Soldier Systems Daily Soldier Systems Daily

Milrem Robotics’ Presence at Eurosatory 2024 Biggest-Ever

June 19th, 2024

This year’s largest European defence industry event, Eurosatory 2024, features the biggest-ever presence of unmanned combat systems by the world-leading robotics and autonomous systems developer Milrem Robotics.

Altogether 10 of the company’s robotic systems are on display at the exhibition, which will take place from June 17 to 21 in Paris, France. Eight of these systems are different versions of the THeMIS Unmanned Ground Vehicle (UGV) and two Type-X Robotic Combat Vehicles (RCV).

In addition to Milrem Robotics’ stand, systems are showcased together with leading industry partners: Avalor.AI, CNIM, KNDS, KONGSBERG and Thales, additionally featuring integrated technology by FN Herstal, Metravib Defence, Leonardo, Rheinmetall, Pearson Engineering, and Vegvisir.

“The vast number of partners demonstrates that Milrem Robotics’ unmanned combat systems are preferred for payload integrations and battlefield deployment. The THeMIS UGV is already part of robotics programmes in 18 countries worldwide and assisting Ukrainian soldiers with casualty evacuation and route clearance in the war with Russia,” said Kuldar Väärsi, CEO of Milrem Robotics.

“Milrem has integrated more payloads than any other UGV provider and has a detailed understanding of how these payloads should be integrated and how to ensure the payload’s performance to its maximum capability,” Väärsi added.

Milrem Robotics’ Chief Sales Officer Patrick Shepherd added: “Our products’ integration into multiple nations’ combat formations reduces our customers’ overall integration and procurement risk. Milrem has the lessons learned and depth of experience to ensure a smooth integration into the military forces.”

Milrem Robotics is the world-leading robotics and autonomous systems developer and systems integrator, with offices in Estonia, Finland, Sweden, the Netherlands, and the US. The company is known for its THeMIS and Multiscope UGVs, the Type-X Robotic Combat Vehicle, and MIFIK intelligent autonomous functionalities for defence platforms.

The company is also renowned for successfully completing the European Defence Industrial Development Programme (EDIDP) project iMUGS, which focused on developing a modular and scalable architecture for hybrid manned-unmanned systems.

Posted in International, Press Release, Robotics, Tradeshow | Comments Off on Milrem Robotics’ Presence at Eurosatory 2024 Biggest-Ever

FALCO Holsters Now Custom-Fit for Over 3,100+ Handgun Models and 65+ Lights and Lasers

June 19th, 2024

Ft. Lauderdale, FL—JUNE 18, 2024 – FALCO Holsters, a global leader in crafting innovative holsters and EDC accessories, is excited to announce that its holsters are precisely tailored to fit more than 3,100 handgun models and over 65 lights and lasers.

“FALCO’s extensive selection of custom-fit holsters ensures that gun owners receive a holster made specifically for their firearm and accessories,” explained Katarína Zacharová, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at FALCO Holsters. “Our custom-fit FALCO leather, Kydex, and hybrid materials are molded to each firearm to provide comfort, convenience, and, most importantly, safety for responsible everyday carry.”

Zacharová added, “One of our priorities is to serve the entire firearms community by providing high-quality, safe, and reliable holsters—especially for owners of less common firearms and those with weapon-mounted lights or lasers. Many people struggle to find holsters that meet their specific needs because holster manufacturers often overlook their rarer handgun models. FALCO bridges this gap, ensuring that every gun owner can find a holster offering full coverage, comfort, and safety for their unique firearms and accessories.”

Zacharová also pointed out that three key factors should be prioritized when choosing a holster: a covered trigger, sufficient retention on the firearm, and a design that provides safe re-holstering.

Newest guns and WMLs Compatible with FALCO Holsters

FIREARMS:

• BOBERG XR9-S 3.35″ 9mm

• Chiappa Rhino 50 DS

• H&K VP9 Match 5.51″ 9mm

• KelTec P-17 3.93″ .22 LR

• Mauser Luger P08 4″ 9mm

• PSA 5.7 Rock 5.7×28 FN

• Rock Island Armory RIA 5.0

• Sig Sauer P210 Target

• Staccato 2011 CS, Cocked & Locked 3.5″ 9mm – 2023 edition

• Taurus 856

• Taurus GX4XL 3.71″ 9mm

LIGHTS:

• Crimson Trace CMR-209

• LaserMax Spartan SPS-C-R

• Olight PL-3R Valkyrie

• Solofish SL-1091

• Streamlight TLR7X

“Don’t settle for a universal holster style that doesn’t meet all your needs,” added Zacharová. “Your safety and comfort are paramount.”

For more information about FALCO Holster handgun and accessory compatibility, visit FALCOHolsters.com.

Posted in Holsters, Press Release | Comments Off on FALCO Holsters Now Custom-Fit for Over 3,100+ Handgun Models and 65+ Lights and Lasers

Eurosatory 2024: Caracal Airborne Platform Demonstrates High Mobility with Synthetic Fuel

June 19th, 2024

The Caracal platform, a pathbreaking outcome of cooperation between Rheinmetall, Mercedes Benz AG and ACS – Armoured Car Systems, has proven to be a pioneering answer to the demands of modern military mobility. From 17 June 2024, the Caracal will be demonstrating its high agility twice a day in the Demonstration Area at Eurosatory 2024, even in difficult terrain. It will be using a new synthetic fuel generated from hydrogen, CO2 and electricity for military use.

Rheinmetall is cooperating with its technology partner INERATEC on this Giga-PtX project vision for a war-ready energy supply with synthetic fuels. Trade journalists will be able to view this demonstration in the Demonstration Area on 16 June 2024. Furthermore, at Rheinmetall’s Eurosatory 2024 stand a Caracal variant fitted with a launcher for Hero-120 loitering ammunition is on show.

The Caracal is also proving successful on the market. After winning a joint order from Germany and the Netherlands for up to 3,058 vehicles, another important contract came as part of Germany’s efforts to aid Ukraine. A total of 20 units of the Caracal, based on stocks of the G-model 461 series, have been delivered as an immediate requirement for the special forces since spring 2024 after just a few months of production. This has sparked interest not only at home but also internationally.

A showpiece of military innovation, the Caracal draws not only on tried-and-tested technologies, but also embodies advanced elements regarding tactics, safety and performance. While for Germany and the Netherlands joint interoperability and the Caracal’s airtransportability in the STH CH-47 Chinook helicopter were decisive design features, the Ukrainian Caracal will deliver maximum land mobility, giving Ukrainian special forces units a critical tactical edge. Incoming orders from Germany, the Netherlands and now Ukraine highlight the global relevance of this binational partnership and its contribution to international security.

Close cooperation between Rheinmetall, Mercedes Benz AG and ACS has resulted not only in a cutting-edge military vehicle, but also in a strategic alliance that bundles the individual strengths of the partners: the Caracal combines a high-performance, large-production run platform – the Mercedes military G class 464 series – with a modular, industrial scalable build-on from ACS. Rheinmetall is in charge of final assembly of the role-specific military mission kits, drawing on its ability to produce customized products on a large scale in relevant customer countries, as well as providing long-term logistical support throughout the entire product lifecycle.

The Caracal platform not only assures maximum mobility on the ground and in the air. It also enables integration of ballistic protection, various weapon systems and technologies, as well as state-of-the-art reconnaissance and communication equipment – critical elements in the modern battlespace.

In addition to technical superiority and benefitting from assured long-term global logistic support, the Caracal is a very reasonably priced vehicle platform which can be flexibly adapted to meet the ever-changing requirements of current and future combat.

The orders from Germany, the Netherlands and Ukraine, coupled with enquiries from numerous other nations make clear the platform’s international market potential.

The partnership between Rheinmetall, Mercedes Benz AG and ACS shows that the future of military mobility lies in intercompany cooperation. Here, the Caracal platform points the way forward, setting the standard and serving as a model for binational partnerships in the defence industry, in which companies take on challenges together, pushing ahead on the path to sustained innovation, and bringing new products to the global marketplace.

Posted in International, Mobility, Power, Press Release | Comments Off on Eurosatory 2024: Caracal Airborne Platform Demonstrates High Mobility with Synthetic Fuel

France Removes Ban on Israeli Companies Participating in EUROSATORY, Ban on Individuals Still In Place

June 19th, 2024

Israeli firms were barred from attendance in the first few days of this week’s EUROSATORY defense exhibition in Paris. The decision to ban them was made by the French government in late May, causing quite a stir within international elements of the armaments industry, affecting 74 companies set to attend the bi-annual event.

The Macron government enacted the ban after calls for a cease-fire in the conflict with HAMAS were ignored by Israel.

Last week, Bobigny District Court expanded the rule to include not only firms but individual citizens of Israel, including diplomats and other government representatives. Although COGES, the show organizer has appealed this decision, they were forced to provide this document to potential Israeli attendees.

The ban on companies was overturned yesterday by the Paris Commercial court which found it to be discriminatory, declaring a suspension of, “the execution of the measures adopted against the Israeli companies whose stands were prohibited at the EUROSATORY 2024 exhibition, until the closing date of the exhibition.” The case was filed by the France-Israel Chamber of Commerce but unfortunately does not address the ban on individual attendance.

It is unclear at this point if any Israeli firms will bother to show up at EUROSATORY, which continues this week, considering the late action by the court. It is also a question as to whether the individuals who man those booths would be allowed to enter.

Posted in Industry, International | 12 Comments »

Dark Systems Defense Unveiled its New K9 Lighstick Dropper at Eurosatory 2024

June 19th, 2024

Pending patent Lightstick dropper represents a significant advancement in tactical and search-and-rescue operations, offering an innovative solution for marking and tracking in various environments. Mounted on a dog’s vest, these devices serve as essential tools for handlers who rely on their canine partners to navigate challenging terrains and critical situations. The primary function of the Dark Systems K9 Lightstick Dropper is to deploy lightsticks—small, self-contained sources of illumination that can be seen from considerable distances.

These lightsticks are available in multiple colors and infrared (IR) versions, catering to diverse operational needs.

What sets the lightstick dropper apart is its seamless integration with modern technologies such as the Dark Systems Darkmesh K9 camera system. This compatibility enhances the device’s utility by allowing handlers to monitor their dogs’ movements in real-time while deploying lightsticks as needed. The deployment mechanism can be controlled via the Advanced Tactical Assault Kit (ATAK) or a remote control, providing flexibility and precision during missions.

With a capacity of about 44 lightsticks, the dropper ensures that handlers have ample resources at their disposal to mark objects, areas, or track their dogs’ paths over extended periods. This combination of durability, versatility, and technological integration makes the lightstick dropper an invaluable asset for those requiring reliable marking solutions in complex scenarios.

Posted in K9, Lights, Press Release | Comments Off on Dark Systems Defense Unveiled its New K9 Lighstick Dropper at Eurosatory 2024

Department of the Air Force Launches NIPRGPT

June 19th, 2024

ARLINGTON, Va. (AFNS) —

As part of its ongoing modernization efforts, the Department of the Air Force chief information officer, in partnership with the Air Force Research Laboratory, is accelerating initiatives to provide Guardians, Airmen, civilian employees, and contractors the ability to responsibly experiment with Generative AI, with adequate safeguards in place.

DAF senior leaders are focused on maximizing competitive advantage, recognizing that Airmen and Guardians need advanced technologies at the speed of relevance. To that end, the DAF is launching NIPRGPT, an experimental bridge to leverage GenAI on the Non-classified Internet Protocol Router Network while continuing to explore maturing industry solutions.

“Our recent GenAI Roundtables with industry and academia have shown us this is an actively growing field,” said Venice Goodwine, DAF chief information officer. “Now is the time to give our Airmen and Guardians the flexibility to develop the necessary skills in parallel. There are multiple modernization efforts going on right now across the federal government and within the DAF to get tools in the hands of the workforce. This tool is another one of those efforts.”

NIPRGPT is part of the Dark Saber software platform developed at the Air Force Research Laboratory Information Directorate in Rome, New York. Dark Saber is an ecosystem of Airmen and Guardians from across the DAF that brings together innovators and developers and equips them to create next-generation software and operational capabilities deployable to the Force at a rapid pace.

At no additional cost to the unit or the users, NIPRGPT is an AI chatbot that allows users to have human-like conversations to complete various tasks. The CAC-enabled GenAI tool can answer questions and assist with tasks such as correspondence, background papers and code, all within a secure computing environment.

“Technology is learned by doing,” Chandra Donelson, the DAF’s acting chief data and artificial intelligence officer, said in a statement. “As our warfighters, who are closest to the problems, are learning the technology, we are leveraging their insights to inform future policy, acquisition and investment decisions.”

The experiment is an opportunity to facilitate real-world testing, focusing on key metrics such as computational efficiency, resource utilization, security compliance, etc., to understand GenAI’s practical applications and challenges and ensure that future implementation is effective and efficient. The platform includes user feedback opportunities to help develop governing policies and enable informed conversations with vendors as the DAF works to incorporate these tools into its operations.

“NIPRGPT is a critical bridge to ensure we get the best tools we have into our team’s hands while larger commercial tools are navigating our intense security parameters and other processes,” said Alexis Bonnell, AFRL chief information officer. “Changing how we interact with unstructured knowledge is not instant perfection; we each must learn to use the tools, query, and get the best results. NIPRGPT will allow Airmen and Guardians to explore and build skills and familiarity as more powerful tools become available.”

Civilian and uniformed Airmen and Guardians, as well as contractors who are CAC holders, can register for NIPRGPT access here: niprgpt.mil. The system has a limited number of users available to be registered during the experiment. After capacity has been reached, individuals seeking access will be put on a waitlist.

Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs

Posted in AI / ML, Air Force, Guest Post | Comments Off on Department of the Air Force Launches NIPRGPT

Quantum Systems Equips the Romanian Ministry of Defence with Vector systems

June 18th, 2024

Munich, 17.06.2024 – Quantum Systems, the Munich-based manufacturer of dual-use reconnaissance drones that use multi-sensor technology to collect data for government agencies and commercial users, is pleased to announce that it has been awarded a significant contract to supply the Romanian Ministry of Defence (MoD) with its advanced Vector unmanned aerial systems (UAS).

The contract, valued at aproximately 18.4 million EUR was finalized on May 14, 2024, and will span over a period of 36 months. This marks a significant step in enhancing the capabilities of the Romanian Armed Forces with state-of-the-art UAS technology. Romtehnica S.A., the purchasing authority, has contracted Quantum Systems to supply these advanced systems to the Romanian Armed Forces, who will utilize them in various operations across the region.

Meeting the Romanian MoD’s requirements

The decision criteria for the contract were heavily weighted towards quality. Quantum Systems’ Vector UAS was selected based on its superior range, flight autonomy, sensor quality, and robust warranty terms, along with a competitive pricing structure.

The vertical take-off and landing capable drone type Vector provides the Romanian MoD with a market-available tactical reconnaissance system meeting requirements in terms of range, flight time and sensor capability. The Vector enables precise reconnaissance and has a flight duration of up to three hours. The integrated ‘Raptor’ combi-sensor is equipped with an optical and an infrared camera, enabling day and night operations in all climates and under challenging environmental conditions.

Posted in Contracts, International, UAS | Comments Off on Quantum Systems Equips the Romanian Ministry of Defence with Vector systems

Thermoteknix Unveils ClipIR-12 – Latest in Thermal Fusion Technology – at Eurosatory 2024

June 18th, 2024

Thermoteknix, a global leader in thermal imaging, night vision, and fused technologies, is launching its latest breakthroughs in fused thermal clip-on systems with its new ClipIR-12 range at Eurosatory 2024.

Based on thermal fusion technology developed by Thermoteknix over the past 12 years, ClipIR-12B, and ClipIR-12E, are the latest, fourth generation evolution, significantly lighter, higher resolution and more compact than their predecessors.

See the new ClipIR-12 on STAND C386, Hall 5A on the UK Pavilion, Eurosatory 2024, Paris.

Both ClipIR-12 models attach to existing night vision devices to deliver thermal imaging fusion. Fused thermal and night vision is the gold standard for low-light and no-light operations giving tactical advantages and enhanced situational awareness, while increasing the range significantly compared to traditional standalone night vision.

Exceptionally low power consumption is achieved with Thermoteknix patented Shutterless XTI technology, also providing outstanding uninterrupted image quality with zero lag and ultra-low latency; critical for helmet mounted applications. A wide field of view is delivered to the night vision device, providing maximum situational awareness.

ClipIR-12B is powered by either by an internal battery or externally by either a four or eight cell battery pack mounted on the rear of the helmet. ClipIR-12E is powered externally from an external battery pack.

Groundbreaking Augmented Reality capabilities are achieved by connecting either Thermoteknix ARTIM or ARTIM-MINI intelligent battery packs which combine the thermal fusion with an intuitive look-vector driven 3D AR display with real-time data from leading Battle Management Systems such as ATAK.

“The ClipIR-12 range brings more than ten years’ of Thermoteknix’ experience designing and manufacturing fused thermal and night vision systems. These latest advancements in technology enhance the operational effectiveness, situational awareness, and safety of military personnel in the field.” comments Jonti Salisbury, Head of Imaging Sales at Thermoteknix.

Thermoteknix is renowned for its innovative engineering, challenging convention and developing groundbreaking technology. The company was awarded the prestigious King’s Award for Enterprise in Innovation in 2024, the highest public accolade for any British company.

For more information on Thermoteknix visit www.thermoteknix.com.

Posted in International, Optics, Press Release, Tradeshow | Comments Off on Thermoteknix Unveils ClipIR-12 – Latest in Thermal Fusion Technology – at Eurosatory 2024