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Introducing R&S GSACSM: The Most Advanced Communications System Monitoring Solution for Armed Forces

Sunday, June 2nd, 2024

R&S®GSACSM helps armed forces maintain mission-critical communication links, ensuring mission success and personnel safety.

Munich, 29 May, 2024 – Rohde & Schwarz, a leading global provider of communications, information, and security solutions, has introduced R&S®GSACSM, a comprehensive software-suite designed to ensure efficient and reliable communications for military satellite communication (SATCOM) systems. With the increasing reliance on SATCOM for mission-critical communications and morale, welfare, recreation (MWR) services, R&S®GSACSM offers a powerful solution to maintain reliable and secure communication links, even in challenging operational environments.

SATCOM plays a crucial role in transmitting various data types from deployment areas to headquarters via geostationary Earth orbit (GEO) satellites. Ground-based deployable SATCOM stations in different configurations are utilized by the armed forces to transmit video files, voice data, and other crucial information from operational areas to headquarters. Ensuring uninterrupted communication is of paramount importance for these transfers, and R&S®GSACSM provides early warning of potential communication failures, ensuring uninterrupted and failure-free communication.

R&S®GSACSM combines various features, including classic spectrum analyzer functions, 24/7 trapping systems, advanced signal detection, and signal analysis and classification. The software-suite ensures reliable monitoring of communication quality and identification of operational impairments. It addresses the challenges of non-standardized SATCOM systems, evolving industry activities, mission-critical communication links, and growing interference from sources such as jamming, incorrect frequency/alignment, and natural interferences. By providing automatic configuration and error detection capabilities, R&S®GSACSM helps armed forces maintain reliable and secure communication links, even in the face of these challenges.

R&S®GSACSM from Rohde & Schwarz is a powerful and reliable tool for military SATCOM systems, enabling them to maintain reliable and secure communication links, even in challenging operational environments. By providing early warning of potential communication failures and identifying impairments during operation, R&S®GSACSM helps armed forces maintain mission-critical communication links, ensuring mission success and personnel safety.

Posted in Comms, International, Press Release | Comments Off on Introducing R&S GSACSM: The Most Advanced Communications System Monitoring Solution for Armed Forces

FORC3 Partners with Calian to Bring a World-Class Combat Vehicle Virtual Training System to the Canadian Army

Thursday, May 30th, 2024

The FORC3 team, comprised of multiple Canadian industry-leading land defence solution providers, continues to develop its comprehensive solution for the upcoming Land Vehicle Crew Training System (LVCTS) program. As FORC3 prepares for the final stage of the program, its partners are pleased to announce that Calian Ltd., a well-established integrated training solution provider, has joined the team.

Calian is a preferred provider within the Canadian defence community, as well as for numerous NATO allies. With 25 years of experience delivering robust and relevant simulation and training services for the Canadian Army and NATO, Calian is on the forefront of innovative exercise design and execution support in a rapidly evolving defence environment.

In addition to its military training expertise, Calian is an industry leader in customized multi-domain data interoperability and integration support that enhances both learning and operational decision-making. With a range of products including the Virtual Command and Control Interface (VCCI)) Tool Suite, Calian can federate multiple simulation, C4ISR, and AI-enabled data analytics systems to support cutting-edge training and deliver comprehensive after-action reviews.

The FORC3 partnership

FORC3 includes leading Canadian defence, service, infrastructure, and simulation companies: Rheinmetall Canada (Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu), Lockheed Martin Canada (Ottawa), the ADGA Group (Ottawa), Bluedrop Training and Simulation (Halifax), EllisDon Construction and Building Services (London), and REDspace Incorporated (Halifax). Now joined by Calian Ltd., the FORC3 team is strategically positioned to offer the very best training technology and develop Canada’s exportable, industrial, and operational capability.

Collectively, the FORC3 partners currently operate more than 40 global training centres to Canada’s key allies, including NATO and the Five-Eyes Alliance.

“Calian complements FORC3’s technical and operational capabilities. We are very excited and confident that our combined solution and experience represents a compelling value proposition for the Canadian Army” says Pietro Mazzei, CEO of Rheinmetall Canada.

“Calian is thrilled to bring its advanced simulation and interoperability solutions to the forefront of the FORC3 partnership,” stated Donald Whitty, President of Learning at Calian. “With our proven track record in designing and executing comprehensive, multi-domain training environments, we are uniquely equipped to enhance the operational readiness and effectiveness of the Canadian Army.”

Posted in CANSEC, International, Press Release, Training | Comments Off on FORC3 Partners with Calian to Bring a World-Class Combat Vehicle Virtual Training System to the Canadian Army

UF PRO Hosts First International Striker Challenge

Thursday, May 30th, 2024

KOMENDA, SLOVENIA (29.5.2024)

Over 100 contestants from across Europe gathered at UF PRO’s headquarters in Komenda, Slovenia, for theinaugural international Striker Challenge. This event featured fourteen rigorous challenges spread across an eight-kilometre course.

The first edition of the Striker Challenge was held last year, initially limited to local participants. Based on the positive feedback, UF PRO expanded the event, addingmore challenging tasks and opening it to international competitors.

Participants from across Europe faced a demanding eight-kilometre course with fourteen challenges divided into five categories. These included obstacles like walls and tunnels, providing medic treatment, observation and object spotting, heavy object throwing, military jumps, crawling and ammo carrying, and precision shooting. To add to the difficulty, each participant carried a ten-kilogram backpack throughout the course.

The event was open to everyone, from tactical operatorsand military or law enforcement personnel to passionate individuals with good physical fitness and tactical skills. Even man’s best friends were welcome. Participants could compete individually or in groups of three.

Building on the success of this year’s event, UF PRO is already planning next year’s Striker Challenge to be even bigger and better. Participants can look forward to more innovative challenges and enhanced experiences.

For more information visit ufpro.com.

Posted in Advertiser, International, Press Release | Comments Off on UF PRO Hosts First International Striker Challenge

Framework Contract for Rheinmetall: Bundeswehr Orders Around One Million DM45 Smoke Grenades – Worth up to €67 Million

Wednesday, May 29th, 2024

Rheinmetall has been commissioned by the Bundeswehr to supply around one million DM45 smoke hand grenades. On 22 May, Annette Lehnigk-Emden, President of the Federal Office of Bundeswehr Information Technology and In-Service Support (BAAINBw), and Rheinmetall Waffe Munition GmbH signed a framework agreement for the manufacture and supply of the grenades. A total of up to 1.5 million DM 45 smoke hand grenades can be procured under the agreement over the coming years. The potential order volume for the approximately one million smoke hand grenades is around EUR 67 million and will be financed from the Bundeswehr’s special fund. The framework agreement runs until 2027 and allows flexible annual call-off of the ammunition based on the identified requirements of the troops. The DM45 will be produced at Rheinmetall’s Silberhütte site in the Harz Mountains, Saxony Anhalt. The order that has now been placed means that the production facility will be utilised over the longer term.

The smoke hand grenade bears the official designation ‘Granate, Hand, DM45, 800 g, KM (grenade, hand, DM45, 800 g, KM)’. It has been in service with the Bundeswehr since the mid-1990s. When its pyrotechnic charge burns, the smoke hand grenade produces heavy smoke and thus forms a smoke screen. This interrupts the line of sight, making it possible to deceive enemy forces or disguise one’s own movements. The DM45 smoke grenade fully fulfils the requirements of the troops during training, exercises and operations.

Posted in Contracts, International, Munitions, Press Release | 1 Comment »

CANSEC 24 – Millbrook Tactical

Wednesday, May 29th, 2024

Millbrook Tactical represents OAC Skinbased for the tactical market in Canada and they have released a 160 cm version of their popular military ski.

The extra length helps it to float better over the snow. Additionally, AOC Skinbased skis feature an integrated skin to facilitate uphill movements.

Posted in Arctic, CANSEC, International, Mobility, Mountaineering | 1 Comment »

CANSEC 24 – Logistik Unicorp

Wednesday, May 29th, 2024

One of the main reasons I attend CANSEC each year is to see what Logistik Unicorp is up to. They have a long history of innovation as well as working on some great projects. Case in point are the concept uniforms for a new Canadian Army Service Dress.

From a design standpoint, the cut is mindful of World War II dress uniforms with the belt and pleated patch pockets. This falls in line with the nostalgic direction the US Army has taken as well as well as the CANSOF dress uniform which debuted at CANSEC 2017.

Both male and female versions have been created, including skirt options for the ladies. The fabric is an Olive polywool twill with Khaki polycotton for the shirts.

The proposed new color takes the Canadian Army away from the current Rifle Green and returns them to a Lovat hue which reminds me of their Commonwealth membership. It’s decidedly a more martial color as well.

There are loads of features on these garments. One of them that I hope makes it into the final garment is the inclusion of the stable belt, another uniform item long associated with Commonwealth armies. Additionally, they currently foresee buttons for each Regiment.

It’s important to note that these are still concepts at this point and we hope to follow up soon with more information on this project.

Posted in CANSEC, Clothing, International | 10 Comments »

US, NATO Forces Showcase Tactics, Integration During Astral Knight 2024

Wednesday, May 29th, 2024

GDYNIA, Poland (AFNS) —

NATO’s exercise Astral Knight 2024 concluded May 18 in Gdynia, demonstrating joint force interoperability and strategic readiness between U.S. forces and NATO allies. The exercise allowed the incorporation of the Special Warfare Teaming Concept, involving the 2nd Air Support Operations Squadron from Vilseck, Germany; the 57th Rescue Squadron from Aviano, Italy; and members of Polish special forces.

The exercise emphasized United States Air Forces in Europe – Air Forces Africa’s commitment to agile combat employment strategies, integrating advanced sensor technology and refining multinational tactical operations designed to enhance movement, maneuverability and security across NATO territories.

Throughout the training in Gdynia, the special warfare teams, comprising of tactical air control party members and pararescuemen, demonstrated the effectiveness of their combined operations. These operations are aimed at ensuring aircrews and Airmen are well prepared to deliver lethal combat power and conduct precise recovery operations in contested environments.

“Our presence here at Astral Knight 24 aimed to refine and test the Special Warfare Teaming strategy,” said U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Phonchai Hansen, 2 ASOS flight chief of Alpha Flight. “By combining our TACP capabilities with the expert medical and recovery skills of the PJs, we’ve created a dynamic force capable of addressing multifaceted threat scenarios effectively.”

The exercise featured simulated, dynamic targeting missions and personnel recovery drills, during which TACPs and PJs executed coordinated responses to simulated threats. One of the scenarios included a pilot emergency ejection from an F-16 Fighting Falcon and required immediate extraction from a hostile environment, testing the cohesion and interoperability of the newly formed teams.

“The integration of TACPs and PJs into a cohesive unit allows us to leverage our respective strengths,” said U.S. Air Force Capt. John Miller, 2 ASOS flight commander of Alpha Flight. “This exercise effectively assessed the current state of Air Force Special Warfare Teaming, allowing us to inform the development of the special warfare enterprise.”

This year’s Astral Knight also focused on testing and improving joint operational tactics, involving not only U.S. forces but also enhancing cooperation with Polish military units and other NATO partners. The seamless collaboration forged stronger alliances and demonstrated NATO’s capability to defend its members against any threat.

The Special Warfare Teaming Concept not only showcased tactical abilities but also strategic foresight in preparing NATO forces for future challenges.

“The gives us the ability to operate with our NATO allies in some pretty complex scenarios,” said a PJ participant. “This greatly improves our collective security and ensures we are always ready to respond to threats swiftly and efficiently.”

The lessons learned and relationships built in Gdynia will help future NATO exercises and operations. Furthering the success of the Special Warfare Teaming Concept — marking a pivotal advancement in military operations, enhanced cooperative capabilities and strategic deployment readiness across NATO.

By Capt Jacob Murray, 86th Airlift Wing

Posted in AFSW, Air Force, Guest Post, International, SOF | 2 Comments »

Now Available in English: BLACK BOOKS by SPARTANAT

Tuesday, May 28th, 2024

SPARTANAT.com is the leading online magazine in the German language covering the tactical market. For over ten years, they have been publishing daily news about equipment, weapons, military and manufacturers. They also publish gear reviews several times per week. In Germany, Austria and Switzerland, it is almost obligatory for military, police, gear-freaks, and others in the tactical community to read SPARTANAT daily. They also have a growing international readership.

Two years ago, SPARTANAT also started publishing books in German. The SPARTANAT Black Books series now regularly brings out handbooks and concise studies covering modern tactical topics. Their second series, under the Red Books banner, analyzes historical and modern topics of interest – all in an ultra-modern layout.

SPARTANAT is now going fully international by publishing English-language editions of its books. The first three titles are available now on AMAZON (with more in progress):

– THE TACTICAL DRONE (Black Book 1): “The Tactical Drone” is the first handbook that explains how to use civilian drones in a professional / tactical environment. Christian Väthshares his military experience and tips on how to use drones efficiently, while Markus Reisner (Austrian Armed Forces) analyzes the current employment of drones in the Ukraine War.

– TACTICAL MEDICINE (Black Book 2): The author, Carsten Dombrowski, himself an experienced medic in the German Army, clarifies standard operating procedures and helps the reader to understand TCCC principles more easily. By understanding and applying these basics, the reader can and should be able to deal with many applications of Tactical Medicine in the field.

– BREVIARY OF TACTICS (Red Book 1): Swiss General Hans Frick’s pioneering 1943 study “Breviary of Tactics” is a short and succinct theoretical framework for understanding the rules of war. This classic is being published in English for the first time.

More English-language editions are coming soon! Including:

• “COMBAT AT NIGHT: ASSAULT AND DEFENCE IN THE HOURS OF DARKNESS”

• “FIGHTING FIT: GET FIT WITH THE GERMAN NAVY SEALs”

• “COMBAT EXPERIENCE: MILITARY LESSONS FROM THE WAR IN UKRAINE”

Posted in International, Media, Press Release, Training | Comments Off on Now Available in English: BLACK BOOKS by SPARTANAT