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Archive for the ‘International’ Category

Finland Places Order for Saab’s RBS 70 Missiles

Monday, December 26th, 2022

Saab has received an order from Finland regarding missiles for the RBS 70 ground-based air defence system. The order value is approximately SEK 800 million and deliveries will take place 2023-2026.

The order includes Saab’s latest version of the RBS 70 missile, Bolide, which enables engagement with airborne armored targets and drones. The missile will be used with Finland’s current RBS 70 systems, which have been in use in the country for more than 15 years. In Finland the system is referred to as ITO05 and ITO05M (Ilmatorjuntaohjus 05).

“We are proud to continue contributing to Finland’s air defence capability with our future-proof Bolide missile, which can be used against a wide range of threats,” says Görgen Johansson, head of Saab’s business area Dynamics.   

Saab’s portfolio of short-range, ground-based air defence missile systems includes the RBS 70 and the latest version, RBS 70 NG. The RBS 70 has an impressive track-record on the market with more than 1,600 launchers and over 18,000 missiles delivered to 19 nations. 

NFM Group Acquires Hexonia GmbH in Germany

Monday, December 26th, 2022

NFM Group has acquired all the shares of the company Hexonia GmbH in Germany. This acquisition makes NFM Group a leading European company in protective equipment and combat clothing.

LARGEST ACQUISITION TO DATE FOR THE NFM GROUP

Dialogue with Hexonia commenced at the end of 2021 and a large amount of time has been spent during the acquisition process. This acquisition is NFMs’ most significant to date, so considerable resources were used to establish an agreement in a satisfactory way.

– The acquisition gives us a significant position in Germany which is a large and important European market for NFM Group. We have worked with Hexonia for several years, and therefore know the company well, says Walter Øverland, Group CEO of NFM Group.

The acquisition will significantly increase NFM Group’s total production capacity, enabling access to new technology, and new markets. The goal is to protect those who protect us with the best products and services available in the market.

STRONGER TOGETHER

There are significant synergies within production, technology, and expanded market access. The added capacities and Hexonia’s proven track record in the German market will strengthen NFMs’ capability to provide the best possible solutions for our highly valued clients on a global level. This acquisition will make NFM Group a leading European company within our industry.

– It will be both demanding and exciting to develop NFM Group further with Hexonia as a part of our company. In total, we will be close to 1,000 employees after the acquisition, and in 2023 the turnover is expected to exceed 200 MEUR. With the current security situation in Europe, we probably won’t be unemployed anytime soon, concludes Øverland.

IN TOTAL, WE WILL BE CLOSE TO 1,000 EMPLOYEES AFTER THE ACQUISITION, AND IN 2023 THE TURNOVER IS EXPECTED TO EXCEED 200 MEUR.

Walter Øverland, Group CEO of NFM Group

HEXONIA LEADERSHIP

Hexonia will continue in its current operating form, led by Sabine Alberts and Nils Toverud as Managing Directors of Hexonia. Nils is Chief Business Officer in NFM Group and representative of the shareholder.

Sabine Albert, who has been managing Hexonia for several years together with the founder, Gerd Hexels, has played an essential part in developing Hexonia into the solid company it is today.

– Through the acquisition process, I have had the pleasure of getting to know Hexonia and its skilled and committed employees. Hexonia plays a crucial role in protecting German soldiers through their products, and we will reinforce this importance by building additional industrial presence and expertise. Germany is currently carrying out a significant modernization of its defence with an investment fund of 100 B€, and therefore Hexonia faces the possibility of strong growth, according to Toverud.

– Hexonia is a textile technology leader, developing and manufacturing combat clothing and helmet systems. In addition to maintaining the position as a solid supplier in the German market, we look forward to being able to offer their unique products outside Germany as well, concludes Toverud.

The acquisition was formally completed in Nettetal on the 16th of December, together with all of the Hexonia staff.

DroneShield Successfully Completes Canadian Military Exercise

Friday, December 23rd, 2022

DroneShield Ltd (ASX:DRO) (DroneShield or the Company) is pleased to advise it has successfully completed the Counter Uncrewed Aerial Systems Sandbox 2022 exercise in Alberta, Canada.

The Canadian Joint Operations Command (CJOC) has lead the exercise, coordinating with the Canadian Army, Royal Canadian Navy (RCN), Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF), and Canadian Special Operations Forces Command (CANSOFCOM). The exercise represented a blending of requirements and characteristics of interest to one or more of the services, as well as the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP).

The US Department of Defense’s Irregular Warfare Technical Support Directorate (IWTSD) has also participated in the CUAS 2022 Sandbox as an official Application Evaluator and Observer, giving international exposure, expertise, and feedback the participants.


Image: DroneShield DroneSentry-X

DroneShield CEO, Oleg Vornik, commented: “North America is the single largest market for DroneShield, and Canada represents a growing segment, where we already have an existing customer base along with a pipeline of further projects. This exercise was a valuable opportunity to connect with key decision-makers at a number of Government agencies, and demonstrate our latest C-UAS capabilities to these existing and prospective customers.”


Image: DroneShield RfPatrol

RCMP Seeks New Sidearm

Thursday, December 22nd, 2022

This week the Royal Canadian Mounted Police issued an RFI for Pistol Modernization to industry regarding a new sidearm to replace the currently issued Smith & Wesson 5946.

General Requirements

Determining that the current weapon has exceeded its life expectancy, they are looking for a modern design offering reduced trigger pull weight, various frame sizes, and a reduction in overall weight as well as the ability mount both a weapon light and Red Dot Sight (RDS).

While they are sticking with 9mm, the RCMP desires a mechanically locked, recoil-operated, striker-fired semi-automatic pistol with polymer frame which can accommodate at least three grip sizes. The pistol must also be matte black, corrosion resistant, and equipped with iron backup sights in addition to the RDS.

While the pistol must have no external manual safety levers, grip safeties, and push-button safeties, it must fireable without a magazine installed.

This requirement is fairly unique, each pistol must come with a ceremonial lanyard loop that can be attached to the pistol magazine’s base plate. Additionally, the slide must be steel.

Ancillaries

a) Red Dot Sight (RDS)

b) Weapon Light

c) Carrying Case

d) Holsters (Regular and Plain Clothes)

e) Three magazines per pistol

Dimensions

Dimension requirements are a maximum length of 190.5 mm and a maximum overall height of 140 mm with the magazine and any MRDS removed along with a maximum length of 190.5 mm (7.50 inches) when measured from the muzzle to the rear of the beavertail. The pistol barrel must have a minimum length of 99 mm (3.9 inches) and a maximum length of 108 mm (4.25 inches). It must not weigh more than a maximum of 808 grams (28.5 oz) when the magazine is empty, and no accessories are attached.

Accuracy

As far as accuracy goes, the requirement stipulates that the pistol must be capable of shooting a 15.25 cm (6 inch) grouping from 25 m (27.34 yards) away.

Reliability

The service life on major components (i.e. frame, slide and barrel) that exceeds 20,000 rounds and the RDS must have a minimum warranty period of two (2) years. Additionally, the LED weapon light must have a minimum warranty period of two (2) years on switches and electronic components and the holster must have a minimum warranty period of five (5) years.

https://canadabuys.canada.ca/en/tender-opportunities/tender-notice/pw-bm-039-28894

Saab Receives Order from Latvia for Carl-Gustaf Ammunition

Wednesday, December 21st, 2022

Saab has received orders from the Latvian Ministry of Defence for ammunition for the Carl-Gustaf® recoilless rifle. The order value is approximately SEK 185 million.

The order is placed within a framework agreement between Saab and the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) which enables Latvia to place orders for Carl-Gustaf M4 weapons and ammunition over a ten-year period.

“We are pleased to continue delivering our world-class ground combat capabilities to Latvia. This order will support the Latvian National Armed Forces’ ability to meet a wide range of challenges on the modern battlefield,” says Görgen Johansson, head of Saab’s business area Dynamics.

Proven to deliver results on the battlefield, the Carl-Gustaf provides the effectiveness soldiers need. The wide range of ammunition types available for Carl-Gustaf makes it flexible and able to handle any situation on the battlefield, whether it is to destroy an armoured vehicle or structure, or illuminating the battlefield during night-time operations.

Gentex Corporation Announces Contract to Supply Headborne Solutions to NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA)

Wednesday, December 21st, 2022

Multi-Year Contract to Supply Helmets and Headborne Systems Accessories to NATO and Partner Nations

CARBONDALE, PA, DECEMBER 19, 2022 – Gentex Corporation, a global leader in personal protection and situational awareness solutions for defense forces, emergency responders and industrial personnel, announced today an agreement to supply helmets and a catalogue of accessory products to NATO and Partner nations through a multi-year outline agreement contract with the NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA).

Gentex will supply variants of its industry-leading Ops-Core® FAST® RF1 and XP ballistic helmet systems to NATO members through the administration of the NSPA. Along with helmet systems, the contract also includes many Ops-Core market-leading headborne accessories including the AMP® Communication Headset and PTTs, ballistic and non-ballistic mandibles, STEP-IN® Visors, and Special Operations Tactical Respirator (SOTR) respiratory products.

“Being able to supply the Ops-Core FAST RF1 and XP helmet systems and accessories through NSPA means that NATO member countries can offer their soldiers and operators the best possible protection through a streamlined process,” said Jim Clarke, Gentex Sales Director for EMEA.

Lindnerhof-Taktik Launches Its MX634 Modular Radio Pouch; Becomes Available for Purchase on 21 December

Wednesday, December 21st, 2022

LENGGRIES, GERMANY (20 December 2022)—Lindnerhof-Taktik GmbH today unveiled its final new product for 2022: the MX634 Modular Radio Pouch, a highly versatile tactical accessory designed to be configured as desired by users to suit each mission’s unique requirements.

The MX634 Modular Radio Pouch goes on sale beginning 21 December at the company’s online shop.

“This single pouch rounds out a year full of Lindnerhof product innovation and reflects once again the current theme of our development programme— modularity,” said Lindnerhof Chief Executive Officer Jakob Kolbeck. “We believe modularity is the key to all things tactical.”

Kolbeck added that the MX634 Modular Radio Pouch completes the company’s MX product range for this year. MX products are those made of Lindnerhof ?s super-lightweight yet remarkably durable multiaxial laminate material, he explained.

“The MX634 Modular Radio Pouch is in essence a construction kit for end-users to build and set up a radio pouch that’s as individual as they themselves are,” Kolbeck said.

The base of the MX634 Modular Radio Pouch comes with two sizes included—one large and the other small. This, said Kolbeck, allows users to adjust the pouch’s height in order to optimise its mission value.

“The idea here is that we wanted to offer everyone the possibility of configuring their radio equipment just the way they want it,” he said. “We felt it was crucially important to have height adjustability so that users can handle their radio equipment the way they’ve always done it in the past. The different sized bases ensure that not only will the pouch be positioned at the user’s preferred height but also that the equipment to be carried will fit perfectly inside the pouch, regardless of whether the equipment is a smartphone or a SEM52.”

Another feature of the MX634 Modular Radio Pouch is compressibility, which allows the user to secure contained equipment. “The pouch can be snugged up tight against items inside it the user’s choice of side elastic inserts or conventional lateral elastic cords as well as with the modular options of a Velcro® fastener or a buckle—again, the decision is left to the user.”

The MX634 Modular Radio Pouch can be mounted to a plate carrier or a protective vest by multiple means. “Users have the choice of classic MOLLE/PALS attachment or—as with our previously announced new MX174 Multi Hanger Pouch—a Velcro® flap that affixes directly to a Lindnerhof carrier,” Kolbeck noted. “Moreover, the pouch’s modular design permits attachment on whichever side the user wishes, left or right.

In spelling out the reasons to develop a modularly designed pouch, Kolbeck said “Our goal was to create a product that would enable its user to be fast and successful from mission start to finish. So, we asked ourselves, why limit it to just a single option? Why not add more? We certainly have the technologic capability to do so. Ultimately, we were brought back to the position that it ?s the user’s mission and the user should be the one to decide how the gear is configured for optimal success.”

For more information about the Modular Radio Pouch MX634, please visit the company’s web shop at www.hqg.de

Major Order from a NATO Customer: Rheinmetall Wins Framework Contract for 155mm Artillery Ammunition in the Mid Three-Digit Million Euro Range

Tuesday, December 20th, 2022

Rheinmetall has scored another success in the field of artillery ammunition.

A long-time NATO customer awarded the South African subsidiary Rheinmetall Denel Munition a framework contract for the supply of 155mm ammunition of the proven Assegai product line. The order value is in the mid three-digit million EUR range. The framework agreement was concluded in December and has a term of five years.

The five years framework contract provides for the delivery of 155mm M2005 V-LAP (Velocity Enhanced Long Range Artillery Projectile) projectiles, M92 modular charges and various fuzes. The 155mm M2005 V-LAP projectile features a high fragmentation effect as well as extended range through rocket and base bleed technology. The rocket assist V-LAP projectile together with the Assegai M92 tactical charges features barrel erosion and muzzle signature reducer properties. It is designed according to the NATO Joint Ballistics Memorandum of Under¬standing (JBMoU) requirements and qualified according to STANAG guidelines. The ammunition is already deployed in several NATO countries.

“We are proud to support our long-time NATO partner with Rheinmetall‘s world leading long range artillery suite. Framework agreements provide long-term ammunition supply assurance and a flexible system for procuring ammunition over the course of a year”, stated Jan-Patrick Helmsen, CEO of Rheinmetall Denel Munition. “The rocket assist V-lap together with the tactical assegai charges M92 with barrel wearer reducer and muzzle flash reducer will support both the soldiers in the battlefield and the logistics and maintenance troops.”

The M2005 HE V-LAP projectile is at the forefront of modern artillery technology and provides an extended range interdiction capability against soft targets and soft skinned vehicles as well as the disruption of logistical supply lines beyond the close battlefield. The M2005 projectile can be used with suitable NATO standard fuzes and JBMoU compatible modular charge systems and can be fired from any compatible 155mm weapon system. The base drag reduction and rocket assistance extend the range performance of Assegai with no special operational and logistical requirements.

Jointly owned by Rheinmetall Waffe Munition GmbH (51%) of Germany and Denel (Pty) Ltd, Rheinmetall Denel Munition produces a wide variety of ammunition such as 155 mm artillery ammunition, 60, 81 and 120 mm mortars, 40 mm grenades and 76/62 mm Naval Rounds, aircraft bombs and mine breaching systems. Rheinmetall Denel Munition also builds ammunition filling plants for export and manufactures missile subsystems.