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Allen-Vanguard Collaborates with Metis Aerospace to Deliver Enhanced Counter-Drone Capabilities

Monday, November 18th, 2024

Allen-Vanguard, a global leader in providing customised solutions for defeating Radio Frequency (RF) based terrorist and extremist threats, is very excited to announce a strategic collaboration with the domain knowledge experts in passive RF detection, Metis Aerospace. This collaboration has been established to leverage their respective expertise and proven products to address the growing requirement for a highly mobile counter unmanned air system (C-UAS) capability that delivers a tried and tested baseline capability to detect and defeat an increasing range of threats posed by the nefarious use of drones. Both Allen-Vanguard and Metis Aerospace will be at the Specialist Defence and Security Convention (SDSC) on 18th-20th November 2024 at Telford International Centre, UK to discuss this collaboration and their respective range of existing products and capabilities.

Metis has extensive experience in the RF detect domain, with several products that are already the cornerstone of many larger protection systems across a wide range of sectors. For over 10 years, they have been at the forefront of C-UAS detection capability development, advising the MoD and receiving research funding to develop their innovative technologies, such as SKYPERION. Allen-Vanguard is equally an operationally proven subject matter expert in defeating RF threats, including cutting-edge counter-drone solutions, like ANCILE, that are used by militaries, security forces and NGOs globally to protect their personnel and key assets.

In an era where drone technology is rapidly evolving, and how drones are being employed on the battlefield is going through an unprecedented revolution, the Allen-Vanguard and Metis collaboration combines their respective ground-breaking and innovative technologies to provide the necessary expertise, agility and technology to properly mitigate this threat. The operationally proven ingenuity and agility of both companies can be brought to bear on the key subset of the C-UAS market that is demanding increased manoeuvrability and effectiveness at a practical price point. In addition, both companies have built an excellent reputation for enduring customer support to ensure deployed systems are maintained with the latest detection and defeat waveforms as the RF battlespace evolves.

Tony Burnell, CEO of Metis Aerospace said: “We are very excited to be collaborating with Allen-Vanguard to develop this capability that we see meets a growing market demand. It makes perfect sense for us to work together and exploit our expertise in the detect function and then fully synchronise and integrate with an Allen-Vanguard defeat capability. This combination will be a real protection benefit for all our customers.”

Bobby Strawbridge, President of Allen-Vanguard said: “I am delighted to announce this collaboration with Metis that, as fellow SME domain knowledge experts, perfectly complements our own portfolio of products. The ability to combine the detect and defeat functions into one capability will undoubtedly deliver enhanced C-UAS capabilities to better counter modern hostile drone operations.” He added, “We are also pursuing a number of qualified opportunities in the Middle East and Eastern Europe from users who have reached out, seeking a cost-effective and efficient system for a baseline, mobile C-UAS capability. The strength of Metis’ portfolio of offerings also has applicability to domestic and international requirements outside the scope of C-UAS and we’re actively engaged in exploring these exciting opportunities”

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SÄRMÄ Cottage Rank Insignia from Varusteleka

Sunday, November 17th, 2024

Varusteleka is based in Finland and not only do they make great gear, but they have fun as well. Take for example these Cottage Rank Insignia’s.

They look and feel like genuine Finnish military rank insignia, but they are designed for civilian battlefields. They have the same simple hook and loop attachment system as issue clothing so you can sport them for fun.

Prince Colonel

Prince Colonel is the rank of the head of guard for the queen of Fog Valley. There is also a herbal liqueur with this name in Finland. This might also suit someone who is into stolen valor larping and in need of a made-up military rank.

The Sheriffs

These ranks have everything to do with the national drink of Finland, Jaloviina. The one star Jaloviina has been aptly named “Sheriff Bottle” by loving customers. The more stars there are on your Jaloviina bottle, the quality gets better but the overall taste somehow gets worse. Get “three stars” if you think you deserve cognac but can’t afford it – get “one star” if you’re attuned with the universe and know that life is all about pain and disgust.

Sauna Gollum ranks

Sauna Gollum is a delightful Finnish party game. The person chosen as Sauna Gollum goes under the sauna benches to poke the people sitting on them from underneath. The first one to stand up becomes the new Sauna Gollum. Great game among naked friends. Since the game is very demanding, you will start at the candidate stage and work your way to the esteemed Sauna Gollum rank through rigorous training.

Sauna Major

Sauna Major is the commander of the sauna troops, and the one in charge of heating the sauna and making sure that there is enough löyly, you know the magical steamy heat that we love here almost as much as sisu. So, if you master the art of heating a traditional sauna or simply love the experience like a Finn, this is a patch for you.

Grill Sergeant

Here’s a rank for all BBQ soldiers that protect their pits until the very end. May your grill never go cold.

Grill Master

As the highest non-commissioned officer rank in outdoor cooking, Grill Master oversees the Grill Sergeants keeping sausages in line on the grills – when he has time, that is, as he is very busy with his own beverage investigations, working on a case somewhere.

Made in Finland

These are manufactured by patch makers who also make insignia for the Finnish army. In other words, these are quality stuff!

Get yours here.

Posted in Advertiser, International, Morale | 2 Comments »

Saab’s Autonomous Swarm Technology Used in Landmark AUKUS Trial

Sunday, November 17th, 2024

Saab’s Autonomous Swarm technology recently featured in the ground-breaking Project Convergence 2024 trials, consisting of one month in the United States. A large UK team, comprising 40 employees from Saab-owned BlueBear and UK MOD Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) personnel, demonstrated the ability to deploy interoperable AI within Autonomous Swarms of Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS).

AUKUS, a trilateral security partnership between Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States, held trials that demonstrated the pivotal role of BlueBear’s technology in collaborative, networked, swarms of UAS. BlueBear’s AI enabled Centurion™ mission system provided the ability for a single operator to command a diverse swarm of autonomous UAS.

At the core of BlueBear’s AI-enabled autonomy solution is the ability to ‘hot-swap’ AI from any supplier in an autonomous systems-of-systems. This technology is key to unlocking the game-changing potential of deployed networked sensors and effectors in an integrated multi-domain battlefield.

BlueBear’s RedKite and Ghost UAS, were used in tandem with Centurion™, by the tri-nation AUKUS team to rapidly retrain and deploy AI algorithms, that enabled the payloads and UASs.

”The AUKUS trials marks a significant increase in our ability to interoperate with allied nations, both at mission and core technology levels. Significant investment from both the UK Government and Saab’s BlueBear have allowed us to collectively mature and de-risk high-value technologies that are imperative in modern warfare,” says Andy Fraser, Group Managing Director, Saab UK.

The AUKUS trial was the culmination of Autonomy and Open Architecture work consistently funded by Dstl over two decades. Find additional details of the trials on gov.uk.

Saab acquired BlueBear in August 2023, as its rapid capability accelerator innovating new technologies and integrating them across Saab’s portfolio.

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Brigantes Partners with Combat Flip Flops as Their UK and EMEA Distributor

Saturday, November 16th, 2024

Specialists in on-the-soldier equipment with particular expertise in the realm of extreme cold weather operations, flip flops may not seem like the most obvious segway for a company like Brigantes, the UK-based supplier of technical equipment and apparel for NATO military, government, and elite police units. However, this is no ordinary flip flop company, as is evidenced by anyone who has spent time in the company of Combat Flip Flops co-founder, Matt Griffin (Griff).

Bad for running, worse for fighting
Born out of a dream to “bring some good vibes to the world” Combat Flip Flops was founded by former US Rangers, Matt Griffin and Donald Lee, along with Andy Sewrey, during a post-military trip to Afghanistan in 2009. Inspired by their time in the military, their range of footwear, shemaghs and jewellery accessories embody comfort, practicality and style. Crafted using high-quality materials in small-scale factories in Colombia, Afghanistan and Laos, their products aren’t tactical, but they are seriously good.

Combat Flip Flop’s goal is simple: to inspire peace, relaxation and to make the world a better place. A mission which they pursue through the causes that they support. From an early endeavour to deliver vital education to girls in Afghanistan, to their current support of One More Wave, an organisation that provides customised surfing equipment for wounded and disabled veterans. Combat Flip Flops are defined by their commitment to delivering high quality products whilst simultaneously bettering the lives of people around the world. By uniting individuals from both the military community and conflict-affected regions, Combat Flip Flops brings together these seemingly disparate groups for a common purpose.

A Shared Mission
Two organisations with closely aligning values, Combat Flip Flops and Brigantes also share a lot of common history. Both founded by military veterans who served on tours in the Middle East as well as several other global conflict zones. An extensive past of military service has ignited for both companies a shared desire to give back, both to the regions in which they served, as well as the armed forces community. Brigantes is the official equipment sponsor of the Invictus Games Foundation, an organisation which facilitates sporting events and adventures for wounded and sick veterans, and so a partnership with Combat Flip Flops, a company distinguished by their passionate core purpose and philanthropic endeavours, makes sense.

The agreement between the two companies will see Brigantes assume responsibility for all UK and EMEA sales of Combat Flip Flops products. From their bestselling AK 47 flip flop, crafted from premium leather with an ergonomic footbed and injection-moulded arch support, to the Shadowban High Top, designed with durable fabrics and featuring a leather toe cap and tongue, their collection embodies a military veteran’s unique take on timeless footwear styles. Despite the name, these shoes are most certainly not designed for combat. Their motto: “bad for running, worse for fighting” says it all. But for those in search of high quality, thoughtfully crafted pieces, inspired by military service and in aid of a valuable global cause, these really are second to none.

For more information or to discuss placing an order, please contact Brigantes: brigantes.com/contact

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Feind Hört Mit

Saturday, November 16th, 2024

Our friends at Spartan.AT are offering a fun tip of the hat to the German language version of “The Enemy Is Listening.”

“Der Feind Hört Mit” dates back to at least World War Two where the slogan was placed on propaganda posters as well as affixed to the front of radios. This is an DDR (East German) National Volks Armee version of the Soviet Cold War-era R104M radio. Check out the engraving at the top.

Get your patch at shop.spartanat.com/products/feind-hort-mit-der-patch

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Rheinmetall to Deliver Canada’s Enhanced Recovery Capability Project Worth Over $300 million CAD

Friday, November 15th, 2024

The Canadian government has awarded Rheinmetall a major order for the production of 85 heavy recovery vehicles to the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) as part of the Enhanced Recovery Capability (ERC) project. The five-year purchase agreement, worth $325 million CAD (around €215 million), includes vehicles, recovery equipment and other modifications. The first deliveries are scheduled for 2027. A supplementary $28.9 million CAD (around €20 million) multi-year in-service support contract has also been awarded to Rheinmetall.

Serving as prime contractor, Rheinmetall Canada will replace the CAF’s heavy logistic vehicle wheeled recovery fleet with 85 HX 8×8 trucks, each equipped with a heavy towing and recovery module. This will provide the CAF with enhanced capabilities to effectively recover and tow their latest generation of heavier armoured and logistical vehicles. The new HX heavy recovery vehicles also provide additional capabilities, such as an integrated rotary crane that can be used for container handling and for other crane work.

Rheinmetall HX: a best-in-class, combat-proven flagship

Purpose-built for military end users and characterized by high mobility, reliability, and durability, the HX represents a long-term solution for Canada. It will provide logistic support to combat forces anywhere on the battlefield, even in the most stringent conditions. The HX recovery truck will also offer a high level of protection, significantly increasing soldiers’ survivability and mission success.

In terms of maturity, Rheinmetall’s flagship has been reliably serving military customers in the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Germany, Norway, Denmark, Sweden, Slovenia, Singapore, and Japan in a variety of operational scenarios, from domestic disaster relief and humanitarian support, to combat operations in harsh operating battlefield environments encountered in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Mali. This international distribution of HX trucks brings major advantages when it comes to interoperability and logistics among NATO partners.

The ERC team: world-leading partners offering a unique solution

The ERC project team will be led by Rheinmetall Canada, a leading system integrator in the defence and security industry. Rheinmetall Canada will be supported by Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles, a German-Austrian world-leading logistic vehicle manufacturer; Miller Industries Towing Equipment, a premier supplier of towing and recovery equipment located in the United States; and Rotzler Holding, a leading manufacturer of hydraulic winches and winch systems based in Germany with operations in Canada.

“Together, this strong team will provide a sophisticated best-in-class recovery solution that will enable the CAF to fulfil its tasks in support of Canadian national interests. This vehicle is an extraordinary system which will meet Canada’s needs for decades to come. Moreover, Canada is now joining an elite group of operators of the HX recovery platform and will benefit from other nations’ experience with the system.” stated Pietro Mazzei, President and CEO of Rheinmetall Canada.

“We are very grateful to be able to welcome Canada as a new member of the HX user group,” stated Michael Wittlinger, CEO of Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles. “With the heavy recovery vehicle, the HX fleet is now prominently represented on the North American continent for the first time. Our mission-proven vehicle family is increasingly becoming the backbone of the logistics forces of NATO and allied nations.”

Significant industrial and economic benefits for Canada

The benefits of the ERC project will be felt across Canada: it will create high-tech career opportunities at both Rheinmetall Canada and its Canadian suppliers, in addition to generating a number of valuable investments throughout the country. With over 1,5 billion Canadian Dollars in Industrial Technological Benefits (ITB) and Industrial and Regional Benefits (IRB) credited since the company was founded just over 35 years ago, Rheinmetall Canada is one of the leading companies for delivering ITBs, IRBs, job creation, and economic growth to Canada.

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Gray Eagle STOL Makes Historic First Flight From Ship To Land

Thursday, November 14th, 2024

Short Takeoff and Landing UAS Operates from South Korean Warship

SAN DIEGO – 13 November 2024 – General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) logged another aviation milestone on Nov. 12, 2024, when its Gray Eagle STOL aircraft took off from a South Korean warship and landed at a ground base – the first-ever such mission for an aircraft of this type. Working with our GA-ASI’s in-country partner, Hanwha Aerospace, Gray Eagle STOL launched from the South Korean navy’s amphibious landing ship Dokdo underway at sea off the coast of Pohang, South Korea. The Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) then flew to Pohang Navy Airfield and landed normally.

Gray Eagle STOL – which stands for short takeoff and landing – is the only medium-altitude, long-endurance aircraft of its kind with the ability to operate from large-deck warships such as amphibious ships and aircraft carriers, as well as short and unimproved fields on land. The test with the South Korean military further validates the aircraft’s capability and versatility.

“We applaud the South Korean navy for its foresight in examining the unique capability of GE STOL for its fleet. This demonstration illustrates the ability of the GE STOL to safely operate on many types of aircraft-capable ships, which opens myriad new ways our allies can use this UAS to support multi-domain naval operations,” said GA-ASI CEO Linden Blue.

Hanwha Aerospace is engaged with General Atomics to support national defense with proven, state-of-the-art technology suited for a multi-domain warfare environment, contributing to global security alongside allied nations in response to rapidly growing threats.

“The demonstration is a crucial step in verifying how the GE STOL can contribute to defense capabilities, and I am honored to witness this alongside the Republic of Korea Navy, to whom I extend my deepest gratitude for conducting the test,” said Hanwha Aerospace CEO and President Jae-il Son. “Hanwha is fully committed to making bold investments, fostering collaboration, and providing steadfast support in the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) business.”

The Ministry of National Defense for the Republic of Korea is initially evaluating GE STOL for its ability to meet its emerging military requirements. South Korean navy, army and other officials were asked to evaluate Gray Eagle STOL and supported the test.

“The demo highlighted the versatility of STOL aboard a warship, in the Dokdo, designed not for fixed-wing aircraft but solely for helicopters. Gray Eagle STOL’s flight proves that navies can add significant new capability without costly major modifications to their existing warships,” said South Korean Chief of Naval Operations, Admiral Yang Yong-mo.

Gray Eagle STOL is highly common with the classic Gray Eagle aircraft, substituting a different engine, wings, control surfaces and landing gear. Gray Eagle STOL is General Atomics’ name for the production variant of the historic aircraft demonstrator known as Mojave.

In November 2023, GA-ASI and Mojave performed a demonstration of STOL takeoff and return landing aboard an aircraft carrier in an event with the UK Royal Navy’s HMS Prince of Wales, which is smaller than a typical U.S. aircraft carrier at 932 feet long (284m) and 240 feet wide (73m). The Dokdo class is considerably smaller than the Prince of Wales, only 653 feet long (199m) and 102 feet wide (31m).

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Agilite Launches the Sub-Zero Plate Carrier

Thursday, November 14th, 2024

The long-awaited Agilite Sub-Zero™ Plate Carrier is live. It is built to set a new standard in slick plate carriers and includes numerous patented new features that give superior comfort and functionality including a new patented expansion system that makes one-size-fit-all body types.

Every Sub-Zero™ comes with the Agilite modular, elastic cummerbund included that is the most modular of its type on the market. Its unique design allows you to switch between velcro flaps, quick release buckles or first spear tubes quickly and easily, on either side. It is designed to give covert operators and vigilant civilians superior comfort and features in an extremely low profile rig.