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Bundeswehr Requests Delivery of Over 1,000 Logistic Vehicles from Rheinmetall – Order Worth Around €770 Million

Monday, August 4th, 2025

The Bundeswehr has commissioned Rheinmetall to supply more than 1,000 logistic vehicles with a total value of around €770m gross. The order comprises 963 vehicles with swap-body systems, some with protected driver cabins, as well as swap-body flatbeds and tarpaulin-arch superstructures.

In addition, 425 unprotected transport vehicles (UTV) were requested for delivery. The UTVs are available in 4×4 and 8×8 versions.

“As a reliable partner of the Bundeswehr, we are delighted to be delivering additional vehicles and thus contributing to the mobility and operational readiness of the armed forces”, says André Barthel, Chairman of the Board of Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles GmbH (RMMV).

The delivery of the approximately 1,400 requested vehicles will take place before the end of this year. The orders have been booked for the third quarter of 2025.

The UTVs are c signed in July 2024 – the largest order in the company’s history in the field of logistics vehicles. It provides for the delivery of up to 6,500 vehicles with a gross value of up to €3.5bn. The framework contract allows the Bundeswehr to flexibly order additional quantities of the UTV 5t and UTV 15t models, which are already in service, over a period of seven years. In addition, the new vehicle class, which is now part of the call-off, was introduced via the framework contract. This is the 4×4 variant UTV 3.5 t, which has a maximum number of common parts with the UTV family.
The UTV family has already been contributing significantly to the performance of the Bundeswehr’s logistics units for several years. In July 2017, the Bundeswehr commissioned RMMV to supply its new ‘UTV mil gl in cargo load classes 5t and 15t’ family. Thanks to the use of flexible framework contracts concerning large quantities in military procurement, the UTVs have become a showcase project. Since 2017, around 7,000 HX vehicles have been delivered to the Bundeswehr together with swap-bodies and 70-tonne semi-trailer units.

UTV and swap-body systems are based on RMMV’s robust HX vehicle family. Designed for military use, they offer outstanding mobility even in difficult terrain.

The worldwide distribution of the HX vehicle family provides significant advantages in terms of interoperability and logistics, particularly for multinational operations. In addition to Germany, current users are the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Norway, Sweden, Austria, Hungary, Singapore, Slovenia, Denmark and the Ukraine. The new order highlights the high acceptance of the proven HX vehicles. More than 20,000 vehicles are already in use worldwide.

Posted in Contracts, International, Logistics, Mobility, Press Release | No Comments »

Alpha OneSource at Norfolk Super SERVMART

Wednesday, July 30th, 2025

Alpha OneSource, a certified Small Business, is on hand at the Norfolk’s Super SERVMART, providing immediate access to a wide array of Tactical and Operational Support Equipment, Industrial Safety and Environmental products.

Open to authorized government purchase card holders and other logistics personnel, Super SERVMART is located on Norfolk Naval Station in a 50,000 sq ft facility. Over 7,000 items are available in the store with thousands of additional items available through special order from the vendor’s catalogs.

This is just one of 150 Base Supply Centers (BSC’s) located on bases across the country which they work with but they also have GSA Schedule and DoD EMall MILSTRIP (now FEDMALL) options.

Below is just a sample of the brands accessible for your organization through AOS.

To learn more, visit www.aostactical.com.

Posted in Logistics | No Comments »

Schiebel Camcopter S-100 Demonstrates Cross-Domain Logistics Capabilities During EDA’s Inaugural OPEX Campaign

Wednesday, July 23rd, 2025

Vienna, 22 July 2025: Schiebel’s CAMCOPTER® S-100 Unmanned Air System (UAS) successfully participated in the European Defence Agency’s (EDA) first-ever Operational Experimentation (OPEX) campaign, showcasing its autonomous cross-domain logistics capabilities in a complex, simulated operational environment.

Held over five weeks at the Italian Army’s Multifunctional Experimentation Centre (CEPOLISPE) and UTTAT (Ufficio Tecnico Territoriale Armamenti Terrestri di Nettuno), the campaign brought together six leading European defence companies to showcase the performance of Unmanned Air and Ground Systems (UAS and UGS) executing autonomous logistics missions across both the aerial and terrestrial domains. The event marked a significant step in fostering innovation and interoperability within the European defence landscape.

Schiebel’s CAMCOPTER® S-100 conducted multiple daily logistics missions using an underslung cargo net, successfully transporting suspended cargo of more than 50 kg under challenging battlefield conditions. The UAS consistently demonstrated its robustness, reliability, and mission effectiveness – even when exposed to degraded communications, adverse weather, and contested operational environments.

“We are proud to have contributed to this important initiative led by the European Defence Agency,” said Hans Georg Schiebel, Chairman of the Schiebel Group. “The S-100’s proven operational track record, combined with its autonomous logistics capability, underscores its value as a force multiplier in multi-domain operations.”

Posted in International, Logistics, Press Release, UAS | No Comments »

AMC Enters a New Era of Data-Driven Logistics

Sunday, June 29th, 2025

REDSTONE ARSENAL, Ala. – On the path to becoming a more data-centric organization, Army Materiel Command is leaning into advanced analytics and artificial intelligence, or A3I, to improve its operations.

“Data is no longer just a support function, it’s central to everything we do,” said Lt. Gen. Chris Mohan, AMC deputy commanding general and acting commander. “Our focus on A3I is about empowering our people to make smarter, faster decisions and deliver readiness with greater efficiency.”

Leveraging A3I demonstrates how the command is moving past simply collecting data from fragmented systems to proactively anticipating and solving challenges.

Existing Army systems, while individually capable, often operate in silos, lacking the interoperability needed for a comprehensive view of materiel readiness and limiting AMC’s ability to efficiently move and sustain operations. This is particularly critical given AMC’s complex mission set, which includes everything from ammunition production and vehicle maintenance to sustaining the Army’s global logistics operations.

In 2020, the Army acquired Vantage, integrating the data from systems like GCSS-Army and GFEBS into a unified analytics platform.

This paved the way for the “agility layer,” according to Dr. Chris Hill, AMC chief data and analytics officer and director of the AMC Analysis Group. The agility layer allows AMC employees to build their own apps and tools using the data in Vantage – helping them improve processes, streamline workflows, make better decisions, be more efficient, and ultimately improve the Soldier experience.

The command is already applying this concept with tools like Weapons System 360, which gives leaders a complete look at the Army’s supply chain, and ParaLine, an app that significantly reduces inventory processing time and improves property accountability for Soldiers.

But to fully harness the power of data, leaders believe a fundamental shift in operations is needed, starting with restructuring roles throughout the command. The change isn’t limited to those directly impacting materiel readiness, either, said Hill. Using and understanding and data is now critical for every function within AMC.

“In today’s complex and rapidly changing world, restructuring to fully leverage data is no longer a consideration – it’s a necessity. The benefits of data-driven insights will extend to all directorates, enabling more informed decisions and greater efficiency across the entire organization,” Hill said.

An upcoming order will establish data leads in each headquarters staff section who will be responsible for integrating A3I into daily operations. An AMCAG multi-functional team focused on A3I staff integration will support the data leads. Through a “train-the-trainer” methodology. AMCAG will help to build foundational data and analytics skills that allow the data leads to independently automate processes, build tools and dashboards, and leverage artificial intelligence to streamline operations.

While this transformation represents a significant shift for the workforce, early adoption across several AMC subordinate commands has demonstrated the strength of this organizational construct.

“We’re seeing great energy and innovation at our down trace units,” said Hill. “These teams aren’t waiting for direction. They’re identifying their own challenges and using the agility layer to solve them.”

Aviation and Missile Command is using tools like LAP360 to identify potential maintenance needs and supply availability challenges. Tank-automotive and Armaments Command is employing data analytics to predict vehicle failures and optimize maintenance schedules, and Army Contracting Command is leveraging data and implementing AI tools to identify trends and streamline the contracting process.

As AMC continues to unlock the potential of its data and workforce, this internal momentum will be key to supporting the mission, said Hill. A data-centric transformation is already gaining traction throughout the command, evidenced by an A3I insignia, created by Dr. Chelsea Jones, an operations research analyst in the AMCAG.

The A3I insignia will be featured on internal products to demonstrate the command’s commitment to driving sustainment, readiness and efficiency through data-driven innovation.

“This is about empowering our people to solve problems in new ways and more efficiently,” said Hill. “The A3I insignia is a reminder that data is now at the heart of everything we do.”

By Alyssa Crockett

Posted in Army, Guest Post, Logistics | Comments Off on AMC Enters a New Era of Data-Driven Logistics

USSOCOM Announces Innovation Foundry (IF16) – Contested Logistics in Future SOF Operations

Monday, June 10th, 2024

SOFWERX, in collaboration with USSOCOM’s Directorate of Science and Technology (S&T), will host the sixteenth Innovation Foundry Event (IF16), 20-22 August 2024, in either Lexington KY, or at SOFWERX in Tampa, FL, (final determination will be made by the end of June), which intends to bring together Special Operations Forces (SOF), industry, academia, national labs, government, and futurists in an exploration, design thinking, facilitated event to assist USSOCOM in decomposing future scenarios and missions.

The theme of IF16, ‘Contested Logistics in Future SOF Operations’ will explore the challenges of resourcing parts, components, and supplies at the point of need for the untethered SOF operator.

The future of warfare demands innovation in supply and sustainment capability to keep pace with large-scale, multidomain combat against peer adversaries. The intensity of future conflicts may lead to rapid depletion of stockpiles and resources, and deployments to remote locations far from established supply hubs will necessitate unconventional solutions for resupply, local procurement, and point-of-need production. This presents new challenges and opportunities for SOF in addressing strategic-to-tactical distribution and supply gaps for the untethered operator. Predictive logistics, real-time needs assessment, advanced manufacturing, energy independence, maneuverability, standardization, safety, and quality assurance will all require novel approaches. The confluence of domains and environments – and the speed and precision demanded of SOF operations – further amplify these challenges.

To tackle these problems SOF and SOF Supporting Activities will need to further study:
•    A vision for the future challenges posed by contested logistics.
•    Understand and mitigate the risks and vulnerabilities of contested logistics.
•    Plans and policies to enable operational advantage and exploit dual-use capabilities in a contested logistics environment.
•    Capabilities to understand and characterize adversarial actions in contested logistics.
•    New concepts of operation to operate in a range of heavily constrained contested logistics scenarios.
•    Recruit and train for the skillsets required to operate in future contested logistics environments.

In this effort, S&T is working with the Program Executive Office for Special Operations Forces Support Activity (PEO-SOFSA) and the Expeditionary Support Program Office.

S&T has developed and refined a unique process, the Innovation Cycle, to engage technology pioneers and leaders, and to discover and develop high risk, innovative, and disruptive technologies for future on-boarding. The Innovation Foundry is the first event in the Innovation Cycle and is the idea generation phase. It will be followed by a Rapid Capability Assessment (RCA) to develop capabilities, and Integrated Technology Sprints (ITS) to demonstrate proofs of concept.

If you are an expert in any of the following areas of interest or in related fields, please consider participating in IF16:

• Advanced energy systems

• Advanced materials

• Additive manufacturing

• Artificial intelligence

• Autonomous systems

• Electrical engineering

• Hybrid manufacturing

• Industrial engineering

• Infrastructure

• Inventory management

• Large-scale, multi-material, and smart 3D printing

• Logistics

• Machine learning

• Machine operations

• Manufacturing

• Material science and engineering

• Mechanical engineering

• Modeling and simulation

• Precision manufacturing

• Production engineering

• Prototyping

• Robotics

• SOF operations

• Supply chain management

• Sustainment

• Textiles

• Welding

Deliverables for the IF16 event will include preliminary capability concepts targeting the defined problem areas which may impact SOF forces and operations in the 2030 timeframe. These preliminary capability concepts will be developed further in a follow-on RCA event.

Submit NLT 05 July 2024 11:59 PM ET.

Further details here.

Posted in Logistics, SOF | Comments Off on USSOCOM Announces Innovation Foundry (IF16) – Contested Logistics in Future SOF Operations

Wilcox Industries Corp Announces a New Integrated Logistics Support Plan

Tuesday, May 14th, 2024

Tampa, FL – At the annual SOF Week, Jim Pettigrew, Vice President of Integrated Logistics Support, outlined Wilcox’s vision to support the unique operational needs of our customers. Recognizing the importance of the investment when purchasing Wilcox equipment, this new program is designed to reduce our customers overall life cycle costs and get the maximum return on their investment. Whether our customer is a part of an elite force, a conventional military unit, or law enforcement, our Wilcox team aims to provide an affordable full life cycle support package through flexible fixed pricing or cost-based Integrated Logistics Support (ILS) solutions.

Our specialized ILS24, and ILS36 are fixed priced support solutions that offer ILS support for up to 36 months, above the standard warranty. Our flexible ILS Plus solution will be a cost-based option that can be renewed yearly meeting the needs of our customer’s requirements. Our “Just-In-Time” ILS packages will be competitively priced and designed to meet specific customer needs. The final details of this program will be released before the end of this year.

In response to the announcement, James Teetzel, CEO, of Wilcox, stated, “We are very excited to offer this extended warranty program to our customers! With the limited budgets our customers contend with, it is our responsibility to be as creative as we can for our customers to get the most out of the funding, they have available, whether directly or indirectly. We need to always ensure their equipment is ready when needed now and in the future!”

For More Information

For more information on our ILS protection plans, visit www.wilcoxind.com/ILS.
For information about Wilcox or Wilcox Products, visit: www.wilcoxind.com or call: 603-431-1331.

Posted in Advertiser, Logistics, MRO, Press Release | Comments Off on Wilcox Industries Corp Announces a New Integrated Logistics Support Plan

Marines with 1st Battalion, 12th Marines, 3rd Marine Division Experiment with Twenty-First Century Foraging Concepts

Friday, April 8th, 2022

KANEOHE BAY, Hawaii —

U.S. Marines with 1st Battalion, 12th Marines, 3rd Marine Division experimented Twenty-First Century Foraging concepts during Spartan Fury 22.1 at Pohakuloa Training Area, Hawaii, March 2022.

Twenty-First Century Foraging concepts enable commanders to extend and enhance operational rations for a period without needing outside logistics support. “It is imperative that the Marine Corps logistics functions continue to adapt to force design and the future warfighting concepts. That includes reducing our logistical footprint,” said Lt. Col. Richard Neikirk, commanding officer of 1st Battalion, 12th Marines.

During the exercise, individual Marines procured dry goods and fresh produce from local suppliers utilizing cash 1105 funds. The Marines were able to find and purchase eggs, sausage, bacon, chicken, rice, and canned vegetables. The food was brought back to the training area where the Marines experimented with various field cooking methods.

“It is imperative that the Marine Corps logistics functions continue to adapt to force design and the future warfighting concepts. That includes reducing our logistical footprint”

Lt. Col. Richard Neikirk, 1st Battalion, 12th Marines commanding officer

The Marines used lightweight, expeditionary, non-organic food service equipment such as individual cooking stoves, volcano grills, and the Expeditionary Food Service Trailer that is currently being developed by the Fort Lee Instructor staff. This equipment is designed to be sustainable for long durations in austere environments and will be employed by the lowest level of any unit and in any environment.

The food was able to feed the battery for three days with two cooked meals a day. The warm meals were a welcomed change from the self-contained, individual field rations that are typically consumed in the field. By cooking and procuring food, the battery proved that it could sustain itself without outside support for a duration of time. Limiting the need for outside logistics support enhances a unit’s ability to be adaptable, mobile, and lethal.

The experimentation allowed the Food Service Specialist accompanied by the Marines in the battery to exercise foraging concepts in a CONUS training environment. “This trial period allowed the Fort Lee Instructor staff to gain real life data and procedural analysis,” said Capt. Norman Bunch, operations officer at Marine Detachment Fort Lee.

The data collected during Spartan Fury 22.1 will be used to develop future training and readiness standards as well as the future periods of instruction for Entry Level, Non-Commissioned Officer, and Staff Non-Commissioned Officer Courses.

By Staff Sgt. Olivia Knapp

Posted in Guest Post, Logistics, USMC | 6 Comments »

Defense Logistics Agency Designated DOD’s Printing Services Provider

Monday, March 28th, 2022

FORT BELVOIR, Va. (AFNS) —

The Defense Logistics Agency is now the Defense Department’s primary provider of printing services, office print devices and electronic conversion services according to a DOD instruction signed by the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment.

All DOD components except DOD intelligence agencies, National Guard and Reserve organizations, tactical activities, and the U.S. Army Print and Media Distribution Center must now purchase such services through DLA Document Services. The change is expected to save tens of millions of dollars each year.

DLA Document Services offers numerous printing services ranging from brochures and training manuals to banners and aircraft decals. Custom and specialty options like vinyl, foam board and magnets are available, and the team can also produce large-scale items like museum displays.

“We can assist customers throughout every step of their project from planning to production,” said Nick Janik, DLA Document Services director of production operations. “Our print production employees work hard to make the customer’s vision a reality while being as efficient and timely as possible.”

DOD customers turning paper documents into electronic format can use scanning and conversion services available at DLA print facilities or with help of on-site technicians who can convert documents of all sizes. Digital conversion preserves documents and makes them searchable. Shredding services are available too.

The updated instruction also charges DLA Document Services with the procurement, delivery and sustainment of office devices including office, desktop and stand-alone printers as well as copiers, fax machines, scanners and multi-function devices – the latter of which is the main focus of the office device program. The process of procuring office devices includes an assessment of customer needs and existing equipment to ensure new devices are streamlined and compatible.

“Our office assessments help to eliminate unnecessary equipment and shift customers from a single-function or stand-alone environment to a business model of shared resources with MFDs,” said Terra Nguyen, division director for DLA’s office device program.

More information and help placing orders is available through local customer relations specialists or the DLA Document Services Customer Support Center at 866-736-7010 or j67dcsc@dla.mil.

Defense Logistics Agency Information Operations

Posted in Guest Post, Logistics | Comments Off on Defense Logistics Agency Designated DOD’s Printing Services Provider