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Hungary Awards Rheinmetall and UVision a Major Contract for the Hero Loitering Munitions – Order Volume in the Three-Digit Million-Euro Range

Thursday, July 20th, 2023

Rheinmetall AG of Düsseldorf has secured an important order from Hungary for Hero Loitering Munitions. Contracts to this effect have now been signed. The munitions are worth a figure in the low three-digit million-euro range. Delivery will begin in 2024 and is scheduled to end in 2025.

Hero Loitering Munitions are a family of operationally proven, widely used effectors which Rheinmetall fabricates and markets in Europe under a cooperation agreement with UVision Air Ltd. of Israel. In October 2021 Rheinmetall and UVision embarked on a strategic partnership aimed at addressing sharply increased demand for remotely controlled precision munitions.

Hero precision munitions provide modern armed forces on today’s battlefields with the ultimate in operational flexibility. The weapon systems possess a unique, autonomous target engagement capability, including reconnaissance, monitoring and recognition. It locates, tracks and engages emerging enemy targets with low signatures beyond the line of sight.

Hero Loitering Munition systems circle over the target zone, locating and tracking the enemy and analysing possible targets. They help to select high-value targets as well as suitable timing, direction and angle of attack before carrying out a high-precision strike. Hero Loitering Munition systems feature a high degree of commonality and can therefore be operated from the same operating and datalink terminal on the ground.
All Hero systems are designed to operate in complex battlefield conditions, including in environments without GPS reception or jammed radio connections. Modern armed forces around the world, among them those of major NATO members, use Hero Loitering Munitions, which have proven highly effective in combat operations.

The Hero system has demonstrated its effectiveness against a multitude of different targets, including infantry, light vehicles on the move, tanks, enemy field fortifications, air defence systems and critical infrastructure. It offers major advantages in modern warfare scenarios. Thanks to their rapid deployability and independent target acquisition and engagement capabilities, Hero Loitering Munitions can operate at all echelons, from supreme headquarters to the individual soldier on the ground, and lend themselves to strategic and tactical missions alike.

Posted in Contracts, International, Munitions | 3 Comments »

Canadian DND Contracts NP Aerospace Canada for Land Equipment Program

Thursday, July 20th, 2023

The Canadian Department of National Defence (DND) has awarded NP Aerospace Canada the Land Equipment Program – Engineering Technical Support Services Contract (LEP-ETSS) following a competitive tender.

The contract will run for up to five years with NP Aerospace Canada as prime contractor, forming a strategic alliance with Marshall Land Systems Canada with the support of specialist suppliers and testing facilities. Partners include Militex Coatings Inc., Valcom Consulting Group Inc., Prairie Agricultural Machinery Institute (PAMI), Ontario Tech University, Motor Vehicle Test Centre (MVTC), managed by PMG Technologies, and the National Research Council Canada (NRC) – Automotive and Surface Transportation.

NP Aerospace was selected due to the company’s expertise supporting large military fleets including the UK Ministry of Defence Protected Mobility Engineering and Technical Support (PMETS) vehicle contract valued at over CAD$100m and covering more than 2,000 vehicles until up to 2030. NP Aerospace Canada has also supplied significant contracts to the Canadian DND over the past ten years including the CAD$33m CM735 combat helmet contract as well as various body armour contracts.

The LEP-ETSS contract covers research, testing and evaluation, engineering and prototyping, fabrication, technical investigations, the provision of Field Support Representatives and equipment management and documentation services for military equipment. The contract will be led out of NP Aerospace Canada’s London Ontario facilities and supports growth of Canada’s Key Industrial Capabilities (KICs) and military exports, building links with Academia and Indigenous capabilities and communities.

James Kempston, CEO, NP Aerospace, comments: “The Land Equipment Program contract is a significant capability enabling contract for Canada’s DND. It will allow the Canadian fleet of land equipment to be incrementally and continually improved, at pace, to keep up with technology and demanding user requirements. The contract further strengthens NP Aerospace’s strategic position in the North American market utilising enhanced land equipment capabilities working in partnership with proven industry partners.”

Jessica Bland, General Manager, NP Aerospace Canada, states: “Our Canadian business will lead the program working with Marshall Land Systems and the wider NP Aerospace capabilities team and I look forward to delivering positive outcomes from the program over the coming months.”

NP Aerospace has led complex military platform integrations for more than 20 years having worked with leading global defence organisations including the UK Ministry of Defence on platforms such as the Cougar fleet used in Afghanistan and Iraq.

Posted in Contracts, International, Press Release | Comments Off on Canadian DND Contracts NP Aerospace Canada for Land Equipment Program

CORDURA NYCO Fabric and CORDURA TrueLock™ Fabric Uniform & Equipment Solutions Take Center Stage At IDEF ‘23

Wednesday, July 19th, 2023

Kennesaw, GA, USA – July 14, 2023 Kennesaw, GA, USA Set to propel and underscore its commitment to best-in-class solution-dyed nylon 6,6 fiber technology innovation as well as developing the durable, long-lasting fabric solutions of tomorrow; INVISTA’s CORDURA® Advanced Fabrics will focus on responsible uniform solutions, and military and tactical equipment, tailored to the Turkey, Europe, Middle East and Africa markets at this year’s IDEF International Defence Industry Fair, July 25-28. Join the CORDURA® team at booth #845B.

The CORDURA® Advanced Fabrics comprehensive, global, head-to-toe military, tactical and law enforcement portfolio will showcase:

• CORDURA® NYCO Fabric has a 3-5x slower flame spread versus polyester/cotton alternatives.* 50/50 CORDURA® NYCO Fabric outperformed heavier weight Poly/Cotton Military fabrics in Abrasion Resistance testing.**

• CORDURA® NYCO Extreme Fabric made with INVISTA T420HT – the strongest nylon 6,6 staple fiber CORDURA® has ever produced.

• CORDURA TrueLock™ Fabric Solution Dyed Nylon 6,6 (SDN) provides unparalleled lot-to-lot color consistency plus long-lasting color durability and Stewardship benefits; available in a palate of 7 military colors.

Also on display will be a full collection of lightweight, breathable, quick dry, head-to-toe mission critical performance fabrics including CORDURA® Classic Fabric.

The CORDURA® Advanced Fabrics global military, law enforcement and tactical applications include: Combat Uniforms, Ballistic Vests, Packs, Load Carriage Equipment, Webbing and Trims, Footwear, Base Layer, Combat Shirts, Headwear, Seat Covers and many more.

Erik Walker CORDURA® Global Military Segment leader explains:

“Throughout our 55-year brand journey, we’ve worked to establish a foundation built on durable and long-lasting fiber technologies, including our legacy of solution dyed, high-performance nylon 6,6 offerings. As we advance on this journey, we continue to invest and expand our capabilities to include solutions that are not only durable but lead down the path to using fewer resources to make the products our customers value. We continue listening to the demands of the market; identifying unmet needs, solving problems, and utilizing innovation to create cutting-edge solutions to meet the ever changing needs of global militaries and law enforcement.“

Erdal Merttürk CORDURA® Business Manager Turkey, Middle East & Africa added:

“At CORDURA® brand we know life in law enforcement, military or with a tactical unit can be demanding. So, we develop fabrics specifically designed for combat uniforms. Engineered to be comfortable even in the most challenging conditions; fabrics that are tough, versatile and engineered to excel in the field. With CORDURA® NYCO Fabric Extreme which offers durable yet lightweight fabrics for hot weather conditions, we continue to push the boundaries of durable fabric development to meet the physical and environmental demands of combat and tactical life.”

More about CORDURA® brand innovations in focus at IDEF:

CORDURA® NYCO Fabric – Comfort of cotton with enhanced durability

Originally designed as a rugged, lightweight comfort solution for military combat uniforms, durable CORDURA® NYCO Fabric is engineered with an intimate blend of INVISTA T420 nylon 6,6 staple fiber and cotton delivering enhanced abrasion and tear resistance, No Melt No Drip*** performance and 3-5x slower flame spread* versus internally tested equivalent weight polyester/cotton.

CORDURA® NYCO Fabric Extreme –

For decades, a part of the CORDURA® mission has been to support members of the military by using some of the world’s most durable fabrics. CORDURA® NYCO Fabric Extreme based on INVISTA T420HT high tenacity fiber technology has a mission to create a new generation of durable, yet even lighter weight fabrics. Strong, rugged fabrics like CORDURA® NYCO Extreme Fabricare specifically designed for hot weather combat uniforms, and are an excellent alternative to NYCO Mil-Spec fabric.

CORDURA TrueLock™ Fabric – Responsible fabrics with locked-in color

CORDURA TrueLock™ Fabric is engineered with high-tenacity nylon 6,6 multi-filament fiber that locks in the color at the molten polymer extrusion level to create deep, durable color throughout the entire fiber structure. CORDURA TrueLock™ Fabric has excellent color fastness, resists color loss after UV exposure and long-lasting color vibrancy. Color consistency is crucial when pairing fabric with other materials such as webbing to create military and law enforcement gear. Additionally, compared to conventional level acid piece dyeing, the process used to make CORDURA TrueLock™ Fabric uses less water, energy and emits fewer greenhouse gases****.

CORDURA® TrueLock™ Fabric is available in Desert Sand, Tan-499, Coyote-498, Ranger Green, Camo Green-483, Wolf Gray and Black. End-uses include bags, load carriage, and reinforcements as well as use in responsible webbings and trims.

*Flame Spread rate as measured according to ISO 6941.

**ISO 12947-2 (woolen abradant, 12 kPa) after 5 home laundering cycles at 60°C

***No Melt, No Drip Performance based on ASTM 6413.

****2013 LCA study based on the average comparison of conventional level acid Piece Dyeing to SDN at 3 independent/3rd party dyeing and finishing mills.

Learn more at cordura.com/military

Posted in International, Materials, Press Release, Tradeshow | Comments Off on CORDURA NYCO Fabric and CORDURA TrueLock™ Fabric Uniform & Equipment Solutions Take Center Stage At IDEF ‘23

Avon Protection Awarded NATO Contract for CBRN Protective Boots & Gloves

Wednesday, July 19th, 2023

The framework contract will run for three years with two additional one-year options

18 JULY 2023, Melksham, UK: Avon Protection has been awarded a three-year contract, with two optional one-year extensions, by the NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) for CBRN protective boots and gloves. The framework contract will allow NATO nations and partners to place orders for Avon Protection’s EXOSKIN-B1 boots and EXOSKIN-G1 gloves.

Launched in 2022, the EXOSKIN range of boots and gloves are manufactured from Avon Protection’s proven rubber technology. The range protects operators against Chemical Warfare Agent, Toxic Industrial Chemical and biological threats.

The ambidextrous EXOSKIN-G1 glove features a rubberised outer layer textured to maintain grip in wet conditions, and an intelligent, seamless inner knitted liner that has a conductive tip on both the thumb and forefinger to enable the wearer to handle and operate electronic touch screen devices.

The EXOSKIN-B1 boot provides improved durability and agility in the field, with quick-release straps to secure the garment over standard footwear. A highly textured sole improves the wearer’s manoeuvrability in all underfoot conditions.

Designed for quick donning and doffing, the EXOSKIN range integrates with many protective suit ensembles, delivering advanced dexterity and agility in the field while maximising protection for the operator.

“This contract further underlines Avon Protection’s close partnership with NATO for the provision of CBRN protection capability. To date several nations have actively deployed the FM50 respirator under the ongoing NSPA framework contract for that system,” Steve Elwell, President, Respiratory Protection for Avon Protection, said. “With the new boots and gloves contract, all NATO nations will now have the ability to acquire our EXOSKIN products, allowing them to benefit from our wider portfolio of market-leading technologies and to keep their operators safe in the field during CBRN situations.”

Posted in CBRNE, Contracts, International, Press Release | Comments Off on Avon Protection Awarded NATO Contract for CBRN Protective Boots & Gloves

Bundeswehr Contracts with Rheinmetall for Several Hundred Thousand Artillery Shells; Order Worth Around €1.3 Billion

Tuesday, July 18th, 2023

The need to replenish stores of ammunition caused by the war in Ukraine is resulting in major artillery ammunition contracts for Rheinmetall.

The German Bundeswehr has just issued a large-volume order for service and practice artillery ammunition worth around €1.3 billion, including value added tax. Two contracts to this effect have now been signed at the Federal Office for Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support (BAAINBw) in Koblenz.
Rheinmetall has been awarded a new framework contract for the supply of 155mm artillery ammunition, while an existing framework contract has been expanded. In all, the scope of delivery encompasses several hundred thousand shells of various types, including fuses and propelling charges. Set to run until 2029, the new framework contract represents potential order volume of around €1.2 billion, including VAT.

Furthermore, the Bundeswehr has expanded an existing framework agreement for DM121 ammunition. In addition to the framework contract cited above, this represents order volume of around €137 million, once again including VAT. The volume of the existing framework contract thus increases from €109 million to a total of €246 million, including VAT.
Featuring insensitive characteristics, the DM121 high-explosive shell is used for training and exercise purposes.

The first call-offs for service and practice ammunition from the framework contract cited above came as soon as the contract was signed. Delivery of shells worth €127 million (including VAT) is due take place shortly.

Ever since its foundation over 125 years ago, Rheinmetall has been a reliable partner of the artillery corps. Even today, the pressing and drawing process invented by company founder Heinrich Ehrhardt is used for producing modern artillery barrels. Rheinmetall’s family of artillery ammunition includes, among other ordnance, the high explosive DM121, the DM125 smoke/obscurant shell, the DM121 SMArt search-fused round (jointly developed with Diehl Defence), as well as the RH68 practice version and the range-optimized RH1901 and RH1902 smoke/obscurant shells. The Group’s product portfolio also encompasses the versatile Assegai family of 155mm artillery ammunition made by Rheinmetall Denel of South Africa. It includes insensitive munitions (IM), conventional high explosive (HE) rounds, as well as smoke/obscurant, illumination, infrared illumination, and other shells. With its boat tail (BT) and base bleed (BB) configurations, the Assegai family displays a ballistic equilibrium, ensuring that the entire ammunition spectrum can be used at its maximum effective range of approximately 40 kilometres. Under the framework contract, the Bundeswehr will be introducing the tried-and-tested Assegai ammunition family.

The latest orders underscore once again Rheinmetall’s technological lead as a developer and producer of ammunition in Europe. Furthermore, the framework contracts will help to assure a secure supply of ammunition to the armed forces of Germany and other NATO nations, enabling better planning of production processes and optimum utilization of capacity. Moreover, thanks to assured long-term production of various types of ammunition during the lifetime of the contract, resulting in availability at short notice, the framework contract also offers logistical advantages to other 155mm artillery users. For Rheinmetall, the framework agreement means a basic level of capacity utilization at its ammunition production plants for years to come.

Posted in Contracts, International, Munitions, Press Release | 4 Comments »

Jolly Vihar 23 Enhances US, Hungarian Air Forces Interoperability

Monday, July 17th, 2023

PÁPA AIR BASE, Hungary (AFNS) —

The 56th Rescue Squadron and the 56th Rescue Generation Squadron assigned to Aviano Air Base, Italy, are participating in the bilateral training exercise Jolly Vihar 23-2 at Pápa Air Base, Hungary June 26 through July 7.

Exercise Jolly Vihar is aimed to enhance the U.S. and Hungarian forces’ ability to conduct integrated combat search and rescue scenarios and perform maintenance operations. This exercise benefits the 56th RQS and 56th RGS along with NATO ally and partner nations by enhancing interoperability while learning each other’s techniques, strategies and procedures.

“The purpose of exercise Jolly Vihar for the 56th Rescue Squadron is terminal employment,” said U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Kayleigh Jones, 56th RQS special missions aviator instructor. “This is a great time for aircrew to practice factor threat analysis because we never know what squadron or unit we’re going to be working with. The more we integrate, the better we can facilitate personnel recovery across Europe.”

Three U.S. Air Force HH-60G Pave Hawks flew to Pápa Air Base for Jolly Vihar. During the two-week exercise, a large portion of the training was live fire and search and rescue missions. Airman assigned to Aviano AB and Pápa AB act as red cells during the search and rescue missions. Red cells are role players whose purpose is to present problems that the aircrew must solve as a team.

A Norwegian flight medic responds to a survivor during exercise Jolly Vihar at a training range near Pápa Air Base, Hungary, June 28, 2023. Search and rescue missions covered a large portion of exercise Jolly Vihar and role players acted as survivors needing to be recused by the aircrew. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Synsere Howard)

Norwegian forces on each aircraft fulfill the role of a pararescue team. Their job is to help to mitigate threats and safely recover red cells with information relayed to them and the aircrew. According to Jones, working with the Norwegian forces improves cohesion with the knowledge learned from one another. This can also be applied to real-world situations.

“We’re out here working with NATO allies and partner nations such as the Norwegians and the Hungarians,” Jones said. “We’re working on interoperability and learning their techniques and procedures while sharing ours with them.”

According to Jones, there are a lot of moving pieces in an exercise of this magnitude. The mission cannot be accomplished without other agencies, such as maintenance personnel, aviation resource managers, communications technicians and aircrew flight equipment specialists.

“These personnel are essential to making sure this exercise is executed safely and efficiently,” Jones said.

Jolly Vihar aims to advance and support rescue capability in U.S. European Command and NATO. Training with NATO allies and partners in exercises like Jolly Vihar strengthens partnerships, reduces tensions between nations and helps address potential conflicts before they start.

“We’re trying to build this network to increase our partner building capabilities,” Jones said. “We can’t do this alone.”

By Airman Synsere Howard, 31st Fighter Wing Public Affairs

Posted in AFSW, Air Force, Guest Post, International | Comments Off on Jolly Vihar 23 Enhances US, Hungarian Air Forces Interoperability

Luminae Paid To Raid Hoodie

Sunday, July 16th, 2023

Pretty straight forward, the Luminae Paid to Raid Hoodie is exactly what the name says, a hoodie with a logo.

Get yours at www.luminae.co.uk/Shop/Luminae-Paid-To-Raid-Hoodie.

Posted in Clothing, International | Comments Off on Luminae Paid To Raid Hoodie

Helikon-Tex – Foxhole Bag

Friday, July 14th, 2023

The new Foxhole bag from Helikon-Tex kind of reminds me of an update to the old USGI NBC Bag for carrying your MOPP suit.

Although this isn’t quite as big, it’s more versatile and includes a roll top and compression bungees. You can also wear it as a bag or waist pack and is compatible with MOLLE/PALS.

www.helikon-tex.com/pl_pln/tb-foh-nl-torba-foxhole

Posted in International, Load Carrying | 5 Comments »