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Archive for the ‘International’ Category

Schuberth GmbH Supplies New M100 Ballistic Helmet to Swiss and Romanian Special Forces

Tuesday, September 12th, 2023

Magdeburg, September 11, 2023 – Head protection specialist SCHUBERTH GmbH from Magdeburg/ Germany has won a tender for ballistic protective helmets from the Romanian Ministry of Defense and a Swiss special forces unit. Both contracts will be delivered via sales partner Alpine Fox in Switzerland and Rotman Industries SRL in Romania before the end of this year.

Milad Youkhanna, Head of the Business Unit Military & Law Enforcement at SCHUBERTH, explains: “We are extremely proud to count the special forces of the Romanian Ministry of Defense and a Swiss police SF unit among our customers. The SCHUBERTH M100 ballistic protective helmet won against an international field of bidders in a call for tenders. In addition to the innovative features and outstanding ballistic protection, the high performance of our product in the maritime environment and the extremely low signature resulting in low detectability by night vision equipment were of particular importance to the Romanian customer. The numerous design and development loops, which were repeatedly tested by members of a wide range of European units, are now showing their value.”

BALLISTIC HEAD PROTECTION SYSTEM M100

The SCHUBERTH M100 is a modern combat helmet with superior wearing comfort and a high level of ballistic protection. Thanks to its open-architecture rail system and adjustable interior lining, it offers outstanding performance in all scenarios or threat levels. An above- average proportion of common parts across all sizes and optimized serviceability guarantee low life cycle costs and a high level of sustainability.

The advanced helmet shell technology provides a balanced blend of the highest protection and material composition that is not only durable and resistant, but also allows the helmet to be fully repaired. The M100 combines ballistic protection according to NIJ IIIA as well as VPAM 2 (5 cm edge impact) with the demanding impact absorption according to the climbing helmet standard EN 12492, the white-water helmet standard EN 1385, as well as the industrial safety standard EN 397.

Available in High-, Mid- or Fullcut, the M100 is characterized by its cross-manufacturer compatibility with headsets and communication solutions. The patented Ergonomic Headset Loop (EHL), developed specifically for the M100, is a webbing guide with rigidly designed segments that frames the headset, ensuring a perfect fit even during dynamic activities. This is complemented by the also patented Divided Modular Liner (DML), a two-piece headgear ring that not only allows the earpiece to fit perfectly under the helmet, but also enables individually adjusted to the shape of the user’s head.

The Device Connection Interface System (DCIS) of the SCHUBERTH M100 features a rear rail in addition to the side rail pair and a night vision shroud. This open system architecture provides room for capability development that already require compatibility with peripheral devices to be procured in the future. Additionally, a completely new dimension in the integration and management of peripheral devices is made possible by the specially developed SCHUBERTH Extended Connection Devices (ECD). These connections, which are distributed across all interfaces, not only permit a previously unknown level of advanced cable management, but also the integration of additional accessories such as lamps, covers or artificial camouflage elements.

www.schuberth.com

Halo International Limited Agrees on the Purchase of Shares of tactical Equipment Provider, Helix Operations Limited

Tuesday, September 12th, 2023

Halo International Limited is set to acquire shares of tactical equipment provider, Helix Operations Limited, through an agreement with Excalibur Ltd, reinforcing its commitment to enhancing its product portfolio and market presence.

Halo, owner of Brigantes Consulting Ltd, has recently confirmed an agreement for the acquisition of shares of Helix. 

Halo is the parent company of on-the-soldier equipment provider, Brigantes Consulting Ltd. Combining decades of military experience with keen technical expertise and advanced industry awareness, Brigantes are the go-to specialist for on-the-soldier equipment. With a product range that spans apparel, footwear, vertical movement, signature management, technology, mobility, and sustainment. Founded in 2014 by ex-military personnel, Brigantes unites decades of military experience with advanced technical expertise, cementing itself as a trusted international supplier to NATO military, government, and elite police units. Through unique alliances with world-leading brands, Brigantes pioneers the latest, bleeding-edge equipment solutions in state-of-the-art soldier systems for every conceivable operational environment.

Tactical equipment and training provider, Helix is a Wales-based company that specialises in the provision of tactical mountaineering and climbing equipment. Helix provides the complete capability for vertical access and rescue in mountain, maritime and urban environments. With headquarters in the north Welsh mountains, Helix has over 30 years of experience in the supply of tactical climbing solutions. Their customer base includes the UK MOD and several NATO forces. In addition to the provision of expert equipment, Helix also provides externally accredited training programmes that incorporate best practices from industry and operational environments. Helix cooperates closely with teams to develop bespoke systems that are fit for purpose for tactical use – deploying quickly and discreetly and can work with incumbent military equipment.

Having worked together for several years, Brigantes and Helix are closely aligned in terms of product focus and customer base. This latest development represents a natural continuation of the longstanding partnership and a significant opportunity for expansion into global markets. Brigantes’ first-hand experience of military operations and on-the-soldier equipment solutions unite seamlessly with Helix’s acute understanding of tactical mobility systems, particularly in the context of vertical movement, rescue and mountaineering equipment. 

Matt Williams, Halo International CEO, commented:

“Brigantes has worked very closely with Helix for many years on the provision of tactical equipment solutions and training for mountaineering and vertical access. Their expertise in this realm is unparalleled and so this agreement made complete sense and will enable us to move up a gear, enhancing our existing specialisms with even more bespoke knowledge and expanding our offering to worldwide markets.”

This acquisition represents a continuation of Halo’s strategic vision. By leveraging the international potential and unique tactical equipment and training expertise supplied by Helix, Halo will drive innovation and value for Brigantes’ military customers, further solidifying its position as an industry leader in the provision of on-the-soldier equipment. 

The combined strengths of the Halo Group and Helix will result in a stronger, more diversified market presence, delivering exceptional procurement knowledge, robust testing capabilities and quality training opportunities for their customer base. This acquisition sparks huge potential for further growth and development for both entities, uniting specialised expertise and industry experience across adjacent sectors to deliver an enhanced offering for military customers across the globe. 

EOTECH Selected to Supply the Polish Ministry of Defense via a Multi-Year Contract

Tuesday, September 12th, 2023

Plymouth, MI (September 2023) – EOTECH, the leading manufacturer of Holographic Weapon Sights (HWS), Magnifiers and other electro-optic solutions has recently been awarded a multi-year contract to fulfill its EXPS3 HWS and G33 Magnifier to the Polish Ministry of Defense for use on the MSBS GROT weapon systems. 

While Poland has been a staunch supporter of the EOTECH brand for years, “This contract represents a continued level of confidence between EOTECH and the Armed Forces within Poland. The Polish government has always been a strong partner to EOTECH for use in the defense of their sovereign nation and that of its surrounding allies” said Andy Gann, Business Development Manager for Europe. “It is EOTECH’s intent to ensure the Polish Warfighter has the confidence to engage the enemy combatant with any of their individual weapons if they are challenged to do so.” Gann went on to say, “We must also acknowledge the efforts of our in-country partner too, who did an amazing job promoting and supporting the EOTECH brand to the Polish MoD, as it is very much a group effort to get success like this across the finish line”. 

EOTECH is represented in Poland by Griffin Group Defence. “Griffin Group aims to only provide best-in-class, proven and relevant solutions to the Polish Government for consideration” said a Griffin Group representative. “It was an honor to have worked with EOTECH and provide our MoD with their equipment needs for defense of our National Security. We have every confidence in the quality of the EOTECH product line and look forward to supporting our MoD now and into the future”. 

The Polish MoD can expect first deliveries of their EOTECH Weapon Sighting Solutions, in excess of 10,000 units, beginning in Q4 of 2023 and healthily into late 2025. For more information, please visit www.eotechinc.com

SpearUAV Launches MCL Viper: Revolutionizing SWARM and Strike Capabilities for Maneuvering Forces

Saturday, September 9th, 2023

The compact Multi Canister Launcher enables swift deployment of VIPER 300 family of UAS from any military platform.
DSEI, London, Sept 12-15, Hall 1, Booth #156 Sept 2023, SpearUAV Ltd., an innovator in autonomous, AI-based technology for encapsulated Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), unveils the MCL Viper (Multi Canister Launcher), a groundbreaking system enabling the immediate launch of VIPER 300 Systems while in motion, from any military manned or unmanned platform.

The MCL Viper system features a customizable configuration with four or more canisters, adaptable to a wide array of military platforms and vehicles. This game-changing launcher enhances the maneuverability and operational pace of forces while minimizing operator exposure and safeguarding crew members within the vehicle.

Capable of launching multiple VIPER systems simultaneously or sequentially, the MCL Viper empowers tactical units with real-time Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition, and Reconnaissance (ISTAR) capabilities, as well as precision attack capabilities complemented by Electronic Warfare (EW) measures. Additionally, the system guarantees operator safety, situational awareness, and mission success, enabling both Swarm and unitary modes of operation.

Operable from within the vehicle and demanding minimal storage space, the MCL Viper system offers an immediate response even while in motion. Its intuitive, autonomous operation and resilience in challenging environmental conditions make it an indispensable asset for modern battlefield scenarios.

Yiftach Kleinman, EVP Commercial at Spear UAV, explains, “At Spear, we have recognized the complicated challenges associated with SWAP (Size, Weight, and Power) allocation within military platforms, coupled with the crucial need to enhance tactical forces with advanced capabilities. Spear’s proven expertise in encapsulating Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) and executing missions seamlessly from a diverse array of platforms, including submarines and Infantry Fighting Vehicles (IFVs), drives the development of the MCL Viper. This innovative solution is poised to empower the entire VIPER 300 family of capabilities, catering to units ranging from squads and platoons to companies and battalions. Military forces can now leverage the advantages of unitary or SWARM capabilities, encompassing hovering, speed, compactness, and cost-effectiveness, with the ability to engage and eliminate pinpoint targets either kinetically or electronically. Integration with BMS and C4i systems ensures our integration within the forces’ ecosystem. This solution reshapes tactical effectiveness, enabling troops to successfully execute a wide range of missions while enhancing their protection and minimizing exposure to adversaries in any warfare scenario.”

“SpearUAV, known for its unique encapsulated drone technology, continues to pioneer advancements in the field of unmanned aerial systems and aerial weapon systems. The launch of the MCL Viper underlines the company’s ongoing commitment to shaping the future of defense technology, introducing innovative solutions that redifine battlefield dynamics.” Kleinman adds.

For more information about SpearUAV’s groundbreaking technology and solutions, please visit www.spearuav.com.

Aimpoint – Supplier of Red Dot Sights to the Alternative Individual Weapon System to UK MOD

Friday, September 8th, 2023

MALMÖ, Sweden – Aimpoint, the leading manufacturer and innovator of red dot sighting technology, has been chosen to deliver mini red dot sights to the Alternative Individual Weapon System, designated L403A1 to UK MOD, via our exclusive UK distributor Edgar Brothers.

The AIW will consist of three elements including the rifle system L403A1, the optic system L900A1, and the training system. As part of the optic system, Aimpoint will supply the ACRO® P-2 red dot sight.

Built to exceed the requirements of the users, the ACRO series sights have been tested and proven to withstand the extreme shock, vibration, temperatures, and material stresses generated by firing over 20,000 rounds of .40 S&W ammunition. Primarily designed for use on handguns, the ACRO next generation can also be mounted on carbines, shotguns and hunting rifles or utilized as a backup sight on magnified scopes and thermal imagers. These versatile optics are night vision compatible and are the ultimate solution for extremely rugged, low-profile, compact sighting needs.

“We at Aimpoint are extremely proud to be part of this Hunter project that pushes the limits of innovation for the modern personal weapon system. We trust our distributor Edgar Brother to bring the system into service alongside DE&S in a very professional way, and that our product will contribute to the success of the AIW by enhancing soldiers’ capabilities to effectively perform their mission. “ – Erik Jeppsson, Sales & Marketing Director Aimpoint.

As the Prime Contractor and UK distributors, Edgar Brothers will supply the equipment to UK MOD.

For more information, visit the company’s webpage: www.aimpoint.com.

Reptilia Awarded Prestigious Contract to Supply Weapon Accessories for the Alternative Individual Weapon System for the UK MOD

Friday, September 8th, 2023

Reptilia is proud to announce that we have been awarded a prestigious contract, in partnership with our UK distributor Edgar Brothers, to supply the UK Ministry of Defence (MOD) with a range of specially designed, battle-proven weapon accessories for the new L403A1 Alternative Individual Weapon System.

Project Hunter demanded weapon accessories that not only met high standards of durability and functionality, but also pushed the boundaries of innovation, ergonomics, and weight savings. We are proud to have exceeded these requirements.

Steve Allen, CEO of Reptilia, spoke about the commitment to providing the absolute best products to our customers. “At Reptilia, we constantly strive to deliver excellence and enhance the capabilities of those who defend our freedom. Working closely with our UK Distributor, Edgar Brothers, our mission was to design and deliver innovative weapon accessory solutions that would further enhance the end user’s capabilities.”

Project Hunter involved extensive, rigorous, and competitive testing, driving innovation within our industry. We are honored that Reptilia weapon accessories are now part of the finest personal weapon system in the world today. Congratulations go out to our industry counterparts and Edgar Brothers who have also played a crucial role in securing this contract win.

This contract not only reinforces Reptilia’s position in the industry but also enables us to invest further in new employees and future innovation. We are excited about the opportunities that lie ahead.

Reptilia will be at London DSEI, booth H2-588, showcasing our battle-proven weapon accessories. 

Britain’s Commandos to Get New Assault Rifles

Friday, September 8th, 2023

Britain’s elite Royal Marine Commando Forces will be stealthier and deadlier thanks to a new assault rifle.

The Knight’s Stoner 1 (KS-1) rifle (designated L403A1) headlines a host of new kit additions for the UK Commando Forces in ‘lead strike teams’ – those responsible for raiding and amphibious operations worldwide.

More than a thousand of the new rifles have been bought from US producers Knight’s Armament Company and come with advanced optical and thermal sights as well as suppressor (silencer) systems to make Commandos harder to trace and more formidable in combat.

The Commando Force regularly deploys around the globe in all extremes of environment – arctic, desert and jungle – reacting to crises and conducting a range of complex operations, including counter piracy and terrorism, drugs busts and humanitarian aid and disaster relief.

It means there is a need to put top-end kit in the hands of these specialist warriors to give them the upper hand on the battlefield.

A new rifle, night vision goggles, tactical communications systems, battlefield vehicles and ‘survivability systems’, including new helmets, communications and suppressors which make the force more difficult to detect, are to be rolled out as the Royal Navy makes an initial investment in new kit for its elite, very high readiness fighting force, with plans for a longer-term procurement programme from 2024.

Captain Nick Unwin RN, Commando Force Programme Director, said: “Delivery of quality equipment such as we see today is a genuine increase in capability and capacity for the UK’s Commando Force Strike Teams and offers significant tactical advantage to the user.

“The Commando Force Programme is delivering change across all areas of amphibious operations; this is just one small part of the wider change programme we are all embarked upon as we adjust to evolving threats and challenges.”

Alongside this new rifle and a new helmet made by Gentex, Commando Forces will take delivery of the new Fused Binocular Night Vision Device produced by L3Harris, giving them a significant advantage over their adversaries in night-time littoral operations, or as they move in darkness through confined spaces during boarding operations.

Again, more than a thousand have been procured and the systems feature advanced low-light image intensification with a fused thermal input – which means the devices include both night vision and thermal sensor superimposed into a single image for the operator – that far outperforms older systems currently used by the UK’s Armed Forces.

Commando Forces are also exploring how to use the night vision kit alongside digital communications systems, providing a live feed to the goggles to help commanders assess the battlefield and make decisions.

Meanwhile, advances are being made with upgrades to the Sharpshooter rifle.

The Lewis Machine and Tool L129A2 rifle is an improvement on the well-established Sharpshooter with new Leupold scopes and HuxWrx suppressors, making it more accurate and quieter.

It is also equipped with an Envision Technology ballistic calculator and a Pixels-on-Target thermal sight. Each Commando Strike Team will comprise two designated expert shooters equipped with these upgraded rifles.

Royal Marines

Allen-Vanguard Deepens its ECM Support to Somalia with an 18-month Contract Extension for its Field Service Representative (FSR) Team

Thursday, September 7th, 2023

Allen-Vanguard, a global leader in providing customized solutions for defeating Radio Frequency (RF) based terrorist and extremist threats, has a long-established relationship of providing vital ECM and counter explosive threat support to Security Forces across Somalia. This support has recently been increased with the provision of additional ECM hardware to the region and the formal 18-month extension of the in-country Field Service Representative (FSR) team based in Mogadishu. Allen- Vanguard will be at DSEi 23 on stand H2-820 to discuss all their RF dominance solutions.

Since 1991, the civil war and related power struggles between warring factions and various extremist groups has created one of the highest risk areas of operation for government security forces and international peacekeeping troops in the world. For those required to operate in the region, either military or diplomatic, the risk of injury or death from explosive related devices either intentionally detonated or accidentally triggered remains significant and therefore it is essential, in order to protect those trying to bring peace to the region, to have access to the necessary ECM hardware, training and in-country support.

Allen-Vanguard has been working in Somalia supporting national Security Forces and working with other peace keeping nations since 2018, helping to defeat the RF threat by supplying high quality but cost-effective ECM protection, such as our SCORPION and 3XXX suite of protection. The 3XXX offers an internally modular and easily upgradeable architecture with a raft of protection measures. The 3XXX series is robust, simple to operate and maintain, and can be vehicle mounted or used at a static location so is perfect for use in the region. The SCORPION has similar technology and capability but in a highly flexible manpack form, maximising its utility. These features combined with their outstanding performance make both ideal for security forces but also major Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and Other Government Departments (OGDs).

Allen-Vanguard is committed to providing the best possible service and outcomes for their customers and they aspire to create indigenous force protection capability through comprehensive training (recently they provided additional Explosive Threat Reduction Training in Somalia) and through their dedicated in-country FSR team. This team has the necessary Allen-Vanguard specialists to provide a tailored mission support service for all their ECM systems updating and testing. They offer a range of support options to optimize algorithms specific for every user’s needs and to combat threats specific to the region of operations. The Somali team have been in Mogadishu since August 2021, and has just been extended for a further 18-months.

Bobby Strawbridge, Director Business Development for Allen-Vanguard said “We at Allen-Vanguard are very conscious that ECM equipment alone does not defeat the threat. Our vision is to create local capability, share knowledge, provide training and help to develop regional expertise so that those facing the greatest risk in peace keeping operations get the maximum possible protection. As one of the highest risk operational theatres in the world and building on a decade’s worth of supporting peacekeeping operations in Somalia, Allen-Vanguard’s footprint has recently grown considerably, reinforced with a permanent presence on the ground delivering OEM support at the ‘sharp end’ of operations.”