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SIG SAUER and Nibe Defence Announce Joint Venture in India

Friday, November 8th, 2024

NEWINGTON, N.H., (November 8, 2024) – SIG SAUER, Inc. is excited to announce a joint venture with Nibe Defence and Aerospace Limited to advance small arms and ammunition manufacturing operations in India. This new partnership will support India’s ‘Make in India’ initiative, underscore both entities commitment to the region and bolster SIG SAUER’s role as the primary provider for India’s defence needs.

“SIG SAUER is meeting the increased international demand for our products by solidifying key partnerships across the globe,” began Ron Cohen, President, SIG SAUER. “This important new alliance in India serves to meet that demand in one of the most significant regions for growth in the coming decades. The joint venture with Nibe Defence gives SIG an expanded presence, greater customer engagement, and new collaboration opportunities to meet India’s growing needs.”

Officials from Nibe Defence joined representatives from SIG SAUER and the Chief of Defence Staff of the Indian Armed Forces for an official signing of a Memorandum of Understanding in Pune, India on November 6, 2024.

As part of the “Make in India” initiative by the Government of India to accelerate the domestic manufacturing industry, the collaboration between Nibe and SIG SAUER will strengthen India’s defence capabilities while reinforcing India’s commitment to self-reliant defence manufacturing.

The Government of India, Ministry of Defence first awarded SIG SAUER a contract for the SIG716 in 2019 for 72,400 rifles. The successful fielding and overwhelming soldier acceptance led to a follow-on award for an additional 73,000 rifles.

“SIG SAUER is excited to partner with Nibe Defence, a proven leader in India’s defence sector, as the primary provider for India’s defence needs,” concluded Cohen.

Posted in Advertiser, Industry, International, Press Release, weapons | Comments Off on SIG SAUER and Nibe Defence Announce Joint Venture in India

Spectra Group Opens New Australia office to Serve Australian and Regional Customers

Friday, November 8th, 2024

Spectra Group, the specialist provider of secure voice, data and satellite communications systems is proud to announce the launch of Spectra Group (Australia) at MilCIS 2024 (12-14 Nov) which will be in booth B24 at the National Convention Centre, Canberra. This marks a significant expansion for Spectra Group as it enhances its ability to serve customers in Australia and the Asia-Pacific region.

As part of this launch, the communications operations of C3 Systems will amalgamate with Spectra Group (Australia), allowing for a more streamlined approach to meeting the needs of existing and future regional customers. This move enables Spectra Group to provide its renowned exceptional service and innovative solutions to regional clients. Notable offerings will include the Troposcatter Family of Systems (FoS) which provides highly mobile, high bandwidth strategic communication links between key headquarters, the award-winning SlingShotTM system that converts standard UHF and VHF tactical radios into strategic satellite communications with true Beyond Line of Sight (BLOS) and Communications on the Move (COTM) capabilities and the revolutionary new GENSS software defined radio that combines all the advantages of SlingShot with the need for increased battlefield data capacity and agility into a single system. This expansion underscores Spectra Group’s commitment to providing unparalleled support and innovative solutions to its regional customers.

Simon Davies, CEO of Spectra Group said: “As our portfolio of products and services continues to grow, providing closer support to our global customers has become the next logical step. We’ve recently expanded our footprint in the US, and we’re seeing increasing demand in Australia and the Asia-Pacific region. Our goal is to ensure our customers receive the highest levels of support.” He added: “We’re excited to bring the track record and expertise of the C3 Systems Communications team into Spectra Group, led by Chris Hembling, whose reputation for quality resonates with Spectra’s core values of agility, loyalty and honesty. Their expertise is invaluable, and we believe it will be crucial to the success of Spectra Group (Australia). The new office is being established primarily to serve the Australian market with our high-quality products and services. Additionally, the Australian team will support opportunities in the region and strengthen our wider group as needed.”

Posted in Comms, Industry, International, Press Release | No Comments »

New from SPARTANAT Books: Combat At Night

Friday, November 8th, 2024

„Own the night“ is more than just a catch-phrase – it’s a modern tactical necessity. Night time is when many predators come out to hunt, and that includes the kind on two legs. The hours of darkness can provide protection and a tactical advantage to defenders as itpresents special challenges for scouts and attackers, but operating effectively at night can be mastered even without modern night vision technologies.

Darrkness should be the friend of every modern Soldier and law enforcement officer, and each should be capable of operating effectively and achieving tactical ddominance in this environment. „Night Combat” explains how to prepare for engage in battle during darkness, and how to emerge victorious. Topics include:

– Human Factors
– Training for Night Combat
– Equipment for Night Combat
– Conducting a Firefight at Night
– Combat Methods & Tactics

“NIGHT COMBAT” is available now on Amazon.com for $25.99, plus taxes and shipping.

Further information about other books in the series can be found on the SPARTANAT website.

ABOUT THE AUTHORS

Hermann CONRAD is an active special operations forces soldier and instructor in a Tier 1 unit with more than 20 years of SF experience in training and operations – with night fighting skills as a particular necessity.

Christian VÄTH founded Light Infantry International in 2023 to establish new standards in the training of light infantry forces. Night combat plays a central role in his training system.

ENGLISH EDITION

Lawrence HOLSWORTH is a former parachute infantry Sergeant in the US Army 82nd Airborne Division, with expertise in several infantry weapons systems and well-trained in the conduct of night operations (usually without the aid of modern night vision devices).

ABOUT SPARTANAT:

SPARTANAT.com is the leading German-language online magazine covering the tactical market. In Germany, Austria and Switzerland, it is almost obligatory for the tactical community to visit SPARTANAT daily. SPARTANAT also now has a growing international readership and the creation of the English editions of their popular book series consolidates this position. For further information contact lawrence@strikeholdconsulting.com.

Posted in International, Profession of Arms, Training | No Comments »

UF PRO Introduces the Striker TT BDU: The Ultimate Uniform for Tropical Environments

Friday, November 8th, 2024

KOMENDA, SLOVENIA (05.11.2024)

UF PRO proudly announces the launch of the Striker TT BDU, their lightest battle dress uniform crafted specifically for the challenges presented by tropical environments. This innovative uniform incorporates fast-drying materials and ergonomic design features, ensuring optimal comfort and performance in hot and humid conditions.

Developed in collaboration with elite special forces, the Striker TT BDU emerged from a commitment to create a uniform suitable for jungle warfare. The project yielded several prototypes, including one that employed lightweight fabric to enhance both breathability and reduce weight.

As Matija Kozina, an Application Specialist at UF PRO, explains, “The Polyamide material not only reduces weight but also enhances breathability, making it ideal for hot and humid conditions.” This successful prototype laid the foundation for the Striker TT BDU.

Every detail of the Striker TT BDU is designed to withstand the harsh conditions typical of tropical climates. Its lightweight construction and breathable materials help keep wearers dry and comfortable, even in soaring temperatures.

Flexibility and durability are key components of the design, with thoughtful reinforcements, stretch panels along with optional UF PRO 3-layer knee protection and additional elbow protection that enhance mobility and safety.

Dejan Kastelic, Head of Research and Development at UF PRO, emphasises, “The Striker TT BDU is more thana standard uniform; it’s designed specifically for the tough demands of tropical environments, allowing operators to stay focused, knowing their gear won’t let them down.”

Comfort is a top priority in the Striker TT BDU’s design. The air/pac® system in the shoulder area effectively absorbs shock, minimising fatigue during extended wear. Additionally, breathable hip padding provides enhanced support and airflow, while the UF PRO Waist/Flex System allows for freedom of movement without compromising fit.

Engineered to quickly manage sweat and humidity, this BDU efficiently draws moisture away from the skin, maintaining comfort during demanding operations. With features like integrated insect protection, effective ventilation, and abrasion-resistant reinforcements, it is perfectly suited for the rigours of tropical terrain.

Discover the Striker TT Combat Shirt and Pants to experience a remarkable combination of comfort, protection, and adaptability for tropical missions.

For more information, click here. The Striker TT BDU will be available starting next week.

Posted in Advertiser, Clothing, International, Press Release | No Comments »

Important Collaboration: Enforce Tac and RWS GmbH to Establish Joint AMMO SYMPOSIUM

Thursday, November 7th, 2024

At Enforce Tac 2025, the leading trade fair for internal and external security, a new and highly topical forum will make its debut: the AMMO SYMPOSIUM, an initiative of Enforce Tac – powered by RWS GmbH.

This symposium will offer a timely platform for analysing the pressing challenges and future strategies in ammunition supply.

• Premiere of AMMO SYMPOSIUM 2025: For the first time, Enforce Tac and RWS GmbH will bring leading experts and decision-makers together to discuss the current challenges in the supply of ammunition.

• Ammunition supply under the spotlight: In the face of global conflicts, the symposium will offer strategic solutions and strengthen collaboration for stable supply chains and effective procurement processes.

Focus on procurement of ammunition

Against the background of current geopolitical tensions and a growing demand for ammunition in Europe and worldwide, the AMMO SYMPOSIUM is set to be the key gathering for leading experts, decision-makers and procurement professionals. The event will address the urgent bottlenecks in ammunition production and procurement that are becoming increasingly relevant due to ongoing conflicts like that in Ukraine. Several EU countries are currently working together to secure ammunition supplies and ensure long-term, stable supply chains to meet European defence needs. This issue is also being discussed intensively at the European level – most recently due to statements by German defence minister Boris Pistorius, who believes that a coordinated procurement of ammunition by EU member states is imperative.

“Enforce Tac 2025 will set new benchmarks, not just for its size, but also for its depth of content. With the AMMO SYMPOSIUM, we are creating a platform that specifically addresses the most pressing issues of ammunition supply and brings the right players together. Our partnership with RWS GmbH underlines the importance of this topic for the entire industry,” explains Luisa Seibt, Director of Marketing for Enforce Tac.

Support from RWS GmbH

RWS GmbH, a leading manufacturer of small calibre ammunition and pyrotechnic elements and components, is providing substantial support for the AMMO SYMPOSIUM. Alexandra Cristea, VP of Sales/R&D at RWS GmbH, stresses the importance of this forum: “In a rapidly changing global security landscape, it is crucial to find shared approaches for transparent and efficient cooperation. This event allows us to share our knowledge and work together with procurement professionals and the industry on innovative strategies for the future.”

High-calibre programme

The symposium will consist of presentations by experts followed by a discussion panel. Participants will be able to network with leading representatives of the industry and gain in-depth insights into current issues and challenges in ammunition procurement. It offers a unique opportunity to exchange information and ideas with relevant stakeholders and help develop leading-edge solutions for current and future ammunition supplies.

“In a time in which the procurement of ammunition and production capacities are being strained worldwide, the AMMO SYMPOSIUM offers a valuable framework for confidential discussions and the development of joint solution strategies. We look forward to continuing to foster discussions between procurement professionals, the industry, and political decision-makers,” says Isabelle Teufert, Exhibition Director Enforce Tac.

Details of the event

AMMO SYMPOSIUM 2025

Facing the ammunition procurement challenge in uncertain times: strategies, solutions, joint planning and supply

A symposium initiative by Enforce Tac – powered by RWS GmbH Tuesday 25 February 2025, 9:30 – 16:00

Save the date

Enforce Tac is an international trade fair established as a platform for the security and defence sector. It offers the industry the opportunity to develop promising perspectives and to collaborate to strengthen the internal and external security of Germany and Europe as a whole. In 2025, the fair will expand to fill five halls and around 50,000 m² of display area, where some 730 exhibitors from about 50 countries will showcase their solutions for internal and external security.

Enforce Tac will be held at Exhibition Centre Nuremberg from 24 to 26 February 2025. For more information, please visit: www.enforcetac.com.

Posted in Ammo, Enforce Tac, International, Press Release, Tradeshow | No Comments »

The Next-Generation in Body Armour – Brigantes to Pioneer Armor Forge in the UK and EU

Thursday, November 7th, 2024

Brigantes have recently confirmed a new agreement with US-based body armour manufacturer, Armor Forge, naming them as the primary point of contact for UK military sales and a new point of contact for EU sales. This powerful partnership is set to revolutionise body armour for the UK’s Armed Forces and Police Units, bringing Armor Forge’s state-of-the-art trailblazing technology to the forefront of strategic operations.

A distinguished alliance

Founded in 2014 by ex-military personnel, Brigantes are the go-to specialist for on-the-soldier equipment for every conceivable operational environment. Uniting decades of military experience with advanced technical expertise, keen industry awareness, and unique alliances with world-leading brands, they have cemented themselves as a trusted international supplier to NATO military, government, and elite police units.

Established in 2020, Armor Forge are the proud creator of the first graphene-integrated nanocomposite armour system on the planet. The product of leading scientific partnerships and two years of hands-on development with warfighters and law enforcement professionals, Armor Forge’s body armour systems are the mostadvanced solutions on the market today.

The partnership between these two companies will bring the extraordinary capability of Armor Forge to the UK market, catapulting Armed Forces and Police Units body armour into the 21st century, following decades of stagnation in this realm. In addition to serving as the point of contact for UK military sales, Brigantes will also take up the role as one of the key points of contact for sales across the EU.

A new frontier – the graphene solution

The body armour industry is one that has remained somewhat frozen in time for several decades, with many of the major manufacturers continuing to use outdated, 50-year old technology in their systems. Technology which has not been adapted to keep pace with the modern threats that we can expect to face on today’s battlefields. If ever there were a compelling counter-argument for the “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” rhetoric, it is this one. Body armour is one of the most vital life sources for operators navigating hostile environments. An upgrade was long overdue. Frustrated by the range of armour solutions available, Armor Forge set about to create their own solution; one that provided unparalleled protection, without compromise. Fulfilling the need for protection that was lightweight yet extremely durable.

Graphene was the answer, but the equation was far from simple. With a unique structure of tightly bonded atoms, graphene is 200x stronger than steel. However, it is also notoriously difficult to work with, and despite numerous competitor attempts to utilise it into armoured solutions since its discovery in 2004, all proved unsuccessful. Until now.

Image credit – Armor ForgeLighter. Thinner. Stronger Trailblazers to their core, Armor Forge have cracked the graphene code. Utilising the expertise of leading scientists in graphene nano integration, aerospace composite and next-generation materials, as well as close partnerships with clients including NASA and SpaceX, they have been able to produce the first ever graphene-based armour system.

This development is truly no small feat, and the proof of this is in the astounding protective properties of the finished product. Offering extreme durability, thinness and reliability, in a sleek, lightweight package, Armor Forge is lightyears ahead of its competitors. Manufactured at their facility in Colorado, USA, these plates are stab, drop and impact-proof, whilst also offering heat stability and hydrophobic properties. All products go through extensive testing at NTS Chesapeake – the premier ballistics lab in the US, exceeding NIJ standards, and do not require X-Ray verification prior to issuing. Not enough to excel in performance, Armor Forge plates also boast an impressive 10-year lifespan, twice the average of their competitors.

Precision is key and every detail is considered throughout the manufacturing process. Each Armor Forge plate is assembled by a single composite technician, in accordance with ISO 1000 standards. Committed to innovation and with a deep understanding of the nuances of the modern battlefield, Armor Forge can also develop orders on a custom basis, producing at a scale to suit their customer’s unique requirements.

Let’s talk

This is a truly exciting development for the UK Defence market. Through the partnership of these two companies, Armor Forge’s next-level innovation can be delivered into the hands of those who need it, finally providing them with cutting-edge protection which meets the demands of the environments in which they serve and enabling them to harness their complete potential. To learn more about the bespoke capabilities available through Armor Forge and how they can be leveraged to enhance your operations, get in touch with us today.

www.brigantes.com

Posted in Armor, Industry, International, Press Release | 1 Comment »

Five Questions for Spectra Group CEO Simon Davies

Wednesday, November 6th, 2024

We had a chance to ask five questions of Simon Davies, the CEO of the UK-based communications company Spectra Group.

Q – Perhaps you could begin by giving the readers a sense of what Spectra does and how it applies to war fighting.

A – Spectra Group is a specialist provider of secure voice, data and satellite communications systems. Established over 20 years ago, Spectra Group is a veteran-led organisation that prides itself on designing and manufacturing specialist high-quality communications equipment and systems that have been operationally proven to meet the needs of the modern warfighter, in the most demanding operational conditions.

For example, SlingShotTM was conceived and designed to meet Special Forces requirements and, now with over 7000 units sold worldwide, has been operationally proven with both specialist and regular forces globally. SlingShot is a unique, low-size, weight and power (SWaP) system that enables existing UHF and VHF tactical radios to extend their reach into the realm of strategic communications, providing true Beyond Line of Sight (BLOS) and Communications on the Move (COTM), without purchasing new radios. All Spectra Group products are designed with the soldier in mind and are therefore easy to use, secure and have a low probability of intercept or detection.

Tropo

The Troposcatter Family of Systems (FoS) is designed to provide high-bandwidth battlefield data links between key headquarters down to Company level in a modular and easy-to-transport system. With low latency and high bandwidth, the systems are simple, intuitive and easy to set up. Also, due to its architecture, Troposcatter works in a GPS/GNSS denied environment, so can operate at the poles, and is equally difficult to detect or intercept.

Q – What is your latest product?

A – Spectra Group launched our new radio concept GENSS, in January 2024, and it is now in the final stages of prototype testing. GENSS builds on the foundations of our award-winning SlingShot system, embodying Spectra Group’s vision of producing ultimate radio systems that capitalise on technological advances, adapt to the evolving demands of military operations and simplify the user experience. It has been designed and developed through a collaborative effort of tactical communication experts, seasoned military specialists and top-tier U.K. scientists and engineers.

GENSS is a significant advancement in the field of tactical radio communications, due to its modular core framework and software-defined flexibility, heralding a new era in communication technology. It is a modular, agnostic hardware radio system designed to be agile and provide the ultimate interoperability through straightforward software reprogramming to adapt quickly and easily to meet the diverse needs of its users. Capable of operating across HF, VHF, UHF, and satellite bands, GENSS is engineered to conquer Beyond Line-of-Sight (BLOS) barriers and support Communications on the Move (COTM), delivering a robust and agile solution for voice and high-bandwidth data transmission across all domains — land, sea, and air.

Q – What lessons is Spectra learning from the conflict in Ukraine, and how are you applying them to your systems?

A – Modern-day conflict against a determined and advanced adversary is having many effects on communications equipment, its bearers but also the operators who use it. Spectra are conscious of the need to keep radio systems and their representative IT solutions as simple as possible for the operator whilst when needed being able to work in contested spectrum environments.

The GENSS product has been designed to be able to operate within the noise floor if needed to avoid detection. It also has an automatic adaptive coding and modulation capability that removes the need for constant ‘link engineering’ by the operator allowing the radio to adapt to tactical conditions and guarantee message delivery. The burden on the soldier is ever increasing not only the amount of technology that one must carry, and the power needed, but also the cognitive burden of becoming an expert on all systems. GENSS has been designed to provide simplicity at the point of use, whilst the unit manages internal processing and power management effectively and efficiently using the best software initiatives available.

Q – To follow up, based on what we are seeing in Ukraine, do you see NATO and in particular, the Five Eyes alliance, cooperating more now on communications systems and standards.

A – Data interoperability and open standards have always beencrucial in the NATO alliance to allow tactical data links to interact effectively with one another. However, with the rapid development of more advanced and complex communications systems and increasingly sophisticated digital and cyber threats to such systems, close cooperation between allies is increasingly important. Spectra Group have worked together with 2iC, a specialist UK battlefield software integration company, to fully integrate the GENSS product with their Lean Service Architecture specification. This is an open schema-based software solution to provide a services-orientated communications integration architecture designedfor mobile, low-powered Internet of Things (IoT) on the battlefield. UK MOD, US SOCOM and many other NATO partners have published under the Open Government license that they are adopting this open architecture.

Q – Artificial intelligence has become all the rage. Just looking around the show floor and AUSA, you see AI enabled systems in every corner. Is Spectra integrating artificial intelligence, and perhaps even machine learning, into its systems, and if so, how?

A – The GENSS radio platform is delivered with an Open API architecture which can be adapted to use AI applications as required. Whilst Spectra Group does not create AI software applications directly, the GENSS platform can be utilised to allow soldier-based software and AI solutions can be easily adopted to maximise capabilities and features available utilising GENSS.

SSD would like to thank Mr Davies for his time and insight into a rapidly evolving field.

For more information, visit spectra-group.co.uk.

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Chemring Awarded Contracts Worth £278m

Tuesday, November 5th, 2024

Chemring is pleased to announce that its Norwegian subsidiary, Chemring Nobel, has signed a twelve-year framework agreement with Diehl Defence GmbH & Co. KG (“Diehl Defence”) for the supply of MCX energetic material. Under this framework agreement Chemring Nobel also signed an initial purchase order valued at €231m; deliveries under this contract will be over a five-year period commencing in late 2026. In 2023, Diehl Defence and Nammo AS created an industrial working group to supply the German Government with 155mm munitions for the German Armed Forces and their allies and in July 2024 they received their initial delivery order. Under this order, production of 155mm munitions will use Nammo’s munitions technology for which Chemring Nobel is the only qualified supplier of MCX material.

Chemring is also pleased to announce that its US subsidiary, Chemring Energetic Devices (“CED”), has received an order valued at $106m for the delivery of critical components for use in an undisclosed US missile programme. Deliveries under this contract will be over a five-year period commencing in 2026.

Further to the announcement on 17 October 2024, Group adjusted operating profit for the year ended 31 October 2024 is expected to be in-line with consensus expectations of £70.9m.

Michael Ord, Chief Executive of Chemring, commented:

“These significant contract wins illustrate the deep long-term relationships that we have built with our customers. It is further evidence of the sustained and growing demand for our products and supports our investment decisions to increase the capacity of our three energetics businesses, and reinforces Chemring’s position as a key supplier to NATO.”

Posted in Ammo, Contracts, Industry, International, Press Release | No Comments »