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L3Harris and NIOA Announce Guided Weapons Collaboration in Australia

Monday, November 6th, 2023

SYDNEY, Nov. 7, 2023 – Aerojet Rocketdyne, an L3Harris Technologies [NYSE:LHX] company, and Australian-owned defence prime NIOA have announced a strategic agreement to explore the manufacturing of critical guided weapons components in Australia.

The agreement anticipates the future assembly and manufacture of rocket motors, boosters and warheads for munitions within the Aerojet Rocketdyne portfolio. This portfolio covers the wide range of weapons within Australia’s sovereign Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance (GWEO) Enterprise.

“As part of a world-leading technology company, Aerojet Rocketdyne is pleased to embark on this project to bring rocket motor and warhead manufacturing to Australia,” said Ross Niebergall, President, Aerojet Rocketdyne. “Our company is uniquely positioned to provide the intellectual property for a wide range of propulsion systems used by the Commonwealth. Growing our capability in Australia will provide opportunities for Australian companies to contribute to the global supply chain for guided weapons.”

Speaking on the eve of the INDO PACIFIC 2023 international defence exhibition in Sydney, NIOA Group CEO Robert Nioa said, “As a 100% Australian-owned company, NIOA is excited to be entering this strategic agreement with Aerojet Rocketdyne to address critical munitions priorities for Australia.

“Ultimately we aim to create a multi-user rocket motor facility that will not only support our portfolio of offerings but will also have capacity and flexibility to support future strategic partners to meet the guided weapon demands as identified by the Australian Defence Force as well as adjacent industry sectors like space.

“This logical grouping of the main elements of the rocket motor, warhead and booster supply chains can deliver economies of scale that will maintain the production volumes needed to sustain critical skillsets. Forward deployed logistics and co-production initiatives in the Indo-Pacific region with Australia’s close allies are central to our model. This facility will also boost regional employment and will provide substantial opportunities for local companies to get involved in the supply chain.”

The Australian Government’s Defence Strategic Review released earlier this year emphasized the rapid establishment of a domestic GWEO manufacturing capability. The government responded by committing $2.5 billion to accelerate a sovereign industry to improve the Australian Defence Force’s self-reliance and the nation’s export capacity.

Posted in Industry, International, Munitions, Press Release | No Comments »

GM Defense and Anduril Announce Teaming Agreement

Tuesday, October 17th, 2023

WASHINGTON, D.C. — GM Defense LLC, a subsidiary of General Motors (GM), and Anduril Industries, Inc. announced a teaming agreement, establishing a framework to collaborate on defense program capture activities. The team is focused on delivering autonomy solutions, battery electrification and other new propulsion technologies, as well as those integrating the full range of Anduril technologies onto GM Defense mobility solutions.

During the Association of the U.S. Army tradeshow in Washington, D.C. both companies showcased variations of the proven and fielded Infantry Squad Vehicle. GM Defense had a four-seat Multi-Mission and Logistics ISV equipped with Anduril loitering munitions. Anduril hosted GM Defense’s nine-Soldier ISV, currently fielded to the U.S. Army’s 82nd and 101st Airborne Divisions, in addition to Lattice, Anduril’s sensor, network, and system-agnostic open software platform, for land systems command and control.

“GM Defense has a strong strategic alignment with Anduril as we are both focused on bringing disruptive new technologies into the defense and government marketplace to deliver innovative solutions for our customers,” said Steve duMont, GM Defense president. “We feel this is a powerful team, and together we can make a strong offering for key U.S. defense programs while assessing other global opportunities.”

With experience in ground vehicle autonomy, sensing, vehicle safety systems and connected vehicle fleet analytics, GM Defense develops solutions based on the advanced technologies of its parent company, General Motors, that help advance warfighter capabilities with some of the most advanced technologies available on the commercial market.

Anduril is a leading provider of advanced defense technologies, artificial intelligence, autonomous systems and integrated defense solutions. “We are thrilled to be working with GM Defense to produce new capabilities for land systems. Advanced software for mission-level autonomy can transform ground systems, and GM Defense will be a critical teammate to deliver next-generation land systems for warfighters around the world,” said Anduril Industries CEO, Brian Schimpf.

For the latest GM Defense news, please visit www.GMDefenseLLC.com and follow GM Defense on LinkedIn.

Posted in Industry, Mobility, Munitions, Press Release | No Comments »

UVision Air Launches Revolutionary Hero-90: a Portable Tactical Loitering Munition System with Anti-Strike Capabilities, for Dismounted Soldiers

Wednesday, October 4th, 2023

Tailored for front-line forces operating on air, land and sea, the Hero-90 introduces a level of lethality previously only available with larger, bulkier loitering munitions systems.

AUSA 2023, 9-11 October, Washington DC, Hall A-C Stand 4139

October 03 ,2023: UVision Air Ltd. – a global leader in loitering munition systems of all sizes, for a variety of missions, is launching the Hero-90 – a highly-portable loitering munition system, that streamlines logistics and field operations with versatile anti-tank, multi-purpose and anti-personnel capabilities.

Compatible with the Common Launch Tube, the Hero-90 can be deployed from multiple launch platforms; easily integrating into a wide range of pre-existing assets, it enhances operational flexibility in a cost-effective way.

Ensuring minimal logistics and simplified setup and deployment procedures, the Hero-90 is lightweight, easily carried and operated by the dismounted soldier, and can be launched in less than two minutes. Designed to bring unprecedented lethality, it empowers small tactical units operating in challenging environments, giving them unprecedented autonomy on the battlefield of the future.

The Hero-90 is equipped with a high-yield warhead of over 1.5Kg, providing significant and precise power to effectively neutralize a wide range of threats – from soft targets and light vehicles, to armored vehicles and battle tanks – at a range exceeding 40km. Loitering over the target area, its operational range affords operators the time needed for target identification and optimal attack planning, and enables selection of attack patterns and detonation modes in real time.

Further maximizing operational flexibility, the Hero-90 supports mid-mission adjustments, including attack abort and re-engage, and the transfer of control between Hero teams, regardless of their location – whether on ground, airborne or maritime. All this is made possible through UVision’s state-of-the-art, ruggedized, Fire Control Unit (FCU), common to all Hero family assets.

The Hero-90’s CONOPS (Concept of Operation) and performance benefit from the latest advancements in Artificial Intelligence (AI), enhancing the warfighters’ effectiveness during operation, by enabling them to focus on mission-critical tasks.

Major General (Ret.) Avi Mizrachi, CEO of UVision Air, emphasized the critical importance of meeting the demands of rapidly evolving symmetric and asymmetric warfare arenas, saying:”The Hero-90 has been developed to empower tactical forces and infantry in the field with a multi-domain, multi-purpose, man-portable loitering munition system that stands as the best in its class. Its compatibility with various military platforms, coupled with its portability, gives a significant advantage to any force.

With the growing demand for UVision’s solutions, and as part of its strong commitment to its clients, the company has also announced the establishment of a manufacturing line for the Hero-120 system in the United States.

Posted in Munitions, Press Release | Comments Off on UVision Air Launches Revolutionary Hero-90: a Portable Tactical Loitering Munition System with Anti-Strike Capabilities, for Dismounted Soldiers

The XM919 Individual Assault Munition

Wednesday, September 27th, 2023

During yesterday’s briefing by Joint Program Executive Office Ammunition at the Future Forces Capabilities conference in Huntsville, Alabama, they mentioned the XM919 Individual Assault Munition, a new close combat lethality capability which seems to have flown under the radar.

Turns out, Picatinny issued a request for proposal (RFP) in August for the production of the XM919 Individual Assault Munition (IAM), utilizing Full and Open Competition (F&OC) procedures.

Intended to replace the M72 LAW, M136 and M136A1 AT-4 anti-tank weapons, and M141 Bunker Defeat Munition, the XM919 IAM tactical munition is a disposable, lightweight, single shot, multi-target, and Fire from Enclosure (FFE) capable Shoulder Launched Munition (SLM).

The XM919 IAM is for combat units at the squad level, employed by an individual Soldier. This will reduce the Soldier’s need to carry multiple systems, as they will no longer have to choose between an anti-armor or an anti-structure capability.

According the the Army the full XM919 IAM system consists of the XM919 IAM tactical munition and training devices to include the XM922 Sub-Caliber Trainer, associated Sub-Caliber Tracer Cartridge, Field Handling Trainer (FHT), and spare parts.

Due to the Full and Open competition aspect of the Army’s effort, they are relying on industry to deliver the desired effect. Market surveys in previous years have led the Army to believe that industry is more than capable of making this happen.

For example, General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems division released this video of their Individual Assault Munition during last year’s AUSA.

We will keep you up to date as the Army continues to pursue this new capability which is expected to begin fielding in FY26.

Posted in Army, Munitions, NDIA | 1 Comment »

Rheinmetall NIOA Munitions Triumphs on National Stage

Monday, September 25th, 2023

Defence manufacturer Rheinmetall NIOA Munitions’ Queensland artillery shell factory has won a major industry award.

RNM, a joint venture between Rheinmetall Waffe Munitions GmbH and Australian-owned NIOA, has been named Manufacturer of the Year at the Australian Defence Industry Awards.

RNM was also a finalist in the Exporter of the Year category, having despatched its first consignment of ammunition to Germany earlier this year.

The $90m Maryborough facility is the most advanced large calibre artillery plant of its kind in the world specialising in the 155mm projectiles which are fired out of the M777 Howitzer cannons.

At full rate production, the plant will have a workforce of up to 100 with the ability to produce up to 100,000 projectiles a year supplying the Australian Defence Force as well as allied export markets.

More than 800 people attended the black-tie Defence Connect dinner at the National Convention Centre in Canberra last Thursday night (Eds: September 21) with 144 finalists competing for honours in 29 categories across defence primes, SMEs and individuals including executives, scientists, technicians and marketers.

Rheinmetall NIOA Munitions General Manager Jeff Crabtree with the award for 2023 Defence Manufacturer of the Year; and a technician at the Maryborough-based factory works on an artillery shell which RNM is producing for the ADF and allied nations.

RNM General Manager Jeff Crabtree said the prestigious accolade recognised RNM’s role as an emerging player in the defence sector.

“We are incredibly proud,” he said. “This is recognition of an Australian-first munitions manufacturing capability, allowing regional Queensland to become an important player in the global munitions supply network.”

Rheinmetall Waffe Munitions CEO and RNM Chairman Roman Koehne said: “We congratulate Jeff and the team in Maryborough. RNM is a great example of an advanced manufacturing business that is playing a valuable role in building Australia’s defence industrial base.”

NIOA Group CEO and RNM Deputy Chairman Rob Nioa said the award acknowledged the company’s commitment to supporting defence industrial capability and skilled regional jobs, as well as its pivotal role in building national resilience.

“Before the establishment of the RNM facility there was no capability in Australia to forge 155mm or other large calibre shells,” he said. “The RNM forge has created a completely new skillset in the Australian defence industry.”

RNM has been held up as a “model example” of a genuine commitment and collaborative approach between various levels of government and industry to fast-track sovereign capability.

It was built within two years and had multi-level government backing with a $28.5m injection from the Federal Government’s Regional Growth Fund on top of $7.5m from the Queensland Government’s Jobs and Regional Growth Fund and support from the Fraser Coast Regional Council.

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

Saab Secures U.S. AT4 and Carl-Gustaf Ammunition Order

Tuesday, September 19th, 2023

The U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) has expanded a current framework agreement with Saab for AT4 systems and Carl-Gustaf® ammunition. A new order has also been signed valued at USD 104.9 million with deliveries during 2024-2026.

The Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) framework agreement was originally signed in 2019. The extension will allow the U.S. customer to place orders of Saab’s world-leading close combat solutions for up to an additional USD 422 million.

The new order within the framework agreement includes AT4CS RS systems and the latest high explosive round for Carl-Gustaf Weapon System, HE 448, designated as HE 441E in the U.S. This latest order will support the U.S. Army, U.S. Special Operations Command and the U.S. Marine Corps.

“Saab’s shoulder-launched weapons and munitions are unmatched for their effectiveness against a wide range of tactical targets and dramatically improve the survivability of warfighters,” said Erik Smith, President and CEO of Saab in the U.S. “The DoD’s expanded commitment to our close combat solutions validates Saab’s focus on delivering innovative, advanced products that can evolve to meet the long-term needs of our partners. We’re incredibly proud that the U.S. Armed Forces has extended our partnership for close combat systems, which will now exceed four decades and endure for years to come.”

“We are proud that our combat solutions are making a difference for our customers. The expansion of the framework agreement further strengthens our position as a trusted U.S. partner and ensures the armed forces can use AT4CS RS and Carl-Gustaf for years to come,” says Görgen Johansson, head of Saab’s business area Dynamics.

The AT4CS RS is a man-portable and fully disposable anti-armor system that provides the U.S. Armed Forces with a proven, flexible Shoulder-Launched Munition (SLM). Beginning with the U.S. Army in 1985, Saab has delivered more than 700,000 AT4 systems in the U.S. Fifteen countries around the world currently deploy the AT4CS RS and or its variants.

The Carl-Gustaf recoilless rifle is a Multi-purpose Anti-armor Anti-personnel Weapon System (MAAWS) that offers warfighters a highly flexible, single-weapon system for any combat situation on the modern battlefield. The Carl-Gustaf M4 is compatible with advanced fire control devices and specialized ammunition, such as the HE 448 (designated as HE 441E in the U.S), which provides increased efficiency and greater accuracy. The multi-role fuse on HE 448 (designated as HE 441E in the U.S) can be used in impact mode to destroy soft-skinned vehicles and other semi-hardened targets, or in airburst mode to allow neutralization of infantry in the open or in open trenches.

Saab is a leading defence and security company with an enduring mission, to help nations keep their people and society safe. Empowered by its 20,000 talented people, Saab constantly pushes the boundaries of technology to create a safer, more sustainable and more equitable world. Saab designs, manufactures and maintains advanced systems in aeronautics, weapons, command and control, sensors and underwater systems. Saab is headquartered in Sweden. It has major operations all over the world and is part of the domestic defence capability of several nations.

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Saab Showcases Missile System on Oshkosh Vehicle at DSEI

Monday, August 28th, 2023

The purpose is to demonstrate the possibility to integrate the missile-equipped RBS 70 NG Mobile Firing Unit (MFU) with Saab’s ultra-rugged tactical electronics, low-latency video distribution system and the Barracuda Mobile Camouflage System onto the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV). Come to Saab’s stand H7-210 at DSEI to learn more.

The aim is to address the growing requirements for mobile air defence and strengthen land users capabilities to meet these current and future challenges. Saab’s industry-leading MFU uses the RBS 70 NG missile system with its unjammable laser guided missiles, which provide threats with little forewarning and even less means for countermeasures.

The fully integrated multispectral Barracuda Mobile Camouflage System conceals the vehicle while also allowing the JLTV’s rapid deployment against air-based targets when needed.

“We are now offering the most modern mobile air defence solution, which is a perfect match with our existing multispectral camouflage capabilities on the JLTV vehicle. We are ready to support Oshkosh’s current customers as well as offering this to new users,” says Görgen Johansson, head of Saab’s business area Dynamics.

The Saab-provided tactical electronics and low-latency video distribution system aid the crew through increased situational awareness of the battlefield.

A partnership between Saab and Oshkosh Defense was announced in June 2022, focused on the fully integrated solution of Saab’s Barracuda Mobile Camouflage System (MCS) onto the JLTV.

Posted in DSEi, Mobility, Munitions, Press Release | Comments Off on Saab Showcases Missile System on Oshkosh Vehicle at DSEI

UVision Air Announces The Hero-120 Loitering Munition Successfully Meets Winter Battlefield Requirements in The Arctic Region

Thursday, August 10th, 2023

Proven capabilities were demonstrated during evaluation test flights in the regionAugust 09, 2023 – UVision Air Ltd. – a global leader in Loitering Munition systems of all sizes for a variety of missions announces that its Hero-120 Loitering Munition system has successfully proven to meet the demanding combat requirements of the Arctic winter while completing a series of flight-missions in the Arctic region as part of a field-evaluation under extreme winter environmental conditions.

Attended by representatives from several leading defense forces with arctic warfare capabilities, this evaluation was the concluding phase of a lengthy process, which included earlier test flights in the region, as well as extensive laboratory environmental tests, simulating the extreme temperatures, winds, and humidity conditions of the arctic winter.

The Hero-120 LM can carry a multi-purpose warhead with both Anti-Tank and Anti-personnel capabilities. During the evaluation the advanced loitering munition system was successfully tested in both day and night missions for operating in challenging conditions, including extreme low temperatures, heavy snow, strong winds, humidity, ice-forming flight conditions, low clouds, and limited visibility. The evaluation found the Hero-120 effective in combat situations in the Arctic environment, and compliant with unique storage and transportation requirements.

The harsh-weather operation effectiveness addresses not only the specific needs of military forces operating in the Arctic, but also the broader north and east of Europe.

“Completing the process of adapting our systems to the harsh climate of the Arctic winter is a significant milestone towards the widespread adoption of the HERO Loitering Munitions by European and NATO defence forces , says Major General (ret.) Avi Mizrachi, CEO of UVision. “The conflict in Ukraine has led the world’s leading armies to understand that they need to be prepared for any scenario and has raised their level of interest in combat-proven, reliable, and robust loitering munitions such as the HERO family”, he added.

Posted in International, Munitions, Press Release, UAS | 1 Comment »