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Archive for the ‘International’ Category

Green Ammo E-Blanks Replace Traditional Blank Ammunition During U.S. Army 25th Infantry Division Live Fire Exercise

Tuesday, May 21st, 2024

Company’s Electronic Blanks Weapon System Enables Large-Scale Combat Operations Certification For Three Platoons

SKIEN, Norway – May 21, 2024 – Green Ammo, AS, developers of the industry’s only drop-in electronic blanks system for live weapons, today announced the successful demonstration of its electronic blanks (E-Blanks) weapon system as part of a U.S. Army 25th Infantry Division’s (ID) Live Fire Exercise (LFX).

Conducted as part of the 25th ID collective live fire event certifying the platoon’s ability to effectively synchronize weapons, the demonstration featured Green Ammo’s M4 and M249 weapon kits, enabling soldiers to train with personally configured, individual service weapons. Armed with the E-Blanks system, soldiers conducted battle drills while reacting to simulated stoppages consistent with the use of live ammunition, delivering a more realistic training experience. The platoons also observed the kit’s laser system and enhanced training aides to analyze performance across formations by assessing marksmanship principles.

Throughout the day and night drills, the platoons navigated diverse terrain spanning jungle environments to plains, expending the equivalent of 36,000 rounds of 5.56 ammunition and 57,600 rounds of 5.56 linked round ammunition. Additionally, given the electronic nature of the systems, units conducted training without the additional time, planning and energy typically required to transport, distribute and clean up after traditional blank ammunition training.

“Effective tactical training drills are core to mission preparedness and directly influence operational outcomes. Our soldiers train with familiar weapons but in doing so must also account for the preparation, transport of heavy cargo and cleanup associated with conventional blank ammunition. Those requirements limit the types of environments they can train in and the amount of time actually spent training,” said Lieutenant Colonel Pete Walther, Battalion Commander in the U.S. Army’s 25th Infantry Division, Senior Trainer of the event. “Live fire training exercises and certifications are crucial to ensuring our soldiers’ preparedness and ability to adequately perform tactical maneuvers in theater, underscoring the importance of training time.”

The Green Ammo E-Blanks system offers a completely electronic alternative to live and traditional blank ammunition for tactical training exercises, eliminating key pain points around blank ammunition control, cost, safety and sustainability. Additionally, the kit has operated under military-grade pressure testing, demonstrating its ability to withstand harsh environments and extreme temperatures ranging from up to 140° Fahrenheit down to 5° Fahrenheit.

“With the completion of these exercises, we’ve successfully demonstrated the reliability, durability and functionality of our Green Ammo E-Blanks system and played a role in certifying three platoons’ large-scale mission preparedness,” said Rolf Inge Roth, CEO of Green Ammo. “We’re thankful for the opportunity to participate in a live demo with the 25th (ID) and are very pleased with the kit’s performance. We look forward to continuing to build on this momentum and enhance soldiers across the globe.”

To learn more about Green Ammo’s patented electronic blank technology and its applications, visit www.greenammo.com.

Wilcox Industries Wins Significant Contract to Supply the Ruggedized Aiming/Illumination Device – Enhanced [RAID Xe] to the Dutch Armed Forces

Tuesday, May 21st, 2024

NEWINGTON, NH – In early 2024, Wilcox delivered the Wilcox RAID Xe to the Dutch Armed Forces following its selection after several months of rigorous testing and verification throughout 2023. The contract, awarded in late 2023, encompassed a substantial quantity of the Wilcox RAID Xe compact and potent laser aiming device.

The Wilcox Ruggedized Aiming/Illumination Device – Enhanced, commonly referred to as the RAID Xe, stands out as one of the most compact laser aiming devices currently available in the market today. Equipped with several integrated features, such as a dedicated room illuminator and a customizable remote port compatible with a variety of remotes, the RAID Xe distinguishes itself from other competitors. The RAID Xe comes in black or coyote/black exterior housings, offering red or green visible lasers, along with remote pads tailored to meet the specific needs of end users. Employing VCSEL laser diode technology for sharp and clear illumination, the RAID Xe represents the pinnacle of advanced design, all contained within a housing the size of a business card and weighing under 360 grams.

The selection process and subsequent award were achieved through collaboration and support via our Master Distributor for the BENELUX and the Scandinavian Region, ARLE – Applied Research Laboratory Europe. Manufacturing of the RAID Xe unit (pictured below) will take place at Wilcox’s expanding headquarters facility in Newington, NH, USA.

In response to the award, James Teetzel, CEO, stated, “Wilcox is always listening to our customers. It is their collective guidance that has allowed Wilcox to design, develop, and now offer our next-generation RAID Xe laser module to their security forces. We are honored and privileged to provide meaningful equipment to protect the sovereignty of the Dutch Armed Forces and the country they protect.”

Wilcox RAID Xe

For more information about the Wilcox RAID Xe and other Wilcox Xe Products, please visit www.wilcoxind.com/Xe-Products.

For information on all other Wilcox and Wilcox Products, visit Wilcox’ website at: www.wilcoxind.com  or call: 603-431-1331.

BCB Reaffirm Commitment to the United States

Sunday, May 19th, 2024

BCB International Ltd reflected their ongoing commitment to the United States defence and security markets by supporting partners’ at Modern Day Marine (MDM) and Special Operations Forces (SOF) Tampa 2024. The Modern-Day Marine event featured 300 exhibitors, 350 companies, Interactive displays and a wargaming convention. Modern Marine consisted of briefings from the commandant of the Marine Corps,and influential leaders from the Department of Defense.

BCB exhibited through partners at both shows featuring their new and dynamic Larva Cloak, Alternate Illuminated Marker, Multi-Spectral camouflage, Dragon Fuel, IR filter Camo Cream, and combat medic First Aid Kits. They gathered significant interest on all items but more especially in their Multi-Spectral Camouflage (MSC) from several companies and US armed forces.

Significant interest from overseas delegations was received in their multi-spectral camouflage for counter-drug operations in the jungles of South America where detection by drones is so important.

BCB are in a prime position with their multi-spectralcamouflage products for Military operations. In the Retail sector, some of BCB products are creating significant interest in their applications in the Retail market for America, specifically the BCB eco field cooking system, FireDragon, which is great for cooking rations and givesone hot coffee and melting snow all in under 6 minutes, without the smell, weight burden or hazards of the flameless systems.

During the trip, BCB met with multiple members of the Department for Business and Trade team, British Embassy and Welsh consulate including the Welsh Deputy Head of North America.

At SOF Week 2024 the United Kingdom had a significant show space booked out to feature multiple British businesses. BCB had good discussions on exports opportunities for the United Sates and their strategy to expand their footprint in America.

It is clear from both exhibitions that there is significant interest in BCB’s capabilities and it is hoped that this will lead to further business in the important United States market.

Scrubland Bandolier

Thursday, May 16th, 2024

Introducing the Scrubland bandolier.

Whether you’re carrying extra stores for the patrol medic, leaving your pack behind to move onto target or just have to carry too much shit in your grab bag, the bandolier is ideal.

With its basic design and using 1000D Cordura the bandolier is lightweight, compact and tough. Will fit snug in the top of your pack until needed or can be thrown in the back of a truck for your resupply.

100% Australian made

Available in AMC or MultiCam

Order via DM on their Insta page.

Contents not included

Avon Protection Awarded UK MoD General Service Respirator Contract Worth Up to £38m

Friday, May 10th, 2024

The contract will see Avon Protection continue to supply and support the General Service Respirator (GSR) for all branches of the UK military’s forces from its facility in Melksham, Wiltshire.

9 May 2024, Melksham, UK: Avon Protection, the leader in innovative CBRN personal protective equipment, is pleased to announce that it has been awarded the continued supply of the General Service Respirator (GSR) and associated in service support contract by the UK Ministry of Defence.

The contract, over four years, with five further 12-month option periods is valued at up to £38 million.

The twin-canister, single-visor GSR is the standard issue respirator for all UK service personnel across the British Army, Royal Air Force and Royal Navy. Designed and manufactured to the UK MoD’s precise specifications, it provides high-performance filtration protection for users operating in CBRN threat environments.

Avon Protection was first awarded the contract to supply and support the GSR in 2018. Since then, it has supplied over 90,000 GSRs to UK MoD users from its facility in Melksham, Wiltshire. This new contract will sustain many highly skilled jobs at the Melksham facility as well as in the supply chain that is primarily based in the United Kingdom – ensuring the nation maintains sovereign CBRN protection capability through domestic production and R&D.

“We are proud to have secured this new contract with the UK MoD, reaffirming our commitment to providing sovereign capability and unparalleled protection for those who tirelessly defend our nation,” Steve Elwell, President of Avon Protection, said. “We remain dedicated to delivering excellence so our protectors can complete their mission and come home safely, every time.”

“We welcome the award of this contract, which will ensure continued support of the respiratory protection available to our armed forces. We have worked with Avon on supporting GSR for the past 6 years and look forward to continuing this relationship, offering high levels of protection to our troops across the world,” Richard Bloomfield, Head of Electronic Warfare and CBRN at Defence Equipment and Support, said.

“This award demonstrates the strength of our technology and our commitment to protecting those who protect us by providing a world-leading sovereign CBRN protection capability from our facility in Wiltshire,” Jos Sclater, Chief Executive Officer, Avon Protection plc, said. “As we have seen with the reported deployment of chemical agents in Ukraine and in other recent conflicts, the highest grade CBRN protection is critical to operational capability for warfighters in the evolving reality of near-peer, hybrid warfare.  We are very proud to have won this tender with the UK MoD and to continue support the UK’s objectives of providing the highest quality, most reliable and trusted protection equipment for our service men and women.”

SOF Week 24 – DNS Alpha Unterziehnasseschutz

Wednesday, May 8th, 2024

Germany’s DNS Alpha is exhibiting with Mountain Horse Solutions. I’m a big fan of their Unterziehnasseschutz, a GORE-TEX coverall which is worn as an undersuit leaving the BDU or combat uniform as the outer garment.

They’ve created a new display which depicts how it is worn with cutaways in the combat uniform.

Chris Woodrow Appointed as Digital Marketing Manager at ZeroTech International

Tuesday, May 7th, 2024

ZeroTech, a leading innovator in precision optical technology, is pleased to announce the appointment of Chris “Woody” Woodrow as the Digital Marketing Manager. This strategic hire is part of ZeroTech’s ongoing efforts to enhance its digital presence and engage more effectively with customers worldwide.

Chris brings a wealth of experience in digital marketing within the optics and firearms industry. Prior to joining ZeroTech, he was instrumental at the Lightforce Group comprising of Lightforce, Nightforce, APRS and Force Ordnance. His significant contributions to the Australian Land 159 Lethality System project, particularly in the creation and deployment of high-end digital materials to support the implementation of an Australian-built precision rifle system, display his capacity to lead innovative and high-stakes projects.

“When someone as achieved as Woody joins your team, it really showcases the growth and commitment that ZeroTech has had within the market. He completely believes in our vision, and we are thrilled to have him leading our digital marketing strategy,” Said Nathan Dudney, President of ZeroTech USA.

In his new role at ZeroTech, Chris is responsible for developing and executing digital marketing strategies that promote ZeroTech’s mission to deliver exceptional quality and innovative optical solutions. He will also oversee the digital promotion of new product launches and enhance customer interaction through various digital platforms.

“I’m thrilled to be part of a team that values robust product development and innovative digital outreach. My experience at Lightforce/Nightforce has equipped me well to elevate ZeroTech’s digital presence and connect more dynamically with our global customers,” said Chris.

You can visit the company website at: www.zerotechoptics.com

Socials: www.instagram.com/zerotechoptics

FLAIM Systems Awarded Contract for Immersive Countermine Training Solution

Monday, May 6th, 2024

Tampa, Florida – May 2024

FLAIM Systems has been awarded a contract from the Australian Army to further develop the FLAIM Sweeper, an immersive countermine and explosive hazard awareness training system. The contract incorporates the purchase of multiple systems to conduct an extended trial and user evaluation across the Army’s School of Military Engineering and its Combat Engineer and Special Operations Engineer Regiments. The FLAIM Sweeper enables defence combat engineers to undertake land mine detection and clearancetraining and offers explosive hazard awareness training for all deploying personnel in a fully immersive ‘feels-real’ training environment.  

Complementing traditional counter mine/IED field training, the FLAIM Sweeper combines high-resolution, high-fidelity virtual minefields and explosive hazard training lanes with the performance of industry standard mine detection equipment. Embedded haptics delivers a feels-real kinesthetic mine clearance learning experience in a safer environment. With a ‘reps and sets’ approach, the system helps build procedural muscle memory and tactical proficiency, while facilitating the delivery of an After-Action-Review following each training session.

The contract is the result of a successful demonstration that concluded the 2023 Phase 1 Proof of Concept initiated through the Defence Innovation Hub. The demonstration highlighted how immersive learning complements existing training protocols, while mitigating skills fade in high-risk roles. The benefits of replicating the conduct of mine clearance operations were evident and thus the FLAIM Sweeper was integrated as a core test within the Royal Australian Engineer Corp’s annual Skills Competition, The Steele Cup.

“We are humbled to have been awarded a contract to continue to develop and deliver the FLAIM Sweeper for use by the Australian Army” said Dr James Mullins, Head of Innovationat FLAIM Systems. “Immersive learning is an effective solution for skills acquisition and maintenance for environments that are too dangerous or difficult to replicate in real life”.

Immersive learning provides the closest experience to a real-life event, offering an environment where trainees can practice without the danger, cost, and logistical burden of physical training to complement existing training protocols.

“At FLAIM, we strive to deliver solutions that enhance the readiness of those on the front line” added Simon Miller, CEO at FLAIM Systems. “The contract with Australian Armydemonstrates FLAIM’s partnership approach in delivering purposeful solutions that complement our customers’ training protocols. This is a fantastic opportunity to enable a prepared defence force, while demonstrating the crucial role immersive learning can play in offering safer training solutions.

FLAIM Systems will be hosting private demonstrations of the FLAIM Sweeper on the Team Defence Australia pavilion (Booth #721) at SOF Week from 6-10 May. FLAIM invites attendees to contact info@flaimsystems.com to book a demonstration.