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Bundeswehr Awards Rheinmetall Contracts for Production and Supply of 40mm Automatic Grenade Launcher Ammunition – Order Worth Around €30 million

Monday, February 5th, 2024

The German Bundeswehr has placed two separate orders with Rheinmetall for production and supply of 40mm ammunition for automatic grenade launchers. Rheinmetall will thus be supplying tens of thousands of programmable 40mm x 53 Airburst Munition (ABM) DM131 service cartridges. This order is worth around €29.5 million, including value added tax. The Bundeswehr has also placed an order for around 200,000 rounds of 40mm x 53 Üb DM158 practice ammunition, worth around €7.18 million, once again including VAT. Delivery of the ammunition is to be complete in 2024.

A one-stop shop for 40mm systems, Rheinmetall is one of the world’s leading suppliers of ammunition, weapon systems and fire control and aiming technology. Rheinmetall’s 40mm x 53 high-velocity ammunition can be fired from any standard 40mm automatic grenade launcher. The rounds attain a maximum velocity of more than 240 m/s and have a maximum effective range of 2,200 metres. The Group’s wide assortment of cartridges in this segment includes the just-ordered programmable 40mm x 53 ABM. Because the rounds can be timed to detonate in the air, it is possible to engage troops taking cover behind walls, etc. The 40mm x 53 ABM, which the Bundeswehr refers to as the DM131, is qualified for use by the German armed forces. Other NATO armed forces have this advanced munition in their inventories as well.

Developed and qualified in accordance with the latest standards, the ammunition types now on order are unequalled worldwide in terms of combat effectiveness and precision. Moreover, the design status of the two cartridges fully corresponds to the stipulations contained in the European directive covering the Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH).

Posted in Ammo, Contracts, International, Press Release | Comments Off on Bundeswehr Awards Rheinmetall Contracts for Production and Supply of 40mm Automatic Grenade Launcher Ammunition – Order Worth Around €30 million

Heather K. Armentrout Appointed Head of Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace Inc in the US

Monday, February 5th, 2024

Experienced industry executive Heather K. Armentrout has been appointed US President and General Manager of Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace Inc., representing the Norwegian defence contractor’s activities in the United States. Ms Armentrout joins Kongsberg from Northrop Grumman, where she has held several senior leadership positions.

She also brings to KDA knowledge of how think tanks inform US policy from her time as the intelligence fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations in New York, and more than a decade of experience at the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA).

“I am very pleased to have recruited such a strong leader to head up our US company,” said Eirik Lie, president of Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace. “Heather has had a unique career, combining experiences from Northrop Grumman, academia, and the CIA to make her an accomplished international affairs executive as well as a strategic, global defense industry leader.”

Heather joined Northrop Grumman in a government relations role, leveraging her experience from a joint-duty assignment in the US Senate during her tenure at the CIA. Heather has extensive knowledge of military acquisition and the global security environment. Her subsequent assignments have involved strategic investment in technology to align Northrop Grumman’s solutions with the Department of Defense’s future needs. Most of her assignments have involved strategy to expand Northrop Grumman’s presence in international markets.

“I am very excited to join Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace at a critical time for the global defence industry. I know the company as a strong niche player that has been traditionally focused on its home market, but with growing international success in recent years,” said Heather K. Armentrout. “The portfolio of products is well-suited outside Norway, which forms a good platform for future growth. The innovation Kongsberg represents is welcomed by US authorities and armed forces, and I look forward to building on that,” she added.

In her new role, she will deploy her vast experience from one of the world’s leading defence contractors, but she also sees commonalities with her work at the CIA. “There are many relevant experiences from my old assignments. The ability to consume vast amounts of information, evaluate and condense it, and then make it actionable, is one example. There is also commonality in the mission – which is to secure the US and its allies with the best tools available,” she adds.

“We really look forward to welcoming Heather to lead the strong KDA US team. Heather will build the organization to support our rapidly growing ambitions in the US,” said Kjetil Reiten Myhra, executive vice president, Integrated Defence Systems and chairman of the US entity.

Heather K. Armentrout has a Master’s degree in Security Studies and a Bachelor’s degree in Foreign Service, both from Georgetown University. She assumes her role on February 5, and is based in Alexandria, VA.

Posted in Industry, Press Release | Comments Off on Heather K. Armentrout Appointed Head of Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace Inc in the US

PWS and Lone Wolf Arms Welcome Justin Raney as New Director of Sales

Monday, February 5th, 2024

Justin Raney joins Primary Weapons Systems and Lone Wolf Arms as new Director of Sales, bringing years of industry experience and passion for the brands.

BOISE, Id. February 2, 2024 – Vigilant Gear Holdings is proud to welcome Justin Raney as new Director of Sales for both Primary Weapons Systems (PWS) and Lone Wolf Arms. Justin brings with him 16 years of experience within the firearms industry, with a primary focus on the tactical side of the market. Justin has been involved in sales, manufacturing and purchasing throughout his years of experience, bringing with him a diverse background of skills. After spending 6 years with Vertx as both a territory sales representative and Regional Sales Manager, Justin went on to join Big Daddy Unlimited as their Director of Purchasing. From there, he joined Zev Technologies as their Director of Sales before joining the Vigilant Gear team. His extreme passion for hunting, shooting and the outdoor industry make him a perfect fit for this position. “I am thrilled to be part of such a dynamic and innovative company,” says Justin, “PWS and Lone Wolf have always been renowned for pushing the limits of innovation in our industry and I look forward to playing a part in what will be an extremely promising future.”

For more information on PWS, head to primaryweapons.com. For more information on Lone Wolf Arms, head to lonewolfarms.com.

Posted in Industry, Press Release | 1 Comment »

Forward Controls and Rooftop Defense Collaborate on New Sling Mounts

Monday, February 5th, 2024

At Forward Controls, we have always valued simplicity and believe that any added complexities to a system should offer benefits rather than liabilities. While Sling QDs have their advantages, they can also add bulk and liability if used unnecessarily. The fore-end of the AR is one area where we see redundancy. Although we appreciate QD functionality, not everyone requires or desires quick detach capability, especially on both ends of the sling. For those who don’t need or want QD, it’s best to avoid adding a QD swivel that only increases the weight and bulk of the rifle. Additionally, the quality of QD swivels can vary, so it doesn’t make sense to include QD where it’s not necessary and risks introducing a potential point of failure. Forward Controls is happy to Introduce the RSA-H, and in collaboration with Rooftop Defense, the MFH. Both of these sling adapters are designed to be attached to the handguard of your carbine. They both feature a curved 1.25 wide sling loop that does away with a QD swivel and places the sling closer to the bore.

The RSA-H (Rail mounted Sling Adapter, Heavy) is a fixed loop sling adapter designed for Picatinny railed handguards. It is machined from a solid 4140 block of steel. The bolt is partially threaded and also serves as a recoil lug. The clamp dovetails into the RSA-H body. The Picatinny bolt clamp has a unique shape that allows it to be installed only one way, ensuring correct installation. When connected to the RSA-H, they fit together seamlessly. The RSA-H is compatible with BFG’s ULoop, but not with HK hooks. It is designed with a curved loop that allows the sling to pass through without the need for additional attachments.

The loop of the RSA-H can accommodate sling widths of up to 1.25″. Additionally, it serves as an equipment tethering point for high-value scopes, CNVDs, and thermal optics. The recommended torque value for the RSA-H Picatinny bolt is 40 in lb.

MFH is a collaboration between Sol Lehnerd at Rooftop Defense and Forward Controls, it was an idea Sol brought up in the summer of 2022 and wanted to bring to reality. “As a shooter, I have found that QD swivels at the front of the gun like to meet Mr. Murphy and sometimes detach themselves at the most inopportune times. By removing the QD swivel and QD socket, we achieve a simpler setup that’s more robust and better retains the weapon.” -Sol stated during development.

Sol has found the optimal setup for him to be a fixed loop at the front of the gun using MFH and a QD sling swivel mounted on the buttstock. This allows the user to reap the benefits of fixed sling retention on the gun’s forend, but still able to quickly remove the weapon when wearing full kit or fully separate an AR upper and lower for maintenance purposes. MFH is also made from 4140. Recommended torque value is 35in/lbs for attaching to metal hand guards, and 15in/lbs for attaching to polymer hand guards.

RSA-H can be purchased from

Forward Controls

Revival Defense

MFH Can be purchased from

Rooftop Defense

Forward Controls

Revival Defense

Posted in Press Release, Weapon Accessories | 1 Comment »

Saab and MBDA to Strengthen Co-Operation

Sunday, February 4th, 2024

Sweden and France have expressed their desire to strengthen their defence co-operation under a new strategic partnership signed on 30 January as part of French President Emmanuel Macron’s state visit to Sweden. Anti-tank and air defence have been identified as priority areas for co-operation.

In this context, a major new step has been taken in the relationship between the two countries. On 31 January, Micael Johansson and Eric Béranger, the CEOs of Saab and MBDA, expressed their willingness to support this process in the fields of anti-tank and air defence, two capabilities identified as particularly critical for the armed forces of both countries, especially in the context of high-intensity conflicts. They signed Letters of Intent to strengthen the co-operation between their companies in these two fields, at the Business Forum organised in the presence of the highest French and Swedish authorities.

“The closeness between Saab and MBDA is reflected in our co-operation over many years, and the deepening and broadening of that through these Letters of Intent is most welcome. Doing this here in Stockholm during the state visit by President Macron to Sweden is symbolic of how two European governments working together can facilitate industry in strengthening our collective security,” said Micael Johansson, President and CEO of Saab.

Eric Béranger CEO of MBDA, said: “This is an exciting new step in our long-standing partnership with Saab. We are both world leaders in the anti-tank and air defence domains and we will be combining our expertise to deliver the best capabilities for the armed forces on the battlefield. The signature of these Letters of Intent is further proof that co-operation lies at the very heart of MBDA’s values.”

Co-operation in the anti-tank field has resulted in an initial focus on the AKERON MP. A first contract has been awarded to Saab and MBDA by the DGA, the French contracting entity, and the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV – Försvarets Materielverk). This will enable the pooling of Saab and MBDA’s expertise in the anti-tank domain, in order to support the Swedish and French armed forces’ choice of the AKERON MP weapon system in the short term. This will also enable the implementation of a joint capability roadmap to develop new functionalities associated in particular with beyond line-of-sight firing, and also to prepare the missile to address the future generation of targets that will arrive on the battlefield. This roadmap will maintain AKERON MP’s position as the benchmark weapon in its field, and an indispensable tool in high-intensity conflicts.

Saab and MBDA are long-standing partners, as illustrated by their co-operation on the Meteor air-to-air missile programme and the TAURUS cruise missile, as well as in the European MARSEUS consortium that aims to provide a sovereign European beyond line-of-sight missile firing capability.

Posted in Industry, International, Press Release | Comments Off on Saab and MBDA to Strengthen Co-Operation

Tisas Partners with Civilian Marksmanship Program to Build 1911 Pistol

Sunday, February 4th, 2024

Tisas USA, a division of SDS Imports, the internationally recognized firearms manufacturer that provides high quality firearms at unrivaled value is pleased to announce a partnership with the Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP).

Tisas is the first commercial manufacturer to build a 1911 pistol for CMP. The Tisas M1911 A1 is a museum-grade reproduction of a mid-war M1911A1 as it was issued during the Second World War, will also be available in the CMP version, which will have the CMP logo on it, and sold exclusively through CMP stores.

SDS/Tisas USA CEO, Tim Mulverhill (left), and CMP Chairman and CEO, Gerald O’Keefe (right), shake hands after signing a new 1911 pistol agreement during the 2024 SHOT Show.

“We are quite honored and very excited to have partnered with the Civilian Marksmanship Program on this project,” stated SDS/Tisas USA CEO Tim Mulverhill. “Being able to take our historical accurate Tisas M1911 A1 and offer it in an exclusive CMP model is a great opportunity for Tisas to show their commitment to helping train and educate United States citizens in the responsible use of firearms.”

“The CMP is pleased to announce our partnership with Tisas USA to provide this extraordinary CMP-branded, museum-grade replica of the M1911A1 to our many customers and competitors,” said CEO, Jerry O’Keefe. “This pistol will make a great companion piece to the surplus M1911A1 pistols sold by the CMP or just a great pistol on its own to shoot or collect! This is part of CMP’s effort to expand our pistol offerings both in sales and competitions. For example, on the competitions side we look forward to our second year hosting the CMP Bianchi Cup May 21st-24th in Hallsville, MO with the Green Valley Rifle and Pistol Club.”

CMP Chief Commercial Officer, Greg Raines (second from left) and CMP Business Development Executive, Stefanie Teaford (third from left), were in attendance during the partnership signing.

Tisas M1911 A1 CMP Specs:

• Caliber: 45 ACP

• Barrel Length: 5 Inches

• Accurate reproduction of WWII issued 1911

• United States Property marked

• Manganese Phosphate Slide, Frame & small parts

• Reprofiled Ejection Port

• Type E Hammer

• (2) 7 round magazines

• (2) sets of grips including Accurate reproduction brown plastic grips, and walnut double diamond checkered grips

• MSRP: $479.99

The CMP will add a signature Tisas USA 1911 pistol (from SDS Imports, LLC) to their catalog in 2024, which will include a limited CMP imprint.)

Posted in Firearms, Press Release | 6 Comments »

Champion Thread Company Celebrates 45 Years of Industry Service

Sunday, February 4th, 2024

The fast-growing manufacturer of industrial sewing threads, engineered yarns, and other textile and sewn products supplies is celebrating 45 Years of Service to the Textile and Sewn Products Industries.

GASTONIA, NC – January 30, 2024 – Champion Thread Company® (CTC), a leading provider of industrial sewing threads, engineered yarns, and other textile and sewn products accessories, is celebrating 45 Years of Service to the Textile and Sewn Products Industries.

Thanks to a loyal and fast-growing customer base, CTC has expanded from its roots as a small thread distributor into a developer, manufacturer, and marketer of a wide range of products and solutions sold on four continents.

“For 45 years, we have demonstrated unwavering commitment to excellence and dedication to our customers,” said CTC President Matt Poovey. “Since our founding, we have remained family-owned and operated, taking pride in offering the highest quality goods, competitive prices, and unmatched industry expertise. Champion Thread’s longevity in the market can be attributed to our ability to adapt and innovate while always staying true to our core values. Our understanding of the industry has allowed us to consistently deliver superior products that meet the ever-evolving needs of our customers.”

Some of CTC’s significant milestones include:

1979 – Founded by current CEO Bob Poovey

1999 – Moved/expanded corporate office

2007 – Strategic thread manufacturer acquisition

2009 – Started engineered yarn business

2011 – Opened state-of-the-art flexible manufacturing facility

2014 – Expanded and opened current HQ location

2016 – Matt Poovey promoted to President

2018 – Opened new warehouse/distribution facility

2019 – Celebrated 40 years of industry service

2020 – Jim Lee promoted to Vice President of Sales

2021 – Launched Renu™ line of 100% recycled thread

2023 – Opened new South Carolina dyehouse

2024 – Celebrating 45 years in business

The company recently reported “steady” growth in market share in 2023, primarily the result of the company’s multi-year initiatives to bolster lean, flexible manufacturing operations and investments in the domestic workforce and supply chain. They also expressed optimism for increased market demand for their products and plans for continued investment in new product development, production and service teams, and customer service levels in 2024.

To learn more about CTC, phone (704) 867-6611 or visit championthread.com.

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GA-ASI Demonstrates Release of A2LE from MQ-20 Avenger UAS

Sunday, February 4th, 2024

SAN DIEGO – 01 February 2024 – General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) successfully demonstrated an inflight release of its Advanced Air-Launched Effects (A2LE) platform, releasing an A2LE from the internal weapons bay of a GA-ASI MQ-20 Avenger® Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS). The demonstration took place on Nov. 28, 2023, over Dugway Proving Ground, Utah, capping a manufacturing, structural test, and flight demonstration.

GA-ASI’s design and engineering team partnered with Divergent Technologies, Inc. for the A2LE vehicle design and build, matching GA-ASI’s aircraft design expertise with the Divergent Adaptive Production System (DAPS™) to support rapid, low-cost manufacturing of the demonstration vehicle.

“This demonstration was a crucial first step in demonstrating GA-ASI’s ability to rapidly develop, manufacture, and test a Small Unmanned Aircraft System (SUAS) in a controlled, low-risk approach,” said Mike Atwood, vice president of Advanced Programs at GA-ASI. “A2LE demonstrates the coupling of GA-ASI’s pedigreed aircraft design capabilities with Divergent’s DAPS, paving the way for continued maturation of affordable, modular SUAS platforms that can be tailored to meet warfighter needs at a fraction of the cost and lead time of currently fielded systems.”

The demonstration vehicle airframe was 100 percent additively manufactured and was designed to meet the captive carriage and ejection loads of the jet-powered aircraft with internal weapons bays. The topology-optimized AM structure was validated via proof and pit ejection testing prior to the flight demonstration. The demonstration highlighted the design efficiencies that can be realized when AM is incorporated early in the design process and throughout the vehicle. It was also a key step in validating the AM process and material properties for incorporation in future systems to be employed by both manned and unmanned platforms.

GA-ASI’s A2LE platform builds on its extensive experience in developing SUAS. It provides a low-risk, low-cost, tailorable solution that bring affordable mass to the warfighter, with modular payload provisions to meet the requirements of current and future mission objectives. A network of A2LEs could create a persistent, expansive grid for surveillance, attack, enemy air defense suppression, or communication pathways, supporting and elevating capabilities of current and future manned or unmanned platforms.

Posted in Press Release, UAS | Comments Off on GA-ASI Demonstrates Release of A2LE from MQ-20 Avenger UAS