The Federal Office for Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support (BAAINBw) has commissioned Rheinmetall to deliver up to 120 rescue stations to the Bundeswehr. The order will be booked in January 2025 and values in a high double-digit million euro range. Delivery of the initial ten ballistic protected and six unprotected systems is scheduled between 2025 and 2027.
The contract also includes an option for a further 104 armoured and unarmoured systems, as well as corresponding training for the appropriate personnel. The highly mobile aid-stations are used by the Bundeswehr medical service to provide surgical and internal emergency care for the armed forces. If need be, the systems can be set up and dismantled within the shortest possible time.
Each system includes an air conditioning unit, a power generator and an emergency surgery container equipped with the latest medical instruments. The aid-stations are part of the Bundeswehr’s Modular Medical Facilities (MSE) system.
The system and technology are already deployed by the Israeli Air Force, Elite IDF special units, and security response teams
Shot Show, Jan 21-24, 2025, Las Vegas, Booth # 41754 (BALCO Defense)
January 08, 2025, Eyeviation, a pioneering startup specializing in Human-Aware Artificial Intelligence, proudly unveils VCAT (Virtual Cognitive-Aware Trainer), a transformative AI-powered virtual instructor redefining firearms training worldwide. With a bold promise to significantly improve trainees’ shooting capabilities in just 15 minutes, VCAT is already operational with selected Israeli Defence Forces units and security response teams.
Utilizing a proprietary cognitive analytics engine developed with algorithms originally designed for fighter jet pilot training and enriched by performance data from elite special forces operatives, VCAT processes eye-tracking and other sensory data from off-the-shelf VR/AR wearables to deliver personalized and adaptive training based on real-time motoric, visual, and cognitive insights. The platform leverages AI-driven insights to analyze movement patterns, providing immediate biofeedback and immersive 3D visualizations.
The system’s innovative design allows a single operator with basic shooting and operational knowledge to oversee up to five trainees simultaneously. This scalability transforms operators into effective shooting instructors, addressing key challenges in the industry, such as rising ammunition costs, a shortage of shooting lanes and professional instructors, and limited training hours.
VCAT offers unmatched cost-effectiveness with virtually no setup requirements, enabling efficient micro-training sessions that deliver measurable results anytime, anywhere. By significantly reducing costs associated with installation, logistics, and ammunition, VCAT redefines modern training efficiency.
In shooting ranges, VCAT provides ammunition-free warm-up and tactical preparation sessions, helping users effectively prepare for live-fire training. Next step is to feature personalized live-fire recommendations based on performance data to optimize skill development.
“VCAT represents a revolutionary approach to training technology and the human-machine relationship,” says Or Landwer, CEO of Eyeviation. “By decoding human cognitive behaviours and enabling the machine to understand the trainee, our system efficiently processes data to deliver ultra-personalized and adaptive training sessions in real-time.”
“Our vision is to create the world’s best autonomous firearms trainers—accessible to everyone and designed to adapt in real-time to each trainee’s needs—delivering unmatched results efficiently and helping individuals reach their full potential faster than ever,” Landwer adds.
B.E. Meyers & Co., Inc. is a US Defense Technology Manufacturer specializing in advanced photonics solutions for military, law enforcement, consumer, and aerospace applications. In our Redmond, WA facility our ISO 9001:2015 production operations specialize in premier visible, near infrared and out-of-band laser marking and illumination systems, which serve end-users in 38 nations worldwide.
Our Defense Systems as well as Integrated Systems product catalogs are here: bemeyers.com/catalogs
As a privately held, Veteran-operated, second-generation US Small Business in our 50th Year in Business, we are a true Made in America story, from the back-of-the-napkin sketch to the final product out the door happening at our Redmond, WA headquarters. We appreciate your support as we work to evolve critical Defense Technology, create jobs in Washington State, and reenergize American Manufacturing.
For Immediate Release: Crewkerne England – Pioneer in red dot sight manufacturing and design, SHIELD Sights announces the Advanced Mini Sight (AMS) and AMSc as the latest advancement in mini sight technology. The AMS and AMSc are now available worldwide through SHIELD Sights and participating dealers.
The AMS and AMSc (compact) are fully enclosed pistol sights that share the standard SHIELD footprint and maintain a co-witness with standard height iron sights. The AMS Line series of sights combine the best features of the military-proven SIS enclosed carbine sight and RMSw pistol optic to create a compact yet fully sealed pistol sight. This combination integrates the patented no-click adjustment mechanism, 3 auto brightness settings, 12 manual brightness settings, and NGV compatibility.
The all-aluminium frame houses 23mm x 17mm (AMS) and 19mm x 16mm (AMSc) all-glass objective lens, features an integrated rear peep sight, and a mounting interface for fitting aftermarket accessories like a roll cage, lights, lasers, or protective lens covers. The housing is also nitrogen-purged and waterproof to depths of 30 feet for 30 minutes.
Weighing only 37g, 1.3 oz (battery included), the AMS and AMSc boast a calculated battery life of 20,000hr with CR2032 battery on manual level 7 setting. The side battery compartment is easily accessible and capable of using CR2025, CR2032, and CR2050 batteries.
Available models
AMS 4MOA
AMS 8MOA
AMS Multi Reticle ( 2MOA, 2MOA + 65MOA Ring, 8MOA, 8MOA + 65MOA Ring, 8MOA Horseshoe, and 8MOA Horseshoe + 65MOA Ring )
AMSc 4MOA
AMSc 8MOA
Features include AMS
– Mounts to Standardized SHIELD footprint
– Co-witness to standard iron sights
– Large crystal clear 1x Glass lens
– Weighing only 34g, 1.2 oz ( without battery ).
– 12 stage manual brightness adjustment, including 3 NVG settings.
– 3 stage auto brightness adjustments
– 20,000 hours battery life calculated using 2MOA LED on setting 7 using CR2032 Battery.
Marietta, GA – Maj. Gen. Justin Hoffman, Deputy Commander of Air Force Special Operations Command, attended a delivery milestone on Dec 13, 2024 in Marietta, Georgia for the command’s final MC-130J Commando II. The fly-away ceremony commemorated the final stage of Lockheed Martin’s aircraft production for the MC-130J program and last handover to the Air Force.
“For decades, Lockheed Martin has consistently delivered critical capabilities for Air Commandos in a timely and effective manner,” said Hoffman. “As we continue in an era of strategic competition, we will continue to develop platforms to address future needs and integrate new capabilities.”
The first MC-130J was delivered in September 2011 to Cannon Air Force Base, New Mexico. It first deployed in March 2013 to Afghanistan and supported over 400 missions, flying more than 2,000 hours, and moving an estimated 12,000 passengers and 9.4 million pounds of cargo.
The C-130J served as the recapitalization solution for AFSOC, modernizing 40-year-old legacy AC and MC fleets providing advanced avionics, navigation, and survivability features to enhance Special Operations mobility and strike.
“AFSOC’s receipt of the final MC-130J culminates an over fifteen-year effort to recapitalize and re-baseline the Special Operations C-130 fleet,” said Col. T. Justin Bronder, Special Operations Command PEO Fixed Wing. “This delivery marks both the end of this effort and the beginning of a new era; we will continue to relentlessly evolve AFSOC’s C-130s to ensure these aircraft possesses capabilities to advance our future force.”
Known as the Commando II, the MC-130J flies infiltration, exfiltration, and resupply of special operations forces by airdrop or airland as well as air refueling missions.
The final MC-130J will be delivered to the 58th Special Operations Wing at Kirtland AFB in New Mexico to train future AFSOC Air Commandos in the formal training unit.
The project of the German-Lithuanian artillery plant in Baisogala continues to move forward. On 20 December 2024, representatives of the German defence technology company Rheinmetall, the Lithuanian energy transmission and exchange group EPSO-G, the EPSO-G company EPSO-G Invest and the Lithuanian company Girait?s ginkluot?s gamykla signed a partnership agreement. This regulates the acquisition of shares in the company Rheinmetall Defence Lietuva, which will build the artillery shell manufacturing plant for 155-mm artillery shells.
The agreement stipulates that Rheinmetall will hold 51 percent of the shares in Rheinmetall Defence Lietuva. 48 percent will be owned by EPSO-G Invest and 1 percent by Girait?s ginkluot?s gamykla.
“At the end of November, we signed a contract for the lease of a land plot for the future factory in the Radviliškis district and the purchase of 155 mm ammunition. With the signed agreement with our Lithuanian partners, we have completed another very important stage and will now plan the construction of the new factory and prepare it for operation together,” says Armin Papperger, Chairman of the Rheinmetall executive board.
“Lithuania’s energy independence and security are inseparable from each other and these are the main strategic directions of the EPSO-G group. In this project, we will use our accumulated experience in implementing strategic infrastructural energy and security projects,” says Tomas Varneckas, CEO of EPSO-G Invest.
According to Violeta Kaš?tien?, interim manager of the Girait?s ginkluot?s gamykla, the involvement of the Girait? Armaments Factory in this project is a significant step, opening up new opportunities for cooperation with one of the world’s leaders in the defense sector. “This partnership project not only strengthens our competencies and role in the Lithuanian defense industry, but also contributes to ensuring the country’s security interests. From an economic point of view, this is a targeted development step, strengthening the potential of the Lithuanian defense industry and promoting its further development,” says V. Kaš?tien?.
The plant near Baisogala is expected to start operations in two years period and, once completed, will be capable of producing tens of thousands of 155 mm calibre artillery shells annually. According to the preliminary calculations total investments into the facility may reach around €260 million. The plant is expected to create at least 150 new direct jobs in the region.
Visionary leader to drive aerospace and defense growth with proven military-approved Carbon Fiber Technology.
Columbia Falls, Mont. (January 2025) – PROOF Research®, the global leader in composite technology, is proud to announce the appointment of Richard Hunter as its new Chief Executive Officer. With over 25 years of leadership in the aerospace, defense, and industrial manufacturing sectors, Hunter brings a wealth of experience to the company, poised to accelerate growth in its aerospace and defense markets while continuing to innovate in the commercial firearms space for which PROOF Research has built its legacy.
Hunter joins PROOF Research following a successful tenure as CEO of Eaglepicher Technologies, where he spearheaded growth initiatives by building high-performance teams and implementing transformative organizational strategies. Previously, he served as President of L3 Technologies’ Defense Electronic Systems division, where he led the integration of four distinct divisions into a unified entity, delivering synergies in manufacturing and business development.
As an advocate for innovation and operational excellence, Hunter’s leadership is expected to bolster PROOF Research’s commitment to providing cutting-edge solutions, including their patented match-grade carbon fiber barrels – the only carbon fiber barrels approved for use by the U.S. military.
With its industry-leading advanced composite products already trusted by the military, including for platforms such as the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter and the B2 Stealth Bomber, PROOF Research is poised to expand its industry-leading firearm, composite technologies into more precise and complex systems utilized in the aerospace and defense markets.
“Joining PROOF Research represents an extraordinary opportunity to harness the company’s unparalleled expertise in advanced composites to address the evolving needs of the aerospace and defense industries,” said Hunter. “The team’s ability to merge next-gen aerospace materials with precision firearms technology sets a new standard for innovation. I look forward to working alongside this talented group to expand PROOF’s reach and capabilities.”
Find out more about PROOF Research barrels and rifles at proofresearch.com.
