TYR Tactical

Archive for the ‘International’ Category

Milrem Robotics Showcases THeMIS Combat-Cargo UGV at Indo Defence 2025

Tuesday, June 10th, 2025

Milrem Robotics, the world’s leading developer of robotics and autonomous systems, will exhibit its THeMIS Combat unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) integrated with Valhalla’s LOKI Remote Controlled Weapon Station (RCWS) at Indo Defence 2025 in Jakarta, Indonesia. The cost-efficient version on display has additional cargo space to meet end-users’ needs.

The THeMIS Combat is designed to support military operations in high-threat environments by enabling remote threat identification and engagement before human forces are exposed. As part of the Forward Line of Robotics, it plays a critical role in neutralising key enemy assets and generating operational momentum that ground forces can capitalise on with reduced risk and casualties.

“Integrating robotic systems into combat formations allows military units to enhance their operational effectiveness significantly,” said Patrick Shepherd, Chief Sales Officer at Milrem Robotics. “Unmanned systems like the THeMIS Combat extend the reach and capability of existing units, enabling them to achieve more with fewer resources and greater protection.”

Equipped with the LOKI RCWS, the system combines precise firepower with tactical versatility. LOKI supports weapon calibres ranging from 5.56 mm to 12.7 mm and can effectively engage targets at distances of up to 2000 metres. In addition to its firepower capabilities, LOKI can also operate in a counter-unmanned aerial systems (CUAS) role, thereby expanding the platform’s mission profile. Its compact form factor, along with the THeMIS UGV’s high payload capacity, allows for the integration of additional mission equipment and supplies, alleviating the logistical and cognitive burden on dismounted troops.

Together, the THeMIS Combat and LOKI RCWS demonstrate the operational advantages of unmanned systems in enhancing force protection, extending battlefield reach, and increasing mission effectiveness in complex environments.

The system will be on display at Stand 351 in Hall B.

UF PRO Launches Waist/Flex Belt Designed for Enhanced Fit and Functionality

Friday, June 6th, 2025

KOMENDA, SLOVENIA (05.06.2025)

UF PRO, part of Mehler Systems and a leading provider of advanced tactical clothing, has introduced the Waist/Flex Belt—a new accessory engineered to work seamlessly with the brand’s compatible pants.

Designed with end-user comfort and operational practicality in mind, the Waist/Flex Belt enhances overallfit, stability, and compatibility with holsters and over-belts.

The Waist/Flex Belt securely holds UF PRO pants in place while allowing for flexible movement and breathability in the lower back area. Its soft, flat buckle and side reinforcements make it well-suited for users who require reliable gear integration without unnecessary bulk or discomfort.

A key feature is the adjustable stiffness: users can remove the side reinforcements when flexibility is preferred or leave them in place when extra support is needed. The belt also functions as an under-belt, providing a non-intrusive foundation beneath an over-belt or load-bearing gear.

Compatible exclusively with select UF PRO pants—such as the P-40 Urban Gen.2 Pants, P-40 Blu-Flex Jeans, P-40 Ranger Shorts, Striker X Gen.2 Combat Pants, and Striker TT Combat Pants—the Waist/Flex Belt ensures a tailored fit through UF PRO’s Waist/Flex system. The design supports long-wear use and adaptability in high-mobility scenarios.

For more product details and availability, visit: ufpro.com/accessories/waist-flex-belt

Logistik Unicorp – Extreme Cold Weather Mittens

Thursday, June 5th, 2025

As an internal R&D project, Logistik Unicorp has developed an extreme cold weather mitten which combines traditional materials with new high tech features. Designed to protect the wearer to -50°C and beyond, they are worn as part of a handwear system.

I bought up with the design team at last week’s CANSEC in Ottawa. The team explained that after having evaluated numerous materials, they found that beaver pelts are the optimal material for this application. They looked at several animal hides, including seal, but nothing held up to the Arctic temperatures quite like beaver pelts. In fact, the skins add Canadian content to the system, the pelts harvested and prepared by First Nation craftsmen.

While First Nation tribes live in the far north, they concentrate on survival, avoiding raising a sweat as much as possible. A Soldier on the other hand, isn’t going to be able to avoid moving and other hard work that causes sweat. Beaver not only insulates, but it is inherently waterproof. What’s more, it is extremely comfortable meaning you can use it to warm your face and if you wipe a runny nose, the frozen mucus just slides away, with no build up.

Although the beaver is combined with a Cordura shell and synthetic insulation, the team continues to consider other sustainable materials such as salmon skin, although there are currently challenges to keeping the material supple in such extreme conditions.

According to Logitik Unicorp designers, you might yet see salmon skin integrated into future iterations if they can get the material processing down to meet the challenge.

Editors Note: First paragraph updated to remove reference to DND Operational Clothing contract and clarify that the mittens are being developed in-house.

Rheinmetall Resonant South Africa (Pty) Ltd Established

Tuesday, June 3rd, 2025

Rheinmetall has established a new subsidiary, Rheinmetall Resonant South Africa (Pty) Ltd. Upon receiving approval from the relevant authorities, Rheinmetall Waffe Munition GmbH now holds a 51% stake in the newly founded joint venture Rheinmetall Resonant South Africa (Pty) Ltd. The joint venture takes over almost all of the assets of Resonant Holding and its subsidiaries. The remaining 49% is held by the existing shareholders of Resonant Holding. The new company expects sales potential of more than €100 million per year. The parties have agreed not to disclose the purchase price.

With the establishment of the new subsidiary, Rheinmetall is further expanding its range of services to create additional production capacity. This is Rheinmetall’s response to the growing global demand for ammunition. The in-depth vertical integration positions the Group even stronger in terms of independent planning, construction and operation of production facilities for chemical precursors such as propellants and explosives.

Rheinmetall Resonant South Africa (Pty) Ltd employs around 150 people and offers proven experience and outstanding expertise in the design and construction of specialised plants. This includes production facilities for chemical and explosive products. Resonant thus complements Rheinmetall’s plant engineering business, particularly in the areas of chemical, energy and explosives technology, industrialisation and manufacturing.

Extrema Ratio Knives – Misericordia

Monday, June 2nd, 2025

Developed and tested in conjunction with, the 4th Alpine Rangers of the Italian Army, the Extrema Ratio Misericordia features a spearpoint blade which is milled out of Böhler N690 steel, hardened at 58 HRC, it is 118 mm/4.64” long and 4mm/0,16” thick and plain edged. The blade also has a full length fuller with a ¾ length false edge. The handle integrates a ring for retention and the overall weight is 87g/3.1oz.

extremaratiousa.com/product/misericordia

Canada Pursues NATO STANAG of 6.5 x 43mm

Monday, June 2nd, 2025

During my visit to Canada last week, I spoke with multiple people across the Army and industry and one topic dominated discussions, the 6.5 x 43 cartridge.

You probably know it by the designation of 264 USA, named when it was developed by the US Army Marksmanship Unit as an intermediate cartridge. Turns out, it’s a ballistic Goldilocks between 5.56 and 7.62 NATO and that term came up over and over in conversation. It offers additional range and lethality over both 5.56 and 7.62 NATO with a compromise in ammunition weight between the two. Additionally, it can also be used for both rifle and belt-fed applications.

Those of you familiar with the FN America Lightweight Intermediate Caliber Cartridge (LICC) Individual Weapon System (IWS) developed for the Irregular Warfare Technology Support Directorate (IWTSD), will know the caliber which at one point has also been referred to as “264 International” as a nod to the program’s co-sponsor CANSOFCOM. They are so impressed with what they’ve observed during the LICC program that they have decided to press forward.

With an eye to the future, CANSOFCOM is pursuing a NATO Standardization Agreement (STANAG) for 6.5 x 43 mm in partnership with at least one additional NATO member. At this point, the other party has not been disclosed. However, I know it is not the US, which has been working on the 6.8 x 51mm common case cartridge as their path forward.

STANAG 4884. Technical Performance Specifications Providing For The Interchangeability of 6.5mm x 43 Ammunition.

With this new development, it seems that the caliber wars aren’t yet over. Hopefully, with NATO standardization, likely with brass and composite case designs, we will see more manufacturers of ammunition as well as additional weapon designs.

We will update this story as we learn more.

– By Eric Graves

Israel Shoots Down Enemy Drone With Rafael Laser System

Sunday, June 1st, 2025

Rafael Advanced Defense Systems shared the following statement late last week on X:

Screenshot

World First — Combat-Proven Laser Defense, Powered by Rafael

For the first time in history, high-power laser systems have been used to intercept aerial threats in combat.

This unprecedented breakthrough took place during the Swords of Iron War — with Rafael’s advanced technology at the heart of the operation.

Developed in close partnership with the Israel Ministry of Defense and the Israeli Air Force, Rafael’s laser interceptors were successfully deployed by the IAF’s Aerial Defense Array, neutralizing enemy threats with speed, precision, and zero cost per shot.

“Israel is the first country in the world to transform high-power laser technology into a fully operational system – and to execute actual combat interceptions.”

— Dr. Yuval Steinitz, Chairman, Rafael

“Rafael is leading the energy weapon revolution. The ingenuity of our teams and deep investment in R&D led to this monumental achievement.”

— Yoav Tourgeman, CEO, Rafael

These systems mark the beginning of a new era in warfare — one that will soon expand with the delivery of Iron Beam, Rafael’s next-generation laser weapon designed to reshape the future of air defense.

This is not theory. This is real. Combat-proven. Operational. Historic.

* Photos from video posted by Rafael to X.

British Based G3 Systems Wins €100M Contract to Supply Containers and Flatracks for the Netherlands Ministry of Defence

Friday, May 30th, 2025

G3 Systems Limited, a British company with approaching 25 years of operationally proven expertise in the design and production of deployable infrastructure solutions, has won a major new contract to supply the Netherlands Ministry of Defence with circa 700 flatracks and containers, as part of their Wissellaadsystemen, Trekker-opleggercombinaties and WielBergingsvoertuigen (WTB) programme. The contract is worth €100M and consists of a 30-month delivery phase followed by a 15-year support phase.

The Netherlands WTB programme has 3 distinct elements – Trucks, Trailers & Semi-Trailers and Physical Distribution Systems. The contract for the flatracks and containers is the largest of 3 separate parts to the Physical Distribution Systems. The G3 Systems contract is for the provision of over 400 general purpose flatrack units and associated equipment, and 270 specialist containers for the storage and transportation of general stores, medicinal items, ammunition, POL & chemicals.

The container sub-systems include power generation, HVAC CBRN filtration, medical refrigeration and equipment tracking & monitoring. There is also a contract option to increase the units delivered under the initial contract by up to 100%. Both the flatracks and containers are to be capable of worldwide deployment by all means of transport.

The project demonstrates true collaboration with G3 Systems’ established global supply chain, with a large part of the integration to be completed by European manufacturing partners in conjunction with G3 Systems programme management, project expertise, design and support services.

Nick Rose, Managing Director of G3 Systems said, “This is a momentous landmark in the history of G3 Systems, and I am incredibly proud that the hard work, dedication, professionalism and expertise we hold at G3 Systems has been recognised with this contract award, won in open competition.

Clearly there is a tremendous amount of work to do, and we have already bolstered our team in order to be ready to deliver in the 30-months delivery timeframe, whilst making sure we sustain and grow the remainder of our business.” He added: “This has been a true team effort, which is a game changer for this organisation and one that will elevate our provision of deployable infrastructure to the next level. Thank you to everyone who has helped to make this happen.”