We are back with another poster from the recent NDIA Future Forces Conference in Va Beach.
This one depicts alternative caliber options as well as drop in components to facilitate the transition from 5.56 NATO.
POC data is on the poster.
Archive for the ‘weapons’ Category
2024 NDIA Future Forces Conference Poster #2 – Weapon Systems Upgrades for M4/M16
Wednesday, October 9th, 2024Saab Receives Additional Mobile Air Defence Order from Lithuania
Sunday, October 6th, 2024Saab has received an additional order from Lithuania for the Mobile Short-Range Air Defence (MSHORAD) solution. The order value is SEK 1.2 billion and deliveries are scheduled 2026-2029.
Saab announced the initial MSHORAD order from Lithuania in July 2024. With this additional order, a second battery within the Lithuanian armed forces will be provided with Saab’s mobile air defence capability.
“We are proud to continue supporting the Lithuanian Armed Forces’ short-range air defence capability. MSHORAD is a highly mobile solution which enables the user to quickly and effectively identify and counteract air threats,” says Görgen Johansson, head of Saab’s business area Dynamics.
“The acquisition of the Mobile Short-Range Air Defense System (MSHORAD) will enhance the Lithuanian military’s capability to counter potential enemy air attacks. The advantage of this system is its mobility, making it a highly necessary system for Lithuania,” said Lithuanian Minister of National Defense Laurynas Kas?i?nas.
The order includes Mobile Firing Units, Mobile Radar Units and a Command- and Control (C2) system. Saab will integrate MSHORAD into JLTV vehicles manufactured by the U.S. company Oshkosh before delivery to the customer.
MSHORAD is Saab’s mobile air defence solution. The system consists of the Mobile Radar Unit based on the Giraffe 1X radar, the Mobile Firing Unit based on the RBS 70 NG, all connected with GBAD C2, which is Saab’s command and control system for ground-based air defence.
2024 NDIA Future Forces Conference Poster #1 – Low Recoil Weapon Effects for RWS FCS
Thursday, October 3rd, 2024The absolute best gems from the National Defense Industrial Association’s annual get-together of small arms, armaments, EOD, Fuse tech, and robotics communities are found in the back of the exhibit hall in the form of posters which are used to foster a Q&A interaction during breaks in the presentations. For the past few years, we have been fortunate enough to be allowed to share these posters with our readership.
Despite the title, this one actually pertains to a lightweight machine gun. It was developed through a CRADA with USSOCOM and demonstrated earlier this year at the ISOF Range event.
Although POC data is on the poster, AUSA attendees will be able to see it in person later this month during the annual meeting in Washington, DC in booth #4125.
AUSA: SMARTSHOOTER Combat-Proven SMASH Fire Control Systems Turn Dismounted Soldiers into Effective Drone Eliminator
Wednesday, October 2nd, 2024The company will present its SMASH Hopper LRCWS mounted on Polaris’ MRZR, a tactical mobile solution that can effectively take down drone swarms
AUSA 2024, Washington DC, Halls DE, Booth #7947
SMARTSHOOTER, a leading designer, developer, and manufacturer of innovative fire control systems that significantly increase the accuracy and lethality of individual and crew-served weapons, is excited to announce its participation in the AUSA Annual Meeting and Exposition 2024. SMARTSHOOTER will showcase its combat-proven SMASH family of fire control systems, including the SMASH Hopper LRCWS mounted on Polaris’ MRZR Military vehicle.
The SMASH system is already deployed and combat-proven by various military forces worldwide, including the U.S. Army, U.S. Marine Corps, and the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). It was chosen by the U.S. Joint Counter-UAS (JCO) as the only kinetic solution for counter-sUAS missions at the squad level.
Equipped with an onboard computer that delivers advanced targeting solutions, the SMASH Fire Control System (FCS) transforms any standard weapon into a precise, smart-shooting platform. Once the operator identifies a target manually or via integration with external detection systems, SMASH seamlessly locks onto it, tracks its movement in real-time, and automatically coordinates the shot release for rapid, highly accurate engagements. This capability ensures maximum hit probability, even against fast-moving targets and drones, and dramatically enhances operational effectiveness on the battlefield.
The SMASH technology represents a significant advancement in modern warfare, making it a vital asset for military operations worldwide. With its combat-proven capabilities, the SMASH family enhances hit probability against various threats, including drones and drone swarms, while reducing collateral damage and ensuring the safety of friendly forces.
“SMARTSHOOTER is revolutionizing modern combat by ensuring that every dismounted soldier becomes a highly effective drone eliminator,” said Michal Mor, SMARTSHOOTER CEO. “Our SMASH technology empowers individual soldiers to not only defend themselves and their squads from threats like armed drones and drone swarms but also to safeguard other critical air defense assets. The SMASH systems continue to redefine counter-UAS capabilities, proving that precise kinetic elimination of drones and small UASs at the squad level is essential.”
At AUSA 2024, attendees will have the opportunity to see the SMASH Hopper Light Remotely Controlled Weapon Station (LRCWS) mounted on Polaris’ MRZR Military vehicle. This ultra-light turbo diesel combat vehicle, combined with the Hopper LRCWS, allows maneuvering forces to engage threats from a safe distance, providing a mobile and effective hard-kill solution against drones, drone swarms, and ground threats.
SMARTSHOOTER will also present the SMASH 2000L, the lightest handheld-operated fire control system currently in use against ground and aerial targets, including in the ongoing conflict with Hamas. Leveraging AI, computer vision, and advanced algorithms, the SMASH 2000L maximizes force lethality and situational awareness, ensuring precise target elimination day or night.
SMARTSHOOTER’s US Operations is headquartered in Herndon, Virginia. For further information, please contact Scott Thompson at scott@smart-shooter.com or visit www.SMART-SHOOTER.com
Barrett Secures First International Government Contract for MRADELR
Thursday, September 26th, 2024Murfreesboro, TN – Barrett Firearms Manufacturing Inc. has secured its first international government contract for the supply of the MRAD Extreme Long Range (MRADELR) sniper system.
Specific details of the transaction were not disclosed, however, Barrett confirms that the order for the US-allied nation will be fulfilled and delivered within the year, demonstrating the company’s commitment to providing cutting-edge solutions to international defense organizations.
The MRADELR is a military-proven, extreme long-range system designed to meet the precision demands typically achieved only by custom-built rifles. As part of the renowned MRAD family this rifle features user-changeable barrels and calibers, allowing it to adapt to a range of operational needs. With its innovative technology, precision engineering, and high-quality materials, the MRADELR is the next step forward in extreme long-range marksmanship.
The rifle is available in multiple calibers including .416 Barrett and provides superior performance for target engagement beyond 2000 yards.
Recently recognized as the Ballistic Best Editor’s Select for “Best ELR Rifle,” the MRADELR had its first public showing at the 2023 King of 2 Miles competition where its performance clearly stood out above all other production rifles at ranges out to 3526 yards.
Barrett CEO Bryan James stated, “We are honored to provide these international organizations with the tools they need to secure their defenses and protect their interests. The MRADELR is yet another testament to our commitment to excellence and innovation in the field of long-range precision firearms.”
With this new contract and continued recognition in the industry, Barrett continues to lead the charge in advancing long-range shooting capabilities for both military and civilian markets around the globe.
The company recently announced a significant agreement to upgrade the NATO-allied Norwegian Armed Forces’ existing Barrett Model 82A1 rifle, in service since 1999, to the more advanced model M107A1.
Laser Weapons: Rheinmetall and MBDA Germany Sign Cooperation Agreement
Monday, September 23rd, 2024
Rheinmetall and MBDA Deutschland have decided to continue their successful cooperation in the field of laser weapons.
The aim is to bring a joint maritime product to the market within the next five to six years, which opens up new possibilities, particularly in relation to drone defence on ships. Both companies are convinced that their complementary skills in the field of laser weapon technology will enable them to successfully develop a military laser weapon system. The companies have now concluded a corresponding cooperation agreement.
Most recently, a laser weapon demonstrator from Rheinmetall and MBDA Germany was integrated on the German Navy’s frigate 124 “Sachsen” from June 2022 to September 2023. During this on-board trial, the demonstrator performed impressively in more than 100 test shots.
U.S. Army Demonstrated the Capabilities of Patria NEMO 120 mm Turreted Mortar System at the Maneuver Warfighter Conference in Fort Moore, Georgia
Friday, September 20th, 2024
The cooperation between the U.S. Army and Patria reached a major milestone at the Maneuver Warfighter Conference in Fort Moore, Georgia, on 10 September, 2024 when a crew of soldiers demonstrated various successful fire missions, using U.S. mortar ammunition with the Patria NEMO 120 mm Turreted Mortar System, integrated onto a U.S. made Armoured Multi-Purpose Vehicle (AMPV) and Fire Direction System (FCD).
The U.S. Army strives to provide Armoured and Stryker Brigade Combat Teams with rapid, precise indirect and direct fire capability where the operating crew is well protected, and their physical burden, impulse noise effects and blast overpressure are significantly reduced. Since 2020, Patria has conducted a turreted mortar feasibility study including Foreign Comparative Testing (FCT) with the U.S. Army for Patria NEMO, the world’s foremost Turreted Mortar System.
”We are extremely pleased to witness the results of our successful cooperation already so far with the U.S. Army and our industry partners. Given the global interest in Patria NEMO’s unique capabilities, we are excited to continue the discussions with the US regarding the next steps and eventually getting Patria NEMO to the U.S. warfighters, increasing their survivability, lethality and manoeuvrability,” says Janne Räkköläinen, Senior Vice President, Market Area World of Patria.
Patria NEMO is a remote-controlled 120 mm mortar system capable of both direct and indirect fire missions – also on the move. Patria NEMO can execute multiple rounds simultaneous impact (MRSI) fire missions with up to 6 rounds hitting the target at the same time. In addition to being highly protected, the system is light, compact and easily installed on light, tracked chassis, wheeled armoured vehicles or navy vessels.
Integrated on AMPV, Patria NEMO will be showcased at AUSA (hall DE, stand 6041) in Washington D.C. on 14-16 October, 2024.
Thales Group’s Lithgow Arms Unveils New Designs at Land Forces 2024
Tuesday, September 17th, 2024
During last week’s Land Forces conference in Melbourne, Australia, Thales subsidiary Lithgow Arms unveiled some new calibers for their Australian Combat Assault Rifle launched in 2022, as well as a new bolt action rifle chambered in .308.
For the ACAR, new calibers for 2024 include 6mm ARC, 458 SOCOM, and 6.5 Grendel which join 300 BLK, 5.56 NATO, and 6.8 FURY (sic).
The LA111 is bolt action rifle in .308, equipped with a modern chassis system.
They also featured their new carbon wrap technology for their cold hammer forged barrels.
The full display included:
• 300 BLK 9″ ACAR carbine
• 5.56 NATO 11.5″ ACAR assault
• 5.56 NATO 16″ ACAR precision assault rifle
• 6.5 Grendel 12.5″ ACAR rifle
• 458 SOCOM 11.5″ ACAR carbine
• 6mm ARC 14.5” ACAR rifle
• 7.62 NATO 13.5” ACAR DMR
• 6.8 FURY 16″ ACAR upper variant
• .308 Win 24” LA111 sniper rifle
• 7.62 NATO MAG58 GPMG Tactical
