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Milrem Robotics’ New Combat UGV with Loitering Munitions Allows Engagement Farther Behind Enemy Lines

Friday, September 15th, 2023

The European leading robotics and autonomous systems developer Milrem Robotics unveils a new THeMIS Combat Unmanned Ground Vehicle (UGV) equipped with loitering munitions that allow engaging targets farther behind enemy lines.

The new system is equipped with Hunter 2-S tactical swarming drones by Halcon and features artificial intelligence that offers frontline forces the ability to locate, track and accurately eliminate soft targets, light vehicles and armoured vehicles from safe distances in challenging battlefield conditions.

“Units can manoeuvre the THeMIS Combat with Hunter 2-S drones closer to the enemy line. This allows them to engage closer targets faster or venture farther behind the lines to find suitable targets,” explained CPT (res) Jüri Pajuste, Defence R&D Director at Milrem Robotics.

The Hunter 2-S is able to autonomously follow a flight plan to an intended target area, coordinate with other drones in the swarm and loiter while seeking and classifying targets until engagement by a man-in-the-loop.

“Deploying robotic systems across enemy lines is considerably faster and more efficient than using manned units for the same task,” Pajuste said and added that using loitering munitions also enhances a unit’s situational awareness and ISR capabilities.

Hunter 2-S drones carry a payload of 2 kg each, can reach a cruising altitude of 500 m and cruise at an indicated airspeed of 25 m/s with a total available flight time of 45 minutes.

The mission-proven THeMIS UGV, which is part of robotics programs in 16 countries, is intended to support dismounted infantry units. It comes equipped with MIFIK – Milrem’s Intelligent Functions Kit that allows for independent mobility of the system, including point-to-point navigation, follow me, obstacle detection and avoidance.

The THeMIS Combat and other Milrem Robotics’ solutions are presented at DSEI 2023 in London and can be found in stand no H4-122.

Milrem Robotics is the leading European robotics and autonomous systems developer and systems integrator, with offices in Estonia, Finland, Sweden, the Netherlands and the US. The company is known for their THeMIS and Multiscope UGVs, the Type-X Robotic Combat Vehicle and the MIFIK autonomy kit.

Posted in International, Press Release, Robotics | Comments Off on Milrem Robotics’ New Combat UGV with Loitering Munitions Allows Engagement Farther Behind Enemy Lines

911 Supply Announces Grand Opening of New Retail Store in Ottawa, ON

Thursday, September 14th, 2023

Ottawa, ON – 911 Supply is excited to announce the grand opening of its newest retail store, located at 2194 Robertson Road, Ottawa, ON. 911 Supply, invites the public to join in the celebration on September 22 and September 23, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The grand opening event features an array of exciting activities and offerings for attendees, including giveaways, food, raffles, training sessions, and product demonstrations. Shoppers will also have the opportunity to enjoy exclusive discounts on major brands throughout the event.

911 Supply specializes in providing the latest, most innovative, and highest-quality equipment and apparel designed specifically for first responders and military end-users. With a commitment to excellence and a deep understanding of the unique needs of frontline professionals, the new Ottawa location promises to be a one-stop destination.

The new store features an open and immersive shopping experience in a spacious showroom, showcasing a wide range of products tailored to the needs of first responders and military personnel. The expert staff at 911 Supply is readily available to provide guidance and assistance to customers, ensuring they find the perfect equipment and apparel to meet their requirements.

“We are thrilled to open our doors to the Nepean community and beyond,” said Chrystal Duperron, Store Manager of 911 Supply. “Our team is passionate about serving those who serve our communities and our country. We invite everyone to join us during our grand opening event to experience the 911 Supply difference.”

For more information about 911 Supply and the grand opening event, please contact Chrystal Duperron at 613-721-5715 (Ext. 321) or via email at chrystal.duperron@911supply.ca. Also visit the 911 Supply web site for more information…

Posted in Industry, International, Press Release | Comments Off on 911 Supply Announces Grand Opening of New Retail Store in Ottawa, ON

MoD Signs Contract with Edgar Brothers for Alternative Individual Weapon System

Thursday, September 14th, 2023

Announced last week by the MoD, the contract for the Alternative Individual Weapon System was announced by the Ministry of Defence. The AIWS is a version of the KS-1 carbine in 5.56 NATO, manufactured by Knights Armament Co.

Yesterday, representatives from the British Army and Edgar Brothers signed a symbolic version of the contract.

Col Paul Cummings, Dismounted Close Combat Portfolio Leader and COL Stu Nasse, Field Army Representative, along with Mike Newman, Director, Edgar Brothers sign the contract for the L403A1 Alternative Individual Weapon System for the British Army and Royal Marines.

Nick Taylor, Head of Soldier Training and Special Projects receives a commemorative plaque on behalf of the Army from Matt Grundy Edgar Brothers Senior Manager.

The plaque, crafted from slate and reclaimed wood is part of the Social Value Model projects Edgar Brothers will undertake pursuant to this contract. It was crafted by Dan Earp-Jones a former Royal Marine.

Additionally, C. Reed Knight, Jr. and C. Reed Knight, III presented a bayonet to Nick Taylor, Head of Soldier Training and Special Projects.

Here is a photo of representatives from the government and industry team that made AIWS possible.

Posted in Advertiser, Contracts, DSEi, International, weapons | Comments Off on MoD Signs Contract with Edgar Brothers for Alternative Individual Weapon System

DSEI 23 – Raider Targetry

Thursday, September 14th, 2023

Raider Targetry’s motto is “we move. you shoot.” They provide robotic targetry which is fully instrumented and customizable for visual, thermal, radar and maneuver characteristics.

They are also lightweight and their static versions can be hand carried to desired target areas.

raidertargetry.com

Posted in DSEi, International, Training | 1 Comment »

DSEI 23 – Beretta Debuts New Assault Rifle Platform

Thursday, September 14th, 2023

Beretta debuted their New Assault Rifle Platform at DSEI. NARP is a short stroke piston platform with two gas position settings for normal and suppressed.

Currently chambered on 5.56 NATO, the representative assured me that other calibers are coming, including a scaled up 7.62 version.

It is fully ambidextrous and utilizes an AR-style rear charging handle. In addition to the M4-style collapsible buttstock, it will also accept a side folder.

There are currently three barrel lengths, 11.5″, 14.5″ (not shown in these photos), and 16″.

While they would not show me the internals, I was told that NARP features a lubricant free coating.

The max o/a LE th with a 14.5″ barrel and extended stock is 34.9″ and 31.7″ with the stock collapsed.

Posted in DSEi, International, weapons | 7 Comments »

GM Defense and NP Aerospace Announce Collaboration at DSEI

Thursday, September 14th, 2023

Steve duMont, GM Defense president, and James Kempston, CEO, NP Aerospace, signed a Memorandum of Understanding at the 2023 Defense and Security Equipment International tradeshow.

The MOU will allow our companies to develop cooperative research and development, post-production support, and in areas such as global logistics and sustainment for integrated vehicles, fuel cell, power generation, system integration, platform integration, and beyond. Read more about this important collaboration at the link below, and if you’re at DSEI, come see the Infantry Squad Vehicle in the NP Aerospace booth, Booth 5.

Posted in Armor, DSEi, Industry, International, Mobility, Press Release | Comments Off on GM Defense and NP Aerospace Announce Collaboration at DSEI

DSEI 23 – Thales Lithgow Arms F90D

Wednesday, September 13th, 2023

Thales Lithgow Arms has unveiled their new F90D which is also available for their Australian Combat Assault Rifle as the D Model. The D designation is for digital.

The heart of this new capability is a network sighting system which uses the Thales Squad Net radio for communications.

It uses a laser to designate an item of interest on the battlespace. Because the rifle knows where it is, and what direction the weapon is pointed, it triangulates the “target” and allows the user to characterize it as friendly, enemy, or target of interest. The system is Laser agnostic and will work with most on the market.

The information collected by the system is then shared with the squad (and others if desired). This includes friendly information so that if you sight on a target, you will know if it is friendly or not. The information is shown on the sight as you can see here. I’ve looked at it and it’s clear to the eye.

The battery is contained in the buttstock. Here you can see the version for the ACAR.

Here you can see the hub used on the ACAR for power and data. It is Picatinny compatible.

The team is continuing to work on integrating additional sensor inputs.

Posted in Digitization, DSEi, International, Optics | 8 Comments »

Drone Evolution Launches Sentinel TetheredUAV at DSEI 2023

Tuesday, September 12th, 2023

London, 12 September, 2023: Drone Evolution launches SENTINEL, its new, tethered Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) system at DSEI 2023. Designed and built in the UK, SENTINEL has been teamed with Steatite’s MPU5 MESH radio, creating an airborne rebroadcasting node which provides a persistent surveillance capability for situational awareness. The SENTINEL tether system is quicker to deploy and lighter to carry than a mast option. The combination of a tethered UAV system and radio/camera/thermal imaging system is ideal for applications such as:

• Intelligence, surveillance & reconnaissance

• Force protection

• Event security

SENTINEL can be powered by Drone Evolution’s patented Freedom Power Supply Unit (PSU). This PSU can output 100V-500V from a 12V or 24V vehicle power supply, allowing SENTINEL to be mobilised and remain airborne for extended periods of time, reaching heights of 50m for 6 hours and potentially beyond. SENTINEL is the only system capable of running directly from a 12v or 24v power supply such as a vehicle or batteries (with no inverter or generator required) as well as mains power. Additionally, SENTINEL’s weatherproofing and high wind resistance allows for long endurance in challenging environments.

With both SENTINEL and Dis1 radios operating at ground level, it is possible to establish a baseline range to determine the range and throughput of a Wave Relay point-to-point network in an urban environment.

Toby Townrow, Communications Director at Drone Evolution, said: “Tethering a drone to a ground power source allows the system to be in the air for periods far beyond conventional battery life. SENTINEL really is a game changer, it can be deployed without advanced pilot skills and has the potential for secure communications and overcoming blackspots. Additionally, SENTINEL can take your sensors to greater heights than a standard temporary mast system can ever achieve.”

Steatite’s Business Development Manager, Seb Leaver, added “The combination of Drone Evolution’s SENTINEL system and the MPU5 Radio System provides a solution to a challenge that our clients have had for a long time – namely how to get a comms rebroadcast system to a height quickly and easily for a range of deployment types at a price that doesn’t make to prohibitive.”

See Drone Evolution’s SENTINEL on Steatite’s stand H2-417.

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