Soldier Systems Daily Soldier Systems Daily

Magruder Takes Command of Special Tactics

July 7th, 2023

HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. —

Col. Daniel Magruder assumed command of the 24th Special Operations Wing during a ceremony at the Special Tactics Training Squadron on Hurlburt Field Jun. 29.

Air Force Special Operations Command commander Lt. Gen. Tony Bauernfeind presided over the ceremony where Magruder took the guidon from Col. Jason Daniels, who is moving on to serve as the Deputy Director of Operations at headquarters AFSOC.

During his command, Daniels led Special Tactics through multiple crises including executing a challenging non-combatant evacuation in Kabul, humanitarian assistance in Haiti, a variety of missions in Africa, the Middle East, Europe, South America, and Asia, and expanded the wing’s focus from countering insurgencies and terrorists to include strategic competition.

Bauernfeind shared words of praise for Daniels.

“Under his leadership, the Air Commandos of the 24 SOW were innovative across the spectrum of conflict, resolute under pressure, and made the impossible look simple,” said Bauernfeind. “The 24 SOW provided back-to-back historic extraction support in August of 2021 and those outstanding achievements would not have been impossible without Jason’s leadership.”

As Daniels prepared to relinquish command, he reflected on his time in the 24 SOW.

“I stand here overwhelmingly with a feeling of thanksgiving for the chance to serve with, lead, and command with the Special Tactics community for more than two decades, particularly the last couple of years,” said Daniels. “The opportunity to command this wing and serve its Airmen has been the greatest honor of my career.”

Daniels was awarded the Legion of Merit Second Oak Leaf Cluster for exceptionally meritorious conduct during his tenure as wing commander from Jun. 4, 2021, to Jun. 29, 2023.

Following the change of command, Magruder spoke to the wing for the first time as commander.

“To the men and women of the 24th Special Operations Wing, Jen and I look forward to working for you. Every day we must earn the distinction as our Air Force’s premier ground special operations force,” said Magruder. “I am optimistic about our future because of you… the incredible people that fill our ranks, I aim to earn your trust as we work together to solve our nation’s toughest problems.”

Magruder earned his commission from the United States Air Force Academy in 2003. He has not only commanded at the flight, squadron, and group levels, but has served in a variety of high-level positions, including being the Chief of Staff of the Air Force’s speech writer.

Magruder closed out the ceremony with a challenge to the men and women of Special Tactics.

“To every member of the AFSOC team and the 24 SOW, I encourage you to think about your place in history. It will call on each of you in some way. When history calls on you, when you are tapped on the shoulder, will you be willing to deliver the roar our nation needs?”

By Capt Savannah Stephens, 24th Special Operations Wing Public Affairs

Posted in AFSW, Air Force, Guest Post, SOF | 1 Comment »

DroneShield Announces $9.9 million DoD Contract

July 6th, 2023

• Five Eyes DoD awards DroneShield a record $9.9 million contract

• The award follows DroneShield successfully completing a $3.8 million contract with the same customer

• Ongoing significant momentum in the business in a rapidly expanding market

Operator with the tablet console of DroneShield DroneSentry-X vehicle counterdrone system

DroneShield Ltd (ASX:DRO) (DroneShield or the Company) has been awarded a follow-on 2-year R&D contract with a total value of $9.9 million by a Five Eyes Department of Defence (DoD). Approximately $4.5 million is due in the September and December 2023 quarters. Five Eyes refers to the defence/intelligence alliance between the US, Canada, UK, Australia and NZ.

The award follows DroneShield materially completing the $3.8 million contract announced 4 June 2021 with the DoD, with a final milestone payment expected this month.

Oleg Vornik, DroneShield’s CEO, commented, “Follow-on contracts are the ultimate customer measure of our performance. As an Australian sovereign industrial capability business, DroneShield is proud and pleased to continue undertaking multi-year contracts of increasing size with this customer.”

“This is the largest long-term contract received by DroneShield to date, significantly larger than the earlier, $3.8 million contract. The 2-year term locks in cash receipts over a period of time. Further larger contracts are anticipated following completion of this phase.”

“In the current uncertain geopolitical environment, there is a significant focus by the Five Eyes Governments to procure from defence industrial capability champions within their network of countries. Having deep engineering and research capability, TRL9 products and a track record of working with Defence, places DroneShield in a favourable position for ongoing work.”

Operational Update

• Following a strong $7 million cash receipts 1Q23 quarter, DroneShield is on track for an all-time record 2Q23 quarter and continuing on a trajectory for another record year for cash receipts in 2023. Further detail will be provided in the next 4C quarterly, due to be released later in July.

• Significant progress on manufacturing, operations and inventory scale-up to support additional anticipated orders for remainder of 2023. DroneShield is currently finalizing the location for a larger industrial site to move its Sydney operations to enable the growth.

• With the $11 million contract announced in December now fully delivered and paid for, DroneShield is progressing the inventory build of the second $11 million order announced in January, expected to be delivered later this year.

• Current order book (committed and binding customer purchase orders) of approximately $29 million, an all-time record.

• Over $200 million qualified opportunities pipeline (in addition to the order book), across approximately 80 projects.

• Ongoing record demand for counterdrone / C-UAS equipment, underscored by the events in Ukraine and increasing defence and security budgets globally.

• In addition to military and intelligence communities, significant engagement with critical infrastructure plants, airports and other civilian customers.

Posted in Contracts, Press Release, UAS | Comments Off on DroneShield Announces $9.9 million DoD Contract

Warrior East 23 – Thales Universal Battery Charger Gen 4

July 6th, 2023

The Universal Battery Charger Gen 4 Scalable Charging System from Thales will charge up to six BB-2525 batteries from 0% to 95% in 2.5 hours.

All told, it accepts up to eight batteries simultaneously and will charge multiple types (AN/PRC-148, AN/PRC-152, BB-2590, BB-390, and Conformal Batteries) as well as USB ports for computers, EUDs and their associated batteries.

In addition to battery state of charge and state of health indicators, it also features a built-in solar mode with solar meter.

Units and agencies can procure products seen at Warrior East by contacting ADS, Inc.

Posted in Advertiser, Comms, Power, Warrior Expo | Comments Off on Warrior East 23 – Thales Universal Battery Charger Gen 4

Warrior East 23 – Patriot3 CRRC Deployment Kit

July 6th, 2023

Patriot3 had limited booth space so they showed the features of their Combat Rubber Raiding Craft Deployment Kit with a model.

This diagram will help you see what is in the kit.

1. BOW BAGS
Wet and Dry Gear Storage

2. RIGHTING LINES
Overturned CRRC Correction

3. CARGO NET
Secure Cargo Containment

4. TOWING LINES
Weight Distributing Tow Straps

5. NAVIGATION BOARD
Compass Mounted Dashboard

Units and agencies can procure products seen at Warrior East by contacting ADS, Inc.

Posted in Advertiser, Maritime, Warrior Expo | Comments Off on Warrior East 23 – Patriot3 CRRC Deployment Kit

Warrior East 23 – Pre-Lubed Nasopharyngeal Airway from North American Rescue

July 6th, 2023

This one is a simple product but will be appreciated by medics. NAR is offering a pre-lubed nasal trumpet.

Just open the package and apply. No more time consuming and messy application of lube when you need to get an airway in.

Units and agencies can procure products seen at Warrior East by contacting ADS, Inc.

Posted in Advertiser, Medical, Warrior Expo | 6 Comments »

Warrior East 23 – EWOC Hood

July 6th, 2023

Coming soon from Massif is the EWOC Hood.

Offered in an FR variant which will be made from the same Flame stretch material used in Elements jacket and a non FR-version which incorporates Sargeant Fleece.

The EWOC features a pull back hood and integral balaclava.

Units and agencies can procure products seen at Warrior East by contacting ADS, Inc.

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Saab Receives Order for Carl-Gustaf M4 from Australia

July 6th, 2023

Saab has received an order from the Australian Department of Defence for the supply of additional Carl-Gustaf® M4 weapons. The order value is SEK 400 million with deliveries during 2024-2025.

The Carl-Gustaf M4 weapons will be delivered with Saab’s new Fire Control Device, FCD 558.

“This order continues Saab’s longstanding relationship with the Australian Defence Force. We are proud to deliver modern and user-focused weapon systems that ensures the Australian armed forces’ ability to meet a wide range of challenges on the battlefield,” says Görgen Johansson, head of Saab’s business area Dynamics.

Proven to deliver results on the battlefield, Carl-Gustaf provides the effectiveness soldiers need. The wide range of ammunition types for Carl-Gustaf makes it flexible and able to handle any situation, whether it is to destroy an armoured vehicle or structure, or illuminating the battlefield during night operations.

The Carl-Gustaf system is supplied to more than 40 countries around the world.

Posted in Contracts, International, Munitions, Press Release, weapons | Comments Off on Saab Receives Order for Carl-Gustaf M4 from Australia