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General Atomics and Radian Aerospace Partner To Advance Next-Generation Aerospace Technologies

Tuesday, March 11th, 2025

Collaboration To Drive Innovation Across Key Aerospace Systems
and Explore Strategic Opportunities in the UAE

SAN DIEGO – 10 March 2025 – General Atomics Systems Integration (GA-SI) and Radian Aerospace (“Radian”) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to advance next-generation aerospace technologies and explore broader strategic collaboration, including localization opportunities in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

The collaboration will focus on integrating advanced avionics, electrification, and actuation technologies into cutting-edge aerospace platforms, leveraging GA-SI’s expertise in high-performance systems and Radian’s breakthrough single-stage spaceplane architecture. A key initiative will be the development of electromechanical braking and control actuation systems, which reduce weight, streamline operations, and enhance efficiency while ensuring the reliability needed for frequent space missions.

“This partnership underscores GA’s commitment to driving innovation across critical aerospace systems,” said Scott Sappenfield, Vice President of the Engineering Services Division. “Electromechanical braking is just one way we’re pushing the boundaries of efficiency and sustainability. We’re also excited about expanding collaboration with Radian through industrial partnerships and localization efforts in the UAE.”

The MOU also lays the groundwork for broader collaboration, and joint exploration of UAE offset projects. As GA-SI expands its presence in the UAE, the companies will assess local manufacturing, technology transfer, and workforce development opportunities to support regional aerospace growth.

“General Atomics is an ideal partner as we continue developing Radian One, the world’s first single-stage-to-orbit spaceplane,” said Richard Humphrey, CEO of Radian. “This partnership enables us to integrate next-generation technologies that enhance performance and reusability while opening the door to strategic investment and industrial collaboration. Together, we’re laying the foundation for the future of aerospace and space access.”

GA-SI and Radian will also evaluate partnerships with certified suppliers and manufacturers to develop integrated landing gear systems, enhance adaptability across aerospace platforms, and provide cost-effective solutions for OEMs. By combining GA-SI’s high-performance systems expertise with Radian’s spaceplane mission, this collaboration aims to drive aerospace innovation and shape the industry’s future on a global scale.

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Platatac Individual Marker Panel

Monday, March 10th, 2025

The Platatac Individual Marker Panel now available in MultiCam Tropic and Ranger Green, alongside MultiCam. With new colours, Pink and Yellow, in addition to Orange.

At 30cm x 30cm, our Individual Marker Panel is a lightweight high visibility item, that is perfect to carry in your kit for individual recognition when marrying up or RV’ing with friendly forces, or signalling vehicles and aircraft.

The shock cord & toggle loops at the corners allow for easy attachment to various items or use ITW Grimlocks to link multiple panels together to create a bigger visual footprint for specific signalling needs.

The marker panel is the perfect accessory to stash in our range of Pouches or even in our notebook covers.

platatac.com/platatac-individual-marker-panel

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UK Ministry of Defence and Industry Collaboration Breaks New Ground at the Digital Manufacturing Centre

Sunday, March 9th, 2025

The Digital Manufacturing Centre (DMC), an industry-leading production facility and additive manufacturing (AM) innovation hub, hosted the latest UK MOD Strategic Command’s Additive Manufacturing innovation event, on 5 March 2025. This MOD/industry collaborative event was held at DMC’s state-of-the-art AM production facility, located at the world-renowned Silverstone Park. The event was also supported by the Buckinghamshire Enterprise Zone.

Project TAMPA is a UK Strategic Command Defence Support sponsored project that is exploring the advantages of integrating the very latest AM (3D-printing) technology “from factory to foxhole”. From the outset, DMC has been intimately involved with Project TAMPA and is working in close partnership with the MOD and key defence players such as NP Aerospace, Babcock, Thales and RBSL, to support the development and delivery of this high-technology manufacturing capability, into the defence supply chain. Fully aligned with the MOD’s Land Industrial Strategy (LIS) and the Defence Industrial Strategy (DIS), TAMPA is a spearhead initiative that is driving forward proactive collaboration with industry to rapidly find and integrate the very latest manufacturing technologies.

TAMPA Spiral 1 validated the ability of AM to produce non-safety critical NATO Stock Number (NSN) parts to the appropriate quality and Spiral 2 is expanding the requirement to include safety critical parts and demonstrate the ability for AM to add value to the part production process. DMC is also working in partnership with NP Aerospace to investigate the additional AM benefits possible by using Direct Energy Deposition (DED) methods to create large metal structural parts leveraging the benefits of AM to reduce lead times, reliance on tooling and cost. The advantages of AM in the defence supply chain are numerous and include: weight saving; cost reduction; speed and agility; innovation in design, obsolescence management, inventory management and potentially, forward deployed additive manufacturing support.

Major General Phil Prosser, Director Joint Support said, “As the MOD’s Advanced Manufacturing Champion, it is hugely rewarding to witness what we have achieved by exploring and harnessing the benefits that additive manufacturing can bring. Project TAMPA is a prime example of how the MOD can work in partnership with both major defence contractors and smaller innovative British companies like the DMC, to push the boundaries of innovation and technology to maximise defence capability. Collaborating with defence primes and high-technology SME’s in this way is critical to protecting and developing the UK defence supply chain.”

Kieron Salter, CEO at DMC said, “We are very proud to have hosted such an important MOD event at our facility in Silverstone Park. DMC has an advanced engineering pedigree born from the most demanding of sectors such as Formula 1, hyper-cars, aerospace and space. At DMC, we pride ourselves in adopting a holistic approach to additive manufacturing; applying creativity and innovation to our engineering that leads to an optimised final production solution – we don’t just 3D-print to drawing. From hyper-cars to armoured vehicles, we apply the same pioneering solutions to ensure the customer secures the maximum benefit from the AM process and it has been a real pleasure to be working on Project TAMPA. I know that we have only just scratched the surface of what is possible through working together with the MOD and the defence supply chain like this, to achieve greater benefits – lots more to come.”

www.digitalmanufacturingcentre.com

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Royal Navy Procures New Rifle for Specialist Commando Operations

Saturday, March 8th, 2025

Royal Marines from the UK Commando Force have been issued a new rifle for specialist operations, including counter-terrorism.

More than 1,500 Sig Sauer MCX rifles have been purchased by the Navy, enabled by Edgar Brothers, as part of continued investment in the Commando Force.

The rifle is well-suited for the specialist counter-UK terrorism roles of the Commando Force, replacing rifles produced by Colt Canada as part of £6m Navy investment.

It is designed to complement the Commandos’ new general use weapon, the Knights Armament Stoner 1 (KS-1), that was announced in September 2023.

The addition of the MCX is another milestone in the UK Commando Force transformation – giving the UK Commando Force the operational edge for Special Operations around the globe.

Lieutenant Colonel Olly Osborne, of the Commando Force Programme team, said: “These rifles reinforce the commitment of the Navy and Defence to our transformation, and the value the Commando Force provides to our national and international security.

“This is an excellent period of investment in the force and provides great confidence through exceptional task specific modern weaponry.”

The Sig MCX brings a level of versatility well-suited to the unique requirements of the Commando Force, which is tasked with operating in a wide range of extreme environments around the globe ahead of the main allied forces.

The Commandos have put the system through strenuous testing during force-on-force exercises and live firing drills – allowing the future users to train under realistic conditions.

The MCX will be used by Commando Forces operating with the Royal Navy’s Littoral Response Groups – which bring together amphibious ships, aircraft, vehicles and Commandos under one potent force designed to provide a global Crisis Response and Special Operations capability.

The rifle was procured under the auspices of Project Hay – named in tribute to Ronnie Hay, a legendary fighter pilot and Royal Marine of World War 2 who epitomised the daring of the Commandos during raids on Nazi-occupied territory.

As the only Royal Marines fighter ace, Hay flew combat sorties in the Fleet Air Arm, earning multiple decorations for his aerial victories and ground-attack missions.

His distinguished service included pivotal roles in the Dunkirk evacuation, the Battle of Britain, the Mediterranean campaign during Operation Torch, and the Far East, where he led one of the Fleet Air Arm’s largest operations and supported the assault on Okinawa.

Hay’s remarkable legacy inspired the cutting-edge capabilities delivered through Project Hay, as the Royal Marines continue to redefine their role as an advanced raiding force.

Under the project, Commandos were able to thoroughly field-test systems and provide feedback on their performance. This was instrumental in shaping the final configurations of the fielded MCX. This user feedback was inspired by Project Hunter – which led the procurement of the KS-1 rifle.

This is a press release from the Royal Navy.

Posted in Advertiser, International, Press Release, weapons | 12 Comments »

Rheinmetall’s PTAL – The Laser Light Module for Handguns

Thursday, March 6th, 2025

Rheinmetall’s new Pistol Tactical Aiming Laser (PTAL) is a compact lightweight attachment module specially designed for handguns. It is made by Rheinmetall Soldier Electronics in Stockach on Lake Constance.

For target illumination, an infrared close-range illuminator and white light are available to the operator for use in all operational situations. In addition, the PTAL is equipped with an IR aiming laser and a visible (selectable red or green) aiming laser, integrated next to each other in a laser block.

Despite its compact dimensions (L/W/H 76 x 45 x 30 mm) and low weight of just 115 g, the newly developed module produces a powerful laser output of up to laser class 3B, permanently controlled via a monitor diode and electronically regulated. The build-on module features a dongle interface for an eye-safe training mode and effective force-on-force training.

Besides ergonomic, two-handed fingertip operability, the module can be attached to the weapon in various ways and can be adapted to different holster types. The single CR123 battery can be exchanged via the lamp head when the module is mounted. Furthermore, the device offers the great advantage of not being subject to America’s strict ITAR export regulations.

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Rheinmetall VTAL – the Compact and Modular Laser Module for Special Forces

Wednesday, March 5th, 2025

The modular laser module VTAL from Rheinmetall Soldier Electronics, designed especially for special forces, is extremely robust and compact. The “Variable Tactical Aiming Laser” is suitable for use on today’s shorter assault rifles as well as on other small arms.

Watertight, light and stable, the metal housing has a built-in MIL STD 1913/STANAG 4694 interface. Because the VTAL protrudes only about 25 mm above the mounting rail, it does not interfere with the line of sight during conventional optical aiming. The VTAL features an extremely strong visible red dot laser, an infrared dot laser, and an infrared illuminator. The superior quality of the lasers and their consistency of form enhances the user’s situational awareness in all operating environments. Importantly, the VTAL is compatible with all standard image intensifier devices. The fully integrated laser block is aligned at the factory, making adjustment on the weapon simple. The VTAL can also be configured according to customer requirements.

Owing to the device’s modern design, the operator can adjust the intensity of both dot lasers with the aid of a colour-coded cable switch. The illuminator can be focused using a separate control knob. Furthermore, the VTAL can be coupled with other tactical weapon lights and can be operated using a combined two button cable switch.

Rheinmetall offers the “TL-MissionLight” as such a separate weapon torch. It is available in a standard version with a dual LED head and a special version for hostage rescue operations. Typically, the LM-VTAL and one of the two weapon lights are mounted on the weapon. The robust design assures stability and dependability. The system can withstand the worst battlefield conditions and is waterproof to a depth of 30 metres. This way, operators know they can rely on the device at all times.

Rheinmetall’s laser light package is already in use with various special operation formations. Among others it is a component of the Bundeswehr’s Special Forces Assault Rifle (“Sturmgewehr Spezialkräfte Bundeswehr, leicht”).

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Exosens Makes First US Investment in Night Vision Production Capacity to Address Growing Demand and Benefit from New Opportunities

Wednesday, March 5th, 2025

MÉRIGNAC, FRANCE – MARCH, 3RD 2025

In response to increasing demand, Exosens will invest €20M over the next two years to expand production capacity in both Europe and the U.S.

This investment will establish Exosens’ first U.S. manufacturing site for producing “Made in America” image intensifier tubes

It strengthens Exosens’ position to capture a larger share of the world’s largest market, which represents 45% of the global market and is set for strong growth in both commercial and defense sectors

The global night vision market is benefiting from growing demand, driven by increasing defense budgets and the need for armies worldwide to enhance their night fighting capabilities. The return of high-density combat has underscored the critical importance of night operation abilities as a key tactical advantage. NATO and Tier-1 allies continued to ramp up their procurement of night vision systems in 2024, though they are still far from reaching the targeted equipment rate.

With decades of expertise, Photonis, brand of Exosens, offers image intensifier tubes, the engine of night vision devices, which improve soldiers’ tactical situational awareness, agility and mobility, as well as their targeting and driving capabilities, in the darkest of nights.

In order to meet increasing night vision demand, Exosens invests €20m to expand its production capacity not only in Europe but also in the US with, for the first time, a new production plant in the US underscoring additional market opportunities with locally produced “Made in America” image intensifier tubes.

This new installation will take place in Sturbridge (Massachusetts) where the group has already its Photonis Scientific Inc subsidiary. Exosens will take advantage of the support and synergies available within the group to optimize the time setup for the manufacturing of the image intensifier tubes, which is expected to begin in early 2027.

“We are pleased to announce a new investment in our capacity on the US ground, which represents a major step in our strategy. Expansion into the US market presents a significant opportunity to strengthen our position as a global leader in image intensifier tubes. This new capacity will also enable us to meet customers’ demand for large-volume, high-performance products manufactured in the US.” said Exosens CEO, Jérôme Cerisier

www.exosens.com

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Ermine – Rheinmetall’s New Lightweight Hybrid Vehicle Family for Modern Armed Forces

Tuesday, March 4th, 2025

Rheinmetall is showing its tactical small vehicle family Ermine for the first time at the Enforce Tac. It represents a new generation of tactical mobility, combining tactical transport with a mobile energy source (microgrid). Operational creativity is at the core Ermine’s design. Its features enable it to act as an effective force multiplier. Ermine can operate remotely controlled and is prepared for autonomy.

The modular Ermine family currently consists of an Unmanned Ground Vehicle (UGV), a side-by-side buggy and a quad. Various 4×4 and 6×6 variants are available. All vehicles are based on the same diesel-electric hybrid drivetrain and base platform. This gives Ermine maximum modularity with unrivalled agility. Thanks to the hybrid technology, up to one ton of payload, a range of more than 1,000 kilometres and a top speed of 90 km/h are possible, depending on the vehicle’s configuration. Up to four Ermine vehicles can be transported by cargo helicopters such as the CH-47 or CH-53.

The Ermine vehicles can be configured for various purposes, including reconnaissance & liaison, special operations, anti-tank, weapon carriers,
MedEvac or generator function. At Enforce Tac 2025, Rheinmetall showcased a 4×4 quad with the ROSY smoke/obscurant system and special operation forces equipment. One element is the Mobile Mission Pod (MMP, which also made its debut at Enforce Tac.)

The MMP is designed to conduct standoff reconnaissance and engage enemy forces using small UAVs. Developed primarily for special operations forces, it enables maximum effectiveness behind enemy lines. Thanks to its long standby time and remote operability in conjunction with artificial intelligence (AI), the MMP is designed to be able to operate against enemy forces long after it has been deployed to the battlefield. The MMP combines the expertise of existing products as well as current technologies and experiences from current conflicts in a new product that is outstanding in its capabilities. Thanks to its high degree of automation, AI support and standalone design, it significantly expands the mission portfolio of armed forces, enabling missions that were previously considered impossible.

The Ermine vehicles are furthermore characterised by high mobility in almost any terrain and can also be driven completely silent thanks to their electric drive. If the vehicles are not used for tactical mobility, they can be used as a mobile energy source. The Ermine family can therefore significantly increase the operational value of armed forces.

The Ermine technology was developed in the Netherlands by the start-up company REEQ – a subsidiary of Rheinmetall Defence Nederland B.V. since March 2024 – and is being produced there. The acquisition of REEQ enables Rheinmetall to serve the Dutch and European market in the field of light tactical mobility, both manned and unmanned, in combination with a microgrid – and with short delivery times. Thereby Rheinmetall’s industrial strength and the innovative power of a start-up complement each other. Within the Rheinmetall Group, REEQ retains its status as a start-up in the field of development. The further development and serial production of these vehicles will also take place in the Netherlands.

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