SIG MMG 338 Program Series

Archive for the ‘International’ Category

Meprolight Unveils the MMX3/MMX4 – Micro Magnifiers for Assault Rifles, Providing Target Magnification of up to 4 Times for Any Red Dot Sight

Tuesday, October 1st, 2024

Enhancing Precision: The MEPRO MMX3/MMX4 Provides Soldiers with Improved Long-Range Capabilities and Short-Range Precision
Israel, October 01, 2024 – Meprolight (1990) Ltd., a member of the SK Group and a leading manufacturer of electro-optical systems, thermal and night vision equipment, as well as self-illuminated sights for military, law enforcement, and civilian applications, unveils the MMX3/MMX4 micro magnifiers for assault rifles. These compact and lightweight magnifiers provide up to 4x magnification for any red dot sight, significantly enhancing soldiers’ accuracy, range, and observation capabilities, thereby equipping them with marksman-like abilities.

In today’s conflict scenarios, the perception of assault rifles has shifted. Military forces, police forces, fast-response teams, and other security agencies use assault rifles equipped with red-dotsights. Meprolight’s magnifiers enable those users to achieve faster target identification and extremely high shooting precision at a lower cost compared with constant or variable magnification optical sights.

The MMX3/MMX4 micro magnifiers provide versatility for different setups and enhance operational flexibility. With no need for zeroing, they allow users to quickly attach them to the Picatinny rail only when needed and benefit from enhanced magnification without time-consuming adjustments.

With a quick-release Picatinny adapter and a side flip mechanismwhere agility and speed are of the utmost importance, it enables users rapid target acquisition with both eyes open maintaining afull field-of-view; only when mission requires the magnifier can be quickly engaged.

Compact and weighing less than 200g they reduce the footprint, saving rail space and weight for the user. Elevation and windage adjusters provide precise alignment of FOV with sight’s reticle.

The Mepro MMX3 and Mepro MMX4 micro magnifiers attach to any MIL-STD-1913 rail directly behind the optic.

“The Mepro MMX3/MMX4 were developed to meet the growing need for improved shooting capabilities in the field,” says Golan Kalimi, SVP Marketing at Meprolight. “We are proud that these magnifiers have already been operationally proven and are being used by the IDF, Israel Police, and other forces around the world. By enhancing long-range target acquisition and short-range precision all at a reasonable cost, capabilities that were previously reserved for specialized marksmen are now available for every soldier and user, significantly contributing to force mission success.”

Australia’s DefendTex Develops 3D Printed Rocket Boosters for Space Lift

Monday, September 30th, 2024

DefendTex has collaborated with Australia’s Defence Science and Technology Group scientists and researchers to develop 3D printing of rocket boosters for space launch. It’s the fourth Cooperative Research Centres Project (CRC-P) DefendTex has partnered with DSTG on.

The collaboration allows for the printing of rocket boosters in the field, allowing Australian Defence Force to have responsive capability. ‘These partnerships are a critical link between science and technology and Australia’s Defence,” says Julia O’Callaghan, Director University Engagement.

www.defendtex.com

GA-ASI Adds NIDV and NATO DIANA to Blue Magic Netherlands Agenda

Monday, September 30th, 2024

Dutch Industry Encouraged to Register Online to Propose Technology Pitches for Nov. 19 Innovation and Funding Conference

SAN DIEGO – 26 September 2024 – General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) has added Raymond Knops, Chairman of the Dutch Industry Foundation for Defence and Security (NIDV), and Thomas McSorley, General Counsel for NATO DIANA (Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic), to a growing list of speakers and panelists on the agenda for the first-ever Blue Magic Netherlands (BMN) event being held on November 19, 2024. Other companies participating in GA-ASI’s BMN event include Brainport Development, Brabant Development Agency (BOM), SPACENED, and Lockheed Martin Ventures.

“We’re excited to launch this event in the Netherlands, which will bring together the best of Dutch industry and innovation,” said Brad Lunn, Managing Director of Strategic Finance at GA-ASI. “We are already engaged with companies who have contacted us to pitch their capabilities for possible inclusion in Blue Magic and open up funding opportunities.”

Dutch businesses that would like to pitch their technology and capabilities at BMN 2024 are encouraged to register on the event website by no later than Oct. 28, 2024.

Blue Magic Netherlands will be held in Eindhoven, a city known as a global technology hub. BMN will bring together Dutch startups, universities, government officials, aerospace leaders, and representatives from other high-tech industries, who will see technology advancements within the Dutch technology ecosystem and connect qualified partners with funding opportunities to support next-generation dual-use solutions.

GA-ASI has organized several successful Blue Magic events in the past and is bringing that same concept to the Netherlands. Areas of focus for BMN 2024 will be artificial intelligence/machine learning, autonomy, advanced materials, sensors, advanced manufacturing, and space. GA-ASI delivered its MQ-9A Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) to the Royal Netherlands Air Force (RNLAF) in 2021 and recently announced an increase in the total order of MQ-9As in its service to eight.

Rheinmetall Wins Mid-Double-Digit Million Euro Order for Mortar Ammunition for International NATO Customer

Monday, September 30th, 2024

An international NATO customer has placed an order with Düsseldorf-based technology group Rheinmetall for the production of mortar shells for the NATO partner’s armed forces. The value of the order, which was booked at the beginning of the third quarter of 2024, corresponds to a volume in the mid double-digit million euro range.

In total, a six-digit number of mortar shells of various types will be manufactured by Rheinmetall Expal Munitions S.A.U., Spain. The order also includes various additional services as part of the product launch.

Delivery of the ammunition is scheduled to begin in summer 2025 and be completed in summer 2026.

The order underlines Rheinmetall’s expertise in the production of state-of-the-art steep-fire weapons in the field of mortar ammunition. 

Rheinmetall Defence Australia Builds on National Maintenance Capability

Sunday, September 29th, 2024

Rheinmetall, one of the largest Defence prime contractors in Australia, is building on the success of the existing Maintenance and Support Partnership established with RGM Maintenance Townsville for the Medium Heavy Capability by joining with Defence prime contractor, Supacat, to ensure a maintenance footprint across Australia.

Nathan Poyner, Managing Director, Rheinmetall Defence Australia, said the signing of the deed of agreement in 2022 was the first step in providing original equipment manufacturer supported maintenance in regions where the vehicles are located.

“These new strategic partnerships aim to reduce total cost of ownership to the Commonwealth and bring ongoing secure jobs, training and sovereign industrial capability to the regions.” 

“The deed brings together both organisations of working in region on the Medium Heavy Capability services for logistic vehicles as part of the Australian Defence Force’s Land 121 program, at RGM premises in Townsville.”

“Recently, Rheinmetall has added two additional partners, RGM Maintenance Darwin and Supacat Perth, a world leading design and technology organisation specialising in high mobility defence vehicles.” 

“These partnerships grow Rheinmetall’s ability to support the Commonwealth of Australia and allied nations, in regions where HX logistic vehicles are located with specialist expertise through the deployment of Field Service Representatives (FSRs) and assistance from technical experts.”

“The agreements allow our partners to provide value-for-money light and medium grade repairs and FSR supported heavy grade repair where the vehicles are located with OEM support.”

“Rheinmetall also gains valuable insights in to how vehicles are performing by utilising these existing trade repair relationships,” Mr Poyner added.

Mr Poyner said that representatives from both organisations participated in a course delivered by Rheinmetall trainers at facilities in regional Victoria on the HX platform focussing on systems, documentation and the associated diagnostic tools across all vehicle variants from the 40M to the 45M Heavy Recovery.

Bruce Tait, Supacat Managing Director, said, “We are delighted to continue to expand our relationship with Rheinmetall to include supporting the HX logistics vehicles from our Support Centre in Perth.” 

“Rheinmetall’s training and support program means that we are confident of being able to support the Rheinmetall vehicles with the same responsiveness and competency that we apply to our own vehicles.  Our focus remains on continuously evolving the capability and availability of Army’s vehicle fleets as it transitions to a literal and amphibious force,” Mr Tait said.

RGM Maintenance Business Development Manager, Mick Ferguson, said RGM had heavy vehicle operations throughout Queensland and the Northern Territory and has a 20+ year history of service provision to the ADF.

“RGM’s support to Rheinmetall reduces maintenance lead times for the ADF’s Land 121 fleet in region, putting vehicles back in the hands of ADF operators sooner,” Mr Ferguson said.

Mehler Protection Demonstrates Advanced Safety Gear at DVD 2024

Tuesday, September 24th, 2024

FULDA, GERMANY (24.09.2024)

At DVD 2024 held at UTAC Millbrook in the UK, Mehler Protection showcased its advanced body and platform armour ballistic solutions. Attendees explored a variety of protective gear designed to ensure safety and comfort for military and law enforcement personnel.

As a premier event for defence industry professionals, equipment and support teams, and users of land equipment, DVD plays a key role in equipping and supporting the UK’s Armed Forces.

Mehler Protection’s booth featured a wide range of ballistic protection solutions, including the 3D-printed armoured sensor case, which highlights advancements in platform protection, along with solutions for both civilian and military vehicles.

A standout feature was the M.U.S.T. system, recognisedfor its versatility and robust safety features. Specifically designed for high-risk environments, the M.U.S.T. system offers reliable protection for military and law enforcement personnel. The booth also displayed an extensive selection of protective gear, including hard- and soft-ballistic panels, tactical vests, plate carriers, and helmets, all crafted to provide optimal safety and comfort under demanding conditions.

“As the premier UK trade show for the land equipment sector, DVD provided Mehler Protection with the perfect platform to showcase our latest solutions in body and platform armour,” says Jamie Macefield, Technical Sales Manager for the UK and Ireland at Mehler Systems.

For more information on upcoming events, please visit Mehler Systems’ event website.

Smarter Technologies IoT Solutions Support UK Defence Estates to Better Manage On-Base Water Hygiene

Monday, September 23rd, 2024

Smarter Technologies, the leading British provider of Internet-of-Things (IoT) solutions, has completed stage one of a rolling programme to support health and safety compliance at His Majesty’s Naval Base (HMNB) Portsmouth. Working closely with the base infrastructure team, the new legionella risk management capability is one of several innovative digital solutions implemented by Smarter Technologies at the dockyard, aimed at improving operational outcomes for the Royal Navy, effectively and efficiently. Across a range of functions, the combination of IoT data capture and cloud computing has made transformative empirical evidence available to Portsmouth’s operational and strategic decision-makers. The team will be at DVD (18/19 September) to discuss this and their other IoT solutions.

The latest capability has revolutionised the management of water hygiene, which is a key factor for health and safety at any organisational premises. Responsibility is governed by statutory legislation and strictly enforced, and it includes the control of water-borne bacteria, such as legionella, which can cause Legionnaires’ disease. Careful and persistent management is required to ensure that water systems function compliantly, and that legionella is controlled. It is particularly important, and made more difficult, in mixed estates with aging infrastructure and spaces that are used irregularly, which are common features of many Defence facilities.

Targeting the historic Wardroom at HMNB Portsmouth as a potential at risk accommodation block, Smarter Technologies has positioned IoT sensors strategically around the building’s water system, to monitor the temperature at which it is stored and distributed, in real-time, and enable HSE- recommended temperatures to be pro-actively maintained. They have also installed automated flushing units at key outlets. These ensure periodic and programmable water flows, to contain the risk of stagnation and the growth of legionella. Data captured by these edge devices is passed to Smarter Technologies’ secure cloud platform via “Orion”, a proprietary LPWAN (low powered wide area communications network), which is optimised for large and complex estates by its combination of range, structural penetration and bandwidth. The captured data is presented back to the user in “SmarterView”, an intuitive, secure, web-based user interface where programmable alerts and notifications can be created, trends can be viewed and reports compiled.

With Smarter Technologies’ IoT solution installed in this potential risk space, HMNB Portsmouth has been able to assure water hygiene much more effectively and far more efficiently. Legionella is consistently suppressed at safe levels, emerging risks are identified and addressed immediately to avoid actionable events, time spent on manual temperature checks and flushes has been slashed, and the automated system provides an auditable record of due diligence.

Fubara Pepple, Head of Strategic Asset Management at Portsmouth, said, “We have worked closely with Smarter Technologies to ensure any potential risk to water supplies is identified at an early stage therefore making it much easier to keep our people safe.”

Mark Read, Chief Executive of Smarter Technologies Group said, “We’ve been delighted to work so closely with the HMNB Portsmouth team. They understand the value that our Orion systems can bring and have embraced the use of targeted technology innovation.”

Laser Weapons: Rheinmetall and MBDA Germany Sign Cooperation Agreement

Monday, September 23rd, 2024

Rheinmetall and MBDA Deutschland have decided to continue their successful cooperation in the field of laser weapons.

The aim is to bring a joint maritime product to the market within the next five to six years, which opens up new possibilities, particularly in relation to drone defence on ships. Both companies are convinced that their complementary skills in the field of laser weapon technology will enable them to successfully develop a military laser weapon system. The companies have now concluded a corresponding cooperation agreement.

Most recently, a laser weapon demonstrator from Rheinmetall and MBDA Germany was integrated on the German Navy’s frigate 124 “Sachsen” from June 2022 to September 2023. During this on-board trial, the demonstrator performed impressively in more than 100 test shots.