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Rheinmetall and Croatian Unmanned Ground System Manufacturer DOK-ING Set to Build Remote-Controlled UGSs Together in Future

Wednesday, October 30th, 2024

• The planned joint venture is foreseen to become the market leader in the segment of unmanned and remote-controlled combat and combat support vehicles.

• The first goal of the partnership is to jointly develop an unmanned system for mine scattering and counter-mobility operations. A corresponding system demonstrator is to be presented in 2025.

In the presence of the Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister of the Republic of Croatia Ivan Anuši? the Croatian UGS manufacturer DOK-ING and the Düsseldorf-based technology group Rheinmetall signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on 28 October 2024 to establish a joint venture. A special feature of this partnership is the entirely European origin and value creation, which should result in various unmanned ground systems (UGS).

The agreement provides for joint development and subsequent marketing of the new DOK-ING Komodo platform. Rheinmetall AG is contributing various capability modules/upgrade kits (e.g. for direct and indirect fire, mine-laying, reconnaissance sensors, logistics, etc.), as well as its international market access and industrial capacities.

The implementation of the MoU is subject to the prior approval of the relevant regulatory authorities, including the European Commission and the respective national competition authorities.

As Dr Björn Bernhard, head of the Vehicle Systems Europe division, explains: “DOK-ING and Rheinmetall represent two leading European suppliers in their field, joining forces to carry out challenging projects. Together, we aim to set new standards and pave the way for the series production and application of UGSs. We are addressing the European market as well as other partner nations.”

Vjekoslav Majeti, founder and President of the supervisory board of DOK-ING: “The technological and industrial synergies between DOK-ING and Rheinmetall represent a unique opportunity to develop state-of-the-art unmanned combat and armoured breaching systems in Europe. We see this agreement as a fundamental contribution to creating a common future.”

Within the framework of the future cooperation, numerous combat and combat support solutions will be developed, including a joint project for an unmanned armed support vehicle (known as a Wingman) for battle tanks and infantry fighting vehicles for reconnaissance and fire support is also to be developed. These shall be used in combination with already known classic Rheinmetall products, such as the KF51 Panther, the Büffel-3 armoured recovery vehicle and the Kodiak-3 armoured engineer vehicle.

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DroneShield Expands European Presence to Meet Surging Demand for Counterdrone Solutions

Wednesday, October 30th, 2024

Sydney, Australia – DroneShield (ASX:DRO), a world-leading innovator in counter-unmanned aerial systems (C-UAS), is proud to announce the expansion of its European footprint. This is in response to the escalating need for advanced counterdrone technologies across Europe. To enhance its regional capabilities, DroneShield has strategically appointed a team of elite experts, establishing a strong presence in both Denmark and Germany, alongside its network of experienced in-country sales channel partners throughout Europe.

The seasoned senior European team includes Hans Høyer, Asger Hviid, Oleksiy Prymin, and Red McClintock, each with deep expertise in counter-UAS technologies. This multilingual team, proficient in English, German, Ukrainian, French, and Scandinavian languages, is poised to provide localised support, offering tailored solutions to defence, security, and commercial sectors across the continent.

The expansion comes at a pivotal time, as Europe faces increasing threats from rogue drone activities in military, critical infrastructure, and government sectors. DroneShield’s battle-proven solutions are globally deployed to combat these evolving threats, and the company’s European team will provide immediate, on-the-ground support for customers and partners in the region.

Hans Høyer, DroneShield’s newly appointed Sales Director, stated, “We understand the importance of proximity of support for our customers, and are committed to providing bespoke solutions that address their unique challenges. Whether it’s for special forces, fixed installations, or mobile solutions, we’re committed to providing unrivalled expertise and service.”

MSPO, Kielce in September 2024

Driving Innovation and Speed in European Defence

Throughout 2024, DroneShield’s European team has been actively engaging with the continent’s defence and security sectors, attending high-profile industry events to showcase rapidly deployable C-UAS detection and defeat solutions. DroneShield’s difference lies in the speed and precision of its deployments. With an unmatched track record for swiftly delivering solutions to the field, the team’s presence reinforces the company’s commitment to providing battle-proven, scalable technologies that meet the pressing challenges of modern drone threats.

“Our attendance at these key events isn’t just about showcasing products, it’s about highlighting the speed at which we can provide actionable, real-world solutions,” said Høyer. “We’re bringing a new level of readiness to the table, ensuring our customers can count on DroneShield for the rapid, effective deployment of tailored C-UAS solutions.”

Eurosatory, Paris in June 2024

Strengthening European Defence with Local Expertise

The team’s launch makes a significant step in DroneShield’s rapid global expansion, reinforcing the company’s position as a leader in the defence technology space. By providing on-the-ground guidance, demonstrations, installations, and continued service support, the European team will ensure clients benefit from DroneShield’s market-leading innovations in counterdrone technology.

Backed by the innovation and resources of DroneShield’s global headquarters in Sydney, Australia, as well as DroneShield’s United States headquarters in Warrenton, Virginia, the European team’s local presence offers customers rapid response times and personalised service. From product demonstrations to installations and ongoing support, the team ensures customers receive comprehensive, real-time assistance to tackle drone threats with unparalleled effectiveness.

Farnborough International Airshow in July 2024

DroneShield’s CEO, Oleg?Vornik, commented, “With our expanded European presence, we are in a stronger position to meet the growing demands for counterdrone solutions in the region. Our team is not only bringing cutting-edge technology but also providing hands-on support to ensure each customer receives the best possible solution.”

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Saab Receives British Army Order to Support Live Training in Oman

Tuesday, October 29th, 2024

Saab has signed a £20M amendment to the Instrumented Live Training (ILT-D) contract signed in April 2024 with the UK Ministry of Defence. The amendment will deliver equipment and training support services for British Army training in Oman. Deliveries will take place 2024-2025.

The order includes Saab’s latest training and simulation equipment including a high-fidelity system which realistically and accurately replicates training engagements and ensures the activity is measurable and can be used to review and enhance training outcomes. The solution will operate as part of the MOD’s existing Tactical Engagement Simulation (TES) capability.

Saab will also provide training services to ensure optimal availability and performance at all stages. In addition to this, Saab will manage the Exercise Control (ExCon) environment including the captured data to support objective measurement of the training.

Andy Fraser, Group Managing Director, Saab UK said:
“We are pleased to continue our long-standing support to the British Army’s training systems in the UK as well as internationally. Interoperability is at the heart of Saab training and simulation solutions, and this contract will enable seamless cooperation with the Royal Army of Oman and other key international allies and partners.”

Simon Pearce, Training and Simulation Systems Portfolio Leader for Defence Equipment & Support, the contracting authority said:
“This significant contract amendment further solidifies the strong partnership between the British Army, the Royal Army of Oman, and Saab. It demonstrates our commitment to providing first-rate training for our forces, aligning with the evolving nature of warfare and the Collective Training Transformation Programme.”

The British Army’s system can be deployed globally, offering the flexibility to support training outside of Oman. Saab’s live simulation equipment integrates with other systems that use the applicable NATO standards.

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Gilat Received Over $4 Million Order from the US Department of Defense

Tuesday, October 29th, 2024

Gilat to provide DKET 3421 terminals for easy-to-deploy transportable satcom network hubs

Petah Tikva, Israel, October 28, 2024 — Gilat Satellite Networks Ltd. (Nasdaq: GILT, TASE: GILT), a worldwide leader in satellite networking technology, solutions and services, announced today that the US Department of Defense awarded another contract for more than $4 million to Gilat’s US-based subsidiary, DataPath, for DKET 3421 terminals, portable satcom hubs that provide the flexibility, capacity, connectivity, and control needed to ensure mission success anywhere in the world. The orders are expected to be delivered during the first half of 2025.

The DKET 3421 is an innovative solution to customers’ needs for a high-quality, reliable terminal for mission-critical communications. The field-proven DKET 3421 terminal supports multi-carrier operations with a scalable modem architecture (up to 32 modems). Weighing under 5000 lbs. with a reduced footprint, the DKET 3421 can be easily moved by a forklift. Deploying in less than three hours, the DKET 3421 provides a satellite network hub in the form of a single-skid with the flexibility to leverage available satellite assets.

“We’re excited to receive another order for our innovative DKET 3421 from our valued military customer. This order highlights the strong trust in our company and our proven ability to deliver mission-critical solutions that meet demanding requirements,” said Nicole Robinson, President of DataPath. “It also demonstrates once again our ability to provide reliable, highly portable, and high-performance network hubs to address our customers’ evolving needs.”

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Around 200 Combat Vehicles for Ukraine: Rheinmetall is Supplying 20 Additional Marder Infantry Fighting Vehicles

Monday, October 28th, 2024

Rheinmetall has handed over 20 additional Marder infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs) to the Ukrainian armed forces for their defence against the Russian aggressor. The delivery was completed at the end of the third quarter of 2024. This brings the total number of combat vehicles delivered directly to Ukraine or in the context of so-called ring exchanges (Ring¬tausch) to around 200.

A three-digit number of these systems are Marder 1A3 infantry fighting vehicles.

In addition, Rheinmetall has provided Marder infantry fighting vehicles and Leopard main battle tanks in double digits through a ring exchange process. The latest order for the delivery of 20 Marder, financed by the German government, is worth a mid double-digit million euro amount. The order intake has already been booked in March 2024.

The Marder 1A3 version being delivered by Rheinmetall to the Ukraine features additional laser rangefinders for efficient and precise target engagement. The first delivery of 20 combat vehicles of this type was arranged by Rheinmetall on behalf of the German government in March 2023; further deliveries followed, each in the double digits.

As early as in the spring of 2022, Rheinmetall began taking over and refurbishing Marder 1A3 IFVs from Bundeswehr stocks – initially at its own expense. Since then, the combat vehicles have been repaired for their immediate deployment. The work is carried out at the corporation’s sites in Unterlüß and Kassel.

The Marder is one of the most proven weapon systems of its kind worldwide. It was developed for the Bundeswehr, and is still in service there to some extent. Over the years, it has been modernised several times and its combat performance enhanced. In the meantime, the Puma has been introduced into the Bundeswehr, where it is gradually replacing the Marder in the army. Over 300 of the cutting-edge IFVs are now in use by the German armed forces.

Posted in International, Press Release | 1 Comment »

HENSOLDT to Host the Autumn Symposium of the “Förderkreis Heer” in Heidenheim

Thursday, October 24th, 2024

Presentations, technology demonstrations and a site visit are the focus of the two-day event.

Heidenheim (Germany), 23 October 2020 – Sensor solutions provider HENSOLDT, together with the Förderkreis Deutsches Heer (FKH) is hosting this year’s FKH Autumn Symposium, which will take place in Heidenheim on 23 and 24 October. The two-day event brings together representatives from politics, industry, research and the military to exchange views on current trends and technologies in defence technology.

The symposium includes a variety of technical presentations in which experts provide insights into various aspects of modern defence systems. Among other things, the future of network-enabled warfare, the further development of sensor and reconnaissance technologies, and innovative approaches to improving the protection and defence systems used in the land domain will be discussed. The presentations will provide an opportunity for detailed analysis and a professional exchange of ideas on current challenges and solutions. At the autumn symposium, HENSOLDT will also be presenting the latest generation of optronics systems and thermal imagers for the Leopard 2, PUMA and Boxer RCT30 tanks.

A key element of the event is the field demonstration of the Military Utility Vehicle (MUV). This demonstrates innovative reconnaissance capabilities through the integration of land-based networked sensors. During a field demonstration, the MUV can detect camouflaged combat vehicles using machine learning algorithms and transmit the information in real time to a networked command and control information system. Equipped with an AI-based reconnaissance assistant, the MUV also supports command and control by passing targets between the vehicle’s workstations. Networked sensors such as laser warners and optronics enable automatic threat detection, making the MUV a crucial component of modern combat operations.

Participants will also be able to experience HENSOLDT’s target optics in action at a specially designed firing range. These optics, which impress with their high precision and reliability, are part of the modern equipment that HENSOLDT already supplies for military and security applications, such as the ‘Infantryman of the Future’ system (german: Infanterist der Zukunft, short: IDZ) for the German Army.

In addition to the technical presentations, the participants of the autumn symposium will have the opportunity to visit the HENSOLDT site in Oberkochen. The modern site reflects the company’s continuous investment in research and development. The site is working on innovative solutions that will help shape the defence technology of the future.

“HENSOLDT sees itself as a driving force in the development of innovative technologies for defence and security. As a proven partner and supplier of the German Army, we attach particular importance to providing solutions that meet the growing demands of modern digitised warfare,” explained Christian Ladurner, CFO of HENSOLDT AG, in his opening speech. “Our position as a technology provider is underpinned not only by groundbreaking products, but also by our commitment to promoting cooperation between industry and the military.”

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Brigantes Announces New Stock of Hilleberg Tactical Equipment Available for Immediate Order Fulfilment

Wednesday, October 23rd, 2024

Brigantes, a leading extreme cold weather supplier of tactical on-the-soldier equipment and apparel, has recently announced the procurement of a high volume of tactical stock from esteemed global tentmaker, Hilleberg. This move toward increased production capacity marks a significant chapter in Hilleberg’s story and an exciting development for Brigantes’ partners and clients.

Whilst a portion of the Hilleberg stock has been pre-allocated to orders from key military units, a large quantity is available for immediate order fulfilment. The range encompasses several of Hilleberg’s cutting-edge shelter solutions, including those with military specific adaptations, designed specifically for tactical end users. By expanding their inventory with Hilleberg stock, Brigantes are positioning themselves to be able to fulfil urgent operational requirements for cold weather deployments.

Matthew Williams, Brigantes CEO, commented:

“I can’t overstate how exciting it is to be in a position where we can hold such substantial volumes of Hilleberg tactical stock in our warehouse. Hilleberg is renowned as the unrivalled leader in the design and development of superior quality tents – they’re complete sticklers for quality and won’t accept anything less than the highest standards possible. With the rapid increase in cold weather deployments, this investment means that we can ensure units have immediate access to this vital product range.”

Widely respected as the leading tentmaker in the game, Hilleberg was established in 1971. Founded upon a keen passion and intrinsic understanding of everything outdoors, this family-run business is still going strong over 50 years later. Their range of military-specific tents have been designed for enhanced durability and superior performance in challenging tactical environments, making them an obvious choice for armed forces personnel.

For more information or to discuss placing an order, please contact Brigantes: brigantes.com/contact

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Mehler Protection’s Key Showcases at SEECAT and Future Forces 2024

Tuesday, October 22nd, 2024

FULDA, GERMANY (21.10.2024)

As the 2024 trade show season concludes, Mehler Protection proudly showcased its comprehensive range of ballistic protection solutions at both SEECAT in Tokyo and Future Forces in Prague.

At SEECAT, Japan’s premier counter-terrorism event, Mehler Protection emphasised the importance of enhancing security measures in today’s global climate. The booth featured an extensive array of personal ballistic protection solutions, including ballistic panels, waistcoats, covert vests, helmets, and the adaptable M.U.S.T. system. Additionally, the innovative PROTEC3D line was highlighted, showcasing a 3D-printed armour sensor case that underscores the integration of advanced technology into protective solutions.

At Future Forces, a critical platform for international defence and security networking, Mehler Protection displayed advanced ballistic solutions tailored for military and law enforcement. Key offerings included hard- and soft-ballistic panels, riot gear, and modular systems like MOBAST and M.U.S.T., designed for adaptability and agility.

Looking ahead to 2025, Mehler Systems, alongside its sub-brands—Mehler Protection, Lindnerhof, and UF PRO—will actively participate in various defence and tactical events, continuing to showcase their commitment to innovative advancements in ballistic protection, tactical gear, and tactical apparel.

For more information on upcoming exhibitions and engagements, please visit the Mehler Systems event page.

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