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UK Special Forces To Renew Contract With Colt Canada

Monday, February 24th, 2025

The United Kingdom’s Ministry of Defence (MoD) has announced its intention to award contract Colt Canada with a contract for the supply of C8 rifle spares and accessories, according to a tender notice published on 19 February 2025. The contract will run for an initial two-year period, with options to extend for a further three years. The contract covers essential components for the C8 rifle platform, a widely used firearm among UK specialist military units.

According to the MoD, the contract will “provide C8 Rifle Spares and Accessories for a period of 2 years with 3 option years”, ensuring continued support and maintenance of these critical weapons. The contract is expected to run from 8 August 2025 to 7 August 2027, with potential extensions based on operational requirements. The MoD has confirmed that the contract will be awarded without prior publication of a competitive tender, citing technical reasons under Regulation 16(1)(a)(ii) of the Defence and Security Public Contracts Regulations (DSPCR) 2011. The justification states:

“It is considered that the award of the contract without prior publication of a contract notice in the UK e-notification service (as required by the relevant legislation) is lawful in accordance with Regulation 16(1)(a)(ii) of the DSPCR 2011 for technical reasons.”

The MoD argues that Colt Canada Corporation is the only supplier capable of fulfilling this requirement, due to its “significant niche expertise, technical ‘know-how’ and acquired specific experience to source quality spares and manage the supply chain / delivery process.”

The Colt Canada C8 is designated as the L119A1/A2 in British service, is primarily used by the United Kingdom Special Forces (UKSF) and certain specialised units which include:

Special Air Service

Special Boat Service

Special Reconnaissance Regiment (SRR)

Special Forces Support Group (SFSG)

Pathfinder Platoon (16 Air Assault Brigade)

43 Commando Royal Marines

Royal Military Police Close Protection Unit

The Colt Canada L119/A2 gained fame through media coverage of the rapid tactical response conducted by SAS operator Christian Craighead during the 2019 Al Shabab terror attack in Nairobi Kenya. Craighead worked with local Kenyan forces to engage Al Shabab terrorists and rescue hostages being held in the DusitD2 hotel complex, earning him the nickname ‘Obi Wan Nairobi’ and reinforcing the solid reputation of Colt Canada’s C8 as being the carbine of choice for some of the world’s most prestigious Tier 1 SOF units.

Posted in Contracts, International, Press Release | 3 Comments »

HENSOLDT is Developing the ODAEON Optical Detection System for the Bundeswehr

Monday, February 24th, 2025

Innovative capability demonstrator protects combat vehicles by automatically detecting enemy optics.

Oberkochen, Germany, 17. February 2025 – Sensor solutions provider HENSOLDT has been awarded a contract by the Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support (BAAINBw) to develop an innovative capability demonstrator for optical detection. The product, called ODAEON, is designed to revolutionise the capability for automated reconnaissance of enemy optical systems on the battlefield and will be developed in cooperation with BAAINBw.

The design phase of the project has already begun, after the first customer acceptance (concept review) was successfully completed in December 2024. The contract, which runs until the end of 2026, is worth 17.6 million euros.

The aim of the development is a demonstrator at technology readiness level six (TRL6), which is to be tested by BAAINBw from 2026. The innovative solution enables real-time detection, reporting and display of optical reconnaissance systems, such as enemy drones and optical target acquisition systems, to the crew. This represents a decisive time advantage.

ODAEON is based on the proven technology of the MUSS Jammer Head 2 (MJ2). The next step in the development of this advanced technology will be to enable the detection and analysis of enemy optics. Further protective functions, such as jamming and dazzling, can be added in subsequent development stages. Jamming interferes with electro-optical systems by means of targeted interference signals, while dazzling oversaturates optical systems such as cameras and target acquisition devices with strong light pulses. Both methods increase the protection of vehicles by effectively impairing enemy reconnaissance and target acquisition.

Multi-sensor approach: integration into existing systems

As a multi-sensor system, the series version of ODAEON will feature interfaces to existing systems and further sensory means to reduce possible false alarms. In a further step, the fusion of ODAEON and MUSS technologies is planned to ensure comprehensive protection. HENSOLDT is thus pursuing the strategic goal of consistently combining reconnaissance, situational awareness and self-protection in order to offer the user highly integrated systems with the corresponding added value.

“With ODAEON, we are responding to a central requirement of modern battlefields: The ability to detect threats from enemy optical systems at an early stage and to protect combat vehicle crews in real time using automated warning systems,” explains Dr. Oliver Rudow, Head of the “Survivability” product line at HENSOLDT. “This is a further step in equipping our armed forces with innovative technologies that not only increase their effectiveness but also improve their safety.”

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Enforce Tac 25 – Tilak Military Gear

Monday, February 24th, 2025

Well known for their innovation in materials and design, Tilak makes outdoor, military and high end street wear (think cyber punk).

This year at Enforce Tac they are debuting the Malibu, their Lightweight Combat Shirt, and by lightweight, I mean lightweight. Developed in conjunction with their National SF unit, it is made from Polartec Powder Dry and a Lightweight Softshell shoulder and yoke, neither of which holds perspiration or water.

Feature driven, it sports a Roman collar, a long hem to stay tucked in and flat seams for comfort, an integrated pocket on each sleeve with a pass through flap and Velcro panel.

Available in Small – XXLarge in MultiCam, Black, and Khaki.

www.migbytilak.com

Posted in Clothing, Enforce Tac, International | 1 Comment »

Enforce Tac 25 – Heckler & Koch x Valhalla Remote-Controlled Weapon Stations

Monday, February 24th, 2025

Heckler & Koch is exhibiting Valhalla’s Remote Controlled Weapons Stations. H&K needs no introduction, but Valhalla is a Slovenian company which was founded eight years ago.

LOKI

At Enforce Tac, they are featuring the LOKI, a lightweight RCWS which is intended for belt-fed small arms like the H&K 421 in 7.62mm NATO, along with the MIDGUARD 40 which is paired with H&K’s 40mm Grenade Machine Gun. Likewise, the MIDGUARD will accept other larger caliber weapons.

MIDGUARD

Both systems incorporate gyre-stabilized EO/IR sights and laser range finders as well as shoot-on-the-move capability.

The MIDGUARD 40 / GMG combo offers C-UAS functionality when using ABM ammo and has a software feature which automatically tracks FPV drones, offering appropriate lead.

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Rheinmetall at the Xponential Europe Trade Fair: Robotics, Drones and Teleoperated Driving in Focus

Sunday, February 23rd, 2025

From 18 to 20 February 2025, the Xponential Europe trade fair, which focuses on robotics and unmanned systems, will take place for the first time in Düsseldorf. Rheinmetall is the largest exhibitor, underlining its claim to leadership in this field. Under the motto ‘Leadership in unmanned digital ecosystem and robotics’, the Dax-listed technology company and its subsidiaries MIRA GmbH and Yardstick Robotics are presenting their latest developments in the fields of robotics, drones, unmanned systems and teleoperated driving.

Rheinmetall is showing a wide range of its unmanned systems for military and law enforcement applications, including:

– the LUNA NG VTOL (Vertical Take-off and Landing), a tactical fixed-wing Unmanned Aerial System with vertical take-off and landing capability, reconnaissance equipment (ISR, Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance) and optional effectors

– the Fixed Wing Vehicle FV-002, a fixed-wing drone primarily for close-range reconnaissance

– the Rotary Wing Vehicle RV-002, a rotary wing drone for close-range reconnaissance with a payload capacity of 750 grams

– the target drone Fixed Wing Vehicle FV-015

– the walking robot Robotics L.

MIRA GmbH, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Rheinmetall AG, is paving the way for automated mobility with teleoperation. MIRA uses teleoperation to decouple the driver from the vehicle. This makes it possible to control the vehicle remotely from a control panel located anywhere.

Teleoperation of vehicles on public roads requires powerful IT systems. In the ‘POQUASIA – Post-quantum secure generic IoT application’ project, the Rheinmetall Technology Center, with the support of MIRA GmbH, is developing a scalable, real-time-capable and generic Internet of Things (IoT) platform within a cloud environment.

The aim of the project is to demonstrate the potential of cloud-based applications using the example of teleoperation and to test the use of post-quantum cryptography to protect against future cyber threats. This will provide digital innovations that meet the highest security, latency and availability requirements. The project is funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Protection and supports the European IPCEI-CIS initiative to realise a unique multi-provider cloud-edge continuum.

During the trade fair, MIRA GmbH and the POQUASIA project are offering visitors to Xponential Europe the opportunity to take a ride in one of their teleoperated shuttle vehicles on public roads. In addition, MIRA GmbH will be providing first-hand information about its innovative technology and its diverse applications in logistics and passenger transport.

Rheinmetall subsidiary YardStick Robotics is a manufacturer of AI-enabled robotic solutions for extreme, unstructured and unpredictable environments. The specialised collaborative cobot ‘YARO Cobot’ is developed for the toughest of missions – in other words, robots for ‘dull, dirty & dangerous’ activities. YardStick Robotics is currently working on solutions for a range of applications from the deep sea to extraterrestrial missions in the future. In keeping with the motto ‘Robots for the World’s Toughest Jobs’, the focus is also on the safe automation of industries that have not previously had access to such robotic solutions.

At Xponential Europe, Yardstick Robotics will be showcasing

· the outdoor cobot: ‘YARO Cobot’ – a specially developed collaborative robot for reliable use in rough, unstructured outdoor environments

· an Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) study – an autonomous underwater platform for precise inspection and monitoring tasks in marine and inland waters

· MagnetCrawler – an intelligent system for inspecting and monitoring metallic surfaces, e.g. for industrial applications

Xponential Europe is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.from 18 to 20 February 2025. We look forward to welcoming you to our booth 1C25.

For more information about Xponential Europe, visit: www.xponential-europe.de

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Savage Arms 110 Carbon Tactical Honored at The 2025 British Shooting Show

Saturday, February 22nd, 2025

WESTFIELD, Massachusetts – February 20, 2025 – Savage Arms® is proud to announce that its 110 Carbon Tactical was awarded the 2025 Rifle of the Year at the 2025 British Shooting Show. This event is the UK’s largest retail shooting show and was held from February 14-16, 2025.

The British Shooting Show offers attendees everything from airguns to shotguns and optics and night vision. Firearms were available for purchase by the thousands and included both new and used options in calibers from 22 LR to 50 BMG. Those who were at the show were also able to learn more about the gunmaking heritage and gamekeeping as well. The show included The Winchester Collection, Night Vision Tunnels and a tactical training area.

“We are thrilled to receive this award and with our growth as a brand in the UK,” said Robert Gates, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Savage Arms. “Our team in Europe has done an amazing job of getting Savage to the forefront, and this recognition of the 110 Carbon Tactical shows where we stand as a brand, and our ability to innovate for specific markets.”

The 110 Carbon Tactical offers uncompromised balance by pairing an exclusive PROOF Research® stainless steel, carbon fiber wrapped barrel with the rigid AccuFit Stock with AccuStock. This setup secures the action three-dimensionally along its entire length. The user-adjustable AccuTrigger, threaded barrel, 1-piece 20 MOA rail, 3 sling swivel studs and beavertail forend round out the added performance features of this model.

In the UK and internationally, the 110 Carbon Tactical is available in Gray and Flat Dark Earth and chambered in 308 Win, 6.5 Creedmoor and 6.5 PRC. All models feature a 22” barrel, and the 6.5 PRC option has a 24” barrel.

To learn more about the new era of Savage, visit savagearms.com.

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Spectra Group Announces the Award of a Contract to Supply Troposcatter COMET to the Irish Defence Force

Friday, February 21st, 2025

Spectra Group (UK) Ltd, the specialist provider of secure voice, data and satellite communications systems, has announced a contract award to supply the Irish Defence Force with Comtech’s Troposcatter Compact Over-the Horizon Mobile Expeditionary Terminals (COMET). Spectra Group acquired the global distribution rights to supply Comtech’s Troposcatter Family of Systems (FoS) in February 2024 (less USA, Canada and Mexico which Comtech retains). This procurement is the next in a series of overseas sales under this agreement. The Irish Defence Force has procured a number of COMET systems, with more systems and the associated training and support package in the pipeline, including aspirations to deploy the new Troposcatter on the Move (TOTM) enhancement; more news on this exciting new capability coming soon. Spectra Group is attending EnForce Tac in Booth 7-360 showcasing their specific communication capabilities, including GENSS. Troposcatter COMET will also be on display at the JK Defence booth (10-521).

Tropospheric scatter is a communications capability that uses the Troposphere (up to about 13km altitude) to provide high bandwidth communications. It is satellite independent and works in a GPS/GNSS denied environment, so is suitable for use in a Peer-on-Peer conflict/Multi Domain Integration. Troposcatter inherently has very low latency and can provide huge bandwidth, enabling analysis and manipulation of large data, which combined with its low operating cost makes it suitable for strategic and tactical headquarters. In the past, Troposcatter technology required large power-hungry equipment unsuitable for expeditionary or manoeuvre warfare. However, modern technology and significant development by Comtech has revolutionised the size, weight and power of the Troposcatter Family of Systems, of which, COMET is the smallest and most lightweight.

COMET is specifically designed for rapid deployments and mobile operations, delivering high bandwidth (5-60Mbps) and long-range connectivity (70km+) while operating efficiently with just 10 Watts of power—currently the only low-power Troposcatter system available. The COMET system uses a single 1-metre dish and the COMTECH CS67Plus Modem capable of up to 210Mbps, which takes the IP stream and directly converts to two RF outputs in the range 4.4-5Ghz to provide two frequencies, amplified by Dual 10W GaN amps (Dual LNA on the receive path). This allows for dual frequency/polarisation diversity that compensates for any fading/multi-path effects and ensures low latency (typically 9-20mS). In suitable conditions, the bandwidth, range and data transfer speeds can be much greater than specified. The COMET system is simple, intuitive, and easy to set up and does not require the use of vulnerable and expensive satellites. It has been developed to be man-portable and the whole system can be established and operational within 15 minutes. The COMET system comes packed in two small cases (25kg each) that can be transported on civilian aircraft if required.

Michael Davies, Business Development Manager at Spectra Group said: “This is a continuation of what we hope to be many procurements under our Troposcatter global distribution agreement with Comtech. We have been working closely with the Irish Defence Force for some time to find suitable solutions to their strategic communications challenges and help meet their national defence commitments. With many NATO countries already operating Troposcatter systems, COMET is the perfect solution for its reliability, capacity, deployability and interoperability both on the land and for maritime vessels.”

spectra-group.co.uk

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Rheinmetall Celebrates the Completion of the LAND 121 Program – Over 3,500 HX Trucks Delivered

Friday, February 21st, 2025

On 20 February 2025, Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles Australia (RMMVA) celebrated the successful conclusion of the LAND 121 Phase 3B/5B program together with the Australian Department of Defence. The Final Acceptance ceremony took place at Rheinmetall’s Military Vehicles Center of Excellence (MILVEHCOE) in Queensland. The Australian Defence Force procured its fleet of logistics vehicles based on the proven HX truck as part of the LAND 121 project. Over 3500 vehicles were delivered on time and within budget. RMMVA is the largest supplier of military logistics vehicles for the Australian Army.

The Final Acceptance Ceremony marks the successful completion of a just over ten-year procurement program on time and on budget. A total of 3,580 medium and heavy military logistics trucks and 3,165 modules and protected cabs have been delivered. The Australian HX fleet includes recovery vehicle, transporter, self-loading hook-lift, fuel truck, tractor and tipper configurations. Testing and verification was carried out at the Australian Automotive Research Centre (AARC) near Anglesea, Victoria.

Michael Wittlinger, Chief of Staff of Rheinmetall AG and Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles Australia Pty Ltd.: “The HX truck is the workhorse of the Australian Army and provides the Australian Defence Force with outstanding capabilities. The entire workforce of Rheinmetall Defence Australia and Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles Australia is grateful to have successfully completed the project together with the Commonwealth of Australia.”

“The first HX trucks procured under the LAND 121 Phase 3B/5B program entered service more than ten years ago. Since then, the HX truck has proven to be a mainstay for the Australian supply force.”

“These vehicles are the logistical backbone of the Australian Army, transporting troops, food, water and other equipment throughout Australia,” said Wittlinger.

“The HX trucks are built in the Austrian capital of Vienna by Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles. Final assembly of the Australian fleet was undertaken at Rheinmetall Defence Australia in south-east Queensland, and supported by our team members in Victoria and Queensland.”

With the procurement process complete, Rheinmetall is transitioning to support and sustain the HX fleet, utilising a national network of partners and suppliers.

“Our team of Field Service Representatives follow the members of the Australian Army with the HX trucks to all corners of Australia to ensure the reliability and serviceability of the vehicle fleet,” Mr Wittlinger said.

More than 20,000 RMMV HX trucks are in service with various NATO member and partner nations, providing crucial logistical capabilities and mobility for complex missions. Australia is part of an international HX user family that includes New Zealand, Germany, the United Kingdom, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Austria, Singapore and Canada.

The extremely robust HX trucks are military-off-the-shelf systems. They are powered by a six-cylinder in-line diesel engine. The maximum weight can be up to 41,000 kilograms. The vehicles can operate in temperatures ranging from -32° Celsius to +49° Celsius and can traverse water depths of more than 1.5 metres. Possible variants include: integrated and automated load handling system, swap body, crane, container carrier, recovery vehicle, tractor, tanker, tipper, system carrier and artillery system.

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