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Archive for the ‘International’ Category

NP Aerospace Teams with Logistik Unicorp to Deliver the UK’s Next Generation Integrated Soldier System

Tuesday, May 27th, 2025

NP Aerospace, the global armour manufacturer and vehicle integrator, with operations in UK and Canada, has teamed with the leading international uniform provider, headquartered in Canada,

Logistik Unicorp – bringing together the strengths of both companies. By combining NP’s renowned personal protection expertise, including hard and soft armour technologies, with Logistik Unicorp’s military apparel expertise, the team is able to offer next generation, integrated soldier systems solutions to a variety of international customers and together, bid into numerous upcoming programmes.

Initially, the partnership will focus on defence, security, and police forces within the UK but beyond that, will be positioned to export the joint capabilities. The partnership is already proven, with

Logistik Unicorp, supported by NP Aerospace, having recently been awarded a major contract to supply the Canadian Army’s (CA) light forces Dismounted Infantry Capability Enhancement (DICE) programme with 3,000 kits of advanced protective and load carriage equipment. This contract includes the provision of ballistic armour layers, tactical vests, pack systems and associated pouches, as well as options for additional systems and services.

With some significant UK programmes upcoming, including the MoD’s VIRTUS Torso Sub-System Re-let, the partnership delivers a wide range of potential benefits to the customers. Combining two globally trusted and proven brands, this arrangement unites NP Aerospace’s longstanding reputation as the UK’ leading hard armour supplier with Logistik Unicorp’s military apparel and personal equipment expertise – delivering compliant, validated and trusted solutions. Logistik’s major contracts in Canada, Australia, and New Zealand further reinforce a track record of reliability and operational excellence. Leveraging NP’s established UK supply chain, the partnership is committed to bolstering the UK’s defence manufacturing sector by creating high-skilled jobs, investing in local R&D, and strengthening the national supply chain.

Karine Bibeau, Vice-President, Client Experience at Logistik Unicorp, emphasized the strategic alignment of the two companies’ expertise: “This partnership brings together two highly complementary capabilities—combat-proven armour technology and world-class military apparel and equipment systems—into a unified offering that meets the evolving needs of today’s defence forces. It reflects our shared commitment to delivering fully integrated, user-centric solutions that enhance operational effectiveness and protect those who serve.”

James Kempston, NP Aerospace CEO, commented: “we’re delighted to be able to announce this partnership today, that combines the proven strengths of both companies at a time when there are numerous emerging opportunities in this capability space. We are comfortable that what we’re offering, together, is unmatched in terms of proven and compliant capability, delivering advanced protection, usability, comfort and durability to those who need it most. At the same time, we’re able to offer best-value with our integrated approach of lean manufacturing, best-in-class procurement, and comprehensive lifecycle management underpinning a cost-effective solution for the customer.”

He added: “Our deep understanding of UK MoD processes, combined with Logistik Unicorp’s proven performance in multi-year, large-scale military contracts, will enable a smooth and secure transition for any customer, including the UK’s VIRTUS re-let programme, and others.”

Bale Defence – RTV6

Tuesday, May 27th, 2025

The RTV6 by Bale Defence was displayed in the Australia pavilion at SOF Week and is the latest in their Rough Terrain Vehicle line.

Sporting six wheels, it offers a 1.4:1 payload ration meaning that this 1.1 ton vehicle will carry a 1.5 ton payload.

Specs:

  • Top Speed: 108km/h (67mph)
  • ??Range: 320km (std fuel tank) (200 miles)
  • ??Fording: 750mm (30in)
  • ??Ground Clearance: 340mm (13.4in)
  • ??Winch: Relocatable Front & Rear

The rear deck will accept modular mission kits. In the photo above it’s mounted with an FN Remote Weapon Station.

Available via www.baledefence.com. Their US partner is www.inter2t.com.

Cooperation in Spain: Rheinmetall and Indra Announce a Strategic Agreement on Armoured Vehicles

Friday, May 23rd, 2025

Rheinmetall Landsysteme GmbH, a subsidiary of Rheinmetall AG, and Indra have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for a strategic cooperation in the field of armoured vehicles projects of the Spanish Armed Forces.

This further enhances the already strong alliance of Indra with Rheinmetall in other fields like the recently announced agreement with Rhein¬metall Electronics on the Leopard 2E Combat System. 

Rheinmetall is one of the world’s leading suppliers of armored tracked and wheeled vehicles and is the original designer of – among other vehicles – the Keiler NG Armored Breaching Vehicle. Also in the Leopard 2A4 tank Rheinmetall has significant technological shares. Additionally, Rheinmetall has significant know-how and experience in areas such as armored vehicles design, manufacture and support, with REM S.A.U., Rheinmetall already has a strong and important presence in Spain.

Indra is a leading Spanish Company in Defence Systems and the designer of the thermal cameras and the manufacturer of the Leopard 2E combat system in Spain under license from Rheinmetall Electronics, and is the supplier of the Lince BMS currently in service in Leopard 2 in Spain. Indra is also the designer of the Maestre Mission System currently contracted in the Spanish Army VCR 8×8 and is the main design authority for the Spanish BMS. Indra has significant experience in Leopard 2 electronics systems and has solutions for simulation for Leopard 2E and other vehicles.

Indra is making significant investment in capabilities for integration and production or transformation of armored vehicles in Spain including specific facilities for this purpose.

Eduardo Veen Martinez, Managing Director of Rheinmetall Landsysteme: “With this MoU, Indra and Rheinmetall, two leading European companies in the field of defence technology, start a strong alliance to support the efforts of the Spanish Armed Forces to modernize their fleet of combat vehicles.”

Ángel Escribano, Chairman of Indra Group, stated: “The agreement with Rheinmetall represents a significant step forward in Indra’s strategy of forming alliances and partnerships to strengthen its military vehicle manufacturing and digitalization capabilities in Spain’ and he added, ‘This is an example of what Europeans can achieve when working together.”

Contract Awarded for Modernized Equipment for the Canadian Army’s Light Forces

Friday, May 23rd, 2025


Dismounted infantry soldiers test Logistik Unicorp’s protective and load carriage equipment during trials for the Dismounted Infantry Capability Enhancement trials. (Cpl Peter Grieves)

On March 18, 2025, Canada awarded a contract with an initial value of $19.7 million (excluding taxes) to Logistik Unicorp to supply the Canadian Army’s (CA) light forces with 3,000 units of advanced protective and load carriage equipment. This contract includes the provision of ballistic armour layers, tactical vests, pack systems and associated pouches, as well as options for additional systems and services.

The current equipment used by CA soldiers offers excellent ballistic and blunt impact protection but requires modular capabilities for modern dismounted infantry operations. The Dismounted Infantry Capability Enhancement (DICE)initiative aims to improve the form, fit and function of this equipment, to enable a full range of motion for soldiers performing demanding tasks.

User trials were conducted from October to November 2024 with active dismounted infantry soldiers that provided detailed data and individual feedback, that were in turn analyzed carefully against the contract requirements. The result is that soldiers will be equipped with the modern and effective equipment needed to do their jobs, at the best value to Canadians. To address past concerns about fit, especially for women, the trials included soldiers of different sizes and body types, with female participation at 13.3 percent,higher than the 0.3 percentrepresentation in dismounted infantry units.

The new equipment was exhaustively tested to ensure that it fits various bodies and forms, with soft armour available in two distinct cuts. Ballistic plates will be offered in a greater range of sizes to maximize comfort and protection. While protection remains the priority, the new equipment significantly improves overall fit and coverage.

The new equipment is expected to be delivered starting in fall 2025 and will be used in conjunction with the contract awarded to Galvion in March 2023 for new helmets (known as the “Helmet High Cut Ground Troop”). While that initial contract was for 2,100 helmets and spare parts for the light forces, the Department of National Defence (DND) has since exercised its options to obtain more, bringing the total number of helmets to 10,500, for a total contract value of $14.9 million.

The DICE is working in parallel with the Soldier Operational Clothing Enhancement Modernization (SOCEM)initiative, which provides all CA units with a full range of modernized equipment and clothing. The DICE initiative allows DND to purchase smaller quantities of equipment for specific groups, and to trial procurement methods that can be applied to the larger SOCEM initiative. This approach helps to deliver new equipment quickly and effectively by applying best practices from smaller procurements.

By Nancy Cook

The Maple Leaf

Photo and article via CANADA DND

SCD USA Announces Design-In Wins for MIRA SWIR Camera Across Multiple North American Defense Programs

Thursday, May 22nd, 2025

MIRA Short-Wave Infrared Camera Delivers Advanced CST and Event-Based Imaging for Enhanced Threat Detection; Initial Orders Secured for Airborne Application

Colorado Springs, Colorado – May 21, 2025, – SCD USA proudly announces the successful design-in of its MIRA Short-Wave Infrared (SWIR) camera into several major defense programs across North America. These integrations span a variety of defense platforms, including man-portable systems, armored fighting vehicles, loitering munitions, and counter-UAS systems.

In a key milestone, SCD USA has also secured an initial low-rate production order for airborne deployment, reflecting the MIRA camera’s technological maturity and growing relevance in advanced defense applications. This integration marks the beginning of broader adoption, with MIRA poised to become a standard imaging solution in future procurements across these platforms.

MIRA is powered by SCD’s advanced SWIFT-EI InGaAs detector, offering exceptional SWaP-C (Size, Weight, Power, and Cost) SWIR sensor, with VGA resolution, multi-spot Asynchronous Laser Pulse Detection (ALPD), and ultra-high-speed frame rates up to 1,500 fps. The SWIFT-EI also integrate event-based, neuromorphic imaging, which reduces bandwidth requirements by detecting and transmitting only scene changes—critical for high-efficiency SWIR imaging in real-time battlefield scenarios.

Additionally, MIRA incorporates Coded Spot Tracking (CST), providing unmatched operational flexibility for a wide range of missions. With its 10µm pixel pitch, compact design, and low power consumption, MIRA is ideally suited for integration into small payloads, missile seekers, vehicles, and hand-held devices. Its enhanced background-independency improves situational awareness in complex environments.

“The integration of MIRA into these defense programs underscores its essential role in enhancing operational effectiveness across modern military platforms,” said Mark Fydenkevez, CEO of SCD USA. “We remain committed to delivering next-generation SWIR technology that empowers our customers to achieve mission success with unmatched performance and innovation.”

Milrem Robotics to Provide Six THeMIS UGVs to CNIM Systèmes Industriels Intended for Ukraine

Wednesday, May 21st, 2025

Milrem Robotics, the world’s leading robotics and autonomous systems developer, will supply the French company CNIM Systèmes Industriels with six THeMIS UGVs, which will be integrated with route clearance systems and delivered to Ukraine.

CNIM Systèmes Industriels will provide Ukraine with six ROCUS (Route Clearance Unmanned Systems). Financed by the French government, ROCUS UGVs will be delivered to the State Emergency Service of Ukraine (SESU) for rapid ground clearance.

The ROCUS was developed based on the THeMIS platform and includes a route clearance payload developed and adapted by CNIM Systèmes Industriels.

ROCUS UGVs extend the stand-off distance from threats and improve operational effectiveness in high-risk environments. They enable units to remotely inspect, confirm, and neutralise a broad spectrum of explosive threats, thereby ensuring the safety of deminers.

ROCUS’ will help SESU secure civilians’ movement, protect the environment, revive agriculture in the country, and rebuild residential areas.

“We are proud to continue to support Ukraine through the contract with CNIM Systèmes Industriels. THeMIS UGVs have already proven their versatility and reliability in various operational scenarios in Ukraine and elsewhere,” said Kuldar Väärsi, CEO of Milrem Robotics. “Our continuous partnership with CNIM Systèmes Industriels to provide the ROCUS system demonstrates the strength of European defence cooperation and the commitment to supplying meaningful capabilities to Ukraine.”

The six UGVs will join the first seven ROCUS systems deployed in Ukraine in 2022. In total, 15 unmanned systems from Milrem Robotics have been deployed to Ukraine.

Milrem Robotics’ THeMIS UGV is part of robotics programmes or is in service in 19 countries, making it the most widely used UGV in its size class.

Thales Unveils Its Panoramic Quad-Tube Night Vision Goggle

Wednesday, May 21st, 2025
  • Presented for the first time at SOFINS1, PANORAMIC is a lightweight, compact night vision goggle equipped with four light intensification tubes to provide an extra-wide field-of-view. It is particularly well-suited to the needs of special operations forces and specialised units conducting sensitive missions such as counter-terrorism and hostage rescue operations.
  • Fully funded by France’s defence innovation agency (AID), the development of the PANORAMIC goggle was completed in just over two years by Thales’s centre of excellence for soldier optronics.
  • The PANORAMIC binocular is currently being evaluated by the French Army’s Technical Section (STAT) and Special Forces.

The PANORAMIC night vision goggle provides a field-of-view approaching the capabilities of the human eye to enhance situational awareness in low-light conditions. With four tubes instead of two, soldiers can quickly perceive their entire operational surroundings without moving their heads, enabling them to react more quickly to potential threats in their peripheral field of vision.

PANORAMIC’s patented architecture offers the best combination of performance, ergonomic design and volume currently available on the international market. It weighs just 740 g and is no wider than the soldier’s helmet. As well as the conventional helmet flip-up feature, each of the outer tubes can be raised independently, powering off automatically to guarantee discretion. Designed for optimum energy efficiency, this revolutionary new product is battery operated, with an available external battery pack for longer periods of operation.

The PANORAMIC night observation device is fully compatible with night sights such as the XTRAIM weapon sight. It is a compact, robust unit designed to accommodate future technologies and functionalities, and includes an optimised maintenance plan to maximise operational availability.

PANORAMIC unveiled for the first time at the 2025 edition of SOFINS, offering a further illustration of Thales’s 30-year track record of innovation in the design and development of night observation solutions to meet the full range of requirements of land forces personnel.

Specifically designed for special operations forces and specialised units in France and internationally, the PANORAMIC goggle is 100% made in France and ITAR-free.

“SOFINS is the ideal opportunity for us to present PANORAMIC, our new extra-wide field-of-view night observation device. Thales’s team technical expertise allowed the development of a ground-breaking night vision solution offering the robust design and outstanding performance needed to support the success of night-time missions and protect our soldiers at their most vulnerable moments.”

– Alexis Morel, Vice President, Optronics, Missile Electronics and Unmanned Air Systems, Thales

1 SOFINS: Special Operations Forces Innovation Network Seminar

Regulus is Proud to Announce the Opening of a New Permanent Headquarters in the Philippines

Tuesday, May 20th, 2025

Regulus is Proud to Announce the Opening of a New Permanent Headquarters in the Philippines. Chief Operating Officer Richard Allred had the honor of cutting the ribbon to open the new office. Allred explained the significance of Regulus’s permanent physical presence. “Our mission has always been to get the products and services that matter the most to the people who need them the most: this office represents our commitment to renewing and expanding that charge in the Philippines.”  This new office will facilitate stronger US/Philippine defense integration and public/private cooperation that will directly benefit the Filipino people.  Allred added, “We are proud to take the next step in serving and cementing the relationship between America and one of the most robust and reliable democratic allies in a dynamic region.”

Regulus’s new headquarters will strengthen a crucial ally in a number of ways. It advances the Philippines’ mission to maintain peace and deter aggression and opens new opportunities for cooperation in defense industrial strategy.  It creates new opportunities for public/private cooperation in nation-strengthening sectors like healthcare and telecommunications.  Finally, this office will provide new jobs and opportunities for economic growth to an increasingly vibrant economy. Cumulatively, this new physical presence will deepen an already robust relationship between Regulus and the Philippines and enhance a valuable economic and defense industrial partnership that demonstrates the crucial role US logistics partners play in supporting America’s Asia Pacific Strategy.

regulusglobal.com