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DroneShield Strategically Expands into Latin America to Address Drone Threats

Thursday, December 19th, 2024

Sydney, Australia – DroneShield, a global leader in counterdrone technology and security solutions, is pleased to announce its expanded presence in Latin America to address the growing misuse of drones. This move reflects DroneShield’s commitment to enhancing security in regions with significant aerial threats.

DroneShield has appointed Carlos Gutierrez as its Regional Director to lead this effort. Gutierrez brings extensive experience in technology and enterprise sales, having worked as a Global Portfolio Manager at SES Satellites, and as Sr. Regional Sales Manager at Starlink, a subsidiary of SpaceX, in Mexico City. His knowledge of the regional market and proven success in delivering results make him a strong leader for DroneShield’s Latin America expansion.

Carlos Gutierrez, Regional Director, Latin America

Tackling Regional Drone Threats

Recent incidents highlight the pressing need for advanced counterdrone measures in Latin America. In Mexico, drones are increasingly used by cartels for surveillance and smuggling, complicating law enforcement efforts. In Colombia, drones loaded with explosives have been reported, escalating regional security concerns. DroneShield’s expansion into the region is a direct response to these challenges, ensuring local communities have access to the technology needed to address these threats and enhance safety.

Regional Focus on Customized Solutions

“Expanding boots-on-the-ground into Latin America allows DroneShield to tackle these challenges head-on,” said Oleg Vornik, CEO of DroneShield. “Carlos Gutierrez’s expertise ensures we can deliver tailored solutions to safeguard these communities.”

DroneShield’s advanced counterdrone systems leverage artificial intelligence and sensor technologies to detect, identify, and neutralize unauthorized drones, making the airspace across diverse environments, safe.

The Latin American team is already taking proactive steps to engage with key stakeholders in the region. This includes their planned attendance at the LAAD Defence and Security Expoin Brazil, and Expodefensa in Colombia.

This expansion follows DroneShield’s recent establishment of a European team as well as on the ground presence in the UAE, and complements its headquarters in Australia and offices in the United States. With an on the ground presence spanning the Americas, Europe and Middle East, supported by in-country partners in over 70 countries globally, DroneShield is strategically placed to rapidly deliver innovative counterdrone solutions worldwide.

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German Parliament Approves the 3rd Option of the OCCAR Night Vision Contract Under which 25 000 Binoculars will be Provided Equipped with Photonis Image Intensifier Tubes

Thursday, December 19th, 2024

MÉRIGNAC, FRANCE – DECEMBER, 18th, 2024

– Germany confirms the exercise of the 3rd option of its OCCAR night vision contract with the Consortium Hensoldt Optronics / THEON providing enhanced night combat capability to the German Armed Forces

– In this framework, Exosens will provide the Consortium with Photonis 16mm image intensifier tubes, recognized as the European standard, widely used by European Armed Forces

– This contract, together with increased demand on its markets, strengthens Exosens’ visibility over the mid-term

– This OCCAR option 3 will be delivered mainly in 2025 and 2026. Therefore, Exosens will communicate early January its resulting 2025 guidance

The Defence Committee of the German parliament has approved a new addendum to the OCCAR contract today, exercising the 3rd consecutive option, ordering 25 000 binoculars equipped with Photonis image intensifier tubes, with an additional option of a similar size still available. The consortium of HENSOLDT Optronics GmBH and THEON SENSORS SA has been invited by OCCAR to sign the amendment on 20 December 2024 in Bonn, Germany.

The original contract for the production and in-service support of Binocular Night Vision Goggles (BNVG) with OCCAR was signed in July 2021. To date, 49 550 devices using Photonis 16 mm image intensifier tubes have already been contracted for supplying to the German and Belgian Armed Forces (note: 2 tubes per device). This additional addendum will include 25 000 binoculars to be delivered to Germany by 2026.

Photonis 4G and 4G+ image intensifiers have been selected by the armies of major European countries and NATO forces, who recognize the unique product performance of these products on the battlefield.

The Group will communicate early January 2025 its guidance for the 2025 fiscal year, which will incorporate the impact of this new contract.

The Group further confirms that it is fully on track to deliver its guidance for the 2024 fiscal year communicated as part of its IPO.

“We’re very proud to have earned the trust of the German government by once again receiving an order of a new batch of night vision goggles featuring Photonis image intensifier tubes. The performance and quality of our night vision products are key differentiators for our end users and allow us to be the undisputed world leader of image intensifier tubes. While we remain focused on meeting customer requirements by delivering volume on time with the right level of quality, we will continue to invest in capacity expansion and operational excellence required by a stronger market. This contract will also contribute to strengthen our mid-term perspectives.” commented Jérôme Cerisier, CEO of Exosens.

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Red Sands III Exercise in Saudi Arabia: Rheinmetall Canada Demonstrates Its Drone Defence Capabilities at Ultra-Short Ranges

Wednesday, December 18th, 2024

A Rheinmetall system for combating drones at ultra-close range has demonstrated its effectiveness in a joint exercise with representatives of the U.S. Army Central Command and the Saudi Arabian Armed Forces. The Red Sands III exercise took place in September 2024 at the Shamal 2 firing range in north-eastern Saudi Arabia and focused on countering uncrewed aerial systems (C-UAS).

The multinational exercise provided a challenging environment for assessing C-UAS solutions. At the same time, it enabled technology developers and operational personnel to work together to close capability gaps. The exercise was preceded by successful qualification tests, which took place in the United States in the summer of 2024.

Designed as the last line of defence against small low-flying and fast-moving drones, Rheinmetall’s ultra Short-Range Air Defence (SHORAD) system offers an engagement range from 50 to 800 m. The Mission Master XT uncrewed ground system (UGS) serves as the carrier platform.

Developed by Rheinmetall Canada, the system consists of the Rheinmetall Fieldranger Multi remote-controlled weapon station with a twin Dillon Aero M134D minigun, a radar, an electronic optics package and an artificial intelligence (AI)-based target acquisition and tracking system. This advanced layered defence system is capable of engaging multiple threats with formidable fire power. It offers multi-domain capabilities that execute with precision when detecting, tracking and engaging aerial and ground threats.

Rheinmetall’s ultra SHORAD system mounted on the Mission Master XT

Strong performance despite harsh desert conditions

In the final phase of Red Sands III, five challenging scenarios were set up to simulate real-world threats. In all scenarios, participants’ capabilities were assessed against Group 2 and 3 multi-rotor drones as well as Group 3 fixed-wing aircraft. Rheinmetall’s ultra SHORAD system demonstrated superior capabilities, scoring hits on all drones and successfully neutralizing every multirotor drone on the first pass. This performance was only matched by Rheinmetall and participants with costly advanced missile systems.

Even under the extreme conditions of the Saudi Arabian desert – where temperatures sometimes reached up to 45 °C – Rheinmetall’s ultra SHORAD system excelled thanks to its rapid operational readiness and its resistance to weapon interference, overheating and interruptions to the power supply. Earlier exercises at Fort Drum NY, USA, also demonstrated the system’s resilience in high humidity and heavy rain. Another outstanding feature is the system’s AI-driven tracker, which detects and classifies drones long before they are engaged, even in dusty conditions and poor visibility.
In addition to its operational success, Rheinmetall’s system proved to be extremely efficient. With a low cost per engagement, it represents a sustainable and economical solution.

A benchmark for the future development of CUAS

The exercise – an example of the partnership between the Saudi Arabian Armed Forces and U.S. Army Central Command – provided a valuable platform for assessing and refining systems in real-world scenarios. “We are proud to have played a critical role in enhancing operational readiness and fostering innovation to effectively counter emerging threats,” said Alain Tremblay, Vice-President Business Development and Innovation at Rheinmetall Canada. Rheinmetall’s performance at Red Sands III underscores the company’s leadership in providing reliable, adaptable and cost-effective solutions that meet the evolving requirements of modern defence operations worldwide.

Posted in International, Press Release, Robotics, UAS, weapons | 1 Comment »

Carabineros De Chile Acquire Camcopter S-100 UAS for Security Operations

Wednesday, December 18th, 2024

Vienna, 16 December 2024 – Carabineros de Chile, the Chilean national police force, has acquired the CAMCOPTER® S-100 Unmanned Air System (UAS), making them the first police force in Latin America to implement this advanced technology for enhanced operational efficiency and public safety.

With its operational flexibility in demanding environments, the S-100 system will be deployed primarily in the Araucanía region, where difficult terrain makes conventional security operations particular challenging, if not impossible.

This strategic acquisition underlines Carabineros de Chile’s commitment to leveraging innovative technology to enhance their mission of ensuring public safety and security.

The CAMCOPTER® S-100’s autonomous features and robust performance in adverse conditions make it an invaluable tool for addressing the unique challenges faced by law enforcement in the region.

“We are honoured that Carabineros de Chile have selected the CAMCOPTER® S-100 to enhance their capabilities”, said Hans Georg Schiebel, Chairman of the Schiebel Group. “The system will play a key role in advancing their public safety operations.”

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Czech Republic Orders More Leopard 2A4 Main Battle Tanks – Order Worth €161 Million

Sunday, December 15th, 2024

The Czech Republic has commissioned Rheinmetall with the delivery of further 14 Leopard 2A4 main battle tanks. A corresponding contract has been signed by Dr. Björn Bernhard, CEO of Rheinmetall Landsysteme GmbH, and Lubor Koudelka, Director General of the Armaments and Acquisition Division of the Czech Ministry of Defence.

The contract, which is financed by the Czech Republic, also includes an extensive ammunition and logistics package and is worth around €161 million net. It covers the delivery of 14 refurbished Leopard 2A4 main battle tanks by the end of 2026. These come primarily from former Swiss stocks and will be converted to a Czech-specific configuration as part of the project.

The contract that has now been signed supplements the two existing ring swap agreements, under which the Czech armed forces have already received Leopard 2A4s and in return handed over older material to the Ukrainian armed forces.

The recently commissioned ammunition and logistics package is designed to maintain the operational readiness of the fleet, which will then comprise a total of 42 Leopard 2A4 main battle tanks and two Büffel 3 armoured recovery vehicles, at a high level. With the procurement that has now been initiated, the Czech armed forces are completing the conversion of their 73rd armoured battalion from originally Soviet to German main battle tanks.

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Mehler Protection Delivers the 200,000th MOBAST Ballistic Protection Vest System to BW Bekleidungsmanagement GmbH

Sunday, December 15th, 2024

Fulda/Koblenz, Germany, 12 December 2024

The handover of the 200,000th MOBAST protective vest system from Mehler Protection to BwBekleidungsmanagement GmbH (BwBM) marks another milestone in modernisation of the personal equipment ofthe German Federal Armed Forces. Taking place at the SVS Koblenz site, the delivery underscores the success of a complex procurement process executed amidst global uncertainties.

The MOBAST programme aims to equip the German Federal Armed Forces with modern, modular protective vest systems by the end of 2025. These systems offer a high level of protection, with modular adaptability to different operational scenarios.

Handover attended by senior officials

The ceremony was attended by senior officials, including Colonel Marko Dietzmann, Project Manager for Clothing and Personal Equipment at BAAINBw, Dr Felix Wriggersand Stephan Minz, Managing Directors of BwBM, DrMario Amschlinger, designated CEO of Mehler Systems Group, and Jakob Kolbeck, Managing Director of Lindnerhof Taktik.

“The delivery of the 200,000th MOBAST protective vest system is a significant milestone,” stated Dr. Mario Amschlinger. “This project exemplifies our commitmentas a reliable partner to developing innovative and scalable protective solutions that meet the requirements of the user.”

Reliable supply despite global challenges

Production of the MOBAST protective vest system takes place at a facility built specifically for this program in Fulda, Germany. Deliveries began on schedule in December 2022 with an initial volume of over 4,000 units per month. After just over a year, the 100,000th system was delivered – a milestone that will be followed by the delivery of the 200,000th system in December 2024. The project is currently on track to meet the agreed production targets by the end of 2025.

“At a time of global uncertainty and geopolitical challenges, we have successfully established a robust and reliable supply chain,” explained Dr. Mario Amschlinger. “This ensures that we can deliver on time, even under difficult conditions.”

MOBAST: Combining Protection and Modularity

The MOBAST (short for Modular Ballistic Protection and Carrying Equipment) system integrates both soft and hard ballistic protection and covers central areas of the body such as shoulders, neck, upper arms, abdomen and thighs. The system’s modular design allows for rapid adaption to different threat scenarios. It can be equipped with anything from protection against stabbing, handguns and shrapnel to protection against long-range weapons. The scalability and modularity of the MOBAST system are key factors in meeting the specific requirements of a wide range of missions.

Value creation in Germany and Europe

Mehler Protection attaches great importance to strengthening industrial core competences in Germany. Each MOBAST protective vest system, including itsballistic components, is fully developed in Germany and tested by an independent German ballistic authority.

“The successful cooperation between the Bundeswehr, industry and suppliers shows how innovative protective solutions can be developed and reliably delivered to the end user even in challenging times,” concluded Dr. Amschlinger.

For more information about Mehler Systems, please visit mehler-systems.com

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POL-TEC to Supply Bundeswehr with Pepperball TCP Pistols and Ammo

Saturday, December 14th, 2024

POL-TEC recently signed a contract to supply the German Bundeswehr with Pepperball TCP Pistols and Ammo.

The TCP (Tactical Compact Pistol) is a PepperBall launcher that gives offers a multi-shot, non-lethal capability.

The Value of the contract is 3.6 mil Euro.

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Introducing Asolo Tactical: Renowned Bootmaker Partners with Military Equipment Specialist to Launch Exclusive Tactical Footwear Range

Friday, December 13th, 2024

The outdoor footwear industry is ever-evolving, with advancements in technology, materials, and construction methods constantly driving new standards in performance. From enhanced cushioning systems to breathable fabrics and waterproofing innovations, the sector propels rapidly, often outpacing the defence sector in terms of technological progress and performance quality.

Whilst outdoor brands certainly deliver high-performance footwear, many leading products are unsuitable for military use, with aesthetic limitations and operation-specific functionality often overlooked in their design and construction. To meet this need, leading military equipment specialist, Brigantes has joined forces with iconic Italian bootmaker, Asolo, to develop a new line of military-specific footwear. By combining Brigantes’ military expertise with Asolo’s rich heritage of traditional craftsmanship and technical innovation, this line will promise to meet and exceed the rigorous demands of military customers operating in complex tactical environments.

Bespoke Military Footwear

The Asolo Tactical footwear line marks a groundbreaking development in the defence industry, but these two companies are not strangers to collaboration. Brigantes and Asolo have enjoyed several years of successful partnership and have already seen significant success with the development of their flagship product, the Fugitive Tactical GTX boot – an adapted take on Asolo’s Fugitive GTX, with some key adjustments made for military customers. The expanded line of tactical footwear will encompass a broad range of environmental needs, offering six bespoke styles from approach shoes to high-altitude mountain boots, each precision-engineered to support military personnel to perform at their best.

Asolo’s Fugitive Tactical GTX boots have already seen huge popularity within the military community

Traditional Craftsmanship

Pioneers of innovation and creators of the very first Gore-Tex lined mountain boots, Asolo are an established brand who have been influential in shaping the outdoor footwear market. Founded in 1975, this family business has since expanded significantly, becoming renowned for their commitment to traditional craftsmanship, quality materials and cutting-edge innovation. A commitment which has earned them a loyal following among outdoor enthusiasts and professionals alike.

Military Expertise

Founded in 2014 by ex-military personnel, Brigantes are specialists in on-the-soldier equipment and a trusted supplier to NATO military, government, and elite police units. With a product range spanning apparel, footwear, vertical movement, signature management, technology, mobility, and sustainment, Brignates unite decades of military experience with advanced technical expertise and keen industry awareness to deliver unparalleled solutions to their customers.

This partnership between the two brands, each experts in their field, will mean that military customers can tap into the best of both worlds when it comes to operational footwear requirements. Asolo’s timeless craftsmanship and technical ingenuity uniting with Brigantes’ extensive intelligence on the subject of operational intricacies. More than just a tactical colour change, the two brands are going in depth with the design considerations for the new line of footwear. The Asolo Tactical range will cover the full spectrum of operational capability, from 6000m Arctic boots to cold weather specific footwear, long distance styles and light and fast approach shoes. Each piece will be designed with the unique requirements of military personnel in mind.

Speak to us

The design and development of this exciting new line is well underway, with stock expected to be available as early as Autumn/Winter 2025. Asolo’s Fugitive Tactical GTX boot is already in existence and available to purchase through Brigantes. If you would like to learn more about this or any of their other equipment offerings, get in touch with them: brigantes.com/contact

Posted in Boots, Industry, International, Press Release | 2 Comments »