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Archive for the ‘International’ Category

DefendTex Launches Domestically Manufactured “VENGEANCE” FPV Long Range Strike Drone

Thursday, September 12th, 2024

DANDENONG SOUTH, VICTORIA – 10 September 2024 – Australian company DefendTex has launched Australia’s first domestically manufactured ‘blue’ First Person View (FPV) combat drone. This drone, designed for the European market, can carry up to 10kg of explosive ordinance over a distance greaterthan 20kms. This FPV drone is one of a series of loitering munitions designed and manufactured by DefendTex Australia for export markets.

DefendTex CEO Travis Reddy said, “it is important for Australia to have a manufacturing capability to produce our own long range precision strike weapons at scale”. This technology is designed so that targets can be reached away from the frontline of the battlefield. Mr Reddy added, “with pressure on defence budgets and global shortages of munitions, the DefendTex Vengeance Drone is a disruptive technology that can be manufactured at scale and at low cost.” The drone has been hardened to operate in an electronic warfare environment and leverages the latest developments in artificial intelligence. The Vengeance drone enables FPV swarm operations from a single pilot with no increase in cognitive burden. DefendTex is an established leader in multi-domain asymmetric warfare solutions and was awarded Innovator of the Year at the Australian Defence Industry Awards in 2023 and 2024. Providing world leading defence technologies, DefendTex’s capabilities include precision guided weapons, energetics, rocket manufacturing and loitering munitions. DefendTex has extensive experience in collaborative research, having commercialised ground breaking defence technologies. DefendTex is headquartered in Australia and has offices in USA and UK.

BAE Unveils Autonomous Tactical Light Armour System (ATLAS) Uncrewed Ground Vehicle at Land Forces

Thursday, September 12th, 2024

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – BAE Systems Australia has today unveiled a cutting-edge uncrewed ground vehicle (UGV) that gives military commanders an added tactical option while keeping soldiers out of harm’s way.

The Autonomous Tactical Light Armour System (ATLAS) Collaborative Combat Variant (CCV), a new, cost effective, modular, 8×8 UGV, has been designed and built leveraging BAE Systems’ world-leading expertise in autonomous technology, armoured vehicles and in collaboration with industry partners.

The future battlefield will involve a mix of autonomous, semi-autonomous and human machine teams, generating combat mass and removing soldiers from many of the most dangerous tasks.

ATLAS CCV will operate using high levels of autonomy both on and off-road, complementing crewed counterparts such as infantry fighting vehicles and main battle tanks, at a lower cost. The vehicle incorporates existing, proven technologies to provide a cost-effective capability that is mission configurable and upgradable so that it continues to evolve to counter new and emerging technologies and threats.

BAE Systems is continuously exploring innovative technology that provides armed forces with a tactical advantage in an ever-changing battlespace. The autonomy system at the core of the ATLAS CCV will ‘drive’ the vehicle, avoid obstacles, route plan, and make tactical decisions.

Andrew Gresham, Managing Director – Defence Delivery at BAE Systems Australia, said:

“We’ve developed the ATLAS vehicle to give soldiers the advantage on the modern battlefield. This has resulted in an autonomous platform that will deliver the dull, dirty and dangerous tasks expected in a combat environment.

“ATLAS will enable the Australian Army to be fit to fight in the littoral environment. It will help the soldier outpace, out-manoeuvre and out-think conventional and unconventional threats.

“We have proven expertise in autonomous technologies, built on more than 30 years of complex autonomous projects. We’re excited that this is the first UGV of its kind to be developed in Australia and look forward to working with our industry partners to deliver this capability for our customers.” 

ATLAS CCV is armed with a new, lightweight, affordable, highly automated medium calibre turret system called ‘VANTAGE’ ATS™’, designed for use on uncrewed platforms. Importantly, the turret is designed with a ‘human in-the-loop’ targeting system.

ATLAS CCV is easily transportable, designed to fit into a standard 20-foot ISO container or 20-foot ISO flat rack. It will also deliver a logistics multiplier effect for companion crewed platforms, effectively extending the combat endurance of vehicles currently in service. 

BAE Systems has worked with partners including Supacat in the UK/Australia, Valhalla Turrets in Slovenia and Victorian manufacturer Marand to deliver ATLAS CCV.

www.baesystems.com/en-aus/atlas

Rheinmetall Showcases Military Digital Capability at Land Forces 2024

Wednesday, September 11th, 2024

Rheinmetall, the largest supplier of military vehicles to the Australian Defence Force is exhibiting the company’s portfolio of strength and capability for future land forces with combat, combat logistics and dismounted combat on display at Land Forces 2024, this week at the Melbourne Exhibition and Convention Centre.

Nathan Poyner, Managing Director, Rheinmetall Defence Australia, said this year’s display was a digital capability showcase that included Rheinmetall Defence Australia’s Combat Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance Subsystem (CISRS) software. 

“CISRS implements the digital backbone of the Boxer CRV fleet and follows a modular and open systems design pattern. CISRS currently hosts richly integrated software sourced from across Defence industry, other Land programs.”

“Rheinmetall’s Land Forces Display establishes our knowledge as a digitisation systems integrator through the dismounted and mounted Battle Management System (BMS) software to both Integrated Soldier Systems and the complex vehicle system of the Boxer CRV.” 

“This provides the user a seamless common operating picture through mounted and dismounted forces with the Crew Terminal graphical user interface, a Software Development Kit adaptable for any vehicle platform.”

“Communicating with the Boxer CRV via a simulated Tactical Communications Network is an Integrated Soldier System End User Device (Tactical Smart Phone) hosting the Android Tactical Assault Kit (ATAK) BMS.” 

“Our experience in developing both Soldier Systems and Complex Vehicle Systems architectures enables Rheinmetall to be the digitisation provider of choice for the German Army and Hungarian Defence Force.”

“Under the L400-2 program the CISRS software continues to be developed to expand its C4 capabilities to support a range of additional functions,” he added.

Mr Poyner said the display included:
The Boxer Combat Reconnaissance Vehicle:
Currently in service with the Australian Army, and on order from Australia for the German Defence Force, the CRV is equipped with a reconnaissance mission module including the two-person digital LANCE Turret; the first crewed medium-calibre turret to be put into service on the Boxer platform.  The highly protected vehicle includes stabilised digital optics with integrated laser rangefinder and fire control unit for commander and gunner. 

The vehicle protects against antitank weapons, medium-calibre ammunition, and artillery shrapnel.

A HX45 10×10 wheeled transporter track with crane 
•    High mobility and superior off-road performance
•    Purpose-designed tactical chassis with military cabin (interchangeability of protected and unprotected versions) 
•    Designed and tested for a life cycle of 20+ years
•    Battle proven military design with successful combat history
•    Sophisticated winch system to perform the most complex scenarios while maintaining the highest safety standards available on the market

Trailblazer
Trailblazer improves driver and crew effectiveness by extending the field of view beyond the daylight spectrum, even in adverse weather, obscured or low-light conditions. Featuring very low-latency front and rear video camera units, it aids the driver in terrain negotiation, obstacle avoidance and route selection. Independent wide-angle situational awareness channel outputs give crew and commander a powerful surveillance and threat detection capability. GVA compliant, native digital and analogue variants make Trailblazer easy to integrate.
•       Enhances operations in degraded visual environments 
•       Dual-band: high performance sensors and optics 
•       RFEL Video fusion technology maximizes DRI 
•       Conventional and/or networked video connectivity 
•       Driver and local situational awareness channels 
•       Extra-wide angle options 

1:1 models of the Oerlikon Revolver Gun and Oerlikon Skyranger 30
•    The Oerlikon Skyranger 30 is part of Rheinmetall’s family of Skyranger Air Defence system which offers mobile defence against all current and future battlefield air threats. The Skyranger combines superior firepower, active and passive sensors and the dynamics needed to engage the most demanding targets performing loiter, pop-up or dive attacks. 
•    The Oerlikon Revolver Gun Mk 3 is a principal component of the Oerlikon Skynex Short Range Air Defence System. With its open and modular architecture, the Skynex Air Defence System sets new standards in terms of flexibility and expandability. The Oerlikon Skymaster® Battle Management System is the control node and centrepiece of the system.

Integrated Soldier Systems
•    Integrated Soldier System (ISS) capability delivers continued effectiveness and superior capabilities for the soldier on the ground. 
•    Rheinmetall provides the technological edge over adversaries with the supply of a world leading ISS. 
•    Rheinmetall assures global capability and decades of experience in delivering world-class Integrated Soldier Systems to design, support and sustain the Commonwealth’s Australian Integrated Soldier System Solution, 
•    Rheinmetall has delivered end-to-end ISS support to global customers since 2006, including managing the introduction of new technology through the German Bundeswehr Future Solider (IdZ-ES) program. 

Registered visitors to LAND FORCES 2024 can visit the Rheinmetall Defence Australia stand at E163.

Israel Aerospace Industries to Showcase Advanced Systems at the Land Forces 2024 International Land Defence Exposition

Tuesday, September 10th, 2024

IAI systems using cutting-edge technologies will be among the innovative solutions shown at the Expo, which begins on 11th September

TEL AVIV – Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) will unveil a series of cutting-edge systems at Australia’s upcoming Land Forces 2024 International Land Defence Exposition. As one of the world’s most influential land defence exhibitions, Land Forces 2024 provides IAI with an opportunity to display its state-of-the-art technologies, while broadening new and existing partnerships with Australian and other global partners. IAI’s products on display will present advanced capabilities for the Australian Army, focusing on rapid system-deployment and advanced defence solutions tailored to the Army’s operational concepts. Among the products to be displayed at the exhibition are intelligence systems, unmanned aerial systems (UASs), advanced sensors and electronic warfare systems. The annual show will take place from September 11th to 13th at the Melbourne Convention Centre.

Chairman of Israel Aerospace Industries, Amir Peretz, former Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense: “This exhibition represents a unique opportunity to showcase the achievements and capabilities of Israel Aerospace Industries and to strengthen the security and economic ties between our countries. We continue to invest in opening and strengthening new markets across the globe. Alongside the uncompromising commitment of Israel Aerospace Industries to the Israeli defense system, the past ten months have proven that we do not abandon our allies, partners, and customers worldwide and continue to provide them with the best solutions available.”

Boaz Levy, IAI’s President and CEO: “IAI looks forward to participating in this important event. The Australia Land Forces Exposition is a unique opportunity to display our advanced technologies, which are specifically relevant for littoral warfare land forces, alongside partners from around the world. IAI leads the development of holistic solutions for the global market. Australia and the Pacific region are a key growth segment for us and we look forward to building new partnerships and expanding existing ones. IAI is committed to promoting security on a global scale, supporting defence forces both during times of conflict and when conducting routine security operations, as we continue to innovate and develop advanced, technological solutions.”

IAI will demonstrate the capabilities of the Scorpius G – the most advanced electronic warfare system, which offers unparalleled defence against a variety of aerial threats; ADA – a top-notch Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) system for airborne platforms that hardens military platforms against jamming to ensure GNSS availability and functional GNSS-based systems; ThunderBullet – a high-performance gunfire detection system, comprising short-wave infrared electrooptical and acoustic sensors. The system can be installed on all ground vehicles and is also available as a manpack version for special forces.

In addition, IAI will demonstrate Tactical POPSTAR – an automatic target-detection system covering 360 degrees, representing a breakthrough in technology, developed for real-time threat detection, automatic target recognition classification, handling, and tracking. The system allows for passive terrain and aerial dominance, effectively acting as an electrooptical radar.

Mehler Protection Showcases Advanced Maritime Solutions at SMM and Personal Protection Solutions at MSPO 2024

Tuesday, September 10th, 2024

FULDA, GERMANY (10.09.2024)

Mehler Protection, a leader in cutting-edge protectionsystems, successfully exhibited its advanced maritimeand ballistic protection solutions at two major tradeshows in early September: SMM in Germany and MSPO in Poland.

At SMM 2024, held in Hamburg, Mehler Protectionintroduced its latest maritime defence innovations. Among the highlights was the PROTEC3D line, a revolutionary ballistic protection system utilizing advanced 3D printing technology. The exhibit featured a 3D-printed armoured sensor case, demonstrating theprecision engineering behind the PROTEC3D line and its ability to enhance protection while reducing production time, costs, and weight. Mehler Protection also showcased its M-RACC protection system, designed to address the specific challenges of maritime operations. The system provides enhanced protection for weapon mounts and ship bridges, reinforcing the company’s commitment to robust maritime security solutions.

“At Mehler Protection, we focus on developing practical solutions to address the challenges of maritime security. The PROTEC3D line and M-RACC system reflect ourcommitment to offering reliable protection for critical assets in demanding environments,” stated Denis Weber, Business Development Director at MehlerProtection | Platform Armour.

At the same time, Mehler Protection participated at MSPO 2024, one of Europe’s largest defence tradeshows, held in Kielce, Poland. Here, the company focused on its comprehensive range of personal ballistic protection solutions. Among the featured products wasthe M.U.S.T. system, a highly adaptable body armour system offering multiple configuration options. The MOBAST protective system, developed for the German Federal Armed Forces, was also presented, delivering both soft- and hard-ballistic protection with stab resistance. Visitors to the booth had the opportunity to explore an array of hard- and soft-ballistic panels, vests, carriers, and helmets, underscoring Mehler Protection’s expertise in personal protection.

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

Barrett Secures Major Contract with Norwegian Defense Materiel Agency for M107A1 Rifles

Tuesday, September 10th, 2024

Murfreesboro, TN – Barrett Firearms Manufacturing, Inc. is proud to announce a significant new contract with NATO-allied Norwegian Defense Materiel Agency (NDMA). The agreement enables the Norwegian Armed Forces to upgrade their existing Barrett Model 82A1 rifles, in service since 1999, to the more advanced model M107A1.


Representatives from NDMA, NIOA Group, Barrett and Magne Landrø at a recent European trade show.

Barret CEO Bryan James said: “We are honored to continue our partnership with the Norwegian Armed Forces by providing the M107A1, a rifle that embodies our dedication to precision, reliability, and innovation. This move ensures that the Norwegian forces are equipped with the latest advancements in long-range firepower.”

This is an important step for NDMA and Barrett. The M107A1 rifle, chambered in .50 BMG (Browning Machine Gun), is a substantial upgrade from the Model 82A1, offering reduced weight, improved performance, greater durability and modern features tailored to meet the evolving demands of modern warfare. The M107A1 is also suppressor capable, adding a critical feature for reducing the rifle’s signature in various operational environments.

This contract highlights the NDMA’s confidence in Barrett’s ability to deliver cutting-edge solutions that meet the rigorous standards of military use. The M107A1 will significantly enhance the Norwegian Armed Forces’ capabilities to engage targets at extreme ranges, destroy valuable enemy assets, and secure tactical advantages on the battlefield.

Mr James said: “Barrett is proud to partner with allied nations across the world. We all share the same dedication to excellence and continued improvement. Barrett has a long history in this field and we will continue to grow our relationships with our partners.

MOHOC Delivers Custom MOHOC ADF Camera to the Australian Defence Force

Monday, September 9th, 2024

MOHOC, Inc., creator of the world’s preeminent tactical helmet cameras, today announced the completed design, development, and delivery of the initial units of the MOHOC® ADF Camera to the Australian Defence Force (ADF). The news coincides with this week’s Land Forces Exposition in Melbourne, Australia, where the new camera will be on display.

The product was built to support the ADF initiative to deploy body worn cameras as a tool for training, evidence collection, and after-action review. In less than a year, the MOHOC® ADF was designed from the ground up as a custom camera to meet strict specifications outlined by the Dismounted Combat Program at Army Headquarters.

Made in the USA, the MOHOC® ADF incorporates the best recording features of the original MOHOC® Camera with the improved form factor, weight, and low-light sensitivity of the newer streaming cameras, MOHOC® 2. The company further reports that the ADF custom model is built on the foundation of MOHOC’s next generation camera, expected to launch worldwide in 2025.

Dan Fuhrman, MOHOC Vice President of Product Development, said of the program, “We were honored to support the ADF on an aggressive timeline and provide Australian soldiers our newest technology in a custom camera that aligns with our vision for upcoming MOHOC products.”

Both the development contract and subsequent order were facilitated by MOHOC dealer Spearpoint Solutions & Technology Pty Ltd, whose CEO, Andrew Jiear, added, “The project is a prime example of how Spearpoint’s extensive network of leading international partners can be leveraged to generate tailored solutions for our clients.”

Spearpoint is displaying the MOHOC® ADF Camera this week at Land Forces, stand # A199.

Australian Defence Forces Order Polaris DAGOR Off-Road Vehicles

Monday, September 9th, 2024

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – Sept. 9, 2024 – The Commonwealth of Australia has awarded a vehicle contract to Polaris Australia for the DAGOR vehicle, an off-road and internally transportable tactical mobility platform from the company’s Government and Defense division. The contract is valued at AUD22 million (USD14.6M) and includes vehicles, mission accessories, technical manuals, spare parts and tool kits, driver and maintainer training and ongoing, in-country support.

Polaris will deliver the DAGOR vehicles to the Australian Defence Force in several variants in support of joint missions worldwide. The four-wheel, all-terrain vehicles will be configured in three different variants – a transport variant for enhanced tactical mobility and greater standoff; an expeditionary reconnaissance variant for continued agility and increased stealth in austere conditions; and a cargo variant with the rear seats replaced with a rear bed extension for increased combat load capacity. Polaris engineered standard mission configuration items, as well as locally engineered and manufactured content, will be integrated onto the vehicles at a Polaris facility in Melbourne.

“We are proud to provide this capability for Australian personnel. The DAGOR all-terrain vehicle will allow teams to move faster, carry more and significantly reduce combat fatigue by navigating complex terrain otherwise covered on foot,” said Michael Cannell, Government and Defense sales and operation manager, Polaris Australia. “Polaris Australia will also provide in-country sustainment, leveraging the global presence of Polaris as these vehicles deploy globally.”

DAGOR comprises an optimal balance of rapid air transportability, payload capacity and advanced mobility and is the most capable military platform in its class for off-road, rugged terrain. The chassis and suspension are engineered for off-road operation at full payload of 1,814 kilograms (4,000 pounds), which also contributes to the vehicle’s overall reliability and durability. DAGOR uses a readily available commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) driveline, controls and components like a diesel/JP8 engine selected for its ideal combination of power, weight and size. DAGOR can produce up to 4.4 kW of exportable power and is heavy-weapons capable. Its weight and size allow it to be internally transportable on a variety of in-service aircraft, including CH-47, C-17 and C-130 and is also airdrop and sling-load certified.

“Collaboration within the global defence community is critical to mission success and equipment commonality helps enable interoperability among joint forces,” said Nick Francis, vice president, Polaris Government and Defense. “Polaris military vehicles have become force multipliers for expeditionary forces by extending mission range while mitigating operator fatigue and increasing mission readiness and capability.

DAGOR’s unique design and use of commercial components allows for ease of operation, maintenance and sustainment in support of combat operations. Allied forces that also have the DAGOR platform include U.S. forces, Canadian forces, and multiple European countries. DAGOR vehicle production is underway, and deliveries will take place over the next two years. These vehicles will augment existing Australian vehicle fleets, which include two other Polaris products: the MV850 and Sportsman 6×6 Big Boss ATVs.

Polaris designs and manufactures the most capable light tactical and all-terrain military vehicles available today with technology development and insertion for the battlefield of tomorrow. No one knows light off-road mobility like Polaris, whose light tactical vehicles – the MV850, MRZR turbo diesel, MRZR Alpha and DAGOR – support more than 50 military forces worldwide which is a testament to the capability gap these vehicles fulfill. These platforms provide unmatched off-road capability while also being intuitive to operate, simple to maintain, highly transportable and easy to globally support.