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Canadian Department of National Defence Awards Logistik Unicorp Contract to Supply Operational Clothing and Footwear to the Canadian Armed Forces

Friday, October 21st, 2022

Minister Anand announces investment of up to $3.7 billion to supply operational clothing and footwear to the Canadian Armed Forces

October 20, 2022 – Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, QC – National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces

Today, the Minister of National Defence, Anita Anand, announced that Logistik Unicorp based in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Quebec, has been awarded a contract to provide operational clothing and footwear to the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF). This contract, valued at up to $3.7 billion over 20 years, will support over 3000 jobs in Canada’s clothing, footwear and textile industries.

This investment will deliver approximately 1,222 different items of clothing and footwear worn by CAF members during their deployments, including:

• combat uniforms using Canadian Disruptive Pattern (CADPAT) camouflage,

• badges and insignias,

• footwear including combat boots, arid/hot weather boots, and mukluks,

• winter gear such as parkas, headwear and hand wear,

• soldiers’ personal equipment, such as sleeping bags and day packs.

This contract will deliver supplies for more than 160,000 people, including Regular and Reserve Force members, Canadian Rangers, Junior Rangers, search and rescue technicians, firefighters and Cadets. This contract also contains provisions to enable the ad hoc procurement of equipment required for unexpected deployment operations – such as the immediate supply of Personal Protective Equipment during critical emergencies.

Today’s Operational Clothing and Footwear Consolidated Contract (OCFC2) represents a new approach to supplying the operational gear that the CAF needs to succeed on domestic and international operations. Once the contract is fully implemented, members will be able to order items online and have orders shipped to their door, while also providing the CAF with the ability to continue distributing uniforms directly to units. This new approach will deliver better resource and inventory management for the CAF, improve item availability, and provide better value for taxpayers.

This project will deliver concrete economic benefits to Quebecers and all Canadians. Logistik Unicorp will invest in research and development and skills training in the textile, apparel and footwear sectors, which will generate additional jobs and export opportunities. Logistik Unicorp must also conform to mandatory Canadian content requirements by ensuring that the majority of manufacturing of clothing and footwear items is done in Canada.

The Government of Canada is committed to providing the CAF with the equipment and tools that they need to serve Canada domestically and internationally.

“Today’s investment will support thousands of well-paying jobs for Canadian workers, and deliver modern, cutting-edge equipment for the members of the Canadian Armed Forces.

The Canadian Armed Forces uniform is a source of great pride for Canadians at home and abroad, and this new contract with Logistik Unicorp will ensure that our members have the equipment they need, when they need it to fulfill the duties that we ask of them. I look forward to seeing the results of today’s investment, which is great news for Quebecers and all Canadians.”

– The Honourable Anita Anand, Minister of National Defence

Quick facts

• Currently, operational clothing and footwear items are being procured through multiple individual contracts. By combining the various contracts into one, we will achieve greater efficiency and availability of items the CAF needs and better value for taxpayers.

• This contract is the result of a competitive process and the winning bidder is qualified and capable of delivering a managed clothing solution to the CAF.

• Delivery of items to clothing stores will commence during the second year of the contract, and individual online ordering capability is targeted to be implemented during the third year.

• This contract also incentivizes the contractor to include Indigenous businesses as part of its supply chain.

• The Industrial and Technological Benefits (ITB) Policy, was applied to the OCFC2 request for proposal requirements to leverage economic benefits for Canada equal to the value of the logistics services component of the contract. As a result, the contract will ensure long-term, sustainable support for the Canadian apparel, textile and footwear sectors.

• Logistik Unicorp has experience in ensuring that Gender-based Analysis Plus (GBA Plus) considerations are incorporated. Procured items will meet the requirements of the diverse CAF population with a faster turnaround time.

Posted in Clothing, Contracts, International, Press Release | 8 Comments »

Air Force C2 Unit Supports US-ROK Combined Exercise

Friday, October 21st, 2022

U.S. Air Force Airmen from the 505th Combat Training Squadron supported American and Republic of Korea forces during Ulchi Freedom Shield 22, the largest combined exercise in five years at Osan Air Base, ROK, Aug. 15 to Sep. 1.

UFS 22 was an 11-day computer simulated, defense-oriented training event designed to enhance the United Nations Command, Combined Forces Command, and U.S. Forces Korea’s, defense posture, maintain readiness, and strengthen the security and stability on the Korean peninsula and throughout Northeast Asia. UFS 22, a theater-wide exercise, synchronized the efforts of the ROK and U.S. alliance’s air, land, and maritime components.

Unique to this exercise was that the American CFC commander and ROK deputy commander switched duties and responsibilities to conduct the Full Operational Capability assessment during exercise UFS as bilaterally agreed upon by the ROK minister of defense and U.S. secretary of defense in December 2021.

“Ulchi Freedom Shield 22 is an opportunity for [ROK] Gen. Ahn Byung-Seok and me to trade leadership duties based on the Future Combined Forces Command construct as outlined by both of our defense secretaries late last year. This is significant because the [ROK] CFC deputy commander will take the lead as the future CFC commander,” said U.S. Army Gen. Paul LaCamera, UNC/CFC/USFK commander, U.S. Army Garrison-Humphreys, ROK.

The 505th CTS created a realistic, operational-level, multi-domain command and control decision environment utilizing a high-fidelity constructive environment. Additionally, air, land, maritime, ROK, and seven additional simulation models were used to create a realistic, simulated environment for the exercise.

During UFS 22, the 505th CTS’s professional control force provided mission support via the Air Warfare Simulation system. Air Tasking Orders were flown and displayed on a common operating system which was used by decision makers across the training audience. The 505th CTS exercise team produced ten ATOs and executed 19,000 simulated missions, supporting the training of USFK and ROK personnel during UFS 22.

“Once again, the specialists of the 505th CTS have proven their seemingly limitless ability to provide realistic operational-level environments to train air components, joint, and allied partners,” said U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Michael Power, 505th CTS director of operations, Hurlburt Field, Florida. “These team members leverage diverse operational backgrounds to give warfighters a true picture of airpower.”

Power continued, “While the experts from the 505th CTS made up a relatively small percentage of the exercise team, they had an outsized influence on UFS 22 execution.”

To facilitate the most realistic operational environment possible, members of the 505th CTS traveled to the Pacific Air Simulation Center, or PASC, Osan AB, ROK, a week prior to exercise execution to instruct and prepare operators to produce the high-fidelity air model.

“We could not have accomplished this feat without the support and expertise of the professionals of the 505th Combat Training Squadron,” stated retired U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Barry Barksdale, PASC senior air controller, Osan AB, ROK.

The 505th CTS reports to the 505th Combat Training Group, Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, and the 505th Command and Control Wing, headquartered at Hurlburt Field, Florida.

The U.S.-ROK Alliance, established in 1953, remains critically important to regional security. Combined training events, such as UFS 22, help to maintain alliance readiness.

By Deb Henley

505th Command and Control Wing

Public Affairs

Posted in Air Force, Guest Post, International | Comments Off on Air Force C2 Unit Supports US-ROK Combined Exercise

UNI&FORMA d.o.o. Appoints Jože Kastelic as New CEO

Thursday, October 20th, 2022

The change in leadership advances UNI&FORMA’s objectives of achieving long-term stability and enlarging upon the success of its UF PRO brand.

KOMENDA, SLOVENIA (20 October 2022) — UNI&FORMA d.o.o. announced today the appointment of Jože Kastelic as its new chief executive officer. Kastelic, an experienced business leader, assumed the post on 1 September 2022. He will gradually succeed Milena Wagner and Armin Wagner who are stepping down from their co-CEO roles on 31 December 2022.

Milena Wagner will retire after departing UNI&FORMA. She founded the company 25 years ago.

Armin Wagner, meanwhile, will continue in his capacity as UNI&FORMA’s Head of Product Development. He will also continue holding that same title within the company’s UF PRO brand.

Born in Novo mesto, Slovenia, Kastelic earned a Master’s degree from the University of Ljubljana in 2012 and brings to UNI&FORMA nearly 25 years of managerial experience. For his previous employer, Kastelic served as a Business Unit Managing Director and was responsible for leading a team of 185 employees. By implementing lean business approaches, new technologies and other efforts to achieve a better market position, Kastelic and his team doubled the company’s revenue and increased profitability significantly.

“I am extremely pleased and grateful for the opportunity to join UNI&FORMA, a brand with an outstanding reputation for innovation, top-quality products, and reliability,” said Kastelic. “My goal is to put in place a long-term strategy for the stability of the company and consolidate its global reputation as the leading manufacturer of tactical clothing.”

Said Wagner, “It is certainly a huge change, but it was immediately clear that Mr Kastelic is the right fit. It’s not only his impressive past achievements but also the positive attitude, work ethic, and drive to succeed—it all suggests that he will take UF PRO to the next level.”

Founded in 1997, UNI&FORMA became a part of Mehler Vario System Group in 2019. The MVS-Group is a broadly based and globally active group of companies with Mehler Vario System GmbH as parent company and its subsidiaries: UNI&FORMA, Lindnerhof Taktik GmbH, Mehler Law Enforcement GmbH, Mehler Engineered Defence GmbH.

ufpro.com

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Australian Army Boxer Combat Reconnaissance Vehicle Achieves Initial Operational Capability

Monday, October 17th, 2022

Rheinmetall is proud to acknowledge the Australian Army’s declaration of the Boxer Combat Reconnaissance Vehicle (CRV) Initial Operational Capability (IOC).

Announced on Saturday 15 October, by The Honourable Richard Marles, Australia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, the Boxer IOC declaration reflects the vehicle’s success in meeting the Australian Army’s stated operational needs; paving the way for the Boxer to be deployed on operations.

Speaking of the Boxer CRV IOC declaration, Mr Gary Stewart, Managing Director Rheinmetall Defence Australia explained the importance in providing a protected capability to the Australian Army’s soldiers.

“The Boxer CRV is the most advanced combat reconnaissance vehicle now in service with the Australian Defence Force. It offers increased protection, lethality and digitisation, and is a game-changer to safely operate in hostile environments and on peace keeping missions.”

“The Boxer’s journey to IOC has included extensive testing and live exercises with the Australian Army. I am proud of the global Rheinmetall team who have worked in partnership with Defence to deliver this important capability milestone. Following this IOC declaration, Rheinmetall continues our work in supporting the path to Final Operational Capability,” said Mr Stewart.

Rheinmetall is the largest supplier of military vehicles to the Australian Defence Force, with over 2,900 Rheinmetall trucks already in service with the Australian Army. Rheinmetall is delivering a total of 211 Boxer CRVs and a further 490 trucks from the company’s Military Vehicle Centre of Excellence (MILVEHCOE), based at Redbank, South East Queensland.

“At Rheinmetall, we believe that what we do, matters to those who serve. This is a shared purpose between our staff, now over 730 here in Australia, and the over 30 Australian companies that directly contributed to the manufacture, delivery and support of the initial Boxer CRV capability.”

“As the company continues to design, manufacture and deliver the remaining 186 Boxer CRVs, Rheinmetall’s commitment to Australian Industry Capability will provide enduring jobs, skills and opportunity in Australia for many years to come” said Mr Stewart.

Posted in International, Mobility, Press Release | 2 Comments »

Poseidon Kronos Tactical Life Preserver Awarded NSN

Monday, October 17th, 2022

Safe Defence Pty Ltd, trading as Poseidon Australia, has been awarded NSN codification for their range of tactical life preservers.
This is a direct result of in increasing number of SF units trialing and moving forward with procurement of this unique life preserver.

The Poseidon Kronos was developed on request by Special Forces

The Poseidon Kronos LPU comes in three different models, ranging from the SuperLITE 157N model to the full spec Kronos 306N model. The latter incorporates the “damage resistant technology” that ensures that the LPU will fully inflate even if penetrated by projectiles or sharp edged weapons.

The Poseidon Kronos represent a generational shift in the development of life preservers used in hostile environments

Low profile to ensure the LPU doesn’t restrict natural head movement during operations

Standard for the Poseidon Kronos LPU are features like a cut-out at the shoulder to enable the user to shoulder his weapon while the LPU is inflated, high quality raw materials and production and a modular construction to mention a few.

For inquiries contact Poseidon’s European representative: Fenris Consult AS

Posted in International, Maritime, Press Release | Comments Off on Poseidon Kronos Tactical Life Preserver Awarded NSN

Schiebel Awarded Prestigious Search and Rescue Contract by Sasemar in Spain

Sunday, October 16th, 2022

Vienna, 6 October 2022 – Schiebel was awarded with the iSAR Research and Development programme, which builds on the current CAMCOPTER® S-100 Unmanned Air System (UAS) with the aim of further developing its maritime Search and Rescue (SAR) capabilities, offering a higher level of automation.

The scope of this multi-million Euro contract includes the further development and delivery of the high performance CAMCOPTER® S-100 UAS, including the integration of the latest high-tech sensors, allowing the detection and identification, both day and night, of castaways, drifting objects and polluting substances in the high seas; as well as monitoring toxic and hazardous atmospheres, emissions from ships and sea surface pollution. Furthermore, this project includes a data collection and distribution system combining information from the S-100 sensors, the manned AW139 and CN235 helicopters, as well as sensor data from two ships.

The S-100 payloads will include an Overwatch Imaging PT-8DN Oceanwatch, a Trakka TC-300 EO/IR sensor, an Aeromon BH-12 Emission Measuring Device, and a set of SENSIA Gas Imaging Devices.

The innovative payload suite allows the S-100 to perform all requested missions simultaneously, without the need of having to change the sensors. For the integration and fulfilment of the contract Schiebel partnered with a number of technology leaders, including the Spanish technology business group GMV Innovating Solutions, which is responsible for the network infrastructure.

The Maritime Safety and Rescue Society (SASEMAR) is part of the Spanish Ministry of Transport, Mobility and Urban Agenda (MITMA).

Hans Georg Schiebel, Chairman of the Schiebel Group, said: “It is a pleasure and honour to add SASEMAR to our customers. This contract confirms the superiority of the solutions we provide and will further contribute to our technological dominance.”

Posted in Aviation, Industry, International, Press Release, UAS | Comments Off on Schiebel Awarded Prestigious Search and Rescue Contract by Sasemar in Spain

Colt CZ Group SE Acquires the Remaining Stake in Spuhr i Dalby

Friday, October 14th, 2022

Prague, October 14, 2022 – Colt Group SE (“Colt CZ”, the “Group” or the “Company”) hereby announces that on October 12, 2022, it finalized the acquisition of the remaining 75% stake in its Swedish subsidiary Spuhr i Dalby AB.

“We are excited about Spuhr joining Colt CZ Group as a fully integrated member. Spuhr has clearly demonstrated its ability to innovate, which we believe will bring more opportunities for the whole Group on both the military and law enforcement and commercial markets. We are eager to deepen our cooperation with Spuhr’s leadership, its employees, and its customers,” said Jan Drahota, CEO and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Colt CZ Group.

“The successful cooperation between Colt CZ Group and Spuhr during the first two years has led to this next step. Spuhr’s founder Hakan Spuhr and I will remain with the company and will continue to build the Spuhr brand together with Colt CZ Group. Being part of the Colt CZ family is a great opportunity for both Spuhr and its employees. We are all looking forward to even closer cooperation,” highlighted Ulf Nilsson, CEO of Spuhr.

Spuhr i Dalby is a Swedish manufacturer of optical mounting solutions for firearms located in Löddeköpinge, Sweden. Spuhr’s product portfolio consists of optical mounts, accessories, and upgrade kits for firearms, making it highly complementary to the Group’s core business. The Spuhr mounts and accessories are used by many military and law enforcement units around the world, including the Swedish armed forces, Dutch and Danish Army, German Police, and Portuguese Navy. Spuhr also offers a popular hunting series of products.

Posted in Industry, International, Press Release | 1 Comment »

Helinox – Ghost Carabiner

Thursday, October 13th, 2022

When the gates on metal carabiners are opened or closed, are connected to metal anchor points or when they rattle against each other, they make a distinctive, non-natural noise. The DMM Ghost carabiner has been designed from the ground up to minimise this noise.

In the past this has been achieved by hot dipping the carabiner in plastic, but the temperatures involved in doing this risk altering the physical properties of the carabiner. Sniper tape has also been used, but this is temporary and neither method help reduce the metallic click when the gate hits the nose of the carabiner.

The aim of producing the Ghost carabiner, was to significantly reduce the sound signature of the gate mechanism and all other contact surfaces whilst maintaining the size, gate opening and strength characteristics of a standard screwgate carabiner.

By creating a bespoke, skeletonised carabiner back, we have been able to injection mould a noise reducing coating over all of the main surfaces whilst leaving an exposed aluminium rope basket to maintain good wear characteristics where the rope runs.

The unique screwgate mechanism contains proprietary dampers to manage the distinctive ‘click’ of the gate mechanism being opened or snapped closed, a feature which is especially important in covert urban climbing operations.

Another benefit to the over moulded screwgate barrel is that it creates an anti-vibrate function once fully closed that helps stop the barrel loosening accidently and so adding another level of safety.

Weighing 2.5oz (72g) and measuring 24.4 x 4.29in (62 x 109mm), the DMM Ghost is an excellent size for general purpose use and is certified to EN362:2004 A and EN12275:2013 B.

For enquiries, please email sales@helixoperations.com

Web page – helixoperations.com/Tactical/Products/Carabiners/Locking-Carabiners/Ghost

Posted in International, Mountaineering, Press Release | Comments Off on Helinox – Ghost Carabiner