Wilcox BOSS Xe

Archive for the ‘NATO’ Category

GA-ASI Adds NIDV and NATO DIANA to Blue Magic Netherlands Agenda

Monday, September 30th, 2024

Dutch Industry Encouraged to Register Online to Propose Technology Pitches for Nov. 19 Innovation and Funding Conference

SAN DIEGO – 26 September 2024 – General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) has added Raymond Knops, Chairman of the Dutch Industry Foundation for Defence and Security (NIDV), and Thomas McSorley, General Counsel for NATO DIANA (Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic), to a growing list of speakers and panelists on the agenda for the first-ever Blue Magic Netherlands (BMN) event being held on November 19, 2024. Other companies participating in GA-ASI’s BMN event include Brainport Development, Brabant Development Agency (BOM), SPACENED, and Lockheed Martin Ventures.

“We’re excited to launch this event in the Netherlands, which will bring together the best of Dutch industry and innovation,” said Brad Lunn, Managing Director of Strategic Finance at GA-ASI. “We are already engaged with companies who have contacted us to pitch their capabilities for possible inclusion in Blue Magic and open up funding opportunities.”

Dutch businesses that would like to pitch their technology and capabilities at BMN 2024 are encouraged to register on the event website by no later than Oct. 28, 2024.

Blue Magic Netherlands will be held in Eindhoven, a city known as a global technology hub. BMN will bring together Dutch startups, universities, government officials, aerospace leaders, and representatives from other high-tech industries, who will see technology advancements within the Dutch technology ecosystem and connect qualified partners with funding opportunities to support next-generation dual-use solutions.

GA-ASI has organized several successful Blue Magic events in the past and is bringing that same concept to the Netherlands. Areas of focus for BMN 2024 will be artificial intelligence/machine learning, autonomy, advanced materials, sensors, advanced manufacturing, and space. GA-ASI delivered its MQ-9A Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) to the Royal Netherlands Air Force (RNLAF) in 2021 and recently announced an increase in the total order of MQ-9As in its service to eight.

Aeronautics Secures Contract with NATO Member for Advanced Orbiter 3 UAS

Wednesday, August 14th, 2024

Agreement includes the new generation multi-platform system to a repeat NATO customer, enhancing fleet capabilities

August 12, 2024 – Aeronautics Ltd., a global leader in Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) for defense and HLS markets, announces a significant contract with a European NATO member country to supply advanced Orbiter 3 UAS systems.

This important contract includes the Aeronautics’ new generation multi-platform system to a NATO customer, increasing significantly the customers’ existing fleet. The Orbiter 3 is a small tactical unmanned aerial system, considered one of the leading systems in its class worldwide. It provides superior performance for both defense and HLS applications, making it an essential asset for modern military operations.

The Orbiter 3 stands out with its advanced ISTAR capabilities, runway-independent operation, long endurance, and ability to carry various types of payloads. Its advanced image processing, small logistical footprint, and navigation capabilities in GPS-denied environments further enhance its operational flexibility. The system’s ability to withstand harsh weather conditions ensures reliable performance across diverse scenarios.

The Orbiter 3 offers low life-cycle costs compared to similar systems, a lightweight design and extended endurance, making it a leading choice for many countries seeking to enhance their operational capabilities. The system’s combat-proven reliability, backed by thousands of flight hours, ensures it meets the rigorous demands of military operations. Its multi-platform compatibility allows for communal use of the same launching station and communication across various systems, facilitating seamless integration and expansion.

Dan Slasky, CEO of Aeronautics, stated, “This contract marks another important milestone with a long-standing customer.” He added, “The scalability of our system allows our partners to incrementally expand their capabilities over time, using the same proven infrastructure. This approach not only reduces costs and enables the most cutting-edge systems, but also streamlines operations for our customers.”

UK Soldiers Test Next Generation Body-Worn Technology

Sunday, August 4th, 2024

Cutting-edge data visualisation tools, integrated sensors, and live intelligence feeds are all connected within a single system known as the Future Integrated Dismounted Soldier Vision or FIDSV.

The helmet includes integrated power and data feeds, enhanced audio, a universal Heads Up Display (HUD) interface, and a mounted strobe alert system to identify friend or foe. A head-mounted night vision system (HMNVS) can also be used with enhanced digital night vision and injectable imagery capabilities.

The next generation of body-worn technology has been put through its paces by UK soldiers, bringing a modernised advantage to the battlefield. The aim of the trials is to integrate available technology into wearable tech for soldiers, advancing battlefield awareness and allowing faster tactical decision making

Story via NATO

Photos courtesy of UK Ministry of Defence / © Crown copyright 2024

Lockheed Martin Sikorsky Advances to Next Phase of Next Generation Rotorcraft Capability Program

Monday, July 29th, 2024

NATO Support and Procurement Agency Selects X2 Rotorcraft for Integrated Platform Concept Study

FARNBOROUGH, United Kingdom, July 26, 2024 — The NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) has awarded Lockheed Martin Sikorsky a contract award to study integrated platform concepts that could fulfill NATO’s next generation rotorcraft requirements through its Next Generation Rotorcraft Capability (NGRC) program.

“Sikorsky is ready to design a rotorcraft prototype for NATO’s NGRC concept study to support defense and deterrence for an ever-changing global environment. Years of investment and rigorous flight testing with multiple X2 technology demonstrators have proven its ability to change the future airspace,” said Andy Adams, vice president of Sikorsky Future Vertical Lift.

“Our X2 aircraft will bring to bear the strengths of Lockheed Martin along with input from our European Industry Group, such as digital thread, advanced manufacturing, sustainment, training, and weapon and mission system development, to provide NATO with an integrated rotorcraft system that combines speed, range, maneuverability, survivability and operational flexibility.”

Lockheed Martin Sikorsky’s European Industry Group includes Tier-1 aerospace suppliers, such as BAE Systems, ELT Group, ESG Elektroniksystem-und Logistik GmbH, GE Aerospace, Hellenic Aerospace Industry, Kongsberg, Liebherr-Aerospace Lindenberg GmbH, MAGroup,

Malloy Aeronautics, SAFRAN, Rheinmetall and TERMA. This industry group will provide input as to how their world-class military products can support the X2 integrated platform concept approach to advance NATO’s capabilities and provide a next generation rotorcraft solution.

With more than $1 billion invested and 15 years of testing and flying, X2 rotorcraft, Sikorsky’s X2 aircraft are demonstrating mission relevance. The S-97 RAIDER technology demonstrator’s rigorous flight test program continues to provide critical data that correlates to a virtual prototype and enables Sikorsky to experiment with the unique capabilities that an X2 Technology rotorcraft can provide.

NSPA General Manager, Ms Stacy A. Cummings, stated: “The launch of Concept Study #5 is a significant milestone for the NGRC concept stage activities, and demonstrates NSPA’s dedication to meet the challenge of next generation medium lift for Participating Nations. The strategy to launch 3 parallel contracts awarded by competition delivers on our commitment to maximise industry expertise, opportunity and engagement in the programme, and will provide a broad range of potential concepts in the study results for our multinational customers.”

The NGRC program initiative began in 2022 and includes France, Germany, Greece, Italy, the Netherlands, United Kingdom and Canada. The United States and Spain are currently acting as observers. Under the NGRC program, NATO is seeking to develop a medium-class, multi-role rotorcraft aimed to replace medium multi-role helicopters currently in service. NSPA, through its dedicated NGRC Support Partnership, aims to respond to this upcoming requirement, in a timely and cost-effective manner, while concurrently leveraging a broad range of recent advances in technology, production methods, and operational concepts.

Revision Wins NSPA Contract for NATO Eyewear

Monday, July 29th, 2024

Revision NSPA Contract Award

BATTLEFIELD PROTECTION WITH EVERYDAY STYLE

Essex Junction, Vermont (for immediate release) – Revision Military, a world leader in purpose-built ballistic eye protection for military and tactical use, now has a framework contract with the NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) to supply a range of high-performance protective eyewear. The largest global supplier of ballistic and laser protective military eyewear solutions, Revision is the solution for major MoDs worldwide and is now available to any NATO countries wishing to purchase through NSPA – serving NATO nations, military authorities, and partner nations by providing efficient and cost-effective multinational solutions and access to Revision protective eyewear.

The contract was awarded following extensive review of Revision’s protective eyewear solutions by the NSPA. The contract duration is 3 years with options to be extended to a maximum of 2 years.

Selected by NSPA to meet the protective eyewear needs of NATO users, Revision is offering multiple kits featuring SAWFLY®, SAWFLY R3® and STINGERHAWK® spectacles, as well as DESERT LOCUST®, WOLFSPIDER®, MERLINHAWK®, AND SNOWHAWK® goggles, with EXOSHIELD® parachute eyewear completing the offering. All these products are available in a variety of lens offerings, featuring I-Vis® color enhancing high contrast lenses and LazrBloc® ballistic laser protective lenses. All revision eyewear is scalable with mission-specific accessories (prescription RX carriers, replacement lenses, replacement temple arms, retention straps, balaclavas, and more) also available through the framework contract.

Revision eyewear has been tried and tested in operations worldwide and is already in service across multiple countries delivering unmatched levels of protection, technology, and comfort.

Rene Roy, Chief of NSPA General Supply and Services stated: “As NATO’s primary enabler, NSPA’s mission is to provide effective and cost efficient multinational solutions to the Alliance, its thirty-two Nations and Partners. This contract is a good example of NSPA’s value proposition to industry: through the web-based platform of the NATO Logistics Stock Exchange (NLSE), the Agency responds to the evolving needs of customers, enabling Nations to procure on-demand systems and articles directly from manufacturers. This contributes to the preparedness of Allies for NATO missions and operations”.

Karan Rai, Revision Chairman of the Board said: “I’m proud to announce our NSPA contract award. Revision has operated in Europe for many years. This contract framework provides a streamlined procurement vehicle for NATO countries and the ability to rapidly meet real-world eyewear requirements to protect soldiers on the battlefield now and in the future. “

ABOUT I-VIS More than a single solution, I-Vis lenses are available in six tints, each optimized for use in a different environment. With the power of artificial intelligence, Revision accounted for theater-specific color vision variables that consider the color palette of locations while modeling the most likely lighting conditions to occur in that area using global data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

The result is a suite of lenses, each providing the best observational experience for a given environment without compromise. The suite features mil-spec eye protection with separate tints optimized for key areas of military operation around the globe. Each tint is designed to increase contrast and elevate color recognition in specific geographic regions, doing so without the negative effects associated with traditional monochromatic lens tints.

Revision MerlinHawk

Above: Revision® MerlinHawk® Goggle featuring I-Vis® Cano Lens and Gryphon Field Gaiter provides full neck and head coverage without interfering with headborne equipment.

ABOUT LAZRBLOC Revision’s LazrBloc eyewear provides a comprehensive laser protection solution: battle-proven by military forces and Law Enforcement around the globe.  Revision has been at the forefront of laser and ballistic protective eyewear solutions for the past decade.  Standard laser protective lenses are widely available, but much rarer are lenses that combine tailored laser protection as well as military-standard ballistic protection coupled with world-class anti-fog performance, integrated prescription correction and multiple sizes for optimal fit and comfort.  LazrBloc lenses and eyewear solutions from Revision meet these requirements.

Revision LazrBloc

Above: Revision® SnowHawk® Goggle and  StingerHawk® Spectacle featuring LazrBloc® FT-2 laser lens which protects against violet, blue and green lasers .

ABOUT REVISION Revision is relentlessly dedicated to protecting vision by developing and delivering purpose-built eye protection for military and tactical use worldwide. The Company has invested in the development and delivery of advanced ballistic and laser protective solutions for over two decades and has become the leading expert in protective eyewear solutions for military, law enforcement, and first responders, Revision specializes in designing products with the optimum balance of protection and performance and offers the ability for its customers to develop bespoke solutions based upon their unique threat and mission.

Revision Military is headquartered in Essex Junction, Vermont, USA. For more information, visit www.revisionmilitary.com, write media@revisionmilitary.com, or call +1 802.879.7002.

CONTACT

Revision
media@revisionmilitary.com

ABOUT NSPA The NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) is NATO’s lead organisation for multinational acquisition, support and sustainment in all domains. NSPA is headquartered in the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, with main operational centres in France, Hungary and Italy. The Agency employs over 1,500 staff and oversees more than 500 contractors worldwide.

CONTACT

NSPA
Denisa Pais
cco@nspa.nato.int

Galvion Surpasses Milestone of 125,000 Caiman Ballistic Helmets Ordered by NATO Countries

Tuesday, April 23rd, 2024

Galvion, a world leader in integrated head systems and intelligent power and data management solutions, has received three (3) new orders for its Batlskin Caiman® head system through its NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) framework contract. These latest orders, combined with previously announced orders from Norway, Finland and Sweden, take the total number of helmet systems ordered by NATO countries to over 125,000, with tens of thousands more in the pipeline.

In December 2022, Galvion was awarded a framework contract by NSPA that facilitates the procurement of its high performance Batlskin Caiman® head system and accessories, for NATO countries and partners. To service the rapidly growing demand, Galvion is investing in the establishment of a European production hub in Gdansk, Poland, originally announced in September 2023 and scheduled to be opened later this year. Concurrently, Galvion established a production partnership with NP Aerospace in the UK to produce helmets for the growing demand in the UK and wider NATO markets. This partnership is now producing a steady supply of Galvion’s Cobra® Plus helmets for the UK VIRTUS programme, and Batlskin Caiman® systems for NATO.

The NSPA framework contract through which NATO countries are ordering, was awarded following extensive user trials conducted by Norway, acting as the lead user nation, under the supervision of the NSPA. Selected to meet the higher performance bracket of four specified helmet categories, Galvion’s Caiman® helmet system comes in five sizes and is equipped with Galvion’s very latest APEX lining system, an intuitively adjustable design that enables a customized fit for users and is designed to offer unparalleled stability for the latest visual augmentation devices. The Caiman helmet is scalable for highly dynamic operations with mission-specific accessories, and is expressly designed to incorporate electronics, communications headsets, and other critical equipment, now and into the future.

“This contract is a good example of NSPA’s added value to both Nations and Industry” said Ms. Céline Danielli, NSPA General and Cooperative Service Programme Manager. “Through the use of the NATO Logistics Stock Exchange, the Agency brings together technical requirements and the latest technology and equipment, enabling Nations to procure what they need on a web-platform”.

Todd Stirtzinger, CEO at Galvion said: “We’re very proud to see more countries joining Norway, Finland and Sweden in ordering our flagship Caiman head system through the NSPA, which offers NATO countries a vastly simplified procurement route for our helmet, along with a growing list of integrated accessories. We continue to work both internally and in conjunction with best-in-breed partners to develop and integrate capability enhancements, from our E.D.G™ scalable power to communications to strobes and visual displays that will ensure the Caiman platform continues to evolve to meet ever-growing mission needs, all available through the NSPA procurement route.” He added: “Our investment strategy remains focused on keeping pace with the growing demand for our head systems around the world, through the establishment of a European production facility and strategic partnerships, as well as continued investment in Galvion’s domestic facilities, allowing us to effectively service demand now and into the future.”

Saab Receives Order for Carl-Gustaf from NATO Support and Procurement Agency

Tuesday, March 26th, 2024

Saab has received an order for the man-portable, multi-role weapon system Carl-Gustaf® from the NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA). The order value is approximately EUR 60 million (SEK 700 million) and the contract period is 2024-2027.

The order is placed on behalf of four NATO member nations within a framework agreement between Saab and the NSPA regarding Carl-Gustaf, including ammunition and equipment.

“We are honoured that the NSPA once again has chosen our trusted, reliable and effective Carl-Gustaf system,” says Görgen Johansson, head of Saab’s business area Dynamics.

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

The Carl-Gustaf system is supplied to more than 40 countries around the world.
Read more: www.saab.com/products/carl-gustaf-m4