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NIOA New Zealand Open New Headquarters in Christchurch

Thursday, October 3rd, 2024

NIOA New Zealand has officially opened its new Christchurch headquarters, marking a significant expansion after relocating from Auckland.

The new office, warehouse and distribution centre located in Rolleston will serve as the central hub for the company’s New Zealand operations offering enhanced capabilities for its sporting, defence and law enforcement customers throughout the country.

The decision to move the headquarters from Auckland to Christchurch was made last November and is part of NIOA New Zealand’s long-term growth strategy after acquiring the former Sportways wholesaling business in 2022.

NIOA has had a strong presence in New Zealand for many years through its support of the New Zealand Defence Force and New Zealand Police.

The new 1130 square metre facility will house administrative offices, distribution services and a high-tech warehouse and stock management system designed to streamline operations.

Today’s ceremony was attended by NZPOL Capability Manager Inspector Scott McGill, Royal NZ Police College Tactical Training Program Manager Derek Sarney as well as business leaders from the sporting, hunting and outdoor sectors.

NIOA New Zealand General Manager Fraser Winskill emphasised Christchurch’s strategic importance to the company’s New Zealand growth plans.

“The new NIOA facility in Christchurch positions us to better serve the entire New Zealand sporting, law enforcement and military markets,” he said.

“We are grateful for the continued support of our loyal customers and key partners and pleased to see such a strong turnout for this milestone. As always, our primary focus is to exceed the high standards they have come to expect from us.”

NIOA Group CEO Rob Nioa said the opening of the new headquarters reflected the company’s confidence in New Zealand.

“We are excited about the future and what this new chapter means for our New Zealand customers,” he said.

“It is not only a great new facility for Fraser and his team who are committed to driving forward our promise of setting the industry standard for exemplary service, products and outcomes.

“It’s also an investment in the Christchurch local economy and symbolises our confidence in the future of our New Zealand business and the opportunities it presents.”

About the NIOA Group…

  • The NIOA Group includes NIOA Australia, NIOA New Zealand, the Australian Missile Corporation, NIOA Inc [USA], Barrett Firearms [USA], NIOA UK and joint venture company Rheinmetall NIOA Munitions.
  • Established in 1973, NIOA Group is a global firearms, weapons and munitions company with operations in the USA, Australia and New Zealand with a distribution network covering 75 US State department approved countries.
  • NIOA is a major tenant at the Australian government owned, contractor operated (GOCO) munitions facility at Benalla in Victoria where it is currently manufacturing 120mm munitions for the Abrams tank along with 30mm and 35mm cannon ammunition.
  • The company is a joint venture partner with Rheinmetall of Germany in the Rheinmetall NIOA Munitions 155mm artillery forging facility in Maryborough, Queensland, delivering key munitions for allied nations.
  • NIOA has a strategic agreement with Aerojet Rocketdyne, a L3Harris Technologies company, to explore the manufacturing of key munitions and components within Australia’s sovereign guided weapons enterprise.

Major Order from Denmark: Rheinmetall to Supply Skyranger 30 for Mobile Air Defence

Wednesday, October 2nd, 2024

Rheinmetall has once again won a major order in the field of mobile air defence. The Kingdom of Denmark has contracted with Rheinmetall Air Defence to supply sixteen Skyranger 30 air defence turrets and additional vehicle equipment for an 8×8 wheeled platform for use by the Danish armed forces. The order is worth a figure in the low three-digit million euro range. In addition, the customer has ordered ammunition in the low double-digit million euro range. Deliveries of the serial turrets are scheduled for 2027 and 2028, while a prototype is expected to be delivered in late 2026.

Lieutenant General Per Pugholm Olsen, head of the Danish procurement agency FMI, stated: “The signing of this contract is an important step toward establishing the brigade’s air defence, which is an essential part of making the brigade fully operational. The selection of the Skyranger turret and its machine cannon was made in close cooperation with our colleagues at the Defence Command.”

Oliver Duerr, CEO Rheinmetall Electronic Solutions: “We are grateful that Denmark, another major NATO customer, now trusts our Skyranger 30. We are pleased to be able to integrate Skyranger into another vehicle platform. This demonstrates the modularity and adaptability of our system.”

The Skyranger 30 offers an optimal combination of mobility, protection, flexibility and precision to meet the growing demands of challenging threat scenarios at close and very close range. As a hybrid solution, its turret combines the powerful 30mm x 173 KCE revolver cannon, surface-to-air guided missiles and the necessary sensors on a single platform. The well-thought-out design of the various weapons, high dynamics and a large elevation range, as well as state-of-the-art sensors, enable both autonomous and networked operations. The system’s airburst ammunition with a programmable airburst point of detonation is particularly suitable for countering drones.

The order that has now been placed once again underscores Rheinmetall’s role as a world market leader in cannon-based air defence. At the same time, it continues the success of the Skyranger 30. The Republic of Austria has placed an order for the procurement of 36 Skyranger 30 systems as the first customer. Other NATO and EU member states are also planning to procure the system or have already initiated the process.

In December 2023, Hungary commissioned Rheinmetall to carry out the conceptual development of the Skyranger 30 turret for the future anti-aircraft variant of the Lynx KF41 tracked vehicle. As recently as January 2024, Rheinmetall and a number of industrial partners were awarded a contract to develop the Close and Very Short Range Air Defence System (Nah- und Naechstbereichsschutzsystem, NNbS) for the Bundeswehr, in which the Skyranger 30 will be integrated as an important component in the future. In February 2024, the Bundeswehr placed a further order for the Skyranger 30 mobile air defence system. The prototype is to be delivered as early as the end of 2024, and 18 series-produced vehicles have also already been ordered.

Victorian Government Grants to Support Hanwha Defence Australia’s Local Supply Chain

Wednesday, October 2nd, 2024

Minister for Jobs and Industry Natalie Hutchins visited the Hanwha Defence Australia stand at the 2024 Land Forces International Land Defence Exposition to announce the successful recipients of rounds 3 and 4 of the Supply Chain Uplift Program (SCUP).

Funding of $827,000 has been awarded to 13* Victorian businesses to help them better compete for and win projects as part of the supply chain for Hanwha Defence Australia (HDA) and other major defence businesses – creating new jobs, export opportunities, and attracting investment to Victoria.

The successful companies in these two rounds includes:

1. Amiga Engineering P/L

2. Anywise Consulting

3. Brockman Engineering

4. Copamate

5. Corvus Technology Solutions

6. Diamond Defence

7. Electric Motor Power

8. NanoCube

9. Parish Engineering

10. Secure Bits

11. Sutton Tools

12. Tickford Racing

“The Supply Chain Uplift Program is giving our local manufacturers the best shot at securing new contracts – creating new jobs for Victorians and boosting our economy,” Minister Hutchins said.

The matched co-funded grants of up to $100,000 will support manufacturers to undertake business improvement projects, such as systems or facility upgrades, obtaining necessary industry accreditations, and further research and product development programs.

“Working with the Victorian Government to support our two key defence programs means that these SMEs are able to work with us and also on other defence programs, truly uplifting the capabilities and capacities of the sector to complete both here and in Australia,” HDA Acting Managing Director Dean Michie said.

Since 2021, the Victorian Government’s $10 million Victorian Land Systems Fund and Supply Chain Uplift Program have funded business improvement projects at 22 small and medium sized Victorian businesses.

“The support provided by the Victorian Government through SCUP has enabled Diamond Defence to establish a world leading capability in Australia for the Australian defence industry,” Dr Steven Trpkovski Managing Director, Diamond Defence, said.

So far, over $1.3 million has been awarded to enable companies to engage in activities such as modernising manufacturing processes, purchasing equipment and gaining certifications and accreditations to work in the defence sector.

Victoria’s capabilities in advanced manufacturing, workforce talent and defence-related research and development contributes around $8.4 billion annually to the Victorian economy and employs over 24,300 workers.

“The support from the Victorian Government to help uplift its Defence industry has been a massive help to our efforts here in Australia,” Mr Michie said. “The opening of the Hanwha Armoured Vehicle Centre of Excellence (H-ACE) in August this year demonstrates our commitment to Victoria, the Department of Defence and our supply chain partners.”

For more information on the SCUP grant program, head to business.vic.gov.au/grants-and-programs/victorian-land-systems-fund-supply-chain-uplift-program.

* one company has requested not to be named.

Meprolight Unveils the MMX3/MMX4 – Micro Magnifiers for Assault Rifles, Providing Target Magnification of up to 4 Times for Any Red Dot Sight

Tuesday, October 1st, 2024

Enhancing Precision: The MEPRO MMX3/MMX4 Provides Soldiers with Improved Long-Range Capabilities and Short-Range Precision
Israel, October 01, 2024 – Meprolight (1990) Ltd., a member of the SK Group and a leading manufacturer of electro-optical systems, thermal and night vision equipment, as well as self-illuminated sights for military, law enforcement, and civilian applications, unveils the MMX3/MMX4 micro magnifiers for assault rifles. These compact and lightweight magnifiers provide up to 4x magnification for any red dot sight, significantly enhancing soldiers’ accuracy, range, and observation capabilities, thereby equipping them with marksman-like abilities.

In today’s conflict scenarios, the perception of assault rifles has shifted. Military forces, police forces, fast-response teams, and other security agencies use assault rifles equipped with red-dotsights. Meprolight’s magnifiers enable those users to achieve faster target identification and extremely high shooting precision at a lower cost compared with constant or variable magnification optical sights.

The MMX3/MMX4 micro magnifiers provide versatility for different setups and enhance operational flexibility. With no need for zeroing, they allow users to quickly attach them to the Picatinny rail only when needed and benefit from enhanced magnification without time-consuming adjustments.

With a quick-release Picatinny adapter and a side flip mechanismwhere agility and speed are of the utmost importance, it enables users rapid target acquisition with both eyes open maintaining afull field-of-view; only when mission requires the magnifier can be quickly engaged.

Compact and weighing less than 200g they reduce the footprint, saving rail space and weight for the user. Elevation and windage adjusters provide precise alignment of FOV with sight’s reticle.

The Mepro MMX3 and Mepro MMX4 micro magnifiers attach to any MIL-STD-1913 rail directly behind the optic.

“The Mepro MMX3/MMX4 were developed to meet the growing need for improved shooting capabilities in the field,” says Golan Kalimi, SVP Marketing at Meprolight. “We are proud that these magnifiers have already been operationally proven and are being used by the IDF, Israel Police, and other forces around the world. By enhancing long-range target acquisition and short-range precision all at a reasonable cost, capabilities that were previously reserved for specialized marksmen are now available for every soldier and user, significantly contributing to force mission success.”

Australia’s DefendTex Develops 3D Printed Rocket Boosters for Space Lift

Monday, September 30th, 2024

DefendTex has collaborated with Australia’s Defence Science and Technology Group scientists and researchers to develop 3D printing of rocket boosters for space launch. It’s the fourth Cooperative Research Centres Project (CRC-P) DefendTex has partnered with DSTG on.

The collaboration allows for the printing of rocket boosters in the field, allowing Australian Defence Force to have responsive capability. ‘These partnerships are a critical link between science and technology and Australia’s Defence,” says Julia O’Callaghan, Director University Engagement.

www.defendtex.com

GA-ASI Adds NIDV and NATO DIANA to Blue Magic Netherlands Agenda

Monday, September 30th, 2024

Dutch Industry Encouraged to Register Online to Propose Technology Pitches for Nov. 19 Innovation and Funding Conference

SAN DIEGO – 26 September 2024 – General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) has added Raymond Knops, Chairman of the Dutch Industry Foundation for Defence and Security (NIDV), and Thomas McSorley, General Counsel for NATO DIANA (Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic), to a growing list of speakers and panelists on the agenda for the first-ever Blue Magic Netherlands (BMN) event being held on November 19, 2024. Other companies participating in GA-ASI’s BMN event include Brainport Development, Brabant Development Agency (BOM), SPACENED, and Lockheed Martin Ventures.

“We’re excited to launch this event in the Netherlands, which will bring together the best of Dutch industry and innovation,” said Brad Lunn, Managing Director of Strategic Finance at GA-ASI. “We are already engaged with companies who have contacted us to pitch their capabilities for possible inclusion in Blue Magic and open up funding opportunities.”

Dutch businesses that would like to pitch their technology and capabilities at BMN 2024 are encouraged to register on the event website by no later than Oct. 28, 2024.

Blue Magic Netherlands will be held in Eindhoven, a city known as a global technology hub. BMN will bring together Dutch startups, universities, government officials, aerospace leaders, and representatives from other high-tech industries, who will see technology advancements within the Dutch technology ecosystem and connect qualified partners with funding opportunities to support next-generation dual-use solutions.

GA-ASI has organized several successful Blue Magic events in the past and is bringing that same concept to the Netherlands. Areas of focus for BMN 2024 will be artificial intelligence/machine learning, autonomy, advanced materials, sensors, advanced manufacturing, and space. GA-ASI delivered its MQ-9A Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) to the Royal Netherlands Air Force (RNLAF) in 2021 and recently announced an increase in the total order of MQ-9As in its service to eight.

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.