TYR Tactical

Archive for the ‘International’ Category

Rheinmetall Wins Mid-Double-Digit Million Euro Order for Mortar Ammunition for International NATO Customer

Monday, September 30th, 2024

An international NATO customer has placed an order with Düsseldorf-based technology group Rheinmetall for the production of mortar shells for the NATO partner’s armed forces. The value of the order, which was booked at the beginning of the third quarter of 2024, corresponds to a volume in the mid double-digit million euro range.

In total, a six-digit number of mortar shells of various types will be manufactured by Rheinmetall Expal Munitions S.A.U., Spain. The order also includes various additional services as part of the product launch.

Delivery of the ammunition is scheduled to begin in summer 2025 and be completed in summer 2026.

The order underlines Rheinmetall’s expertise in the production of state-of-the-art steep-fire weapons in the field of mortar ammunition. 

Rheinmetall Defence Australia Builds on National Maintenance Capability

Sunday, September 29th, 2024

Rheinmetall, one of the largest Defence prime contractors in Australia, is building on the success of the existing Maintenance and Support Partnership established with RGM Maintenance Townsville for the Medium Heavy Capability by joining with Defence prime contractor, Supacat, to ensure a maintenance footprint across Australia.

Nathan Poyner, Managing Director, Rheinmetall Defence Australia, said the signing of the deed of agreement in 2022 was the first step in providing original equipment manufacturer supported maintenance in regions where the vehicles are located.

“These new strategic partnerships aim to reduce total cost of ownership to the Commonwealth and bring ongoing secure jobs, training and sovereign industrial capability to the regions.” 

“The deed brings together both organisations of working in region on the Medium Heavy Capability services for logistic vehicles as part of the Australian Defence Force’s Land 121 program, at RGM premises in Townsville.”

“Recently, Rheinmetall has added two additional partners, RGM Maintenance Darwin and Supacat Perth, a world leading design and technology organisation specialising in high mobility defence vehicles.” 

“These partnerships grow Rheinmetall’s ability to support the Commonwealth of Australia and allied nations, in regions where HX logistic vehicles are located with specialist expertise through the deployment of Field Service Representatives (FSRs) and assistance from technical experts.”

“The agreements allow our partners to provide value-for-money light and medium grade repairs and FSR supported heavy grade repair where the vehicles are located with OEM support.”

“Rheinmetall also gains valuable insights in to how vehicles are performing by utilising these existing trade repair relationships,” Mr Poyner added.

Mr Poyner said that representatives from both organisations participated in a course delivered by Rheinmetall trainers at facilities in regional Victoria on the HX platform focussing on systems, documentation and the associated diagnostic tools across all vehicle variants from the 40M to the 45M Heavy Recovery.

Bruce Tait, Supacat Managing Director, said, “We are delighted to continue to expand our relationship with Rheinmetall to include supporting the HX logistics vehicles from our Support Centre in Perth.” 

“Rheinmetall’s training and support program means that we are confident of being able to support the Rheinmetall vehicles with the same responsiveness and competency that we apply to our own vehicles.  Our focus remains on continuously evolving the capability and availability of Army’s vehicle fleets as it transitions to a literal and amphibious force,” Mr Tait said.

RGM Maintenance Business Development Manager, Mick Ferguson, said RGM had heavy vehicle operations throughout Queensland and the Northern Territory and has a 20+ year history of service provision to the ADF.

“RGM’s support to Rheinmetall reduces maintenance lead times for the ADF’s Land 121 fleet in region, putting vehicles back in the hands of ADF operators sooner,” Mr Ferguson said.

Mehler Protection Demonstrates Advanced Safety Gear at DVD 2024

Tuesday, September 24th, 2024

FULDA, GERMANY (24.09.2024)

At DVD 2024 held at UTAC Millbrook in the UK, Mehler Protection showcased its advanced body and platform armour ballistic solutions. Attendees explored a variety of protective gear designed to ensure safety and comfort for military and law enforcement personnel.

As a premier event for defence industry professionals, equipment and support teams, and users of land equipment, DVD plays a key role in equipping and supporting the UK’s Armed Forces.

Mehler Protection’s booth featured a wide range of ballistic protection solutions, including the 3D-printed armoured sensor case, which highlights advancements in platform protection, along with solutions for both civilian and military vehicles.

A standout feature was the M.U.S.T. system, recognisedfor its versatility and robust safety features. Specifically designed for high-risk environments, the M.U.S.T. system offers reliable protection for military and law enforcement personnel. The booth also displayed an extensive selection of protective gear, including hard- and soft-ballistic panels, tactical vests, plate carriers, and helmets, all crafted to provide optimal safety and comfort under demanding conditions.

“As the premier UK trade show for the land equipment sector, DVD provided Mehler Protection with the perfect platform to showcase our latest solutions in body and platform armour,” says Jamie Macefield, Technical Sales Manager for the UK and Ireland at Mehler Systems.

For more information on upcoming events, please visit Mehler Systems’ event website.

Smarter Technologies IoT Solutions Support UK Defence Estates to Better Manage On-Base Water Hygiene

Monday, September 23rd, 2024

Smarter Technologies, the leading British provider of Internet-of-Things (IoT) solutions, has completed stage one of a rolling programme to support health and safety compliance at His Majesty’s Naval Base (HMNB) Portsmouth. Working closely with the base infrastructure team, the new legionella risk management capability is one of several innovative digital solutions implemented by Smarter Technologies at the dockyard, aimed at improving operational outcomes for the Royal Navy, effectively and efficiently. Across a range of functions, the combination of IoT data capture and cloud computing has made transformative empirical evidence available to Portsmouth’s operational and strategic decision-makers. The team will be at DVD (18/19 September) to discuss this and their other IoT solutions.

The latest capability has revolutionised the management of water hygiene, which is a key factor for health and safety at any organisational premises. Responsibility is governed by statutory legislation and strictly enforced, and it includes the control of water-borne bacteria, such as legionella, which can cause Legionnaires’ disease. Careful and persistent management is required to ensure that water systems function compliantly, and that legionella is controlled. It is particularly important, and made more difficult, in mixed estates with aging infrastructure and spaces that are used irregularly, which are common features of many Defence facilities.

Targeting the historic Wardroom at HMNB Portsmouth as a potential at risk accommodation block, Smarter Technologies has positioned IoT sensors strategically around the building’s water system, to monitor the temperature at which it is stored and distributed, in real-time, and enable HSE- recommended temperatures to be pro-actively maintained. They have also installed automated flushing units at key outlets. These ensure periodic and programmable water flows, to contain the risk of stagnation and the growth of legionella. Data captured by these edge devices is passed to Smarter Technologies’ secure cloud platform via “Orion”, a proprietary LPWAN (low powered wide area communications network), which is optimised for large and complex estates by its combination of range, structural penetration and bandwidth. The captured data is presented back to the user in “SmarterView”, an intuitive, secure, web-based user interface where programmable alerts and notifications can be created, trends can be viewed and reports compiled.

With Smarter Technologies’ IoT solution installed in this potential risk space, HMNB Portsmouth has been able to assure water hygiene much more effectively and far more efficiently. Legionella is consistently suppressed at safe levels, emerging risks are identified and addressed immediately to avoid actionable events, time spent on manual temperature checks and flushes has been slashed, and the automated system provides an auditable record of due diligence.

Fubara Pepple, Head of Strategic Asset Management at Portsmouth, said, “We have worked closely with Smarter Technologies to ensure any potential risk to water supplies is identified at an early stage therefore making it much easier to keep our people safe.”

Mark Read, Chief Executive of Smarter Technologies Group said, “We’ve been delighted to work so closely with the HMNB Portsmouth team. They understand the value that our Orion systems can bring and have embraced the use of targeted technology innovation.”

Laser Weapons: Rheinmetall and MBDA Germany Sign Cooperation Agreement

Monday, September 23rd, 2024

Rheinmetall and MBDA Deutschland have decided to continue their successful cooperation in the field of laser weapons.

The aim is to bring a joint maritime product to the market within the next five to six years, which opens up new possibilities, particularly in relation to drone defence on ships. Both companies are convinced that their complementary skills in the field of laser weapon technology will enable them to successfully develop a military laser weapon system. The companies have now concluded a corresponding cooperation agreement.

Most recently, a laser weapon demonstrator from Rheinmetall and MBDA Germany was integrated on the German Navy’s frigate 124 “Sachsen” from June 2022 to September 2023. During this on-board trial, the demonstrator performed impressively in more than 100 test shots.

Sons of Liberty Gun Works Exports Over $1 Million in Premium Firearms and Parts to Poland, Empowering Citizens and Promoting Shooting Sports

Monday, September 23rd, 2024

SAN ANTONIO TEXAS – 20SEPT2024 – Sons of Liberty Gun Works (SOLGW), a leading manufacturer of high-quality firearms and parts, is thrilled to announce a groundbreaking export initiative to Poland, delivering over $1 million USD in cutting-edge rifles and components. SOLGW partnered with Jammas PL as an exclusive premium retailer. This significant shipment underscores SOLGW’s commitment to ensuring the safety and enjoyment of shooting sports for Polish citizens.

As a trusted name in the firearms industry, Sons of Liberty Gun Works has a reputation for excellence and innovation. The latest shipment includes a diverse array of top-tier products, such as the M4-L89 Broadsword Rifle, L89 Short-Barreled Rifles (SBRs), MK10 Heavy Rifles, EXO-3, and Patrol Q. Additionally, SOLGW is providing a comprehensive suite of parts designed for performance and reliability, including Bolt Carrier Groups (BCGs), L2S Triggers, and Quick Safeties.

“We are proud to support the Polish community by providing them with the best firearms and parts available on the market,” said Kyle Grothues, Chief Executive Officer at Sons of Liberty Gun Works. “Our mission is to empower responsible gun ownership and enhance the shooting sports experience for enthusiasts in Poland. This export is a testament to our dedication to quality and safety.”

The export to Poland not only bolsters the local shooting sports community but also reinforces the idea of responsible gun ownership. SOLGW believes that access to high-quality firearms is essential for personal safety and the enjoyment of recreational shooting.

With this substantial investment, Sons of Liberty Gun Works is paving the way for future collaborations and partnerships within Poland, aimed at fostering a safe and thriving community of shooting sports enthusiasts.

For inquiries regarding international sales, please contact:

International Sales Contact:  

Chuck Courtney  

Email: chuck@solgw.com  

Director of Sales and Business Development:  

William Phebus  

Email: william@solgw.com  

For more information about Sons of Liberty Gun Works and their extensive range of products, please visit www.solgw.com

For Polish sales, visit targetzone.eu.

The Future of Logistic Autonomy Demonstrated

Sunday, September 22nd, 2024

As part of Rheinmetall’s commitment to the UK and drive to support the British Army a Logistic Autonomy Demonstration was recently held Millbrook Proving Ground, Bedfordshire, UK, showcasing world-leading autonomous technology ready for integration to deliver greater logistic flexibility on the battlefield. The autonomous leader-follower technology was demonstrated live to our guests, using Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicle’s (RMMV) HX trucks and Polaris 4×4 MRZR vehicles, illustrating the versatility that the advanced technology can provide in a variety of environments.

The leader-follower technology is readily available to be integrated on existing vehicles and for the next-generation of vehicles. It will be a critical enabler for future force capabilities, and support interoperability between the nations that adopt the kit. The use of a HX truck proves how easily compatible the technology is with many existing trucks in service with NATO countries. The technology enables future force logistics with less soldiers, moving greater volumes, at day and at night.  

For the demonstration, a RMMV HX truck was fitted with the ‘leader’ kit, and three following vehicles were fitted with both ‘A’ and ‘B’ kits. This enabled them to wirelessly connect to the convoy autonomously, with the functions of the vehicles operating remotely. Our guests saw both the HX trucks and MRZR vehicles cross tarmac roads, prepared tracks and off-road areas in densely wooded terrain, move over steep gradients and navigate numerous bends while seamlessly connected. This revealed the resilience of the advanced autonomous system’s capability in a range of environments, and demonstrated how this advanced technology can provide dispersed logistics with diverse vehicle types. The reduction in the number of personnel required to deliver effective logistics by using the leader-follower technology also significantly reduces the risk involved.

In the recent European Land Robot Trial 2024 (ELROB) competition, the Rheinmetall InterRoc team won first place in the “Automated Convoy” category. The combination of HX truck and integrated PATH autonomy kit demonstrating Rheinmetall technology.

NP Aerospace Wins £71 million UK MoD Wheeled Vehicle Support Contract – CVSSP

Friday, September 20th, 2024

NP Aerospace, the global vehicle integrator and armour manufacturer, has today announced the award of a £71 million wheeled vehicle support contract called the Conventional Vehicle Systems Spares and Post Design Services (CVSSP) contract. The contract, let by the UK MoD Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S), was competitively tendered with bids submitted by major players across the UK defence industry. The contract duration is four years with two options to extend beyond that, of a further one year each.

Collage of the vehicles and equipment covered in the CCVSSP contract.

This is a joint announcement together with UK MoD that coincides with the DVD exhibition taking place at Millbrook, 18-19 September 2024. At DVD NP Aerospace are exhibiting on stand OR13 at the offroad area.

The UK MoD CVSSP contract will see NP Aerospace deliver Post Design Services (PDS), Design Authority (DA) and Spares Procurement Services to a fleet of over 15,000 UK MoD core vehicles including: the entire Land Rover fleet; Pinzgauer fleet; protected Land Rover; RWMIK and the Lightweight Trailer fleet. The CVSSP contract consolidates and amalgamates former individual MoD PDS contracts providing a new single point of contact. Obsolescence management is a key challenge with some of the MoD’s ageing fleets and the CVSSP contract will ensure that vehicle fleet availability is maintained at the required levels to meet the operational and training needs.

In 2019 NP Aerospace won a similar vehicle support contract known as Protected Mobility Engineering & Technical Support (PMETS) that has since been successfully supporting the MoD’s fleet of over 2000 Protected Mobility Vehicles. The vehicles covered under the PMETS contract include Mastiff, Wolfhound, Ridgback, Buffalo, Choker, RODET, Foxhound, Jackal, Coyote and Husky. Having been successfully delivering PMETS for five years, NP Aerospace is now perfectly placed to align the newly awarded CVSSP contract alongside PMETS using tried and tested procedures that have already gained the confidence of the UK MoD.

This contract award will create and sustain jobs at NP Aerospace’s Coventry facility. The company’s facilities will also be expanded in due course to enable, integrate and deliver this new contract.

The UK Minister for Defence Procurement and Industry, Rt Hon Maria Eagle MP, said: “We will deliver a state-of-the-art combat vehicle fleet, ensuring our soldiers are equipped with cutting-edge firepower, protection, and mobility”. She added: “This new contract will help to secure the future of these crucial capabilities, streamlining the processes involved in repairs and upgrades, while boosting UK economic growth at the same time.”

Brigadier Matt Wilkinson from the Vehicle Support Team at Defence, Equipment and Support, said: “We have a long-standing relationship with NP Aerospace and I’m delighted that we are able to continue this partnership. Not only does it provide the best possible service to the Armed Forces, but it also aligns with the MOD’s future Land Industrial Strategy initiatives, including an evolution to Land Integrated Operating Services.”

James Kempston, CEO at NP Aerospace, commented: “This announcement is huge news for the team at NP Aerospace and we’re all delighted to have won this major contract against strong competition. It shows the high regard in which our services are held by the UK MoD, and that we deliver best value for our customer. He added:

“The CVSSP contract aligns well with NP Aerospace’s abilities to support the MOD’s future LIOS initiative and the Land Mobility, and Land Industrial Strategy. The CVSSP award together with our current PMETS contract provides NP Aerospace with the post design support contracts covering the vast majority of the UK MoD’s lightweight wheeled utility, and protected mobility vehicle fleets.”