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Archive for the ‘International’ Category

Rheinmetall and Anduril Industries Join Forces to Develop the Most Sophisticated Military C-sUAS System

Thursday, June 20th, 2024

Paris, 19 June 2024 – The Düsseldorf-based technology group Rheinmetall and the US company Anduril Industries signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) during Eurosatory in Paris, one of the world’s leading trade shows for defence and security. Under this collaboration, Rheinmetall and Anduril will work together to design, develop, and produce new layered Counter small Unmanned Aerial System (C-sUAS) air defense systems. The scope of this collaboration is primarily to address European markets first.

These C-sUAS systems will combine Rheinmetall’s command and control system, Skymaster, and high-power guns with Lattice and open, modular and scalable hardware components including Anduril’s Sentry Tower, Wisp sensors and Anvil, its autonomous interceptor. By combining the unique capabilities of both companies, an unmatched layered solution for C-sUAS will be offered. Overall, the MoU aims to bring together the complementary skills of these two leading companies.

Oliver Dürr, CEO of Rheinmetall Air Defence AG: “This cooperation will showcase the most innovative C-sUAS system – combining the strength of Rheinmetall military capabilities and the edge cutting development speed of Anduril. I am absolutely confident that this combination will address the future needs of our clients and that we shall bring the right solution at the right time on the market.”

Greg Kausner, Anduril’s SVP of Global Defence states: “The pace of warfare is accelerating at the speed of technology development. Global defence forces must face a rapidly evolving set of threats from both emerging unmanned systems and legacy manned platforms. Air defence systems require a layered approach that is flexible, adaptable and rapidly deployable. Anduril’s partnership with Rheinmetall will bring an innovative, software-defined and hardware enabled C-sUAS system to our customers to ensure they stay one step ahead of the drone threat.” For more than a century, Rheinmetall has delivered high-power air defence guns and systems globally, providing unmatched firepower. Anduril, a global defense technology company, has developed a growing family of low-cost autonomous weapons systems all powered by its AI-enabled, interoperable Lattice software platform. 

This cooperation will enable both companies to fulfill the strategic ambition to jointly develop and implement a systematic approach covering a wide sensor and effector mix. Ranging from diverse hard kill effectors to non-lethal effectors to gun missiles and state of the art active and passive detection sensors. The system will increase the survivability dramatically and allow new strategic and operational advantages.

HENSOLDT Supplies German Armed Forces with Spotter 42 Observation Optics

Thursday, June 20th, 2024

Wetzlar (Germany)/Paris (France), 19 June 2024 – Following the delivery of the first batch last year, solution specialist HENSOLDT is now equipping the German Armed Forces with 90 additional Spotter 42. The enhanced Spotter complements HENSOLDT’s Spotter 60, which are already in use in the troops, and replaces a predecessor model.

Compared to the Spotter 60, the magnification range of the Spotter 42 starts at six times instead of twenty times. The Spotter 42 is therefore optimised for use with night vision and thermal imaging attachments (NSV and IRV). The result is a significant improvement in observation capability in restricted visibility conditions.

“The optical performance of the Spotter 42 is outstanding. It represents a milestone in the compact observation optics device category with its large field of view, high edge-to-edge sharpness and brilliant image quality across the entire magnification range of 6-42x,” explained the responsible Sales Manager Josef Reif.

The observation optics have become more compact thanks to a modified optical concept. The result is a high magnification range with low initial magnification while simultaneously reducing the weight. The Spotter 42 complies with Bundeswehr specifications and features steplessly adjustable reticle illumination as well as an integrated laser filter that compensates for the magnification-related increase in radiance of harmful laser radiation without noticeably impairing the visual transmission values.

The accessories include a long mounting rail with a Picatinny profile on both sides, allowing attachments of different heights to be used. Additional mounting rails on the device enable the attachment of various additional devices such as target pointers or rangefinders. “The initial feedback from users has been more than positive,” added Josef Reif. The Spotter 42 enhances the night combat capability of snipers by increasing their ability to observe in restricted visibility, thus making an important contribution to increasing the combat readiness of the German armed forces. The Spotter 42 was very well received by users and procurers from the military authorities of European nations at EnforceTac 2024 in Nuremberg and will be offered as a series device. In a further expansion stage, it will receive additional functional additions in the future that will expand its area of use.

The New and Improved LINDNERHOF Website is Live

Thursday, June 20th, 2024

LENGGRIES, GERMANY (19.06.2024)

We are excited to announce the launch of Lindnerhof’s updated website, designed to provide a user-friendly experience with improved navigation and functionality while allowing customers to see the extensive product portfolio.

This launch marks a significant milestone in Lindnerhof’s ongoing commitment to excellence.

Discover Lindnerhof’s Enhanced Online Presence

The website now offers comprehensive and up-to-date information about the company, including its history and core values. It showcases the extensive Lindnerhof product portfolio, highlights upcoming trade shows, features new product announcements, news, podcasts, and more.

Integrated Brand Identity

The refreshed design reflects the updated company branding, now aligned with the umbrella brand Mehler Systems and its renowned sub-brands, Mehler Protection and UF PRO.

Showcasing Lindnerhof’s Product Range

The product portfolio is now more effectively showcased on the website, categorised into carrying systems, modular pouches, tactical belts, tactical clothing, and accessories. Visitors can explore the latest additions to Lindnerhof’s range of tactical gear and equipment, complete with key features, product images, and videos for a comprehensive viewing experience.

Explore the Updated Website

We invite you to explore Lindnerhof’s updated website and experience the new look and features. Visit Lindnerhof’s website to see how they continue to innovate and deliver quality tactical gear and solutions.

Milrem Robotics’ Presence at Eurosatory 2024 Biggest-Ever

Wednesday, June 19th, 2024

This year’s largest European defence industry event, Eurosatory 2024, features the biggest-ever presence of unmanned combat systems by the world-leading robotics and autonomous systems developer Milrem Robotics.

Altogether 10 of the company’s robotic systems are on display at the exhibition, which will take place from June 17 to 21 in Paris, France. Eight of these systems are different versions of the THeMIS Unmanned Ground Vehicle (UGV) and two Type-X Robotic Combat Vehicles (RCV).

In addition to Milrem Robotics’ stand, systems are showcased together with leading industry partners: Avalor.AI, CNIM, KNDS, KONGSBERG and Thales, additionally featuring integrated technology by FN Herstal, Metravib Defence, Leonardo, Rheinmetall, Pearson Engineering, and Vegvisir.

“The vast number of partners demonstrates that Milrem Robotics’ unmanned combat systems are preferred for payload integrations and battlefield deployment. The THeMIS UGV is already part of robotics programmes in 18 countries worldwide and assisting Ukrainian soldiers with casualty evacuation and route clearance in the war with Russia,” said Kuldar Väärsi, CEO of Milrem Robotics.

“Milrem has integrated more payloads than any other UGV provider and has a detailed understanding of how these payloads should be integrated and how to ensure the payload’s performance to its maximum capability,” Väärsi added.

Milrem Robotics’ Chief Sales Officer Patrick Shepherd added: “Our products’ integration into multiple nations’ combat formations reduces our customers’ overall integration and procurement risk.  Milrem has the lessons learned and depth of experience to ensure a smooth integration into the military forces.”

Milrem Robotics is the world-leading robotics and autonomous systems developer and systems integrator, with offices in Estonia, Finland, Sweden, the Netherlands, and the US. The company is known for its THeMIS and Multiscope UGVs, the Type-X Robotic Combat Vehicle, and MIFIK intelligent autonomous functionalities for defence platforms.

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.

Eurosatory 2024: Caracal Airborne Platform Demonstrates High Mobility with Synthetic Fuel

Wednesday, June 19th, 2024

The Caracal platform, a pathbreaking outcome of cooperation between Rheinmetall, Mercedes Benz AG and ACS – Armoured Car Systems, has proven to be a pioneering answer to the demands of modern military mobility. From 17 June 2024, the Caracal will be demonstrating its high agility twice a day in the Demonstration Area at Eurosatory 2024, even in difficult terrain. It will be using a new synthetic fuel generated from hydrogen, CO2 and electricity for military use.

Rheinmetall is cooperating with its technology partner INERATEC on this Giga-PtX project vision for a war-ready energy supply with synthetic fuels. Trade journalists will be able to view this demonstration in the Demonstration Area on 16 June 2024. Furthermore, at Rheinmetall’s Eurosatory 2024 stand a Caracal variant fitted with a launcher for Hero-120 loitering ammunition is on show.

The Caracal is also proving successful on the market. After winning a joint order from Germany and the Netherlands for up to 3,058 vehicles, another important contract came as part of Germany’s efforts to aid Ukraine. A total of 20 units of the Caracal, based on stocks of the G-model 461 series, have been delivered as an immediate requirement for the special forces since spring 2024 after just a few months of production. This has sparked interest not only at home but also internationally.

A showpiece of military innovation, the Caracal draws not only on tried-and-tested technologies, but also embodies advanced elements regarding tactics, safety and performance. While for Germany and the Netherlands joint interoperability and the Caracal’s airtransportability in the STH CH-47 Chinook helicopter were decisive design features, the Ukrainian Caracal will deliver maximum land mobility, giving Ukrainian special forces units a critical tactical edge. Incoming orders from Germany, the Netherlands and now Ukraine highlight the global relevance of this binational partnership and its contribution to international security.

Close cooperation between Rheinmetall, Mercedes Benz AG and ACS has resulted not only in a cutting-edge military vehicle, but also in a strategic alliance that bundles the individual strengths of the partners: the Caracal combines a high-performance, large-production run platform – the Mercedes military G class 464 series – with a modular, industrial scalable build-on from ACS. Rheinmetall is in charge of final assembly of the role-specific military mission kits, drawing on its ability to produce customized products on a large scale in relevant customer countries, as well as providing long-term logistical support throughout the entire product lifecycle.

The Caracal platform not only assures maximum mobility on the ground and in the air. It also enables integration of ballistic protection, various weapon systems and technologies, as well as state-of-the-art reconnaissance and communication equipment – critical elements in the modern battlespace.

In addition to technical superiority and benefitting from assured long-term global logistic support, the Caracal is a very reasonably priced vehicle platform which can be flexibly adapted to meet the ever-changing requirements of current and future combat.

The orders from Germany, the Netherlands and Ukraine, coupled with enquiries from numerous other nations make clear the platform’s international market potential.

The partnership between Rheinmetall, Mercedes Benz AG and ACS shows that the future of military mobility lies in intercompany cooperation. Here, the Caracal platform points the way forward, setting the standard and serving as a model for binational partnerships in the defence industry, in which companies take on challenges together, pushing ahead on the path to sustained innovation, and bringing new products to the global marketplace.

France Removes Ban on Israeli Companies Participating in EUROSATORY, Ban on Individuals Still In Place

Wednesday, June 19th, 2024

Israeli firms were barred from attendance in the first few days of this week’s EUROSATORY defense exhibition in Paris. The decision to ban them was made by the French government in late May, causing quite a stir within international elements of the armaments industry, affecting 74 companies set to attend the bi-annual event.

The Macron government enacted the ban after calls for a cease-fire in the conflict with HAMAS were ignored by Israel.

Last week, Bobigny District Court expanded the rule to include not only firms but individual citizens of Israel, including diplomats and other government representatives. Although COGES, the show organizer has appealed this decision, they were forced to provide this document to potential Israeli attendees.

The ban on companies was overturned yesterday by the Paris Commercial court which found it to be discriminatory, declaring a suspension of, “the execution of the measures adopted against the Israeli companies whose stands were prohibited at the EUROSATORY 2024 exhibition, until the closing date of the exhibition.” The case was filed by the France-Israel Chamber of Commerce but unfortunately does not address the ban on individual attendance.

It is unclear at this point if any Israeli firms will bother to show up at EUROSATORY, which continues this week, considering the late action by the court. It is also a question as to whether the individuals who man those booths would be allowed to enter.

Quantum Systems Equips the Romanian Ministry of Defence with Vector systems

Tuesday, June 18th, 2024

Munich, 17.06.2024 – Quantum Systems, the Munich-based manufacturer of dual-use reconnaissance drones that use multi-sensor technology to collect data for government agencies and commercial users, is pleased to announce that it has been awarded a significant contract to supply the Romanian Ministry of Defence (MoD) with its advanced Vector unmanned aerial systems (UAS).

The contract, valued at aproximately 18.4 million EUR was finalized on May 14, 2024, and will span over a period of 36 months. This marks a significant step in enhancing the capabilities of the Romanian Armed Forces with state-of-the-art UAS technology. Romtehnica S.A., the purchasing authority, has contracted Quantum Systems to supply these advanced systems to the Romanian Armed Forces, who will utilize them in various operations across the region. 

Meeting the Romanian MoD’s requirements

The decision criteria for the contract were heavily weighted towards quality. Quantum Systems’ Vector UAS was selected based on its superior range, flight autonomy, sensor quality, and robust warranty terms, along with a competitive pricing structure.

The vertical take-off and landing capable drone type Vector provides the Romanian MoD with a market-available tactical reconnaissance system meeting requirements in terms of range, flight time and sensor capability. The Vector enables precise reconnaissance and has a flight duration of up to three hours. The integrated ‘Raptor’ combi-sensor is equipped with an optical and an infrared camera, enabling day and night operations in all climates and under challenging environmental conditions.

Thermoteknix Unveils ClipIR-12 – Latest in Thermal Fusion Technology – at Eurosatory 2024

Tuesday, June 18th, 2024

Thermoteknix, a global leader in thermal imaging, night vision, and fused technologies, is launching its latest breakthroughs in fused thermal clip-on systems with its new ClipIR-12 range at Eurosatory 2024.

Based on thermal fusion technology developed by Thermoteknix over the past 12 years, ClipIR-12B, and ClipIR-12E, are the latest, fourth generation evolution, significantly lighter, higher resolution and more compact than their predecessors.

See the new ClipIR-12 on STAND C386, Hall 5A on the UK Pavilion, Eurosatory 2024, Paris.

Both ClipIR-12 models attach to existing night vision devices to deliver thermal imaging fusion. Fused thermal and night vision is the gold standard for low-light and no-light operations giving tactical advantages and enhanced situational awareness, while increasing the range significantly compared to traditional standalone night vision.

Exceptionally low power consumption is achieved with Thermoteknix patented Shutterless XTI technology, also providing outstanding uninterrupted image quality with zero lag and ultra-low latency; critical for helmet mounted applications. A wide field of view is delivered to the night vision device, providing maximum situational awareness.

ClipIR-12B is powered by either by an internal battery or externally by either a four or eight cell battery pack mounted on the rear of the helmet. ClipIR-12E is powered externally from an external battery pack.

Groundbreaking Augmented Reality capabilities are achieved by connecting either Thermoteknix ARTIM or ARTIM-MINI intelligent battery packs which combine the thermal fusion with an intuitive look-vector driven 3D AR display with real-time data from leading Battle Management Systems such as ATAK.

“The ClipIR-12 range brings more than ten years’ of Thermoteknix’ experience designing and manufacturing fused thermal and night vision systems. These latest advancements in technology enhance the operational effectiveness, situational awareness, and safety of military personnel in the field.” comments Jonti Salisbury, Head of Imaging Sales at Thermoteknix.

Thermoteknix is renowned for its innovative engineering, challenging convention and developing groundbreaking technology. The company was awarded the prestigious King’s Award for Enterprise in Innovation in 2024, the highest public accolade for any British company.

For more information on Thermoteknix visit www.thermoteknix.com.