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HENSOLDT Strengthens Air Surveillance in Ukraine

Friday, May 19th, 2023

Taufkirchen/Germany, 16 May 2023 – Sensor specialist HENSOLDT is supplying six more of its TRML-4D high-performance radars to strengthen Ukraine’s air defence. As part of an order worth more than 100 million euros, the radars will be delivered in the second half of the year following training of the Ukrainian operators. HENSOLDT already has several TRML-4D radars under contract for Ukraine as part of the IRIS-T SLM air defence system.

Thomas Müller, CEO of HENSOLDT, said: “We are pleased to support Ukraine with six additional TRML-4D radars, which will further strengthen Ukraine’s air surveillance and air defence sensor network. The information from the TRML-4D feeds into Ukraine’s national air situation picture, protecting Ukrainian citizens. We are proud to be able to deliver this much-needed equipment at short notice.”

TRML-4D uses the latest Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar technology with multiple digitally shaped beams. It is capable of early detection of various types of aerial targets such as aircraft, helicopters and cruise missiles. It ensures the rapid detection and tracking of about 1,500 targets in a radius of up to 250 km.

HENSOLDT has decades of experience with radar systems for air defence and actively drives the development of key technologies in this field. The company’s portfolio also includes the Twinvis passive radar, the Spexer product family and radars for securing ship and air traffic. Among other things, HENSOLDT supplies radars for the frigates and corvettes of the German Navy, for airspace surveillance and for approach control at airfields of the German Armed Forces.

Posted in International, Press Release, Sensors | Comments Off on HENSOLDT Strengthens Air Surveillance in Ukraine

Rheinmetall and Elbit Systems Conduct Live-fire Demonstration of Automated 155mm L52 wheeled Self-Propelled Howitzer

Thursday, May 18th, 2023

Rheinmetall and Elbit Systems have successfully conducted a live fire demonstration of an automated 155mm L52 wheeled self-propelled howitzer. The demonstration of the new system took place in early March 2023 at the Shivta firing range in southern Israel. It was attended by high-ranking officials of the armed forces of the United Kingdom, Germany, the Netherlands and Hungary.

Rheinmetall and Elbit Systems signed a cooperation agreement last year to develop, manufacture and market an automated European 155mm wheeled self-propelled howitzer system.

Led by Rheinmetall Landsysteme GmbH, the “Rheinmetall Elbit” team will compete for Germany’s “Future System, Indirect Fire, Medium-Range (ZukSysIndF)” programme, which will modernize and broaden the Bundeswehr’s artillery capabilities. The UK’s “Mobile Fires Platform” programme also remains a focus and additional potential customers, such as Hungary, have expressed interest.

The cooperation between Rheinmetall and Elbit builds on the fully automated wheeled self-propelled howitzer procurement programmes that Elbit has signed with Israel and additional customers. As a result, a technically mature system is already available, enabling the integration of a Rheinmetall gun into the unmanned, fully robotic artillery turret of the Elbit system. The integration is currently in an advanced phase of the verification process. This will help reduce development risks and enable faster realization of operational readiness.

Intensive bilateral technology transfer is currently underway, increasing the availability of domestic know-how and components. Rheinmetall is currently carrying out modifications to customize the system to European operational requirements and the German regulatory approval process. Furthermore, the Düsseldorf-based tech enterprise brings its tried-and-tested 155mm L52 gun; high mobility HX 10×10 tactical truck with a well-protected cabin; and electronic components for the fire control unit and sensor suite to the solution.

Rheinmetall is already working to future-proof the solution by enhancing the range of its tube artillery. In addition to the battle-proven L52 and its advanced A1 version, the wheeled self-propelled howitzer is designed to integrate the L60 gun in the future. The L60 is in development and features a significantly larger chamber and a longer 60-calibre barrel. This gun will be able to attain ranges of up to 83 km with JBMoU-compliant ammunition. The Rheinmetall-Elbit wheeled self-propelled howitzer meets the specifications of the Bundeswehr for a future wheel-based, medium-range indirect fire system.
“We are proud to present the world with this advanced 155mm artillery system”, declared John Abunassar, chief of Rheinmetall’s Vehicle Systems division, and Yehuda (Udi) Vered, general manager of Elbit Systems, in a joint statement. “The successful demonstration of the automated howitzer highlights the synergies and innovative technologies of the Rheinmetall-Elbit team – a team that is uniquely positioned to supply the armed forces of Germany and other nations with an outstanding new tube artillery capability. We are convinced that this joint German-Israeli project will contribute to strengthening ties between our two nations and their armed forces.”

Posted in International, Press Release, weapons | Comments Off on Rheinmetall and Elbit Systems Conduct Live-fire Demonstration of Automated 155mm L52 wheeled Self-Propelled Howitzer

NorArm Tactical Creates New Camouflage Pattern

Thursday, May 18th, 2023

In honor of yesterday’s Constitution Day in Norway, NorArm Tactical announced their new camouflage pattern: Norwegian Flecktarn. What’s more, they’ve introduced a new base fabric as well: NYCO Stretch.

The pattern was designed by @rndr.design and features elements of Flecktarn and the shape of Norway, their home. You can see it above on either side of the current Norwegian Woodland national pattern, with a close up
below.

Clothing in the new pattern should be available by early June.

Posted in Camo, International | 8 Comments »

Major Order for the German Army Technology Industry: Bundeswehr Orders Fifty More Puma Infantry Fighting Vehicles

Wednesday, May 17th, 2023

Germany’s two top military vehicle makers, Krauss-Maffei Wegmann (KMW) and Rheinmetall, have been awarded an order to build a further fifty Puma infantry fighting vehicles. Including value added tax, the total value of the order comes to €1.087 billion. Of this amount, €574 million will go to KMW and €501 million to Rheinmetall Landsysteme GmbH, both of which are serving as subcontractors in the project.

A contract to this effect has now been issued by Germany’s Federal Office for Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support (BAAINBw) in Koblenz. The general contractor is Projekt System & Management GmbH (PSM), a joint venture of KMW and Rheinmetall. A framework agreement was signed enabling the subsequent call-off of further Puma IFVs.

In addition to the fifty armoured fighting vehicles, the order encompasses spare part packages and special tool sets as well as eight MELLS flight-phase simulators. Furthermore, an option exists for additional driver training vehicles and the integration of a turret-independent secondary weapon system, or TSWA. Delivery is set to start in December 2025 and be complete by the beginning of 2027.

The most advanced and effective system of its kind, the Puma infantry fighting vehicle is the principal weapons system of the German Army’s mechanized infantry. It can carry a crew of nine: the vehicle commander, gunner and driver, plus a section of six infantry soldiers. In addition to its modular, highly effective force protection technology, the Puma possesses a unique level of battlefield lethality, coupled with an outstanding network-enabled operations capability.

Only recently, in February 2023, BAAINBw awarded an order for the comprehensive modernization of 143 Puma IFVs in the Bundeswehr inventory that had not yet been upgraded to the latest S1 standard. The upgrade, to be complete in 2029, includes among other things the integration of high-resolution day- and night-capable camera systems, the MELLS multirole lightweight guided missile system as well as the integration of digital radio equipment. When they leave the factory, the fifty newly ordered vehicles will also conform to the latest S1 standard.

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Mehler Vario System, Mehler Engineered Defence Will Combine Forces for Maximized Drawing Power at IDET Show, 24-26 May in Czech Republic

Wednesday, May 17th, 2023

FULDA, GERMANY (16 May 2023) – Mehler Vario System Group today announced that Mehler Vario System and Mehler Engineered Defence, will jointly exhibit at this year´s International Defence and Security Technologies Fair (IDET), to be held beginning 24 May and continuing through 26 May at the Brno Exhibition Centre in the Czech Republic.

The two Mehler Vario System Group companies will be presenting from Stand 019 in Pavilion P of the 15,000-square-meter facility at Výstavišt? 405/1 in the city of Brno.

IDET is a well-attended defence- and security-technology trade fair during which exhibitors from approximately 30 countries present their products to delegations of government officials and military professionals from around the world. Highly ranked in importance, IDET also features a variety of panel discussions and educational programmes in which defence technology experts discuss topical issues.

(Held concurrently with IDET under the common title of Integrated Rescue System Fairs are two other events: the PYROS International Fire and Equipment Fair for professionals in the fields of search-and-rescue and fire, asset, life, and health protection; and the ISET International Security Technology and Services Fair which focusses on cybersecurity.)

Mehler Vario System—Europe’s market leader in ballistics—revealed that it plans to showcase at IDET a number of new user-driven advances in the field of personal protection and ballistic protection systems. Expected to be included are ballistic helmets, soft ballistic plates, hard ballistic plates, covert vests, overt vests, and plate carriers. Among the most notable of these will be Mehler FlexGuard, which is a lightweight soft-ballistic panel designed expressly to fit the contours of the female body; another notable will be the versatile modular carrying system M.U.S.T., a quickly mountable-dismountable solution for police and military.

Mehler Engineered Defence—a specialist in protection systems for vehicles, ships, aviation, and infrastructure—will display its wide range of ballistic personal-protection shields. Each of these shields has been developed and manufactured according to customer-specific designs in various protection classes, including NIJ 0108.01, VPAM, TR bullet-resistance, and other standards related to protection against long- and short-range weapons threats.

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“Mentions In Dispatches: An Infantry Platoon in Viet Nam, June 1966 – June 1967”

Tuesday, May 16th, 2023

I just found out about a brand-new book by Battle of Long Tan / Vietnam veteran, 2Lt Dave Sabben MG. According to the website, “It offers an extraordinary and fascinating, detailed insight into a one year tour of duty in Vietnam.” I’ve already ordered my copy but it would make a great gift or addition to your personal collection.

Dave Sabben was 20 years old when he volunteered for conscription in the Australian Army in 1965. He completed officer training at the Scheyville National Service Officer Training Unit and in January 1966 was posted to 6RAR in Brisbane and appointed commander of 12 Platoon, Delta Company aged 21.

Dave was recommended for a Military Cross for his leadership and actions in the Battle of Long Tan, but that was downgraded by higher echelons to a Mentioned In Despatches (MID). In 2008 this was upgraded to a Medal Of Gallantry (MG).

This high-quality coffee-style book, chock full of 500+ images, maps, letters, tables, diagrams, and will take you into an average Australian infantry platoon across a 12-month tour of duty in the year the 1st Australian Task Force was set up at Nui Dat, in Phu?o??c Tuy Province, South Vietnam.

It will take you from the early days – June 1966 – when a bare rubber plantation was occupied in the middle of the ‘enemy’ controlled province, while a new operational base was established.

Hundreds of soldiers enduring six two-hour sleep periods every three days for weeks on end. In between those periods of sleep, they patrolled with heavy kit in dust-dry or monsoonal-wet and dangerous conditions to clear the enemy from their own bases. And when not on patrol, they were digging pits, trenches, latrines, command posts, clearing the undergrowth around Nui Dat, and erecting barbed wire fences.

All proceeds go to Dave Sabben and the book is available directly from him at sabbenmidbook.com. Click on the cover to add it to your basket.

Posted in Guest Post, History, International | 2 Comments »

SOF Week 23 – Secumar

Tuesday, May 16th, 2023

This is the SECUVAC from German dive equipment manufacturer Secumar.

This two-part equipment is designed to protect an injured person during maritime operations. It consists of a polymer rescue sled for rigidity and ease of movement and a waterproof cover with zippers at three sides. The sled can also be hoisted. You can also insert an inflatable mattress between the sled and cover. Inside is a fleece blanket.

The face covering is clear to allow rescuers to monitor and communicate with the evacuee. It includes hoops to keep it off of the evacuee’s face.

Although the evacuee breathes what air is inside the SECUVAC, there is an inlet valve located at abdominal area and an outlet valve at the head area. This can be used to provide oxygen and positive buoyancy. There is also laser cut PALS webbing at select areas to attach gear.

www.secumar.com/en/secuvac

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Strategic Cooperation in Ukraine: Rheinmetall and Ukroboronprom Forge Ties

Tuesday, May 16th, 2023

Initial focus on military vehicles

Rheinmetall and the Ukraine’s state-owned Ukroboronprom have entered a strategic cooperation agreement. Cooperation between the two organizations is intended to strengthen Ukraine’s defence industry and ultimately its national security through the step-by-step creation of joint defence technology capabilities that will be domiciled in Ukraine.

Under this agreement, Ukraine will benefit from a comprehensive transfer of technology, the creation of additional defence technology capacities in Ukraine, additional local valued added, and the short-term delivery of military equipment from Germany.

A cooperation agreement to this effect has now been signed by both parties. To begin with – subject to official approval – a joint venture will be set up to serve as a bridge between Rheinmetall and Ukraine’s existing state-owned defence sector. Closing is scheduled for the end of June 2023, and the joint venture is expected to be operational from mid-July 2023.

In the words of Rheinmetall chief executive Armin Papperger, “Meeting Ukraine’s urgent needs in its fight for freedom and democracy as quickly as possible is a matter of central importance to us at Rheinmetall. Thanks to its expertise and capabilities, Rheinmetall has what it takes to be a valuable and powerful partner to Ukraine both in the short term and in the long run. We are pleased to have Ukroboronprom, led by Yuriy Husyev, as a very capable and trustworthy partner at our side.”

Armin Papperger with a view to Ukraine’s defensive struggle: “We are proud that Germany is doing everything it can to help the people of Ukraine – be it in the form of humanitarian aid, financial support or military equipment. Here, Rheinmetall works closely with the German government, assuring that help reaches Ukraine as quickly and efficiently as possible. In times of change, we take responsibility by doing our part to secure peace in Europe.”

Yuriy Husyev, General Director Ukroboronprom: “I am honoured to set up the joint venture between one of the world’s leading manufacturers in the defence industry, Rheinmetall, and leading full scale operating Ukrainian defence producer, which increased the production of military equipment and armored vehicles despite of numerous Russian missiles attacks, the State Concern Ukroboronprom. Already working 24/7 for the victory, Ukroboronprom can do even more while having such a partner as Rheinmetall. We are thankful to Rheinmetall for their willingness to help us defeat Russia. We will do all our best to make this cooperation useful to defence forces of Ukraine as soon as possible.”

As a first step, the maintenance and repair of vehicles transferred to Ukraine under the German government’s multilateral “Ringtausch” equipment exchange projects as well as those directly supplied to Ukraine will form the foundation for cooperation.

In later phases, based on a comprehensive transfer of technology, the cooperation partners intend to jointly produce selected Rheinmetall products in Ukraine. Looking ahead, cooperation between Rheinmetall and Ukroboronprom could also involve the joint development of military systems by teams of Ukrainian and German specialists, including for subsequent export from Ukraine.

Posted in Industry, International, Press Release | Comments Off on Strategic Cooperation in Ukraine: Rheinmetall and Ukroboronprom Forge Ties