Sponsored by BCB INTERNATIONAL
http: https://www.bcbin.com/
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23 Jan 25. Wescom Group acquires leading safety technology company BCB International Ltd. World-leading survival solutions manufacturer Wescom Group has expanded its influence in the safety technology market through the acquisition of Cardiff based, BCB International Ltd. A leading global supplier of safety equipment in the defence, outdoor and marine sectors. Wescom Group Chief Executive Officer, Ross Wilkinson comments, “Today we can announce the successful completion of the acquisition of BCB International Ltd., this partnership will further enhance Wescom Group’s core safety and survival product portfolio. We are excited to work with the management team on growing the business through the Group’s extensive distribution network, whilst also having a strong focus on new product development programs.”
BCB International’s Managing Director Andrew Howell states, “This announcement is an exciting opportunity and the BCB team are energised to be joining with Wescom Group. This partnership will help us to deliver BCB’s innovative MSC technology and world beating FireDragon eco-fuel to a much wider international audience as well as our core products that are constantly evolving. We have known some of the Wescom team for many decades and it is invigorating to be working with them to help save lives and protect the protectors to a much larger scale.”
Background
The Wescom Group reached an impressive milestone in 2023, celebrating 150 years of expertise in the manufacture and distribution of survival solutions, with specialist manufacturing facilities across multiple sites in Germany, UK, Spain and Australia and over 450 employees worldwide. Wescom Group is globally recognised for supplying the very best in quality, performance, reliability, and safety.
Welsh based BCB International has for more than 160 years developed life-saving and protective equipment for the defence, outdoor and marine sectors in multiple countries world-wide. With wide ranging experience in product development, supply chain operations and manufacturing, BCB’s history of innovation is reflected in numerous awards, including two Queen’s Award for Export Achievement.
For information about Wescom Group, please go to www.wescom-group.com for information on the BCB International range learn more at www.bcbin.com
23 Jan 25. China Debuts ‘Feiyi,’ the First Drone Capable of Both Underwater and Aerial Missions. China has reportedly developed a new drone which is capable of operating both underwater and in the air. Named “Feiyi” by Chinese researchers, the amphibious unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) is touted for its military potential, with capabilities in marine reconnaissance, surveillance, and strike operations.
The drone was developed by Northwestern Polytechnical University and the China Aerodynamics Research and Development Centre.
Feiyi is built with a rotary-folding arm mechanism, allowing it to fold its arms for underwater movement and extend them for aerial flight. The drone uses separate propulsion systems: a quad-rotor system for aerial operations and four underwater thrusters for precise navigation underwater.
It is equipped with Active Disturbance Rejection Control, a system that stabilizes the drone during cross-medium operations. It can shift from underwater navigation to aerial flight in under 10 seconds with high accuracy.
Trials showed that Feiyi performs smoothly in both environments. Underwater, it can hover, dive, and ascend at speeds of up to two meters per second. In the air, it flies at a top speed of three meters per second.
Analysts claim that the drone poses a threat to the U.S. military. According to the South China Morning Post, U.S.’ underwater drones must be transported to the surface in a torpedo-like tube and lack mobility underwater. Once deployed, they must remain in the air, making them more vulnerable to attack.
According to reports, Beijing also plans to develop various types of cross-medium weapons, some of which may feature solid-fuel ramjet engines for high-speed cruising in both aerial and underwater environments.
(Source: https://www.sofx.com/)
23 Jan 25. Avy and NLR Partner to Drive Drone Innovation. NLR has partnered with Avy, a Dutch company that develops autonomous fixed-wing drones tailored for humanitarian, health, and environmental missions, with a focus on creating a sustainable impact. NLR has acquired an Avy drone for testing and evaluation, aiming to drive innovation in aerospace applications. This collaboration supports the development of sustainable and cutting-edge drone technology.
Avy, a pioneer in autonomous sustainable drone solutions, has entered into a strategic collaboration with Royal Netherlands Aerospace Centre (NLR), a leading authority in aerospace research and innovation. As part of this partnership, NLR has acquired an Avy latest generation Aera Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) for testing and operational evaluation. Additionally, NLR will leverage its expertise to help Avy audit and enhance its operational capabilities.
The Avy Aera, recognized for its emission-free and autonomous flight capabilities (Beyond Visual Line of Sight), will be integrated into NLR’s research programs. These programs focus on testing innovative aerospace applications, including emergency response, monitoring and urgent logistics. The Aera’s capabilities, such as long-range autonomous flight up to 100km, and advanced safety features, make it an ideal fit for NLR’s pioneering initiatives.
Simultaneously, NLR’s collaboration with Avy extends beyond product deployment. As part of its commitment to develop excellence in aerospace practices, NLR will conduct a comprehensive audit of Avy’s operations. This process aims to ensure Avy’s workflows align with industry-leading standards and guarantee optimal performance across product design, manufacturing, deployment, and regulatory compliance.
“Partnering with NLR is a significant milestone for Avy,” states Benjamin van der Hilst, CEO of Avy. “Their expertise in aerospace innovation and rigorous operational auditing will accelerate our mission to revolutionize UAV solutions while maintaining the highest standards of quality and sustainability.”
Michel Peters, CEO of Royal NLR, fully agrees: “It is a core objective of NLR to support the Dutch aviation industry in establishing a strong position in the UAM supply chain. Therefore, we’re very pleased to test the potential of this sustainable and innovative designed Dutch drone in various applications while supporting Avy in enhancing their operational frameworks.” (Source: ASD Network)
21 Jan 25. British Army exploring uncrewed “mules” to boost Apache lethality. With up to six “mules”, each carrying multiple payloads, the networked AH-64E Apache would be more capable than its predecessors. The British Army is looking to integrate uncrewed “mules” with its new AH-64E Apache attack helicopters in a bid to provide new lethality, sensor, and protection capabilities for platform on the battlefields of the future. Detailing the concept at DefenceIQ’s International Armoured Vehicle (IAV 2025) conference on 21 January, Lt Gen David Eastman, Deputy Chief of the General Staff, British Army, said the service was exploring ways to integrate the mules, effectively uncrewed platforms, with the Apache gunship. The aspiration is to see the Apache helicopters acting as C2 nodes, controlling a flight of drones to various duties, depending on payload. Up to six “mules” could be assigned to each helicopter.
Eastman said the British Army was “exploring options to pair mules with Apache”, with each mule potentially carrying electronic warfare or radar detection systems, strike weapons, or indeed acting as a physical decoy for the parent platform.
In practice, the plan is not dissimilar to the notion of manned-unmanned teaming (MUM-T) concept being developed for fixed wing aircraft, with sixth-generation fighters thought likely to operate alongside one or more ‘Loyal Wingmen’ – drones under direct control of operators at the tactical level.
Much of the networking will be possible thanks to a new C2/sensor node positioned above the Apache’s rotors, which will enable direct control of the mules by the helicopter crew.
New UK Apache fleet broadly running to plan
By August 2024, the British Army had received 41 remanufactured AH-64E Apache helicopters from Boeing, out of 50 contracted. Delivering his presentation to delegates at IAV 2025, Eastman stated that the British Army had 44 Apache gunships, indicating that just six remained to be delivered. It was originally planned that all aircraft would be delivered by the end of 2024, but this will now extend into the first half of 2025 at the earliest, and possibly beyond. While more capable than the D model, the acquisition of the AH-64E will see a reduction in fleet size, dropping from 66 to 50 airframes. In May 2024 it was reported that the acquisition of 50 AH-64E Apache attack helicopters from the US appeared to be running to budget. (Source: army-technology.com)
22 Jan 25. Bayraktar TB3 Completes Firing Tests. The Bayraktar TB3 UCAV, which recently made history by taking off and landing on a short-runway vessel, has achieved another major milestone in its development by beginning munitions integration tests.
ARMED
On January 16th, the Bayraktar TB3 UCAV departed from the Baykar Flight Training and Test Center in Keşan, Edirne, with two Roketsan MAM-T munitions onboard. The aircraft successfully launched its first strike using Aselsan’s ASELFLIR-500 Electro-Optical Reconnaissance, Surveillance, and Targeting System, hitting its designated target with pinpoint accuracy. Now an armed unmanned aerial vehicle, the Bayraktar TB3 will continue its payload and munitions integration tests as part of its ongoing development process, in line with the predetermined timeline.
AVIATION HISTORY
One of Baykar’s indigenous and original products, the Bayraktar TB3 UCAV, successfully took off from the short runway of TCG Anadolu, which is equipped with a 12-degree ramp, on November 19, 2024. After completing a 46-minute test flight at the intersection of the Aegean Sea and the Mediterranean, the aircraft landed back on the same short runway without any landing support equipment—an unprecedented achievement worldwide.
Shortly after, the Bayraktar TB3 continued its sea trials, completing a second takeoff and landing sequence aboard TCG Anadolu off the coast of Çanakkale, again without landing support equipment. Baykar’s indigenous UCAV, having passed all test parameters, successfully completed the test after cruising at an average altitude of 20,000 feet.
INDIGENOUS ENGINE
On June 25, 2024, the Bayraktar TB3 UCAV successfully passed its High-Altitude System Performance Test at the Baykar Flight Training and Test Center in Keşan, Edirne, reaching an altitude of 36,310 feet. Powered by TEI’s indigenous PD-170 engine, Baykar’s homegrown aircraft achieved yet another significant milestone. The Bayraktar AKINCI UCAV, also developed indigenously by Baykar, currently holds Turkey’s altitude record with a remarkable 45,118 feet.
887+ FLIGHT HOURS
To date, the Bayraktar TB3 UCAV has accumulated 887 hours and 23 minutes of flight time during its test flights. In a long-range flight test on December 20, 2023, the indigenous aircraft remained airborne for 32 consecutive hours, covering a total distance of 5,700 kilometers.
INDIGENOUS UCAV, INDIGENOUS CAMERA
The Bayraktar TB3 UCAV completed its first flight with Aselsan’s indigenous ASELFLIR-500 on March 26, 2024. During the test, the ASELFLIR-500 Electro-Optical Reconnaissance, Surveillance, and Targeting System— which outperforms its global competitors—was successfully integrated into the aircraft.
OVERSEAS FORCE MULTIPLIER
The Bayraktar TB3 UCAV will lead its class with its foldable wings and advanced capabilities. Equipped with beyond-line-of-sight (BLOS) communication, this indigenous aircraft can be controlled from distant locations. With this capability, the Bayraktar TB3 will serve as a force multiplier for Turkey’s deterrence, enabling it to conduct reconnaissance, surveillance, intelligence, and strike missions against overseas targets using its smart munitions.
EXPORT CHAMPION
Since its establishment, Baykar has financed all its projects with its own resources and has generated 83% of its total revenue from exports since launching its UAV R&D program in 2003. In 2023, the company exported $1.8 bn worth of goods and services, ranking among Türkiye’s top 10 exporters across all sectors. Baykar received the prestigious Export Champions Award and led the Turkish defense and aviation sectors in exports in 2021, 2022, and 2023, according to the Defense Industry Agency (SSB) and the Turkish Exporters Assembly (TIM).
In recent years, more than 90% of Baykar’s revenue has come from exports, with the company single-handedly accounting for one-third of Turkey’s defense and aviation exports in 2023. Currently, 97.5% of Baykar’s contracts—now the world’s largest unmanned aerial vehicle company—are export-driven. To date, the company has signed export agreements with 35 countries, including 34 for the Bayraktar TB2 UCAV and 10 for the Bayraktar AKINCI UCAV. (Source: UAS VISION)
21 Jan 25. General Atomics Pitches Drone Launch System for US and Allied Warships. General Atomics unveiled concepts for the installation of a new drone launch system on a variety of vessels, including the Royal Navy’s Daring-class (Type 45) destroyer and U.S. Navy’s Expeditionary Sea Base. The company claims the “Electric Launch System for Unmanned Aircraft” is part of a broader effort to support the launching of drones in constrained environments both on land and at sea.
“As you know, with the proliferation of RPAS [Remotely Piloted Aircraft System] worldwide, whether on land or sea, we’ve been asked to look at the launch of RPAS in very small footprint from Navy vessels. It’s been looked at primarily Europe right now. Possibly over in the Indo-Pacific area too,”
Gary Hopper, Vice President of Strategic Development at General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems told Naval News.
The company stressed that the concepts shown on the show floor of the annual Surface Navy Association symposium were “entirely different” from the company’s Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System seen on the Ford-class aircraft carriers and the future French Navy PANG. According to Hopper, the concept prioritizes the launching of unmanned systems compared to the fighter and support aircraft launched from carriers. Compared to EMALS, the drone launcher requires a minimal footprint on a vessel. Company graphics claim that the launcher only needs a 4 foot by 2 foot installation area.
“It doesn’t have the same redundancy, same requirements you have for manned flight. So it’s a lot simpler system that (can be) put on, possibly some the British carriers or other vessels,” said Hopper.
Installation proposals on the Royal Navy’s Queen Elizabeth-class and Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force’s Izumo-class carriers were also displayed. In addition, a rendering for a ground-based system in support of expeditionary missions was highlighted. Electromagnetic Systems also confirmed that Aeronautical Systems, a sister company, is examining this concept for the deployment of its Collaborative Combat Aircraft from land-based airfields.
Hopper noted that further designs were being examined by the company for other countries within the North Atlantic Treaty Organization and characterized the broader effort as an initiative by the alliance to get unmanned aerial systems onto vessels beyond aircraft carriers.
“There are other we’re looking at some other examples, other NATO countries. I’d say it’s more of a NATO initiative to look at putting it on aircraft. So we use that particular vessel, but there are other vessels out there, again, similar, similar size. In fact, we’re talking about takeoff distance of 22 meters, not very long at all,” said Hopper.
General Atomics performed tests of its drones of HMS Prince of Wales (R09) and ROKS Dokdo (LPH-6111) in 2023 and 2024 respectively. The company told Naval News that it is working on a “very unique recovery plan” given the lack of space on surface combatants and support vessels to receive the drones. (Source: UAS VISION/Naval News)
21 Jan 25. Iran’s ‘359’ Loitering Drone Can Target AWACS and Refueling Tankers at High Altitude. Iran has taken a major step forward in its missile and drone capabilities with the official unveiling of the “359” Loitering SAM (Surface-to-Air Missile) UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle), a next-generation version of its 358 Loitering Munition system. Specifically engineered to engage and destroy high-altitude military aircraft, such as Airborne Warning and Control Systems (AWACS) and aerial refueling tankers, the 359 represents a significant leap in Iran’s homegrown defense technology. The new ‘359’ loitering munition system has been developed to cover long-range targets. It can strike from distances over 150 kilometers with an impressive altitude of over 9,000 meters (approximately 30,000 feet). It reaches speeds of up to 1,000 km/h, enhancing its ability to intercept fast-moving aircraft with high precision. The unveiling of the 359 is the culmination of years of development, building on the success of the earlier 358 Loitering Munition. The 358 was successfully deployed in regional conflicts, notably in operations against American MQ-9 Reaper drones, which served as a demonstration of Iran’s growing UAV and loitering munition capabilities. The 358 had proven its effectiveness in disrupting high-value, low-flying targets, but the 359 represents a significant upgrade, especially in terms of range and altitude. While the 358 was more suited to countering drones and low-flying aircraft, the 359 is now capable of engaging much more robust targets, such as AWACS, refueling tankers, and other high-altitude surveillance and command aircraft. These are considered key assets for air superiority and strategic command in modern warfare. The 359 Loitering SAM UAV comes with several enhancements that mark a significant leap in terms of its operational effectiveness. With a range capable of engaging targets over 150 km, it greatly expands Iran’s ability to protect its airspace and attack aerial targets deep within enemy territory. The missile is also capable of operating at altitudes of 9,000 meters (30,000 feet), making it suitable for targeting high-altitude military aircraft that are typically out of reach for conventional surface-to-air missiles (SAMs). Additionally, the 359 can reach speeds of up to 1,000 km/h, enabling it to intercept and neutralize fast-moving aircraft.
Loitering munitions, like the 359, have become an increasingly critical asset in modern warfare due to their precision, flexibility, and ability to engage a wide variety of targets, both stationary and moving. For Iran, the development of such munitions offers several strategic advantages. First, the 359 provides the capability to target high-value aircraft that are crucial for enemy air superiority, such as AWACS and aerial tankers. These aircraft play a vital role in providing surveillance, intelligence, and logistical support, making them prime targets in any conflict.
Second, the 359 offers a cost-effective solution compared to more traditional air defense interceptors. In a region where Iran has faced technological constraints and economic sanctions, developing loitering munitions offers an affordable and efficient way to enhance its defense capabilities without the need for highly sophisticated, expensive systems. Loitering munitions are also highly versatile, enabling Iran to deploy them in a variety of conflict scenarios—whether for protecting critical infrastructure or engaging in offensive operations against adversary aircraft.
Furthermore, loitering munitions can be used in layered defense strategies. The 359 can complement traditional SAM systems, creating a more robust and flexible air defense network. With their ability to loiter over a target area and make real-time decisions about when and where to strike, loitering munitions offer advantages over traditional missile systems that require a predetermined trajectory and target lock-on.
The 359 is part of Iran’s broader strategy to enhance its indigenous defense capabilities, particularly in the face of regional tensions and technological asymmetry with more advanced powers. Iran has increasingly focused on developing a range of unmanned aerial systems (UAS) and loitering munitions over the past decade. From the Shahed-131 and Shahed-136 to the 358, these systems have gained attention for their use in regional conflicts, including operations in the Middle East and in the ongoing war in Ukraine, where Russian forces have used Iranian-made drones. The 359 marks the latest phase in this ongoing effort. By improving its ability to target and engage high-altitude, high-value aircraft, Iran enhances its capacity to defend its airspace and disrupt the operations of foreign powers in the region. As loitering munitions continue to evolve, their role in modern warfare is expected to expand, and systems like the 359 will become increasingly critical components of a comprehensive defense strategy. The 359 Loitering SAM UAV underscores Iran’s growing capabilities in unmanned systems and advanced missile technology. With its long-range, high altitude, and precision strike capabilities, the 359 offers a strategic advantage in modern warfare, particularly in countering high-value airborne assets. As loitering munitions continue to redefine the air defense landscape, the 359 places Iran in a stronger position to challenge adversaries and maintain its air defense integrity. (Source: UAS VISION/Army Recognition)
21 Jan 25. India joins Eurodrone effort as observer nation. India’s interest in Eurodrone builds off a joint statement signed with Germany in October 2024 to deepen defense cooperation and which includes a “specific focus on technology collaboration, manufacturing/co-production and co-development of defence platforms and equipment.” today welcomed India to the multinational Eurodrone aircraft program, becoming the second Asia-Pacific country behind Japan to receive observer status. The agency said in a statement that Joachim Sucker, Director of OCCAR-Executive Administration (EA), had formally delivered the observer nation Letter of Approval to the Indian Embassy in Berlin.
“The OCCAR-EA Director congratulated the Government of India (GoI) on committing to commence this special relationship and expressed his hope that this first step will lead to a long, fruitful and mutually beneficial cooperation,” it added.
OCCAR oversees a number of high profile European defense projects including the A400M Atlas airlifter, Boxer armored utility vehicle, Tiger attack helicopter and Horizon Mid-life Upgrade (MLU)/FREMM multirole frigates.
India initially applied for Eurodrone observer status in August 2024 after Japan joined as an observer in November 2023. An observer nation typically receives access to technical information related to a given platform and can also place orders for it, but unlike full partners does not have a say over aircraft design, development or workshare decisions. The OCCAR statement did not disclose any details about the benefits India will gain, and the agency did not immediately respond to a request for comment. India’s interest in Eurodrone builds off a joint statement signed with Germany in October 2024 to deepen defense cooperation and which includes a “specific focus on technology collaboration, manufacturing/co-production and co-development of defence platforms and equipment.” Valued at an estimated cost of €7bn ($7.3bn) and first launched in 2016, the Eurodrone Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) Remotely Piloted Air System (RPAS) program, is led by the four partner nations of France, Germany, Italy and Spain. France’s Airbus and Dassault along with Italy’s Leonardo comprise the major industry partners. The aircraft is under development to reduce European reliance on non-European solutions like the US MQ-9B. It is designed to support Intelligence, Surveillance, Targeting Acquisition and Reconnaissance (ISTAR) missions, but has been troubled by delays and rising costs. Last year, a German Armed Forces annual armaments review criticized coordination difficulties between Airbus and Dassault, which it said caused delay to the drone’s preliminary design review. It remains to be seen if a first prototype aircraft flight, scheduled for 2027, will go ahead as planned. The development and production of 20 Eurodrone systems, split between 60 aircraft and 40 ground control stations, is tied to a “global contract” signed between OCCAR and Airbus in 2022. On its website, OCCAR notes that “delivery of serial items to PPS [Participating Partner States] is targeted by end of the decade” and the aircraft will become a “key enabler” for the French, German, Spanish-led Future Combat Air System sixth generation fighter program. (Source: Breaking Defense.com)
21 Jan 25. France retires Reaper Block 1 for Block 5 Extended-Range UAS. France retired its MQ-A Reaper Block 1 UAS (pictured) in favour of the MQ-9A Reaper Block 5 ER UAS on 21 January. (French Air and Space Force) France has retired its General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc (GA-ASI) MQ-9 Reaper Block I unmanned aircraft system (UAS) in favour of the MQ-9 Reaper Block 5 Extended-Range (ER) UAS. The French Air and Space Force (l’Armée de l’Air et de l’Espace: AAE) announced the transition on 21 January, noting the conclusion of 11 years of Reaper Block 1 operations at Cognac-Chateaubernard Air Base.
“Now it’s time for the Reaper Block 5 in its extended range version, a new step to go even further for longer,” the AAE said on its official X (formerly Twitter) account.
France had six Reaper Block 1 unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) that it is now replacing with 12 Reaper Block 5 ER UAVs, the first of which were delivered in 2020. The Block 5 ER builds on the Block 1 in that it features field-retrofittable capabilities, such as wingborne fuel pods and reinforced landing gear. It also features winglets and a four-bladed pusher-propeller in place of the standard three-bladed unit. These combine to give the Block 5 ER a 30 hour endurance (compared with 24 hours for the Block 1) and a range of 2,592 km (compared with 1,850 km). While the earlier Block 1 UAVs had been unarmed and used exclusively for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions, the Block 5 ER UAVs are armed with GBU-12/49 Paveway precision-guided bombs and AGM-114 Hellfire air-to-surface missiles, and are equipped with a Foreign Military Sales (FMS)-acquired pod for electronic intelligence gathering. (Source: Janes)
20 Jan 25. How Robot Submarines Fight to Keep the UK’s Lights on in North Sea Drone Battle. As Russia likely deploys autonomous submarines to map and monitor vital data cables in UK waters, the “drone war” that has developed in the skies above the battlefields of Ukraine is slowly but surely moving to the seas.
Over a two-week period last month, a steady stream of senior naval officers made their way to the English south coast for a ringside view of an epochal arms race. At stake is the ability of Britain to defend critical seabed infrastructure – and in so doing, keep the nation functioning securely in the internet age.
What the military VIPs had come to see was Herne – a cutting-edge, British-made autonomous submarine about the size of a single-decker bus. The vessel is packed with the kit necessary to monitor and protect against threats to the thousands of miles of data cables and energy lines that connect the UK to the outside world and keep institutions running, from the financial markets to the NHS.
The uncrewed craft, which made its debut in front representatives from no fewer than 10 allied navies potentially looking to acquire the technology, is at the cutting edge of an unseen but growing underwater dogfight with adversaries such as Russia and China, which use fleets of robotic craft controlled by artificial intelligence to prosecute a silent conflict off the shores of Britain and beyond.
The “drone war” that has developed in the skies above the battlefields of Ukraine is slowly but surely moving to the seas.
Intelligence sources told The i Paper that Moscow’s highly-specialised “cable sabotage” force – the Main Directorate for Deep-Sea Research or GUGI – is “strongly assessed” to have deployed advanced uncrewed submarines in the Baltic and North Sea. In little-noticed remarks earlier this year, a UK government minister suggested it was likely that Russian autonomous systems built for “underwater warfare” have been active off the British coast.
Now, after longstanding criticism that Britain and Nato have been painfully slow to confront this threat, a race by the UK and its allies to field equivalent – or even superior – military technology is under way.
Once it is fully operational within the next 18 months, Herne, developed by UK defence giant BAE Systems, will have the ability to stealthily rove the North Sea for up to two months at a time, or lie dormant on the seabed for up to nine months. Using its advanced sensors it can detect incoming threats to fibre optic cables, electricity lines or gas pipe lines, and, in future, remotely destroy or disrupt whatever is responsible. (Source: ASD Network)
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BCB certainly has a rich history (1854) and an impressive portfolio of products designed to enhance the safety and effectiveness of NATO defence personnel in various environments.
The core competency of protecting lives in hostile environments, includes:
LAND:
BCB`s camouflage creams and camouflage nets have been standard issue to conceal generations of British and NATO forces.
Our newly developed MultiSpectral Cam technology, the MK8 Phantom, camouflages and protects people/vehicles/assets in the visual, IR and thermal (SWIR/MWIR/LWIR) spectrums.
FireDragon, our eco field cooking fuel, burns cleanly so can also be used in the confined space of a foxhole or tent. It is waterproof, easy to light, non-toxic and smokeless.
SEA;
Our patented Floating Body Armour is unique, versatile and sensibly protects both you and your life jacket, under the soft and hard armour. Designed to be low bulk, it`s massive 275 newtons of buoyancy is self-righting. We say it will “save your life twice”.
Our range of Boat Stopping Systems, provided a layered non-lethal stopping capability against all sizes of vessels, including unmanned threats. So you can stop and search, defeat pirates from boarding, prevent terrorists from getting near your vessel or close off quickly a waterway, port or maritime borders.
AIR;
BCB`s sister company UAVE have been manufacturing since 2013, the Dragon MK3, large, long range (1,000km) long endurance (12hours), versatile and mission-ready UAV. It is proven and operational from the polar regions to 45deg C heat in the Middle East and Asia. The larger of the 3 models, carries 25 kilos payload.
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