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Rohde & Schwarz Supplies Combat Net Radio for Bundeswehr

Friday, December 8th, 2023

Rohde & Schwarz is the driving force for equipping the German armed forces digital modernization effort with the latest radio communications technology.

Munich, December 7, 2023 – Rohde & Schwarz is pleased to announce its continuous delivery for German armed forces (Bundeswehr) combat net radio (CNR) program, following the selection and contract signing in December 2022 and the recent final confirmation of the procurement. These radios will equip a multitude of the Bundeswehr’s operational platforms and soldiers in command functions. A significant number of communications devices have already been delivered, demonstrating Rohde & Schwarz’ production excellence.

The selected CNR, based on the system and waveforms of the Joint Service Interoperable Radio Equipment (SVFuA) developed and introduced for the Bundeswehr, is already in use in key systems of the land forces. It includes various interoperable form factors, such as vehicle and handheld radios, fixed stations, backpack radios, and a tactical radio for airborne platforms. It provides secure and jam-resistant networking with the Bundeswehr’s national waveforms in parallel to trans-European interoperability with the ESSOR OC1 waveform.

“We are very proud of the selection to equip our land forces with top-notch communication solutions,” said Alexander Philipp, Managing Director of Rohde & Schwarz Vertriebs-GmbH. “The high-rate deliveries of the radio equipment pave the way for a timely provision of the Army with cutting-edge communication and radio technology, marking a major step towards the modernization and digitalization of the Bundeswehr, including the contributions along Germany’s commitments to NATO and EU.”

“We are confident that our communication solutions will greatly enhance the Bundeswehr’s capabilities and support their mission-critical operations. We look forward to support the Bundeswehr and the selected platform integrators to ensure a seamless integration of our communication systems into the overarching architecture and the various platforms.”

The partnership between Rohde & Schwarz and the Bundeswehr highlights the company’s ability to provide leading market-available technology and reinforces the position of Rohde & Schwarz as a trusted partner for defense forces worldwide.

Posted in Comms, Contracts, International, Press Release | Comments Off on Rohde & Schwarz Supplies Combat Net Radio for Bundeswehr

Italian Air Force Flies New MQ-9A Block 5 RPA from GA-ASI

Wednesday, December 6th, 2023

Delivery of New Block 5 and GCS Part of Mid-Life Modernization of ItAF’s RPA Fleet

SAN DIEGO – 05 December 2023 – On Nov. 9, 2023, the Italian Air Force (ItAF) made its first flight of a new MQ-9A Block 5 Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) built by General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI). The new RPA was delivered to the ItAF, along with a new Mobile Ground Control Station (MGCS), as part of a Mid-Life Modernization (MLM) update to the ItAF fleet of RPAs from GA-ASI. The aircraft and MGCS are part of a Foreign Military Sale.

The Block 5 RPA provides a significant increase in electrical power generation, auto takeoff and landing capability with improved landing gear and datalinks, and the latest version of the GA-ASI Lynx® Multi-mode Radar.

“The Italian Air Force has long been a leader in using the MQ-9 Reaper to support a wide range of Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions in Italy, over the Mediterranean, and in support of NATO operations,” said GA-ASI Vice President of International Strategic Development Jaime Walters. “The delivery of this new Block 5 and MGCS will help to update the Italian Air Force’s existing fleet.”

The ItAF’s current fleet of RPAs from GA-ASI consists of four Block 1s and two Block 15 MGCSs.

Posted in International, Press Release, UAS | Comments Off on Italian Air Force Flies New MQ-9A Block 5 RPA from GA-ASI

Jankel Launches New Armoured Toyota Land Cruiser LC300

Wednesday, December 6th, 2023

Jankel, a world-leader in the design and manufacture of high-specification defence, security and NGO protection systems, has announced the formal product launch of their new armoured Toyota Land Cruiser LC300 vehicle. Jankel is an exceedingly well-established supplier in the world of Civilian Armoured Vehicles (CAVs) and this new armoured variant of the latest Toyota Land Cruiser 300 model is claimed to be a “best in class” product.

Delivering unprecedented levels of protection, functionality and reliability based upon many years of user feedback, the new Jankel LC300 is already being sought after by a multitude of global defence ministries and Non-Government Organisations (NGO’s).

Having qualified the LC300 to the latest edition 3 of the international VPAM BRV and ERV (VR7) standards, Jankel has invested to ensure the developed platform provides the very best protection to its UK home market customers and maximises its export potential to the wider international user groups. Jankel is proud to be the very first to certify their VR7 vehicle with a 2m side blast in accordance with Edition 3 which uses biofidelic dummies to understand the true impacts to the vehicle occupants. The Jankel LC300 has been designed with a bolt in armour solution, electric systems modularity, and unique patented technologies to provide customers with a 10-year service life.

The formal product launch comes as a comprehensive development programme draws to a close.

Understanding the requirement to deliver a future-proofed design from the outset inclusive of customer options, Jankel has taken time to develop and test their design with key differentiators, not wishing to rush to enter the market until absolutely ready to do so. As a result, Jankel’s new LC300 delivers ‘best in class’ protection, safety, capability and functionality including a protection certified for a third row of seats, allowing for 7 people.

Andrew Jankel, Chairman at Jankel Group said: “I’m very proud to be able to formally launch our new LC300 – it’s an exciting product that I have every confidence will meet our customers ever growing needs and expectations. Our development and testing programme has been careful, exacting and supremely comprehensive, delivering a vehicle that benefits from many years of user feedback leading to detailed and innovative product design. We have not rushed this, we’ve taken our time to get it absolutely right and provide a long lasting differentiated product offering”. He added: “As well as the more obvious targets of compliance, protection and safety, our new product is also very focused on through-life reliability and maintainability – essential for fleet managers and operators across the globe. We’ve not just aimed at passing the international standard protection tests, we’ve reached beyond that to enhance the overall performance and operability in every way possible. Our combination of production price and service life offer excellent value for money. I’m very pleased indeed with the team’s efforts and obvious results as we now present our new LC300 to the global markets”.

www.jankel.com/products/civilian-armoured-vehicles/vr7-armoured-toyota-lc300

Posted in Armor, International, Mobility, Press Release | Comments Off on Jankel Launches New Armoured Toyota Land Cruiser LC300

Rheinmetall Wins Major Artillery Ammunition Order for Ukraine Worth Over €140 Million

Tuesday, December 5th, 2023

Rheinmetall has won a large-volume order for supporting Ukraine with artillery ammunition. The Düsseldorf-based tech enterprise has been tasked with supplying Kyiv with artillery rounds worth around €142 million. The order encompasses tens of thousands of complete 155mm artillery shells, including the projectile, fuse (for the explosive charge), propellant and primer (for igniting the propellant). The customer is a NATO partner nation whose declared intention is to support Ukraine in its defensive struggle with effective long-term military aid.

The shells will be produced by Rheinmetall Expal Munitions, the Group’s newly acquired Spanish subsidiary. The current contract highlights Rheinmetall’s role as the world’s largest producer of ammunition, especially in the large calibre domain. The ammunition will be delivered in 2025. Production and delivery of around 40,000 rounds for Ukraine from an earlier order is already due to take place in 2024.

As recently as mid-October 2023, the German government placed an order with Rheinmetall for over 100,000 rounds of 155mm ammunition earmarked for Ukraine – once again from Rheinmetall Expal Munitions – as well as additional DM 121 high explosive shells. The order is worth a figure in the mid-three-digit million-euro range.

Demand for artillery ammunition is currently very high, due not just to Ukraine’s requirements but also the need to replenish the largely empty ammunition depots of Germany and other NATO and EU countries. Rheinmetall plans a massive increase in ammunition production capacity in 2024 at its plants in Germany, Spain, South Africa and Australia, bringing annual output capacity to around 700,000 artillery rounds.

Rheinmetall currently has multiyear framework contracts for supplying the German Bundeswehr with several hundred rounds of artillery ammunition worth over €1 billion.

Posted in Ammo, Contracts, International, Press Release | Comments Off on Rheinmetall Wins Major Artillery Ammunition Order for Ukraine Worth Over €140 Million

NFM Opens the Hjelm Lounge

Monday, December 4th, 2023

NFM has created an online lounge for all things Hjelm.

Content includes some very cool Video & Animation, Tales & Insights, and the Hjelm Catalog.

nfm.no/hjelm4gen

Posted in Helmets, International | 2 Comments »

Luminae OTB (Over The Buckle) Pouch

Monday, December 4th, 2023

The Luminae OTB (Over The Buckle) pouch is designed to give the user 360 degrees of usable belt space. The pouch is placed over the top of the buckle on a shooters belt, the user simply fastens the belt together and then clip the pouches male end into the female end mounted on the belt.

The OTB Pouch is perfect for holding gloves, TQ’s, Cyalumes/glow sticks, smoke grenades, shotgun shells and admin equipment. Basically any small mission critical equipment.

To fit the pouch simple place your belt buckle through one of the loops and the back of the pouch and place the belt mounted clip to the shooters belt.

www.Luminae.co.uk

Posted in Guest Post, International, Load Carrying | 3 Comments »

ePIG Presents: The Ultimate Camo Comparison – NATO vs Commercial Patterns

Sunday, December 3rd, 2023

My friends in Germany at ePIG Group have produced a new video called “The ultimate camouflage comparison – NATO (KSK, Bundeswehr, US Army, USMC…) vs commercial patterns.” It’s quite extensive at an hour and a half, and there’s a lot you can glean from the video including some info on Phantomleaf.

Posted in Camo, International, Media | 7 Comments »

Sneak Peek – Pohl Force Prepper S.E.R.E.

Friday, December 1st, 2023

With the Prepper One series, Pohl Force introduced a completely new knife concept for bushcrafters and outdoor enthusiasts in 2016: Compact in overall size, a blade length that complies with German weapons regulations (below 12 cm) and a hollow handle for storing survival utensils. After just a short time, Dietmar Pohl’s design became a real classic among outdoor fans.

In 2023, the Prepper One formed the basis for the further development of a completely new generation, which now focuses on the needs of crew members of civilian and, in particular, military aircraft. The term S.E.R.E. refers to the ability to survive, evade, resist and escape. The Prepper S.E.R.E. was developed with this application profile in mind.

Coming this month from www.pohlforce.de.

Posted in International, Knives | Comments Off on Sneak Peek – Pohl Force Prepper S.E.R.E.