Troop Performance

Archive for the ‘Press Release’ Category

Rheinmetall to Deliver Canada’s Enhanced Recovery Capability Project Worth Over $300 million CAD

Friday, November 15th, 2024

The Canadian government has awarded Rheinmetall a major order for the production of 85 heavy recovery vehicles to the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) as part of the Enhanced Recovery Capability (ERC) project. The five-year purchase agreement, worth $325 million CAD (around €215 million), includes vehicles, recovery equipment and other modifications. The first deliveries are scheduled for 2027. A supplementary $28.9 million CAD (around €20 million) multi-year in-service support contract has also been awarded to Rheinmetall.

Serving as prime contractor, Rheinmetall Canada will replace the CAF’s heavy logistic vehicle wheeled recovery fleet with 85 HX 8×8 trucks, each equipped with a heavy towing and recovery module. This will provide the CAF with enhanced capabilities to effectively recover and tow their latest generation of heavier armoured and logistical vehicles. The new HX heavy recovery vehicles also provide additional capabilities, such as an integrated rotary crane that can be used for container handling and for other crane work.

Rheinmetall HX: a best-in-class, combat-proven flagship

Purpose-built for military end users and characterized by high mobility, reliability, and durability, the HX represents a long-term solution for Canada. It will provide logistic support to combat forces anywhere on the battlefield, even in the most stringent conditions. The HX recovery truck will also offer a high level of protection, significantly increasing soldiers’ survivability and mission success. 

In terms of maturity, Rheinmetall’s flagship has been reliably serving military customers in the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Germany, Norway, Denmark, Sweden, Slovenia, Singapore, and Japan in a variety of operational scenarios, from domestic disaster relief and humanitarian support, to combat operations in harsh operating battlefield environments encountered in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Mali. This international distribution of HX trucks brings major advantages when it comes to interoperability and logistics among NATO partners.

The ERC team: world-leading partners offering a unique solution

The ERC project team will be led by Rheinmetall Canada, a leading system integrator in the defence and security industry. Rheinmetall Canada will be supported by Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles, a German-Austrian world-leading logistic vehicle manufacturer; Miller Industries Towing Equipment, a premier supplier of towing and recovery equipment located in the United States; and Rotzler Holding, a leading manufacturer of hydraulic winches and winch systems based in Germany with operations in Canada.

“Together, this strong team will provide a sophisticated best-in-class recovery solution that will enable the CAF to fulfil its tasks in support of Canadian national interests. This vehicle is an extraordinary system which will meet Canada’s needs for decades to come. Moreover, Canada is now joining an elite group of operators of the HX recovery platform and will benefit from other nations’ experience with the system.” stated Pietro Mazzei, President and CEO of Rheinmetall Canada. 

“We are very grateful to be able to welcome Canada as a new member of the HX user group,” stated Michael Wittlinger, CEO of Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles. “With the heavy recovery vehicle, the HX fleet is now prominently represented on the North American continent for the first time. Our mission-proven vehicle family is increasingly becoming the backbone of the logistics forces of NATO and allied nations.” 

Significant industrial and economic benefits for Canada

The benefits of the ERC project will be felt across Canada: it will create high-tech career opportunities at both Rheinmetall Canada and its Canadian suppliers, in addition to generating a number of valuable investments throughout the country. With over 1,5 billion Canadian Dollars in Industrial Technological Benefits (ITB) and Industrial and Regional Benefits (IRB) credited since the company was founded just over 35 years ago, Rheinmetall Canada is one of the leading companies for delivering ITBs, IRBs, job creation, and economic growth to Canada. 

WARQ Announces the Launch of New Force-On-Force Gloves

Friday, November 15th, 2024

WARQ, the creator of the WARQ Pro anti-fog force-on-force helmet has just announced it’s latest product development, force-on-force training gloves

Built to protect during force-on-force training without sacrificing your mobility or control. The gloves feature impact-resistant padding with high flexibility and an optimized trigger finger for enhanced precision. The high-friction grip and secure velcro closure ensure comfort and reliability during dynamic training exercises. It’s the perfect blend of protection and dexterity for law enforcement professionals.

This announcement broadens WARQ’s product portfolio, reinforcing its commitment to equipping law enforcement and military professionals with the proper equipment for safer, more dynamic training – without compromising realism.

Fo6JNwM4GiI

Learn more about the gloves here: warqhelmets.com/force-on-force-gloves

Gray Eagle STOL Makes Historic First Flight From Ship To Land

Thursday, November 14th, 2024

Short Takeoff and Landing UAS Operates from South Korean Warship

SAN DIEGO – 13 November 2024 – General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) logged another aviation milestone on Nov. 12, 2024, when its Gray Eagle STOL aircraft took off from a South Korean warship and landed at a ground base – the first-ever such mission for an aircraft of this type. Working with our GA-ASI’s in-country partner, Hanwha Aerospace, Gray Eagle STOL launched from the South Korean navy’s amphibious landing ship Dokdo underway at sea off the coast of Pohang, South Korea. The Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) then flew to Pohang Navy Airfield and landed normally.

Gray Eagle STOL – which stands for short takeoff and landing – is the only medium-altitude, long-endurance aircraft of its kind with the ability to operate from large-deck warships such as amphibious ships and aircraft carriers, as well as short and unimproved fields on land. The test with the South Korean military further validates the aircraft’s capability and versatility.

“We applaud the South Korean navy for its foresight in examining the unique capability of GE STOL for its fleet. This demonstration illustrates the ability of the GE STOL to safely operate on many types of aircraft-capable ships, which opens myriad new ways our allies can use this UAS to support multi-domain naval operations,” said GA-ASI CEO Linden Blue.

Hanwha Aerospace is engaged with General Atomics to support national defense with proven, state-of-the-art technology suited for a multi-domain warfare environment, contributing to global security alongside allied nations in response to rapidly growing threats.

“The demonstration is a crucial step in verifying how the GE STOL can contribute to defense capabilities, and I am honored to witness this alongside the Republic of Korea Navy, to whom I extend my deepest gratitude for conducting the test,” said Hanwha Aerospace CEO and President Jae-il Son. “Hanwha is fully committed to making bold investments, fostering collaboration, and providing steadfast support in the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) business.”

The Ministry of National Defense for the Republic of Korea is initially evaluating GE STOL for its ability to meet its emerging military requirements. South Korean navy, army and other officials were asked to evaluate Gray Eagle STOL and supported the test.

“The demo highlighted the versatility of STOL aboard a warship, in the Dokdo, designed not for fixed-wing aircraft but solely for helicopters. Gray Eagle STOL’s flight proves that navies can add significant new capability without costly major modifications to their existing warships,” said South Korean Chief of Naval Operations, Admiral Yang Yong-mo.

Gray Eagle STOL is highly common with the classic Gray Eagle aircraft, substituting a different engine, wings, control surfaces and landing gear. Gray Eagle STOL is General Atomics’ name for the production variant of the historic aircraft demonstrator known as Mojave.

In November 2023, GA-ASI and Mojave performed a demonstration of STOL takeoff and return landing aboard an aircraft carrier in an event with the UK Royal Navy’s HMS Prince of Wales, which is smaller than a typical U.S. aircraft carrier at 932 feet long (284m) and 240 feet wide (73m). The Dokdo class is considerably smaller than the Prince of Wales, only 653 feet long (199m) and 102 feet wide (31m).

Bell Textron Selects Integris Composites as Armor Supplier for U.S. Army’s Future Long Range Assault Aircraft (FLRAA)

Thursday, November 14th, 2024

Integris Composites, Inc., a global leader in armor protection for the world’s elite military announces an agreement with Bell Textron Inc. to provide armor for the U.S. Army’s Future Long Range Assault Aircraft.

Tysons Corner, Va. — Integris Composites, the global leader in armor protection for the world’s elite military units has been selected by Bell Textron Inc., a Textron Inc. (NYSE:TXT) company, as a supplier of armor systems for the Future Long Range Assault Aircraft (FLRAA).

This tiltrotor aircraft is the U.S. Army’s selected platform for its FLRAA weapons system. It will provide advanced capability well beyond that of the UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter with increased speed, range and payloads.

ARMOR SYSTEM: Bell Textron, Inc. has selected Integris Composites to supply armor for the Future Long Range Assault Aircraft (FLRAA). The Bell V-280 Valor pictured here was chosen by the US Army as the winner of Future Long-Range Assault Aircraft Program. The new assault aircraft will fly twice as far and twice as fast as the current fleet. Photo by Danazar- Creative Commons.

“We are grateful to be selected by Bell,” said Andrew Bonham, president of Integris Composites, Inc., the U.S. component of Integris Composites which last year became the new name for TenCate Advanced Armour, continuing a quarter-century legacy as a resource for form, safety, dependability and survivability.

“All of us at Integris are extremely proud to be part of the team behind this innovative rotorcraft that is ushering in what will become the U.S. Army’s new long-range assault aircraft ensuring our nation’s warfighters have the decisive edge in any theater where they are operating,” Bonham continued.

“We are pleased to include Integris Composites on the team for its protective armor capabilities for the FLRAA,” said Ryan Ehinger, senior vice president and program director for FLRAA, Bell. “Bell and the FLRAA team are committed to delivering not just more speed and range to our soldiers, but more survivability and reliability as well,” Ehinger stated.

A Storied Legacy

“Integris becomes a part of the latest chapter in the storied legacy of utility aircraft, a lineage that traces its roots back to the iconic Vietnam-era ‘Huey’ (UH-1 Iroquois) and the present-day UH-60 Black Hawk, which has faithfully served as the Army’s Utility Tactical Transport Aircraft (UTTAS) since 1979,” said David Cordova, chief commercial officer for Integris, Inc.
“FLRAA is a marvel of engineering that promises to redefine the boundaries of speed, agility, operational versatility/survivability,” Cordova observed.

Advanced Armor from Integris on Land, Water and in the Air

“This is the latest armor contract for Integris in the airborne segment,” added Bonham. “It’s an exceptional achievement for both the Integris organization as well as commercial partners, such as the team at QinetiQ Group plc.”

Cordova said Integris is supporting several other aerospace companies. “We provide armored kits such as the H-125, MH-139 as well as the C-130J this last one, in partnership with QinetiQ. But Integris is also providing high-performance, lightweight, fit-for-purpose composite military armor on the ground and in the water as well as in the air,” said Cordova.

Integris is an engineering company and the manufacturer of composite armor for land vehicles, aircraft, naval craft, protection housing for optronics and other sensitive technology and personal protection gear. For more information go to: www.integriscomposites.com.

Agilite Launches the Sub-Zero Plate Carrier

Thursday, November 14th, 2024

The long-awaited Agilite Sub-Zero™ Plate Carrier is live. It is built to set a new standard in slick plate carriers and includes numerous patented new features that give superior comfort and functionality including a new patented expansion system that makes one-size-fit-all body types.

Every Sub-Zero™ comes with the Agilite modular, elastic cummerbund included that is the most modular of its type on the market. Its unique design allows you to switch between velcro flaps, quick release buckles or first spear tubes quickly and easily, on either side. It is designed to give covert operators and vigilant civilians superior comfort and features in an extremely low profile rig.

See the video showing all its unique features here:

For details of the Berry-Compliant version or Government quotes contact govsales@agilitegear.com or visit: agilitegear.com/products/sub-zero-plate-carrier.

UNITY Tactical Launches FAST Accessory Riser

Thursday, November 14th, 2024

Multiuse Tool Raises Lasers, Optics and Thermals

BROUSSARD, LA. (Nov. 14, 2024) – UNITY™ Tactical, a designer of components that integrate tactical systems and optimize the human factor, announced the launch of the FAST™ Accessory Riser today. The third riser in the FAST line, it is a versatile tool that raises a variety of lasers, opticsand thermals to enable a heads-up posture.

Featuring a machined slot for cable routing, it is primarily designed to raise a rail-mounted laser by 0.725″.

Covering only three slots on an M1913 Rail, it creates a 2.26″ optical centerline from the rail when paired with the Sig Sauer® ROMEO8T or the Leupold™ LCO®. It also brings the Trijicon® SkeetIR™x or the Pixels on Target™ VooDoo-S™ to a 2.26″ optical centerline when those thermal optics are mounted on a UNITY™ CTM™.

“The FAST Accessory Riser is a compact, multi-use mounting solution, and the first mount in the FAST line designed to raise many different optical and laser device solutions,” said Mike Roth, VP of business development for UNITY Tactical. “As we continue to build the FAST ecosystem, it is critical that we take a systems approach to enhance the capabilities of these technical devices supporting multiple platforms and shooting preferences.”

FAST Accessory Riser comes standard with a 2 cross bolt rail clamp and is available in black or FDE. It includes a lifetime warranty and retails for $99. It is available for purchase now through authorized UNITY dealers and on UNITYtactical.com.

Haley Strategic Partners Launches All New D3 Gun Belt

Thursday, November 14th, 2024

November 7, 2024 (Scottsdale, AZ) – We set out to create a new D3 Belt based on input from gunfighters of every community. Our mission was simple: Deliver a zero-fail equipment solution that is forward thinking, intelligently designed, and tailored to the gunfighter.

From the start of the design process, our Blackside development team met with professional end users  including SOF operators, infantrymen, federal and local law enforcement officers, world class competitive shooters, and everyday responsible armed civilians and set out to address the most common issues plaguing their current two-piece belt systems—issues including sloppiness at the closure, belts loosening under movement, uncomfortable weight distribution when fully outfitted, and weak inner to outer belt adhesion rose to the top of the list.


The result of our rigorous test and evaluation process took nearly two-years to complete but resulted in a new gun belt constructed thinner, lighter, and stronger than standard two-piece belt offerings currently available.

The research and development process also culminated in a brand new universal pouch attachment system for belts, the Mandible MOLLE Straps. The lightweight closure system is reusable and provides quick installation of pouches with finer adjustability than traditional MOLLE/PALS or Malice Clips®. The Mandible Straps were disruptively designed with a proprietary extruded hook and loop laminate for extra strength adhesion to inner belts as compared to OneWrap.


The Mandible Angled MOLLE Strap (Patent Pending) provides attachment of pistol magazine pouches at an ergonomic 45-degree angle for a more efficient draw/reload angle. The Mandible Vertical MOLLE Straps enable rapid and secure attachment of all standard MOLLE/PALS belt pouches to any MOLLE/PALS belt (sized for outer belts 1.5″ – 2.0″).

The all new D3 Belt deploys the latest manufacturing techniques and advanced materials to deliver an innovative system that seamlessly supports all end users. Learn more and shop at www.haleystrategic.com.

Kongsberg Awarded Contract to Deliver Naval Strike Missile to US Navy and Marine Corps Valued up to NOK 12 billion

Thursday, November 14th, 2024

Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace (KONGSBERG) has signed a multi-year procurement contract with the US Navy for the delivery of Naval Strike Missile (NSM) missiles to the Navy and Fleet Marine Force over a five-year period. The fixed price contract awarded today is valued at NOK 10 billion. This contract includes options which, if exercised, would bring the cumulative value of this contract to about NOK 12 billion.

“This contract is the largest missile contract in Kongsberg’s history and an important milestone for us. We are pleased the United States has selected Kongsberg as an industry partner and look forward to continued cooperation to support US defence capabilities and create value for important stakeholders in Norway and the US,” said Geir Håøy, President and CEO of Kongsberg.

NSM is the centerpiece of the Navy’s Over-the-Horizon Weapons System (OTH-WS) Program, and is being installed on Littoral Combat Ships and CONSTELLATION-class Frigates. Kongsberg is also delivering NSM to the US Marine Corps as a key component of its NMESIS (Navy Marine Expeditionary Ship Interdiction System) Program. 

“This contract is an example of the strong demand we see for our strike missiles across NATO and allied nations, which is why we this year have opened a new missile factory in Norway and announced two facilities in Australia and the US. The multi-year procurement contract vehicle provides Kongsberg and all our sub-suppliers stability into the entire supply chain and workforce,” said Eirik Lie, President of Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace.

Kongsberg recently announced the building of a new missile factory in James City County, Virgina, in response to increasing demand for JSM and NSM.

About Naval Strike Missile

The NSM is an anti-ship missile with superior operational performance and high survivability against all enemy defense systems. The missile was developed by Kongsberg and first deployed in 2012 by the Norwegian Navy.

NSM is the main weapon for the Norwegian Navy’s frigates and coastal corvettes, and has been selected by the US Navy, US Marine Corps, Poland, Romania, Canada, Germany, Australia, Malaysia, Spain, UK, The Netherlands, Belgium, and Latvia.

Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace

Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace, a subsidiary of Kongsberg, is Norway’s premier supplier of defence and aerospace-related systems and solutions. The company’s portfolio comprises products and systems for command and control, information, data handling and surveillance, communications solutions, space technology, missiles and remotely controlled systems. Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace also has extensive capabilities within advanced composite and metal manufacturing, maintenance, repair and overhaul within the aircraft and helicopter market. Follow us on: kongsberg.com/kda