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Chemring Announces Long-Term Supply Agreement and Contract Award

June 10th, 2024

Chemring is pleased to announce that its Norwegian subsidiary, Chemring Nobel, has signed a 15-year partnering agreement with Northrop Grumman for the supply of HMX energetic material used in its missile programmes. This agreement, which reflects the increasing desire of our customers to move to long-term partnering agreements, builds on the two companies’ long-standing relationship and supports Northrop Grumman’s efforts to expand its munitions manufacturing production in response to growing customer demand.

As part of this agreement, Chemring also received a delivery order from Northrop Grumman, valued at $83m, for the supply of HMX. Deliveries under this order will commence in FY26 and will be made over the following three years, with all work being carried out at Chemring Nobel’s facility at S?tre, Norway.

Michael Ord, Chief Executive of Chemring, commented:

“These awards, which illustrate the long-term and valued relationship that we enjoy with Northrop Grumman, support our decision to invest in increasing the capacity of our three energetics businesses over the medium-term, and reinforces Chemring’s position as a key supplier to NATO.”

Posted in Industry, International, Press Release | Comments Off on Chemring Announces Long-Term Supply Agreement and Contract Award

Saab Reveals Giraffe 1X Compact Radar Module

June 10th, 2024

Saab will showcase the Compact Radar Module for the Giraffe 1X radar at Eurosatory 2024.

The Compact Radar Module is designed to offer an all-in-one solution. The antenna will by a press of a button fold down into the compact and lightweight radar module, which offers a versatile and highly mobile capability for fast operational requirements.

The well-known, battle proven and constantly software upgraded, lightweight Giraffe 1X radar can now be delivered together with the Compact Radar Module as one operational item. Its small footprint and large search volume (75 km) make it excellent for urgent operations with limited operational infrastructure.

“Giraffe 1X Compact Radar Module is an all-in-one solution, made with mobility and operational urgency as key user needs. The Compact Radar Module is the latest example of how we are leveraging the capabilities of the Giraffe 1X radar, giving customers a number of different ways to deploy Giraffe 1X wherever and however it can maximise their operational effectiveness,” says Carl-Johan Bergholm, head of Saab’s business area Surveillance.

Giraffe 1X provides commanders with quality air defence target data, drone detection for counter-UAS, and sense and warn capability simultaneously for rockets, artillery and mortars. Giraffe 1X also offers continuous software upgrades in order to meet emerging threats.

Posted in International, Press Release, Sensors | Comments Off on Saab Reveals Giraffe 1X Compact Radar Module

USSOCOM Announces Innovation Foundry (IF16) – Contested Logistics in Future SOF Operations

June 10th, 2024

SOFWERX, in collaboration with USSOCOM’s Directorate of Science and Technology (S&T), will host the sixteenth Innovation Foundry Event (IF16), 20-22 August 2024, in either Lexington KY, or at SOFWERX in Tampa, FL, (final determination will be made by the end of June), which intends to bring together Special Operations Forces (SOF), industry, academia, national labs, government, and futurists in an exploration, design thinking, facilitated event to assist USSOCOM in decomposing future scenarios and missions.

The theme of IF16, ‘Contested Logistics in Future SOF Operations’ will explore the challenges of resourcing parts, components, and supplies at the point of need for the untethered SOF operator.

The future of warfare demands innovation in supply and sustainment capability to keep pace with large-scale, multidomain combat against peer adversaries. The intensity of future conflicts may lead to rapid depletion of stockpiles and resources, and deployments to remote locations far from established supply hubs will necessitate unconventional solutions for resupply, local procurement, and point-of-need production. This presents new challenges and opportunities for SOF in addressing strategic-to-tactical distribution and supply gaps for the untethered operator. Predictive logistics, real-time needs assessment, advanced manufacturing, energy independence, maneuverability, standardization, safety, and quality assurance will all require novel approaches. The confluence of domains and environments – and the speed and precision demanded of SOF operations – further amplify these challenges.

To tackle these problems SOF and SOF Supporting Activities will need to further study:
•    A vision for the future challenges posed by contested logistics.
•    Understand and mitigate the risks and vulnerabilities of contested logistics.
•    Plans and policies to enable operational advantage and exploit dual-use capabilities in a contested logistics environment.
•    Capabilities to understand and characterize adversarial actions in contested logistics.
•    New concepts of operation to operate in a range of heavily constrained contested logistics scenarios.
•    Recruit and train for the skillsets required to operate in future contested logistics environments.

In this effort, S&T is working with the Program Executive Office for Special Operations Forces Support Activity (PEO-SOFSA) and the Expeditionary Support Program Office.

S&T has developed and refined a unique process, the Innovation Cycle, to engage technology pioneers and leaders, and to discover and develop high risk, innovative, and disruptive technologies for future on-boarding. The Innovation Foundry is the first event in the Innovation Cycle and is the idea generation phase. It will be followed by a Rapid Capability Assessment (RCA) to develop capabilities, and Integrated Technology Sprints (ITS) to demonstrate proofs of concept.

If you are an expert in any of the following areas of interest or in related fields, please consider participating in IF16:

• Advanced energy systems

• Advanced materials

• Additive manufacturing

• Artificial intelligence

• Autonomous systems

• Electrical engineering

• Hybrid manufacturing

• Industrial engineering

• Infrastructure

• Inventory management

• Large-scale, multi-material, and smart 3D printing

• Logistics

• Machine learning

• Machine operations

• Manufacturing

• Material science and engineering

• Mechanical engineering

• Modeling and simulation

• Precision manufacturing

• Production engineering

• Prototyping

• Robotics

• SOF operations

• Supply chain management

• Sustainment

• Textiles

• Welding

Deliverables for the IF16 event will include preliminary capability concepts targeting the defined problem areas which may impact SOF forces and operations in the 2030 timeframe. These preliminary capability concepts will be developed further in a follow-on RCA event.

Submit NLT 05 July 2024 11:59 PM ET.

Further details here.

Posted in Logistics, SOF | Comments Off on USSOCOM Announces Innovation Foundry (IF16) – Contested Logistics in Future SOF Operations

MATBOCK Monday: The Cage – 1 Cage, 2 Belts

June 10th, 2024

We have simplified the cages, and as of 1 June 2024, we will only offer the cage. The cage works with both the Soteria and HAALO belts.

The cage comes in tan or black.

Where to buy a cage: www.matbock.com/collections/belts-lanyards/products/the-cage

All belts and lanyards: www.matbock.com/collections/belts-lanyards

MATBOCK will have all the products on display at ADS Warrior East in a few weeks at the Virginia Beach Convention Center.

Posted in Advertiser, Guest Post, Load Carrying | Comments Off on MATBOCK Monday: The Cage – 1 Cage, 2 Belts

NP Aerospace Acquires the Assets of Jankel Armouring Limited

June 10th, 2024

NP Aerospace, the global vehicle integrator and armour manufacturer, has today announced the acquisition of certain assets of Jankel Armouring Limited – in administration.

Jankel Armouring Limited entered administration on 27 February 2024 and Alvarez & Marsal Europe LLP were appointed as Administrators. NP Aerospace has now acquired assets which include Jankel Armouring Limited’s intellectual property, patents and inventory and the right to transfer, assign and/or novate existing contracts. The acquisition will allow NP Aerospace to integrate a globally proven and successful vehicle product and support line into their already strong portfolio, which will now include Jankel Armouring Limited’s tactical vehicles, civilian armoured vehicles (CAVs), armour technologies, seating systems and through life support services.

Having received UK National Security and Investment Act (NSIA) approval, NP Aerospace can formally engage with key customers, including the Belgian MoD (BeMOD) and UK Ministry of Defence (UK MoD) regarding the delivery of former Jankel Armouring Limited contracts. With an existing pedigree of successful defence vehicle production, integration and support activities, NP Aerospace is ideally positioned to deliver on customer requirements, bringing production programs through to successful conclusion, onshore in the UK.

NP Aerospace has been successful in securing talent from the original Jankel Armouring Limited staff including pivotal engineers and critical executives with the required knowledge of the acquired assets. In addition, it is expected that the acquisition will create and/or sustain around 60-70 skilled jobs. The acquisition does not include any aspect of, or formal relationship with the US based Jankel business, including Jankel Tactical Systems and does not include any liability to former creditors, which sits in the hands of the joint administrators, Alvarez and Marsal.

James Kempston, NP Aerospace CEO, commented: “The announcement of the acquisition of Jankel Armouring Limited’s assets marks a significant phase of growth for the company, creating additional value for customers through new business synergies.” He added: “Our immediate priority is to push forward with existing customer contracts and deliver successful programmes to a global customer base. Beyond that, this announcement is good news for the defence industry, enabling continuation of capability, products and supply, whilst enhancing a very strong global defence export line, under the NP Aerospace brand”.

Mike Denny, Joint Administrator, Alvarez & Marsal Europe LLP, commented: “The completion of the sale of certain assets of Jankel Armouring Limited to NP Aerospace will provide continuity to its customer base and create new opportunities for some of its skilled workforce. We are confident that the business will thrive under the ownership of NP Aerospace”.

Posted in Armor, Industry, International, Press Release | Comments Off on NP Aerospace Acquires the Assets of Jankel Armouring Limited

5th SOPS Activates, Bolsters Space Delta 9 Objectives

June 10th, 2024

WASHINGTON (AFNS) —

The 5th Space Operations Squadron unfurled their colors during an activation ceremony on Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling, June 3.

The ceremony signified the inactivation of Delta 9’s Detachment 1 and the activation of the 5th SOPS which oversees operations of the X-37B Orbital Test Vehicle, an experimental program designed to demonstrate technologies for a reliable, reusable, unmanned space test platform for the U.S. Space Force.

To begin the ceremony, Maj. Eric Wilson, Det. 1 commander, was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal for his exceptional conduct as commander. Wilson highlighted the promising future of the 5th SOPS under the command of Lt. Col. Latasha Spear.

“Fifth SOPS is under great hands with Lt. Col. Spear as I have no doubt she will ensure 5th SOPS is able to continue the great lineage of excellence that Det. 1 Guardians amplified, ensuring mission readiness for the USSF,” Wilson said.

The 5th SOPS was provisionally activated as Operating Location-A, 750th Space Group, on Oct. 1, 1992. However, its roots began in the early 1960s as the Air Force Satellite Control Facility which established one of the Air Force’s major roles in space – satellite operations.

Brig. Gen. Anthony Mastalir, U.S. Space Forces Indo-Pacific commander, served under the original 5th SOPS from 1995 to 1999 and shared his excitement about the activation of 5th SOPS under DEL 9.

“A heartfelt congratulations to DEL 9 and all the men and women of the 5th Space Operations Squadron,” Mastalir said. “I can’t think of a better mission to assume the legacy and lineage of the original 5 SOPS located at Onizuka Air Station in Sunnyvale, California.”

Mastalir also discussed how the 5th SOPS activation will affect the USSF at large, specifically how their mission will help ensure a free and open Indo-Pacific.

“Space Forces Indo-Pacific is one of the many beneficiaries of the ground-breaking missions that will be executed by this new unit. The knowledge gained through test and experimentation at 5 SOPS will be instrumental in our goal to preserve a free and open Indo-Pacific,” Mastalir added.

During the ceremony, Col. Mark Bigley, DEL 9 commander, further expressed the importance and his excitement of the 5th SOPS activating and continuing a legacy of demonstrating technological advancements of the X-37B.

“The first members of 5 SOPS will continue to set the bar of excellence high as well as mark new heights for the future technology capabilities of the X-37B. It is with great honor I welcome 5 SOPS to the USSF,” Bigley said.

Master Sgt. Joseph Wood, 5th SOPS senior enlisted leader, revealed the colors and raised the guidon initiating the assumption-of-command ceremony for the newly activated squadron.

Service members watched as Bigley passed the colors to Spear, entrusting her to lead as the first commander of the 5th SOPS.

Prior to taking command of the 5th SOPS, Spear served as the DEL 5 division chief of joint fires and information operations, Space Forces-Space at Vandenberg Space Force Base, California. During her time in this role, she led joint and combined personnel to deliver space electromagnetic warfare targeting effects and planning as well as command and control operations in alignment with Combined Joint Force Space Component Command.

“To the men and women of the mighty 5th SOPS, I am truly honored to be your first commander,” Spear said. “Fifth SOPS aligns with the objectives of the chief of space operations, Space Operations Command and DEL 9 by contributing to the spacepower of this nation as we collectivity strive to maintain a durable peace for ourselves and our allies in this era of Great Power Competition.”

By 2nd Lt. Danielle Rose, Space Base Delta 1 Public Affairs

Posted in Forces Focus, Guest Post, Space | Comments Off on 5th SOPS Activates, Bolsters Space Delta 9 Objectives

Rheinmetall and MBDA Sign Agreement to Integrate the Small Anti Drone Missile into the Skyranger 30 and Other Military Platforms

June 9th, 2024

To close the existing capability gaps in mobile defence against drones at short range, Rheinmetall Electronics and MBDA Deutschland signed a corresponding Letter of Intent (LOI) at ILA 2024. The companies intend to integrate MBDA’s Small Anti Drone Missile (SADM) into the Skyranger 30 and other Rheinmetall military vehicles. Utilising Enforcer technologies, this new guided missile offers an effective solution against small and medium-sized drones providing a high hit probability at long stand-off distances. For its part, the 30mm cannon on the Skyranger 30 offers highly efficient, mobile defence against airborne threats by combining firepower, intelligent sensor technology and high mobility at shorter ranges. This means that the two weapons complement each other perfectly.

The Letter of Intent aims at a long-term cooperation for the integration of the missile into the Skyranger 30 and other military vehicles as well as the development, production and integration of a launcher onto various turret systems and Rheinmetall’s digital system architecture.

On the MBDA stand at ILA, location G3/001, the missile is displayed on the turret of the Skyranger 30 system.

Thomas Gottschild, Managing Director of MBDA Germany: “The current conflicts have clearly shown that drone defence is one of the key challenges for armed forces. In order to provide the best possible solution, we are joining forces and building on our partnership with Rheinmetall and their turret solutions to close capability gaps in drone defence with the help of our Small Anti Drone Missile.”

Timo Haas, Chief Digital Officer von Rheinmetall: “As the prime contractor for the Skyranger 30 system in Germany, the Small Anti-Drone Missile is an ideal and logical addition to the capabilities of Rheinmetall’s systems and vehicles. We are working in advance and are already creating the conditions for the industrial set-up in order to quickly implement the customer’s decisions.”

Posted in Industry, International, Munitions, Press Release, UAS | Comments Off on Rheinmetall and MBDA Sign Agreement to Integrate the Small Anti Drone Missile into the Skyranger 30 and Other Military Platforms

Uwharrie Website Now Live

June 9th, 2024

Uwharrie was tuning their website up in anticipation of Blade Show when we blindsided them the other day, mentioning the Valkyrie. Now, it’s back up and running.

They’ve got quite a few designs including these two, the P-51 and Manta, just up for pre-order. These titanium multifunctional knives are equipped with a serrated edge and pry tool feature. They suggest the P-51 (left) with 440C stainless blade for aircrew and Jump Masters, while the Manta is a dive knife featuring a Titanium blade. Both are available for pre-order now and you’ll find them in the dagger category.

uwharrie.co

Posted in Knives | Comments Off on Uwharrie Website Now Live