Wilcox BOSS Xe

Support for Ukraine: Rheinmetall Receives Follow-Up Order for the Delivery of Eight Additional Forward Surgical Team Stations

August 9th, 2024

The Ukrainian Ministry of Defence has commissioned Rheinmetall to deliver eight additional Forward Surgical Team stations (FST) for the country`s armed forces. The order is part of the strengthening initiative (“Ertüchtigungsinitiative”) of the Federal Government of Germany. The delivery is expected to begin in 2024 and to be completed by end 2026. The order comprises eight turnkey-ready systems, equipped with highly modern medical technology, among it an x-ray-container, an operating theatre and a unit for intensive care on the standard of a modern hospital. For transporting each rescue unit, Rheinmetall also delivers a mobile component consisting of three HGVs from Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles (RMMW) including the trailers. The order is valued in a medium double-digit million Euro range.

Armin Papperger, CEO of Rheinmetall AG: “The medical care facilities from Rheinmetall are highly mobile, very fast operational and quality-wise on the highest standard. The newly placed order underlines that our first deliveries to the Ukraine concerning medical technology have proven their worth. We are happy to play an important part in supporting the Ukrainian Forces also with our medical aid”. 

In addition to the delivery of FST rescue units, is also envisaged give appropriate Ukrainian personnel a one week’s training in Germany. Already in September 2023, Rheinmetall had handed-over a mobile field hospital (NATO-Role-2-Standard) with 32 beds for patients, of which eight are for intensive care, to Ukraine. Also in this case, ten Ukrainian soldiers underwent a two-week training regarding assembly and disassembly as well as transportation and operation of the hospital. Two rescue units of the current order will be delivered by Rheinmetall end of 2023 and beginning of 2024.

The FSTs are container-based rescue units for mounted operations. They consist of six containers each. Five of which are connected to each other while in operation and have a reception, respectively a triage-area, an x-ray-shelter, a surgery preparation, a surgery-shelter as well as an intensive care unit. The support container with a power generator and water tanks can keep the system in service independently for at least 48 hours. Concerning the production of these systems, Rheinmetall cooperates with renowned German manufacturers from the medical technology sector.

The FSTs are intended for use on the front-line. There life-sustaining measures can be carried out on severely injured troops within a very short time, and the patients can be stabilized.

FALCO Holsters Compatible with Sightmark Red Dots

August 9th, 2024

Ft. Lauderdale, FL – August 8, 2024 – FALCO® Holsters, a global leader in crafting innovative holsters and EDC accessories, is pleased to announce that its holsters are now compatible with all Sightmark pistol red dot sights.

“We are excited to offer holsters that seamlessly accommodate Sightmark red dots, giving our customers the confidence to use their handguns equipped with these advanced optics,” said Katarína Zacharová, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at FALCO Holsters. “FALCO Holsters are designed to accommodate virtually all RDS optics on the market, making them a versatile and reliable choice for firearm enthusiasts. Our compatibility with Sightmark’s red dots further solidifies our commitment to providing top-tier gear that meets the needs of modern firearm users,” she added.

“FALCO Holsters’ dedication to quality and innovation has made them a preferred choice for shooters seeking dependable and functional holster solutions,” stated Gergana Panayotova, Marketing Operations Manager at Sightmark. “We are excited about this collaboration because it guarantees that users of our red dot sights have access to premium holsters that complement their equipment perfectly.”

For more information on FALCO Holsters, please visit FALCO Holsters. To learn how to sight in a red dot sight and to explore the full range of FALCO Holsters with Sightmark red dot compatibility, visit FALCOHolsters.com/blog.

SIG Studios New Release: Rich Froning, INTO THE STORM Exclusively on SIG CONNECT App

August 9th, 2024

NEWINGTON, N.H., (August 8, 2024) – SIG SAUER will premier an exclusive new SIG Studios feature film in the next chapter of “Stories of the Uncommon Series” with an up close and personal look at the life of CrossFit™ legend Rich Froning.

Get a glimpse into the life of Rich Froning in the fourth installment of the SIG Studios exclusive film series, “Stories of the Uncommon.” From Tennessee firefighter to CrossFit’s most celebrated athlete, witness his journey, entrepreneurial endeavors, family bonds, and patriotic spirit, capturing the essence of his drive and inspiring viewers to embrace courage and protect freedoms.

SIG Studios films are available exclusively on the SIG CONNECT App. Easily download SIG CONNECT from the App Store or Google Play. The app includes free content and premium subscribers gain access to over 100 videos of app-exclusive training, instruction and award-winning SIG Films video content including this new release.

“INTO THE STORM” featuring Rich Froning is now available on the SIG CONNECT app from SIG SAUER. Previously released films in the Stories of the Uncommon Series include “One Man. One Path. Many Missions with Kevin Holland” and “Pursuit of Freedom with Rose Namajunas.”

For more information about SIG CONNECT App and all SIG SAUER products visit sigsauer.com.

Persistent Systems and Data Hertz Secure Summer Olympics with Coastal Communications Network

August 9th, 2024

August 8, 2024 Wave Relay® capabilities to provide real-time text and geolocation data to French Law enforcement and military services safeguarding sailing event off coast of Marseilles.

Persistent Systems, LLC (“Persistent”), a leader in mobile ad hoc networking (MANET), announced today that the French Navy, with support from DataHertz and Steatite Communications, deployed the Wave Relay® network during the Olympic games for maritime domain awareness.

The Wave Relay network allowed French Law Enforcement and Military units to seamlessly pass real-time text and geolocation data throughout the Marseilles Marina. The network, which doesn’t rely on LTE or infrastructure, was outfitted on vessels and shore infrastructure, providing increased maritime domain awareness during the Olympic sailing competition.

“We are very excited to be bringing our MANET capabilities to France, especially now,” said Eve Shapiro, Persistent’s Senior Director of Sales, International Team. “The Olympic Games draw crowds from all over the world and require a great amount of security coordination. Our robust, highly scalable MANET solution will support the communications needs of security personnel.”

As international forces look to increase their maritime communications capabilities, Persistent’s Infrastructure-based Regional Operation Network (IRON) solution has already been deployed in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and NATO allies in the Baltic region. IRON links tower-based antennas and ship-based data radios to facilitate surveillance and tracking of maritime activity.

The use of the Wave Relay network at the Olympics is another milestone in Persistent’s international efforts as the company expands its presence into France. In addition to supporting the Olympics’ sailing competitions, the Wave Relay network provided situational awareness when the Olympic Torch was brought to France on the Belem, a historic three-masted ship.

“Forces at sea and on the ground passed key information across the network to Delta Suite (French Command and Control application) to provide increased coastal security to the French maritime authorities (CECMED),” said Olivier Escaffre, Director of Business Development for DataHertz. “Deepening the relationship between France and Persistent has been an ongoing effort for the past few years, and we are excited to see this work cumulative on the world stage.”

FirstSpear Friday Focus: Tubes Pocket Suite

August 9th, 2024

In the fast-paced and demanding world, efficiency and reliability are paramount. The Tubes Pocket Suite from FirstSpear represent a significant advancement in tactical gear, providing soldiers with the tools they need to perform at their best. By focusing on ease of use, durability, customization and modularity — FirstSpear continues to lead the way in innovative gear solutions.

Durable Construction
Enhanced Accessibility
Streamlined Design
American Made, Berry Compliant

Tubes Gas Mask Pouch:

• Tubes Attachment Accessory Compatible
• Belt Mount Accessory Compatible
• Wide Opening w/ Hooded Top
• Dual hook and loop and SR Buckle Closure

Tubes Dump Pouch:

• 4” Female tubes Attachment
• Modular Attach and Detach Option
• Compatible “MOLLE” Attachment Option
• Tubes Attachment Accessory Compatible
• Belt Mount Accessory Compatible
• Approx. 1O”x 11”

Tubes Attachment Accessory:

• 4″ Male Tube (Field Repairable)
• Hook and loop attachment
• Multiple mounting options

Tubes Belt Mount Accessory:

• 4″ Male Tube (Field Repairable)
• 6/12 Laser Cut for attaching additional pockets
• 2″x4″

For more information check out First-Spear.com.

US, Colombian Armies Enhance Interoperability During Airborne Infiltration Exercise HYDRA III 2024

August 9th, 2024

FUERTE MILITAR DE TOLEMAIDA, Colombia — Nestled in the heart of Colombia’s Andes mountain range, approximately 75 miles south of Bogota, roughly 300 soldiers from the U.S. and Colombian armies forged partnerships during the bilateral airborne infiltration exercise, Hydra III 2024, held from July 28 to August 1, 2024, in Fuerte Militar de Tolemaida, Colombia.

A U.S. Army South-led exercise, HYDRA 24, formerly known as Dynamic Force Employment, is an agreed-to-action between the partner nations and the third iteration of its kind.

Participating units included the 2nd Battalion, 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division; the Colombian Army Battalion of Counter Narcotics; the 7th Special Forces Group, the 1st Security Forces Assistance Brigade and support personnel from the ARSOUTH command.

“It is no secret that around the globe it is growing more important with each passing month and year that while we are experts in some aspects we have so much to learn from our partners around the world,” said U.S. Army Maj. Adam Amor, 2nd Battalion, 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment operations officers and lead officer in charge of the 82nd Airborne Division paratroopers participating in HYDRA 24.

“The reality is in today’s battlefield partner force integration is the standard, it isn’t just a one-off opportunity and it is not just something we only do for training exercises but everywhere that we go around the globe we are going to be shoulder to shoulder with another partner nation,” said Amor.

The exercise aimed to enhance the technical, procedural and interoperability between Colombian and U.S. paratroopers. This demonstrates the U.S. Army’s ability to rapidly and strategically employ forces in the U.S. Southern Command area of responsibility.

For many of the paratroopers, it was their first time integrating and interacting with a partner force.

“I was very impressed that everybody was able to expand and work out the language barriers to make the operations a success, in addition to some of our ad hoc translators who stepped up to help integrate with our partners,” said Amor.

“We also learned that we have different methods of executing higher operations and battle tracking across the area, but our paratroopers could easily integrate with their partners even despite the language,” said Amor.

Amor stressed the importance of learning to synchronize planning efforts to facilitate battlefield operations anywhere in the world.

With a focus on pre-deployment operations, HYDRA 24 allowed U.S. Army Soldiers to enhance their agility in a new training domain alongside partner forces. This collaboration further improved interoperability and prepared them for success in competition, crisis and conflict.

“The Colombian Counter Narcotics Battalion 1 has a specific mission and we also have a specific mission set with a global focus,” said Amor. “Because of this we were able to share lessons with airborne operations and learn how they execute operations that may be more localized using different types of aircraft and different types of jungle movements.”

Amor added that he was impressed with the initiative of the Colombian Army’s company commanders and appreciated their hospitality and capabilities, which facilitated the exercise.

“The Colombian Army is currently working on becoming interoperable with other armies worldwide. This exercise represents a significant step forward in that process,” said Colombian Army Lt. Col. Bayardo Pena, senior observer and operations officer in charge for the Colombian Army.

“The U.S. Army has been supporting us for many years. The fact that we are conducting this exercise is going to strengthen and increase our partnership for the future,” said Pena.

Pena stressed the importance of both armies being able to conduct the planning process, execution of the maneuver, understand each other’s doctrine, and execute an exercise.

“The U.S. Army has a world standard in terms of doctrine and it is going to help us standardize our processes too,” said Pena. “I am proud of our soldiers and how they conduct themselves with other armies like the U.S.”

The U.S.-Colombia partnership remains one of the most vibrant and mutually productive relationships in the Southern Hemisphere. SOUTHCOM and U.S. Army South bilateral exercises aim to demonstrate the United State’s commitment to the region and its citizens.

The exercise culminated in a distinguished visitor day, foreign airborne wing exchange ceremony and remarks from the U.S. Army South Commanding General, Brig. Gen. Phil Ryan.

“Today’s event goes beyond just tactical and operational interoperability, although that is crucial, what truly matters is the human connections formed between all of you,” said Ryan during the foreign wing exchange ceremony. “These bonds are key to safeguarding our shared values of democracy and human rights, and to preserving our way of life in the Western Hemisphere.”

Prior to the exercise, the two armies synchronized tactics, techniques and procedures, medical and communication rehearsals to ensure seamless integration throughout the combined training exercise and the multinational airborne assault.

“Our goal is to enhance our interoperability so we can operate seamlessly together as one multinational force whenever needed,” said Ryan. “Embrace this shared experience and remember that, despite our different backgrounds and languages, we are united by your common identity as paratroopers – Defense and Fraternity!”

By MAJ Nadine Wiley De Moura

Rheinmetall to Acquire Majority Stake in Resonant Holdings of South Africa

August 8th, 2024

Rheinmetall is to expand its plant engineering portfolio by acquiring a majority stake in the business of Resonant Holdings (Pty) Ltd, a leading South African specialist in plant engineering for chemical applications. An agreement to this effect has now been signed. Rheinmetall Waffe Munition GmbH will hold 51% of the shares in a newly formed joint venture Rheinmetall Resonant South Africa, and the current Resonant Holding shareholders will possess the remaining 49%. The company to be founded expects an annual sales potential of more than EUR 100 million.

The parties have agreed not to disclose the purchase price. The transaction and the final company name are still subject to customary regulatory approvals.

The planned acquisition is Rheinmetall’s response to the growing global demand in the ammunition sector and the resulting customer requirements for the construction of corresponding production facilities. Rheinmetall is therefore significantly expanding its existing capabilities in ammunition production by vertically integrating further competences, thus positioning itself even more robustly for the independent planning, construction and operation of production facilities for the manufacture of chemical products such as propellant powder and explosives.

Resonant Holdings employs around 150 people and brings proven experience and outstanding expertise in designing and constructing specialised plants. This includes production facilities for chemical and explosives products. Resonant’s leading expertise complements Rheinmetall’s plant engineering capabilities, particularly in the fields of chemical, energetic, and explosives technology, industrialization, and manufacturing. This expands Rheinmetall’s ability to offer a comprehensive range of services, including the design, construction and commissioning of state-of-the-art plants tailored to the specific needs of our global partners.

At the same time, the partnership offers Resonant a strong global reach, industry expansion and access to new markets.  The combined expertise of both entities will drive innovation and efficiency, delivering unparalleled value to customers. Rheinmetall aims to preserve the company’s existing technology and workforce.

The planned acquisition of Resonant Holdings underscores Rheinmetall’s dedication to expanding its technological capabilities and delivering state-of-the-art solutions to its partners. This strategic acquisition of the controlling stake ensures that Rheinmetall remains at the forefront of innovation in the engineering and defence industries, providing unparalleled expertise and comprehensive solutions.

Fort Liberty’s Airborne Innovation Lab

August 8th, 2024

We’ve mentioned the Airborne Innovation Lab in the past but here’s another pitch for those on Ft Liberty who haven’t heard of it.

Do you have an innovative idea that can make your team, squad, platoon, company, battalion, or brigade more efficient and lethal? We want to work with you!

We are a prototyping facility that any service member, regardless of rank, on Fort Liberty that can design and build out of various materials to help bring your ideas into reality.

We also offer an Intro to Microcontrollers and a Basic & Advanced Additive Manufacturing class with a primary focus on Fusion360.