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Rheinmetall and Auterion are Working Together on Drone Technology and Developing Standard Operating System for Military Industries

Tuesday, December 10th, 2024

Rheinmetall, a leading system supplier for defence technology and Auterion, the leading supplier of drone operating systems, will be working closely together to develop standardised software-based components for unmanned drone systems. The two companies signed an agreement, thereby establishing a long-term co-operation.

The two partners are combining their expertise in order to create a military industry standard for controlling and operating unmanned aerial, land and naval drone systems. The co-operation includes joint product development and sales activities for unmanned platforms. The resulting homogeneous operating system is expected to provide military users with a significant advantage.

As a drone manufacturer, Rheinmetall is drawing on the operational experience gained from the Luna NG and Aladin systems and incorporating it into its work with the customer. Various drone systems from the Düsseldorf-based technology group have already been in service for many years with the German Armed Forces / Bundeswehr and have been deployed in Ukraine for several months.

Dr Timo Haas, Chief Digital Officer at Rheinmetall AG, explains: “We see over two hundred different aerial unmanned systems in Ukraine. This makes military training very costly and time-consuming, and system interoperability is not guaranteed. Co-operation with Auterion and the development of a homogeneous operating system will enable the efficient and scalable deployment of unmanned systems. With our approach, there will be no need for system-dependent user training or system-specific integration into an overall system network in the future”.

Lorenz Meier, CEO of Auterion: “In the future, drones will be used in large quantities and, like computers and smartphones, they need a common operating system to make this happen. AuterionOS allows the customer to combine all drones on a common basis and to integrate different manufacturers into a common architecture. Our software stack has already been tried and tested in operation and thus enables software-defined defence”.

Posted in Industry, International, Press Release, Tac Apps, UAS, Unmanned Systems | Comments Off on Rheinmetall and Auterion are Working Together on Drone Technology and Developing Standard Operating System for Military Industries

DEEPRobotics’ Lynx – The Wheeled Quadrupred

Tuesday, December 10th, 2024

Chinese company DEEPRobotics specializes in Quadraped robots. Recently, they invoked a wheeled version called the Lynx.

The Lynx weighs 30 kg and stands 80cm high with a step height of 22 cm. It will carry a 12 kg payload and move at 5 m/s for 3 hours. It is equipped with a 1080P wide-angle EO camera.

Below is a promotional video of it in action and definitely worth a watch for its out of the box thinking. Robots can take any form and aren’t constrained by natural selection. If we can dream it, we can build it.

Posted in International, Robotics | 1 Comment »

Japan Maritime Defense Force Selects SeaGuardians From GA-ASI

Thursday, December 5th, 2024

SAN DIEGO – 03 December 2024 – The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) has selected the General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) SeaGuardian® Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) systems for its Long Endurance Unmanned Aerial Vehicle program. This follows JMSDF use of SeaGuardian since May 2023 as part of its Medium-Altitude, Long Endurance (MALE) RPA System Trial Operations Project.
SeaGuardian has been used by JMSDF to conduct various tests including whether unmanned aircraft can supplant some of the missions currently accomplished with manned aircraft. SeaGuardian is a MALE RPA system that can fly for 24 hours or more, depending on the configuration.
GA-ASI has strengthened its Maritime Wide Area Surveillance (MWAS) for Japan with Optix+, which gathers information from the SeaGuardian sensors, as well as other data sources, displaying the full picture of surveillance information for its operator. This functionality makes it easy to task and direct its Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) information in real time. GA-ASI’s Optix+ software suite rapidly correlates and exploits collected data into an easily shared common operational picture. Having multi-source correlated data enables automatic detection of anomalous behaviors over waters.
SeaGuardian features two multi-mode maritime surface-search radars with an Inverse Synthetic Aperture Radar (ISAR) imaging mode, an Automatic Identification System (AIS) receiver, and a High-Definition – Full-Motion Video sensor equipped with optical and infrared cameras as well as electronic intelligence receivers. This sensor suite enables real-time detection and identification of surface vessels over thousands of square nautical miles and provides automatic tracking of maritime targets and correlation of AIS transmitters with radar and electronic intelligence tracks.

Posted in International, Press Release, UAS | Comments Off on Japan Maritime Defense Force Selects SeaGuardians From GA-ASI

Direct Action SWAGs: Casual Gear, Tactical Edge

Thursday, December 5th, 2024

Direct Action® has its roots in the special forces world, and we’re proud to be a part of it. For us, just as for SOF operators, it’s not just a job—it’s a lifestyle. This shared mindset drives everything we do, from designing gear to embracing the challenges of this unique way of life. A life built around mission focus, tackling challenges head-on, and sharing a sharp, sometimes unconventional sense of humor. Our designers live this life as well, which is why they understand what operators truly need. And while Direct Action® is all about crafting top-tier tactical gear, we also know how to have a little fun.

That’s why we’re excited to introduce our latest SWAGs collection—a line of hoodies, T-shirts, patches, and beanies designed for everyday wear. Whether you want to showcase your tactical roots or simply enjoy casual comfort with a touch of tactical style, this gear is designed to meet your expectations.

The SWAGs lineup includes:

Hoodies: Into the Dark, Sunset, Shaka
Long-sleeve shirts: Rope, No Loud!
T-shirts: ART NVG, Shaka, Sunset, Rope, Skeleton
Fan patches: Into the Dark, Shaka, Sunset, No Loud!
Winter beanie: Shaka Merino Beanie in two color variants

The hoodies are made from a cotton and polyester blend (65/35%), complemented with high-quality prints. Meanwhile, the T-shirts and long-sleeve shirts are made from 100% cotton with a weight of 180 g/m2. As for the winter cap, it’s entirely made of merino wool and available in two colors: black and ranger green. For patch collectors – three models from the SWAGs offer are woven in jacquard technology, while the fourth – Patch Shaka – is embroidered.

As always, we maintain our commitment to the highest standards of quality – all products in this series are manufactured in Europe.

Add some Direct Action® style to your everyday wardrobe and #GoLoud!

Posted in Clothing, International, Morale, Press Release | Comments Off on Direct Action SWAGs: Casual Gear, Tactical Edge

Elbit Systems UK Delivers Full Suite of Fires Training to the British Armed Forces

Thursday, December 5th, 2024

I/ITSEC, Florida – 4th December 2024: Elbit Systems UK (ESUK), a defence technology business, has completed the System Acceptance Trials (SAT) for the mobile component of the Joint Fires Synthetic Trainer (Mobile) (JFST(M)). JFST delivers high-fidelity immersive training for troops who direct fires from artillery, combat aircraft, helicopters, or Uncrewed Aerial Vehicles – known as Joint Fires Operators. With the completion of these final trials, ESUK has delivered its sixth and final JFST training platform type to Front-Line Commands.

This milestone means that ESUK has delivered all six capabilities of the JFST platform to the British Armed Forces. ESUK previously delivered five of the six different variants of JSFT systems to bases across the UK including at the Royal School of Artillery, Larkhill, and the Air Ground Operations School at RAF Leeming. The systems fielded include a 285-degree dome for JTAC training, versions to provide mounted and dismounted training as well as the capabilities to provide the training needed for personnel to conduct battle group level exercises. To date, JFST has delivered over 12,000 hours of training to British Armed Forces and NATO allies.

The inaugural deployment of JFST(M) training has been delivered to 3 Commando Brigade Fires Personnel in Scotland. With further training exercises planned, the family of JFST training solutions offers users a fully immersive experience, allowing users to sense, decide and control joint effects without the need for expensive military assets – bearing cost efficiencies for all branches of the Armed Forces and boosting training capacity.

The JFST training system is part of ESUK’s solutions-based approach to working with the British Armed Forces. With a wide selection of training on offer, the business’ innovative approach provides full training solutions without the need to combine live air, land, and sea assets – saving Armed Forces time and money.

The 285-degree dome system has also passed US and NATO accreditation meaning that it can be used by allied nations to provide JTAC and joint fires training to deliver better prepared Armed Forces Personnel.

Martin Fausset, CEO of Elbit Systems UK said:

“JFST is a highly capable and technologically advanced training system which has demonstrated the benefits synthetic training can provide to the British Armed Forces. We will continue to support this training for all branches of the Armed Forces”.

Posted in Contracts, International, Press Release, Training | Comments Off on Elbit Systems UK Delivers Full Suite of Fires Training to the British Armed Forces

Spectre Military Equipment – Protected Compass Pouch

Wednesday, December 4th, 2024

While most of us in the US rely on the issue Lensatic Compass, many use various versions of the Silva line.

Manufactured from laser cut Cordura, the pouch is reinforced with Curv’s PauaSkin to offer rigidity and protect the compass.

Additionally, the compass can be accessed from top or bottom and there’s a tether eyelet inside so you can tie it down.

Now this is interesting, it’s available with two different attachment variants.

The MOLLE variant features PALS and the tear away variant is backed with Velcro hook which fits directly onto the loop MOLLE backer so you can remove the whole thing quickly.

Available in any color as long as it’s MultiCam.

www.spectremilitary.co.uk/product-page/protected-compass-case

Posted in International, Load Carrying | 1 Comment »

15 Companies Pitch Their Capabilities at GA-ASI’s Blue Magic Netherlands

Tuesday, December 3rd, 2024

Nov. 19 Event Hosted by GA-ASI and Supported by Lockheed Martin Ventures
and Brainport Attracts Cross-Section of Netherlands’ High-Tech Sector

SAN DIEGO – 02 December 2024 – On November 19, 2024, General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) hosted its first Blue Magic Netherlands (BMN) event in Eindhoven, the Netherlands. Approximately 200 people attended the event that provided Dutch businesses with an opportunity to present their capabilities to GA-ASI and other companies interested in possible collaborations. GA-ASI was joined for the event by the Netherlands Ministry of Economic Affairs, the Netherlands Ministry of Defence, Lockheed Martin Ventures, Brainport Development, Brabant Development Agency (BOM), the Netherlands Industries for Defence & Security (NIDV), and SpaceNED.

At this event, GA-ASI and its partners heard first-hand from Dutch companies about the important capabilities they are developing. The process started in July when GA-ASI put out an open invitation to Dutch businesses to apply for the opportunity to present innovative technologies at the November 19 event. Key areas of focus included Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning, Autonomy, Advanced Materials, Sensors, Advanced Manufacturing, and Space. Close to 50 companies applied and after reviewing the applications, 15 businesses were selected to pitch their capabilities to an audience that included lightweight lattice structures, gas detection technologies, advanced battery and photonics applications, and several innovative unmanned system and AI applications, among many others.

“This event is where the rubber meets the road,” said Brad Lunn, Managing Director-Strategic Finance at GA-ASI. “In addition to attracting many companies, we increased the areas of expertise and depth of knowledge from the presenting companies in order to provide research, development, and breakthrough innovations to support current and future missions by GA-ASI aircraft. We also wanted to give the companies an opportunity to pitch in front of other potential customers, partners, and investors.”

The first Blue Magic event held by GA-ASI was in 2019 in Belgium, with subsequent events held in 2020, 2021, and 2023. GA-ASI is deliveringeight MQ-9A Remotely Piloted Aircraft to the Royal Netherlands Air Force (RNLAF).

GA-ASI expects to announce technology partnerships stemming from the BMN event and intends to hold this event on an annual basis in the Netherlands.

Posted in Industry, International, Press Release | Comments Off on 15 Companies Pitch Their Capabilities at GA-ASI’s Blue Magic Netherlands

Agreements Signed: Rheinmetall and Lithuania Begin Construction of Modern Artillery Ammunition Production Plant

Friday, November 29th, 2024

Lithuania and Rheinmetall are beginning construction of a modern production plant for 155mm artillery ammunition. The necessary contracts, including a land lease agreement and a supply contract for the procurement of 155mm ammunition, were signed at a ceremony held on 29 November 2024. The Prime Minister of Lithuania, Ms Ingrida Šimonyt?, the Lithuanian Minister for the Economy and Innovation, Ms Aušrin? Armonaite, and the Lithuanian Minister of National Defence, Mr Laurynas Kas?i?nas, attended the event.

With the start of construction in Baisogala, Lithuania is taking a further step towards strengthening its defence sector. A state-of-the-art production facility, including a shell manufacturing and load assembly pack, is being built in the municipality on an area of around 340 hectares. The facility will begin operations from mid-2026 and, once completed, will be able to produce tens of thousands of 155mm calibre artillery shells per year. 180 million euros are invested directly in Lithuania. Around 150 jobs will be created locally. Local companies and the local economy will be integrated into the value chain.

“From day one, the dialogue between the Lithuanian Government and Rheinmetall has been based on a mutual understanding of this project’s necessity and urgency. I am very pleased that today, this cooperation has enabled the beginning of construction of the artillery ammunition production plant. Our defence needs, the importance of the shortest possible supply chains, and strong allied partnership between Lithuania and Germany underscore the need to maintain the momentum as we continue to work in the same spirit of cooperation,” says Ingrida Šimonyt?, Prime Minister of Lithuania.

“We at Rheinmetall are very grateful for the trust Lithuania has placed in us. It is and remains our aspiration at Rheinmetall to be one of the pillars of national and international security provision. This long-term partnership with Lithuania confirms this once again,” says Armin Papperger, CEO of Rheinmetall AG.

“In light of the growing security challenges, we must move beyond words and take concrete steps to strengthen our nation’s defence capabilities. By fostering large-scale investment projects and enabling local production of weaponry, we not only address national security needs but also reduce our dependence on arms procured from international markets. I have no doubt that Lithuania is moving in the right direction, and it is promising to see global leaders like Rheinmetall choosing to be part of this progress,” says Aušrin? Armonait?, the Minister of the Economy and Innovation.

“The establishment of the German defense industry company Rheinmetall’s ammunition factory in Lithuania is not only significant in the context of the defense industry‘s development but will also address the needs of our armed forces. It was quite a complex process, but I am pleased and grateful to my colleagues that, through joint efforts, we managed to reach an agreement on this historic and important project for our national security,” notes Laurynas Kas?i?nas, the Minister of Defence.

As recently as June 2024, Rheinmetall and the Lithuanian Minister of Economy and Innovation Armonaite signed an agreement regulating the establishment of the German defence company Rheinmetall in Lithuania. The project was granted the status of ‘state significance’. As a result, the Lithuanian Centre of Excellence for Ammunition will benefit from special investment and business conditions to speed up the construction of the plant.

Posted in Ammo, Industry, International, Press Release | Comments Off on Agreements Signed: Rheinmetall and Lithuania Begin Construction of Modern Artillery Ammunition Production Plant