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Canada Selects SIG for New Pistol

Friday, October 7th, 2022

In what might be a new record, two different countries have awarded the same company a contract for their new service issue sidearm within a week of one another. That company is SIG SAUER and those countries are Canada and Australia.

The Canadian Department of National Defence has awarded a contract for the 9mm NATO C22 full frame modular pistol valued at $3.2 million (USD) and to M.D. Charlton Co. Ltd. of Victoria, B.C.

This contract is for an initial 7,000 SIG P320s and holsters to replace the aging Browning Hi-Powers currently in service. According to DND, additional options for up to 9,500 pistols will be available under the contract to cover the remaining requirements for the Canadian Army, Royal Canadian Air Force, Royal Canadian Navy and Military Police. Pistol delivery is anticipated to begin in mid-2023.

“The Government of Canada is committed to providing the Canadian Armed Forces with the equipment they need when they need it. Replacing the Browning 9mm with the C22 full frame modular pistol (Sig Sauer P320) will help ensure the continued operational readiness and effectiveness of all our members. We look forward to the delivery of these new pistols and holster systems in the coming year.”

-The Honourable Anita Anand, Minister of National Defence

This brings a conclusion to a very long process to identify a new pistol for the Canadian Armed Forces which goes back over a decade. More recently, after identifying a requirement for a modular pistol, the Canadian International Trade Tribunal upheld a dispute filed by Rampart International on behalf of Glock which slowed the process. Apparently, any issues have been overcome, clearing the way for the competition to proceed.

“As a result of an open, fair and competitive procurement process, we are pleased to award this contract to M.D. Charlton Co. Ltd., a Canadian distributor of tactical equipment. This contract will provide our troops with modern, reliable pistols and holsters to carry out their work, while supporting economic opportunities for the Canadian defence industry.”

-The Honourable Helena Jaczek, Minister of Public Services and Procurement Canada

Canada joins the Australia, Denmark and the US in adopting the SIG SAUER P320 as their standard issue sidearm.

Posted in Advertiser, Contracts, International, weapons | 13 Comments »

Land Forces 22 – More Weapons from Thales

Thursday, October 6th, 2022

In addition to the 6.8×51 prototypes we showcased the other day, Thales Australia the manufacturer of the currently issued EF88 are displaying a couple of other rifles under the Lithgow Arms mark. Lithgow Small Arms Factory has provided Australian built weapons to the ADF for over a century.

First is the F90 PDW variant with suppressor under the handguard.

Next up is a Stoner pattern carbine in 5.56mm and .300 BLK designed in the event the ADF decides at some point to adopt this type of rifle, or alternatively for export.

Here is a look at Serial Number 001.

Posted in International, Tradeshow, weapons | 2 Comments »

Land Forces 22 – Squad Support Weapon 40

Wednesday, October 5th, 2022

The Squad Support Weapon SSW40 from Rheinmetall is on display in the NIOA booth along with their full line of 40mm ammunition.

Under development, the SSW40 is a magazine-fed, semi-automatic 40mm launcher Designed to engage targets out to 800m. Weighing under 4.0kg, the SSW40 has a 10 round capacity.

Posted in International, Tradeshow, weapons | Comments Off on Land Forces 22 – Squad Support Weapon 40

Thunder From Down Under – Land 159 Increases Lethality of the Australian Digger

Wednesday, October 5th, 2022

Australia’s Lethality Program, Land 159, is causing quite the buzz internationally this week and for good reason. This is the largest small arms replacement program in Australian Defense history.

We’re going to share a ‘story within the story’ of this week’s Land 159 Tranche 1 announcement.

That story is the game-changing, domination of the outcome of Land159.T1 by Australian company Aquaterro, and their representation of, and partnership with, SIG SAUER.

These two companies have been working together for over five years to create a foothold in the Australian Small Arms defense and LE market and it has paid off.

Aquaterro has, by our estimates, won over 80% of this entire project, in terms of both dollars and quantities. Everything mentioned here is supplied by Aquaterro to the ADF.

Let’s lay it out. The new Sidearm Weapon System (SWS) consists of:

The SIG P320 XCarry Pro outfitted with the SIG ROMEO2 Red Dot Sight.

It’s also comes with the SIG FOXTROT2 weapon light and a Safariland 7TS, ALS,SLS,QLS Holster.

The Sidearm Weapon System will be purchased in the thousands, to tens of thousands over the life of this contract.

The new Personal Defence Weapon System (PDWS) consists of the SIG MCX complete with two upper receivers in .300 BLK, equipped with SIG ROMEO4T Optic and SIG JULIET4 Magnifier.

The PDW System is likely the largest acquisition in volume terms after the P320 for Land159.T1.

Public information varies widely around numbers for the PDW, but they seem to be anywhere from around 1,000 and up to 9,000 systems, at least for the roll out phase. But we all know, once something is selected for issue and under contract, it continues to be purchased for decades.

That being said, with the seemingly limitless versatility, adaptability, and widespread adoption of the SIG MCX across 5 Eyes, stay tuned to see where this foot-in-the-door leads for the ADF and the MCX family of weapons.

We has seen first hand, the in-house capability and commitment of Aquaterro and its Founder/CEO, Graeme Bulte, to becoming an integral part of the Supply Chain for its stable of OEMs, and a major force in the Australian Defense Industry.

The brand new, “Fort Knox”-like Aquaterro facilities, boast over 75,000 square feet in South East Melbourne and are some of the most extensive, impressive, and world class we have ever seen. Their infrastructure is equal to, or better than, many OEMs in some respects:

-They have an indoor, 2 Lane, .50cal rated 100m Action Target Test Range

-There are multiple, massive, drive-in firearm vaults to the highest security certification

-There is a well equipped Armory Workshop

-Armament and EO Engineering Dept, Refurbishment and Technical Inspection Workshops.

-Textile Design and Manufacturing facilities

-Industrial Design and Prototype Lab

-All Laser and CNC Engraving of Serial Numbering requirements and final assembly for the ADF SIG guns – will all be done at and by Aquaterro in Australia under a special agreement with SIG. This is a tangible win for Australian industry content and capability.

Finally, we’ve got to mention there will be significant SIG Spare Parts requirements for this program which is sure to last for decades, all to be supplied by Aquaterro.

Queensland Company NIOA has “broken the mould” by taking on the PMO-type duties and role for Land 159, known as the Managing Contractor. By all accounts, they have done a great job at project management, systems assessment and integration of this once-in-a-century small arms acquisition activity for the ADF. They have stepped into the role of a Prime with distinction. Seen here is Aquaterro CEO Graeme Bulte and NIOA CEO Rob NIOA signing the Land 159 comtract at Land Forces.

But make no mistake, the lion’s share of firearms systems for Land 159, is a massive win for SIG SAUER, thanks to SIG’s Australian partner, Aquaterro.

With Land 159 Tranche 2 on the horizon seeking new Combat Assault Rifles, Light Machine Guns and Medium Machine Guns, the SIG-Aquaterro combination is now truly a force to be reckoned with in the Australasian region. Especially on the heals of SIG’s selection for the US Army’s Next Generation Squad Weapons program.

In fact, the entire NGSW suite is on display at the Aquaterro booth here at Land Forces 2022 in Brisbane, Australia this week.

Posted in Advertiser, Contracts, weapons | 10 Comments »

Land Forces 22 – Thales 6.8 x 51mm Prototypes

Tuesday, October 4th, 2022

Thales provides the EF88 bullpup rifle in 5.56 NATO to the Australian Defence Force. In preparation for LAND 159 Tranche 2 which will look for a new rifle and machine gun capability, Thales has developed a new cartridge in 6.8x51mm along with weapon prototypes to perform similarly to the US Army’s Next Generation Squad Weapons program.

Although they didn’t have an example of the cartridge on hand, I’m told it’s a conventional case design, producing high chamber pressures in order to achieve similar terminal effects to NGSW’s goals.

They produced two different rifle designs, a Bullpup and a Stoner pattern weapon. It also appears that they’ve developed a common magazine between the two variants.

Posted in Ammo, Tradeshow, weapons | 5 Comments »

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 »

Program Manager Soldier Lethality Reorganizes

Thursday, September 22nd, 2022

During this week’s Future Force Capabilities Conference presented by the National Defense Industrial Association in Austin, Texas, Program Manager Soldier Lethality COL Scott Madore briefed the audience on changes to his PM’s structure.

The structure of PEO Soldier has undergone several changes over the past few years and part of Reorg Phase III was to stand up PM Small Arms Fire Control (SAFC). SAFC is responsible for Family of Weapon Sights, Small Tactical Optical Rifle Mounted (STORM) sights, and the XM157 Next Gen Squad Weapon Fire Control (NGSW-FC).

Transitioning several program from PM Soldier Sensors and Lasers, PM SAFC will continue operations at Ft Belvoir, VA and NGSW-FC will remain at Picatinny Arsenal, NJ.

With the addition of PM SAFC, PM-SL is now has responsibility for the full life cycle of small arms, including enablers.

Posted in Army, Optics, PEO-Soldier, weapons | 6 Comments »

Marines Want To Add New Caliber Option to Mk22 Advanced Sniper Rifle

Thursday, September 22nd, 2022

In remarks this week during the Future Force Capabilities Conference presented by the National Defense Industrial Association in Austin, Texas, Marine Corps civilian Mr Chris Woodburn, Deputy, Maneuver Branch, Marine Corps Capabilities Development Directorate, mentioned that the Marines desired to add the capability to fire .300 Win Mag to the new Mk22 Advanced Sniper Rifle.

Currently beginning fielding, the Mk22 is manufactured by Barrett Firearms and offers the capability to fire 7.62 NATO and long with the new cartridges: XM1162 .338 Norma Magnum (NM) Armor Piercing (AP) (DODIC: AC32) and XM1163 .300 Norma Magnum (NM) Ball (DODIC: AC33). It is a joint service project being adopted by the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, and USSOCOM.

The Marine Corps is seeing great success with their current Mk13 Mod7 chambered in .300 WM. Since they have a reliable supply of .300 WM ammunition and their snipers are familiar with the round’s performance characteristics, they want to to add the capability to the Mk22.

Posted in Ammo, USMC, weapons | 4 Comments »