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Offshore Windmill Farm Connection to Power Grid: Rheinmetall Clears Explosive Ordnances in Baltic Sea

Sunday, November 24th, 2024

The Düsseldorf-based Technology Corporation Rheinmetall has gained a valuable order for clearing explosive ordnances in the Baltic Sea in order to establish the condition for connecting an offshore windmill-farm to the power grid. The value of this commissioning is within a low double-digit million Euro range.

The order to Rheinmetall was placed by grid operator 50Hertz within the OST-6-1 project and contains the detection of contaminations, their identi¬fication, the documentation, and hence, the recovery of explosive ordnances. Recovered trans¬portable contaminated waste and remains of weapons will be handed-over to the authorities or blown up on site.

This is the first major order for the Cooperation concerning offshore explosives ordnances detection and clearing. The offshore work to be carried out by Rheinmetall Project Solutions GmbH began in July 2024 and is expected to be completed in May 2025.

The commissioning underlines Rheinmetall’s expertise in the field of offshore explosive ordnance detection and safe clearance, in which all legal and environmental aspects are taken into account.

The aim is to clear the area in order to enable grid operator 50Hertz to lay offshore extra-high voltage cables and install two offshore platforms off the coast of the Fischland-Darß region. This project involves Rheinmetall AG being the project lead, alongside specialized companies from Germany and Norway.

Posted in International, Power, Press Release | 1 Comment »

Milrem Robotics Has Selected Texelis as a Strategic Supplier for the Development of Next-Generation Robotic Combat Vehicles

Friday, November 22nd, 2024

Milrem Robotics, the world’s leading robotics and autonomous systems developer, has selected Texelis, a global supplier of advanced mobility systems for defence and security, as a strategic supplier to manufacture mobility subsystems for a new generation of robotic combat vehicles (RCVs) Milrem Robotics is developing.

Texelis will supply Milrem Robotics with a cutting-edge Tank Electrified Drivetrain to assist in creating highly capable, modular, 12+ ton robotic platforms designed to meet the demands of modern warfare. The new RCVs will be tailored to enhance the operational capabilities of armed forces, providing unprecedented mobility, protection, and advanced technological integration on the battlefield.

“Selecting Texelis as our strategic supplier of mobility subsystems is a crucial step in developing our next-generation robotic combat vehicles. Their proven expertise in delivering advanced mobility systems will ensure our platforms are unmatched in their ability to traverse complex terrains and operate in the most challenging battlefield scenarios,” said Kuldar Väärsi, CEO of Milrem Robotics.

“Milrem has excellent cooperation with the French defence industry already, and cooperating with Texelis will enhance this further,” Väärsi added.

“Texelis is thrilled to have been selected by a company such as Milrem Robotics, the undisputed world leader in robotics and autonomous solutions. Working on their new generation of combat systems is a fantastic opportunity for us to keep growing as a partner of choice for mobility. Getting aboard is a huge strategic step to see us getting into the tracked vehicle market, a new universe to add to our core expertise. Alongside a customer like Milrem, mobility has no limit!” commented Jean Vandel, CEO , Texelis.

Texelis will provide a high-performance Tank Electrified Drivetrain based on its extensive experience producing drivetrains and suspension solutions for armoured vehicles. This drivetrain will enable the new RCVs to operate in highly challenging terrain with superior endurance and manoeuvrability.

Leveraging Texelis’ technology, Milrem Robotics will utilize its established proficiency in developing unmanned ground vehicles to create a robust, scalable, modular, and mission-flexible RCV platform.

The cooperation allows Milrem Robotics to leverage France’s renowned vehicle mobility and engineering expertise. The cooperation will contribute to the European defence ecosystem, fostering greater industrial cooperation and ensuring the continent’s defence forces have access to state-of-the-art, homegrown robotic solutions. The collaboration aligns with broader European defence objectives, including autonomy in key technologies and increased regional security through strategic partnerships.

Posted in International, Press Release, Robotics | No Comments »

Forsway Secures 2.3 MEUR Funding from the European Space Agency to Build Xtend 5G, an Independent Satellite Connectivity System

Wednesday, November 20th, 2024

Stockholm, November 13, 2024: Forsway, provider of cost-efficient hybrid satellite terrestrial solutions and equipment for broadband connectivity, secures a major development funding contract from the European Space Agency (ESA) with support from the Swedish National Space Agency (SNSA). In the new project, Xtend 5G, Forsway will build a next generation 5G NTN two-way/hybrid satellite connectivity system enabling the combined use of satellite and ground infrastructure to provide seamless connectivity anywhere, regardless of network. Xtend 5G will provide European government, defence, emergency services and critical infrastructure sectors with seamless connectivity anywhere, anytime, in an open or closed network and with full system control.

The Xtend 5G development will be co-funded by ESA’s ARTES 4.0 Space for 5G/6G & Sustainable Connectivity programme line. The Xtend 5G system will be an independent connectivity solution to satellite platforms with the aim of providing a main connectivity source or essential backup for a critical system. The white label solution will enable any security solution being ported on top.

-Tobias Forsell, CEO at Forsway, “We are thrilled to launch this exciting partnership with ESA & SNSA. The new communication system will be a highly beneficial tool for security, government organizations, the energy sector and others demanding secure, robust, and fast communication where full control over the connectivity ecosystem is crucial. Xtend 5G can be employed in an open or closed network format.”

“To meet strict requirements of government and public agencies, we will offer a highly customizable and fully secure solution to address their needs. Additionally, Xtend 5G will provide a robust backup connection for critical infrastructure installations that may be vulnerable due to geographical location.”

Antonio Franchi, ESA Head of the 5G/6G NTN Programme Office, “We believe hybrid communication technologies that integrate satellite, 5G NTN and mobile networks will play an important role in future connectivity ecosystems. ESA is interested in supporting private sector companies that can enhance ground segments for future satellite systems in Europe and boost regional capacity with comprehensive, dual-use technology and highly dependable connectivity. We are pleased to support Forsway in this unique project with funding, guidance, and expertise.”

Posted in Comms, International, Press Release, Space | No Comments »

Embracing the Future with Advanced AI and UAV Technology – Made in Wales Dragon Mk3 D-25

Wednesday, November 20th, 2024

Together with our partners, UAVE Ltd, we continue to expand our range of British-designed and manufactured drones.

Consistent with the company policy of CANEI, (Continuous And Never Ending Innovation) we have test flown and confirmed a new heavy lift wing for the Mk3 D-15 to increase payload capacity to 25 kilos. The D-25.

“The D-25 is identical to the long-established highly reliable Mk3 D-15, which has flown many hundreds of hours. The new D-25 with a larger wingspan of 4.65m has delivered on our expectations.

“Waiting in the wings is also a further spial development from our design and engineering teams, to focus on a twin-enginefurther enhanced D-50 aircraft. This would have a payload capacity of 50 kg and full redundancy across all aircraft systems” explained Philip Slater, MD.

In 1999, BCB in Cardiff designed and made its first VTOL (Vertical Take-off and Landing) micro drone and patented Sense and Avoid Technology so UAVs could be safely flown indoors.

Separately, in 2007, UAVE conducted its airworthiness demonstration flight of the Prion MK3 for the CAA. Thislong-flight endurance fixed-wing drone aircraft has now been operating BVLOS at West Wales Airport and multiple other UK and international locations as a MALE (Medium Altitude, Long Endurance) UAV, long-range aircraft; the Prion Mk3 or, for defence clients, the Dragon15 (D-15).

BCB and UAVE, two sovereign-owned, British manufacturing SMEs, joined forces in 2023 to fully engage with UK defence, border and blue light forces and deliver a platform with a global reach of this sovereign strategic capability

The design brief for the D-15 was to ensure that the aircraft should have a capacity of 55 litres of payload space and 15 kilos of payload, be a long-range effector, 1,000 km one-way, and most importantly be able to adapt and fit multiple sensors and payloads/payload agnostic to integrate with future new technologies which become available as required. To date, this spiral development has now seen over 26 differing payloads, including tracking, laser designators, EW, telecoms rebroadcast, and surveying equipment integrated into the D-15 in addition to routine ISTAR capability. All of the aircraft’s critical supply components are manufactured in the UK.

www.bcbin.com

Posted in International, Press Release, UAS | No Comments »

HCMH II Harness Bison Belt

Wednesday, November 20th, 2024

A collaboration between Helix Operations, Ferro Concepts and DOM Systems, the HCMH II Harness Bison Belt gives operators the ability to carry belt kit while using the HCMH II harness system.

The HCMH II Harness Bison Belt is based on the well-regarded Ferro Concepts Bison Belt which was designed to be very light and slim. According to Helix, the DOM Padded Belt is the best solution they have found to add comfort when wearing thin clothing or carrying a heavy load and with minimal additional weight.

Available from Helix Operations.

Posted in Advertiser, International, Load Carrying, Mountaineering | No Comments »

NFM Launches NEW Corporate Web Site!

Tuesday, November 19th, 2024

From a small Norwegian vision in 1996 to a global leader in advanced personal protection, NFM has always supported the needs of modern soldiers. Today, we’re excited to introduce our brand-new corporate website -a dynamic group hub that brings our journey, values, and innovation closer to you. To give you an overview of our entire organisation.

Our new corporate site offers a fresh, streamlined experience with dedicated sections for each of our divisions and global offices, cutting-edge technology insights, and product innovations. Whether you’re exploring our R&D capabilities or our sustainability initiatives, we’ve crafted the site to be your ultimate guide to NFM Group’s world of excellence in protection gear.

Explore Our New Site for:

NFM Group’s capabilities

Subsidiary companies

Management team

Projects and initiatives

News and updates from the whole group

nfmgroup.no

Posted in Guest Post, Industry, International | No Comments »

Allen-Vanguard Collaborates with Metis Aerospace to Deliver Enhanced Counter-Drone Capabilities

Monday, November 18th, 2024

Allen-Vanguard, a global leader in providing customised solutions for defeating Radio Frequency (RF) based terrorist and extremist threats, is very excited to announce a strategic collaboration with the domain knowledge experts in passive RF detection, Metis Aerospace. This collaboration has been established to leverage their respective expertise and proven products to address the growing requirement for a highly mobile counter unmanned air system (C-UAS) capability that delivers a tried and tested baseline capability to detect and defeat an increasing range of threats posed by the nefarious use of drones. Both Allen-Vanguard and Metis Aerospace will be at the Specialist Defence and Security Convention (SDSC) on 18th-20th November 2024 at Telford International Centre, UK to discuss this collaboration and their respective range of existing products and capabilities.

Metis has extensive experience in the RF detect domain, with several products that are already the cornerstone of many larger protection systems across a wide range of sectors. For over 10 years, they have been at the forefront of C-UAS detection capability development, advising the MoD and receiving research funding to develop their innovative technologies, such as SKYPERION. Allen-Vanguard is equally an operationally proven subject matter expert in defeating RF threats, including cutting-edge counter-drone solutions, like ANCILE, that are used by militaries, security forces and NGOs globally to protect their personnel and key assets.

In an era where drone technology is rapidly evolving, and how drones are being employed on the battlefield is going through an unprecedented revolution, the Allen-Vanguard and Metis collaboration combines their respective ground-breaking and innovative technologies to provide the necessary expertise, agility and technology to properly mitigate this threat. The operationally proven ingenuity and agility of both companies can be brought to bear on the key subset of the C-UAS market that is demanding increased manoeuvrability and effectiveness at a practical price point. In addition, both companies have built an excellent reputation for enduring customer support to ensure deployed systems are maintained with the latest detection and defeat waveforms as the RF battlespace evolves.

Tony Burnell, CEO of Metis Aerospace said: “We are very excited to be collaborating with Allen-Vanguard to develop this capability that we see meets a growing market demand. It makes perfect sense for us to work together and exploit our expertise in the detect function and then fully synchronise and integrate with an Allen-Vanguard defeat capability. This combination will be a real protection benefit for all our customers.”

Bobby Strawbridge, President of Allen-Vanguard said: “I am delighted to announce this collaboration with Metis that, as fellow SME domain knowledge experts, perfectly complements our own portfolio of products. The ability to combine the detect and defeat functions into one capability will undoubtedly deliver enhanced C-UAS capabilities to better counter modern hostile drone operations.” He added, “We are also pursuing a number of qualified opportunities in the Middle East and Eastern Europe from users who have reached out, seeking a cost-effective and efficient system for a baseline, mobile C-UAS capability. The strength of Metis’ portfolio of offerings also has applicability to domestic and international requirements outside the scope of C-UAS and we’re actively engaged in exploring these exciting opportunities”

Posted in EW, Industry, International, Press Release, UAS | No Comments »

SÄRMÄ Cottage Rank Insignia from Varusteleka

Sunday, November 17th, 2024

Varusteleka is based in Finland and not only do they make great gear, but they have fun as well. Take for example these Cottage Rank Insignia’s.

They look and feel like genuine Finnish military rank insignia, but they are designed for civilian battlefields. They have the same simple hook and loop attachment system as issue clothing so you can sport them for fun.

Prince Colonel

Prince Colonel is the rank of the head of guard for the queen of Fog Valley. There is also a herbal liqueur with this name in Finland. This might also suit someone who is into stolen valor larping and in need of a made-up military rank.

The Sheriffs

These ranks have everything to do with the national drink of Finland, Jaloviina. The one star Jaloviina has been aptly named “Sheriff Bottle” by loving customers. The more stars there are on your Jaloviina bottle, the quality gets better but the overall taste somehow gets worse. Get “three stars” if you think you deserve cognac but can’t afford it – get “one star” if you’re attuned with the universe and know that life is all about pain and disgust.

Sauna Gollum ranks

Sauna Gollum is a delightful Finnish party game. The person chosen as Sauna Gollum goes under the sauna benches to poke the people sitting on them from underneath. The first one to stand up becomes the new Sauna Gollum. Great game among naked friends. Since the game is very demanding, you will start at the candidate stage and work your way to the esteemed Sauna Gollum rank through rigorous training.

Sauna Major

Sauna Major is the commander of the sauna troops, and the one in charge of heating the sauna and making sure that there is enough löyly, you know the magical steamy heat that we love here almost as much as sisu. So, if you master the art of heating a traditional sauna or simply love the experience like a Finn, this is a patch for you.

Grill Sergeant

Here’s a rank for all BBQ soldiers that protect their pits until the very end. May your grill never go cold.

Grill Master

As the highest non-commissioned officer rank in outdoor cooking, Grill Master oversees the Grill Sergeants keeping sausages in line on the grills – when he has time, that is, as he is very busy with his own beverage investigations, working on a case somewhere.

Made in Finland

These are manufactured by patch makers who also make insignia for the Finnish army. In other words, these are quality stuff!

Get yours here.

Posted in Advertiser, International, Morale | 2 Comments »