XC3 Weaponlight

Archive for the ‘International’ Category

Rheinmetall Awarded Contract for Trailblazer on the UK Multiple Launch Rocket System A2

Thursday, December 11th, 2025

Rheinmetall UK have been awarded a contract by the NATO Support & Procurement Agency (NSPA) to provide Trailblazer Driver Vision and Local Situation Awareness System to the UK Ministry of Defence’s M270 A2 Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) platform upgrade. The initial contract will see prototypes delivered in early 2026, with the main production starting later that year. The total contract value is in the mid-single-digit million euro range. The M270 A2 MLRS will be the 17th military platform to use the Trailblazer, which was developed and manufactured in the UK. There are currently seven user countries.  

The upgrade programme for the M270 A2 MLRS tasks Rheinmetall UK to design and deliver enhanced Vehicle Vision capability against specific platform requirements. 

As a mature, software-defined and SIL(safety integrity level) 2-certified system, Trailblazer is already installed in the Boxer Mechanised Infantry Vehicle, the Challenger 3 main battle tank and the Warrior infantry fighting vehicle. This offers advantages through the standardisation of the entire British combat vehicle fleet. 

This programme will see the UK’s M270 A2 MLRS issued with the most modern and capable vehicle vision technology designed to aid vehicle manoeuvre in complex environments 24/7 for both driver and commander.  The programme responsibility includes driver vision sensors, remote side and rear vision sensors, delivery of installation kits including hardened cabling, switches and protective covers. 

Trailblazer improves crew effectiveness by extending the vehicle field of view beyond the daylight spectrum. With enhanced day light, thermal and fusion vision, Trailblazer offers significant crew advantage in adverse weather, obscured and low-light conditions. Featuring very low-latency, the systems aid terrain navigation, obstacle avoidance, safe route selection and enhanced threat detection.  Compliance with SIL-2, (N)GVA and DEF STAN 00-82 video distribution means Trailblazer is safe to operate and easy to integrate.

GA-ASI’s Second Blue Magic Netherlands Doubles Impact

Thursday, December 11th, 2025

SAN DIEGO – 10 December 2025 – On November 18, General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) and its Blue Magic Netherlands (BMNL) partners held their second “shark tank” style event in Eindhoven, the Netherlands. The event brought together emerging Dutch companies and attracted more than 350 attendees. BMNL provided Dutch businesses with an opportunity to present their capabilities for possible investment from GA-ASI, as well as other companies. The 16 companies that made pitches were selected from a pool of more than 70 companies that represented the best of the best of Dutch industry.

“Blue Magic uncovers new technologies within the Dutch ecosystem,” said Brad Lunn, GA-ASI Managing Director. “The quality of the innovation we’re seeing is improving rapidly. The growth of the event is a testament to the quality it brings forward.”

During the second BMNL event, held at Brainport Eindhoven — a center of the Dutch high-technology industry — GA-ASI and its partners heard firsthand from Dutch companies about the important capabilities they are developing. GA-ASI issued an open invitation to Dutch businesses in July for Netherlands-based businesses to apply for the opportunity to present their innovative technologies at BMNL. Key areas of focus for the presentations were Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning, Autonomy, Advanced Materials and Manufacturing, Sensors, Space, and Counter-UAS.

GA-ASI was joined for the second BMNL event by the Netherlands Ministry of Economic Affairs, the Netherlands Ministry of Defence,Lockheed Martin, Brainport Development, Brabant Development Agency (BOM), and the Netherlands Industries for Defence & Security (NIDV).

GA-ASI expects to announce technology partnerships stemming from the second BMNL event and intends to continue holding this event on an annual basis in the Netherlands.

Comrod Announces Strategic Partnership with Bridgepoint to Accelerate International Growth and Innovation

Wednesday, December 10th, 2025

STAVANGER, Norway, Dec. 2, 2025 – COMROD, a leading Norwegian provider of advanced tactical communications and power solutions for the defence industry, as well as specialist utility and infrastructure systems, today announced that Bridgepoint, one of the world’s leading mid-market investors, will become the company’s new majority owner.

Bridgepoint, through its Bridgepoint Development Capital V fund, will acquire a controlling stake in COMROD. This investment represents a significant milestone in COMROD’s growth journey, reinforcing its ambition to strengthen its position as a premier provider of tactical communication systems for the defence sector and specialist electricity utility solutions.

A Partnership Focused on Growth and Innovation

The partnership is designed to support COMROD’s continued expansion as a global leader in defence communications and capitalise on its position as a trusted partner to NATO allies, defence integrators, and Tier-1 primes.

Key focus areas under the new ownership will include:

International Expansion: Accelerating COMROD’s growth and further scaling of the company internationally.

Investment in R&D: Supporting significant investment in R&D capabilities to drive innovation.

Operational Excellence: Strengthening operational excellence and automation further across the Group.

Strategic M&A: Executing a targeted buy-and-build strategy to accelerate growth, particularly in emerging domains such as unmanned systems and electronic warfare.

COMROD’s product portfolio, which includes mission-critical products and systems such as antennas, masts, amplifiers, and power supply systems, underpins secure and resilient tactical communications on the battlefield. The company also supplies specialist infrastructure solutions, including composite utility poles and monitoring systems for power distribution networks.

Management Commentary

Ole-Gunnar Fjelde, CEO of COMROD, commented:

“We are excited to partner with the Bridgepoint team. The investment from Bridgepoint represents an important milestone in our journey to strengthen our position as a leading provider of tactical communication systems for the defence sector and specialist utility solutions. In Bridgepoint, we have found a partner that shares our values and can support us in realising our next phase of growth.”

Johan Dahlfors, Partner and Co-Head of the Nordics at Bridgepoint, added:

“COMROD represents an opportunity to back a global leader in a specialised, rapidly growing segment of the defence communications market. The firm combines deep engineering expertise, trusted customer relationships and a proven track record of delivery across long-term defence programmes. We look forward to supporting the team as they continue to scale COMROD internationally and invest further in innovation.”

Transaction Details

COMROD and its shareholders were advised by Alpha Corporate Finance (M&A adviser), Schjødt (legal adviser), and EY (financial and tax adviser). The transaction is expected to complete in 2026, subject to customary regulatory approvals. Financial terms were not disclosed.

www.comrod.com

SIG SAUER P320 Will Serve as the Swiss Armed Forces Official Sidearm

Tuesday, December 9th, 2025

NEWINGTON, N.H., (December 8, 2025) – SIG SAUER is proud to announce the P320 was selected by the Swiss Armed Forces to serve as their new standard issued sidearm. The selection is a critical component of the Swiss Armed Forces New Generation Project, demonstrating Switzerland’s commitment to soldier focused modernization.

The Armasuisse competitive selection process required extensive technical testing and field trials centered on user feedback with a comprehensive focus on safe, reliable operation.  SIG SAUER is truly honored by Armasuisse’s selection and validation that the P320 meets the stringent quality and precision demands of the Swiss Armed Forces.

Armasuisse’s highly competitive process sought a pistol with modern ergonomics, modularity, and the ability to reliably meet a 30-year service life and operational support demands.  The P320 is one of the most adaptable pistols on the market; it is customizable to meet the ergonomic preferences of a variety of soldiers and accepts a wide range of compatible enhancements and accessories.  The P320’s precision and reliability make the platform extremely well suited for the dynamic and unique needs of the Swiss Armed Forces and their traditional citizen-soldiers.    

The P320 consistently meets and exceeds the stringent expectations of armed forces around the world, including the militaries of the United States, Australia, Denmark and Canada.  We are proud of SIG SAUER AG for this incredible achievement and honored for the opportunity to expand our manufacturing footprint in Switzerland and meet the incredible demands of the Swiss Armed Forces.

To learn more about SIG SAUER, please visit sigsauer.com.

Saab Receives Order for Mobile Air Defence from Lithuania

Tuesday, December 9th, 2025

Saab has received a third order for the Mobile Short Range Air Defence (MSHORAD) system from the Lithuanian Defence Materiel Agency. The order value is approximately SEK 1.4 billion with deliveries 2026-2030.

Saab will deliver a third battery of the MSHORAD to the Lithuanian Armed Forces. The system will be integrated by Saab into the JLTV 4×4 vehicles manufactured by Oshkosh.

“We are proud to continue contributing to keeping the Lithuanian skies safe. Our mobile air defence system can withstand even the most advanced countermeasures, giving the user the capability to plan for the expected and to successfully react to the unexpected,” says Görgen Johansson, head of Saab’s business area Dynamics.

MSHORAD is Saab’s vehicle-integrated mobile air defence solution, which acts as a protective shield for moving units. It consists of mobile radar and firing units based on the RBS 70 NG short-range air defense missile and the Giraffe 1X radar, all connected with a command-and-control system (GBAD C2) and datalink by a communication solution between the units. It offers quick and effective detection, identification and engagement of aerial threats.

Axon Vision Announce Strategic Cooperation Agreement with Leonardo DRS to Deliver AI-Enhanced Counter-UAS Solutions for US Market

Monday, December 8th, 2025

TEL AVIV, Israel, Dec. 3, 2025 — Axon Vision (TASE: AXN) announced today a strategic cooperation agreement with Leonardo DRS to pursue opportunities in advanced situational awareness, lethality, and survivability, with special emphasis on Counter-UAS (C-UAS) solutions in the U.S. defense market. The partnership is expected to address a critical demand for on-platform AI-driven capabilities that support force protection and platform modernization. It positions both companies for expanded participation in large-scale programs seeking proven, scalable solutions.

Under the new Memorandum of Agreement, the cooperation between the companies leverages Leonardo DRS’ deep operational experience, advanced sensors and system integration capabilities along with Axon Vision’s AI-based perception and autonomy technologies. Together, the companies aim to deliver turnkey, next-generation combat systems that deliver low latency, high bandwidth sensor data management, enhance crew awareness, and enable automated threat engagement, focusing on C-UAS. This synergy underscores a shared commitment to enhancing mission effectiveness, protecting lives and delivering technological superiority on the modern battlefield.

The collaboration builds on an ongoing relationship between the two companies and a shared commitment to enhancing mission effectiveness, protecting lives and delivering technological superiority on the modern battlefield. Together the companies have jointly developed and demonstrated operational solutions embedding Axon Vision’s AI-based perception and automation capabilities into Leonardo DRS’ range of integrated multi-spectral, multi-function C-UAS mission packages, which include radar, electro-optical and infrared advanced sensors, rugged AI-ready processors, and both kinetic and non-kinetic effectors.

The most recent demonstration came at the Association of the United States Army’s exposition showcasing unmanned ground vehicle platforms hosting modular, reconfigurable Leonardo DRS mission payloads integrated with Axon Vision’s AI solutions for aerial threat detection & defeat and AI-enhanced smart remote-controlled weapon station capabilities. The combined offering is designed to significantly enhance a platforms’ lethality, autonomous operation, and situational awareness.

“We are excited to solidify our relationship with Axon by integrating advanced mission equipment packages with their AI-driven Counter-UAS and smart RCWS capabilities. It represents a decisive leap forward in manned and unmanned ground combat effectiveness,” said Aaron Hankins, senior vice president and general manager of the Leonardo DRS Land Systems business unit. “By combining real-time aerial threat detection, autonomous or man-on-the-loop engagement, and enhanced situational awareness, this solution delivers unmatched lethality and operational superiority.”

“We are proud to partner with Leonardo DRS, a trusted and highly capable leader in the U.S. defense industry,” said Ido Rozenberg, president, CTO & co-founder of Axon Vision. “This collaboration marks a significant step in bringing Axon Vision’s advanced AI solutions to the U.S. defense market. Together, we are delivering a true powerhouse solution for combat vehicles, combining world-class sensing and integration with cutting-edge AI to enhance lethality, survivability, and overall battlefield dominance.”

Founded in 2017 by entrepreneurs Ido Rozenberg, Raz Roditi, and Michael Zolotov, Axon Vision is a leading provider of AI-based operational systems for the defense market. Its solutions are trusted by the IDF and other military forces worldwide.

For further information, visit www.axon-vision.com.

Swiss Army Selects SIG P320 as New Sidearm

Monday, December 8th, 2025

Replacing their SIG P220 Pistol in service for 50 years, the Swiss Army has selected the SIG P320.

According to the Federal Armaments Office Armasuisse candidate firearms from Glock (G45 Gen 5), Heckler & Koch (SFP9) and SIG SAUER’s P320 were subjected to “intensive and comprehensive technical testing, a troop trial and the examination of logistical aspects.”

The Army plans to purchase 140,000 pistols and the initial order of 50,000 has been placed.

Below is a translated statement from SIG SAUER Switzerland:

SIG SAUER Delighted to Win Pistol Procurement Contract

Neuhausen am Rheinfall, December 4, 2025

SIG SAUER AG is extremely pleased with armasuisse’s decision to select the P320 pistol as the new service pistol of the Swiss Army. This contract is a strong commitment to Swiss industry and an important milestone for our site in Neuhausen am Rheinfall.

With SIG SAUER’s network of several hundred suppliers in all regions of the country, all relevant components of the new pistol can be manufactured and serviced entirely in Switzerland.

This strong Swiss presence and correspondingly high, sustainable added value guarantees quality, security of supply, and rapid production availability.

Pasquale Caputi, CEO of SIG SAUER AG, commented: “We are proud and grateful for the trust that armasuisse has placed in us. The decision strengthens Switzerland as an industrial location and motivates our entire team in Neuhausen am Rheinfall.” We will work with the utmost precision and full commitment to reliably meet the army’s requirements and deliver a highly reliable, safe product to the troops.

The new Swiss pistol combines modern technology, high durability, and precise handling – and stands for Swissness, quality, and a long industrial tradition at the Rhine Falls.

The technical and ergonomic adjustments required following troop trials will be fully implemented.

The entire team in Neuhausen is looking forward to implementing this important project and to the expanded collaboration with armasuisse and the Swiss Army.

People’s Liberation Army Integrated Soldier System

Saturday, December 6th, 2025

At Milipol we got a glimpse of the QDS204E Integrated Soldier System. Interestingly, it’s shown here in MultiCam, likely to draw international clients. Nothing seen here is groundbraking but it’s nice to get a look.

Here is an article from 2022 regarding improvements to the system which seems to be in spiral development.

Considering China and Russia’s defense pact, I find it an odd choice for any NATO nations to entertain the notion of adopting Chinese defense systems. I’d suspect this display (and other companies at Milipol) hoped to draw African and Asian contingents in attendance.