In January 2020, Elbit Systems announced that its subsidiary, IMI Systems was selected by the Finnish Ministry of Defence (Finnish MOD), following a competitive testing by the Finish Defence Forces (FDF), to provide the Finnish Army with the M339, a NATO-compliant, 120mm High Explosive Multipurpose ammunition and Data Setting Units for its Leopard 2 Main Battle Tanks (MBTs).

Suitable for all NATO 120mm smooth bore gun MBTs, the M339 is a high-accuracy, multipurpose 120mm tank ammunition that complies with NATO STANAG requirements. The FDF selected the M339 to improve the fire power and ability of the battle tanks to engage different types of targets.

imisystems.com

ELBIT SYSTEMS AWARDED INITIAL $31M CONTRACT FOR PROTECTION SYSTEMS

Elbit Systems announced on January 7, 2020, that it was awarded an initial contract from the Production and Procurement Directorate of the Israeli Ministry of Defense (IMOD) valued at approximately $31 million to provide Iron Fist Active Protection Systems (APS) for the Eitan Armored Fighting Vehicles (AFVs) of the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF). The contract will be performed over a 5-year period.

Under the contract, Elbit Systems will equip the IDF’s new wheeled AFVs with the Iron Fist Light Decoupled (IFLD) Systems. The Iron Fist System uses optical sensors, tracking radar, launchers and countermeasure munitions to defeat threats at a safe distance. The Iron Fist System provides 360-degree protection coverage for close-range scenarios in both open terrain and urban environment. The systems’ high-performance, versatility and negligible residual penetration, as well as its low size and weight and ease of integration, position the Iron Fist as an optimal APS for any fighting vehicle.

elbitsystems.com

TURKISH ARMED FORCES ADDS ARMED DRONE SYSTEM

SONGAR™, the first national armed drone system to be developed by ASİSGUARD^TM, has been delivered to the Turkish Armed Forces (TAF) after the successful completion of acceptance tests. Equipped with advanced features, SONGAR will undertake critical tasks in operations conducted by both TAF and the security forces.

Equipped with an automatic machine gun, SONGAR can carry out operations within a 3km radius. The system can transfer images in real time and carry 200 rounds of 5.56x45mm NATO ammunition. The drone features a specially designed, flexible ammunition feed chute (ammunition belt) and an automatic firing mechanism and can operate at altitudes of 2,800m.

Ayhan Sunar, General Manager at ASİSGUARD, underlined that the SONGAR system is currently unique, saying: “As one of the most prominent drone systems in our product family, SONGAR can undertake many critical tasks, including locating the target area, eliminating the threat, transferring real-time images and carrying out post-operation damage assessment. It stands out as one of the leading national capabilities in asymmetric warfare as a result of its firing accuracy.”

SONGAR has achieved further success in field tests after the integration of a grenade launcher in place of the machine gun, and its firing precision has been significantly improved with the inclusion of an “Electronic Sight and Ballistic Calculation Module,” specially designed by ASİSGUARD. National and international patent applications have been made for SONGAR’s unique stabilisation system.

ASİSGUARD develops systems, subsystems, hardware and software in for military land vehicle electronics; autonomous micro-, mini- and medium-class UAVs; electro-optics; border security; artificial intelligence; and big data.

asisguard.com

QUANTICO TACTICAL ANNOUNCES TLS CONTRACT AWARD

On March 9, 2020, Quantico Tactical announced the award of TLS (Tailored Logistics Support) contract SPE8EJ-19-D-0015. This is an indefinite delivery / indefinite quantity with a firm fixed price of $4,000,000,000 for use through March 6, 2021. This contract allows for special operation equipment to be purchased and delivered to our nation’s military and federal agencies.

Quantico Tactical is a leading supplier of special operations equipment to the U.S. government, DoD and federal law enforcement agencies. This contract expedites the purchase and fielding of necessary equipment for our warfighters. Quantico Tactical has partnered with over a thousand of manufacturers to fulfill this need.

“We have been consistently ranked as the best customer service and highest on-time deliveries of all contractors within the TLS contract. In fact, we are the only current DLA TLS contract awardee to hold DLA’s highest award for operational excellence,” said David Hensley, president of Quantico Tactical. “We will continue to provide the best products, with world class service to our warfighters and federal agents.”

As the nation’s combat logistics support agency, the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) manages the global supply chain, from raw materials to end user to disposition, for the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Space Force, Coast Guard, 11 combatant commands, other federal agencies and partner and allied nations.

quanticotactical.com

B.E. Meyers & Co., Inc., announced that the BOARS®-M2 optics and accessory rail system has been issued National Stock Number (NSN)1240-01-682-8650 by TACOM, U.S. Army, following successful evaluation and testing through the U.S. Army Soldier Enhancement Program (SEP). A total of 4,752 complete BOARS®-M2 units have been procured for initial fielding by PM Soldier Weapons, PEO Soldier. Designed to support a variety of mounted machine gun optics for the M2 and M3 family of weapon systems, the BOARS-M2 provides a modular, low-profile optics and accessory rail mount with true return-to-zero capability. The BOARS-M2 is ideal for those wishing to easily transition from a day optic to a night optic while retaining boresight for both systems and without interfering with the operation of the spade grips or the feed tray cover. The low-profile M2 mount for optics and accessories translates into a lower end-user defilade and increases operator survivability during use.

bemeyers.com

ELBIT SYSTEMS’ XACT WEAPON SIGHTS IN OPERATIONAL SERVICE WITH IDF

Elbit Systems announced that two configurations of the company’s XACT family of weapon sights have entered operational use with the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF). The company was recently selected to provide thousands of its XACT th65 and XACT th64 uncooled thermal imaging weapon sights to marksmen of both Infantry and Special Operation Forces of the IDF. Last year Elbit Systems announced it concluded delivery of 4,800 XACT th65 weapon sights to the Australian Army.

In a clip-on or stand-alone configuration, the compact XACT weapon sights enable effective operation in day and night. Featuring a high resolution colored OLED display, image processing capabilities and a Region of Interest algorithm, XACT weapon sights enable effective target engagement even under degraded visibility conditions. Embedding a unique calibration algorithm, XACT weapon sights eliminate the need for Non-Uniformity Calibration (NUC) or shutter-based calibration thereby enabling continuous and consistent operation. The XACT th64 provides vehicle target recognition from a 1,100m range and human target recognition from a 600m range, while the XACT th65 enables vehicle target recognition from 1,250m and human target recognition from 750m. Both weapon sights are housed in a sealed fully submersible metal housing.

elbitsystems.com

ELBIT SYSTEMS INTRODUCES VEHICLE-LAUNCHED MULTI-ROTOR MICRO-DRONE

Elbit Systems is launching MAGNI, a fully autonomous and robust multi-rotor vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) that is designed to significantly enhance the situational awareness capabilities of mobile forces. Compact and lightweight, MAGNI enables rapid deployment and launch (in less than 1 minute) from any combat vehicle transforming it to an effective intelligence gathering platform.

The MAGNI system includes a thermal payload, a communications suite (dual S-Band or LTE), an automatic coordinate tracking capability, as well as a built-in interface with Battle Management Systems (BMS). Carrying up to 350gr of payloads it offers a range of up to 3km, a maximum operational altitude of 4,000ft and 30 minutes of endurance. Operated by a single user, MAGNI enables vehicle-mounted forces to generate beyond-the-hill visual intelligence during day and night and seamlessly feed target information to command and control systems. Its unique size, weight and power (SWaP) parameters make MAGNI well-suited for squad, platoon and company levels.

elbitsystems.com

ELBIT SYSTEMS AWARDED $35M TO EQUIP MONTENEGRO’S 4X4 VEHICLES WITH RCWS

Elbit Systems also announced that following a contract signed between the Israeli Ministry of Defense and the Ministry of Defense of Montenegro, it was awarded approximately $35 million to supply the Montenegrin Armed Forces with Remote Controlled Weapon Stations (RCWS) for the new Oshkosh Defense (Oshkosh) 4×4 Joint Light Tactical Vehicles (JLTV). In this contract Elbit Systems will perform full integration of the RCWS onboard, the JLTV over a 3-year period and will provide logistic support for a 7-year period.

Elbit Systems 12.7mm RCWS is lightweight, low silhouette, dual axis and is stabilized, mounted externally onboard armored vehicles. The RCWS offers accurate firing on-the-move and is operated via handles and Smart Displays by the gunner from within the vehicle, providing full protection for the vehicles’ crew who are safely located inside.

elbitsystems.com

During the operational test scheduled for March at Fort Carson, Colorado, soldiers will operate from specially modified Bradley fighting vehicles known as Mission Enabler Technologies–Demonstrators (MET-Ds). The tricked-out vehicles feature remote turrets for the 25mm main gun, 360-degree situational awareness cameras and enhanced crew stations with touch screens.

The first phase of testing will include two MET-Ds and four robotic combat vehicles on M113-armored personnel carrier surrogate platforms. Each MET-D will have a driver and gunner, as well as four soldiers in its rear, who will conduct platoon-level maneuvers with two surrogate vehicles that fire 7.62mm machine guns. One goal for the autonomous vehicles is to learn how to penetrate an adversary’s anti-access/aerial denial capabilities without putting soldiers in danger.

In late FY2021, phase two of the effort will have soldiers conduct experiments at the company level with six MET-Ds and the same M113 surrogates, as well as four light and four medium surrogate robotic combat vehicles (RCVs) provided by industry. “The intent of this is to see how an RCV light integrates into a light infantry formation and performs reconnaissance and security tasks, as well as supports dismounted infantry operations,” stated Maj. Cory Wallace, robotic combat vehicle-lead for the Next Generation Combat Vehicle Cross Functional Team.

Phase three is scheduled for FY2023 and will add four medium and four heavy purpose-built RCVs to the mix. The family of RCVs includes three variants. Army officials envision the light version to be transportable by rotary wing. The medium variant would be able to fit onto a C-130 Hercules aircraft, and the heavy variant would fit onto a C-17 Globemaster aircraft.

Army officials believe that the service’s new Mobile Protected Firepower (MPF) vehicle could influence the development of the heavy RCV. In December 2019, the Army awarded MPF contracts to two firms to build 12 prototypes each and begin delivering them to the service in early 2020. The goal is to select a winner by FY2022 and begin fielding the first of 504 of these lightweight tanks sometime in FY2025, officials say.

The heavy RCV is being designed to provide the enemy-armor killing power of an MPF with even less armor since it doesn’t have to protect soldiers, thus reducing risk. Threats will have to make contact with the robots first, giving commanders additional space and time for decision making.

Otis Technology Acquires DRD Tactical

Otis Technology announced that it has acquired the cutting edge brand of tactical rifles, DRD Tactical. The acquisition took effect October 1, 2019.

DRD Tactical leads the market in the design and manufacture of innovative tactical rifles. Each rifle is designed around three key characteristics: discreet, reliable and precise. They specialize in a patented Quick Take Down rifle that ensures the utmost discretion when operators are traveling on covert operations. These rifles are designed for the military and law enforcement elite with a need for discreet carry.

“We are very excited for this opportunity. Our technology and the base of our product line was [sic] built on innovation, and it’s a key pillar of our values today,” states Larry Williams, CEO, Otis Technology. He continues, “DRD Tactical fully embraces that innovative culture with industry leading, patented rifle designs. We are extremely optimistic about not only the current product line, but what’s in development—as well as the huge potential in firearms and firearm accessories.”

“DRD Tactical complements with the Otis Technology brand very well. Not only is Otis’ mainstay firearm cleaning gear, but we have an incredible facility with advanced manufacturing capabilities. The synergy here is twofold—allowing us to vertically integrate as well as develop new products,” remarks Jim Brooker, Vice President Engineering for Otis Technology’s dedicated R&D facility located in Phoenix, NY.

DRD prides itself on designing and building firearms in the U.S., and operations will continue in their facility in Georgia while sales, marketing and administrative support will be out of Otis headquarters in Lyons Falls, NY.

U.S. Army Selects Three Ammo Companies for NGSW

True Velocity, Inc., SIG SAUER and Textron Systems have been selected for the U.S. Army’s Next Generation Squad Weapon (NGSW) 6.8mm caliber modernization program. True Velocity’s 6.8mm composite-cased cartridge was submitted as part of an overall NGSW weapon system in partnership with General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems (OTS) and firearm manufacturer Beretta Defense Technologies. A stand-alone selectee, SIG SAUER offers a bi-metal cartridge design, while Textron Systems’ polymer-cased telescoped cartridge is in the running. Textron is in partnership with Winchester.

True Velocity’s proprietary 6.8mm case design will provide end users with significant logistical and operational advantages over traditional brass-cased ammunition, including substantially increased effective range and muzzle energy, drastic reduction in cartridge weight and enhanced accuracy. The combination of True Velocity’s ammunition with the General Dynamics OTS weapon submission results in a state-of-the-art weapon system capable of long-range lethality, short recoil impulse, significant ballistic improvements and enhanced operational effectiveness for the soldier.

The SIG SAUER system consists of 6.8mm hybrid ammunition, a lightweight machine gun, rifle and included suppressors. SIG SAUER will provide single-source manufacturing for ammunition, weapons and suppressors allowing for less risk and increased capability for the U.S. Army.

Under this award, Textron Systems will deliver 43 6.8mm CT NGSW-Automatic Rifles and 53 NGSW-Rifles, as well as 845,000 rounds of CT ammunition during a 27-month period of performance. The design features improved accuracy and greater muzzle velocity for increased performance, as well as weight savings of both weapon and ammunition over current Army systems.It also incorporates advanced suppressor technology to reduce the firing signature and improve controllability.

The BOARS-M2 is a two-piece design (lower base, and detachable upper rail) which provides a quick-disconnect for effective changes between day and night optics with true return-to-zero reattach. The lower base of the mount is installed via friction clamps and is meant to remain on the host platform, while the detachable rail incorporates rail segments for mounting most common laser systems in conjunction with a top mounted optic, and a pass-through aperture for use of iron sights.

“After a thorough evaluation and testing of many AR-platform rifles, the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division has chosen the Christensen Arms CA due to its accuracy, reliability and overall weight,” said SLED Chief Mark Keel. “This innovative equipment will update and standardize the agency’s rifle inventory for SLED’s law enforcement personnel.”

The Christensen Arms CA-15 G2 is a custom-built, AR-style rifle optimized for weight and accuracy by utilizing aerospace-grade composites in production. It features a matched receiver set with a contour-matching carbon fiber handguard, Black Nitride™ finished BCG and a single-stage, match-grade trigger assembly. The retail model is offered with stainless steel or carbon fiber barrel options.

“We’re looking forward to an excellent partnership,” said Jason Christensen, President of Christensen Arms. “The CA-15 G2 is a remarkable firearm, and we’re very pleased that the men and women of the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division have chosen to carry it.”

christensenarms.com

Australia Investing $3B to Bolster Special Forces with Cutting Edge Capability

According to the Prime Minister Scott Morrision, the Australian government has approved the $500 million first stage of Project GREYFIN. Defence Minister Linda Reynolds said the project would ensure Australia’s Special Forces have the best available equipment across categories such as body armour, weapons, diving, parachute and roping systems, medical search and rescue, communications, human performance training and support.

“Our Special Forces, now more than ever, need to be ready and able to deploy on operations anywhere in the world, at short notice, and in very uncertain conditions,” Minister Reynolds said.

“This first stage of funding enables our Special Forces to engage with intelligence, science and technology and innovation organizations to ensure future threats and opportunities are assessed, to make sure we are delivering them the capability they need in the future.”

Project GREYFIN is expected to present significant opportunities for Australian defence industries. These will span from small-to-large enterprises depending on the capabilities being acquired.

This commitment continues to pursue the special operations capability enhancements outlined in the country’s Defence White Paper 2016.

The Coalition Government is investing more than $200 billion in Australia’s defence capability over the next decade—the nation’s biggest peacetime investment in Defence.

pm.gov.au

JDI Firearms, Inc. (dba SAN Imports) Signs with PGM Precision of France

JDI Firearms is now the exclusive importer of PGM Precision’s renowned sniper rifle systems in the United States. JDI Firearms/SAN Imports, exclusive importer of SAN Swiss Arms and Wyssen Defence, announced in August 2019 that an agreement was signed with PGM Precision of France. Under this agreement, JDI Firearms/SAN Imports will be importing to, marketing to and educating U.S. civilians, law enforcement and military on the complete line of PGM Precision bolt-action sniper rifles.

“We at JDI Firearms/SAN Imports are excited to bring these first-class, precision sniper rifles to the American public and competitors, law enforcement and military professionals,” Dave Wagner, President of JDI Firearms/SAN Imports, commented. “PGM Precision has been designing and manufacturing sniper rifles for the international market for over 25 years and has an outstanding reputation for quality, accuracy, and precision.”

PGM Precision was founded in the French Alps in 1993. Within two years of its founding, PGM Precision had won a French Army tender for the 12.7 Hècate 2 rifles to equip all French infantry regiments and Special Forces. Since then, PGM has continued to design and expand the Hècate rifle, introduce the PGM338 and the Ludis, the first rifle specially developed for sport shooters. At the 2018 Eurosatory, PGM Precision introduced the Mini Hècate 2.

JDI Firearms/SAN Imports will be importing the full line of PGM Precision rifles including the Ultima Ratio, Hècate 2 (LE/Mil-restricted), PGM338, Ludis and Mini Hècate 2, plus a line of high-quality precision and long-range shooting accessories.

pgmprecisionusa.com

ST Engineering Secures Contracts Worth $1.5B for Second Quarter 2019

On July 25, 2019, Singapore Technologies Engineering Ltd (ST Engineering) announced that its Aerospace and Electronics sectors have secured new contracts with a combined value of about $1.5 billion for the second quarter (2Q) of 2019.

Among several other contracts obtained in ST Engineering’s Electronics and Aerospace sectors, its Training and Simulation business received a contract worth $95 million (USD) from the U.S. Army to develop and deliver a unified simulation platform for the Army’s synthetic training environment that meets demands for next generation collective training.

stengg.com

High Speed Gear® Awarded Marine Corps Contract

In July 2019, High Speed Gear® was awarded the contract to provide Infantry Combat Equipment (PM ICE), Marine Corps Systems Command (MARCORSYSCOM) with 150,000 double rifle magazine pouches. The HSGI® X2R TACO® MOLLE Pouch was chosen for its preferred functionality, versatility and weight.

The HSGI® X2R TACO® will handle any type of rifle magazines. The Double Decker® design allows the user to carry 2 magazines in a single pouch that takes up only 3 inches of horizontal space on the platform. The X2R uses injection-molded, polymer brackets, CORDURA® front and back, shock cord lacing and a thin HDPE separator to ensure adjustability and user-perfect fit to maximize deployment capabilities.

“Over the years, all branches of the military have used High Speed Gear. We are honored to have been selected by the United States Marine Corps to provide 150,000 X2R TACO® pouches as the solution for the requested modular double rifle magazine pouch,” said Bill Babboni, vice president of sales and operations. “It was exciting to learn that HSGI was selected especially since Marine preference played a sizable part in the selection process.”

highspeedgear.com

PROOF Research’s Carbon Fiber Barrels Contracted by U.S. DoD

PROOF Research announced in July 2019 that its industry-leading carbon fiber barrels will be an integral part of the U.S. DoD’s newly contracted MRAD® rifles in .300 PRC from Barrett Firearms Manufacturing, Inc.

The contract was announced year-end 2018, for an undisclosed number of Barrett’s modular, precision, bolt-action MRAD rifles, chambered in Hornady’s new long-range .300 PRC cartridge. The barrels for these rifles were engineered for purpose by PROOF and use a unique hand-laid, high-stiffness carbon wrap process to give the U.S. military the very best barrel technology available today.

A PROOF barrel utilizes high-strength, aerospace-grade carbon fibers that are impregnated with a proprietary matrix resin developed by their Advanced Composites Division. PROOF-ACD has developed many different high temperature resins and carbon fiber layups that allow PROOF’s design engineers to create a superior barrel solution for even the most demanding of applications. Furthermore, the technology used in their manufacturing process is scalable which opens up opportunities for small-, medium- and large-caliber applications.

There are many benefits of incorporating aerospace grade carbon fiber technology into a military rifle. PROOF Research carbon fiber barrels are up to 50% lighter than steel barrels of similar contour, which is crucial for operators moving rapidly from one position to another and when carrying their gear over long distances. The carbon fiber wrap also makes the barrel highly resistant to weather, grit, dings, scratches and all-around abuse.

PROOF Research’s high-fiber content, cut-rifled composite barrels are extremely accurate. Well known within the precision rifle competition community as the first choice for match-grade accuracy, the long-range accuracy, performance and reliability of PROOF Research’s carbon fiber barrels are not only benefits, but critical for mission success among these elite military teams.

proofresearch.com

LAPD AND LASD SWAT OFFICERS TO USE TEAM WENDY® HELMETS

Two of the best tactical teams in the U.S. have chosen Cleveland-based Team Wendy^® as their ballistic helmet provider.

Team Wendy, which researches and develops high-quality headborne systems from the inside out, announced August 22, 2019, that the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) and the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD) purchased the company’s EXFIL^® Ballistic SL helmet. LAPD bought 85 black helmets for its SWAT team, and LASD ordered 95 helmets in ranger green for its Special Enforcement Bureau (SEB).

LAPD’s SWAT team rescues dozens of hostages and manages 120-plus high-risk warrants and approximately 100 barricaded suspect cases per year. It responds to barricade or hostage incidents where the suspect is believed to be armed or an extreme threat to public safety. Typical situations include the presence of weapons, suspected gang activity and heavily fortified locations.

LASD is the largest sheriff’s department in the world. The Special Enforcement Bureau, newly equipped with Team Wendy helmets, is a full-time unit of tactical paramedics and rescue specialists, including a canine detail and a special weapons team. It works hand-in-hand with the department’s arson/explosives and hazardous materials details and coordinates security for visiting dignitaries and politicians, including the U.S. president and vice president. SEB responds to an estimated 200-300 tactical operations every year, including barricaded suspects, high-risk warrants and hostage situations.

The EXFIL Ballistic SL is the fifth helmet in Team Wendy’s EXFIL line. It has a complete system weight of 2.2 pounds, meets a ballistic rating of NIJ Level III-A (according to NIJ STD 0106.01/0108.01) and exceeds ACH blunt-impact protection requirements. It features the newer, lighter EXFIL Rail 3.0 for more efficient accessory mounting and the boltless CAM FIT^™ Retention System for individualized fit and superior weight distribution.

teamwendy.com

RW Arms transferred 73,000 bump stocks to American Shredder in Fort Worth, Texas, to be shredded and recycled under the supervision of ATF agents.

rwarms.com

CZ-USA Headquarters Moves to Arkansas

CZ-USA, the U.S.-based affiliate of Czech firearms manufacturer Česká zbrojovka a.s. Uherský Brod (CZUB), announced in April plans to locate their North American Headquarters and build a new manufacturing facility on approximately 73 acres at the Port of Little Rock, Arkansas. CZ-USA plans to implement a two-phase approach with an investment of up to $90 million and create some 565 jobs over a 6-year period. CZ products are considered some of the highest-quality firearms in defense, competition and sport shooting around the world.

“As CZ looked to increase our presence in North America, it engaged in a multi-state search for the ideal location,” said Bogdán Heczko, CZ-USA Chairman of the Board. “The Arkansas workforce, culture, business climate and industry support cleared the way for us to choose Little Rock as our new home.”

In 2018, the Czech Republic imported some $2.6 million in commodities into Arkansas, and Arkansas exports to the country totaled roughly $8.2 million. Nearly 300 foreign-owned companies have operations in the state; however, CZ-USA is the first Czech company to have a presence in Arkansas.

“We are honored to have a world-renowned brand such as CZ call Arkansas home,” said Governor Asa Hutchinson. “The location in the growing Port of Little Rock, combined with the high-paying jobs created by the company, will improve the quality of life for all Arkansans.” Construction has begun, with initial start-up planned for March 2020. Production at the Little Rock facility will commence in two, 3-year phases.

“Little Rock is open for business, and we could not be more thrilled to have CZ-USA at the Port of Little Rock,” said Mayor Frank Scott Jr. “Improving Little Rock’s infrastructure is a top priority for me, which will ultimately lead to creating good-paying jobs, of which this is a prime example.”

Pulaski County Judge Barry Hyde said, “This is a huge victory for Pulaski County and the region. The City of Little Rock has been working to expand the Port for a number of years, and I’m glad to see the fruits of that labor. Through a partnership with the City of Little Rock, the County is developing the infrastructure to accommodate the new development within the expanded Little Rock Port.”

cz.usembassy.gov

Boeing
Earns DOD Contract Modification for Foreign Military Munition Sales

The Boeing Co., doing business as Boeing Defense Space and Security, St. Louis, Missouri, has been awarded a firm-fixed-price modification (P00027) to previously awarded indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract FA8213-15-D-0002 for Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) tail kits, spares, repairs and technical services. This modification provides for the extension of the contract for an additional 5 years and increases the contract ceiling by $6,534,283,787. Work will be performed in St. Louis, Missouri, and is expected to be complete by February 28, 2025. This modification involves foreign military sales to currently unknown countries. Fiscal 2017, 2018 and 2019 ammunition funds; fiscal 2019 operations and maintenance funds; and Foreign Military Sales funds in the amount of $904,849,700 are being obligated for the Lot 23 delivery order at the time of award. This modification brings the ceiling of the contract to $10,044,715,284. Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, Hill Air Force Base, Utah, is the contracting activity.

dod.defense.gov

Potential Foreign Military Sale to UAE

On May 24, the State Department made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the United Arab Emirates of Advanced Precision Kill Weapon Systems (APKWS) II All-Up-Rounds for an estimated cost of $900 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale on May 24, 2019.

The Government of the United Arab Emirates has requested a possible sale of 20,004 Advanced Precision Kill Weapon Systems (APKWS) II All-Up-Rounds. Also included is weapon support and test equipment, spares, technical publications, personnel training, other training equipment, transportation, U.S. Government and contractor engineering, technical and logistics support services and other related elements of logistical and program support. The estimated total case value is $900 million.

The Secretary of State has determined and provided detailed justification that an emergency exists that requires the immediate sale to the United Arab Emirates of the above defense articles (and defense services) in the national security interests of the United States, thereby waiving the Congressional review requirements under Section 36(b) of the Arms Export Control Act, as amended.

This proposed sale will contribute to the foreign policy and national security of the United States by improving the security of an important partner in the region. This sale is consistent with U.S. initiatives to provide key partners in the region with modern systems that will enhance interoperability with U.S. forces and increase security.

dsca.mil

wileyx.eu

SIG SAUER and Caracal International LLC are courting the Indian Ministry of Defence (MOD) to secure a $503 million contract to provide the Indian Army’s infantry troops with over 72,000 SIG 716 battle rifles and an undisclosed amount of CAR816 carbines to replace the Indian Army’s problematic 1B1 INSAS.

According to MilitaryTimes.com, the shift from 5.56 NATO with the 1B1 to the larger-caliber 7.62 NATO with the SIG 716, provides the Indian Army’s infantry troops a more reliable weapon which they currently lack. Troops have complained of the 1B1’s untimely stoppages and mechanism failures. The Indian MoD had hoped the 1B1 INSAS would have a long and storied career for its (at-the-time) next-generation gun.

The SIG 716 uses a short stroke piston-driven operating system with a heavier push rod than its smaller version, the 516 (chambered for 5.56 NATO) and a 16-inch hammer-forged free floating barrel. An ambidextrous mag release, tons of rail space for electronics and optics, plus a telescoping Magpul stock round out the features on the rifle (sigsauer.com).

CAR816

Caracal International LLC is a UAE-based defense contractor, but the CAR816 is manufactured in the U.S. (caracalusa.com). The CAR816 is similar to the M4, firing the 5.56 NATO round. Similar to the SIG 516 and the SIG 716, the CAR816 uses a short-stroke push rod gas piston design controlled by a 3-position gas valve and has a 16-inch barrel. The CAR816 will be used as a close quarters battle (CQB) weapon, replacing the smaller caliber 9mm Sterling.

ACCURACY INTERNATIONAL LTD. AWARDED CONTRACT TO UPGRADE GERMAN ARMY’S G22 SNIPER RIFLES

Accuracy International Ltd. announced it has been awarded the contract to upgrade the German Army’s G22 Sniper Rifles through its German agent POL-TEC. Accuracy International (AI) will refurbish and upgrade the current G22 and G22A1 rifles to the new G22A2 platform. The rifles will remain in the 7.62×67 caliber.

G22A1

“Thank you to the German Army for awarding us with this contract to upgrade their sniper rifles to the G22A2, a superior rifle with full capabilities,” said Tom Irwin, Director of AI. “We look forward to working with our German agent POL-TEC and the BAAINBw to deliver these rifles.”

G22A2

The updated G22A2 rifle was introduced by Accuracy International in 2018. It is an all-weather, day and night, AX-style rifle with user configurability and mission adaptability. The rifle features a full-length action and a forend rail with right-side folding stock over the bolt. The updated G22A2 is in AI Pale Brown with modern accessories.

The German Army ordered 780 which will be delivered by 2020.

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY AWARDS OLIN-WINCHESTER A 9MM CALIBER RITA AMMUNITION CONTRACT

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) recently awarded Olin-Winchester a major ammunition contract. Starting delivery this year, the contract provides for up to 62.5 million rounds of 9mm caliber “Readily Identifiable Training Ammunition” (RITA) to multiple Department of Homeland Security (DHS) law enforcement components and other federal agencies for up to 5 years. This contract will provide the organization’s agents and officers with 9mm caliber training ammunition.

The 9mm/115-grain FMJ product, assembled with a distinctive “purple” colored brass shell case, will complement existing Winchester .40SW and .223 RITA products that have been in service for DHS training efforts for several years.

Raytheon Company and Swedish aerospace and defense firm Saab are demonstrating a new guided munition for the Carl-Gustaf man-portable, shoulder-launched weapon system under a U.S. Army contract. There will be three all-up-round test firings against threat-representative targets. This new munition answers a U.S. Special Operations Command requirement to increase the capability of the multirole Carl-Gustaf weapon system built by Saab.

The Carl-Gustaf weapon system is used by the U.S. Army and ground forces of more than 40 other countries and has been modernized to meet the changing needs of soldiers operating in the world’s most demanding combat environments.

“The Carl-Gustaf system paired with this new guided munition gives U.S. and coalition dismounted forces a tremendous advantage on the battlefield,” said Kim Ernzen, Raytheon Land Warfare Systems vice president. “The munition is intended to enable ground troops to engage multiple targets precisely at distances up to 2,000 meters, including moving targets.”

The munition’s advanced warhead penetrates light armor, bunkers and concrete structures while minimizing collateral damage. With increased range, the new munition offers greater protection for ground troops by enabling them to fire at targets from inside structures.

In 2017, Raytheon announced its partnership with Saab to develop new weapons for infantry forces. Raytheon and Saab will oversee test firing of the guided Carl-Gustaf munition planned for 2020 in Sweden.

New Million-Dollar Grant Program

The National Shooting Sports Foundation® (NSSF®) announced its partnership with the Hunting Heritage Trust to create a first-of-its-kind million-dollar grant program in support of hunting and the shooting sports recruitment efforts.

The Hunting Heritage Trust and the NSSF are donating $500,000 to the new grant program. The Hunting Heritage Trust was created in 2002 by leaders in the hunting, shooting sports and conservation communities “to fund and foster programs that enhance appreciation of our hunting heritage and increase public understanding and participation in recreational shooting sports.”

Each year, beginning in 2019, organizations meeting certain eligibility requirements may apply for an annual $100,000 grant to be used to support recruitment, retention and reactivation (R3) programs within the hunting and shooting sports industry. The grant program will be offered for a period of not less than 10 years, and while all organizations with formalized R3 programs will be considered for each year’s award, an emphasis will be placed on programs focusing on youth and non-traditional participants.

“Providing the resources to those newly interested in learning about firearms safety and the shooting sports, sparking renewed interest in those who used to hunt or shoot, and keeping up interest of those engaged in hunting and the shooting sports, is of paramount importance to our industry,” said Steve Sanetti, NSSF CEO. “The new NSSF Hunting Heritage Trust grant program provides much-needed funding for these efforts.”

“The Hunting Heritage Trust has awarded dozens of grants totaling hundreds of thousands of dollars over the past 15 years, but none will have a greater long-term impact on the future of our hunting and shootings sports heritage than this $500,000 grant,” said Bob Delfay, President of the Hunting Heritage Trust and former NSSF President. “There is no organization more dedicated than NSSF when it comes to R3 efforts in our industry. From its research and educational services to its numerous conferences and summits, NSSF leads the way in providing the tools our industry members need to get people actively, regularly involved in hunting and the shooting sports. We are pleased to partner with them in creating this important grant program in support of those efforts.”