Soldier Systems Daily Soldier Systems Daily

Saab’s Autonomous Swarm Technology Used in Landmark AUKUS Trial

November 17th, 2024

Saab’s Autonomous Swarm technology recently featured in the ground-breaking Project Convergence 2024 trials, consisting of one month in the United States. A large UK team, comprising 40 employees from Saab-owned BlueBear and UK MOD Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) personnel, demonstrated the ability to deploy interoperable AI within Autonomous Swarms of Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS).

AUKUS, a trilateral security partnership between Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States, held trials that demonstrated the pivotal role of BlueBear’s technology in collaborative, networked, swarms of UAS. BlueBear’s AI enabled Centurion™ mission system provided the ability for a single operator to command a diverse swarm of autonomous UAS.

At the core of BlueBear’s AI-enabled autonomy solution is the ability to ‘hot-swap’ AI from any supplier in an autonomous systems-of-systems. This technology is key to unlocking the game-changing potential of deployed networked sensors and effectors in an integrated multi-domain battlefield.

BlueBear’s RedKite and Ghost UAS, were used in tandem with Centurion™, by the tri-nation AUKUS team to rapidly retrain and deploy AI algorithms, that enabled the payloads and UASs.

”The AUKUS trials marks a significant increase in our ability to interoperate with allied nations, both at mission and core technology levels. Significant investment from both the UK Government and Saab’s BlueBear have allowed us to collectively mature and de-risk high-value technologies that are imperative in modern warfare,” says Andy Fraser, Group Managing Director, Saab UK.

The AUKUS trial was the culmination of Autonomy and Open Architecture work consistently funded by Dstl over two decades. Find additional details of the trials on gov.uk.

Saab acquired BlueBear in August 2023, as its rapid capability accelerator innovating new technologies and integrating them across Saab’s portfolio.

Posted in International, Press Release, UAS | No Comments »

Brigantes Partners with Combat Flip Flops as Their UK and EMEA Distributor

November 16th, 2024

Specialists in on-the-soldier equipment with particular expertise in the realm of extreme cold weather operations, flip flops may not seem like the most obvious segway for a company like Brigantes, the UK-based supplier of technical equipment and apparel for NATO military, government, and elite police units. However, this is no ordinary flip flop company, as is evidenced by anyone who has spent time in the company of Combat Flip Flops co-founder, Matt Griffin (Griff).

Bad for running, worse for fighting
Born out of a dream to “bring some good vibes to the world” Combat Flip Flops was founded by former US Rangers, Matt Griffin and Donald Lee, along with Andy Sewrey, during a post-military trip to Afghanistan in 2009. Inspired by their time in the military, their range of footwear, shemaghs and jewellery accessories embody comfort, practicality and style. Crafted using high-quality materials in small-scale factories in Colombia, Afghanistan and Laos, their products aren’t tactical, but they are seriously good.

Combat Flip Flop’s goal is simple: to inspire peace, relaxation and to make the world a better place. A mission which they pursue through the causes that they support. From an early endeavour to deliver vital education to girls in Afghanistan, to their current support of One More Wave, an organisation that provides customised surfing equipment for wounded and disabled veterans. Combat Flip Flops are defined by their commitment to delivering high quality products whilst simultaneously bettering the lives of people around the world. By uniting individuals from both the military community and conflict-affected regions, Combat Flip Flops brings together these seemingly disparate groups for a common purpose.

A Shared Mission
Two organisations with closely aligning values, Combat Flip Flops and Brigantes also share a lot of common history. Both founded by military veterans who served on tours in the Middle East as well as several other global conflict zones. An extensive past of military service has ignited for both companies a shared desire to give back, both to the regions in which they served, as well as the armed forces community. Brigantes is the official equipment sponsor of the Invictus Games Foundation, an organisation which facilitates sporting events and adventures for wounded and sick veterans, and so a partnership with Combat Flip Flops, a company distinguished by their passionate core purpose and philanthropic endeavours, makes sense.

The agreement between the two companies will see Brigantes assume responsibility for all UK and EMEA sales of Combat Flip Flops products. From their bestselling AK 47 flip flop, crafted from premium leather with an ergonomic footbed and injection-moulded arch support, to the Shadowban High Top, designed with durable fabrics and featuring a leather toe cap and tongue, their collection embodies a military veteran’s unique take on timeless footwear styles. Despite the name, these shoes are most certainly not designed for combat. Their motto: “bad for running, worse for fighting” says it all. But for those in search of high quality, thoughtfully crafted pieces, inspired by military service and in aid of a valuable global cause, these really are second to none.

For more information or to discuss placing an order, please contact Brigantes: brigantes.com/contact

Posted in Boots, Industry, International, Press Release | No Comments »

Feind Hört Mit

November 16th, 2024

Our friends at Spartan.AT are offering a fun tip of the hat to the German language version of “The Enemy Is Listening.”

“Der Feind Hört Mit” dates back to at least World War Two where the slogan was placed on propaganda posters as well as affixed to the front of radios. This is an DDR (East German) National Volks Armee version of the Soviet Cold War-era R104M radio. Check out the engraving at the top.

Get your patch at shop.spartanat.com/products/feind-hort-mit-der-patch

Posted in International, Morale | No Comments »

Red Dragon Snipers Showcase Skill at Finnish Championship

November 16th, 2024

RICHMOND, Va. – For the third consecutive year, snipers from the 1st Battalion, 116th Infantry Regiment, 116th Infantry Brigade Combat Team traveled to Finland to compete against their international peers at the HÄYHÄ 2024 Sniper Shooting Championship.

Three Red Dragon snipers — Staff Sgt. Joshua Johnson, Sgt. James O’Connell and Spc. Jonathan Farrar — competed Sept. 20-22 at a training site near Imatra, Finland.

“Being a sniper is the privilege of a lifetime,” O’Connell said. “It is something I’ve wanted to do since before I joined and something I’ve earned through hard work and a genuine love of country. Competing internationally is an honor I hope to earn again.”

The multiday event included numerous stages designed to test the snipers on their craft.

“While shooting was the central focus of the event, the Finnish cadre clearly demonstrated an understanding that our jobs are more than just being good behind the rifle,” O’Connell said.

Competitors had to prove their competency with skills, including tactical casualty care and calling in air support, and numerous physical challenges. O’Connell said those skills and the ability to conquer challenges using “raw physical strength” are all “critical to a sniper’s role” and part of what sets the sniper apart from the basic marksman.

“The competition was very dynamic and each event would require you to create a plan in less than 5 minutes and execute the plan,” Farrar said. “Events were timed and would require you to stealthily set up your shooting positions prior to engagements.”

To prepare for the competition, the three first trained independently. Farrar said he focused on “running, rucking and doing calisthenics” to face the physical challenges. Then, the snipers came together at Fort Barfoot for several days of more focused training.

“We trained on shooting in various positions, making simultaneous shots, stress shooting and stalking,” Farrar said.

O’Connell said the team focused on tackling targets at unknown distances and firing from the standing position.

“On my own time, I studied formulas I would use, focused on my physical exercise routine and on endurance cardio, and got trigger time on my personal rifle to stay sharp,” he said.

The snipers finished 9th out of 14 teams. Each Virginia sniper expressed appreciation for the work put in by their Finnish hosts and left the competition with a few valuable lessons.

“I learned that there’s a surprising amount of overlap in the way that we and the rest of NATO do things as snipers,” O’Connell said. “I feel confident that if I had an English-speaking Finn as my spotter, we would have no trouble working together and getting a good effect on target.”

Farrar called the HÄYHÄ 2024 Sniper Shooting Championship his best military experience to date.

“I enjoyed the competition because it was challenging [and] I was able to build relationships with the other competitors,” Farrar said. “Our community is small and we are always looking for ways to become better and more lethal.”

By SFC Terra C. Gatti, Virginia National Guard Public Affairs Office

Posted in Army, Guest Post | Comments Off on Red Dragon Snipers Showcase Skill at Finnish Championship

DroneShield Formally Recognized for Innovation and Recruitment Efforts

November 15th, 2024

DroneShield Honored with Prestigious Military and Aerospace Electronics Innovator Platinum Award for Counterdrone Immediate Response Kit

Warrenton, Virginia – DroneShield, a leader in counter-unmanned aircraft systems (C-UAS) solutions, has been awarded the top Platinum Award for Innovation by Military and Aerospace Electronics for its Immediate Response Kit (IRK) solution. The prestigious accolade recognizes the IRK as a “superb innovation characterized by a groundbreaking approach to meeting a need” in the defense and aerospace sector.

DroneShield’s IRK includes the DroneGun Mk4, a highly effective handheld defeat pistol designed to neutralize unauthorized drones, and the RfPatrol Mk2, an advanced handheld tool that detects, identifies, and locates drone signals in real-time. These devices, packaged in a compact and portable flyaway case, provide military, law enforcement, and critical infrastructure protection teams with rapid, reliable solutions for drone detection and defeat in field operations.

DroneShield’s Immediate Response Kit (IRK)

DroneShield’s IRK is designed to be highly effective in a range of demanding environments and can be body-worn, deployed on ground, or used in vehicle-based operations. The IRK is supplied with omni-directional ISM band antennas with no intentional RF transmissions for quiet and safe wearable operation. Continuing with a user-centric design, the IRK supports integration into existing software systems via existing API and utilizing common open standards. Notably, intuitive, and easy-to-use controls allow for rapid deployment with optimized power from the NATO-standard battery to deliver increased disruption range and effectiveness.

“By integrating state-of-the-art RF technology with user-centric design, the IRK sets the standard for portable drone defense, offering unparalleled ease of use and operational flexibility for those in critical missions and high-stakes environments,” said Matt McCrann, Chief Executive Officer at DroneShield LLC. “We are proud of the team responsible for our innovative technology, like the Immediate Response Kit, and grateful for the recognition of our cutting-edge solution that meets the evolving needs of our customers.”

For more information about the Immediate Response Kit and other advanced C-UAS solutions from DroneShield, view our range of C-UAS products.

Posted in Press Release, UAS | Comments Off on DroneShield Formally Recognized for Innovation and Recruitment Efforts

Rheinmetall to Deliver Canada’s Enhanced Recovery Capability Project Worth Over $300 million CAD

November 15th, 2024

The Canadian government has awarded Rheinmetall a major order for the production of 85 heavy recovery vehicles to the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) as part of the Enhanced Recovery Capability (ERC) project. The five-year purchase agreement, worth $325 million CAD (around €215 million), includes vehicles, recovery equipment and other modifications. The first deliveries are scheduled for 2027. A supplementary $28.9 million CAD (around €20 million) multi-year in-service support contract has also been awarded to Rheinmetall.

Serving as prime contractor, Rheinmetall Canada will replace the CAF’s heavy logistic vehicle wheeled recovery fleet with 85 HX 8×8 trucks, each equipped with a heavy towing and recovery module. This will provide the CAF with enhanced capabilities to effectively recover and tow their latest generation of heavier armoured and logistical vehicles. The new HX heavy recovery vehicles also provide additional capabilities, such as an integrated rotary crane that can be used for container handling and for other crane work.

Rheinmetall HX: a best-in-class, combat-proven flagship

Purpose-built for military end users and characterized by high mobility, reliability, and durability, the HX represents a long-term solution for Canada. It will provide logistic support to combat forces anywhere on the battlefield, even in the most stringent conditions. The HX recovery truck will also offer a high level of protection, significantly increasing soldiers’ survivability and mission success.

In terms of maturity, Rheinmetall’s flagship has been reliably serving military customers in the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Germany, Norway, Denmark, Sweden, Slovenia, Singapore, and Japan in a variety of operational scenarios, from domestic disaster relief and humanitarian support, to combat operations in harsh operating battlefield environments encountered in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Mali. This international distribution of HX trucks brings major advantages when it comes to interoperability and logistics among NATO partners.

The ERC team: world-leading partners offering a unique solution

The ERC project team will be led by Rheinmetall Canada, a leading system integrator in the defence and security industry. Rheinmetall Canada will be supported by Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles, a German-Austrian world-leading logistic vehicle manufacturer; Miller Industries Towing Equipment, a premier supplier of towing and recovery equipment located in the United States; and Rotzler Holding, a leading manufacturer of hydraulic winches and winch systems based in Germany with operations in Canada.

“Together, this strong team will provide a sophisticated best-in-class recovery solution that will enable the CAF to fulfil its tasks in support of Canadian national interests. This vehicle is an extraordinary system which will meet Canada’s needs for decades to come. Moreover, Canada is now joining an elite group of operators of the HX recovery platform and will benefit from other nations’ experience with the system.” stated Pietro Mazzei, President and CEO of Rheinmetall Canada.

“We are very grateful to be able to welcome Canada as a new member of the HX user group,” stated Michael Wittlinger, CEO of Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles. “With the heavy recovery vehicle, the HX fleet is now prominently represented on the North American continent for the first time. Our mission-proven vehicle family is increasingly becoming the backbone of the logistics forces of NATO and allied nations.”

Significant industrial and economic benefits for Canada

The benefits of the ERC project will be felt across Canada: it will create high-tech career opportunities at both Rheinmetall Canada and its Canadian suppliers, in addition to generating a number of valuable investments throughout the country. With over 1,5 billion Canadian Dollars in Industrial Technological Benefits (ITB) and Industrial and Regional Benefits (IRB) credited since the company was founded just over 35 years ago, Rheinmetall Canada is one of the leading companies for delivering ITBs, IRBs, job creation, and economic growth to Canada.

Posted in Contracts, International, Mobility, Press Release | No Comments »

Gentex SideKick ARC Mini Rails for HGU-56/P Helmet

November 15th, 2024

It was only a matter of time before the Ops-Core ARC (Accessory Rail Connector) would find its way on to a flight helmet.

The SideKick ARC Mini Rails offer a low-profile attachment point for additional technology, mounting them closer to the helmet, with a lower center of gravity. Additionally, accessories will breakaway at 8 ft/lbs in the event of a crash or snag.

SideKick ARC Rails are designed to be compatible with all fielded and future HGU-56/P style helmets, including RWH and ABH.

Available in Black.

shop.gentexcorp.com/sidekick-arc-mini-rail

Posted in Advertiser, Aviation, Helmets | No Comments »

WARQ Announces the Launch of New Force-On-Force Gloves

November 15th, 2024

WARQ, the creator of the WARQ Pro anti-fog force-on-force helmet has just announced it’s latest product development, force-on-force training gloves

Built to protect during force-on-force training without sacrificing your mobility or control. The gloves feature impact-resistant padding with high flexibility and an optimized trigger finger for enhanced precision. The high-friction grip and secure velcro closure ensure comfort and reliability during dynamic training exercises. It’s the perfect blend of protection and dexterity for law enforcement professionals.

This announcement broadens WARQ’s product portfolio, reinforcing its commitment to equipping law enforcement and military professionals with the proper equipment for safer, more dynamic training – without compromising realism.

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Learn more about the gloves here: warqhelmets.com/force-on-force-gloves

Posted in Handwear, Press Release | No Comments »