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Archive for the ‘Press Release’ Category

Orolia Defense & Security Ignites New Era as Safran Federal Systems at the 2023 Joint Navigation Conference

Thursday, June 15th, 2023

The Leader in M-Code PNT Solutions announces re-brand, introduces Inertial Navigation offering

ROCHESTER, N.Y., June 12, 2023

Orolia Defense & Security, a Safran Electronics & Defense company, has announced at the Institute of Navigation’s 2023 Joint Navigation Conference that it will re-brand under a new name, Safran Federal Systems, following its 2022 acquisition by Safran, a global aerospace and defense company.

“Though our name and look are changing, our people, our operations, and our leadership team remain the same. The name Safran Federal Systems signifies being part of the Safran Group, a world leader in aerospace and defense, while reflecting what we do best, serving our U.S. Government & Military customers with cutting-edge positioning, navigation and timing (PNT) systems,” said Hironori Sasaki, President of Safran Federal Systems. “We remain fully committed to ensuring the success of our customers and the success of our warfighters. By joining the Safran Group, we are excited to be able to offer an even larger portfolio of industry-leading technology tailored for the U.S. military.” 

In addition to its Resilient PNT solutions, M-Code/GNSS testing and simulation tools, precision time synchronization systems and navigation warfare (NAVWAR) equipment, Safran Federal Systems is now one of the only companies with a full complement of PNT technologies with proven inertial navigation solutions.

“The Safran Federal Systems inertial navigation portfolio now includes the Hemispherical Resonator Gyro (HRG) Crystal™ technology, which leverages state-of-the-art manufacturing and offers revolutionary performance and reliability over existing technologies, for tactical to strategic applications across all military domains,” said Jon Leombrone, Executive Vice President of Navigation Systems at Safran Federal Systems. “With more than 30,000 HRGs produced and over 15 million operational hours, the technology is proven and tested in military applications worldwide.”

Safran Federal Systems continues to be the trusted Resilient PNT solution provider for military end users and industry partners, from the lab to the field. Safran Federal Systems continues to operate as a proxy-regulated company, Free of Foreign Ownership, Control, or Influence (FOCI), approved to work on the full spectrum of U.S. Government classified and unclassified projects.

Visit Safran Federal Systems at JNC in booth #500 from Tuesday, June 13–Wednesday, June 14.

Safran Federal Systems provides Resilient PNT solutions and custom engineering services to U.S. Government agencies, defense organizations and their contractors. Safran Federal Systems is authorized to work on the full spectrum of U.S. Government classified and unclassified projects, in addition to supporting strategic partnerships for key defense PNT technologies.

Safran Federal Systems operates as a proxy-regulated company, Free of Foreign Ownership, Control, or Influence (FOCI).

For more information: www.safranfederalsystems.com 

MPU5 Firmware Update Uses AI to Counter Electronic Warfare Threats

Thursday, June 15th, 2023

June 13, 2023

Firmware increases throughput of MPU5 and hardens network against electronic attack

Persistent Systems, LLC (“Persistent”), a leader in mobile ad hoc networking (MANET), announced today that the company has rolled out its free 19.7.1 firmware upgrade for customers of the handheld MPU5 networked radio and other Wave Relay® MANET products.

The new 19.7.1 firmware adds Artificial Intelligence (AI) to the Wave Relay® MANET, allowing it to rapidly adapt radio parameters to maximize network throughput. The reinforcement learning algorithm continuously adapts modulation selection, coding rates, spatial streams, and other RF parameters, selecting from thousands of permutations. The algorithm receives an “award” as the capacity of the link increases.

“With this firmware update, our MANET products deliver the maximum network capacity to our end-users,” said Sam Pera, director of Sales Engineering for Persistent Systems. “This means more voice, video, and data – delivering increased situational awareness to the warfighter.”

The upgrade also expands the library of electronic warfare (EW) countermeasures that can be employed by the MPU5 when operating in congested or contested environments.

“The fusion of EW countermeasures with AI based adaptation creates an extremely robust, market leading capability,” Pera noted. “Delivering a system that continuously adapts in contested RF environments to maximize performance.”

The new 19.7.1 firmware also enables the auto-discovery of video camera feeds on the Wave Relay® network, supports pan, tilt, zoom control of FLIR camera gimbals, and embeds KLV metadata into the MPEG video stream.

The MPU5’s Android operating system has also been upgraded several generations improving both security and application performance. Indeed, company officials describe 19.7.1 as a “significant upgrade”—one that was years in the making and supported by the law enforcement, intelligence, and special operations communities.

“They were all beta testers of the new 19.7.1 firmware,” said Pera. “We incorporated their suggestions and received extremely positive feedback with regard to the performance improvements.”

The new 19.7.1 firmware is available now for download in the Customer Support Portal.

www.persistentsystems.com

Satcom Direct Joins Forces with McQ to Launch Groundbreaking Video Bandwidth Agility Kit

Thursday, June 15th, 2023

New tech streams HD video in reduced bandwidth BLOS applications

Melbourne, Florida/ 13 June 2023 – SD Government, the satellite communications provider for global governments, has teamed with advanced surveillance systems experts, McQ, to add the SD Video Bandwidth Agility Kit (VBAK) to its expanding portfolio of services. Delivering near real-time high-definition video over low bandwidth in beyond line-of-sight (BLOS) applications for military and civilian government customers, the VBAK is a breakthrough technology for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR), and search and rescue (SAR) missions. With its clarity, speed, and multiple-platform capabilities, it is transforming fixed-wing, helicopter, and UAV operations with reduced weight and size limitations.

The VBAK internal compact SD WiFi Hub router and video compression module sit between the onboard camera and modem in a hardened case, collecting video data and compressing it using McQ vWatch® software. The video is then transmitted through the SD Plane Simple® Ku-band antenna to a coordination server, where it is distributed simultaneously to multiple end-users, including command and control centers and other aircraft. The video compression bundle is transport agnostic and compatible with Ka, Ku, and L-band satellite communication (SATCOM).

The system, available as a complete roll-on/roll-off (RO-RO) kit, can be installed as a bundle with the SD Plane Simple® Ku-band antenna connecting with the Intelsat FlexAir network  and is bolstered by worldwide award-winning customer support. VBAK is compatible with the Tactical Removeable Airborne Satellite Communications (TRASC) BLOS C-130 Multi-Purpose Hatch System (MPHS) solution from SD Government and R4 Integration, Inc. Combined, these two RO/RO systems enable simple equipment sharing across the fleet.

In a VBAK proof-of-concept mission held at the Red Flag Alaska Range in March 2023, the HD video feed (1080p/H.264/30fps) from a Northrop Grumman LITENING Advanced Targeting Pod mounted on an Alaska Air National Guard SAR HC-130J, was compressed into a 300kbps stream and routed over the Inmarsat GX network using a MilliSat EX Ka-band antenna that relayed the feed to a ground station where the streaming quality was evaluated. The aircraft departed on a high-level route at 18,000ft MSL from Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, and an iPerf test was completed during the sortie. The signal-to-noise ratio averaged 5.3 (compared to the normal range of 3.0 to 8.0), 1.8mbps upload, and 1.5mbps download speeds were achieved, and video dissemination occurred with sub-2 second latency. Near real-time or better, this low latency shows how VBAK enables HD video streaming on bandwidth limited to provide capacity for other applications and when high bandwidth is unavailable.

Adding flexibility to the SD VBAK package, the system will operate on a variety of internet protocol networks, including cellular and IP radio modems, as well as satellite. In addition, the McQ vWatch module provides a set-up web page. Its user interface displays video and includes controls for frame rate, pixel resolution, camera pan, tilt and zoom. Frame rate and pixel resolution are adjustable for the best data rate. At the same time, SD’s Data Center and Private Network offer continuous vulnerability scanning, intrusion detection, and encryption while ensuring data never touches the public network.

“The VBAK bundle is an asset that users have been demanding for some time, and we are proud to deliver it to our government customers. The ISR market and operators are balancing the demand for larger data offloads with the economics of the available BLOS solutions. The integration of the McQ vWatch software into the SD ecosystem of hardware and connectivity solutions provides operational agility and cost advantages for the operator, and we are looking forward to working with customers to implement the technology,” says Hayden Olson, GM, Satcom Direct Government.  “Our collaboration with McQ on such an innovative piece of technology advances critical service communications during BLOS missions to support positive outcomes in the most challenging environments and consequently protect and save lives.”

Industry Ready to Answer Call to Arms

Thursday, June 15th, 2023

NIOA Group CEO Rob Nioa says it’s time for Australia to step up and win the industrial capability battle.

In a blunt warning to the nation’s premier defence gathering in Canberra last night (Eds: Wednesday, June 14), Mr Nioa said the consequences of outsourcing military production could be dire against a backdrop of the most critical period in decades.

While the challenges are enormous, so too is the ability of Australian industry to meet them, but it needs to be brought into the fight – and soon, he said.

Before an audience including Australia’s most influential decision-makers across Government, Defence and the ADF, Mr Nioa said the potential for conflict in our region was “at a scale that we have not seen since World War 2”.

“This is industrial scale conflict that requires a capable and fully mobilised Australian industrial base to deter it,” Mr Nioa told the Australian Industry & Defence Network (AIDN) dinner.

“If we are to deter aggressors we need to demonstrate that we can win the industrial battle. The people that can do that for Australia are in this room.”

But the head of Australia’s biggest privately-owned supplier of munitions to the ADF said industry investment in building sovereign capability would be stymied by an over dependence on Foreign Military Sales (FMS).

“The biggest risk to getting Australian industry into the fight, is outsourcing all of our immediate requirements to FMS. That will pull the rug out from under us quicker than anything,” he said.

“If we have nothing to do we can do nothing. We need to start now. The Ukraine war has highlighted the significant industrial challenges in sustaining and winning large scale conflicts.

“And it has exposed significant limitations in the current scale of the combined allied defence industrial base.

“Previous conflicts have shown us that a nation must start to mobilise its defence industrial base around four years before it can mobilise its defence force. Our adversaries have done precisely that and more.”

Mr Nioa singled out key points in the recently-released Defence Strategic Review (DSR), including:

That Australia is facing “the prospect of major conflict in our region that directly threatens our national interest”.

It signalled the end of strategic warning time for that conflict to occur, and said “ending warning time…necessitates an urgent call to action…”

“Defence’s current approach to defence acquisition is not fit for purpose”.

That “procurement risk must be based on minimum viable capability in the shortest possible timeframe”.

That “Australia must be more self-reliant so that we are able to contribute more to regional security”.

And that will require a shift to “strengthening Australia’s sovereign military and industrial capabilities”.

“I urge the Government and Defence to engage more urgently with the Australian industrial base and industrialists,” Mr Nioa said.

“I suspect I speak for the room when I say there is a sense that Australian industry is currently sitting on the sidelines, waiting to be brought into the fight.

“I also don’t think it is well understood how commercially draining and unrewarding it is to build new industrial capabilities.

“From a commercial point of view that represents years of development, construction and commissioning effort, all while losing money, taking on risk and forgoing alternate opportunities.

“That needs an industrial base that is solely focused on the national interests of Australia. That industrial base is sitting in this room and ready.”

www.nioa.com.au

G9 Defense and Dana Safety Supply Join Forces to Expand Distribution of Duty Ammunition for Law Enforcement

Wednesday, June 14th, 2023

North Idaho, USA – June 1st, 2023 – G9 Defense, a manufacturer of industry leading ammunition, and Dana Safety Supply, an industry leader in the supply of public safety equipment, including emergency vehicle equipment installation services, firearms, ammunition, and tactical gear, are pleased to announce their exclusive distribution agreement for 13 states and Washington, DC. This collaboration will see Dana Safety Supply become the sole distributor of G9 Defense’s pistol duty ammunition products to law enforcement agencies in the Southeast and Southern regions of the United States.

G9 Defense has quickly gained recognition with both civilians and law enforcement its commitment to innovation and quality, crafting solid brass and copper ammunition that provides law enforcement and responsible citizens with increased capabilities when it matters most. Notably, their solid metal fluted designs offer terminal performance 3-5 times traditional handgun duty rounds, without overpenetration. G9’s projectiles are barrier blind; meaning, when faced with common barriers such as auto glass, drywall, or sheet metal they do not deflect in trajectory or lose terminal effect. G9’s law enforcement only round, the machined brass Armor Piercing Cavitator even penetrates through Level IIIA hard armor in all major handgun calibers. As a family-owned business, G9 Defense takes pride in manufacturing their products in northern Idaho empowering customers to defend, protect, and provide for themselves and their loved ones. Joshua Mahnke, CEO and founder of G9 Defense, see this partnership as “a massive step forward in capability to provide law enforcement officers with the tools they need to their job most effectively.”

David Russo, CEO of Dana Safety Supply, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “We are thrilled to collaborate with G9, a company known for leading innovation in the ammunition industry. With our extensive industry experience and history with law enforcement, we believe this partnership will enable us to enhance the capabilities of agencies across our market and keep more people safe. G9 Defense’s ammunition products are a natural fit with our commitment to providing the highest quality equipment and gear to support the protection of life, property, and public safety.”

Dana Safety Supply has solidified its position as an industry leader since its establishment in 2005. With 32 locations spanning 13 states, Dana Safety Supply has garnered a strong presence in the Southeast and South regions of the United States. Their mission centers on equipping law enforcement personnel with the tools necessary to fulfill their crucial roles effectively.

The exclusive distribution agreement between G9 Defense and Dana Safety Supply will take effect immediately. By leveraging Dana Safety Supply’s extensive network, local support, and deep industry connections, law enforcement agencies will gain broader access to G9’s products. This partnership aims to empower law enforcement professionals with cutting-edge tools and equipment to safeguard their communities effectively.

For further information please inquire through their website.

G9 Defense

www.g9defense.com

Dana Safety Supply

www.danasafetysupply.com

 

Elite Survival – SUMMIT Discreet Rifle Backpack

Wednesday, June 14th, 2023

With its inconspicuous sports-pack styling and robust construction, the SUMMIT Backpack was designed for discreet storage and transport of a rifle and accessories. The discreet rifle backpack is ideally sized to conceal a broken-down or short-barreled rifle with plenty of room for mission-critical gear.

The modular, adjustable tie-down system allows the operator to configure the rifle for quick access or secure storage. This SUMMIT includes a large accessory compartment with attachment options for hook and loop and/or MOLLE pouches, and has ample room for magazines and accessories.

The included removable magazine pouch holds up to 6 magazines. The main compartment has locking zipper pulls allowing the user to secure the weapon. The SUMMIT weighs approximately 4.5 lbs and has dimensions of 27” x 14” x 9”.

SUMMIT Rifle Backpack | Discreet Rifle Backpack

 

São Paulo Brazil Awards B&T USA Contract for APC9-G PRO Models

Wednesday, June 14th, 2023

Tampa, FL (June 12th, 2023) – B&T USA is proud to announce the São Paulo Brazil Civilian Police have purchased 700 B&T APC9-G PRO models equipped with MBT folding and telescoping stocks, Glock compatible lower receivers, RQD suppressors and Aimpoint ACRO P2 optics. This acquisition is part of its plan to modernize the equipment of its security forces. These compact weapon systems are chambered in 9mm, allowing cartridge commonality between the divisions service pistols and its new submachine gun.

“We are very pleased the Government of São Paulo and the Secretariat of Public Security have selected B&T APC9-G PRO models, reinforcing its commitment to provide firearms of high quality and efficiency to units within its institution” stated Chris Mudgett, Vice President of Marketing, B&T USA. “This contract marks our company’s second contract for US-produced APC submachine gun models for the professionals of São Paulo, Brazil — the first being APC40 models to the country’s Military Police.”

The APC9 PRO utilizes a hydraulic buffer system to drastically reduce felt recoil and muzzle rise and is the workhorse of the APC PRO line. The platform features functional updates include dual auto-folding, non-reciprocating and ambidextrous charging handles, improved lower receiver ergonomics that include a side positioned bolt hold open/release, removable M4 compatible grip, and Magpul M-Lok accessory slots located on the forend. Additionally, the APC9 PRO is compatible with standard B&T, Glock and SIG P320 magazines.

Rheinmetall Reinforcing NATO Partner Nation: Norway Orders Almost 300 More Trucks Worth Over €150 Million

Tuesday, June 13th, 2023

Rheinmetall is making another important contribution to strengthening NATO’s European member nations: starting in late 2026, Norway will be taking delivery of almost 300 advanced TG3 MIL 8×8 military trucks, worth over €150 million. The contract was signed on 31 May 2023 in Oslo by Gro Jeare, director of the Norwegian Defence Materiel Agency (NDMA), and Michael Wittlinger, chairman of the board of management of Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles GmbH (RMMV).

In terms of volume, it is the largest single call-off of trucks to date under the framework contract concluded between Rheinmetall, Norway and Sweden. Earmarked for the Norwegian armed forces, the package encompasses multiple vehicle variants, including hook loader trucks, special vehicles with crane and hook loader systems as well as trailers and flatracks.

The primary purpose of the vehicles will be to enhance the transport capacity and operational capabilities of the Norwegian military. The latest call-off represents less than half of the necessary logistic vehicles covered by the framework contract, meaning that follow-up orders from Norway and other Scandinavian nations are likely.

“We see this follow-up order as clear proof of the professional and partner-like cooperation in recent years as well as the compelling performance of our products”, declares   Michael Wittlinger. “As we see it, the fact that more and more NATO armed forces are opting for our TG and HX vehicles is an important step toward greater interoperability and resilience.  We take our responsibility to supply the best possible systems here very seriously.”