5 mins
INTERNATIONAL PERSPECTIVE
Gun Trade Insider offers a detailed examination of the latest developments across various international markets
BARRETT SECURES MAJOR CONTRACT WITH NORWEGIAN DEFENCE MATERIEL AGENCY FOR M107A1 RIFLES
Tennessee’s Barrett Firearms Manufacturing has announced a significant new contract with the Norwegian Defence Materiel Agency (NDMA). The agreement enables the Norwegian Armed Forces to upgrade its existing Barrett Model 82A1 rifles, in service since 1999, to the more advanced M107A1 model. Barrett CEO Bryan James said: “We are honoured to continue our partnership with the Norwegian Armed Forces by providing the M107A1, a rifle that embodies our dedication to precision, reliability, and innovation. This move ensures that the Norwegian forces are equipped with the latest advancements in long-range firepower.”
The M107A1 rifle, chambered in .50 BMG (Browning Machine Gun), offers reduced weight, improved performance, greater durability and modern features tailored to meet the evolving demands of modern warfare. Notably, it is suppressor capable, adding a critical feature for reducing the rifle’s signature in various operational environments. This contract highlights the NDMA’s confidence in Barrett’s ability to deliver cutting-edge solutions that meet rigorous military standards. James added: “Barrett has a long history in this field and we will continue to grow our relationships with our partners.”
ASP APPOINTS NEW SALES DIRECTOR
Armament Systems and Procedures (ASP), a leading Wisconsin provider of law enforcement equipment and tactical training, has hired Rene Ramos (right) as the new director of sales for the south-east US region. Ramos will be responsible for law enforcement agency and distributor relationships in a six-state territory. He joins ASP after a 21-year career in law enforcement, retiring from the Hillsborough County, Florida, Sheriff’s Department. Previously, he served in the United States Marine Corps.
“Rene has actually been a member of the extended ASP family — as a law enforcement instructor and trainer — since 2009,” says Daryell Harmon, ASP’s vice president of sales. “He comes to us ready to roll with 15 years of experience and subject matter expertise.” Harmon adds that ASP’s sales team goes beyond selling: “Sales directors are responsible for distributor and agency relationships, assisting with our law enforcement training programmes, and more.” Ramos will base his operations in Florida.
APEX AMMUNITION PARTNERS WITH CANUCK GUNS FOR CANADIAN DISTRIBUTION
Apex Ammunition has announced a new partnership with Canuck Guns for the distribution of its high-performance shotshells across Canada. This collaboration introduces Apex’s award-winning Waterfowl Blends and S3 Steel loads in 12and 20-gauge to the Canadian market. Phil O’Dell, president of Canuck Guns, expressed his enthusiasm: “I personally used their ammunition for my Royal Slam of five different wild turkey subspecies in 2023. It took exactly five shells. This ammo simply works like no other.”
Jason Lonsberry, president and CEO of Apex Ammunition, noted the growing demand from Canadian hunters: “As the Apex brand has grown, so has the demand for our product from our northern neighbours who are as passionate about hunting as we are.” The partnership aims to provide Canadian hunters with easier access to Apex’s handcrafted ammunition through local dealers and outfitters. Apex’s Waterfowl TSS-S3 Steel Blend shotshells combine premium zinc-coated S3 Steel pellets with ultra-high-density Tungsten Super Shot, offering a harder-hitting payload and improved terminal performance.
MAINLAND EUROPE
STREAMLIGHT ANNOUNCES APPOINTMENT OF PEDRO WOLGEMUTH AS REGIONAL SALES MANAGER FOR EUROPE
Streamlight, Inc., a leading innovator in high-performance lighting solutions, has appointed Pedro Wolgemuth as the new international regional sales manager for Europe. Wolgemuth will oversee sales strategies across Streamlight’s industrial, automotive and fire/EMS markets in Europe. He joins Streamlight from 3M, where he served as the European business development manager in the personal safety division — defence and public safety — from 2017 to 2024.
Michael F. Dineen, Streamlight’s chief revenue officer, praised Wolgemuth’s experience: “Pedro has an extensive background in business development and customer support in the industrial and fire markets throughout Europe. This experience will serve Streamlight well as we continue to expand our presence in European markets.” Wolgemuth holds an industrial engineering degree from the University of Buenos Aires and an MBA from IE Business School in Madrid, where he resides.
VOP NOVÁKY INAUGURATES NEW AMMUNITION FILLING PRODUCTION LINE
VOP Nováky, a prominent manufacturer in the defence sector, marked a significant milestone with the inauguration of its new ammunition filling production line. The event was attended by Slovak minister of defence Robert Kaliňák and Michal Strnad, owner of the Czechoslovak Group.
The new filling line, known as the screw machine, features automatic feeding, further enhancing the company’s production capabilities in large-calibre ammunition.
Located in Nováky, Slovakia, and part of MSM Group since 2013, VOP Nováky reinforces its role as a key player in the European defence industry. The new line focuses on producing 122mm and 120mm ammunition for tanks and mortars.
This upgrade is part of an investment exceeding €15 million since 2013, aimed at modernising infrastructure and expanding production.
VOP Nováky exports to 70 countries worldwide. The growing global demand for large-calibre ammunition has increased the company’s anticipated revenues for the year to nearly €280 million.
CEO Zuzana Helbichová highlighted the company’s role within EU and NATO frameworks, stating that its rapid adaptation to the evolving security landscape aligns with NATO’s strategic objectives.
MIDDLE EAST
ADIHEX 2024 CLOSES WITH HISTORIC VISITOR NUMBERS AND EXPANDED INTERNATIONAL PARTICIPATION
The 21st edition of the Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition (ADIHEX), held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, recently concluded at the ADNEC Centre in Abu Dhabi. This year’s event, marking the largest since its inception in 2003, attracted a record-breaking 347,481 visitors — a 205% increase from the previous year.
Organised by ADNEC Group in partnership with the Emirates Falconers’ Club, the exhibition affirmed its stature as a global celebration of heritage, culture and outdoor pursuits.
Humaid Matar Al Dhaheri, managing director and CEO of ADNEC Group, stated: “The 21st edition of the Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Show was a landmark event that reinforced Abu Dhabi’s position as a global centre for celebrating the cultural heritage associated with hunting and equestrianism.”
The event showcased 1,742 companies from 65 countries, a 58.5% increase from the previous edition, and featured 11 sectors including equestrian, falconry, hunting and UAE heritage.
A highlight was the daily falcon auction, emphasising the UAE’s role in falconry and wildlife conservation. For the first time, online bidding was offered. A total of 325 falcons worth AED 5.4 million were sold, and 302 falcons received the prestigious ADIHEX badge. The event also set a Guinness World Record for the world’s largest falcon burqa, measuring some 1.95 metres in diameter.