, June 2nd, 2025

Developed and tested in conjunction with, the 4th Alpine Rangers of the Italian Army, the Extrema Ratio Misericordia features a spearpoint blade which is milled out of Böhler N690 steel, hardened at 58 HRC, it is 118 mm/4.64” long and 4mm/0,16” thick and plain edged. The blade also has a full length fuller with a ¾ length false edge. The handle integrates a ring for retention and the overall weight is 87g/3.1oz.

extremaratiousa.com/product/misericordia

Canada Pursues NATO STANAG of 6.5 x 43mm

Monday, June 2nd, 2025

During my visit to Canada last week, I spoke with multiple people across the Army and industry and one topic dominated discussions, the 6.5 x 43 cartridge.

You probably know it by the designation of 264 USA, named when it was developed by the US Army Marksmanship Unit as an intermediate cartridge. Turns out, it’s a ballistic Goldilocks between 5.56 and 7.62 NATO and that term came up over and over in conversation. It offers additional range and lethality over both 5.56 and 7.62 NATO with a compromise in ammunition weight between the two. Additionally, it can also be used for both rifle and belt-fed applications.

Those of you familiar with the FN America Lightweight Intermediate Caliber Cartridge (LICC) Individual Weapon System (IWS) developed for the Irregular Warfare Technology Support Directorate (IWTSD), will know the caliber which at one point has also been referred to as “264 International” as a nod to the program’s co-sponsor CANSOFCOM. They are so impressed with what they’ve observed during the LICC program that they have decided to press forward.

With an eye to the future, CANSOFCOM is pursuing a NATO Standardization Agreement (STANAG) for 6.5 x 43 mm in partnership with at least one additional NATO member. At this point, the other party has not been disclosed. However, I know it is not the US, which has been working on the 6.8 x 51mm common case cartridge as their path forward.

STANAG 4884. Technical Performance Specifications Providing For The Interchangeability of 6.5mm x 43 Ammunition.

With this new development, it seems that the caliber wars aren’t yet over. Hopefully, with NATO standardization, likely with brass and composite case designs, we will see more manufacturers of ammunition as well as additional weapon designs.

We will update this story as we learn more.

– By Eric Graves

Israel Shoots Down Enemy Drone With Rafael Laser System

Sunday, June 1st, 2025

Rafael Advanced Defense Systems shared the following statement late last week on X:

Screenshot

World First — Combat-Proven Laser Defense, Powered by Rafael

For the first time in history, high-power laser systems have been used to intercept aerial threats in combat.

This unprecedented breakthrough took place during the Swords of Iron War — with Rafael’s advanced technology at the heart of the operation.

Developed in close partnership with the Israel Ministry of Defense and the Israeli Air Force, Rafael’s laser interceptors were successfully deployed by the IAF’s Aerial Defense Array, neutralizing enemy threats with speed, precision, and zero cost per shot.

“Israel is the first country in the world to transform high-power laser technology into a fully operational system – and to execute actual combat interceptions.”

— Dr. Yuval Steinitz, Chairman, Rafael

“Rafael is leading the energy weapon revolution. The ingenuity of our teams and deep investment in R&D led to this monumental achievement.”

— Yoav Tourgeman, CEO, Rafael

These systems mark the beginning of a new era in warfare — one that will soon expand with the delivery of Iron Beam, Rafael’s next-generation laser weapon designed to reshape the future of air defense.

This is not theory. This is real. Combat-proven. Operational. Historic.

* Photos from video posted by Rafael to X.

British Based G3 Systems Wins €100M Contract to Supply Containers and Flatracks for the Netherlands Ministry of Defence

Friday, May 30th, 2025

G3 Systems Limited, a British company with approaching 25 years of operationally proven expertise in the design and production of deployable infrastructure solutions, has won a major new contract to supply the Netherlands Ministry of Defence with circa 700 flatracks and containers, as part of their Wissellaadsystemen, Trekker-opleggercombinaties and WielBergingsvoertuigen (WTB) programme. The contract is worth €100M and consists of a 30-month delivery phase followed by a 15-year support phase.

The Netherlands WTB programme has 3 distinct elements – Trucks, Trailers & Semi-Trailers and Physical Distribution Systems. The contract for the flatracks and containers is the largest of 3 separate parts to the Physical Distribution Systems. The G3 Systems contract is for the provision of over 400 general purpose flatrack units and associated equipment, and 270 specialist containers for the storage and transportation of general stores, medicinal items, ammunition, POL & chemicals.

The container sub-systems include power generation, HVAC CBRN filtration, medical refrigeration and equipment tracking & monitoring. There is also a contract option to increase the units delivered under the initial contract by up to 100%. Both the flatracks and containers are to be capable of worldwide deployment by all means of transport.

The project demonstrates true collaboration with G3 Systems’ established global supply chain, with a large part of the integration to be completed by European manufacturing partners in conjunction with G3 Systems programme management, project expertise, design and support services.

Nick Rose, Managing Director of G3 Systems said, “This is a momentous landmark in the history of G3 Systems, and I am incredibly proud that the hard work, dedication, professionalism and expertise we hold at G3 Systems has been recognised with this contract award, won in open competition.

Clearly there is a tremendous amount of work to do, and we have already bolstered our team in order to be ready to deliver in the 30-months delivery timeframe, whilst making sure we sustain and grow the remainder of our business.” He added: “This has been a true team effort, which is a game changer for this organisation and one that will elevate our provision of deployable infrastructure to the next level. Thank you to everyone who has helped to make this happen.”

Gastops Receives Investment from RTX for Next Generation Monitoring Technologies

Thursday, May 29th, 2025

Investment made possible by Canadian Industrial and Technological Benefits Policy (ITB)

OTTAWA, ON, May 28, 2025 – Gastops Ltd. is announcing a joint agreement under Canada’s Industrial and Technology Benefits (ITB) policy for a multi-million-dollar investment from RTX. The funding will support a research and development program to advance the next generation of oil debris monitoring (ODM) system technology and future technologies for oil and fuel monitoring for Pratt & Whitney military engines. Pratt & Whitney is an RTX business.

“We are extremely pleased to work with RTX on the development of next generation monitoring technologies,” said Shaun Horning, President and CEO of Gastops. “The ITB investment from RTX’s Raytheon and engineering collaboration with Pratt & Whitney are critical components to the success of this cutting-edge technology. This investment will facilitate Gastops to continue its goal of Canadian innovation and to expand our technology capabilities.”

Gastops has been enabling Pratt & Whitney’s advanced diagnostics and engine monitoring solutions with MetalSCAN ODM sensors since their introduction to the F119 engine, which powers the F-22 Raptor, in the early 1990’s. Since then, MetalSCAN technology has been included in other major Pratt & Whitney engine developments, and discussions are ongoing about expanding the collaboration to integrate Gastops’ next generation technologies into additional military engine programs.

“It’s now more important than ever to build Canada’s defence industry,” said the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions.  “This multi-million-dollar investment by RTX to Canada’s Gastops Ltd. will advance innovation within Canada’s defence sector while supporting economic growth and creating high value jobs for Canadians.”

www.Gastops.com

NP Aerospace Canada Receives Order from Marshall Canada for Armoured Personnel Transport Modules

Thursday, May 29th, 2025

NP Aerospace, the global vehicle integrator and armour system design and manufacturer, has today announced the placement of a contract by Marshall Canada with NP Aerospace Canada, for the design and delivery of Armoured Personnel Transport Modules (APTM) as part of their wider Logistic Vehicle Modernization (LVM) program. NP Aerospace is exhibiting at CANSEC 2025 in Canada, at booth 1729.

The contract will see NP Aerospace design, develop, test, certify and produce the APTMs over a 3- year period as a major supplier to the Power Team – an industry consortium comprising General Dynamics Land Systems-Canada, Marshall Canada, Mercedes-Benz (Daimler Trucks), Manac and Soframe. The Power Team was formally awarded the LVM contract by Canada’s Department of National Defence in May 2024.

The modules will provide a significant level of blast and ballistic protection to the internally transported personnel. With a fully integrated design, the system will deliver the functionality and protection required to safely and comfortably transport troops on the back of Canada’s new fleet of Mercedes-Benz Zetros trucks, adding significant capability, protection, mobility and flexibility to deployed dismounted troops.

As a modular ISO compatible system, the APTMs will be interchangeable between multiple base LVM platforms, as well as being able to be ground-dumped when not in use. The ISO compatibility also means they can be easily and commonly handled for strategic logistic purposes, on trucks, ships and in aircraft.

NP Aerospace is already fully established as a trusted global supplier of vehicle-related products and services including integrated vehicle armour systems, such as the APTM, with a proven and resilient track record in delivering armour system design and cutting-edge lightweight armour materials technology. This contract will result in the recruitment of up to 20 more staff at NP’s Ontario base, continuing their successful growth trajectory and further contributing to the London and Southwestern Ontario region.

Alain Gauthier, Marshall Vice President – North America, said: “we are delighted to be growing our strategic relationship with NP Aerospace while investing in our Canadian supply chain under the LVM program. NP Aerospace is already a trusted supplier and partner, and we know the team possesses the required facilities, skills, knowledge, procurement and processes in place to provide the next generation of armoured personnel transport modules for the Canadian Armed Forces.”

James Kempston, NP Aerospace CEO, commented: “we’re proud to have been selected by Marshall Canada to design and deliver the APTM systems. The LVM program is a major procurement for Canada’s Department of National Defence and for NP Aerospace to be in the ‘Power Team’ supply chain is significant for us. The APTM requirement set is demanding but we have the skills and the know-how to design, develop, test and deliver a first class and compliant system”. He added: “our Canadian business is growing fast having doubled in staff in the last 12 months, and this contract will enable us to further develop our on-shore capability to serve our customers, both domestically and as a Canadian exporter. The future is bright, and I thank everyone who has been involved in this success story to date as we look forward to a continuation and expansion of our collective achievements in Canada and beyond.”

Saab Receives Order from Canada for the Carl-Gustaf M4 Weapon

Wednesday, May 28th, 2025

Saab has signed a contract with the Government of Canada for the supply of the Carl-Gustaf M4 man-portable, multi-role weapon system.

This announcement coincides with Saab’s participation at CANSEC 2025, Canada’s largest defence and security trade show, taking place in Ottawa on May 28th and 29th.

The order, which includes the Carl-Gustaf M4 weapon and Fire Control Device (FCD) 558, further strengthens the long-standing relationship between Saab and Canada. With this acquisition, Canada joins a growing number of nations equipping their forces with the latest generation of the Carl-Gustaf system.

“This order is a clear example of Saab’s modern, combat-proven capability being in demand by our customers around the world. Canada is an important customer for Saab, and we are proud to continue supporting the Canadian Armed Forces with systems that enhance their operational effectiveness,” says Simon Carroll, President of Saab Canada.  

The Carl-Gustaf system is a globally trusted solution, used by more than 40 countries. Carl-Gustaf M4, the latest version of the system, features a lightweight design, integrated electronics, and compatibility with future intelligent sighting systems and programmable ammunition. It enables soldiers to respond quickly to a wide range of battlefield challenges including armour, structures, and personnel.