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DroneShield Announces $1.8 Million U.S. Department of Defense Contract

Wednesday, October 5th, 2022

DroneShield is pleased to advise that it has received an $1.8 million contract for its DroneGun MKIII handheld counterdrone system from the United States Department of Defense (DoD).

Delivery will be completed this month, with full payment due to be received in the current quarter.

This follows a previous down selection of DroneGun MKIII for evaluation by the DoD’s Joint Counter-small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Office (JCO).

“It’s an honor to provide our DoD customers with advanced cUAS solutions to help address complex security requirements,” said Tom Branstetter, DroneShield’s Virginia-based Director of Business Development. “DroneShield is committed to delivering critical Force Protection technology that enables security personnel to rapidly respond to this growing threat,” Branstetter added.

Matt McCrann, U.S. CEO of DroneShield added, “As the threat of UAS continues to seemingly adapt in real-time, countermeasures need to be both effective and flexible.”

“DroneGun MKIII is that lightweight, flexible countermeasure that can go anywhere and serve as the ideal gap fill capability to protect personnel and assets wherever they might need to operate. We look forward to continuing to support our DoD end users wherever, whenever needed.”

This contract is the largest US sale by DroneShield to date, and follows several recently announced contracts by DroneShield, including the $2 million European sale of DroneSentry fixed site systems and the initial US airport deployment. The Company is also progressing active discussions on sales to Ukraine, following the initial deployment at the start of the war earlier this year.

Posted in Contracts, Press Release, UAS | Comments Off on DroneShield Announces $1.8 Million U.S. Department of Defense Contract

Spearpoint Confirms Strategic Partnership with Gentex Corporation for Land 125 Phase 4

Wednesday, October 5th, 2022

Brisbane, Australia. 4th October 2022.

Spearpoint Solutions & Technology Pty Ltd (Spearpoint) has announced confirmation of their ongoing strategic partnership with Gentex Corporation, for the supply of the world’s leading ground combatant headborne systems. The collaboration is a continued effort by both companies to offer the Australian Defence Force the most advanced systems, with a particular emphasis on the requirements for Project Land 125 Phase 4, Integrated Soldier Systems.

-Gentex Corporation, and its subsidiary Ops-Core, design and manufacture the most innovative and comprehensive range of headborne systems for ground combatants.

-Spearpoint provides leading-edge, innovative, high-quality, operationally-proven solutions to Defence, Law Enforcement and National Security clients. Spearpoint previously led a group of nine leading international Defence companies to integrate multiple soldier systems into a Digital Combat Helmet System under a Defence Innovation Hub contract.

-This partnership confirms the decade-long relationship between the companies, offering a design, development, manufacturing and integration capability second to none.

In recognition of our long-standing and successful partnership, Gentex confirmed the appointment of Spearpoint as its sole representative for Project Land 125 Phase 4, Integrated Soldier Systems. This will revolve around the current range of modular headborne systems including ballistic and bump helmets, helmet mandibles, situational awareness/communication headsets, eyewear, respirators, and headborne power/data systems and other ancillaries.

Gentex Family of Tactical Headborne Systems (Source: Spearpoint)

Andrew Jiear, Spearpoint CEO, said Spearpoint is proud to continue our strategic relationship with Gentex. Gentex are the global leaders in headborne personal protection and situational awareness solutions. This reinforces our opportunity to build on the developments achieved with our other partners for the Digital Combat Helmet System, which we believe is a critical element of any future Integrated Digital Soldier System.

Spearpoint is a sovereign, wholly-Australian, Veteran-owned company, based in Queanbeyan NSW. Spearpoint has previously supplied ballistic helmets and ancillaries to the ADF, NZDF and most Australian Law Enforcement Agencies.

Gentex Corporation is the world’s leading designer, developer and manufacturer of military headborne systems, based in Carbondale PA USA. Gentex is the designer of the F-35 JSF and F/A-18 fixed wing, HGU-56P rotary wing, DH-132 combat vehicle crewman, and FAST SF helmet systems (in service with USSOCOM and other Tier 1 units worldwide).

Contact Information: sales@spearpoint.net.au

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Thyrm Introduces PyroVault 2.0

Tuesday, October 4th, 2022

Sunnyvale, CA — Thyrm is proud to introduce our next-generation upgrade for your favorite lighter, the PyroVault 2.0. It features a durable exoskeleton design, a full gasket seal, one-handed opening, and much more. Up-armor your lighter and be equally ready for wilderness adventures and everyday carry.

“We listened to our customers about the features they wanted in a compact fire-starting tool. After hundreds of sketches, prototypes, and field tests, we are thrilled with the outcome. We’ve adapted the dimensions of the Pyrovault to accommodate more inserts including Zippo’s new line of torch and flame offerings. We added a full-size lanyard hole for retention options, a precision-machined pivot axle and spring, and even fit Tinder-Quik fire tabs inside. Fire is life, and the new PyroVault 2.0 is ready to help you live yours to the fullest.”

-THYRM COO, Deborah Frazier

The PyroVault 2.0 Lighter Armor Features:

-Dual-wall, dual-color exoskeleton design
-Full gasket seal to keep fuel in and water out
-Full-size lanyard hole for retention in the field
-Stainless torsion spring and axle for reliable one-handed opening
-New low-profile latch for easy striker-wheel access
-Hidden Tinder-Quik™ fire starter included
-Designed and Made in the USA

The PyroVault is available for purchase at Thyrm.com and authorized dealers.

thyrm.com/product/pyrovault-2-0-lighter-armor

Posted in Advertiser, Load Carrying, Press Release | 1 Comment »

Australian Innovators Celebrated with Land Forces 2022 Innovation Awards

Tuesday, October 4th, 2022

Tuesday 4 October 2022

Two Australian innovators have been named winners of the prestigious Land Forces 2022 Innovation Awards, worth some $30,000. Their success was announced this afternoon at Land Forces 2022, at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre.

In a first for the Land Forces Innovation Awards, both the National and the SME Innovation Awards were won by the same company. Pentarch Pty Limited has developed a system called Damocles which uses Artificial Intelligence (AI) and robotics to remove the human risks associated with inspecting and defuzing live High Explosive and Illuminating artillery rounds. The panel of eight judges, led by former Deputy Chief Defence Scientist Dr Bill Schofield AM, agreed that Pentarch’s entry was a standout winner.

The Young Innovator Award was presented to Mr James Tsarouhas of Anywise, a young engineer from Victoria, for his work on designing and integrating an array of sensors for military bridges, making them more reliable and safer for the engineers erecting them.

The Awards, including the two cheques for $15,000, were presented at LAND FORCES 2022, at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre (BCEC). They are sponsored this year by Synergy Group, a team of thinkers, solvers and doers focussed on innovation and professional services.

The winners are:

• Land Forces 2022 National Innovation Award: Pentarch Pty Limited (VIC)

• Land Forces 2022 Defence SME Innovation Award ($15,000): Pentarch Pty Limited (VIC)

• Land Forces 2022 Young Innovator Award ($15,000): Mr James Tsarouhas, Anywise (VIC)

In addition, three Award contenders won a High Commendation:

• Land Forces 2022 National Innovation Award HIGH COMMENDATION: DMTC Limited (VIC) – for leading a team that has developed a rapid diagnostic system that enables diagnosis in minutes of COVID and other viruses and bacteria that can afflict deployed troops

• Land Forces 2022 Defence SME Innovation Award HIGH COMMENDATION: Tekuma (SA) – for developing the Easy Manoeuvre Unit (EMU), incorporating a patented Tekuma control orb as a universal controller for robots

• Land Forces 2022 Young Innovator Award HIGH COMMENDATION: Mr Lachlan Clark, Anywise (VIC) – for his work on the software, Graphical User Interface (GUI) and data management system of the Fleet Agnostic Bridge Health and Usage Monitoring System, FABHUMS

Short videos of the winners are viewable on the Land Forces 2022 web site –

www.landforces.com.au/innovation/awards

The Innovation Awards were created by AMDA Foundation Limited and presented for the first time at the 2013 AVALON Australian International Airshow and Aerospace & Defence Exposition. Since then, some $455,000-worth of SME and Young Innovator Awards have been presented. Today that total climbed to $485,000.

“Our Innovation Awards are designed to recognise and reward the innovativeness and achievements of Australian companies and individuals. They’re still the only Awards of their kind and have become increasingly prestigious,” said LAND FORCES 2022 CEO Mr Justin Giddings.

“The quality of the entries received this year is a reflection of both the excellence and ambition of Australian companies serving the country’s defence market,” Mr Giddings added. “They also reflect the increasing attention paid by the industry to export opportunities: a number of the entries are already very active in overseas markets.”

All of the Land Forces 2022 Innovation Award winners were presented with engraved glass trophies, designed and made by Wathaurong Glass Arts, an indigenously owned and managed cooperative in Geelong.

In addition, the winners of the SME Innovation Award and Young Innovator Award were presented with a cheque for $15,000 each. “These monetary Awards are designed as rewards for their efforts and as a financial contribution to further innovation and the development of professional skills,” said Mr Giddings.

AMDA Foundation Limited is an Australian not-for-profit corporation established to promote the development of aviation and Australia’s industrial, manufacturing and information/communications technology resources in the fields of aviation, aerospace, maritime, defence and security.

Posted in Press Release, Tradeshow | Comments Off on Australian Innovators Celebrated with Land Forces 2022 Innovation Awards

Alien Gear Holsters To Exhibit at the AUSA 2022 Annual Meeting & Exposition

Monday, October 3rd, 2022

Alien Gear Holsters® Rapid Force™ duty retention holsters will be showcased at the Association of the United States Army’s Annual Meeting, the largest land power exposition and professional development forum in North America.

Post Falls, Idaho (September 2022) – Alien Gear Holsters®, designers and manufacturers of American-made holsters and firearms accessories, and the Rapid Force™ line of Level 2 and Level 3 Duty Holsters, will exhibit at Booth #3625 during the Association of the United States Army (AUSA) Annual Meeting, to be held Oct. 10 – 12, 2022 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, in Washington D.C.

AUSA brings in over 33,000 registrants including top Army leadership and industry partners. Exhibitors and attendees from over 80 countries showcase leading-edge technologies and products. Seminars and social events provide participants the opportunities to meet top military brass and international leaders.

“Alien Gear Holsters is strategically entering into the military markets with products that are designed specifically for the warfighter,” Joe Lienemann, Director of LE Sales for Alien Gear Holsters, explained. “The Rapid Force line of holsters will be building on our success since the introduction of our Level 2 and 3 Duty Holsters with products for our men and women in the Armed Services.”

The Rapid Force Duty Holster is designed specifically for law enforcement and military professionals. The revolutionary retention mechanism was engineered to provide the highest level of security while maintaining an incredibly fast and fluid draw. Alien Gear Holsters’ patented Gross Motor Response (GMR™) retention control system allows the user to draw consistently with a perfect grip, even under stress. The Rapid Force Duty Holster has been thoroughly tested in extreme environments and under extreme conditions so that it has been referred to as a “tank” of a holster, able to withstand anything thrown at it. The Rapid Force Duty Holster is available in four configurations: Belt Slide, Paddle, MOLLE, and Drop Leg.

The optional Quick Disconnect System (QDS) allows the user to switch the holster from one carry configuration to another, quickly and easily, without tools. Made in the USA, the Rapid Force Duty Holster comes with a 30-day field test drive and a three-year full manufacturer warranty. It is available for GLOCK, Smith & Wesson, and SIG Sauer model handguns. MSRP is $115.88.

For more information on Alien Gear Holsters and the Rapid Force line, visit www.aliengearholsters.com. Join the conversation on Alien Gear Holsters’ Facebook page, Instagram, and YouTube.

Posted in AUSA, Holsters, Press Release | Comments Off on Alien Gear Holsters To Exhibit at the AUSA 2022 Annual Meeting & Exposition

Travis Mills and Gary Sinise Foundation on Wreaths Across America Radio RoundTable

Sunday, October 2nd, 2022

This discussion, focused on veteran healing through stories of resilience, purpose and success, will be heard exclusively on Wreaths Across America Radio!

COLUMBIA FALLS, Maine — Sept. 28, 2021 — Wreaths Across America Radio is proud to announce the next episode in its series of roundtable discussions focused on veteran healing through sharing stories of resilience, purpose, and success. This discussion will take place on Thursday, October 13, 2022, at 12 PM ET, and can be heard exclusively on Wreaths Across America Radio.

The roundtable will focus on the recalibrated warrior, and how finding purpose can benefit not only in your own journey of resilience but help connect with others working to overcome similar challenges. Guest panelists – listed below – will be interviewed by Wreaths Across America’s Executive Director Karen Worcester and Director of Military and Veteran Outreach, Joe Regan, United States Army Veteran.

Guest Panelists Include:

Travis Mills, Founder and President of the Board for the Travis Mills Foundation. United States Army Staff Sergeant (ret.) Travis Mills of the 82nd Airborne is a recalibrated veteran, a motivational speaker, actor, author, and advocate for veterans and amputees. He is one of only five quadruple amputees from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan to survive.

On April 10, 2021, Travis was critically injured by an improvised explosive device (IED) during a routine patrol in Afghanistan and spent 19 months at Walter Reed. After his recovery, Travis attended an adaptive sports camp in Colorado and realized the need for a such a place where a veteran, and their entire family could relax, reconnect, and find strength. Born out of this idea, the Travis Mills Foundation Veterans’ Retreat was founded.

Ginger Gilbert Ravella, Author, Military Wife, and Ambassador for the Gary Sinise Foundation. Ginger Gilbert Ravella is a military wife, Gold Star (widow), mother of five and stepmother of two. Her personal mission is to encourage anyone who seeks reconciliation and peace when life hurts the most and to continue to serve a nation by serving others.

Ginger works tirelessly to support and raise funds to help fallen and disabled veterans and their families. She is an international speaker and author devoted to her God, her family, and her country. She is remarried to another widower and USAF fighter pilot, Colonel (Ret) Jim Ravella, who lost his wife to breast cancer. Ginger currently resides in Nashville, Tenn., with her family.

The goal of the roundtable series is to help reduce barriers for veterans by:

• Supporting generational bonds between service veterans through stories of service and success;

• Destigmatizing issues faced by veterans and asking for help;

• Combating inaccurate perceptions of veterans by discussing the diverse experiences, challenges, and success of service members, veterans, and their families; and

• Connecting veterans with valuable resources.

“I know this is going to be a meaningful discussion,” said Karen Worcester, Executive Director, Wreaths Across America. “As everyone involved has a synergy of mission and a deep understanding of veterans’ needs and the needs of their families. We look forward to this opportunity to share these stories and the importance in addressing veterans’ healing.”

You can listen to Wreaths Across America Radio’s 24/7 internet stream anytime and anywhere on the iHeart Radio app, Audacy app, TuneIn app, or at www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/radio.

This is the seventh broadcast in this series, RoundTable discussions are broadcast on Wreaths Across America Radio at least once per quarter.

Learn more at: www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/pages/19520/News/823

Posted in Charity, Press Release | Comments Off on Travis Mills and Gary Sinise Foundation on Wreaths Across America Radio RoundTable

Marine Officer Leads Joint-Service Team of Hackers in an IT Competition

Sunday, October 2nd, 2022

LANGLEY AFB, Va. —

During the week of July 18-22, 2022, U.S. Marine Corps 1st Lt. Anthony Rosa, an unmanned-aerial surveillance electronic warfare officer with Marine Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Squadron 2, and his team competed in the BRAVO Hackathon. The BRAVO Hackathon was an event to help the Department of Defense by combining the information-technology knowledge of civilians and service members. Rosa’s team won first place for “Most Tactically Relevant for Maintenance Data,” and second place for “Most Tactically Relevant for Cyber Operations” with their program.

When attending the BRAVO Hackathon, Rosa and his team of U.S. Airmen and Guardians all had the same mission in mind.

“The premise is we have all this classified data,” said Rosa. “Nobody knows how to properly manipulate the data. In our minds all of that is pretty retroactive. What is more effective is to understand data that’s coming out of present systems.”

“When you build something useful, and then you see somebody’s life improved by it, that’s good and positive feedback from that experience. That makes you want to build more things.”

1st Lt. Anthony Rosa, an unmanned-aerial surveillance electronic warfare officer

Rosa and his team made a program that safely and efficiently compresses and sends classified documents and data. The program creates and processes electronic messaging in seconds as opposed to upwards of a week.

“This is a way to press down data so that you can send a lot of information at once,” said Rosa. “If you’re trying to send a classified document right now, we have to use couriers. We might use FedEx or [U.S. Postal Service] and they’ll bring the letter by hand. Our program can send all the information in less than a minute using the smart contract we wrote.”

Rosa has been interested in programing since high school.

“I taught myself how to program when I was in high school, then got a job with website development,” said Rosa. “I continued to work in in tech fields, and even after I went into the Marine Corps, I continued to do it.”

Rosa spends his free time working on his programming skills. He plans on continuing his work in the future.

“I understood that this was going to be a high-income skill,” said Rosa. “When you see people using , you understand exactly how it’s helping them. When you build something useful, and then you see somebody’s life improved by it, that’s good and positive feedback from that experience. That makes you want to build more things.”

Rosa plans on continuing to program and finding new ways to help people with it. His program was made from thousands of lines of code and took the hard work of his entire team. Their program is currently being looked at by multiple companies and organizations.

“They are maybe going to move the application over to the National Security Agency,” said Rosa. “They have a program for integrating technology. When it gets operationally used, then I’ll feel that satisfaction. You could build something amazing, but if nobody uses it, then it doesn’t matter.”

LCpl Anakin Smith

2nd Marine Aircraft Wing

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Australian Defence Force Signs Up for Next Generation of Weapons

Saturday, October 1st, 2022

30 September 2022

The Federal Government has signed a multi-million dollar agreement with a Queensland company to start acquiring and supplying the next generation of small arms for the Australian Defence Force (ADF).

The contract is part of a $500 million plus commitment to provide Australia’s soldiers, sailors and aviators with enhanced lethality weapon systems.

Head Land Systems, Major General Andrew Bottrell today announced the awarding of the Lethality System Project (LAND 159) Tranche 1 contract to Queensland-based company NIOA, in the lead-up to the Land Forces 2022 Exposition in Brisbane.

Between now and the mid-2020s, NIOA will use a range of sub-contractors to supply new sniper rifles, pistols, shotguns, personal defence weapons, fighting knives, and an assault breaching system to the ADF, with many of the new weapons to be on display at Land Forces.

Major General Bottrell said the contract would include munitions and ancillary equipment including optical and laser systems, torches and suppressors for the new generation of small arms.

“Under the contract, NIOA will be the prime contractor, working with local and international suppliers and weapon manufacturers on the acquisition, integration, delivery and ongoing support of the new weapon systems from 2023.”

“This is a bold step into modern weaponry to quickly improve Australia’s defence preparedness.”

Major General Bottrell said early engagement with industry had proven very successful.

“NIOA has demonstrated a long?term commitment, private investment, and a focus on growing sovereign industrial capability to support Australia’s war fighters.”

“The collaboration between Defence and industry means we will acquire the best available weapon systems for our troops.”

Defence will seek to maximise Australian industry involvement throughout the life of the Lethality System Project, and ensure continuous engagement with industry partners.

New weapons systems to be acquired include:

• Australian manufacturer ZU Bladeworx’s Double-Edged Fighting Knife – selected as the basis of the ADF’s new Hand-to-Hand Fighting System. The black, double-edged fighting knife has a 100mm blade, is machined from a solid billet of A2 steel and features a non-slip handle and retention ring.

• The SIG Sauer P320 XCarry Pro – selected as the platform for the Sidearm Weapon System, which will replace the venerable Browning Mk3 pistol. It will be complemented with reflex sights, and a white light illuminator.

• The Benelli M3A1 – selected as the platform for the Combat Shotgun System. Operable in semi-automatic or pump-action mode, it is complemented with a red dot sight and white light illuminator.

• The SIG Sauer MCX, in .300 Blackout calibre – selected as the platform for the Personal Defence Weapon System, to provide dismounted combatants with a light, modular, and compact weapon system that can be rapidly optimised for specialised roles.

• The Accuracy International AX-SR – selected as the platform for the Long Range Sniper Capability. It will be introduced into ADF service as a multi-calibre system capable of delivering in .338 Lapua Magnum, .300 Norma Magnum and 7.62mm NATO calibres.

• The Sniper Surveillance Capability – selected to provide ADF snipers with a day and night capability utilising the Safran JIM Compact multispectral surveillance device and Steiner laser range-finding binoculars.

• The M107A1 rifle, manufactured by Barrett Firearms Manufacturing Incorporated, – selected as the platform for the Anti-Material Sniper Capability. The M107A1 is a lighter, modernised and suppressed derivative of the in-service weapon, and is complemented with precision optics, night vision, and ranger-finding devices.

Posted in Contracts, International, Press Release, weapons | 29 Comments »