International | Soldier Systems Daily Soldier Systems Daily

Archive for the ‘International’ Category

Saab Signs Major Contract for Carl-Gustaf with Poland

Friday, March 8th, 2024

Saab has today signed a contract with the Polish Ministry of Defence’s procurement authority for delivery of the Carl-Gustaf® M4 weapon, ammunition and training equipment. The order value corresponds to SEK 12.9 billion and the contract period is 2024-2027. The order is expected to be booked by Saab before the end of Q2 2024.

“I am proud of our close relationship with the Polish Armed Forces and that Saab can continue to strengthen Poland’s ground combat capability and national defence with our world-leading Carl-Gustaf system,” says Saab’s CEO and President Micael Johansson.

The contract is expected to be effective by the end of Q2 2024, subject to the fulfilment of certain external conditions.

Saab’s Carl-Gustaf is a man-portable, multi-role weapon system with a wide range of ammunition types, making it suitable for a variety of tasks.
Read more: www.saab.com/products/carl-gustaf.

Posted in Contracts, International, Press Release, weapons | Comments Off on Saab Signs Major Contract for Carl-Gustaf with Poland

GM Defense’s ISV Completes United Arab Emirates Armed Forces Summer Trials

Thursday, March 7th, 2024

GM Defense’s Infantry Squad Vehicle completes grueling off- and on-road tests across complex terrain

WASHINGTON, D.C. — GM Defense LLC, a subsidiary of General Motors (GM), announced its Infantry Squad Vehicle (ISV) completed the 2023 UAE Armed Forces Summer Trials hosted by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) General Maintenance Corps. Held over several days, Summer Trials evaluates whether vehicles can meet the technical and tactical needs of UAE Armed Forces and other regional countries. The UAE continues its evaluation post-vehicle exercise to officially recognize completion status. The ISV received certification of completion stating the vehicle successfully passed Summer Trials following both phases of evaluation.

GM Defense’s ISV completed all phases of the Summer Trials, which included traveling nearly 2,000 kilometers across highways, sand dunes, soft sand tracks and rocky walls. The phases, which include continuous driving with maximum payload capacities, are designed to test vehicle capability in rugged combat conditions, including extreme climate and diverse terrain. In addition to the mobility trials, the ISV completed the Maintenance Trial, which included two days of field repairs testing, and maintenance and recovery evaluation to help potential customers assess ease of repairs and sustainability.

“This was GM Defense’s first time sending a vehicle to UAE Summer Trials, and our successful completion is a testament to the strength of our ISV and to the expertise and dedication of our team,” said Steve duMont, GM Defense president. “Through completion of all phases, we’ve demonstrated that we can successfully leverage the advanced technologies of our parent company, General Motors, to deliver a highly capable off-road vehicle that can meet the needs of defense and government customers in the UAE and throughout the region. Our Summer Trial achievements are a key step forward in our planned growth in the region as we seek to offer the ISV and its variants to this important customer base.”

“Our completion of Summer Trials is a tremendous accomplishment for the ISV program and will give defense and government customers in the region great confidence in the capabilities GM Defense can deliver to meet mission requirements,” said Bradley Watters, vice president of International Business Development. “I was on the ground with other ISV team members, supporting the vehicle as it traveled in deep soft sand, hard-packed surfaces and over rocks, successfully completing eight consecutive days of testing in extreme heat (132 degrees Fahrenheit/56 degrees Celsius). Completing all phases of the mobility and maintenance trial will help open the doors to new growth in the Emirates.”

The completion of UAE Summer Trials follows GM Defense’s announcement of a signed cooperative agreement with Tawazun Council at the International Defence Exhibition and Conference in February 2023. The agreement facilitates business with the shared objective of delivering efficient and advanced solutions to military, security and government customers from the UAE and across the region in key technology areas of integrated vehicles; power and propulsion — including fuel cell and power generation; and autonomy and connectivity. For the latest GM Defense news, please visit www.GMDefenseLLC.com and follow GM Defense on LinkedIn.

Posted in International, Mobility, Press Release | 4 Comments »

Rheinmetall’s New Pistol Tactical Aiming Laser and Venom Multiple Tactical Aiming Laser

Thursday, March 7th, 2024

During Enforce Tac Rheinmetall launched two new weapon aiming lasers, the Laser Light Module-Pistol Tactical Aiming Laser and Venom Multiple Tactical Aiming Laser for rifles.

Made by Rheinmetall Soldier Electronics in Stockach on Lake Constance, the Pistol Tactical Aiming Laser (LLM-PTAL) is a compact lightweight build-on module specially designed for handguns.

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 LLM-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 × 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 Dr. phil. Jan-Phillipp 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.

The MTAL Venom features an extremely powerful visible green or red laser target pointer, an IR target point laser, an electronically focusable IR illuminator and IR close-range illuminator. All these functions are aligned in the factory in a fully integrated laser block, making adjustment on the weapon easy. Like all Rheinmetall laser and laser light modules, the MTAL Venom can be configured to meet customer specifications, e.g., with SWIR lasers. Moreover, the MTAL Venom is compatible with all standard residual light amplifiers. Watertight, light and stable, the MTAL Venom’s metal housing has an integrated MIL-STD 1913/STANAG 4694 interface. Including the two IEC CR17345/CR123 batteries, the complete device weighs less than 210 grams.

Thanks to its compact dimensions (113 x 64 x 46 mm L/W/H), it protrudes only 28 mm above the assembly rail, and does not interfere with line-of-sight optical aiming. Depending on the choice of laser class (up to three on the device here), the MTAL Venom remains watertight for at least two hours at depths of up to 30 metres. Furthermore, thanks to the Group’s new BEACON battlefield identification system, the Venom can interact with all other Rheinmetall laser and laser light modules.

Tech data derived from Rheinmetall press releases.

Posted in Enforce Tac, International, Lights | 4 Comments »

Heckler & Koch – MR308 A6

Wednesday, March 6th, 2024

Debuting at last week’s Enforce Tac in Germany, the HK MR308 A6 is the latest iteration of their 417 platform.

Offered in .308, it offers a two stage match trigger and a 16.75″ barrel. The rifle also features H&K’s latest color craze, Sniper Grey which featured heavy on the offerings in the booth. The handguard has MLOK at 3, 6, and 9 o’clock and there’s a full-length Picatinny Rail along the top of the receiver which also runs the length of the handguard and has 20 MOA inclination.

As you can see, the MR308 A6 features a very short, 45 deg throw from safe to the semi-auto, fire position. You’ll also note HK’s polymer magazine which was first seen during Enforce Tac in 2019. This .308 version of the magazine is offered in 10 or 20 round capacity and is DPMS pattern. The collapsible stock is adjustable comb as well as length of pull and the pistol grip has three, swappable, palm swells.

Unfortunately, the only example out front in their booth was under glass so the images aren’t as crisp as I’d like. Consequently, I’ve scanned the sales sheet and included the images.

Posted in Enforce Tac, International, weapons | 6 Comments »

Major Order: Rheinmetall Supplying NATO Member Nation with Multiple Rocket Launcher Ammunition and Other Systems Worth More Than €300 Million

Tuesday, March 5th, 2024

Rheinmetall has won an order to supply a European member of NATO with multiple rocket launcher ammunition. Delivery is to take place from 2024 to 2027. The order, which was already booked in December 2023, represents sales volume for Rheinmetall of more than €300 million, without value added tax.

Rheinmetall Expal Munitions of Spain is responsible for manufacturing and delivering the rockets, which have a maximum range of 300 km. The order also encompasses additional services and other systems.

This is Rheinmetall’s first sales success in rocket artillery, vindicating the recent strategic expansion of its product portfolio. Just the other day, on 12 February, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz wielded a shovel at the ground-breaking ceremony took place at Unterlüß in Lower Saxony for a new factory that will produce explosives, artillery ammunition and rocket artillery components.

In artillery systems, 120mm smoothbore tank ammunition, cannon-based air defence and the production of medium-calibre ammunition, Rheinmetall is a leading global supplier. Ever since its foundation over 125 years ago, the company has been a reliable partner of the artillery branch, supplying seamless barrels for big guns. In the ammunition domain, today Rheinmetall supplies a comprehensive array of ammunition types in various calibres.

The latest orders for artillery rockets and 155mm artillery ammunition underscore Rheinmetall’s technological edge in ammunition development and production in Europe. Framework contracts for artillery ammunition help to make sure that the needs of the armed forces of Germany and other NATO nations are reliably met. They enable better planning of production processes and optimum exploitation of existing capacity.

Posted in Ammo, Contracts, International, Press Release | Comments Off on Major Order: Rheinmetall Supplying NATO Member Nation with Multiple Rocket Launcher Ammunition and Other Systems Worth More Than €300 Million

Helikon-Tex Launches New Products

Tuesday, March 5th, 2024

One of the only reasons I stayed on in Nürnberg after Enforce Tac to attend IWA was to see what Poland’s Helikon-Tex would launch for 2024 and they didn’t disappoint.

Duck Hunter

Each year they launch a retro pattern and this year it’s Duck Hunter aka USMC pattern, aka Frog Pattern which was worn by US Forces and their allies well into the 80s and was adopted by US hunters. To showcase the pattern, they created a diorama featuring a Vietnam-era SEAL complete with UDT vest, suppressed Grease Gun and Beret along with Helikon-Tek’s UTP Pants and Raid Shirt.

During the year, they will introduce Duck Hunter versions of their most popular chest rigs and packs. Likewise, many of the items they offered in last year’s Rhodesian pattern are still available.

Next, we’ll point out the other new products for 2024.

Alien Bag

The new Alien Bag is massive and utilizes four zippers to open up like the egg pods on the movie “Alien.

Here you can see the top closure which is covered with a flap.

The inside is high visibility so you can find everything and the base is padded so you can stand on it to change if you’re swapping out wet clothes. Additionally, there is a small bag internally for wet items. It can be carried in three ways, with hauling loops, backpack straps and shoulder straps.

Rescue Team Gear

In addition to the Red color for Rescue and First Responders, you see this team outfitted with the new SAR Vest furted with SAR Scissors Pouch, SAR Admin Pouch, SAR Medium Pouch, and SAR Large Pouch along with the new Lizard Grip Gloves. Additioanlly, the female member of the team is wearing the Women’s OTP pant.

Mission Bag

The Mission Bag is inspired by the Rangemaster Bag but offers seven pockets.

Bushcraft and Outback Lines

The only new product seen here along with several popular Outback products is the new Winter Yukon Jacket.

Here we see the new Winter Warden Shirt and Swagman Scarf and well as the Bushcraft First Aid Kit.

Eye Pro

They are launching a line of ballistic rated eyewear this year.

Patrol Line

This manikin is equipped with the new Tracer Anorak and Ambush Backpack.

This example features the new Mk2 Boonie Hat and Ambush Backpack.

This guy is sporting the new Mk2 Boonie and Tracer Anorak.

Additional Items

To the left are the new Trooper Mk2 Jacket and Pants and to the right is the new Traveler Backpack the Urban line.

Ordering

Check out their 2024 catalog to see everything. It’s over 250 pages. It contains more in-depth descriptions than we’ve supplied here.

Unfortunately, their US site doesn’t have all of the products but I’ve ordered direct from their international website and received everything I ordered, and in just a few days. Just make sure you set the language, country, and currency properly.

www.helikon-tex.com

Posted in International, IWA | 15 Comments »

Pre-Order Ventum Gear’s Burrito Backpack

Monday, March 4th, 2024

The Burrito is Ventum Gear’s first pack design.

It has a 21 litter capacity and features Ventum’s combination of laser cut PALS backed with Velcro pile. Behind this field is a flat pocket, the first of many compartments.

A primary main compartment has three mesh bellow pockets for internal organization. In addition, it offers a padded slot for laptops or reading material as well as an organizer for pens and electronics.

In the second main compartment there are side-sewn PALS loops. There are also mesh pockets attached on one side (1x small / 1x large). The opposite side is equipped with Velcro and can be equipped modularly as an EDC or even as a Medic backpack.

Behind the second main compartment is a third flat pocket, extra padded and lined with Velcro on one side.

www.ventumgear.com/p/burrito-r-backpack-20l-black-pre-order

Posted in International, Packs | Comments Off on Pre-Order Ventum Gear’s Burrito Backpack

Rheinmetall FPS Beacon – Versatile New Personal Position Marking and Warning System

Monday, March 4th, 2024

Personal position marking devices signal a soldier’s location to friendly forces. At Enforce Tac 2024, Rheinmetall is presenting for the first time the concept for its new Functional Protection System Beacon (FPS Beacon). Developed by Rheinmetall Soldier Electronics of Stockach, this compact device enables visible, IR/SWIR and thermal position marking. In addition, it can automatically warn the user of impending danger and is able to detect laser beams, e.g., laser target pointers. In combination with Rheinmetall laser modules, the FPS Beacon enables active battlefield surveillance.

Measuring 100 x 90 x 35 millimetres (L/W/H), it is powered by two CR123 batteries. The position marking device is designed for visible, infrared and thermal transmission. This enables the multiple operating modes: Visible (with a choice of up to seven colours); NIR (near infrared), SWIR (short wavelength infrared); and MWIR (mid-wavelength). It also has a built-in IFF (Identification friend and foe/unknown) function.

Owing to its compact, lightweight design, the FPS Beacon can be attached to a helmet, further enhancing transmission quality. The ergonomic design of the housing assures optimum adaptation to the helmet form.

In case of laser contact in a combat situation, the laser warning function is activated. This transmits a signal to the vibration unit. The position marking device also features an additional warning function that indicates contact with water. This enables faster recognition of dangerous situations in maritime environments. The FPS Beacon lends itself to a wide array of military and law enforcement uses.

Posted in Enforce Tac, International, Lights, Press Release | 1 Comment »